Perplexities of Growing Up

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the places or characters used here except for Náriël-I did invent her, and if she resembles anyone else's character in anyway, im sorry- not done on purpose. Everything else belongs to Tolkien.

A/N: Yay! I got reviews! I'm so glad you guys liked it! That makes me very happy : ) Anyway, just wanted to let you all know, now on to the story.

Chapter 2

POV: Náriël

I never knew that opening ones eyes could be such hard work. As I struggled to do so, I felt my head pounding and pain shooting up throughout my entire body.

'What the hell happened?!'

I wanted to scream out, but couldn't even find my voice.

When I finally managed to open my eyes, they were greeted with a fairly pleasant sight...FAIRLY pleasant...regardless of just how good he looked, he was still my enemy at the moment.

I wasn't going back with out a fight! I just couldn't...but this elf...I don't think I have ever seen him in the guard before...I wonder who he is...

POV: Legolas

I noticed the young elleth struggling to open her eyes, and once she managed to do so, clear confusion was written all over her face.

'I wonder just how hard she had hit her head...'

My thoughts trailed off as my sensitive ears picked up a small whimper that emanated from the girl.

I was curious to know who what in the world had happened to her; what could have prompted her to be in the woods all by herself?

Being the inquisitive elf that I am, I decided to voice these curiosities allowed. However, until I knew more about the situation, I couldn't let her know that I knew who she was.

"What is your name my lady? And where do you hail from?" I sternly demanded.

In response, she only blinked a few times and stared up at me inquiringly.

'What the hell?! Does she not remember how to speak? Does she not understand me? Maybe she did hit her head pretty hard after all...' Author's POV:

Náriël looked up at Legolas as she struggled to decide whether to tell him who she was or not.

She decided upon the later. Instead, she thought she'd interrogate him...

Still feeling slightly woozy, she took a deep breath, and with a shaky voice, she spoke aloud.

"Who are you...my lord?"

Legolas knitted his eyebrows in frustration.

'And here I thought I was the one asking the questions!'

"Legolas, but you have yet to tell me who you are."

'Legolas? Now why does that name sound so familiar? I'm sure I have heard it before...' she thought.

"My name is Náriël and I hail from Rivendell."

"Well then, I suppose that's quite lucky for you, seeing as how I'm headed there myself." Just for formality, he added, "I would be happy to escort you back."

"NO!! I mean, I...uhhh...I...I'm going to Mirkwood right now...so I won't be needing a ride to Rivendell"

It was so obvious to Legolas that she was lying through her teeth. He smirked.

"Well then were is your escort? I find it highly unlikely that the Lord would allow a child such as yourself to travel on her own, and such a long distance as well."

He could sense the anger building up in the girl. She was clearly fighting from just lashing out at him. For some odd reason, he found this very amusing.

Turning away from Legolas, Náriël gave a loud, unlady-like snort.

"I don't need an escort. And I most certainly don't need the Lord's permission to go."

The contempt her tone of voice held was chilling.

Legolas sighed. For now he'd let this go. There were more pressing matters at hand.

Her wounds were still bleeding, and she hadn't even thanked him for helping her.

"My lady," he began, "It would seem that you still have some open wounds. Let me at least assist you there."

She looked down and for the first time, noticed the blood trickling down her leg. She also noticed where her injuries were and felt her face grow hot as she pictured Legolas touching her there.

She was glad at that moment that her back was to him.

Trying to hide her embarrassment she answered, "You can't be serious?! Have some decency!! There is no way I will allow you to do that."

Legolas rolled his eyes.

"Fine. Then just take these and go clean up yourself."

He walked over to his horse and took out some bandages and a wash cloth, handing them to the still slightly pink girl before him.

Náriël grabbed the offering and stomped to the river.

Legolas almost laughed aloud at the sight of her. For no matter how hard she tried to stomp, it just wouldn't work with her injured foot. So the scene before him was rather comical.

Suddenly, she spun around and looked at Legolas before practically shouting at him.

"Well?! Turn around will you?!"

"Hn!" he snorted back in response, then turned his back on the river.

'That girl sure is feisty, no wonder she's named Náriël' he thought.

About 15 minutes later, Náriël came back up from the river and seated herself beneath a giant Magnolia tree.

She was tired, hungry and upset. But she'd never admit it. No, she was too proud and stubborn to do that.

Noticing that she had returned Legolas quietly came up and sat down beside her.

'Well, I suppose this is a good a time as any to find out what's really going on.'

With that thought, Legolas turned to Náriël.

"So what are you REALLY doing out here by yourself? And what happened to you? You're hurt pretty badly."

She sighed and looked back at him.

"I got chased by a Warg. I wasn't watching where I was going, and fell down a cliff full of thorns. Hence my appearance and injuries."

"I see, but you've failed to answer my first question my lady."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't remember what it was." She looked up at him innocently.

'I'm sure she doesn't.'

"I had asked you why you were actually out here by yourself in the first place."

"Oh, that."

"Yes THAT."

He was quickly loosing his patience. She was obviously playing dumb, and it annoyed him to no end.

"I have my reasons," she answered cryptically.

"Well fine then. But regardless of whether you're going to tell me or not, I'm taking you back to Rivendell. I simply can't just leave you here."

"Sure you can. It's easy. Just climb on your horse, and gallop away –without me."

Legolas stared at her. Her mockery was not appreciated. By this time he had had enough.

POV: Náriël

Legolas sneered at me. Then, he stood up and walked over to his horse. He packed up the medical supplies and just when I thought he was about to get on and leave me be, he turned to face me.

I was several yards away from and the look that he had on his face was slightly unnerving, despite the distance.

He stood up straight and squared his shoulders. Then, with quick, fluid and confident steps, he walked up to me. By this time I had scrambled to my feet, ready to run –or hobble rather –away from him.

But for some reason, I couldn't move. My feet seemed glued to the ground and I couldn't tear my eyes away from his.

His deep blue orbs were enchanting; I didn't even blink.

He was so close to me and I could smell the foresty scent of the woods mixed with a subtle hint of flowers coming from his body.

I could hardly breathe.

That is until he swiftly knelt down and picked me up bridal style.

With that, he carried me to his horse. Quickly realizing what was going on, I began to thrash about in retaliation.

'How dare he?! Who the hell does he think he is that he can just tell me to do something and I must obey, and if not, he'll make me do it anyway?! I mean really, does he think he's the prince of Mirkwood or something?!'

"Let me go you bastard!!!"

I began to scream profanities at him, not caring whether I kept up the polite lady-like appearance anymore or not.

He seemed slightly startled at the obscene words flying out of my mouth and quickly stopped in his tracks.

POV: Legolas

'Did I just here her correctly? Did she just call me a bastard?! So much for that proper young lady' I thought sourly.

Sighing, I stopped and looked her in the eye. "Well maybe if you gave me a good reason as to why I shouldn't take you back to Rivendell, I won't."

She looked back up at me with a fire in her eyes.

"Fine."

Good, so I might finally find out what's going on. She better not lie to me...after all those years of being a warrior and having to interrogate creatures, I could spot a lie when I heard one.

I set Náriël down on her feet and she immediately plopped down to the ground.

I sat facing her and waited for her to begin her story...

A/N: Well that's it for now, ill start the next chapter when ever I feel like writing...but don't worry, I wont take too long. lol. Anyway, don't forget to review this story please! And id like to thank all those ppl that reviewed my last chapter! One more thing, im sorry if the change in POV is a bit confusing, but is being really stupid and wont let me put in the little star things to make things less confusing. its REALLY annoying and i only noticed now, so sorry if that was kinda odd for the last chapter too.

Náriël = passion in Elvish.

Thunderlover: yay! You're my first reviewer EVER! Doesn't that make you feel special?

White Roses for me?: ok...what's a mary sue? I mean, ive heard that term used before, but I have no idea what it means ..;; Also, I do believe I mentioned that she was running away from a Warg. If not, I meant to...but I think I did...and id be happy to look over your story : )

Myri78: I put babysitting in quotes for a reason ; )

Nash, lildoe, and F.A. Star Hawk: thank you!