Chapter 5
Mirkwood

It was ten days later when Legolas finally allowed me to get out of the bed and go outside. He and Aragorn had been taking turns staying with me during the day. Legolas always stayed in the same room as me every night.

I loved to talk to Aragorn. He had the air of youth that only humans really have. They have such a love of adventure.

He told me stories about himself and his brothers that had adopted him just as much as Lord Elrond had. They picked on him a lot, from what he had told me. He also told me about the she-elf he was in love with. Arwen was her name.

The human also started to teach me some history and geography after I asked him to.

The other thing that was so great about Aragorn was that he let me get out of bed. Legolas did not.

Still, I valued my time with Legolas more so than Aragorn. He was more serious, but still just as playful as the ranger could be.

Legolas asked me what I knew about my father and sister. I did not know very much, but he still swore that he would find them.

One day, I had the nerve to ask him to let me leave the room. I pleaded with him for quite a while before he agreed. He sent in a maid to help me dress and not hurt my bruises.

The maid came in with a dark green dress. It flowed in layers down to my feet and the fabric was light. It fit well; it was tight enough to show some of my curves, but loose enough not to hurt me. The maid fussed with my hair. I let her; I was too excited to get annoyed. Finally, she gave me shoes and let me leave.

When I entered the hallway, Legolas was waiting for me. He smiled, then opened his mouth and closed it again. The prince stood there for a moment, then offered me the cloak he held in his hand.

I fastened it around my neck. "What would you like to see?" Legolas asked.

"Show me this kingdom, outside the palace. Show me places you like to be and places where your people work." I answered.

"Alright. Come with me." He offered me his arm and I looped mine around his.

When we exited the palace doors, the cool air quickly took hold of us. It was comfortable, but I was glad for the cloak.

"I will bring you to the market first. Someone is always there, and there are so many things there. I am sure you will find something you would like, food or otherwise." He said as we passed through the gates. "I am sure we will find some of my friends there as well."

"What else are you going to show me?" I implied.

"Hmm... I can bring you to the gardens; the archery range is just off of the side of them. I will bring you to the stables as well; we have many fine horses. Ah, I have a surprise for the last place." He smiled mysteriously. "Come Estelwen, we have much to see."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I loved the market. It was the first time I had remembered being at one. Little stands were everywhere. They had everything from fruit and flowers to bows and swords. Legolas seemed to take delight in my excitement. I left the market with a rose. A little she-elf, who was only as tall as my knee gave it to me. It seemed as though Legolas often came to the market. He addressed most everyone by name. They spoke to him and asked about Strider since he had not been there as often as usual. Legolas smiled and told them that he had been taking care of an ill friend during most of the day.

The next stop was the gardens. They were full of the most beautiful flowers. Most I had never seen. There was every color I could think of. "That rose you have looks lonely. I think you may need a few more flowers." He brought me all around the garden and picked out all different ones of many different colors. Very soon, my hands were full.

We found Aragorn at the archery range. He was surprised to see that Legolas had let me out. He boasted that he knew all the names of the flowers that rested in my arm. Of course, Legolas claimed that Aragorn had no idea what he was talking about. Aragorn did well enough, until he got to two on the outside circle. He had no idea. Legolas snickered. "Fine, I give up." Aragorn said. Legolas teased Aragorn. I laughed. I told Aragorn that he still had to come in the morning for my history lesson, then hugged him goodbye. I could almost swear that I saw a frown on Legolas's lips.

Legolas next brought me to the horse stable. We walked in silence, only stopping to pet or feed a horse here and there. I was starting to become tired. Having been in bed for so long and having not worked, I did not have much endurance. "Come," he said. "I have one thing more to show you."

The prince led me to a long path leading through the forest back toward the palace. I decided to ask him a question as we walked. "Legolas, I was wondering, the room I am in, it is not just a guest room, is it?"

"No, indeed not." Was his response.

"Well," I encouraged.

"It is my room. Do not protest. I felt horrible for the way we treated you when we found you. Also, I knew you would be most comfortable there. It is also close to the entrance to the kitchens and the servants' chambers. Aragorn's room is just two over. My room is close to everything. I thought it would be a good idea if Aragorn were close by too, in case his healing skills were again needed. I will not change your room, so do not even ask." He explained. His last statement cut off my idea to try and give him his room back.

I simply shook my head and smiled. "Thank you." I responded sincerely.

"May I ask you and question now?" Legolas asked.

"Of course. Go ahead."

"Do you . . . do you like Aragorn?" He questioned sounding unsure.

"Well yes. He is a wonderful person. He is very smart and funny as well-"

"No, not like that. I mean have you feelings for him? Feelings more than that of a friend?" He interrupted.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Never mind. I-"

"No, not never mind." I interrupted this time. I stopped walking and took his arm, so he would be forced to face me. "Do you think I am in love with him Legolas?" I asked, the meaning of his question dawning on me. I saw in his eyes that he thought I might. "Why would you think such a thing?"

"He and you are together for so long every day. You talk about him a lot. When I saw you hug him at the ranges, I just thought . . ."

"No. I do not love him. No more than I love-loved my brother anyway." The thought of my brother made tears some to my eyes and choked me up.

"I am sorry. Do not cry, Estelwen. Please." He pulled me toward him. "Come. We have a while to go yet." He said when I stopped crying.

Legolas and I walked for only a little while longer before we came to a small cliff. We followed the path so we were on top of the rock ledge. The prince sat down with his back against another flat rock. He motioned for me to sit next to him. I did, and wrapped the cloak tighter around my body to keep myself warm.

"Are you cold?" Legolas asked.

"Only a little." I responded. Legolas folded his legs up and pulled me onto his lap. He wrapped his cloak around me as well. His arms rested encircling my waist as he held the fabric in place.

"This is what I wanted you to see." He said. I fell asleep before the sun had completely set. But, before I had completely gone to sleep, I heard him. I love you, Estelwen

My last conscience thought was I love you too.