:creeps in nervously, peering around corners and taking light footsteps: Um…hello…I am kind of apprehensive about this chapter for some reason. I am not quite sure what to do about it. I guess we will just see what happens…

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Chapter 22- First Time

Night had fallen. The light of the moon shined on the waterfall, reflecting small, delicate beams of her light on the faces of those who slept inside of the hidden cavern. They all were taking their much needed rest for they had traveled great distances in but a day. But amidst the slumbering companions, there was one who could not find peace.

Jaimea sat at the mouth of the cave, staring out into the vast sea of trees with silent tears running down her face. Her eyes were red and puffy from weeping as well as her chapped cheeks. A breeze blew through the cave and she wrapped the blanket tighter around her quivering body even though she could not feel the cold. She sighed shakily and used the corner of the blanket to wipe off another tear.

'I am so confused,' She thought, 'Was he really telling the truth? Or was it as it seemed?' She gave another shudder, 'If he was indeed telling me the truth, he will despise me when he wakes up.' At this thought, more tears began to spill over her blood-shot eyes. She put her head in hers hands dejectedly as her shoulders racked with sobs. The soft blanket soon became damp from the elleth's tears.

She remained in this state for quite a while longer. Her ginger colored hair clung to her face but she didn't care. Her mind was reeling with thoughts about the youngest prince of Mirkwood and what she had done to him. She sniffed and slowly brought her hands out of her eyes. She gazed unseeingly into the cascading waterfall before her and out into the dark forest. She closed her eyes and sighed, biting her bottom lip. She stood up and gathered the blanket around her shoulders. They would have to continue the journey soon and it would not be wise to go sleepless.

She turned and made for the cave but a blinding light suddenly filled the room for a split second. Jaimea's eyes widened in confusion and worry.

'Maybe it was just Mithrandir.' She thought. Not wanting to be caught awake or having to deal with confrontation, she quickly laid back down on the rocky floor, facing the inside of the cave, using the blanket to partially cover her face.

Light footsteps approached her still trembling body. She clenched her eyes shut and her breath caught in her throat when someone stopped before her. The person knelt down and placed a gentle, warm hand on her forehead with a sigh. Jaimea furrowed her brow for she could not discern who the person was. Her heavy crying and sorrow had dulled her senses.

The person, who ever it was, then pulled the blanket away from her face to uncover her nose and mouth, then tucked it under her neck gently. A rush of fresh pine and earth swept past her nose and she inhaled deeply, taking in the fragrant scent. A small smile appeared on her lips involuntarily and she took another breath. She could feel the person's hand freeze in mid action but soon moved away. Jaimea frowned as the aroma left her and the damp mustiness of the caves engulfed her again.

The person stood and walked silently away towards the cavern's entrance but not before sweeping another blanket over top of her and giving her a light kiss on her forehead. There was a sigh as he sat down away from her. The elleth opened her eyes and before even seeing who the person was, she grabbed hold of the blanket in her fists. It was soft to the touch, almost silky, and very thin. In the light of the moon, she could see that it was a gray-green, the color of a tree's bark. Quickly, she thought of all of the ones in the group that had this kind of cloak. The Rivendell twins had a burgundy color and Arwen had a navy blue cloak. Estel wore a hunter green one while Mithrandir resorted to heavy, grey robes. That left the four royals of Mirkwood.

'Well,' She thought, 'I am almost positive that Lady Lothron and Lady Melyanna dislike me and Legolas is injured.' She bit her lip again to stop the tears at the thought of him, 'So it must have been Norui. It is hard to believe that my senses have dulled so much that I didn't recognize him, though.'

Jaimea pierced the darkness with her chocolate eyes. All seemed to be in their spots. To her surprise though, her eyes fell upon the handsome face of the Crown Prince Norui who was resting in a crevice a few feet above the wet floor. His arm hung limply down the wall and he had a warm smile on his face.

The elleth shivered.

'Who was that?' Very slowly, she rolled to the other side and found the body of the person and her eyes widened.

Golden blonde hair billowed in the chilly wind like the long, green grasses in a warm meadow. The water, along with the moon, sent fleeting mirrors of light on his troubled face. His deep, sapphire eyes glinted against the falls and Jaimea gasped.

"Legolas!" She shouted in shock but immediately slapped her hands over her mouth. The prince shot his head around to her, alarm clear in his features. Jaimea's eyes widened, "What are you doing! You are injured!" She hissed. He did not respond. He looked her up and down and then motioned with his hand for her to come.

Hesitantly, Jaimea picked herself up from the ground, gathering up the blankets around her hips, and then made her way over to him slowly. He did not turn to look at her when she sat down beside him with her hands in her lap. Moments passed and neither one spoke. The elleth would glance at him from the corner of her eye but he made no signs of moving. She imagined him on one of the nights that she had got a glimpse of him many years back. He wore a silver circlet upon his head, carved with meandering vines and leaves. Long, green, brown, and gold robes adorned his body and trailed down to the ground. The same vines on his circlet were embroidered on the sleeves and hems. Though it was long, it was light weight and he could easily dance to the music with his people. He grinned brightly at something unknown.

Jaimea was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Legolas chuckle quietly. She glared at him and he bit his lip. The elleth felt red creep up on her cheeks and she faced the water again.

"What can I do for you, my prince?" She asked quietly. He jumped slightly at the use of his title. His fingers fidgeted with the end of his tunic.

"I did not ask anything of you, milady." He replied, putting emphasis on 'milady'. She did a double take and then her eyes rested back in her lap.

"Then why did you call me over?"

"You called to me, and I am still too weak to move much." Jaimea then remembered why she had initially said his name and she swiveled around to face him.

"You are supposed to be unconscious! Your wounds are great. How can you be up and about?" She asked, quite puzzled. Legolas's lips turned up into a smile and he nodded.

"I suppose I have some explaining to do." He said, chuckling, "Well, first, I think it is necessary that I explain what was really going on when you first awoke." Jaimea wrapped the cloak about her tighter and she nodded.

"Yes, that would be a good idea." said the elleth but Legolas ignored the bitterness in her tone and he continued.

"My brother told me that you were injured. I told him to bring you to me and he did so then left. Then, to pu imply, Espenshade and I healed you." Jaimea furrowed her brow.

"But I am not injured now. There is nothing there that proves what you tell me is the truth." He shook his head.

"No, there are. Look." He said as he nodded towards her midsection. She took a hesitant glance at his face, then rolled up the bottom of her sleeping tunic. Going up and disappearing underneath the cloth were faint, white scars that appeared as if they had been there for countless years. She traced the lines carefully with her hand.

"But how is that possible!" She breathed. Legolas smiled understandingly.

"I have already told you that, Jaimea. It was Espenshade," He hesitated, "Well, it was mostly Espenshade. I just helped, um, prepare." He finished awkwardly. Jaimea pushed her tunic back down.

"Is that how you are healed?" She asked and he nodded.

"Yes, it is. If you noticed that light from within the cave, that was her and I." The elleth nodded, not fully understanding but well enough.

"I see," She said, "Well, thank you, Legolas. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I should have known that you would never do that to me or anyone else for that matter." She paused, "But how? Espenshade is but a falcon. How can she possess the power to do that?" Legolas frowned at that and shook his head.

"Honestly, I can not explain it myself. I discovered her power many, many years ago when I, um…" He stopped and suddenly starting fidgeting nervously. Jaimea noticed his eyes begin to glaze over and she put an arm on his shoulder and squeezed.

"Do not say if it brings painful memories." She said gently and he gave her a small smile. She smiled back, then looked to the rocky floor again. "She is very strange." Was all she said. When she noticed that he resumed his apprehension, she moved her body closer to him so that their knees touched. She then reached over slowly to his twitching hands and took one in her own.

She suddenly recalled the event that took place many, many years ago within the royal family of Mirkwood that had disturbed them to that very day. It was a horrible time and everyone in the forest had tried to forget it. Whether it was because they feared what had happened or they had been reasonable enough to give them peace, the giant spiders and orcs that roamed over the Woodland Realm didn't breach the palace grounds for a few years after the event.

She shook her head, clearing those thoughts away, and looked up at Legolas. He was smiling warmly at her and she gave him her own shy smile. Finally, they looked back out into the darkness in companionable silence. The stars shone brightly in the deep black sky and cast their light upon the land. There was a low rumble in the distance and almost at once rain started to pour down from the heavens.

After a few moments, Jaimea spoke again,

"Legolas?"

"Yes?" He responded, still gazing out.

"I must tell you something." She said quietly. He looked over at her and turned his body to face her.

"I am listening." He said. Jaimea looked up and met his sapphire gaze. Blushing, she looked back down.

"You remember before the battle, I told you not to worry about me." He nodded, "The truth is I was scared to death." Legolas smiled.

"That is nothing to be ashamed of. It is perfectly natural."

"It is not that."

"Then what it is?" He asked caringly. Once again, the elleth met his gaze and she was unable to look away.

"I was afraid because I had no idea what I was doing. I have never held a sword in my life before." She said with a quivering voice, "I thought I was going to die."

Legolas remained speechless. He searched her gaze for any signs of jest but he found nothing of the sort. Only fear, sorrow, and anxiousness.

"You lied to me?" He finally stuttered out.

"Please, Legolas, I am sorry." For yet another time this night, tears began to spill over her eyes. His hand began to withdraw from her's and he moved away, "I should have told you that I could not fight." The prince's brow was creased in a frown. He didn't want to believe it.

"But why?"

"I wanted to help you all. I saw the other elleths going to fight and I didn't want to seem weak to you."

Legolas studied her face for a brief moment, but anger soon overtook him. He gritted his teeth and glared at Jaimea. With clenched fists, he shot up to his feet.

"By lying, you appear weak! If you had have been killed, you would not have been helping us in any way and I do not know what I would have done with myself if you died! What you did was wrong!" And with that, he stormed back into the caves. The elleth rose to her knees.

"Please, Legolas, it was of good intention!" She exclaimed as she tried to hold back the impendent tears. She stood, "Legolas!" She waited but heard nothing until she heard the hurried steps of him returning.

Legolas came up to her quickly and snatched her hands in his, bringing them his chest and pulling her close.

"Do not ever do that again, Jaimea! If we fight again, you will remain behind or you will ride with Norui or me." He choked back his sobs, "I will not allow you to kill yourself where you should not be in the first place." He told her, hurt and betrayal clear in his voice. Jaimea could feel his body tremble against her. His eyes pleaded with her's and she bit her lip.

"Legolas…" She whispered. He squeezed her hands.

"Promise me, Jaimea, that you will not do that again." The she-elf felt a long tear slide down her cheek and she nodded.

"I promise." The prince gave her a smile whilst a small tear escaped his eye. She smiled shyly back at him and he put his hand to her cheek, brushing away her tears with his thumb. He pulled her closer and gave her a tight hug, then let her go, still holding onto her arms and she still held his.

They were lost in each other's eyes and the only sound that they could hear was the pounding of the blood pumping through their bodies. Heat radiated off of them and they found comfort in it. Their smiles faded suddenly. Legolas parted his mouth the slightest and Jaimea inhaled deeply. He took one tentative step towards her and she followed his movements. Their chests touched and the elleth had to look up slightly to meet his gaze. Ever so slowly, the prince leaned down towards her and she tilted her head up. Their eyes closed and their lips brushed together slightly. Both felt their heartbeats quicken and heat sprang up where they held each other.

Legolas closed the gap completely and their lips met in a gentle kiss. Jaimea felt weak at the knees and the prince supported her by wrapping an arm around her back.

Suddenly, there was a high pitched whinny and a slap. Legolas pulled away abruptly and gazed out into the night. Without a word, he hurried back into the cave. He emerged a moment later carrying his twin daggers in hand.

"What are you doing?" Jaimea asked, frightened, but he didn't respond. He quietly left the cave and disappeared into the night.

Jaimea sat at the opening anxiously, waiting for him to return. She waited for only a few moments when she finally heard his hard breathing and he emerged through the opening.

"Legolas, what is it?" The elleth asked nervously. He turned to her with a worried face.

"Wake the others." He said, then ran into the caves shortly followed by Jaimea.

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"Norui, wake up." Legolas prodded his brother who only moaned.

"No, go away. I am still tired." He said sleepily as he swatted at the air.

"I don't care. Get up now. I need you." At this. the Crown Prince growled.

"It had better be good." He said. Norui sat up, rubbing his eyes, and Legolas backed away. His eyes slowly opened and they fixed on Legolas. He gasped. "Legolas! What are you doing up?" He hissed.

"Never mind that now. I need your help." He said, the swiftly turned and went back to the mouth of the cave. Confused, Norui grabbed the tunic he had been using as a pillow and slipped it over his body. He took a leather band from around his wrist and used it to quickly tie back his hair. Grabbing his weapons, the prince sprang from his crevice and hurried after his brother.

Legolas crouched down on the lip of the cave's mouth with Espenshade on his shoulder.

"Do you see, Espenshade?" The bird nodded, "And you know what I want you to do?" After a pause, she hissed softly and ruffled her feathers. Legolas sighed. "I know you are exhausted but I promise this will be the last time for a while." He pleaded. The falcon made an annoyed sigh and Legolas scratched her head gratefully. "Good girl."

Norui came running behind his brother, fastening the clasp on his cloak.

"What is it, Legolas?" He asked, eyeing him.

"Someone is down there."

"Who?"

"I am not sure but I think it is Lady Turwaithiel." Legolas said slowly.

"And you woke me up because…?" Norui questioned, slightly annoyed.

"She is wounded." said Legolas and the Crown Prince's eyes widened and he nodded.

"Alright. Head down there and see what you can do. I am going to wake Estel and the twins." He said, then darted back into the cave.

Norui came upon Jaimea who was trying to wake Elladan but failing miserably as she gently tapped him with a finger and whispering to him. The prince smiled.

"Let me." He said. Jaimea looked up at him and nodded, scooting away. Norui bent down to the twin's level. "Elladan, wake up." There was no response but he smirked anyway. In one quick motion, Norui flung his fist down hard of the Noldor elf's stomach, making Jaimea gasp. Elladan's eyes pinged open as he rolled onto his side in a ball, gasping for breath. The prince grinned. "And that is how you wake up Elladan." He patted Jaimea on the shoulder. "Now, do you think you can wake up Estel and Elrohir? They are much easier." At Jaimea's nod, he smiled and went off to find his brother.

Norui leapt nimbly down the cliff's front, keeping his eyes alert for Legolas. He grumbled to himself as the heavy rain stung his eyes and skin. The rocks were slippery now, hindering his movements.

Looking down over the cliff, he spotted his brother's tall form standing over something with Espenshade on his shoulder. His clothing clung to his body and his golden hair stuck to his face. Feeling it was safe, Norui leaped down the rest of the cliff and landed with a squishy thud. Legolas snapped his head around to him and motioned for him. The oldest prince jogged over to him and looked down at the form in front of him,

Turwaithiel lay on her side, unconscious. Blood stained her soft dress and there were numerous cuts and bruises on her arms and legs. Norui glanced up at his unmoving brother.

"Well, why aren't you doing anything?" Norui asked Legolas. Slowly, the young prince lifted his gaze from the woman to his brother.

"We should leave her." He stated. The oldest prince just growled.

"Legolas, you know we cannot do that. Either help me get her to the caves or just leave." Legolas glared.

"Why do you not trust me?" He hissed.

"I do trust you, Legolas, but we cannot just leave her." Norui said gently. Legolas stared into his brother's emerald eyes and nodded once.

"Fine." With that, the Crown Prince lifted the woman into his arms then headed back to the caves with Legolas in tail.

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Yay! It is done! I finished this in one night! Go me! I am still kind of 'iffy' about this chapter. I am not sure I like it.

Also, I put another glimpse of 'Call of the Red Bird' in here. Alright, I may be obsessing with it but I love that story! I can not wait to get it posted!

Okay, reviewers…

Jousting Elf with a Sabre- Oh, that is a good story idea. I know nothing of Star Wars, so I am not going to get into that. What is the story about! Lemme know and I will check it out once it is posted. Yea, there should be resentment but the story was dragging on and I needed to get the romance going. But don't worry, I will take care of that…juuust wait. There will be LOTS of Jaimea resentment. Thank you for the review!

Kitty and Kenny- Ooh, thank you! Is it really giving you the shivers? Neato! Update your story soon! Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Lasien- What did he do to me? Well…um, he won't be my boyfriend! How is that? Hehe. Of course the schools are stupid! If they weren't, they would dedicate the education system to Tolkien! YAY! Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Legolas's Girl 9- LOL! Very nice::eyes the clone: 'Ello there, Lord Legolas. You be doing anything later on tonight? Hehe. Thank you!

reyenoi- A new reader! Yay! And wow! Thank you for all of those reviews! Thank you for the suggestions. I will try to keep them in mind. Thanks for pointing that out for me. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Well, that is about it! My fingers hurt and my eyes are blurry, but it is done! YAY! Namarie, mellyn!

Until Next Time,

Manwathiel