Note: Usual disclaimers. I hope you enjoy this chapter of damage control.

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Legolas walked back to his chambers after visiting with Gimli. The dwarf was adjusting to his surroundings and decided to stay a few extra days before continuing onto the Lonely Mountain. But the elf could not help thinking about what was plaguing Merenwen, so he confided in his friend.

On his way, he took notice of an elf sitting on the floor. It was a curious place to find someone. He stopped and bent down to see that it was Merenwen sitting on the floor. In the dim light, he could see that her eyes were slightly unfocused.

"Only you would choose the most unusual place to fall asleep in," he sighed, picking her up and starting back to his rooms.

"Why?"

Legolas looked down at the she-elf in his arms and could see that she was awake.

"Why what?"

"Why did I forget them? I purposely did so. How could I?" she asked out loud as she was placed on her feet.

"You could not help what happened, Merenwen."

"But why did I forget? I do not understand."

Legolas looked back in his own memory, barely remembering when his mother left for Valinor.

"There are a number of possible explanations. We cannot know the reasons behind everything."

"But it has been so long. I have been alive for centuries, and I choose to remember now?"

"I know it does not make any sense, but please do not fret over this. I cannot bear to see you tormenting yourself."

"Maybe I deserve the torment."

"Do not say that. I swear you place so much on yourself that it is driving you crazy. I want you to stop it right now. You have no reason to torment yourself over such things," he said, opening the door to his chambers.

"It is not driving me crazy."

"Well, at any rate, it does bother you. I wish to speak with you about it." He placed a hand at her waist and urged her into his rooms and over to his bedchamber.

Merenwen sat down on his soft bed of a deep forest green. "What do you wish to say to me?"

Legolas walked over to the fireplace and stared into the fire.

"I do not know what this will do to us. Things will be complicated now that we know you are of noble birth."

"It does not have to."

"It will. You will not able to wander about where you please. You will have duties…I fear that it will not be beneficial for you. You've grown with duties to no one. I do not want this to change who I've known."

"It won't"

"Stop denying it," he snapped, turning dark eyes on her.

"I deny nothing," she answered, grasping a bedpost as she watched him pace before her. "I know this will complicate things some, but I will not let it change who I am." She reached out and grasped his arm, stopping him from pacing. "I know not what will happen, but I know this – I love you. I always will. I do not care of I am noble or not; it will not keep me from you."

"Do you really think that my father will let you give up what you are?"

"He is wise. I do not fear what he will say. If I would be nobility and have my past but end up without you, then I would rather be an orphan who still had your love."

Legolas sat next to her and took her hands in his own. "You have my love. But I do not want to deny you your rightful heritage."

"You would not deny me it. Perhaps I do not want to deal with all those rights and duties by myself."

"But I've told you that you are not by yourself."

"I mean without my family, who already knew what I do not."

He finally understood what she meant. She did not want to face the status that she did not grow up with, not knowing what to do. Station never mattered to her, but it was not the way things worked. Because she was so used to not being placed anywhere, it was frightening to have new expectations.

He caressed her hands with his own before kissing and releasing them. "I understand your fear. Would you feel better speaking with Ada?"

She nodded.

"Fine. You can see him tomorrow, and I am sure that he will be happy to assist you."

Merenwen smiled at him before lying back and looking up at the highly carved stone ceiling. Closing her eyes, she allowed her mind to drift until a kiss brought her back to her physical surroundings.

"I cannot watch you wander without me," Legolas said, smiling as he fingered the cords around the waist of her dress.

"Then what is holding you back?" she asked, pulling him to her by reaching for the fastenings on his tunic.