A.N. I said before that I thought Rai had given up on this fic but I realise now that I was completely wrong. I read over the last ten chapters or so just to get a sense of where we were in the story (I saw Nolad's name and was like…who?) and I realised that I barely recognized a couple of paragraphs per chapter that I'd actually written. Rai had done the rest. I'd like to think that partially it was because I didn't have a computer but I know that doesn't completely excuse me. I also noticed how genuinely funny the fic is and that I really didn't want to finish it by myself. I can't solely write Yuna because she's a collaborative creation. I need my bumpkin to help me with that fabulous sharp sarcastic wit because frankly I'm crap at it and without it, it's not Yuna. So, what do you say Rai? gets down on one knee, fic in hands sniff will you be my beta reader? You know how horrible I am. The fact that I always leave out words. So, what do you say?

She said: 'Ahh, I adore this fic and if you ever thought that there was any way in hell,arda, or earth that I'd let you even think about considering maybe starting itagain without me then you're very, very wrong! I've been sort of half wantingto continue it for ages now, but I thought that you didn't really want to getinto it again, and I didn't want to do it by myself. I know that we don't seeeach other as much as we used to so writing it will be harder, but now thatyou're all online and stuff, we can make this thing happen. I'd be more thanhappy to be your beta reader, even your co-author again if oyu want me to. Ilove the chapter you sent me, and just reading it makes me so nostalgic andsuddenly I'm remembering my love for Yuna and LOTR. I don't care what I'm doing,I'll MAKE time for Yuna! Love you forever and always Rai'

So now we're back together like some weird separated couple and it's fab and we're gonna finish Yuna! Enjoy!

'…'Cause I am hanging on every word you say

And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
Cause I want nothing more than

to sit outside Heaven's door
And listen to you breathing
It's where I wanna be…'

Breathing Lifehouse

Chapter 31: Deception

Yuna's utterly drenched body slumped in my arms, I painstaking made my way back to the palace, finally collapsing on the bed in my room. Hers was a complete mess, as were we. I reeked of scummy water and she had a colourful assortment of twigs and other bits of shrubbery that I had no particular wish to identify matted into her silver tresses. Hardly a romantic situation. Yet, seeing her lying there, so innocent, so vulnerable, a part of me couldn't help but smile. I'd kissed her. Granted it was…somewhat one sided. But until she woke up and verbally and physically abused me to within an inch of my life I could entertain the small hope that she had actually reciprocated it.

That was, if she ever did gain consciousness. I sat next to her on the bed, a wet patch slowly spreading out from beneath her motionless form. Yuna's breathing was steady, if shallow in contrast to my own. Then again, she hadn't just carried someone with a swordfighter's physique and saturated with a few gallons of pond water half a mile.

How could she not think she was beautiful? The dirty water she was soaked in did nothing to detract from the fact that in my eyes she was simply gorgeous. If anything, it only served to enhance her earthy beauty. The tunic she was wearing clung to every enticing curve of her body, her wet skin glistening in the pale moonlight. Despite her total disregard for modesty, I knew that if she were awake she'd murder me for looking. Conscious, she was tough, battle hardened and anything but a Lady. But now, she looked delicate, frail, her closed eyelids with their sweeping dark lashes hiding the splendour of her piercing green eyes. With one gaze she could praise or silence, torture or caress. They betrayed her otherwise entirely controlled exterior. They gave a glimpse into who she was, her thoughts, her heart.

Underneath the bravado, she was utterly self conscious, yet I couldn't begin to understand why. Yuna was more than attractive. Maybe not in the same way as the Evenstar or Tengaar who had an effortless splendour, but even incapacitated her undeniable inner beauty shone out. Besides, the great and celebrated beauties were completely and utterly faultless, porcelain, delicate, perfection in the eyes of most men. But even now she was anything but that. Dark, earthen, rich, curvy, exotic, beautiful, that was her. She was so different from anything else I'd encountered, brazenly defying any norms and living by whichever laws suited her. And yet, there was a sort of timidity in her boldness.

She was so afraid to let anyone close. So afraid that in the end they'd hurt her. How could I make her open up? Lay her defences down and let me in. I'd give anything to see the person she was when she thought no one was looking, when she was free to let herself go. The person that lingered just behind her few genuine smiles. But then, who was I to ask her to do that? I couldn't promise her that something wouldn't happen to me. Despite immortality, life was a mysterious and I was just as clueless as anyone else to what might happen from one day to the next. I could die tomorrow, and then what? I'd have left her like everyone else she'd ever been close to.

Carefully, I removed the strands of hair plastered to her forehead and she stirred.

"Legolas?" She croaked, her voice quiet and - to my surprise - frail. She didn't open her eyes.

"I'm here, Yuna." I said, my voice low, stroking her cheek lightly. She could spit roast me in the morning, right now, she was mine.

"Legolas, why on Arda am I soaked to the bone?" And just like that, all traces of fragility disappeared and she was her sarcastic self once more.

"Don't you remember? You…fell into the lake beneath the water fall. I barely managed to pull you out before you drowned." Eru, what if I hadn't? What if she had drowned? What would I have done then? My heart sunk heavily in my chest just thinking about it.

"That's absurd." She mumbled, removing my hand from her cheek. Reluctantly, I let it drop to the bed. "Your minuscule, Elvish brain is playing tricks on you, Mirkwood, because I certainly don't remember traipsing to any foul smelling lake." Yunalesca sniffed almost primly, her eyes opening just barely. "Eck, that's you!" She sat bolt upright. Her shoulders immediately slumped and she brought a hand to her forehead. "Ugh, we…didn't get sloshed again, did we?"

"Not to my knowledge." I sighed, sitting up beside her.

"If this is your idea of a joke, Princey, then I can assure you I will have your pretty, blond hide skinned, stretched and fashioned into a coat before morning's first light." The threat sounded strained.

"Yuna…something happened to you…"

"Well I can bloody well see that."

"No, I mean…your eyes, they turned black…or…well, not so much black as seeming to not exist at all. It was as if there were simply two very deep, dark holes where they should have been. You acted crazed…more so than usual…as if you were someone else entirely and then…then you just took off. When I finally caught up to you on the bank of the lake you collapsed and fell into it."

"So what you're basically saying is you got a bucket stagnant pond water, managed to cover me in it without waking me and dragged me into your room. And, just to add a touch of authenticity, you doused yourself in the stuff. If I didn't feel like I'd just been tossed about like a Mûmakil's plaything I'd show you just what I think of your little joke and then you'd be wishing for the butter knife, a rusty one at that." Even I could tell her heart wasn't entirely into her own account of the night's events, but she was probably just floundering for an explanation.

"Yuna, I'm not joking."

"Then how come I don't even recall waking up till now?"

"I…I don't know…" Then she didn't remember the kiss. Part of me knew this was probably for the best, the less rational part, however, was beyond disappointed.

"Why so glum, Mirkwood? Annoyed that your silky locks now resemble something a Warg coughed up?"

"It's nothing."

"You might as well tell me," She sighed. "Everyone else seems to."

"It's just…you don't seem to realise what I'm telling you."

"I do."

"Then why are you so unfazed?" I got to my feet, standing in front of her. "For Eru's sake Yuna, you were screaming, I've never even heard you scream in anything but anger before. Your room looks like a troop of Orcs have been through it and you're telling me you don't remember a thing?"

"In a word: yes."

"Doesn't that scare you at all? Because it petrified me. I…almost lost you." The words slipped out unbidden but I didn't care. "What if it happens again?"

"Of course I'm afraid, Legolas. But, seeing as I don't really remember anything, there's not much I can do about it, is there? So what's the point in worrying?" How could she be so impeccably calm?

"I suppose." I mumbled after a while.

"In that case," She bounced up from the edge of the bed. "I think I'm going to go back to my room and see if my headache will allow me to get anymore sleep."

"You don't want to do that." I said, blocking her path.

"And why's that?" Yuna seemed on the verge of giving me a Look™.

"As I said before, it's in a state. You can stay here the night."

"With you?" Oh yes, the Look™ was definitely not far off.

"I don't feel much like sleeping." I stated plainly. The truth was I couldn't lie so tantalizingly close to her without wanting to touch her, wrap my arms around her, caress every inch of her soft skin. Every scar, every flaw that made her flawless. I couldn't trust myself not to.

"You mind if I borrow a tunic, then? Before I die of pneumonia." I hadn't thought of the cold, despite being in the same state, I simply didn't feel it. Her, on the other hand…it took every ounce of willpower I had not to lower my gaze. That soaked tunic was very form fitting.

"Ah, yeah." I scratched the back of my neck before retrieving a loose fitting green one from a plain set of drawers. It would likely fit as well as the one she was wearing.

"You not planning on getting into something a little less wet?"

"Huh, oh…yes, right." I mumbled, feeling a fool. I went to the drawers again, this time retrieving a set of breeches.

"Legolas."

"Yes?"

"Once again, are you planning on watching?" I hadn't realised that I was just standing there, breeches in one hand.

"What…oh, erm, no?"

"Than it might be an idea to turn around."

"Yes, right." I mumbled, doing so. Why did I seem such an invalid all of a sudden? The fact that, due to the moonlight, Yuna's tunic was almost completely see-through might have been a cause. But there had to be something else, didn't there? I shook my head before replacing my wet breeches with the dry pair. Behind me, there was slop, undoubtedly the sound of her soaked tunic hitting the floor. A curious part of me whispered to turn round but, the part of me with enough sense to know that if I did, Yuna would open me up and use my ribs for a xylophone, stopped me from doing so.

"I think my hair soaked up the whole sodding lake." She sated accompanied by a squelch and the drip of water droplets falling from said hair. I turned round. She wouldn't be wringing her hair out naked…right? To my immense disappointment mingled with a more rational relief she wasn't. "Fucking typical, finally get my hair looking like I haven't been dragged through a haystack backwards and I just happen to fall into a valar-damned oversized pond." She finished, looking at me. "What is it? Do I have some fat patch of mud on me or something?"

"What? No, what makes you say that?"

"You're just staring so hard it's like your eyes are about to pop out."

"Oh, sorry." My gaze drifted to the floor for a brief moment. "Uh, is there anything you need?"

"No, I'm sure I'll be fine." She stated, slipping under the covers.

"If you need me, I'll be close by, alright?"

"Don't see why I would, but okay." Sighing, I turned towards the door, opening it outwards. "Legolas…" She said softly. I turned and my breath nearly caught. Her hair shone in the moonlight, the pale light emphasising her high cheekbones and glittering in her emerald eyes. Curled up under the covers she almost looked, for lack of a better word, cute.

"Yes." I finally responded, after remembering how to talk.

"Don't g--" She stopped, clearing her throat. "Don't leave Olwё in here." She carried on, louder, more authoritarian this time. "You know how that thing scares the shit out of me." I simply nodded, walked to cage, picked it up and exited into the hallway without another word. The door clicked shut and, without thinking I walked to Yuna's room. There was no other place I could put him and besides, it was doubtful she'd find out. The fluff ball thrashed violently in its confines as I entered, placing the cage on the floor. The room was eerily quiet, strewn glass and pottery littering the floor, the covers a tangled mess on the bed, the curtains billowing in the breeze from the balcony. A bull in a china shop was nothing compared to this. Not knowing what else to do, I sat on the bed, resting my head in my hands.

I'd kissed her and she didn't even remember. To her, it was as if nothing had happened. I supposed I should have been happy. At least this way she wouldn't threaten me with hot coals or that damned butter knife, but I wasn't. Yuna had me so mystified I could barely tell up from down and she doubtfully had a clue. She might kill me if she remembered but at least than she would have known how I felt about her. I wouldn't be stuck in limbo.

But then what? It was too much to hope that she returned my feelings. She just thought we were friends. Would our relationship become awkward? I could already picture uncomfortable meetings in the halls, Yuna attempting to get away before she was seen and myself with no clue of how to approach her. What if she left? She had already said she was going to leave and telling her might only give her further incentive. If Yuna left like that, she might never come back and then I would have lost her altogether.

But I didn't think I could handle our relationship remaining purely platonic. I might eventually get over her but, the truth was, I didn't want to. All those years lived without her paled in comparison to the few, short months I'd spent with her. She didn't see me as every one else, the prince, the heir to a throne. She saw me for who I was and treated me as such. She gave me no respect or trust that I hadn't earned, and for that I respected her more than almost anyone I could think of. I desperately wanted to see the real Yuna, but would she ever let me? She hadn't let down those defences for anyone else so what made me think I was so special? Somehow, I had to show her that she could trust me, that I wouldn't hurt her. She had told me she trusted me with her life, now I needed her to trust me with her heart. But before I asked that I had to take a leap of faith.

-------------------------------------------End Interlude---------------------------------------------

It was a while since Legolas had left. The room was cold, the air and the sheets. I felt numb inside, yet my lips seemed to burn. Absentmindedly I skimmed a finger over them, expecting the skin to be as hot as it felt. He'd kissed me, and, after getting over a preliminary moment of shock, I'd kissed him back. I was torn between complete and utter outrage and…well this feeling that other people felt. If I'd had to name it, I'd say it was giddiness. But I knew that couldn't be it. Giddiness was an emotion suffered by obsessed, maniacal, hormonal girls. I was not giddy. That would be stupid, against everything I believed in, and completely not something I would ever even think about feeling. Oh, Eru, I was giddy.

I was surprised he hadn't heard my heart, the whole time he was in the room it had been pounding against my chest, a rhythm that thumped in my ears. The best thing I could hope for was that he'd taken it to be shivers from the chill. But what if he hadn't? What if he knew that his little stunt had had such an immense effect on me? That's all it was, a joke, a bit of fun. He'd given that much away when he'd stood there, just staring at the hideous creature dragged up from the depths of the lake. He hadn't looked much better, but still. That's why he hadn't stayed. He couldn't bear to be around someone so repulsive. Why hadn't the ground conveniently opened up and swallowed me at that precise moment? At least then I wouldn't have to face him in the morning. Fuckwit.

I hated myself for noticing that the sheets smelt like him. I loathed myself for wanting to bury my face in the pillow and take in his scent. I despised myself for knowing that I was smitten when girlish crushes most definitely not what I was about. But I detested him for playing such a cruel joke. Especially when I'd been utterly exposed. Not just physically but emotionally. Robbing him of the pleasure of seeing me shaken, however, wasn't the only reason I'd shamelessly lied.

The dreams. They'd started off as before. People fleeing a city, chaos, flames, death and that overwhelming sense of pure and absolute evil. That alone sent shivers down my spine but then they'd twisted and become worse. I'd seen countless horrors in my time. The remnants of Orc cook pots, a mere child being torn apart limb by fragile limb as a ravenous Warg ate them alive, their shrill screams echoing through Eymn Muil. I'd taken the beast down but far too late to do anything for the infant. By then I couldn't even discern whether they'd been a boy or a girl. I'd seen more than any one person should have to. But all that was nothing compared to what I'd witnessed in the dreams.

Where once they had been a tangled mass of images, smells and sensations, they had then become so terrifyingly clear. The smell of burning and decaying flesh had filled my nostrils till I felt like retching and no doubt had. Shrieks of utter fear had filled the city but they were nothing compared to the blood thirsty cries that accompanied them. Even now, my hands trembled at their recollection. I clasped them together, attempting to steady my racing pulse.

It was only when I'd seen the inhabitants of the city that I'd been frightened to the core. Those that remained alive of course. The streets had been bathed crimson and littered with bodies, most missing limbs or huge chunks of skin, nail and teeth marks peppering the skin alongside the fatal wounds. They ran half naked and covered in blood, hunter and hunted alike. Those being preyed upon fled for their lives yet none escaped. A part of me knew that they couldn't, that the city was sealed off somehow. Sons murdered mothers, sisters slaughtered brothers until the quarry was spent and then, they had simply turned on each other. Tears sprung up in my eyes. They had been elves. White haired, dark skinned and light eyed. They were like none I'd ever seen before save my mother and…myself. Those that had begun the slaughter had been crazed, dark pools of nothingness inhabiting the space where there eyes should have been. Exactly how Legolas had described my appearance not three hours before.

I rubbed the tears from my eyes but new ones immediately welled up. I had woken up screaming, terror turning to sorrow, sorrow to anger. Before I knew it there was debris everywhere and then…then I just lost control of my body. I could see what was happening but was powerless to stop it. When I finally regained charge I was standing at the lakes edge, Legolas in front of me. I'd felt so faint that I simply collapsed, resigning myself to a watery grave. Than he'd rescued me and deemed that moment the time to play the cruellest trick of all.

"Stupid, poncey, twattish elf." I growled croakily. My eyes stung, hot, salty tears rolling unhindered down my cheeks. I knew I couldn't stop them. "What the hell's happening to me?" I whispered to the dark. Was that what I was destined become? A blood thirsty monster? A sob racked my body as I contemplated the prospect. If I stayed here, I'd end up slaughtering everyone I'd grown to care about. When I closed my eyes, I saw their half mangled faces, Jen, Firowen, Narin, their features marred by bloody gashes. Their blank eyed stares filled with a mix of accusation and pity.

I had to leave, before this happened again and I harmed more than just a pair of badly trained border guards. If I told the arrogant, infuriating, blond he might try to stop me. Convince me that I needed his help, which I didn't. I'd just bring him pain. I had to leave. Pathetically, the worst thing was that I knew I'd miss him, more than I would ever care to admit.

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The sun's first rays were just peaking over the horizon as I left Legolas' room, easing the door closed behind me so that it didn't make a sound. I hadn't slept a wink but, then again, I didn't want to.

"Yuna?" Startled half out of my wits, I proceeded to do three things in succession. The first was to jump like a skittish hare, making my guilt plain to see. The second was to bite down hard on my tongue. I would have liked to think it was to stop myself from letting out any number of curses but, unfortunately that was hardly the case. Of course, the third and last was to swivel round, smile like a maniac and pretend nothing had happened. Stupid elf.

"Hi Legolassss!" What the hell did I see in him…you know, apart from stunning good looks, charm, heroism…well, that was beside the point. Bloody blond. "How long have you been out here?"

"Um…a while…most of the night, actually."

"Oh…" I said, deadpan. Had he heard me? The whole reason I'd feigned exhaustion was so he'd leave. I couldn't let him know. He couldn't know. But, Eru, I'd only stopped an hour ago. I could still feel the tracks they'd left on my cheeks. He'd heard. He'd heard everything. Nosey little candy-ass elf! 'Wow, he has a great chest.' I had to formulate an excuse.

"Yuna…" He said getting to his feet. "There's, um, something I need to tell you."

"Me too."

"Well, ladies first." There was a moment of silence.

"Yes, go on."

"It's just um, I've been doing some thinking and…"

"I know that's not your strong point, Mirkwood, but come on, spit it out."

"Yuna, we've known each other for a while now, right?"

"…yes, I suppose."

"So…erm, I feel like we should be able to tell each other things."

"Such as…?"

"Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I…I need to know…" Oh by the Valor, he was going to ask if I'd been crying. Or worse, that I should stay. Wanker. Retarded gimp. Caring, chivalrous, beautiful. No! Damn it! Damn it! My mind raced. I had to think of something! "Yuna, I--" His words were reduced to a series of muffled sounds as I pressed my lips against his. It was the only thing I could think of. He could have his laugh at my expense later; I would be long gone by then. Wait, was he…kissing back? Well, this was rather…oh my. I only now realised that he'd put his arms round me, one hand firmly pressed against the small of my back, the other between my shoulder blades.

My hands slipped from either side of his face to his shoulders as I relaxed into the kiss. Despite not having that much comparison, it wasn't the hardest thing to tell he was rather proficient in the art. Firm but soft. Strong but delicate. With just the barest hint of tongue. Oh Eru, my heart fluttered. No awkward teeth. No trying to clean my tonsils. No randomly sucking my lip. Simply…perfect. Just like him, but nothing like me. I panicked.

Pulling away, I tried to catch my breath.

"Uh, yes well, I was just, er, seeing what all the fuss about." I mumbled, backing away slightly. He looked worried. Better leave while I could. "Now that I've, um, done that, I'm going to go."

"Yuna." He caught my wrist as I turned to leave. "We may as well do it properly."

"That wasn't pr--" I squeaked. "Ahem, that wasn't proper?" Definite improvement, though I still sounded as if I'd just inhaled helium. Legolas shook his head pulling me towards him. To my complete surprise, I let him.

Butterflies swelled in my stomach. He had me behaving like some barely of age girl swooning –swooning!- over a blond haired, blue eyed, shit for brains, elf! He probably didn't have a clue. Even if he did, he'd probably only get his jollies off on it. I realised I was staring into his eyes like said swooning girl and quickly lowered my gaze to the floor. Gently, he released my wrist, cupping my cheek in his hand and softly caressing the flushed skin with a thumb. I quivered –quivered!- at his touch, biting my lower lip to silence a gasp. My heart beat was erratic. This close I could smell him. His scent had terrorised me all night but now it was overwhelming. His dexterous fingers ardently stroked my ear, lips, neck. Closing my eyes, I uselessly attempted to calm myself.

Sliding his hand down my jaw, he tilted my chin back with a single finger. His clear blue eyes met my mine. It was at this particular moment that I realised what a state I must be in. My hair positively bristled and I still whiffed of scummy water from the lake. He, on the other hand, was immaculate.

"Legolas, don't." I murmured as his lips skimmed my own. Even to my ears the whisper sounded aroused. He just smiled. The cheeky, fuckwitting, git just bloody...

Thoughts of any kind were entirely washed away as his lips tenderly met mine for the second time. His hot breath mingled with mine and I could taste him, better than any delicacy, more addictive than any drug. Oh Eru, I was utterly, utterly doomed. Tingles swept through my body as he brushed his tongue over my lower lip. If the previous kiss had been perfect, this was…well, wow. Words such as 'incredible' or 'mind-blowing' briefly skipped through my head, but none seem to cut it. I had never been one to expect much, if anything of romance. I had always scoffed at the stories of maidens being overwhelmed by their lover's presence, and laughed at the idea that a simple mashing together of lips could reduce anyone to the sort of state I was in now. But it was happening.

I surrendered. It was the kind of kiss you saw in the grand plays, with fireworks and the backing of an overenthusiastic orchestra. The kind that left you torn between throwing up or leaving the theatre. Had I been watching, I would have gagged. I'd never been on the receiving end of a truly epic kiss. I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. But, now it seemed so fabulously clear. So who was I to not enjoy it?

Hesitantly, I brought my arms up. But Legolas was one step ahead of me. He slipped my arms round his neck, sliding his down till they circled my waist then pulled me closer. My eyes half opened as I felt the warmth from his bare chest seep through the thin tunic I was wearing. Our tongues met for a brief moment and the butterflies flittered away. I was kissing Legolas and Firowen was coming down hall. Wait. Firowen. Shit.

Faster than lightning, I was a foot away from Legolas and all too painfully aware I was in a tunic that barely covered my backside.

"What's the matter?" Legolas asked concern plastered on his face. "Oh."

"My, my, my, what do we have here?" Firowen chirped, smiling wide enough to split his face in two. "Tut, tut, children. You should know better than to make out in the corridor where everyone can see."

"We were not making out." I growled. Firowen raised an eyebrow, the smile not budging an in inch. In fact, it seemed to get wider.

"Really? You see, I beg to differ."

"I swear, you depraved little shite, if you tell a soul what you saw I will hunt you down, hack off the top of your skull with a six-foot axe and use it as a cup!"

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"Ican'tbelieveyoukissed!" Jen squealed an inch from my ear. Yes, Firowen was most definitely dead meat.

"What was it like?" Narin asked wide eyed. The two had ambushed me in the midst of my packing, sitting either side of me to make it blatantly clear there was no chance for an escape. The repugnant blond must have scampered off as soon as possible for Narin and Jen to get here as quickly as they had.

Gem had obviously been busy. By the time I'd got back to my room that morning, any trace of the previous night's activity had been cleared away. The only thing to suggest something might have happened was the absence of the large mirror over the dresser and a couple vases. "Wait, don't answer that, I don't really want to know because…well, he's my brother."

"I do!" Jen screeched. "Tell me everything!" After wiggling a pinky in my ear, I sighed.

"There's not much to tell. I just heard some women saying that he was a good kisser so I thought I'd see for myself." 'Oh yeah, Yuna, that was real convincing.'

"Uh huh." Jen was having none of it. "Well, how was it?"

"How was what?"

"Your breakfast. The kiss, duh." Jen gave Narin a very good imitation of the Look™. "Okay, so maybe I do want to know."

"It was…" 'Heaven.' "Nice."

"Nice? Nice? Yuna, nice is the kind of word you use to describe a woman who looks like an Oliphant in her wedding dress. I know for a fact that it had to be better than nice." Narin gave Jen a shocked look. "What? I've never actually kissed him or anything, but I ease drop on just as much gossip as you do and at least one of those shameless hussies had to be telling the truth." Narin nodded reluctantly.

"Fine, it was more than nice." I stated. "In fact it was, really, really good."

"Awww!" The repulsive sound emanated from Narin's throat. "You like him."

"What? No, I don't." This was hideous. Suddenly, we were all 14-year-old human girls squealing over our first crushes. Only I'd never had much of a childhood, or an adolescence of much interest. I had grown up very fast, but the way things were going I may as well had never grown up at all, it certainly seemed like Narin and Jen hadn't.

"You do!" Jen's eyes widened.

"Look, I told you before, we're just friends."

"Yes, just like me and Firowen are just friends." Narin interjected.

"Yes, exactly, what? No!"

"It's so cute!" Jen's voice was reaching a pitch only dogs could hear.

"Nothing is cute. There is nothing that could even be considered 'cute' in any sense of the word because there is nothing going on!" I still couldn't believe I, who had fought my way through legions and lived for over three millennia, was justifying myself to a pair of over-hormonal Wood Elves.

"Oh come on Yuna, it's so obvious!" Narin teased. If this was what came of imparting advice, the next time someone asked I was going to keep my mouth firmly shut.

"I can't believe this! Everybody's getting together! Narin's with Firowen, I'm getting married! Wow, I don't think I've ever been this happy!" Narin laughed at Jen.

"Me and Legolas are not getting together!" I pleaded, not that they were listening. The two had leapt off the bed and were dancing about, giggling as they twirled. I sighed, letting my head drop to the bed. Fuckwitting Prince.

"Yuna?" Jen asked once they'd stopped, her voice low. "What's this?" She gestured to the items laid out at the end of the bed. I'd been hoping they wouldn't notice.

"You're not leaving? Are you?" Narin's tone was tinged with worry.

"Well, yes…I really should be getting back to Fangorn." I didn't see much point in denying the obvious. There might still be a chance they wouldn't tell Legolas, right?

"But…why? There's no real reason for you to go, the Ents survived without you for millennia, why wouldn't they still be fine. Besides, we'll miss you too much."

"Yes, I'm sure you'll really miss an irate, misanthropic bitch."

"I'm sure Legolas will." Jen teased to Narin's obvious amusement.

"Seriously, Yuna. The palace, Eryn Lasgalen, it's going be so boring without you. Since you've been here you've changed…well, everything. If you go, who will we dress up? Or who'll show those chauvinistic pigs that women can be drop dead gorgeous and still defeat them several times over in a fight?" 'Drop dead gorgeous? Had she suffered a major concussion or something?' "Who're we going to go to when we need advice?"

"Who's going to beat the crap out of Firowen?"

"Jen!"

"Sorry."

"I'll be back." I lied.

"You promise?" Jen asked, sceptical.

"I promise."

"Good."

"So, when are you planning on going than?" Narin sat down again.

"Not sure, a day or two."

"That soon?" Jen seemed shocked.

"I've already put off going longer than I should have." I stated the simple truth. "It's time I left."

"But…but…"

"But…you…you can't leave till, er…" even I could tell she was fishing for excuses, "…we've…had a going away party"

"Huh?"

"Yes, a going away party." Jen sounded more confident this time.

"That's a great idea!" Narin beamed.

"Idea? This isn't a way of delaying me, is it?"

"What! No, Narin's just being silly. Idea?" She scoffed. "No, we always have leaving parties, big tradition, countless years. Right, Narin?"

"Uh huh!" She nodded enthusiastically.

"So, you see, you can't go till we have one."

"Yep!"

"And when is this…leaving party."

"When? Uh…"

"Tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow."

"Where?"

"Where…?"

"It's, um…" Narin trailed off.

"Well, now, that's a secret. Yes, see it's a surprise, secret leaving party…"

"But I already know about it."

"Yes, you do."

"Than how can it be a surprise?"

"Don't blame us." Narin started defensively. "It's not like we made up the name."

"Exactly, so we'll pick you up tomorrow evening and take you to the surprise, secret leaving party."

----------------------------------------------Interlude--------------------------------------------

"Surprise… secret…leaving party?"

"I know it's awful but I was floundering." Jen rolled her eyes. "At least this way she won't leave for two days."

"And she actually believed you?" I asked in disbelief.

"I think so." Narin replied sheepishly. A group of consisting of Jen, Narin, Firowen, Cer and myself were lounging around the balcony leading off from my room.

"I can't believe she's going." Jen stated gloomily.

"You see, that's what I don't understand, why is Yuna leaving?"

"What do you mean, Firowen?" Jen asked, puzzled.

"I can't be the only one to have noticed her unmistakable attraction to our crown prince here." He gestured to me with his head; his body leant on the waist high banister.

"Firowen, it was just a kiss." I stated.

"Yeah, and Mount Doom is just a sauna. Come on Legolas, she was wearing your tunic."

"What!" Narin and Jen screeched in unison.

"H…how do you know that."

"Well, firstly it was green. And secondly it had a stain on the sleeve which you got a couple of weeks ago."

"You realise the fact you know that much about my wardrobe is scary."

"Yeah, not really, I put the stain on there. Had something on my fingers, you were near to hand…you know." He shrugged.

"Thanks."

"So she stayed the night!" Jen asked still in a state of alarm.

"Yes and no."

"Which one is it?" Somewhat surprisingly Cer joined the inquisition.

"Yes, she spent the night in my room but no, I didn't." I sighed. "Look, I don't really want to talk about it any more. The fact is Yuna and I, we're…just friends."

"That's what she said." Narin stated.

"Oh." I said, somewhat crestfallen.

"You really do like her!" Jen clapped in delight. "I knew it!"

"No." I retorted pathetically, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Aww! He does!" Firowen came over and pinched my cheek. "My little Leggypoo's all grown up." He said in the manner of an obese aunt harassing their nephew. He was older than me, and yet he was acting as if he were several generations younger. Glaring, I slapped his hand away. He pouted slightly but it soon melted into a fat grin.

"Come on, Legolas, just tell us." Narin implored. "Or at least me, I'm family."

"Narin!" Jen and Firowen chorused.

"Hey, I'm allowed to try, aren't I?"

"I…might…" I had to clap my hands over my ears as the girls and…Firowen screeched. Cer threw me a sympathetic look. "But…"

"But what?" Narin inquired.

"You know Yuna. She's so closed off about these things. I just want to talk to her first before you start getting excited."

"That can be arranged." Jen mumbled quietly.

"What?"

"Oh…nothing, um, I just forgot there was something me and Narin had to do."

"There was?"

"Yes, Narin, there was. Now come along."

"Uh, okay." She said, Jen already leading her by the wrist away from the balcony.

"What about the secre…the leaving party?" I called after them.

"Don't worry. We'll take care of everything." Jen waved a dainty hand before slamming the door to the corridor.

"Those two are up to something." Firowen, ever the astounding detective stated the glaringly obvious.

"Jen can be overenthusiastic at times." Cer said, shrugging.

"At least you're the one marrying her."

"I know." He said, a faint smile on his lips as he nodded wistfully.

"You do realise that Yuna is going to murder you for telling Narin and Jen?" I asked Firowen.

"Oh, you know she always says that. If she'd have actually come through on her threats than I'd have been dead a long time ago."

"Somehow, I think this time's different. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to find your mangled corpse hanging from a window tomorrow morning." Firowen chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess since I value my manhood I'd better steer clear of her 'til tomorrow night, eh. You know I really couldn't help telling, right?"

"I know."

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It was late evening. The sun had set a few hours beforehand, the air had grown cold and I was on the practise grounds sparing with a particular sibling of mine.

"So, Yuna's leaving." Aldaríon stated, parrying a blow with his wooden practise sword. "Why?"

"She's been meaning to for a while." The blades clacked as they met above his head. "I guess she just realised it was time."

"That's too bad." I jumped back to avoid his stick connecting with the back of my knees, bringing my wooden sword up to parry the following swipe at my torso. "She's interesting." I couldn't help but smile as I swung for his head and he quickly ducked. Interesting was somewhat of an understatement. "Did she, uh, ever let you borrow that sword of hers?"

"Why'd you ask?" I inquired despite fully knowing the reason.

"No reason really." He mumbled, our blades crashing together. "It's just a cool sword and I was wondering how it worked, you know."

"She's never used Luccrecía here." I stated knocking him slightly on the wrist. "How'd you know about it?" I asked inquisitively.

"Um, I might have sneaked into her room to get a peak." Aldaríon admitted reluctantly. "Yuna nearly had a manic episode when she found me holding it."

"I've no doubt." I held in a chuckle as I parried first a blow to the ribs than my left shoulder. "No, I've never used it. She told me before that for some reason the sword solely responds to her. Others that have attempted to use it find it heavy and sluggish. Neither does it open for them."

"Yeah, that was really…cool." I saw the corners of his eyes crease in a smile though most of his face was still pained in concentration. "Do you think maybe it's because she's, um, different?"

"Don't open yourself up like that and keep your guard high, it gives you more power. I've no doubt it's because of her heritage. I suppose she was literally born to use it."

"Have you seen her? Use the sword, that is." I knocked the practice sword from his hands and he flipped back, retrieving it easily.

"Once, at Saruman's siege of Helm's Deep." I answered, his sword missing my right forearm by inches.

"And?" He dodged a blow, quickly kicking at my calves, his leg failing to hit as I leapt clear. "Was she good? I mean I know she's good because she matched you and all." The statement held a note of awe. "But with that sword… Luccrecía She must have been invincible."

"No one is beyond defeat, but she gave an astounding impression of invincibility if ever there was one. She held off an entire legion of Uruk-hai single-handedly. Long enough for Aragorn and Gimli to escape, barely escaping herself."

"I wish I could have been there." He stated, landing a blow on my fingers, I grimaced slightly but easily recovered.

"Do not wish for battles, Aldaríon, you will find them soon enough." I knocked the wooden implement out of his fingers, twirled round once and caught it mid air. "You've improved a lot." I smiled, dropping the swords. "However your manners need some work." I stated before getting him into a headlock.

"Legolas!" He moaned, his voice muffled by the crook of my arm.

"What are you going to do if you ever feel the need to go into someone's room and rifle through their belongings for no good reason?" He gave up his struggling as I rapped my knuckles on the top of his head.

"Not." Came the stifled reply.

"Good." I said releasing him. He sulked, flattening disturbed wisps of blond hair with a palm.

"You really think I've improved?" He asked, his eyes downcast.

"Definitely." I grinned. "Someday, you might even beat me." He elbowed me in the ribs but I still caught the smile on his face.

"You know, I don't really know Yuna, but, I'm going to miss her. She's different and, you know, not in a bad way."

"I know."

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An hour or so later I found myself aimlessly walking the palace grounds. I didn't feel like sleeping or reading or doing much of anything. I just felt lost and restless. What was I going to say to her that might convince her not to leave? Was there anything? She was stubborn to a fault and once she'd made up her mind, that was that. It was a quality I both admired and hated.

Something still nagged at the back of my mind, something Firowen had said: "Why is she leaving?" I ignored the reason he'd given, I wasn't so self involved to think that my presence alone would keep her here. However, something had definitely given her the push to leave and my mind wondered whether it had something to do with last night. But she said she didn't remember, so that couldn't be it. Then why hadn't she told me she was going to leave? I'd offered to escort her back to Fangorn and she'd accepted. Than why hadn't she told me unless she didn't want me to know? Anyone for that matter. What was she worried of?

Yuna was a mystery. Every time I'd thought I'd gained an insight she found some way once again leaving me totally bewildered. I wished more than anything she could confide in me. I had attempted to do just that this morning but she'd silenced me with a kiss. Deep, intense, sensual, more so because I had no doubt it was being returned. How could she think of leaving after that? Without a word, even a goodbye. Didn't she know that I wouldn't be able to handle it? That I'd follow her. I needed her. I wanted her to need me.

I could feel it in her kiss. A sense of longing, desire. Surely it couldn't all be in my head? Than why was she leaving so abruptly? Something had to be wrong.

I walked parallel to the palace walls, balconies hanging high above. Something glinted in the moonlight, catching my eye. I walked over to a patch of grass, bending down. Hidden in a dense knoll was a cylindrical, silver object. I picked it up, rubbing dirt from its length.

It was my flute, the one I'd leant to Nólad. Surely he wouldn't have been so careless as to abandon it in a random part of the palace grounds. So what was it doing here? I looked up the length of the palace wall. Some two stories above me was a balcony, Yuna's no less. Maybe she'd borrowed it to practise. But than why would she throw it down here?

The mystery deepened.

A.N. SQEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! They kissed! Finally! I know it took 31 chapters for them to do it properly but I hope it was worth it. Besides, they did it TWICE! jumps around with smile plastered to face I had originally wanted to write this big, proper fluffy mary-sue kiss where Yuna totally wanted to do it and they were out on a balcony and stuff but after re-reading chapters I so realized that was completely not Yuna's style. You do get quite a slushy kiss but it's not AS fluffy as before. Soz if you want the other one, but it's just not fitting for this part of the story. But who knows, maybe you'll get later whistles. So anyhoo, I found this chapter relatively easy to write and I think the other one will be quite easy so we should have it posted pretty soon after this one. We pretty much know the story up until the end (wow, that seems so weird, ending Yuna properly) it's just up in my lil ol' head and hopefully we can provide some surprises and stuff along the way. Sorry for the mammoth A.N. just felt I had to rant. On to reviews.

Courtney: Hope that was romantic enough, but if not it'll get more fluffy later on! Take a cookie!

flamingamber: Soz I let it slip, hope you can forgive but at least it's (finally) getting into some proper romance. You said it was beautiful, awww! Thankies! Have a cookie!

kalika55: I know what you mean that sometimes we write Yuna really modern but if we didn't wouldn't she just be like all the other Mary-sues? If Tolkien had his way Yuna would never in a million years exist. I get the feeling that Eowen was scandalous enough for him. But yeah, I get what you're saying and I'll try to do it less if I can. Cookie!

lillyrose1: I so get what you mean bout the interludes, I was reading and I got confused too. Hopefully it's a little clearer this time. I would put names but I think that looks a little corny InterludeLegolas see what I mean? If it's still confusing by the next chapter though tell me and I'll change it. Cookie!

SauronMiniMe: Love the names ;p Charlize Theron, that's interesting. I'm definitely gonna think bout it cus I wanna do some Yuna fanart…if that makes sense. Cookie!

sweet-legolas: I know her and she's utterly stunning which is why I don't think she could be Yuna cus Yuna's like attractive but not striking, at least not to anyone but our dearest leggy cus he…about to give away too know what you mean bout the hotties! sigh I was thinking of Angelina cus she's such an obvious choice but than maybe she'd too obvious…I have no idea what I'm sayin anymore…Cookie!

Marpessa: You can take it as a parody if you want, whatever. As for Billy, have you touched him (sad, I know) nope, didn't think so therefore, you get thee hither! No cookie!

Morbid poet: yeah…hidden meanings…we…meant to do that…kate winslet is a bit too short I think but still a candidate cus she does look kinda elfy. Cookie!

Iariel: me love princess bride. And thankies for the sparkling review! But hun, boromir and Faramir couldn't be Yuna's dad cus, frankly, she's about 3000 years older than them. She is exceptionally distantly related to them but that's about it. Soz. You'll find out who the dad is later but like we said, he's long dead. Cookie!

Yavanna and SunStar: Aww! Thankie for reviewing hun! It's Yuna so if we'd have proper rushed the romance well, it wouldn't have been Yuna. Soz it took so long to get this chapter up. Review it! Cookie!

Lady Amytal: I'm gonna be getting the romance in there, you all deserve it. And as you requested here's a dark chocolate chip cookie drools fucking diets. Now I know why the word had 'DIE' in it…

Chimeras-star: Thanks loads for the offer though if Rai would have me back I really want her to colab till the end. Hope you enjoy the chappie anyhoo. Cookie!

Melanie: Awww! We're your faves! I feel so honored! Extra big Cookie!

Crow: just for you not one kiss but TWO! I hope I write romance well…Cookie!

Tarvalie (thankies for e-mailing! And so sorry it took this long!), hinia, jetonna, honeymufins (luv da name), nazgulli, Idhrenniel, Noneya (luv Iris!), lucy wills, Faith Destroyer, Kasey, Brynne (happy birthday! It's been pretty much a year so I'm not that far off…), writergurl88 (thankies for putting us in ur favs an u rock too!), RobynPepsiGoddess1 (they kiss again! TWICE!), SunXia, mandy, Allie, Michelle (I frigging hate geo, despite being okay at it) Lilena: to all of u I'm really soz it took a year for this to be update. I'm going to finish it even if I have to do it kicking and screaming and if you guys are still reading COOKIES FOR ALL!

P.S. now have this nifty lil thing that allows you to see how many hits your story gets so for all those people that read and don't' review (you know who you are) please do. Reviews are the only feedback a writer gets and if you're reading you must have an opinion even if it's negative. Thanks everyone, once again SORRY! And enjoy.

Much luv, Tali and Rai.