When she slept, she was intriguing.

Her breathing was even, undisturbed, and her features peaceful and relaxed. More relaxed than she had ever been, on a journey of such danger. Her wit and alertness was needed there to keep her alive. Once in a while, a small smile would play on her face. It was a genuine smile, not the playful or mocking ones that Legolas had seen before.

But little did Legolas know, Maith Udomiel, daughter of Elrond, had been dreaming about him.

Maith's Dream:

Laughter rang through the forest, and Maith could feel the trees smile at their merriment. Sunlight wrapped itself like a mist among the woods and leaves, leaves of such green, glowing like emeralds..

Maith turned. Legolas sat on a large tree root behind her. Dusting off fallen leaves, he got up. Maith laughed and threw herself at him, and when she pulled away-he kissed her. At that moment, the ground under Maith's feet fell away and, it was just her and the elf she loved so dearly…

For some reason, when they pulled away, Legolas' eyes were full of disgust. Sharply, he turned and walked into the forest, the sky darkening behind him. Maith sank to the ground, weak with sadness and humiliation. Why had she ever thought she had a chance with Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood?

She had been a complete, utter fool.

A frown twisted at Maith's eyebrows. Legolas had a sudden urge to smooth it away but controlled himself, feeling ridiculous. A single tear started to slide down Maith's cheek, and her features suddenly registered such sadness that Legolas couldn't help but reach out and lightly brush away the drop of water with his fingers.

She trembled, and he quickly withdrew his hand. "Legolas," Maith murmured. Shocked, Legolas examined her face, thinking that she had woken. She had not.

"Legolas," Maith said again, her voice clear as ice. This time, the single word hit him like a blow. In his heart, rose a feeling he had never felt before, a feeling the three thousand year old elf could not decipher.

At that moment Maith awoke and, sitting up, absent mindedly wiped away another tear that had fallen. Her eyes focused, and she slowly took in the room she was in.

The first thing that Legolas felt was relief, then joy. But almost immediately the new unwelcome feeling came rushing back, and he found himself marveling at the elleth's beauty. His eyes traced her flawless features, the swirling raven hair that clung to her face, and the luminous deep blue eye that was now capturing his heart.

Without thinking, Legolas reached out and brushed the hair from her face, fingers lingering on her skin. Maith blinked, and a flush crept onto her pale face. Then she shook her head, as if clearing it from other thoughts, and suddenly she was the elleth Legolas knew. Strong, determined, and mocking.

"Legolas." This time her tone was steady and demanding, no longer vulnerable. "Where are we?"

"We have reached LothLorien, mellon (friend)" he replied, dismissing the waves of emotions rising in his heart, "we had to carry you." He added.

"I see," Maith said coolly, not showing any signs of guilt. "How long have I been here?"

"We only arrived yesterday," Legolas said. Why was she acting so distant? Gracefully, he rose from his chair. "Should I get the others?"

"Yes," came the reply, and Legolas turned and exited. As soon as the elf was gone, Maith buried her head in her hands. How long until she would have to tell him her feelings? How long until she could not act anymore? What would his reaction be? The dream she just had still lingered in her mind, and she shuddered at the thought of it. Strangely, too, the dream had not lessened her feelings, and Maith had woken up loving him more than ever.

Hearing voices nearing, she sat up straighter and pushed the hair out of her face, ignoring the slight ache this caused around her stomach.

"Good to see you again, little sister," Aragorn said as he rounded the corner and leaned against the door frame.

Maith could not help but wrinkle her nose at the mention of 'little sisters', but her retort was stopped short by a chorus of 'Maith's as the hobbits crowded next to her bed.

"Pippin thought you were dead," Merry declared.

"I told you that not all people that don't snore in their sleep are dead, Pippin," Sam added.

"I never thought it, I swear," Pippin's eyes were round, "I could see you were breathing! They are just messing with me!"

Maith laughed and leaned back against the cushions. "I forgive you, Pippin."

"But…" Pippin protested, but stopped short when a figure entered the room.

"Vedui (greetings), Maith," Lady Galadriel said.

"Lady Galadriel," Maith answered, inclining her head in respect.

Lady Galadriel laughed quietly, "you do not need to be so formal, mellon. I came here to see if you have recovered."

"I have," Maith answered firmly, "can I be allowed out of bed?"

"Not only that," Lady Galadriel said, "I am sure you are well enough to attend to the feast tonight, and the archery fields are left to the gardens. Legolas already knows his way here, and you can ask him for directions." She advised.

"Thank you," Maith said, "I will."

When the others had left, the elleth changed her clothes and found a dark grey cloak in a wardrobe, which she put on. Pulling her hair into a rushed plait she headed out to the gardens, for it was late and she wanted to watch the stars come out.