"But I do." Legolas sighed softly, leaning into his friend's comforting embrace. He was weary beyond anything he had felt before and still had much ahead of him. In their past Elladan had always been a source of comfort, silent and strong, to the young prince. He would never forgive himself the injury that even now faded to memory for his friend.

"I have made many apologies this morning." Legolas sighed again, his mind showing him the faces of all he had wronged in his grief and madness. One was seen more often then all the others, but he couldn't help but push it to the side.

"Ai." Elladan said, squeezing his friend's shoulder. Then he removed his arm and sat up straight, looking closely at his friend. "You are alright?" He asked, his voice holding a sense of question, mixed with disbelief. It seemed unlikely that the prince could recover from his madness so quickly. But to the physical eye he seemed well, if cheerless. To the inner eye though, that of the heart, Elladan could see a quiet battle raging inside his friend.

"Law." Legolas said softly, his shoulders falling ever so slightly. ("No.")

"Will you ever be?" Elladan asked, knowing the answer already as tears threatened to form in his eyes. His friend had changed with this and would never be the same again. Elladan's heart mourned for that which was lost.

"Not completely." The prince whispered.

Legolas sighed once more then stood, looking down at his friend. "You are more of a friend than anyone, elf or otherwise, could ask for Elladan. Im hannon le an sen, gwador." (… I thank you for that, brother.")

Elladan simply nodded.

"I go now. Surely we are ready to depart and I have one more stop to make. Perhaps we will see each other soon?"

"Perhaps." Elladan said in a perfect imitation of his father. Legolas smiled softly because he knew that the young elf had not intended it to sound so. Legolas placed his hand over his heart and bowed in the traditional farewell of the elves, then turned to leave.

"Legolas," Elladan said as the prince reached his door. Legolas stopped and turned his head, his eyes questioning. "You said you made many apologies today. Have you done so to my brother?"

Legolas knew of which brother Elladan spoke, and he knew also that Elladan knew. He did not answer his friend as he left the room.

***

Legolas took the reins from Avarilas when he reached the stables and gracefully mounted his horse, forgotten by him all this time. He promised the mare that he would make it up to her ten-fold. Avarilas mounted his own steed, and Lindelen settled in beside his brother, waiting for their departure.

They had waited most the morning for the prince to join them, patient in their wait for he had been to see Ilithien's grave once more before their departure. They did not question him when he finally returned to them.

Legolas had many things he wished, and needed, to discuss with his friend and his brother, but they could wait. His heart could take no more right now, and they had a long journey ahead of them.

Elrond and Elrohir stood on Elladan's balcony watching the small party as they prepared to leave. The three Mirkwood elves bowed respectfully atop their horses to the ancient lord, he returning the farewell, and laughed at the ridiculous face Elrohir made. They laughed even harder when Elrohir cringed under his father's disapproving glare.

Legolas met Elrohir's eyes, conveying once again the apology he had made to him that morn, both for the heinous action he had done to his dear friend, and for the injury his brother had sustained, for Legolas knew it had pained the younger twin more than the one that had received it.

Elrohir nodded in acceptance of the apology, then he and his father turned and entered the room, leaving the three to their journey. They set off without a word.

***

Less than an hour's time later they came to the edge of the lands of Imladris, passing the low river effortlessly and turning towards their home.

As they did this Legolas saw a dark figure, too loud and clumsy to be an elf, emerge from the woods on their side, preparing to cross the river back to Imladris. As the figure came closer he saw the Mirkwood party and waved, then bowed respectfully, saying a prayer for their safety.

As he straightened his dark gray eyes met Legolas' and he smiled.

~

"E innas gwanath istos." Legolas said bitterly as he watched his beloved fiancé laugh at the antics of the child in his courtyard. Lord Elrond was paying a visit to the prince's father, and he deemed to bring the human child and his nanny with him. ("He will die you know.")