Hey people! If you're an old reader and haven't read my revised chapter five, DO IT! Because you need to for the plot!

Thanks again to all my followers and reviewers. You make me happy every time!

And sorry if you guys don't like this chapter, but I really like the next one I'm working on!

And everybody should review! Because I'm thinking of writing another story after this (this is my first) so I like feedback or suggestions

TWO DAYS LATER

Sun slithered through the crack in the window, leaking onto Legolas' face. He had slept for the first time in days and he felt the energy return within him. Legolas sat up and walked over to the bathroom, splashing water on his face. It soaked into his skin, refreshing his senses. Then he dressed in his tunic and left for breakfast.

When he arrived to the table, he found Arwen sitting alone.

"Aragorn left to the kingdom. He won't be back until the day before the wedding."

He chuckled; amused at the way she knew the questions that lay upon his tongue. Legolas had known Arwen for centuries, their families often coming in contact in the royal division. Arwen had liked to challenge him to sword fights, wanting to prove her worth. They would fight as their fathers held council, laughing with their child swords. Then they would rest, talking about their lives in comparison. Both being children of the kings, they often wound similarities. Then, Legolas went into training and the meetings became less frequent. Arwen, growing into her prime age, was busied with other tasks. The two were left apart for many years until the fellowship was established.

"Actually Arwen, I was going to ask how your morning was." The two laughs harmonized into a melodic tune and Legolas sat down next to her. The breakfast was superfluous yet comfortable for the mood.

"I was going to stop by her room after this. I know you are very busy. Nine days left, isn't it?"

"Yes. And there is much more to do."

"Is it a private wedding?"

"Yes. But we must make an appearance later for technically, I will become the queen. There is a ceremony for that too. It's funny, our two races falling into one." A sweet smile played upon her face. Legolas couldn't help but mirror. Yet somewhere in his being was an awkward feel. He did not know where it came from or why it was there. He turned his head in disgust as he recognized it.

"Are you ok, Legolas?" Her soft voice carried concern and he felt guilt sink into him. He wasn't allowed to think that way. It was his friends' days to be happy, not his to pity himself. He still had time to find…that equilibrium.

"Yes, I am. But I think I will be going now, Merith will probably be waking soon and into confusion." He hastily sat up and left the room. He felt his breath return as he distanced himself from her. Arwen had been his first female friend in life. He had grown to care for her, to cherish the moments they spent. He had not known what he had felt towards her until he had convinced himself that there was nothing there. Yet he never felt as if he were resolved.

FLASHBACK

"Is this how you do it?" Legolas sat behind Arwen, his fingers tangled in her hair. Her back began to shake as her laughter echoed on the trees.

"How about I do it myself then?"

"It's just that you're shaking too much. If you'd stop, I could finish." He gave in anyway, letting go of the mess he had made. Arwen quickly braided her hair back into a twist.

"I could have done better if you wouldve let me."

Arwen turned to nudge him and he pulled her down as he swayed. They fell to the ground, shrieking into the sky.

"Ok, ok. You win!" Arwen stood up, shaking the dirt off her tunic. She was dressed in her huntress outfit, the one her father had reluctantly bought. Her father knew he'd have to give into her begging, hoping it wouldn't last. He trusted Legolas not to harm her and let the two fight together. He knew Legolas would never get too serious.

"Here, help me with my armor." Legolas gently lifted the metal down on her, his cool hands brushing against her neck. She turned to face him, smiling in thanks. Then she pulled out her sword and swung towards him. He countered and they began to dance to the clashing metal .When they finished, they both walked back to the commons. Legolas kept glancing up at her and she returned the actions with a questioning look.

"Sorry. It's just…I've never had a friend who was a girl. It's…different. In a good way! Because weve been friends for so long. And…I really care for you Arwen."

"Well friends usually care for each other, Legolas." She smiled at him until she caught his glance. "Wait…that's what we are right? Just friends?"

"Oh, of course! It's just different, that's all." He tried to smile back but felt his heart sink a little. But what did he expect? He knew it wasn't love…But he didn't know of anyone else he'd rather be with. The friendship was so strong that the connection he held with her was indescribable. But they would be parting soon as he went off to prince training. So he would have to hold on to the last moments and not ruin it before he left.

Legolas had not seen her again until she sat next to his friend. He knew he had let her go long ago.

He strode over to Merith's bedroom, wanting to distract himself for his overbearing sense of solitude. He didn't even know what she would want from him but he figured it would be better than sitting in his room, questioning his past. Reaching her door, he knocked lightly on the wood.

"Whomever you are, you can come in." Legolas pulled open the door and smiled at the elleth as she sat upon the bed. His presence seemed to surprise her and she blushed.

"Um, I wasn't expecting you. I'm afraid I haven't even dressed out of my nightgown." She had nervously pulled her blankets around her and Legolas bit back a smile.

"Shall I come back at another time?" he asked, grinning lightly. Her blush grew deeper and he cut off his breath so he wouldn't laugh.

"I think I shall be set in a half an hour." Legolas nodded and stepped out of the room, but not before taking one last glance. Her hair had tangled and her face was still pale. She hadn't slept well. He turned back into the room and walked over to the bath.

"What are you doing?" She seemed mildly annoyed with his sudden return.

"I just thought you'd need help to draw a bath and you seemed timid with the maids." Merith noted his warm smile and suddenly felt comfortable with him. He was the second person to actually consider her beside Arwen. But she still did not know why he was here or anything else about him.

He came back out and nodded. Then he left the room. Merith stood up, letting the silk of her nightgown drape across her feet. Then she slowly strode over to the bath, releasing the fabric around her. As the water brushed across her skin, she sighed deeply. Everything around her was so foreign and this was the first comfort she felt.

Merith still did not know what to think about the situation. Nothing struck familiarity, nothing seemed close. She had decided to trust the story Arwen had told her but what did that lead her to? She had no home, no family left. She was lost, in every sense possible. Merith knew that she could never get any of it back either. She had come to the decision to let the rest come as it may. There was no sense it fighting a battle she could only loose. How could she be saddened by something she didn't even know? So Merith would pretend that she did not know anything. She would figure it out as she went. It was truly the only way to get past this and she might as well accept that.

She sat motionless in the bath until the water turned cool. Then she stepped out, wrapping the nearby towel around her. A dress had been laid out and she slipped into it. The fabric felt light around her and the elven threads complimented her skin. She reached her hands up to her dark hair and subconsciously fell into the same pattern she had done each day before. Her fingers gently wove the strands into a braid and tucked them into a bun. She stepped back and looked at herself in the mirror…. She didn't even know who she was. She didn't recognize the person that was reflected in front of her.

Merith watched as a tear slid down her face. She quickly wiped it away and turned away from her reflection. Exiting the bathroom, she wanted to escape from it all. She could not stay trapped in this small room. Her breath quickened and she had to sit down. Hyper ventilations rose from her throat and the wallpaper began to fade. Too much, too much. It's all too much. Suddenly she felt strong arms wrap across her yet her sight had faded. Slowly, the shape of Legolas came into view. He held her close to his chest, his strong arms intertwined across her body. She looked up at his face, hardly staying with the moment.

"What…what happened?" She caught his eyes and saw as a crimson red crept into his cheeks. He let her go at once and stepped off of the bed. Merith breathed deeply in, regaining consciousness. Then she stood up to him.

Legolas had come back to collect her when he saw her fade onto the bed. Not knowing what to do, he had wrapped around her, trying to bring her back. He didn't know where the action had come from and suddenly felt embarrassed at his rash movements.

"I am dearly sorry, Lady Merith, I do not know why I did that. I saw you start to go into a daze and I know that tight compression can usually settle the mind. But it was an inappropriate thing to do." He glanced at the ground, wanted to erase the moment. He looked back up to see the young elleth smiling.

"It's ok, Sir Legolas. If you had not grabbed me, I don't think I would have come out so soon. I assume that's not the first time it happened?" Her words were still soft and Legolas felt cautious. Her reaction had surprised him and he shook out the awkwardness.

"Well, yes. This would be the second time you've done that near me. I carried you up here the first time and when I saw it happen just then, I felt responsible to help."

"And I shall mark that as the second time you've saved me. Thank you. Now, may I ask why this happens to me? Elves aren't supposed to be this weak, are they?" Merith did not know why she kept falling and it worried her.

Legolas looked into her eyes and slowly started. "You remember the story of your mother yes?" She nodded intently. "Well this is the human locks that have been kept in your mind. When humans feel overwhelmed, their minds tell their body to be startled. I am sorry this fate lies upon you."

Merith did not know how to respond. Now she wasn't even full elf. Well who the hell am I then? She angrily questioned herself. Legolas saw her angst and quickly tried to lift the mood.

"Arwen said it would be nice for you to get out of this room and I volunteered to take you. Are you feeling up to it or do you need to rest?"

"No, I cannot rest anymore. I think that is what keeps bringing this upon me. I have too much time to think. Is there any way we can do something that doesn't, for once, require thought?" Her eyes pleaded towards him and he did not know how to respond. Her body should be well off enough to handle the day but was her mind? He did not want to be responsible for her fainting again.

"Lady Merith, I highly suggest that we stick to-" Suddenly her body started to fall once again and he rush over to catch her. Her body shook in his touch and he realized it was laughter. He let go in confusion.

"See, I got you there, didn't I?"

"That was not a fair joke, Lady Merith," he grumbled.

"Oh please, you were at my side in a second. And stop with the 'Lady Merith', you're not impressing anyone. I am deeply grateful for what you have done but you need to trust me. I did that stunt so you would actually listen to me. Look, now I have your full attention again! You look quite funny when you're annoyed, by the way."

Legolas wiped any expression from his face, standing strong. She had already began infuriating him and they hadn't even left the room.

"Ok, elleth, I will take you through the forest on horseback, how does that sound?" His tone had turned icy. He did not like how she made light out of the situation and just wanted to get on with it.

Merith saw that she had angered him and apologized. "I'm sorry; I'm just so bored in here. I've been trapped for three days. Can't you forgive a crazy elf with a human mind?" She smiled mischievously at him and he couldn't help but release some of his anger.

"You are very curious, dear maiden. You seem to change as every second passes."

"Well how about I change some more into something that would be suited for horses." They both smiled and he led her out of the room. Yet he hadn't expected her to agree. He regretted the offer, not knowing if she could handle the activity yet. But she was already set on it.

As Merith took the first step, she felt her energy return to her. She could fell the sun dance across her skin; she could hear the sweet air rush around them. Legolas led her to the clothes storage and waited as she got dressed. Then they went off to the stables.

"Lady Mertih, are you sure you are ready for this?"

"I'm fine. Seriously. I need to clear my mind."

"Ok then, dear maiden. I will trust in you." The rest of the conversation was filled with the beating of hooves agaisnt the worn dirt.

"Well, normally I would tell you about myself to fill this silence, but I know nothing about it to tell. So, perhaps you could tell me about you?" Merith now sat on a beautiful red brown horse, Legolas on his own of white. They were galloping off to the woods, Merith's horse falling into a step behind his.

"My name is Legolas Greenleaf, as I've mentioned. My father is Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. I was one of the nine in the fellowship. I-"

"Yes, I know that, but what else?"

He turned sharply to face her. "Wait...how did you know that? Did Arwen tell you?"

"No, I just…I think I remembered it! Yes, I know the tale now. There was a ring and hobbits and…." She turned to catch Legolas' incredulous stare. Then Legolas realized that Mirona only erased personally memories. But he could not tell her this.

"This is amazing! Do you think I'll remember anymore? Do you think I'll realize who I am?" Her excitement was easily rising and he felt a pang in his heart.

"Let's take it slow Merith." He managed a tight smile.

Why is he dampening my mood? Wasn't this progress? She decided to ignore him and keep the moment to herself.

"So, you were telling me about yourself?"

"Ahh yes…well I had been drawn to solitude for quite a few years and that is why I am here. My friend Aragorn and Arwen are to be married and they helped pull me out of my stupor. That is also why I volunteered to help you. I too needed to get out of my room."

"And here I thought you just liked me!" she scoffed. Then, Legolas saw a spark light in her eye.

"Do you really want to escape?" Legolas looked over at her, not knowing where this was going. Suddenly her horse brushed against him, overtaking the lead. He quickened his own pace, his competitive side not letting himself be beat.

"A prince who can't even outride a maiden? You must not have been very good at your job!" she called back to him as her hair fell out of its braid, catching the wind. He set on reaching her and soon rode side by side. Now it was not because he wanted to beat her but because he needed to stop her. He did not trust her speed

"Merith, I don't think you want to be going that fast." He rode faster in front of her and she threw her hand up.

"Ok, ok! I give up. Your mere presence is too much for me; let me dismount this horse so I can bow down to you!" They both laughed and Legolas turned back to meet her. Her smile shone radiantly and he couldn't help but feel the warmth of the day and the moment. Her youthfulness brought feelings of happiness around him. He was glad the race left her well. Yet he didn't reemerge from his home to play with some stranger. His skills were being wasted. He could be training again, fighting again. Not frolicking through the grass.

"Merith, I must admit something to you. When I agreed to take you around the grounds, I did not think it would be this entertaining. But-"

"Well Legolas, I did," she stated, cutting him off before he could continue. I can see the future now. It's a plus to my condition." She held her head, pretending to look deep inside her mind. "I see…I see that in precisely twelve days, we will become friends. And then I see…I see me beating you in a race. Oh and then in archery. And…"

"I think you need to get your vision checked. I certainly do not become friends with just anyone." Merith saw him grin and turn back down the path.

"So you think I could beat you?"

"Well, to put this politely…" Their playful tones continued down until they were back at the stables. Legolas couldn't help but play along, if only for now. They dismounted the horses and started to walk back to their rooms. Evening had fallen while they were away. Merith stopped in her steps.

"Is something wrong?" Legolas asked, confused. Had he shown his slight displeasure?

"No. It's not that…It's just that for the first time in three days, I actually felt like I belonged somewhere…" Merith's eyes glistened with the shadows of tears and Legolas felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Well, Merith….welcome home." He tried to smile at her and she did the same. Then they held in the moment, awkwardly shuffling before going their sperate ways.

When she reached her room, Merith felt alive again, she could hardly sit down. She let the entire situation sink in. She had just gone riding with a prince! Oh god. She practically said that they would spend the days together. What was she thinking? He was a prince. The only reason he came with her was because he needed to be out. He had said it himself. Why did she find him so charming? And she had flirted with him the entire day! She barely knew him. Merith, you are stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She blamed it on her human mind.

Merith sighed deeply. She decided that tomorrow, she would help Arwen. She needed to stop with this Legolas. She almost cried in front of him. It had only been one day and she already…She did not like her mind and cursed to Mandos for not fixing it. It was too temperamental, too conditional. And too easily tired…She suddenly felt the need to sleep. Her mind was telling her to close her eyes. Without even changing, she laid back under the covers, trying to forget his smile. But before her eyes could fall into darkness, she found a familiar scent...Turning to her sheets, she inhaled the blanket, trying to put her mind on it. What was that smell? She gasped when it finally registered in her mind. NO...It couldn't be that...Her sheets smelled of Mirona. Mirona...Mirona...now what did that do?

Legolas walked slowly back to his room. The day had been nice and refreshing but he needed a break from her high energy. He did think that she was comical and spirited but he didn't like how she took this all so easily, as if it was a big joke. It somewhat angered him, now that he was able to comprehend it. His serious demeanor returned. Why does this one girl trouble me so often? He did not know why but it seemed as if their fates had been twisted together. He kept clashing with her then reconnecting. Over and over. One second she seemed pure and the next careless. Legolas had truely enjoyed the day but now that it was over, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. He should be using his talents elsewhere, not racing them agaisnt the day.

Legolas still did not know what he felt towards her so he let it rest for another day. He could choose whether or whether not she annoyed him later. He decided to pull out a book to occupy his mind from these thoughts. As the pages turned, she became smaller and smaller in his mind.