Totally changed this chapter so please read! The beginning is the same but the ending is an entirely different story! I'll make a new chapter this weekend, sorry for the wait! I hope you all like it! And thanks to you all!

"She had fallen, she is not well. Her mind grew heavy and she could not bear it anymore."

"Legolas. I…We haven't seen you in so long….I thought I had lost you…why have you come?"

"That is told be told later. But now she needs help. Her name is Merith. She is of Mirkwood. She ran away from home and asked of my guidance here. I do not know what she plans of. I trust you can care for her, Arwen?"

The girl was light in his arms and her face was serene. She was quite beautiful as she laid still, nothing but her looks to define her. Her silky caramel locks twisted along his forearm, having fallen out of her braid. Her eyelids hid eyes of a peculiar shade. He had noticed earlier that the colors fluttered much like the leaves about, changing into different shades of green in each light. Her muscles had relaxed and the worry had disappeared from her smooth, childlike face. Youth still lay upon her. She processed such rare features to Mirkwood that he could not help but stare.

He hadn't taken in how she looked to this moment, and he felt guilty for ignoring her upon the trip. Perhaps if he would have paid attention, her green eyes would shine bright and she would be standing tall. Instead, her skin had sunken to a milky shade and her heart beat slow and light, much like the soft patter of drizzling rain.

"How did she come across the injury?" Arwen took the young elf from his arms and carried her to the nearest bed.

"She fell off her horse." He didn't know whether to stay or not. He felt responsible for her yet he knew she would be unclothed and washed. This would not bother him except he knew she would not want to be exposed.

"Thank you. I shall take it from here. Aragorn is in the main hall if you wish to see him. I knew he ventured to you, yet he spoke of leaving you in a different form." The last words were catiously spoken.

"Yes well, I am better now, thank you."

"Are you staying? Do you wish for me to alert you when she wakes?"

"Yes, I think I should stay for her sake. Yet I know nothing but her name and of the burdens she carries."

"You did what was right, Legolas. She is in healers hands now." Arwen looked kindly upon him, not knowing how to interact. She did not know how his state was and she was working fragile around it. Legolas nodded back at her in glassy confusion and left the room.

Legolas needed to reach Aragorn. This girl had caused much trouble to him and yet he didn't even know her. But Aragorn did. Legolas strode to the main hall, white marble reflecting under his feet. Rivendell's serenity made him want to make home in the beautiful place. The leaves always danced in the gentle breeze, choreographed to the floral scents that took you as you walked by. Many years ago, he had entered these same halls to go to the council. He had represented his people, he had represented his father. He had stood in front of them all, decided his life and skill to all of Middle Earth. What had changed? He still shared the same life he had back then. He still kept an oath, didn't he? Legolas quickened his pace to Aragorn.

They embraced each other strongly as they met in the middle of the room. Laughter echoed through the halls and they broke apart, not wanting to prolong the moment into awkwardness.

"Legolas, my friend! You are back! And early!"

"Aragorn, I promised my life to these lands and my fellowship. As I stand here still living, I have a promise to fulfill." Legolas couldn't help but grin as his attempt to be serious.

"And here I thought you just wanted to see the wedding! Arwen will be greatly saddened." The old friends flowed back into their old, casual, conversing ways. Aragorn told Legolas of the plans for the ceremony (to be held outside by the rivers edge) and in turn, Legolas started his tale.

"She's here now? Lady Merith?" Aragorn looked astonished that the information had got past him.

"Yes. She demanded me to escort her here but grew weary of her mind, causing her to fall from her horse. I brought her to Arwen immediately."

"And my future wife is already keeping secrets from me!" The men laughed at the joke until Aragorn realized what Legolas had said.

"Wait, you escorted her here? After she demanded you to? I had yet to meet a women to break your stubbornness but lo and behold, she lay resting in my very own home."

"No...it's not...I don't..." His faced trickle soft pink as he flustered over words. Aragorn's booming voice spread laughter echoing again.

"What I meant to say was that I know nothing of her, she is complete stranger. And the only reason he showed her here was so I could get to you. I needed to tell you that everything you said was of truth and I am still at your service, king Aragorn." Merith disappeared from his mind as he remembered his motives. He did not know why she confused him so much. Surely it was her odd troubles and dealings. He still did not approve of her and her own head strong ways. Wait, why was she in my mind at all. We only met four days go. I should have no opinion at all until I fully understand her. It would be unfair to dislike her now.

Aragorn nodded at him, waiting for the rest of the story.

"So after I showed her the way and managed to arrive, I have a favor to ask. Could I stay in the palace till the wedding? Mirkwood's people, as much as they are my own, do tend to overwhelm."

"It would be my pleasure to have you. But may I ask what is going to happen with Merith?"

"I do not know why this trip was of urgency; we shall have to wait till she awakens."

"Yes indeed. She was invited to the wedding but it is early to arrive. I myself don't know why she'd come here. Anyway, I'll have Leinatte show you a room; I do remember you being quite fond of her?" Aragorn nudged Legolas but he was cold in return.

"You know I have yet to experience anything of fondness towards a maiden. As much as I am happy for you, Brother, I've come to terms that I have lived over thousand years and have no love of my own."

"Now Legolas, I think you are very handsome elf. Besides, you'll find your day. Now get settled. Make yourself at home. I must be off."

Legolas was slightly angered that Aragorn took his predicament as a joke. Yes, he had tasted most adventures but love had always been missing. Girls had been taken by his looks and status but never by his heart. And eventually those girls grew to realize true love and even his appearance couldn't attract a maiden. Not that he would want it that way yet he had felt too alone for too long. The other elves his age already had children circling at their knees while his family was of one. This deeply saddened him though he knew he couldn't rush it.

"Mr. Greenleaf, your room is ready." Leinatte appeared next to him, her soft face smooth in the dim lighting. The two had become acquainted one night when he had been ill during a family visit. He liked her genuine kindness but she seemed very empty minded. It was most liked due to the fact that she served everybody but herself throughout the days.

Legolas gladly followed her to his favorite room overlooking the river. The water pranced along the rocks and the familiarity of the entire city warmed him. He set down his pack and crossed over to the balcony. Gentle and fair, the evening breeze brushed across him face. Maybe he could spare a few hours outside.

Pulling the arrow taught, Legolas felt a shift in the wind. He aimed the arrow at a far of tree, attempting to place it in the center of a twisting knot. Deylia nuzzled the grass nearby, searching for a patch to eat. He released the arrow, observing as it stuck a few millimeters away from the center. He drew another, this time striking the bull's-eye.

"One the second try, you used to split the arrow." Arwen's light voice came from behind him and he turned as she approached, yet not before sending a glare at his shots.

"I suspected you'd be out here. And so I must ask…Are you truly ok now, Legolas? I do not like to see my friends suffer."

Legolas glanced at the ground, disliking confrontation. When he looked back up into her eyes of blue glass, his face was laid in stone.

"Yes, I am indeed. I just needed to realize why I was still here and what my purpose was." Arwen nodded, letting her breathe go. Legolas had not realized she had been holding it.

"I'm glad. Yet that is not the reason I have disrupted you. Your companion has awakened and I know we would all like to understand her more. Would you accompany me to visit her? Aragorn is in council."

"I don't see why not," he sighed through his teeth. He did want to know what her future held as much as she troubled him. The two followed the path back to the palace and he felt as Arwen took his hand. Her warm touch surprised him and he almost pulled away. Long years had passed since any women had cared for him. He knew it was only friendship and he should not be fooled but he allowed himself to feel happy. She was polite towards him since childhood, even though their visits were rare in time. She what always been his favorite elf to see. She was brash, adventurous, and yet still could act lady like in time. And now she belonged to Aragorn. But his feelings for her never crossed into more than friends so he was grateful for their joy. But her smooth skin melted perfectly into his own. Then she gentled squeezed his palm and let go. The warmth that had tickled his flesh disappeared. The moment was over.

They climbed into the old brick and knocked on a tiring willow door. A quiet voice behind it welcomed them in. When Legolas entered, he immediately saw the difference in her appearance. The fallen leaves had returned to her eyes and her skin once again shone bright. She caught his stare and he quickly let go.

"I…I'm glad you are better, Lady Merith. You gave me quite a scare," he managed. She looked back up at him and the ever familiar confusion had appeared.

"Where…where…where am I? What happened? Who are you?" Legolas knew her mind needed time to reawake so he expected this reaction. Before he could answer, Arwen smoothed her discomfort.

"You are in Rivendell. You came unexpectedly but not unwelcomed. You fell off your horse outside our gates and Legolas carried you in. I know you are still weary but could you manage to tell us why you have come?" Arwen's tone could heal by itself. The maiden's face flashed many emotions and then she started to shake.

"I left my parents, didn't I? I've left home…I left my family…oh!" Her breath unevenly fluctuated, tears beginning to fall unto her young face. Arwen wrapped around her and the girl started to shake as the effects of her decisions came into realization. Legolas turned away in discomfort, not able to watch the scene. He felt too close to the situation and did not need to carry more burdens. The girl could not hold herself together and he couldn't be there as she fell apart. It was too close to his own time.

Merith barely felt as the warm arms wrapped around her. What had she done? What had she caused? Her head was too heavy to lift. Her body did not feel like her own. The entire moment felt as if she was a stranger. The lady around her started to hum in a melancholy tone and she felt her breath began to settle. The fair lady had an effect on her mind and soothed her fear. Merith knew that she should know her name but could not pull out the memory. In fact, she could not pull out any memory. The soft music flooded her mind, washing away all that had existed. Why was she here? She glanced up into the eyes colored of rain and the women's lips began to move in a slow, careful fashion.

"I don't think you remember my name do you?" Merith nodded slightly.

"I am Arwen. I introduced myself earlier. Do you know why you are here?"

"I…I think I should but I've lost it again…Wait…did I leave my parents? What have I done?"

Arwen sighed, knowing this reaction was inevitable. While she was sleeping, Arwen had gone deep into her past. She did not think Merith knew of the troubles that lay upon her. The young maiden began to shake again, then slowly stopped, her eyes rolling into a glaze. Silence settled for a moment, and the elleth lay frozen.

"Where am I?" The innocence in her voice cut into Arwen's heart. She knew what she must do for the girl.

"Lady Merith, I need you to trust me. You need to take drink this. It will help calm your mind. Do you trust me?"

"I don't know you. Where are my parents? What have I done?"

"Merith, I am Arwen. I will explain everything to you after you drink this." Arwen felt weak as she passed the silver vial over. Merith parents had approved, they had said it was the best. But Arwen felt traitorous. She did not know what to do after the silk liquid poisoned the memories in her mind. She did not know what to replace them with.

Merith took the small bottle in her hands, glancing up at the calm face. She had nothing left. Her mind kept betraying her and she didn't know what was real. But the moment felt sincere around her and she tipped the bottle's content into her mouth. She choked as the icy liquid dripped down her throat. Then her mind recalled a faraway detail. The medicine smelled of the kind her healer trained had used. She couldn't recall the name but she remembered what the trainer had said.

"And this, this shall wash away everything your mind ever had." Startled, Merith jerked her eyes back to Arwen but it was too late. For the third time in her life, she couldn't reach the surface.

Legolas felt a stir inside of him as she had cried but could not stop himself as he stepped out of the door, crossing into the hallway. He started to feel a rising within him and leaned against a wall for support. The sorrowful sounds carrying near ended and Legolas' breathing flattened out to a normal pace. Moments passed and he stayed where he was. He did not know what was happening inside the walls but the hour began to stretch thin. Arwen finally stepped out of the room to confront him.

"You used the Mirona, didn't you?" Arwen did not directly answer his

"Legolas, I told her of whom you were and what you did for her. All she knows so far is her name. Her parents told me to tell her that she was lost when you found her and we knew nothing of her. Her entire past has been erased. Her parents left for the undying lands yesterday." A tear slid down Arwen's pale face. "She wants to thank you and ask you some questions." Peering back down into the entrance, he saw as the girl gently sat, cradled by the blankets.

"She has too asked to stay so I must be off to inform my father. Please, she's free of her burdens now." Legolas nodded at Arwen and she left off to the council. Slowing gliding back to the room, he straightened out his form, regaining mental strength. Why was he so scared of her? Legolas feigned a warm smile at her as he stepped through the frame. She smiled back, her body changing position to talk to him.

"Hello. Are you Legolas?" He nodded back at her. She was still smiling and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

"I just wanted to thank you for finding me. Arwen said that you saved me? I don't remember this but I trust her." The Elvin language flowed out of her and he forgot of the powers of Mirona. It had taken centuries to develop the serum that would erase memories of the heart but not knowledge of the brain.

"I apologize but I know nothing else. I was wondering if you could tell me?"

Legolas knew he could not tell her the truth for her mind would not be able to accept it but the words fought hard to escape. He cleared his throat and began to improvise.

"I found you stumbling through the woods of Mirkwood. You said your parents had left for the Undying lands but you were not ready to go. You didn't tell me where you were from because you fainted and fell off your horse. I am sorry, that is all I know." Mirona had a permanent affect and she could never regain the memories.

"You know nothing of my past?" She looked sad, as if he was her last hope.

"Arwen does. If she has not told you yet, I respect her wishes to wait. I am sure she has reason. You should get some rest." The elleth's smile slid off her face and a dark cloud rose around her.

"I do not need rest. I need to know what happened to me." Her tone was sharp and Legolas was a little surprised. But he kept his stature and continued on.

"I shall get Lady Arwen for you if you wish." She nodded defiantly towards him and he left to collect her. Arwen stood outside, staring into the leaves.

"Arwen, I told her you knew of her past. I am sorry, but she wouldn't rest till she found something out." She turned to him with a look of understanding.

"I know. I have to tell her some of her story. It's the only way for her to move on for this state of confusion." Arwen sighed deeply and followed him back to her room. Merith sat up intently as the two entered.

"Please, tell me all you know."

Arwen sat down on a chair next to the bed. "I can only explain everything I have learned. The rest…Well I'm afraid you will have to forget the rest and accept that they are gone." Merith nodded, waiting for her to continue. Legolas studied the exchange, not knowing what information Arwen possessed and which she would be willing to tell.

"You are Merith. Your parents left to the undying lands and did not wish for you to find them so they left no other information but a mere story to help you understand. They asked me to give you Mirona. This was their choice yet I believed it would medically help you. They said your mother was originally a human. She was attacked by a man and left broken and dying, now pregnant. The man had been a prince from a foreign region, we do not know where. He saw her walking when he was drunk, with her uncommon beauty and set upon her. He attacked her and when she refused to make love to him, he beat her then…he forced himself on her. Then, she was thrown down on the pavement. Her injuries drifted her in and out of conciseness. No body found her for the man had forced her into the woods. Mandos drew near her but saw the crimes committed on her. He saw the evil in the world that had been occurring. The prince mysteriously disappeared and your mother was granted a new life, a life as an elf. It was the only way for no one to recognize her, the only way to start new. He sensed you inside her, barely holding on and you were granted the same. You are indeed an elf but Mandos could not change your mind and the locks the human races held in it. Anyway, your mother was sent to an elf village where you were born. Then she met your father and they fell in love, getting married soon after. She told everyone that she had adopted you, not wanted to explain the mess. Although she did love you Merith, you were a constant reminder of that night. It pained her greatly and she was often scared of a reoccurrence. She and your Ada left for the undying lands. That is all I know. I know not of your home but you are welcome to stay here."

The words slid out in a sorrow and rest heavy upon the group. Legolas did not know of her creation and felt pity coming out for her. The girl sat in silence, the words suffocated her with their content. Arwen looked pained as if she had never listed the past. The truth could cut just as deep as lies. Arwen muttered her last words.

"If you have any more questions, I can always help." The girl still sat in silence. Then ever so softly, she spun words that clung to her, not sure if they wanted to be heard.

"I think I do indeed need to rest now." Then she put her head on her pillow, ending the conversation. Arwen draped the blanket across her, opened the window and signaled for them to both leave.

"Legolas, I think it would be healthy for her if we stopped by often. She needs interaction. That is, if you are up to it? I would never want to make you…"

"No, it is fine. You have a wedding soon. And I need to return the favor of your hospitality."

"Thank you Legolas. The maids will bring her meals but perhaps you could stop in tomorrow and explain that you can help her?"

"Yes, I will do that. Perhaps I could give her a tour of the grounds."

"Yes, it would be great for her to get out of bed. Just remember she will still be confused. Please be patient." He nodded and returned to his room, trying not to think too much. He knew that the elleth would be confused and it was the right thing to do to help her. He had no other obligations and perhaps it would help him get back into life. She did not know anyone and could use someone to be there. I can man up enough to be acquaintances with the girl. It's not that hard of a task. I just need to acquaint her with the world, answer her questions. He needed to stop feeling his own pain. Perhaps this would distract him. And maybe she wasn't so bad. Mirona didn't erase personality. Perhaps hers was good. Perhaps he could get to know her. I shall give her a chance.

He stripped of his clothes and stepped into the bath. As the hot water consumed him, he tried to act as if it washed away much more than five years of dirt. He trimmed his hair and put on a new pair of clothes, drastically changing his appearance. The years of worry had suddenly disappeared behind the cleanliness. Perhaps it was not as hard as he thought. Perhaps he could start new too. He had been tempted to sip the Mirona but he knew he couldn't. He could never forgive himself. He would need to find the strength in himself to make the memories disappear instead of drowning them with someone else's creation. The scars of war were still slashed across his skin but they lay hidden under the fabric. He could not see them until he would wash off another day. But for now, they were hidden, hidden at last.

Now I am done! And so Aragorn doesn't know about the Mirona (made it up) yet, just saying ;) and I still don't know who all will attend the infamous wedding. We'll see! It's coming closer. If you want me to incorperate any favorite characters, just comment! I wish Haldir was still alive :( R&R