Knowing what Kari knew about Legolas' overprotective nature, and knowing that Lord Elrond had forbid Legolas to see her when she was sick, and knowing that Legolas has been very upset regarding the whole situation, Kari was reluctant to see him after three days of missed practice.

She was not scared that he would be angry at her, nor was she scared he would take his anger out on her as he did nearly a month ago. He knew it had been a grievous mistake, and Legolas was not one to repeat mistakes, especially ones that made him feel like the dirt beneath Kari's feet.

But she was not looking forward to lying to Legolas when he asked her what had happened to her for the past three days. She understood that Lord Elrond wanted to keep things as quiet as possible, and she wanted to as well. But this was Legolas, her dearest friend and the one she loved since she was…she could not even remember when she realized she loved him.

She approached him during breakfast, wearing a long green tunic and black leggings. Though she had to admit that she enjoyed dressing effeminately for fancy occasions, she felt it was impractical for her to wear the long, flowing dresses that Arwen and other elf maidens wore on a regular basis. She was busy working at the Healers Hall, practicing with Legolas and Aragorn, and running around Rivendell doing errands for the Master Healer as his most advanced apprentice.

"You look pale," Legolas said bluntly as he watched Kari sit down for breakfast across from him at the table.

Kari tried to gauge his emotion from his tone of voice, but it was quite masked. He was stiff and cold looking, sitting erect in his chair. "And you look just as handsome as ever," she said with a wry smile.

Legolas smirked as he picked at his food. "Are you better now?"

"Yes."

"What was your ailment?"

"Difficulty breathing, a terrible burning sensation all over my body, followed by extreme fatigue," Kari replied. It was not really a lie, at least not a complete lie. She had momentarily taken on Aragorn's symptoms and then passed out.

Legolas frowned. Lord Elrond would not answer any of Legolas' questions these past three days but said that Kari would be fine. He felt frustration when he could not get any answers, not even from the Master Healer.

"It sounds serious," Legolas commented.

"I am fine now. I have a strong disposition," Kari said. The tension between them was practically tangible.

"Nonetheless, I was worried," Legolas said quietly.

"I appreciate your concern," Kari replied.

"Why could I not see you?" Legolas asked, finally asking the question that was constantly on his mind.

And there was the question. The one she should just answer truthfully, but knew she could not.

"I was asleep most of the time," she said, somewhat avoiding the question.

"Irrelevant. I still wanted to see you. To make sure you were alright."

He was being persistent. "Lord Elrond told you I was to be fine," Kari said.

"I do not like to be shut out. Especially when something is wrong. Especially when it involves you," Legolas said forcefully without raising his voice.

"I know," Kari replied soft, unable to look at him.

"Then why was it done?" he asked straightforwardly.

This was unfair. Lord Elrond made the judgment to leave Legolas out of the situation, and now Kari had to deal with the ramifications of it. She could tell him everything and then have Lord Elrond reprimand her for doing so, or she could not tell him and have him resent her. No. In actuality, Lord Elrond would just say that he was disappointed in Kari rather than reprimand her, and Legolas would pretend to be understanding but inside be angry and hurt. Neither prospect was good, and neither situation she asked for or felt she deserved.

Yet she could understand where they both were coming from and knew that each had her best intentions at heart. There must be some middle ground…somewhere.

"There are things about me, things that I do not understand, probably will never understand. And others should not be burdened with the ramifications of the unknown," Kari said, trying to chose her words wisely.

"And if the others chose to be burdened?" Legolas asked.

Kari sighed. "Please do not be stubborn," she whispered.

"I do not like being kept out of this," Legolas replied sternly.

"But it is none of your concern."

"You are my concern," he fired back. His eyes were dark with irritation.

Kari paused, trying to think of a way to approach this better. He was acting so tenaciously. "Legolas, I know you worry for me. I know you try hard to make my life easier. But there are some things that are beyond anyone's control, even yours. There are some things that I will have to handle on my own. My recent illness is one of them," she said, trying to remain strong against his questions when all she wanted to do was throw her arms around him and tell him everything.

Legolas did not say anything in response.

"You know practically everything about me," Kari said, trying to appease him. "It would be tiresome if you did in fact know everything."

After a long pause, Legolas cracked a smiled. "I do not think I will ever know everything. I learn new things about you everyday. Today is no exception," he replied, his eyes becoming much calmer.

"What do you mean?"

"You are more independent now. Asserting yourself. I do not doubt there was a time I could have gotten you to tell me exactly why I was kept out," Legolas explained.

Kari smiled softly. "Most likely."

"I respect your desire for privacy, for independence. But never worry about burdening me. If given the choice, I will always choose to share your burden," Legolas said.

"Thank you."

Legolas leaned back in his chair, his countenance much more serene. "You haven't touched your food. You intend to practice without eating?"

Kari scoffed. "Of course not," she said, grabbing her utensil and eating heartily.

Legolas smiled with amusement as he watched her eat as vigorously as she always did, ever since he knew her. Some things do not change.

Author's Note: Short chapter, yes, but next chapter will fast forward in time, closer to the time of the Council of Elrond…it'll be more action-y. Please review if you have the time.