Chapter Three

Legolas stood staring at the closed door, as the loud sound ringed in his sensitive ears. Menelwen stood up from the blanket and headed towards him. What did Arwen think we were doing that would make her react that way? And for Legolas to jump up as he did? I understand, hes too in love with Arwen, to be a real friend to me. Thought Menelwen.

"I guess you better chase after her." She said in a soft whisper, not daring to look at him in his eyes. Legolas looked back to her noticing the sadness in her eyes.

"I should go, see you later." Menelwen walked passed Legolas trying not to touch him on her way out, he refused to move from out her way.

Legolas was completely confused. What was he thinking; to jump up from Menelwen like that. They weren't doing anything wrong. Legolas finally snapped out of his trance.

She was alredy heading down the hall. "Menelwen!" Yelled Legolas running down the hallway to meet her again.

"Will I see you tomorrow for practice?" Menelwen stared at his face, she just couldn't understand him, but she tried with all her might to figure him out. Menelwen just gave him a nod and continued on her way down the hall. Legolas expected a real answer, but that's all he got.

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Menelwen hurried to the gardens knowing she was late for healing lessons. Her father wanted her to take lessons with Arwen. Menelwen loved working on healing. She loved it so much because that is what her mother was. Menelwen's mother died a few years ago, so she made a promise to her mother that she will be a healer.

"Arwen's going to kill me!" Menelwen starting running through the gardens. She loved the feel of the wind through her hair. Nature was her life. She could live outside all her life if she could.

:Flashback:

"Menelwen!" called her mother.

"Oh, please, come here! Where are you!" she cried. Her mother walked outside weeping. She looked all over for Menelwen. Everywhere possible, all of her hiding places, Everywhere. She walked outside on the grass, walking back and forth, thinking where she could have gone, when she heard a voice singing. A soft melody flowing in the atmosphere. It was like a sweet fragrance. She walked over to the sound quietly but quickly. She saw her daughter by a bush picking flowers, and placing them in her hair, singing the song she sung to her whenever she was hurt or upset.

"Menelwen." she whispered. Menelwen gasped and turned her head and smiled. Her gray eyes glowed with youth.

"Mother!" Menelwen jumped into her mothers arms and embraced her.

"I was picking flowers, I picked you some also." She handed her mother a flower that was in her hair, and giggled.

"Your always wandering off picking flowers!" laughed her mother as she wipped the tears from her big blue eyes twinkled and the sun shined on the both of them.

:End Flashback:

Menelwen finally snapped out of her daze and continued running through the garden. She turned the corner to the healing halls, but she bumped into her father.

"Menelwen you shouldn't run in here!"

"Yes, I know Ada, but I'm.."

"Shoudn't you be with Arwen?" Asked her father Adan.

" That's were I'm rushing to now!"

"Oh, I see." Menelwen started to walk towards her training area, but her father stopped her once again.

"Menelwen, Nithron was seeking you, I told him you would be here." Menelwen smile at her father. He always made things easier for her. She ran up to her father and gave him a kiss on the cheek and ran in to the training room.

She entered and closed the door behind her. There was Arwen, waiting for her. Her face was calm, but Menelwen knew she wasn't.

"I'm sorry Arwen."

Arwen didn't even consider her apology and started to take out some books, some spices and herbs.

"You have a test today, sit down and begin quickly." Menelwen's heart stopped. She was always prepared for a test, she wasn't aware there was a test today!

"Arwen, I'm not prepared." spoke Menelwen, as she walked to the table and chair. It was as if she didn't hear her. Arwen opened to a page in the book she was reading and handed it to Menelwen. "This is your test, You have an hour." Arwen gave her the book, and closed the door behind her.

Menelwen sat in the chair and looked at her test. She didn't know any of it! Only if she was studying rather then talking with Legloas, then she probably would pass. But how did she know that there was going to be a test today? Menelwen stared at the paper, she couldn't even answer the first question. Forty-five minutes passed and she still couldn't come up with answers, so she guessed. Menelwen was extremely upset. She always tried to work hard at this subject, she wanted to succeed and become a healer, but now this shows she not capable. Menelwen got up from the table and walked out into the main healing hall. Arwen was talking to an elleth. She walked up to her and handed her test. Arwen saw there was tears in her eyes, as she walked away. Arwen put the book down and continued helping he elleth.

"Menelwen!" yelled Nithron, spotting her finally. Menelwen continued to walk. She didn't want to speak to anyone.

Nithron finally caught up to her. "Menelwen, I've been looking for you!" Nithron walked in front of her to stop her from walking away. He spotted her wet face and swollen eyes.

"Menel, What is wrong?" Nithron grabbed her arms, and lifted her chin, so that she would look at him. Menelwen wrapped her arms around him and burst into tears.

Nithron, led her to a place where no one was around. They both sat down on a bench that was facing the hills. Nithron let her rest her head on his shoulder. She calmed down, but spoke no words to him yet. That was the funny thing about their relationship. They can say nothing, but they both can know exacly what the other one would say or their feelings.

"Menelwen, are you going to tell me what happened?" Nithron couldn't stand not knowing what made her cry. She sat up straight on the bench and moved closer to him.

"Earlier today, on Legolas' arrival, me and him were talking in his room today. We were laying by his fire- we were just talking, an Arwen walked in. I'm guessing she thought something happened and she walked out."

"Thats why your upset?" Asked Nithron.

"No, because today Arwen gave me a surprised test, and I didn't know any of the answers."

"Oh, I'm sorry Menel." Nithron knew her feelings of becoming a healer, It was very important to her.

"I don't understand why she did that, Nith?" Was she trying to hurt me, was she jeleous of me being with Legolas alone? Nithron couldn't give her the right answers. All he could do was shrug his shoulders. Nithron secretly liked Menelwen, she couldn't notice it, which annoyed him dearly. He would do anything for her, and she didn't even know it.

"I don't blame her for being jealous." spoke Nithron. Menelwen looked at him, in pure curiousity as to what he meant by that, but she didn't dare ask him. Nithron hated that Legolas always got the elleth's attention. He was a handsome elf as is Nithron. Nithron was an elf in training of the sword and the bow. He was very skilled, but he wants to improve himself to become as strong like...Legolas. Nithron is a tall, and very lean elf. He has long light brown hair. I'ts always tied half up and half down. His eyes were the same color as Menelwen, but a much more darker shade of gray. His eyes stunned her. That's one thing she adored about him, his eyes were unique.

"Hey! I have a great idea!" said Nithron standing to his feet. Menelwen smiled at him, she loved it when he had a great idea, his mind was so different and creative. He was so different from Legolas.

"What is it?"

"Come!" Nithron ran into the woods his footsteps were not to be heard. Menelwen ran after him trying her hardest to keep up with him. She laughed as Nithron took her hand and pulled her through the many green trees. The sun shined down onto them, but only a little light escaped them. They jumped over logs and branches as moss was resting on them.

"Where are you taking me!" yelled Menelwen to Nithron. He had a permanent smile on his lips, his hair flopped up and down on his back. Menelwen was almost out of air until they stopped short, and bumped into him.

"Can you give me a warning next time, before you stop short like that!" Menelwen joked. Nithron gave her a small hug, and grabbed her hand once again. "Look." He whispered. Menelwen looked from his face to the bush that was in front of them. Nith, moved the branches out of the way, so they can step through them. Menelwen's eyes flew open. She saw what it seemed like hundreds of beautiful malinore (mallorn). She always complained to Nithron that she hasn't seen any yet. Her father when she was younger told her stories about these mysterious trees, and that he would one day take her to see them, but he's been to busy to fulfill his promise. The stories he told her were of course tales, but she wanted to see for herself.

"Nith! Their Malinore!" Menelwen said in excitement, but didn't leave her eyes from the trees. She had told him about the trees before. There was a waterfall in the distance. The water was a crystal blue. She have never seen water so clear in all of her life. Menelwen looked to Nithron, to see if it was okay to get closer. He smiled at her, and she walked over to the crashing waterfall, but it was silent. Menelwen felt like a child. She touched the water with her finger, feeling the ice cold water. It looked so pure, it could be used as drinking water. Menelwen saw Nithron on a rock at the edge of the waterfall. Menelwen's smile turned into a smirk. Menelwen snuck up from behind him and pushed him into the water. Menelwen gave him a 'evil laugh'.

"Menel!" screamed Nithron, popping his wet head out of the water. Nithron hurriedly jumped out of the eater and chased after Menelwen. Menelwen knew he was coming for her. She ran through the trees as fast as she could, but she knew she was going to get caught. Nithron caught up with her, and picked her up.

"Ah! Nithron, No!" Menelwen tried to scramble out of his arms, but his grip was too strong for her. He carried her to the rock near the fall. Menelwen gave one last cry.

"Nith, I'm sorry, No!" She giggled. Nithron laughed with her and he jumped in the water with her still in his arms. They both sunk down into the water, and popped back up above it. Menelwen swam to him and tried to pull him under the water, but he kept splashing water in her face. Their giggles were endless.

Finally they both got tired, and climbed out of the water.

"Nithron, your soaked!" Menelwen touched his skin, which sent a chill down his spine. Her touch was soft and gentle. He wanted so bad to have her to himself. but he already did, and she had no knowledge of it.

They both walked to a malinore and sat under it. The branches hung over them, making a nice cool shade. Menelwen squeezed the water out of her hair, then relaxed on the tree. Nithron sat beside her, and did the same thing. She observed him. He was so much more different then Legloas, Legolas hadn't done anything like this with her, she didn't giggle a lot with him. They just had short conversations, and that was it. She thought Nithron was a sweet elf, he would do anything for her if he pleased.

"Nithron...thank you, for doing this. You always make me feel better when I'm down."

Nithron gave her a smile, and moved closer to her.

"Well I can't stand to see you cry, so I will go out my way to see a smile on your face and a happy laugh sing out of your mouth." She loved to hear things like that come from him, it made her feel she was equal with him. He didn't make her feel like she was a child.

"Thank you" she leaned over and gave him a kiss in his cheek." Nith's cheeks began to glow. Menelwen noticed it and laughed.

"Well, Its getting late, your father will be looking for you." said Nithron, getting up and holding out his hands to help her up. She gladly accepted, and they were off through the woods again. Menelwen was walking behind him. She hated walking behind people, it always reminded her of following after Arwen or Legolas. She ran up beside Nithron, and grabbed his hand. He looked up to meet her eyes, and he smiled back at her. They were finally out of the woods and they spotted Legolas walking towards them. He ran up to Menelwen, and looked down at her and Nithron's conjoined hands. Menelwen saw that Legolas noticed they were holdding hands, and quickly released their grip. Nithron gave her a confused look. Legolas' eyes finally meet hers.

"Your father is searching for you, he sent me to get you." Legolas said simply, but felt very uncomfortable. He kept looking from her to Nithron.

Nithron, gave Menelwen a hug.

"I'll see you tomorrow at practice then, Menel." She gave him one last smile before he left. Legolas and her just stood there staring at one another, until she walked passed him. Legolas turned around and followed her.

"Where were you two?" He asked, with a little anger in his voice. Menelwen ignored his question and started to walk faster. Legolas caught up to her and grabbed her arm.

"Nel! What were you doing with him?" Menelwen looked into his eyes, they were full with rage.

"Nothing." She said simply, and released his grab from her arm, and continued walking.

"Well, while you and Nithron were playing games, I had to walk out on Aragorn to find you, I've been looking for you for and hour and a half!"

"I'm sure he'll understand." Menelwen turned around, her hair swooping against her back and shoulders. She headed into her room, leaving the angry Legoals outside.

"Father!" Menelwen was surprised he was in her room. He was never in her room, only when she did something terrible to make him go out his way into her room.

"Menelwen, where were you?" He demanded, popping up from sitting on the chair by her fireplace.

"I was with Nithron, why is there sudden searching for me? Your never worried about my where about's." She said harshly to her father. Her father gave her a stern look.

"Arwen showed me your test." Menelwen's heart churned. She really disliked Arwen at the moment. "You failed the test. Why were you not prepared?" Menelwen sat on he bed, tears started to well up in her eyes.

"I was not aware of a test Ada, I didn't know the answers." Her father saw how much she was upset about failing, and sat next to her.

"I'm never going to be a great healer like mother." She said trying to whip the many tear flowing down her face. Her father placed her head on his shoulder.

"Yes you will, you just need to work harder Menelwen. I know I have not been around to help you, but I know your capable of being a great healer." Her father gave her a kiss on her head, and walked to the door. "Remember, I love you. And Oh, I forgot, Arwen says she's sorry, and she'll meet you on the field right before your practice with Legolas." He smiled and left her room.

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Menelwen heard her door knob turning. She watched it turning from her bed. Who can it be? The door opened slowly, and the shadow approached her bed. When the figure got closer to her bed side, she knew exacly who it was. Nithron always tried to scare her. Sometimes he succeeded but today was a different story. Menelwen pretended she was asleep, so she can scare him. He came closer and closer to her face. What is he doing? Isn't he going to scare me? He came closerto her face, and placed his soft lips on her cheek. What was that for! Menelwen thought. Nithron walked over to her dresser, and lit some candles.

"Menel, wake up," he whispered in her ear. she pretended to wake up.

"Nithron, what are you doing?"

"We have practice early today, Legolas sent his maid to tell me, and to wake you up." Menelwen arose from her bed, making sure her night gown was down. Nithron kept staring at her with a smirk upon his face. "Legolas demand that were not late." Spoke Nithron.

"The sun is not even up yet." Menelwen said going into her closet to find something to wear. She picked out a white dress. She didn't like wearing the male elf clothing when practicing, they didn't fit her properly, and they were way to heavy for her.

"It's not like Legolas to get up this early!" Menelwen said from inside her closet. Nithron rolled his eyes.

"Can you please hurry though I don't want to see what happens when were late." Menelwen finally got her dress, and went to her changing room.

"Legolas doesn't get mad at me!" Yelled Menelwen. She came from the changing room and grabbed her sword and bow.

"Lets go!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him along like a child.

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Arwen await Menelwen at the field that morning before their practice with Legolas. Legolas spotted her sitting on the watching bench and approached her.

"We haven't talked since the day in the hall." He spoke looking down at her. She didn't look at him in the eyes. She didn't say a word.

Legolas sat next to her on the bench. "Your not going to speak to me?" Arwen looked at his face. He had a soft expression of compassion.

"Look, Arwen about last night..."

Arwen cut him off. "Nothing happened right?" Legolas paused.

"Right."He said simply. Arwen still showed no expression on her beautiful face. Aragorn appeared on the field with his sword. He didn't notice they were sitting on the bench. Arwen stared him down. Legolas looked at her face. He saw a glow in her eye, he never saw before.

"Were you two introduced?" Asked Legolas curiously. Arwen seemed as if she was in a daze.

"Yes."

Menelwen and Nithron appeared at Aragorn's side. Nithron was shaking his hand, and Menelwen gave him a small hug. Legolas' attention was now on the three of them. Arwen snapped out of her daze and walked over to them, leaving Legolas on the bench alone.

"Goodmorning Lady Arwen." Said Nithron. Menelwen glared at him. She still hated Arwen for giving her that test. Arwen gave a little head bow to him then looked over at Aragorn.

"A beautiful morning is it not?"

Aragorn gave a blank stare. "Yes." They continued to stare blankly into each other's eyes until Legolas approached them.

"Menelwen, before you start, may I have a talk with you?" Before she could answer, Arwen moved away from the group. As Menelwen followed Arwen, Aragorn whispered in her ear.

"Forgive her." Menelwen looked at him in curiosity. How did he know that she was mad ar her?

Menelwen followed Arwen out of ear shot.

"Look, Menelwen, I'm sorry that I had to gave you that test. I decided that you can take it in two weeks. There were things on my mind and I took it out on you." Yeah, you being jealous of Legolas hanging out with me and not you, Thought Menelwen. "Were great friends, can it stay that way?"

Menelwen saw Arwen's soft eyes. "Yes Indeed." Arwen gave her a small hug.

"You better hurry up before Legolas have's your head." Arwen laughed. Menelwen ran back over to the group. Aragorn was already working with Nithron on his stance position.

Menelwen met Legolas in the middle of the field. "Let me see your attack position." Menelween placed her sword in both hands.

"Your arms have to be higher." Said Legolas, fixing her arms. Legolas grabbed his sword and attacked her. She blocked his blow, and pushed him. His blows were becoming harder and harder. Her fingers were vibrating with the metal. She fell to the ground, and he still attacked. Legolas worked hard on her, but never this hard. Her face was facing the earth, and she knew that Legolas was going to try to hit her. Menelwen was out of breath, and was weak from his hard blows. Nithron saw her on the ground gasping for air. He ran over to Legolas and pushed him.

"Legolas! Stop!"

Legolas went flying on the ground before he could get to Menelwen.

"Menel. Are you okay?" Nithron bent down to her side, and tried to help her up. There appeared a small scratch on her chin from Legolas' sword. Nithron's eyes widened, and filled with anger. He got of from the ground and ran to Legolas and jumped on him. Aragorn ran up to them and pulled Nithron off of him.

"Nithron stop!" screamed Menelwen.

"What are you trying to do Legolas?" Asked Nithron. Legolas finally got onto his feet and saw the scratch on her face.

"Menelwen, I'm sorry." Legolas tried to move closer to her, but she wouldn't let him. She started walking towards the healing halls. Tears filled her eyes. Nithron walked with her.

"Legolas what are you thinking?" asked Aragorn to his friend.

"I don't know, I was angry."

"Do not let your anger interfere with your work! You could have hurt her." Said Aragorn with rage in his face.

"I'm sorry." Said Legolas with his head looking to the ground.

"You should not be telling me that, you should be saying that to Menelwen." Aragorn left the field.

Legolas took a deep breath and made his way to the healing halls. He walked slowly down the halls, ashamed of the terrible act he just did to Nel. In the corner of the room he saw Menelwen on a bed getting treated by Arwen. Nithron was present also. He walked up to Menelwen, and Arwen and both Nithron gave him a look and left him and Nel alone.

"Menelwen, I don't know what came over me. I was angry at you for what happened last night." Menelwen sat up in her bed. She wasn't hurt, but Arwen insisted that she shoul'd be checked out.

"I do not understand." Said Menelwen. She was at Legolas for looking for her then yelling at her, but why was he still mad at her? She forgot all about it.

"Nithron." he said looking at her hand that was resting on her leg. Menelwen was confused. What about him Legolas. Screamed Nel's conscience.

"Tell me what you think about him, really." Legloas didn't know what was happening to him. He was jealous of Nithron. But how could he? Menelwen was a lot younger then him. And She definitely didn't look at him like that.

"We're friends Legolas.What do you want from me? What do you want me to say?" She asked as anger built up in her chest. Legoas touched her hand, but she pulled it back.

"Can I ever have a friend where you won't question me about? Leave me be." Menelwen got up from the bed and walked out. Nithron was waiting for her. Arwen saw that she left an walked to Legolas.

"Whats going on with you Legolas?" Arwen asked approaching him. Legolas turned around and saw her looking down at him.

"Arwen can I tell you something?" Legolas whispered. Arwen paused and tried to think what he could possibly want to tell her.

"Yes."

Legolas paused and found words to say. I don't know when I've been starting to feel these feelings but, I think Im jealous of Nithron. She spends all her time with him, she barley wants to talk with me. The only time we have talked for a long time was in my room those many days ago. I don't know what's going on. She supposed to be a child to me, but my feelings say the opposite." Arwen was completely surprised that he was telling her all of this. Arwen sat beside him on the bed.

"Well, Legolas you know I don't have to tell you what's wrong with you, because you already know, but you must confesss to yourself."

"I don't want to." Legolas said. There was a pause between them both until Arwen broke it.

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A/N: Please Review, or I will not post the next chapter! Please Review, just write something!