I limp into my room and gently shut the doors, falling to the floor. I should not have fled in such haste to escape being caught near the kitchens, but I had to listen to Erthanist and Glorfindel. Had I known beforehand that Glorfindel was so distrustful of me and my kin, I might not have been so forward with Erthanist. I cannot fault him for being wary. The Sindar and Silvan elves are prone to being less wise and more dangerous, especially those of the Woodland Realm. Glorfindel also remembers too well what happened between him and my father. I would too, along with every other misdeed and wrong. 

Footsteps approach the chamber at a calm pace and I heave upwards with a grunt, stumbling to the bed just seconds before Elrond enters with Lindir. I am surprised to see Lindir carrying a tray with supper on it, as he normally comes only as an aide with medicine. Elrond instead carries the bandages and medicine. His gray blue eyes immediately target my wounds. "Your highness, you must not exert yourself. Now you have prolonged recovery." 

"So I have, Lord Elrond." Elrond nods to Lindir who sets the tray down on a table and then leaves. 

"Legolas, why were you eavesdropping on Lord Glorfindel and Lady Erthanist?" 

"I wanted to know what Lord Glorfindel what he thought about me." 

"He knows you were spying. That has contributed to further distrust. Erthanist will follow her father if you do not come forth." 

"She saw me." 

"Precisely." I sigh. Elrond slips into the persona of a healer and tends to the dressings, "Lord Glorfindel leaves for Lothlórien as we speak, and then he is traveling to Greenwood." 

"Will Erthanist be going with him?" I almost hope that she is to depart from Imladris, and hold my breath. 

"Nay. She is staying behind. Mithrandir is to arrive soon." 

"How nice." I murmur, ignoring the pain coursing my body. 

"Mithrandir will have a few words to exchange with you, I am sure." 

"What is his purpose for visiting? I would have thought he would retire to Lothlórien or journey back to the Shire." 

"It is typical of him to spend his time here when he is not traveling. Do you not want him to come to Imladris?" 

"Nay, it is only that I fear his reaction to what has become of me." 

"Indeed he shall react whether you like it or not," He tsks, "Legolas, no more heavy activity or I will order you to be supervised. Those wounds need to heal and I am certain your father will have all our heads if you do not recover." 

"Of course he could, but he won't. My father is too isolated to venture this far from Greenwood." 

"What causes your distaste for your father?" 

"Too many things, Elrond. Too many." 

"Very well," Elrond finishes up and motions towards the tray, "Eat and get back to recovering, your highness." 

"Yes, Lord Elrond." Once he is gone I reach for the tray and slowly down supper, which consists of a small portion of goose in a light brown sauce and a heaping salad. The goose is remarkably delicious, and I remember how doting Erthanist was when she was working on the geese brought back from the hunt. The corners of my lips quirk upwards as I recall her smile and soft glow.  For a moment my heart swells to a sore size, and I freeze. This cannot be happening. No. I cannot be feeling anything for anyone. Not even Erthanist. 

I chose to remain alone for eternity. I do not regret it. I do not, I do not, I do not. I cannot after everything that has happened to me. Glorfindel would not allow it anyway, and I am sure that Erthanist is less than interested. I am the one who has been intruding upon her, as she stated earlier. I will not. 

Would I? 

Thanks for reading and giving feedback! Suggestions are welcome!

~Uilosris