Chapter 3

Arri stopped just short of opening her door and thank Eosin for his escort but did not make eye contact for fear of him thinking the wrong about her. Watching him leave was bittersweet because he was like her brother so hurting him only caused her heart to ache more so. Thoughts traveled to her conversation with Legolas and she replayed what he had told her about her father as she wrapped her hair into a braid to rest in. She sighed as she got into bed and when her head touched the pillow she found the tears covering it quickly. So she spent what she knew would be the first of many nights in tears and darkness

Arwen sat with her father the next morning but she couldn't help but to be very happy. "I am worried for Arri and the other who have lost loved one," she hoped to divert the subject from her love with Aragorn again too. "Arri has lost the last of her family."

"She would think so," Elrond gave a heavy sigh looking down his nose to Arwen as he spoke. "She has some human ties as well as elven." He admitted quickly with a brush of his robes behind him once again

"She never speaks of it," Arwen shook her head. She watched her father's powerful stride when he rose and she quickly followed him very intrigued. She had almost forgotten breakfast but kept her face on her father's retreating figure.

"Arri's ancestors did not wish to make it known to her but with his death she will search for more family and answers," Elrond did felt for the whimsical elf that had always brought his daughter unconditional friendship or a smile when she needed.

"Legolas told Aragorn she was asking about Helm's Keep last night," Arwen kept her father's timely pace and trying to peer into his eyes to understand what he was not telling her.

"Will Aragorn be leaving to take his place upon the throne of Gondor?" Elrond seized his opportunity to remind his daughter of her beloved's future as King. Then he stopped so suddenly she nearly collided with Elrond but he paid it no mind and kept his stern gaze.

"He has not mentioned it as of yet," she murmured as they made way a little more slowly over the gleaming, marble floors and she knew it was because he wanted to discuss Arargorn. "Will Gimli or any of the others journey to Rivendell."

"Gandalf said Gimli went to mourn the loss of his cousin Balin," he sighed but he had not thought of the troublesome dwarf in quite a long time he had almost forgotten him. It reminded him that many had grown to love the dwarf to love but also that he had as much to mourn as the rest. "I doubt Arri shall stay in Rivendell now." He tried to keep a steady face but he had grown accustomed to Arri in his house. Aside from a few antics, he had become used to her. He took her to his hearth and home when they had journeyed to Rivendell knowing all to well her lineage. She would be one of the first and few he would miss.

"Do you believe she will search for her human relations?" Arwen's voice was saddened at the thought. They had become close over time and both seemed to depend on one another, a sister was something Arwen never had. "Or return to Mirkwood."

"Not many elves are proud of a human lineage," Elrond knew she would go to Mirkwood first. "She should have a companion when she decides to leave us."

"I would go," Arwen said quickly but her father did not look shocked or upset at the idea. In fact he seemed to expect it with a casual raise of his brow.

"Perchance Legolas might keep you both company," Elrond could see another elve's fancy from afar. He let his breath go slow knowing she had one other admirer. "Or Eosin?"

"It is her decision," Arwen only hoped Arri didn't decide to go alone.

They found breakfast was quiet and some seats were unoccupied. A smile crept on Arwen's face when she saw Frodo and Sam's chairs were empty and knew they were probably not in the condition to sit up right much less to eat this morning. What concerned her was the Arri's empty seat.

Her gaze was caught by Legolas who turned back to his plate when she saw his concerned glance but she noticed Eosin watched her empty seat as the same amount of interest, if not more. Even Aragorn seemed concerned about her absence even if only because it bothered his beloved.

Arwen sighed wanting the meal to be over so she could check on Arri. She almost laughed watching the Prince or Mirkwood look up at Arri's chair occasionally and wondered if he would jump up at any minute to check on her. Even though Legolas sat with other friends and elven maidens continued to speak with him but he seemed preoccupied by the sight of Arri's chair as welll the mourning elves. Arwen was proud of her friend and worried that about how much he had seen at Helm's Keep.

Another Silvan elf had been speaking with Legolas and seemed to think he had the prince's undivided attention when he would nod and shake his head with his occasional questions. Legolas placed his cutlery on his plate and excused himself with a nod to the other elf as he stood. The elf who sat to his left smiled politely as Legolas left but looked confused.

"Aragorn," the elf said who had spoken to Legolas, "Would you speak of the battle of Helm's Keep?" The male seemed to wonder and a little concerned.

Aragorn put his fork down, "In good time, my friend." He was sure Legolas had been asked for his encounter as well but with the memories still fresh in their minds it was a hard thing for them to speak of right now.

Elrond gave a knowing smile, "of course we are all curious as are the other Elves. Yet, Galadriel and the King of the Mirkwood approach as well to bring their slain home and hear of the tale of the Fellowship." Elrond took a breath meeting each person's eye at his table when he spoke, "I am sure that Frodo and Sam will be full of information to all when they awaken."

Aragorn smiled at Elrond, his friend, who always seemed to understand what was in somebody's heart. He was a true leader, diplomat and friend but Aragorn had to wonder if he could live as long as Elrond would he be as wise. Slowly elves began to wander in with instruments and began to play a gentle song that was perfect for the just waking and those who still felt the pressure of the battles.

Arri lay in bed feeling like she had not a tear left to shed but still couldn't bear to let her feet hit the floor. She ignored the door and sighed when she heard her few concerned friends checking on her. She was sure Arwen would venture to see her and then she might be able to speak to somebody.

Another knock on the door left her to groan and she hoped the person knocking heard it as well.

"Arri?" the voice called quietly from the other side of the wood door. Arri sat up surprised to hear Legolas but then tossed herself back down feeling dismal. Thoughts of Legolas splitting her arrows didn't appeal to her but she remembered his offer to talk and looked at her night clothing with a sigh.

"Arri?" He called once more a little louder now but did not knock again.

She listened but refused to answer and she soon heard his footsteps moving from the door. She felt dismal tossing a friendship aside. Legolas had been very kind to her last night and he seemed to truly care about her father. She was sure in time he would speak of Helm's Keep because it would become a tale somebody and by then he would need to talk as much as she did.

She sighed and settled in the covers closing her eyes but she heard something outside of her window. She turned quickly looking at the window and found Legolas balancing in a tree branch. He turned his head watching her carefully as if he was worried she would send him away. He was more original than any of the others and perhaps to go to such measures meant he really did care.

"Arri," he said softly balancing himself easily on the tree and drifting closer to the window sill. All the while he watched her but never bothered to see his feet as if they just knew which way to go without his help.

She had to smile and shook her head because he was quite the sight. She watched him sigh and he stepped into her room cautiously.

"I brought you a tray since you missed breakfast," he walked to the door and opened it revealing the small meal outside the door.

"Thank you but I am not hungry," she sighed looking at the meal but what caught her attention on the tray was the single flower on it. She had seen so many flowers recently with the deaths.

He picked the tray up anyway and brought it too her side, "there is something to drink as well." He placed the tray on the table by her bed. "Eosin asked of you earlier at the meal."

She nodded remembering his knock at her door as well, "Thank you."

He started to move to the door feeling dismissed and his face looked a little sadder for it, "When you are up for it we could talk, if you like." He felt her hand on his stopping his retreat and looked at her.

"Perhaps a talk would help us both," she stood next to him but looked at her clothing and sighed. She gestured to the old, simple garment she wore. "I was not expecting royalty to visit me so early."

Legolas gave a little roll of his eyes about her worry over her clothing. Any other time he would find that amusing but now was not the time to joke with her. Then he looked up at her face and realized she was blushing slightly, "you look fine." By the way his heart raced looking at her now he was sure of that and she still seemed to hold his heart by invisible string by looking at him. He wanted to know her better and to remember who she had been in Mirkwood. He wasn't too happy to be reminded of his title because he certainly never felt like a Prince or royalty.

"I did not mean to be so brazen but you missed dinner as well," he looked at her hoping he had not been too forward. "It would not do to see and old friend become ill."

She looked at him with eyes he knew had been touched by his words and she grabbed both of his hands with a small squeeze. "Thank you," she whispered with her heart feeling lighter now. Not only did she felt she made a new friend despite the sadness but she has also said farewell to an old enemy or rival.

He freed a hand and stepped closer feeling his heart racing and touched her face gently. She seemed to relax a little and he could feel her hand still in his entwining fingers and his. He was moved at how the simple touch made his heart's beat pound in his ears. He let his hand slip behind her head and felt the silky texture of her hair. She didn't push him away but stepped closer to him with a timid footfall.

Arri was not sure why she should gather his attention now but looking in his blue eyes now she didn't care. She felt his gaze locked on her again as he seemed to take in every bit of her face as if he would forget it. She felt heady as his hand touched her face and her eyes broke the gaze afraid to stare at him longer. She looked at his slender hand letting her fingers dance and she wished he would with her. She felt him exploring her hair and sighed lightly wishing for so many things at once, one wish was that she had bothered to get dressed earlier.

"Arri," Legolas whispered her name in not much more than a breath of air. "It is as if a gentle breeze has lifted me just saying your name." He tinted red at his own words but cupped her chin to tip her face to his so their eyes met. He could see the mixture of confusion in her eyes mirroring his own and touched her face lightly with his thumb. A smile danced on his lips as he looked at the hand she still held. "I will go mad if you continue to do that," a rouge grin played at his lip.

Arri shook her head to clear it having been caught in his sight and looked at his hand, "My apologies." She said quickly and letting his hand free. He smiled the first smile she could remember in a long time as he took the hand she had held and used it to pull her closer to him. She felt his hand around her waist and was glad he was holding her because she wasn't certain she would even be able to stand on her own while he was so close.

Legolas felt her sweet breath on his face and he could not control the instinct any longer. He drew her to him bringing her lips closer to his very slowly wondering if she would dart away or if she felt the same want.

A knock at the door sent them both apart, if they had been separated by lightening and she made her way to the door. Legolas caught his breath as she walked to the door and Arwen threw her arms around Arri.

"Where have you been?" Arwen said quickly but watched Arri's eyes turn to Legolas standing there and Legolas and gave her a little smile, "oh."

"Legolas brought breakfast," Arri answered simply still not certain of his intentions. She felt she might jinx it or perhaps he might change his mind. Arri knew her luck and had to wonder if it would end up another bad tale.

"I see," Arwen smiled at Legolas's embarrassed stare.

He cleared his throat and began to the door but gave Arri a last look, "Bring your bow and I will meet you." He nodded to Arwen and moved past her out the door and mumbled an apology.

Arwen waited for him to leave and smiled grandly at Arri and stepped to the tray he had brought, "you seem to have his attention."

"He taught me how to use a bow when we were young," Arri sighed. "He taught me some of my skill with a sword too." She bit her lip truly wondering if she was just a way to make Legolas feel better about himself. As if by helping her passed grief would it absolve him of his bullying in the past

"Legolas's aim is extremely accurate now," Arwen said sitting in a near by chair and thought of what she had seen and heard of his bow with the fellowship.

"I have no urge to compete with him," Arri said feeling scared she made more of it than she should. "He just wants to talk."

"He could need to talk as well," Arwen touched Arri's shoulder and met her eye. "Helm's Deep troubles him." She remembered all too well when Aragorn had fallen asleep to jump awake with a scream of, "Haldir!"

"Had I been male I would have gladly fought," Arri fussed. "Legolas and the best warriors of Mirkwood and Rivendell did train me."

"As they did me," Arwen sighed knowing this argument from before. "It was merely meant for our defense Arri, only defense."

Arri never quite understood the rules of war and why certain people were excluded. In her mind male or female would all be fighting for the same cause. "Did Eowyn NOT fight against Sauron?" Arri challenged Arwen's wisdom.

"Against all who told her not to and she had not been permitted. She disguised herself as a warrior and nobody knew she fought, Arri," Arwen held her head high. She knew there were other reasons ladies were excluded from battles and she respected them but she knew there were times when they were needed too. More than once. "Defiance would NOT sit well with my father or other elves."

Arri sighed knowing Arwen was right, "I just wish I could have kept father safe by being at Helm's keep." She wasn't that confident of her fighting capabilities but she would have given anything to been there for him. She wiped a tear that played at the corner of her eye.

Arwen put her arm around her friend and kissed her head with a sigh understanding completely. "You had better dress for the day." She gave her a knowing smile as she looked at the food Legolas had brought her but she might well said Legolas is waiting.

Arri nodded as Arwen left but walked to the tray and picked up the flower Legolas had brought with the meal. She held it as she sipped the juice with a little smile thinking of the his breath on her face earlier. Her heart felt lighter and she couldn't help but to smile.

Eosin found Legolas before lunch with his bow and arrow and cleared his throat to gain his attention.

"Eosin," he acknowledged him without turning to see who it was.

"Hunting soon?" Eosin asked politely.

"Later," Legolas sighed as let another arrow fly at the target. He seemed to hardly care for the conversation enough to give it his full attention.

He sat next to Legolas quietly watching his accuracy but his mind was elsewhere,"Arwen's worry over Arri is justified." Legolas turned and raised an eyebrow at this. "She mentioned searching for her lineage," Eosin kept his perfect posture as he watched Legolas turn back to the target.

"She will find what she can not here in Mirkwood," Legolas took a breath as he took aim and as he exhaled he let the arrow fly.

Eosin nodded, "Her mother was from Mirkwood?"

Legolas nodded keeping his gaze straight although he felt blood boiling at the conversation.

"You knew each other then?" Eosin pressed on as if he was almost too curious now.

"We grew up together."

"I believe she is different than in her youth," Eosin gave him a little smile. "Are you taken with her?" He asked quickly before he lost his nerve.

Legolas drew a sharp breath and turned to him, "Are you?" He kept a deadpan stare at the other elf

Eosin nodded and looked at the ground feeling a bit dismal, "but she treats me as a brother."

Legolas stepped closer lowering his bow, "I am sorry."

"She is not the same as when she first came here," Eosin said quietly. "She was so silent but now very passionate." He felt pride as if he had something to do with that

"I have only spoken to her of her father," Legolas admitted.

"Helm's Keep?" Eosin watched him nod as he turned back to the target with his bow drawn, "It will be the legend of many races and you were there."

Legolas sighed thinking of how ugly things that make legends were but nodded. He couldn't help feeling very uncomfortable around Eosin after he had almost kissed Arri. "Helm's Deep," he corrected him quietly.

"She feels the same for you Legolas," Eosin admitted shocking them both with his earned truth. Although he prayed that Legolas would say he had no want for her but he knew better.

Legolas stopped again, "We have not spoken."

Eosin stepped away slowly but put his hand on Legolas's shoulder, "Your souls have spoken for you?"

Legolas heard him walk away and grabbed another arrow as he attempted to steady his hand. He watched the arrow fly and hit the target solidly in the middle and he grabbed another arrow as quickly as he could. Before he could release his arrow he saw the previous one split in two. His mouth dropped a little and he turned to see Arri standing there with a
white bow and a small grin as she approached.

"Eosin told me you were here," She said as she made her way slowly.

He took her in forgetting about the arrow looking at her now dressed in tunic and tights with her hair pulled back into a braid showing her elven ears. He gave her a reassuring smile and pointed to the split arrow, "Well met."

She looked at the ground a bit shy but then met his eye, "you did teach me."

He cleared his throat embarrassed at the thought of the archery lessons where they had tortured one another for hours. He looked at her bow that was not as usual as the other elven bows. It was white and had engravings carved into it. He turned to her completely amazed because he had never seen another like it, "where did you find such a weapon?"

She shrugged ready for his scrutiny, "I fashioned it."

He raised an eyebrow slightly impressed, "I did not teach you that, Arri." He looked at it closer as she placed it in his hands. He turned it over recognizing the elven language engraved. He ran his fingers over the symbols that represented Mirkwood and the symbol for her family. "This is finely done."

He returned the bow to her hand, "Thank you." She was pleased she could surprise him now.

He gestured for her to take her shot at the target, "May you split your arrow again?" He smiled but he seemed sure she would. She stepped forward taking a sidewards stance and promptly produced and arrow with fluid movements that mirrored Legolas's she split her own arrow.
"You've a good eye," he said happy to see she was such a fine marksmen now. She smiled shyly keeping her gaze on the target and arrows,"You hold differently than you used to," He nodded to her bow.

"I used the same grip and sharp eye you have shown me, Legolas." She nearly laughed that he would criticize his own teaching

"Yes, but it's different," He moved behind and put his arms around her with his bow in front of them both and her moved her hands as he held the bow. He pushed her hands to the angle he used with his bow and he reached for an arrow. He could smell the scent he smelled on her earlier an earthy scent mixed with flowers. She reminded him of the rain when it broke at dawn leaving everything mixed with dew. He let the arrow go with her hands on the bow and they both missed the target while he was preoccupied with her aroma.

"Is this how you keep a deadly aim?" She teased lightly but as she turned she could see he was only looking at her as he had been earlier that day. Her heart jumped seeing the serious look he held for her. He let his hand drop and wrap around her waist gently and she turned to meet his stare. She was so close she was nose to nose with him and her let his hand discover her face. She dared not move as the tingle from their skin made her weak in his hold.

Legolas exhaled slowly watching her perplexed expression and when she turned to meet him they stood so closely that he finally took the chance. He let his fingers dance in the braid behind her head as he pulled her to him and their lips met very slowly. As soon as he touched her lips with his they heard the crack of her bow falling from her hand and she pulled from his kiss sharply. He felt as if the air had been knocked out of him as she moved away.

"I did not mean to offend you," he said taken back as he bent to pick up her bow.

She felt her heart leap again as his sad expression, "you did not offend me."

He handed her the bow and sighed, "Why then?"

"It is very sudden," she sighed looking him in the eye. "much too sudden I am afraid, after father's death." She looked at the ground solemnly and then back to him. "You are the Prince of Mirkwood and could not be with me."

He understood about her father but he sighed at the mention of his royalty, "a title is merely that, Arri." He had never felt like a prince when he would go hunting with his friends or when he was alone in the woods.

"It is a fool's folly," she said sharply and started to walk past him.

He couldn't let her walk from him and deny that they were meant for another. He placed a hand around her wrist and she stopped her retreat to look at him again. He moved with such deft movements that she was taken by surprise. He enveloped her into his arms again and pulled her to him with eyes that locked in a strong gaze. "You feel the same, Arri," he whispered. She made no sound or movement to leave his arms. He dipped his head down slightly and found her hands around his neck this time. He let their lips find each other again but this time the kiss they had both been missing happened. When she dropped her bow again neither stopped the embrace but they both had pushed their bodies together until they could have been molded as one. The fire was equal between them as they let their fingers find one another's hair and their hands roamed over faces like a blind man trying to mold a memory.

The broke apart breathless and she finally looked into eyes she knew held both hunger and love. She found he had released her hair from her braid and she boldly reached up to touch his face until she let the tips of her fingers touch his hair. He gave her a little smile and sighed as he pulled her to the bench.

She wondered if she looked as overwhelmed as she felt. "You could have any maiden, Legolas and should have one of royalty." Her heart thundered in her chest hoping this was not as hopeless as it felt.

"None have moved me with such small gestures," he touched her hand lightly. She mesmerized him and he feared she would runaway scared of his title or their previous rivalry.

She sighed thinking this was a fruitless endeavor, "your father approaches from Mirkwood." She pointed it out explaining part of her fears.

He nodded understanding she did not yet believe he would be allowed to be with her romantically. "Arri, if you need time to adjust after your father, I shall give you the distance you desire. If you do not care for me then I shall not try to obligate you." he touched her face hoping that was not the case. "Please do not think titles shall matter to
our heart or souls."

She let her face fall against his hand and kissed it softly, "I need to mourn my father, Legolas." She felt near tears again at the thought of her father, "finding a degree of happiness so soon after his death makes me feel a traitor to my family."

He nodded as she stood but could not tell her he disagreed with her, "I will help anyway you shall let me."

She dared not look back at him or his bewitching eyes or she knew she would fall in his arms and lose herself in his kiss again. Some could only be so strong. She made her way from him with deft, quick movements that she had learned from him in their youth but never thought she would using them to retreat from him as she shed tears.

When she was finally out of his sight she found a branch and stopped high in the tree tops. She touched her lips which she still felt his kiss upon and sighed with the tiniest smile. She couldn't deny any longer she felt stronger for him than any other she had every met. She knew he did not meant to confuse her but wanted to aide her in her time
of grief and for that she was also thankful. She had to admit he did keep her from locking herself in her room for days on end but she did not want to follow a foolish dream of the pursuit of a Prince. He had so many other women who were more to his standard and she was sure after his father arrived he would put a stop to it right away.

She still wanted to do something for the kindness he had shown her and as thoughts of her mother entered her mind so did a way for her to give a little thank you. She jumped from branch to branch nimbly with one of the first smiles she had in a while.