I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

This is just a dream, this has all just been some crazy, very realistic multi-chapter dream where I narrate everything that's happening.

I'm going to wake up in my old room at Pallando's any minute now and tell him all about this insane dream of mine while he scolds me about staying up too late and reading those stories about myths and legends that I am so fond of. 

When I open my eyes I won't be in a strange forest, with all these strange people, or a bothersome elf from my past standing in front of me.

I open my eyes.

"Are you alright?" Legolas asks, frowning slightly. 
"Yes," I say nodding slowly, "I'm feeling just fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Nope."

Then I faint.

/\\//\\/

"I think he's waking up."

Stifling a groan I cautiously open one eye.  I see Darovel and Faervel looking down at me, and it only takes me a minute to realize what just happened. 

I fainted.

I close my eye again and this time I groan.

I can't believe I fainted; how embarrassing. 

"Amarth can you hear me?" Darovel asks.
"With how loud you're talking how could I not?" I mutter resting one of my hands on my forehead. 
"Can you sit up?" 
I mutter something incoherent as I open my eyes and push myself into a sitting position. I'm not on the floor, I'm on a bed but not the one I've been sleeping in. Darovel is holding a cup of water in front of me and I take it, shrugging away from him when he tries to help me drink.

"How are you feeling Amarth?" The human questions taking the cup from me when I'm done. I haven't said or done anything sarcastic lately, why not do it now? I grab my arm with my hand and reply, "Like an elf."

Darovel groans and once again pinches the bridge of his nose. I notice Faervel out of the corner of my eye, he doesn't seem amused or annoyed at all. Then I hear it; laughter.
I  glance behind Darovel and sure enough, in all his perfect elf likeness, is Legolas. The moment our eyes meet the laughter ends, but a shy smile remains on his face.

A million thoughts are racing through my head: What is he doing here? How did he get here? Why isn't he in the Undying Lands? 

Huh, I guess I only had three thoughts...

The silence was getting uncomfortable so I decided to break it.
"Hello Greenleaf." 
He chuckles, that same smile still on his face. "I never thought I'd hear anyone call me that again." 
Has he always smiled this much? The Legolas I remember hardly ever smiled; in fact now that I think about it, he always looked confused if he was never being spoken to directly.

Another thing I notice about him is that he looks different.
"Did you do something with your hair?" I ask.
He glances at his hair that's draped over his shoulders. "It's shorter than it used to be."
"What about your eyes? They look brighter."
He shrugs. 
"Even your face, you look young."
"Well, I am an elf Amarth."
"No! You look younger since the last time I saw you. Is this what happens when elves sail over to their magical island?"

Legolas' smile vanishes. His eyes dim every so slightly.
Did I say something wrong again? 
"There is a reason why he looks different Amarth." Faervel walks over to where Legolas is standing. "He is still recovering his memories, and his appearance is changing with all that he regains." 
Upon hearing this Legolas reaches into his shirt and pulls out the amulet, the stone is still glowing. 
"How much do you remember Legolas?" Faervel asks, I notice that he's being more gentle with him than he is with me. 

How does that blond elf manage to win everyone over? 

"I remember enough, but I still feel that there are pieces missing, and I am forgetting certain things just as I'm remembering others." 
"Can you repeat that in the common tongue please?" I swing my legs over the side of the bed, nearly kicking Darovel in the process.
"I've remembered enough to where I know who I am, but I don't remember everything, and recent events are fading from my mind just as old memories return." 

I blink once. I'm still not understanding any of this.
"How did you get back here? I thought you sailed with the rest of the elves." 
Legolas hangs his head, his eyes going towards the amulet. Looking up again he turns to Faervel. "May we talk alone?"
Faervel nods and gestures for Darovel to follow him. The man straightens himself and heads for the door, I feel a stab of guilt as I watch him limp. I did that to him, Darovel has a limp because of me, because of what I dragged him into.

"Are you friends with him?"
I turn to face Legolas. He's leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and looking far more relaxed than I've ever seen him before in my life.
"Friends with who?"
"That man, he was worried after you fainted and he did not leave your side. I assumed that you were friends."

"Apparently you still haven't remembered the most important thing about me: I don't befriend men."
"Strange, I wonder why he would concern himself with you then." Legolas shrugs. 
"If I recall correctly you had your own human that you would follow around everywhere." Instead of laughter, or even a smile, Legolas frowns again. Only this time he looks confused, his brow is furrowed and that's when I realize; he must not remember Aragorn yet.

How does that "regaining memories" thing work anyway? Are random parts of Legolas' life suddenly appearing spontaneously? How is it that he remembers me but not Aragorn? 
As if reading my thoughts Legolas says, "Sometimes I remember events that happened to me, but I don't remember the people who were with me. Other times I remember the people, but I don't know where I am or what is happening. None of it makes any sense."

He can say that again, what is even happening right now?

Wait a minute...

"Legolas, I don't know how to say this but, just last night you were a child." To my surprise he nods. 
"I know. Or at least, I remember being a child." 
How is he so calm about this?! He appears out of nowhere, as a child, is now a nearly full grown elf, half of his memories are gone, how is this elf not in a state of panic?! Legolas runs a hand through his hair, his hand gropes around for a moment before he remembers that his hair does not yet go past his shoulders.

"Believe me Amarth, I am just as confused as you are. I don't know how I got here or why I am here for that matter. To be honest, I don't entirely remember what happened after I boarded the ship at the Havens. For now, I believe that the best thing for both of us would be to wait for all of my memories return. Then perhaps we can try to make sense of all this." He waves his hand for emphasis and I (though I hate waiting) grudgingly agree.

"What has happened Amarth? I know that something has happened, and whatever it is I doubt that it is to be taken lightly."
I sigh and fall back onto the bed. The last thing I want to do is think about the past few weeks. 
"How much have you forgotten?" I'm still a bit uncomfortable, knowing that "Ramben" was actually Legolas. 

Please don't remember me being overly protective...

"I can only remember the night we were attacked, and even that is fading." Legolas' hand strays to the shoulder where he was pierced by Daeris' shadows. "Who attacked Amarth? Why were they hunting us?"
"It's a long story..." In a sharp tone I add, "And not one I want to repeat."
Legolas says nothing in response to that. I'm surprised that he isn't trying to push me for answers, then again, he's had his own experience with dark memories. 

"I guess we'll both have to wait until Faervel gives of these answers he's promised," I say just before the silence gets awkward, "that should be enlightening for both of us."
Legolas still doesn't say anything. If I didn't know any better I'd say he was in deep thought. 
"I think I should go back to bed." 
Or not.

I stand up, gesturing towards the bed.
"Be my guest."
Legolas nods his thanks and walks towards the bed while I head for the door. I feel a hand on my arm and I turn around. 
"It's good to see you Amarth, and thank you for protecting me."
Great, so he does remember...

He smiles and releases me. I hurry towards the door and leave before he has another chance to say anything. I close the door and search immediately for Faervel.
I need to get out of here, I need to go someplace where I can clear my head. I glance out at the forest, I need to go there.

I turn around a corner and nearly run into Faervel. After this morning's conversation, I'm not exactly thrilled about seeing him again, but he always seems to be wherever I am.
"How is your friend?" He asks with his hands clasped behind his back.
"He's not my friend, just someone I used to know who was somehow a child who is now a young elf. Explain that if you can."
"I can actually, and I will when the time is right." Faervel turns his eyes towards the forest, leaving me at a loss for words. What does he mean that he can explain it? Does he know how Legolas got here?

"Come Avari, I can sense that you are restless. Let us take a walk out in the forest." I glare at him skeptically. 
"How can I go walk out there if I can't be in the sun? I don't know if you were aware but the sunlight burns me." 
Faervel motions for me to follow him and walks off without a word. 

Grudgingly I follow.

/\\//\\/

Legolas' POV

He was sitting on a stone bench underneath the branches of a willow tree. The wind blowing the long branches along with his unbraided hair. He closed his eyes and smiled. This was what he had longed for every day of his life while on Middle Earth; absolute peace.

It didn't even bother him that he was dead, not in the slightest.
"Are you enjoying yourself Little Leaf?" 
Legolas opened his eyes, his smile widening as his mother approached and sat down beside him. "How could I not be? You are here, my father and brother are here, what can I be other than joyful?"

His mother chuckled and took her son's hand into hers. She frowned slightly when she held his hand, which in turn caused Legolas' smile to fade. She looked up at him and their eyes met, she knew immediately that not all was well with her son.

"There is still sorrow in your heart, what is wrong ion nin?"
Legolas sighed and turned away from her. His eyes roamed over the beautiful paradise the fallen elves called home. Green grass spread as far as the eye could see, a clear lake rested in the center of a forest in which Legolas preferred to spend his time in.

The sun always shone, the air always sweet, there was no fear in this place. 
"I feel as if there is a part of me missing," he turned back to his mother, "there is an empty place in my heart, but I do not know why. I have everything I ever wanted."
"Yet you are missing someone." His mother had an uncanny sense of what her son was feeling, she often knew his heart before he did. Her words stung and he flinched, the action hardly noticeable to anyone not paying close attention.

"I miss them..." he murmured. "I know that I will see them again one day, but it has been so long and I still do not know when I will be reunited with my friends again."
His mother wrapped him in her arms, and he allowed himself to be held. 
"I know you miss them Little Leaf," she whispered, "they are more than friends to you, they are family. Just as I am, and your father and brother. But that is not all you are missing, is it? There is someone else you are still grieving for."

They pulled away slightly as the sound of approaching footsteps alerted the elves of a newcomer.
"Is everything alright?" Thranduil asked placing a hand on his wife's shoulder and kissing her softly on the cheek. Legolas couldn't help but smile at seeing his parents together, something he had never seen while on Arda. His father was a completely different person; a crown no longer rested on his head and in place of his long, flowing robes he wore a simple green tunic and grey pants. He even walked around barefoot!

Yet the biggest change in his father was his eyes, they were no longer cold, only warmth and life could be seen in his eyes. He always smiled and was so carefree that Legolas still had a hard time believing that this was his father. 

Seeing his mother and father together like this; so happy and filled with love for one another...

Only served to remind him of the one he had lost.

His smile faded and he turned away from his parents, both quickly noticing his change of mood, and knowing the cause of it.
"Legolas, just because you have not found her yet does not mean she isn't here." Thranduil knew his words were empty, hundreds of years had passed on Arda since Legolas' arrival, and still they had not found where Tauriel's spirit dwelled. 

Finding each other had been easy, they had all been called to the forest. But after years and years of searching Legolas still hadn't found the one he had bound his heart to. 
"I can still feel her," he murmured letting his hand rest on his heart, "our souls are still connected, yet I cannot find her. Why?"

Neither one of his parents had an answer. His mother gently pulled him forward; smiling. There was so much love and warmth in her smile, Legolas couldn't help but smile back.
"You will find her Little Leaf," she kissed him on the forehead, "your souls are intertwined Legolas. Nothing can break that bond, not even death. She is out there waiting for you, and you must never give up searching."

"What will I do when I find her?" Legolas asked. His parents exchanged knowing smiles, it was Thranduil who answered, "You will find out soon enough Legolas, perhaps even sooner than you think."

/\\//\\/

Well, it's not my old cloak, but it if it keeps my flesh from being burned off I'm fine with it. Faervel and I have been walking through this forest for at least four hours. Before leaving he gave me a grey cloak to wear, as well as gloves for my hands. You can never be too careful I guess. The cloak keeps me protected, and I am free to walk under the trees to clear my head.

Faervel hasn't tried to talk, I think he's just here to supervise. Since he's so quiet he's also easy to ignore, so for the first time in a very long time, I'm actually enjoying myself.

Wait, if I'm happy now that means something bad is about to happen...

As if to confirm my thought I hear footsteps up ahead, and so does Faervel. We both come to a stop and stare ahead where the sound is coming from. 
"Were you expecting company?" I ask in a low voice.
"Actually, I was." Faervel is standing completely still for once, his hands are clasped together in front of him, his hood pulled back far enough for anyone to see his face. A figure steps out of the trees, one that I recognize immediately.

"Pallando! You're alive!" I run forward, throwing all caution to the wind. Pallando takes a second to recognize me, but when he does he smiles and laughs. 
"Amarth! I was so worried about you! I did not know where you were or if you were- oh who cares what I thought? You're here and that's all that matters."
I stop right in front of him, feeling more joy than I've ever felt since this whole mess began.

"How did you escape those monsters? How did you find this place?" I stop myself from asking too many questions at once, I don't want to sound like a hyper elfling. 
"It's a very long story Amarth, I promise I'll explain everything once I've rested." Pallando turns his attention towards Faervel and (to my shock) he bows. 
"It is an honor to be in your realm, Guardian of Light." 
Faervel dips his head, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "I am honored to be hosting one of the Istar under my trees. I have waited a long time for your arrival."

"Wait a minute," I say holding my hands up, "What do you mean "Guardian of Light" and "I have waited for your arrival" and why do I keep getting more questions instead of answers? Some answers would be very much appreciated!"

Pallando chuckles but I see nothing funny about this.
"Oh Amarth, I'm glad to see that you haven't changed."
I cringe when he says this, he has no idea what I've been through. What I am going through... 
"We should return," Faervel says glancing up, "it will be dark soon and I'm certain that you are weary after your journey."
"Yes, I am rather exhausted." Pallando leans on his staff, letting out a long sigh. Suddenly he straightens. "Oh! I almost forgot something, well, someone. I hope you don't mind Lord Faervel, if my friend accompanies us to your dwelling?"

"Friend?" I ask narrowing my eyes while Faervel (who is apparently a Lord... Guardian... Thing) nods his head. "Any friend of yours would be welcome in my home."
Smiling Pallando turned towards the trees and called out, "It is alright my dear, you can come out now, it's safe."

A slim, hooded figure steps out of the trees. Their movements are short and skittish. Quickly they move to Pallando's side. 
"Lower your hood my dear, it is alright." Pallando encourages whoever is under the hood. Hesitating for a moment, two slender hands move up and grab the hood, pulling it off of their head.

When I see the person under it, I can barely breathe.

No...

No this can't be real...

It can't be, it just can't be... 

/\\//\\/

Darovel is the first person I see when we get back, he must have noticed my pale face because the moment we enter the house he's asking me if I'm alright. 
Am I?
I don't know...

"Who are they?" Darovel asks noticing the two newcomers. 
I'm still in shock, I can't answer. 
Fortunately, Faervel answers for me.
"This is Pallando, a close friend of Amarth's, and someone I have longed to meet." 

Pallando dips his head towards Darovel in greeting, a warm smile on his face, Darovel nods but doesn't return the smile. Faervel gestures to the other figure, "And this is-"
"Amarth!" Legolas' voice jolts me from my shock. The elf is running towards us, his eyes alight with excitement. "I remember now! I know why I'm here! I-"
He freezes in his tracks, his smile vanishing instantly. 

His eyes widen and his mouth drops open, an emotion I can't name spreads over his face. He looks startled, confused, sad, yet underneath it all is the last thing I expect to see; joy. I follow his gaze to see what he's looking at, and my confusion only grows.

When Legolas speaks again, my heart stops.
"Tauriel?" He takes a step forward, just as the elleth takes a step back. She stares at Legolas, her green eyes wide, but not with joy. 
"Caran," she asks turning to me, her voice shaking, "who is this?" 

/\\//\\/

I AM SO EVIL!!!

ALL THESE GLORIOUS PLOT TWISTS, ALL THESE QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERING, OH I LOVE WRITING!!!!

ENJOY THIS CLIFFIE Y'ALL!!!