LEGOLAS

The two were up early in the morning the next day. They found me wandering about in their backyard, absorbing the heat of the morning sun, inhaling the scent of the very first ever coffee I made for myself.

"Good morning," Nina yawned, joining me.
"You're always up early. Do you even sleep?"

I chuckled. "Haven't I mentioned before? My kind is quite exempted from the needs of a mortal being. I rarely need sleep."

She huffed. "That's unfair. And also pitiful. Sleep is a divine thing to experience, especially the long ones."

I laughed. "I sleep if needed. I am not quite immortal, you see."

She frowned, and then grabbed my cup and drink it all in one gulp.

"Hey!" I protested. She just smiled.

That signaled Tristan to appear with two cups, which I quickly snatched one from him before Nina gets it.

"Happy birthday Daddy!" she greeted her father with the warmest hug and the sloppiest kiss on the cheek instead.

"You are a year older Tristan, my warmest congratulations to you." He nodded with a smile.

"Oh yes! I have gifts! You two wait here." Nina rushed back inside, while Tristan and I settled on a bench, enjoying the coffee cup on our hands.

Nina came back carrying two boxes wrapped in blue paper, and a jar filled with pastries I have not seen before.

She handed one box and the jar to Tristan, who breathed a "thank you," before opening it.

"The gift is from me, while the cookies are from Mom. She said you used to love it, so she baked you some."

The gift was something sweet - a new book ("Because James Patterson just released a new novel," she said) and a striped long sleeved shirt.

"I have one too, so you better wear that tonight." She then turned to me and handed the other box. "For you."

I frowned. "But it's not my birthday."

"Yes, it's just so happens that I love shopping for people close to me so suck it up." They both chuckled and urged me to open it. I sighed and smiled.

Nina gave me a leather bound notebook ("Because someday I would love to read tales of your world," she said) and a shirt which color's coordinated with Tristan's.

"Because right now, I believe we are a team," she explained with a smile. We couldn't help it; Tristan and I acted out of impulse and while he cuddled the amazing girl before us, I gave her a tap on the back, afraid of violating her personal space, but then I felt a strong tug on my arm and before I knew it I was joining them in that short yet refreshing piece of warmth.

The morning was dedicated into helping Tristan get ready the food for later's feast. I was not exempted from the tasks and so the three of us cramped up the kitchen, dicing, slicing, mashing, baking, cooking - it was exhausting, and yet so entertaining, because while doing these Tristan explained to me every procedure, and Nina imitated him while he is not looking. I pretended to be neutral, acting all serious and curious while Tristan teaches me how to cook, while I laughed (quite a lot) watching Nina (mildly) backstab her father.

"Seriously," Nina said, "Do you know a single thing about cooking?"

I smiled sheepishly. "I sort of have people to do that for me..."

"Ah yes," Tristan butted in, "you're the - what do you call it? - the Woodland prince."

I let the sarcasm go, and instead, puffed my cheeks. "I am also a warrior, a soldier, and I fight with a bow and arrow."

It was as if those words were sort of a trigger. The air suddenly felt heavy, the two eyeing each other, pain quite visible in Nina's eyes. Tristan was unsure of what to do, so instead he turned his back on me and proceeded to cooking.

To his surprise though, as it was also mine, Nina, the ever bashful and timid girl that she is, broke the brief silence, asking Tristan of the current dish he was working on. I eased myself, implanting on my mind that before I came, they already had a life, and since I am merely a guest, I should be more careful of my words as it would remind them of such painful past.

They seem to wince at the mention of the word soldier. Perhaps that was it? They may have known someone who had fallen in the hands of war? Nevertheless I pushed it at the back of my mind and promised never to speak of it again.

The afternoon came and finally we had almost finished preparing for the feast, with only few simple tasks left for us to accomplish. Nina and I had already set out a few meters of what she called "Christmas lights" at the backyard to provide lighting and a festive ambience later at night (which I still do not know how it would work. Is it magic? Sorcery? Alchemy? Or just plain old science, as they would call it? Are fireflies in it? Wait. That's cruel...) I helped Tristan set out a couple of tables and chairs, while Nina finished with the final touches of her lights. The sun was ready to set when we were all satisfied, giving us ample time to have another bath and change of clothes before Tristan's guests arrive.

By twilight, I watched through Nina's window as one by one they arrive, and I can't help but feel ecstatic of the familiar faces I had seen. First came Lord Elrond of Imladris (Ethan in Earth), his arms draped on a beautiful woman whom I believed to be his wife, Celebrian, together with his (surprisingly young - a year or two older than Nina?) twin sons, who I believe to be Elladan and Elrohir, and Glorfindel, though he was quite unrecognizable with his hair cut short. Lady Arwen is nowhere in sight - maybe she is not even born yet, as she is younger than her brothers - or maybe, given the certain alterations of realities, she is older than the two and had Aragorn accompany her?

Ah, the thought of a good friend. I do wish I get to see Aragorn, as well as Gimli in this world.
Then came the Lady of Lothlorien, or as what Nina called her, Principal White, all glorious and breathtaking as she always is, together with Lord Celeborn, or Carter White, bringing forth the same image as his wife. Haldir was with them, reserved and composed as always.

The mortals shortly came after. In flesh and blood, in all his glory and confidence, Boromir arrived, completely alive and well. I remember how his death had affected the fellowship, and yet here he was, laughing and greeting his good friend Tristan. Faramir, timid and shy, had come with him. Both had shorter hairs, both had full of life and joy in their eyes. Denethor was nowhere to be seen.

Boromir was not the only one who had survived in this world - the king of Rohan as well, together with his son, and his niece and nephew had come to join us for the feast.

"Hey," My thoughts had been cut short when I heard her voice.

"Hi." I replied, turning back my gaze to the  window, watching the hobbits enter the house.

"This must be so hard for you," Nina said, joining me at the side of the window. "knowing all these people and yet they don't recognize you."

I sighed, a deep thought roaming on my chest. "In all honesty, it is not hard for me, for I know with or without my acquaintance they had lived a short yet joyous mortal life."

"I sense a catch in that statement."

"There is. Nina, for once, a powerful fear had grown inside of me, a fear bigger than what I have faced in my world."

She straightened up, careful eyes on me. "And can I know what that fear is?"

Straight through her eyes, I answered, "Fear of myself, young one. I fear myself for such thoughts had clouded my mind, thoughts I shouldn't even have in the first place."

"I'm confused. What are those thoughts?"

"That I can start anew here. That I can build a better life in this world. That here, the fear for evil will not consume my kin's weary eyes, for they - we, have suffered enough in the hands of the evil. I thought that if I stayed here, and if Iluvatar permits it, I can live a mortal life. That I can call this - this realm, this place, this small family - my home."

She was silent, contemplating my words. The dwarves had arrived, a small group led by an aging Thorin Oakenshield, who had been greeted by a rather enthusiastic Tristan, a scene I never thought I'd see.

They were quickly joined by a small family, and I quickly recognized the dragon slayer, Bard, along with his children and a woman I had never seen. His wife, I presume?

"Legolas," Nina had finally spoke, "You do not know how happy I am knowing that you consider me and my father as family.  Let it be known that our house is very much open for you, if ever you decide to stay. I wouldn't demand an answer from you now, just take it easy. It'll come; don't rush it. For now, a party is happening downstairs. Let's enjoy while it lasts."

It was moments like this that I wonder who is lucky enough to call Nina as her doppelgänger. It would be arrogant of me to think that this wise one would be mine - after all, her father looked like mine, and I have not seen one mortal carrying the same face that I have. But then, she's too kind, too pure, for my mind to even encompass a thought that this girl could be the likes of mine. If not I, then maybe the Valar had blessed her, my fallen star, my father's last redemption, the young elleth I should have watched grow, my precious little sister...

"I think Dad needs our help downstairs. Are you ready to meet them?"

I sighed, brushing away my inner thoughts. "As I'll always be."

•••

The party was in full swing when the night was still young. Drinks in red cups were being passed around, the hobbits took over the grilling of the steaks as well as entertaining the bunch with their stories. Tristan had introduced me to everyone as his nephew, the son of his twin brother ("I didn't know you had a twin!" Bard - Ben, rather - exclaimed. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me," Tristan joked, smirking.).

As it turns out, feasts on Earth are much the same as in Mirkwood - minus the hour long speeches of kings and lords - and I saw how much these group of men enjoy merrymaking and friendship like Sindar and Silvan elves. Their choice of music may be erratic, but that wouldn't stop them from carefree dancing and singing even if it doesn't matches the tune. I watched from afar as as they joined the twinkling lights ("Electricity. Your people should invent it sometimes," Nina shrugged me off with a laugh when I finally asked her out of curiosity how it works.) in dancing, pairs of couples close to each other swaying, and the hobbits passing around food. I was about to ask Nina to join me on the floor, when the sound of her laugh reached my ears and I saw her talking quite too closely and too merrily with one of the twins (I figured it was Elrohir. He bore kinder eyes as his twin Elladan had a lot of mischief in him.) and although my inner older brother was screaming, I let them be.

"You are too deep in thought," I turned of the sound of a voice and came face to face with a young boy, in human years might be in his twelfth, his red hair tousled up, eyes curious at the same time annoyed. I remember seeing him with Thorin Oakenshield's company, accompanied by an older dwarf who bears the same red hair as he.

"I was just watching the people dance," I answered.

"Well, it's weird and annoying. It's also kinda rude," I laughed. He does not seem to resemble a goblin mutant (as what I had first described him), with his puffy cheeks and awkward stance. But, as always, even in this world, Gimli is as grumpy as he'll ever be.

"Sorry, for young Gian here. Even his father cannot seem to contain him." It took me a moment to recognize his voice - a man above his kin, a mortal worth following - Aragorn, mellon nin, has come to join me and little Gimli in our small circle. As they all do, he does not seem to recognize me.

Out of all of the people here on Earth, he was the easiest to identify, because he pretty much looked the same: shoulder length hair that was quite untidy at most times, half shaven beard, and wise eyes like those of the elder elves. He wore a dark blue uniform - one glance and you'll know he's some kind of keeper of the peace.

"I'm Allan, another of Tristan's friend," e held out a hand and I gladly took it. "This one's Gian, George's only son." He pointed to one of Thorin's company, who were having a drink with Tristan.

"You know what's strange? Tristan and Nina rarely talk about their relatives. In fact, we didn't know that he has a twin until now."

I nodded. "Things are complicated. I'd rather not talk about it."

He chuckled, raising his cup to me. "Of course, of course. I'm just glad they have someone to lean on to."

"I think it is the other way around - I now have two great people to lean on."

"That too." It was my turn to laugh, diverting my gaze to the two. We were later joined by Lady Arwen - her doppelgänger of course - and just like what I had guessed, they already have a life shared together.

The night continued on a like blur, I was intoxicated not only by the liquor that has found its way into my nerves, but also by these mortals' mere presence, their warmth spreading like wildfire, their joy infectious, their voices resounding even the corners of my heart. It was a pain to know that I would never witness feasts like this in Mirkwood, but I thank the Valar for making me see all this - all this happiness I seem to be missing - and making me feel that I belong despite our differences. Even the autumn haired elleth, who seemed so scared of the thought of me when she saw me, had smiled in my direction and raised her cup in greeting. I have never been happier.

A scary thought it really is, to forget even for a moment my own reality and replaced it with a different one. To exist in a world that I shouldn't even know and yet here I am, almost ready to let go of my own.

Am I really ready to accept that this is my home? Is this the Valar's way of telling me where I truly belong?

I was still deep in thought, too deep in contemplating my life changing choices, when it happened - a waking dream, a vision.

In the fields of Mirkwood, there stood Mithrandir staring into my soul. He smiled, and whispered into the wind, "My prince, the forest is already calling you. It's time to go home. Please, go home."

•••

AND WE ARE DOWN TO THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS YAS THANK TO ALL WHO STILL READ THIS DESPITE OF MY LATE UPDATES LOVE U GUYS

UPDATE: LISTEN TO THE SONG SLEEPING AT LAST UGH HE MAKES ME FEEL A LOOOOOT OF THINGS  WHY