A Thousand Memories

Chapter One: Bound To You

Tauriel weeped as she cradled the body of Kili Oakenshield in her arms. She mourned for the loss of a warrior, fiercely loyal to his kin, and she cried because for someone who had given her the will to fight when she thought defeat was inevitable, he did not deserve the fate he had received. Although his feelings were not returned by Tauriel, she had still maintained a strong friendship throughout the course of the war, never faltering.

"This isn't a broken heart, this is just I mourning for the loss of a good friend. Don't you dare be indifferent because you, my lord-" She practically spat the words out like poison, "Have seen loss and suffering too!"

Tauriel did not direct the words to the snowy breeze that billowed around her, but to the Elvenking himself who stood behind her. The King was lost for words, and he couldn't deny that he slightly felt ashamed of himself for being so ignorant to the suffering around him.

Thranduil watched the grief pour out of the elleth, his face ashen from the battle he had just fought. His eyes were clouded with an old grief that spoke many words. The Elvenking couldn't help but stand there. He knew if he offered her words of comfort she would not register them. His usually steely facade had crumbled, and underneath all the fine armour and the crown he wore on his head, stood a soul shadowed with the past.

"I-" He started, but his voice died out with the wind. He shut his eyes for a brief moment to compose himself before willing himself to continue. This time. stronger, he said, "I have lifted your banishment from Mirkwood and I grant you the permission to return home whenever you please. Your position with the guard will still be yours and...due to these events you may rest as long as you wish." He opened his mouth to say more, but stopped himself, for he had nothing left to say apart from, "I shall take my leave."

With that said the Elvenking gave a gesture of blessing and turned away from her and walked the direction from which he came from. Tauriel watched him until he was no longer in her line of sight.

The sun had started to sink, and the stars had started to climb. Soon came two dwarves to collect Kili's body from her. Seeing that she was injured and immobile, they offered to help her get her medical attention.

"It isn't wise to stay up here m'lady, They say old souls come and wander here at night and posses those who dare stay in the ruins. If you could just wait, we shall come for you and bring you to the nearest Healing station." One said, genuinely concerned for the she-elf.

She kindly declined, despite the chill of the weather starting to creep through her bones, "I must stay." She declared firmly.

The dwarves shared a look, silently contemplating with each other if they should go against her wishes and help her. But after a few moments. they bowed their heads and walked away with the body of Kili, leaving her in the fading light.

She did yearn to say yes, but she knew she couldn't regret that decision, for it is best they leave her there.

When darkness completely fell, her companion wasn't anywhere to be seen, and she had wondered if Legolas had left her. The pain slowly seeped into every nerve, and she was having a hard time to keep her eyes open. She stifled her whimpers and gained some self-control .

Snow had started to fall, and Tauriel had no choice but to lie down and brace herself. The pain reached maximum and she really couldn't find herself to move. She squeezed her eyes shut and just hoped she would die before anyone finds her.

Before my last breath I curse you she-elf of Mirkwood to never love again, for those who are close thy heart shall suffer with pain or death!

The memory hit her like a bright flash of light. The curse that the Orc had set upon her before she drove her dagger into his heart. "No!" Tauriel cried out, wanting to rid of the words and the memory from her mind, her life. Pain wracked her body and her lungs were screaming for air.

Kili was the first victim of her curse, and she vowed he would be the last. She could not bare Legolas being the next one, it would completely crush her soul.

Suddenly she heard faint footsteps, and all hope of not being found slowly shrunk away. Tauriel could not move to hide somewhere and so she had no choice but to stay still, praying that the cover of night will help her.

"Tauriel!" Someone cried out. They continued to call her name, and they also got closer and closer buy the second. Tauriel knew who was calling her name. It both warmed her soul yet pierced her heart.

Although she knew it was going to be excruciatingly painful, she made an attempt to move. Her arms slowly extended in front of her. Using the ground for support, she dragged herself ever so slowly, ignoring the throbbing pain in her head.

A sharp shoot of pain shot up her whole body, and she cried out loudly, immediately giving away to where she lay.

"I can hear her! Hurry!"

She choked out her despair, quickly thinking of something to do before they could find her. She couldn't hurt them but she could…

Hurt herself.

Slowly reaching for the last dagger she had, she unsheathed it. Tauriel took a deep shaky breath and opened her eyes, taking one last look at the forest of stars that shone up in the sky, and she faintly smiled, knowing that she will soon be joining them.

With one last draw of breath she plunged the dagger into her side, making no attempt to hide the gut wrenching scream that escaped her mouth. Her arms fell limp to the sides. She hoped that when they found her, it would like someone else had stabbed her.

It was a selfless move, it had to be done she told herself.

Dark spots started to obscure her vision, and the stars above started swirling and swirling. Her eyes slowly started to close, as she pulled out the dagger from her flesh.

"Tauriel! No!"

Her eyes shot open in time to see Legolas fall on his knees. She watched as in great haste he took his cloak off and wrapped it around her body, and he cradled her in his arms.

"Get healers up here as fast as you can!" He told one of his escorts, and to the other he commanded, "Search the area if there is anyone else here, do not kill them upon sight but bring them to me."

The elves raced away to do what they were told. Legolas hugged Tauriel tighter in attempt to keep her warm, not caring if her blood was soaking his tunic. His heart dropped and his soul swelled in anger and panic swallowed him. He could see her fading quickly.

She smiled; Tauriel was glad she would not die alone. Tears formed in her eyes and fell down her cheeks. Legolas gave her a weak smile in return, trying to stay strong for her.

"Remember the first time I met you?" She said, her voice so quiet Legolas had to lean in a little. He smiled at the memory of a young, red haired elleth caked in mud and leaves, running through the forest, with another blonde elf pursuing her, extremely annoyed.

"You jumped on me." He deadpanned, although the small smile on his face told differently. Tauriel shook her head and smiled, remembering the big lecture her adoptive mother gave her after she had caught Tauriel putting Legolas in a headlock.

"The King wasn't particularly pleased either." She said, "I can still remember the smug look on your face when I unwillingly apologized to you."

"I also then remember how, after we somehow became good friends, you read your favourite poem to me." He said, "It was like hearing an orc read poetry."

When he waited for a witty remark from her, he was met with silence. He looked down and saw that her eyes were starting to close.

"Open your eyes Tauriel, stay with me!" Legolas cried and pleaded her, although he could hear her heart slow by the moment, and her breaths shorten.

With the hand that Legolas didn't grasp she reached out and cupped his face, feeling the warmth of him for one last time. He leaned in and captured her mouth in a sweet, desperate kiss. She choked out the two words with her sobs.

" Illume."

Then, her hand fell limp and crashed onto the ground, her eyes shut and her last breath of air fell from her lips.

Legolas

She was still alive, he could feel her pulse, but it was heartbreakingly slow. The cold creeped upon him, but he had learnt not to let it get to him.

She said always, He thought. Something swelled up in him, and he knew he wasn't just going to lose her. For a long period of time his heart was buried in dust after his Mother's death. It wasn't until Tauriel came along, that he decided to open up his heart once more. He would give everything to be with her.

Legolas could feel her soul slipping from his grasp. His heart beat quickened as her's slowed. His head whipped to his left as he saw his two cousins, Faeron who was a practicing healer and Faeron's younger brother, Nethraunien accompany him.

"Amin khiluva lle a' gurtha ar' thar Tauriel." He said to the she-elf, not caring if anyone heard his words.

"You must let her go Legolas." Faeron said, trying to pry Legolas away from the body., "We must bring her down to the tent, for we cannot do our work here. An evil presence lurks in the shadows. We must be quick." Faeron urged.

"Then let it be I who carries her." Legolas demanded, keeping a tight grip on Tauriel. Faeron, who didn't exactly support the idea, nodded his consent and stepped back. Legolas slowly got up and carefully adjusted the position of Tauriel in his arms before they started running out of the ruins.

"Uuma dela" Nethraunien said, trying to ease the tension from Legolas, "She has a strong soul, she will live if we act fast. Lord Elrond is here, he will help us."

The moon hung upon the sky, hiding behind the clouds, as if it were deeply saddened by the sight below him. Those who survived the battle was out on the fields, burning the bodies of the enemies, whilst others scouted for the bodies of their allies to give them a prepare them for burial, they also looked for anyone who had survived.

A strange presence lurked around the battlefield. Death breezed around the bodies, sickeningly delighted at the pleasure of dragging souls to the eternal lands. Death had many eyes, and he saw that Tauriel's soul was leaving her, but her body held a vice grip on her, and so he stopped for awhile to wait to see the fate of the she-elf. Curious, he followed the trio into the tent.

The trio reached the tent to where Lord Elrond waited. Legolas dashed in quick and gently placed Tauriel on the table. As soon Legolas stepped away, Elrond, Faeron and Nethraunien got to work.

"Draw some of my strength and give it to her." Legolas suggested, desperate. Elrond shook his head and exhaled.

"That would be dangerous Legolas, and could affect you later in life." Elord said, disapproving of the idea, "I suggest you step outside, for this clearly upsets you."

Although he knew it was petulant of him to do so, he got irrationally angry, but he kept his cool and said, "It is fine, I wish to stay here by her side."

Elrond internally sighed and nodded his consent, and then he turned to continued to assist the two brother's who were mixing potions and herbs for Tauriel. Legolas watched at the side, praying to the spirits of Valar that Tauriel will be okay.

"The stab wound is deep." Faeron said, his voice grave. "Nethranuien, you must go and find many bandages as you can, for she is losing a lot of blood. Some of her bones are also broken." Nethranuien dashed out of the tent as soon of the words left Faeron's mouth.

Faeron looked sorrowfully at his cousin, who sat on the floor with his head upon his knees. This was a new sight for Faeron, because out of the trio, Legolas was always the strong one, the optimistic one. He got the two brother's out of trouble, he aided them when the Brother's needed it the most. Faeron was indebted to Legolas.

Then Faeron glanced at the elf maiden, who lay unmoving, pale. This was the maiden Legolas had always talked about in adornment, with love and passion. If she was worthy enough to capture the heart of the Elf Prince, Faeron was determined not to fail his cousin. He was going to try everything in his power to save her.

It was time to return a favour.

Tauriel

She walks in darkness, but she hears the living world.

"She is weak, her soul is holding on for dear life." Someone says, their voice like a distant echo. She feels a cool cloth being pressed on her head, slightly putting relief on her burning head, and she whimpers in satisfaction.

"She responds well to the medicine, but I'm afraid she won't be awake for some time. Her body will be comatosed, but we do not know how long for." Another says, and Tauriel swears she knows that voice.

She feels someone grasp her hand, a familiar warming touch. Legolas she cries out, but it does not come out of her mouth, "Will she be alright?" he asks, his voice cracking. He has been crying.

"Yes, she will be fine, but at dawn we must ride back to Mirkwood, for she needs a proper bed to lie on. It will make the healing process easier." They pause for a short while, "I must go and tend to other's. Excuse me." and she heard the person leave the tent.

"Diola lle" Legolas says, the sincerity thick in his voice. Tauriel hears some shifting around and hears Legolas and another elf exchange words ever so quietly, their murmurs echoing through her mind.

Suddenly, she felt a powerful presence come into the tent. She yearns to open her eyes, but she couldn't. It seemed like when she tried to reach out, her hand crumbled into ash. Whoever this person was, they clearly wanted her to waken, but her body had shut down, blocking all attempts to wake Tauriel up.

"Mithrandir," Legolas starts, surprised, "I thought you had gone to Lothlorien straight after the battle?"

Gandalf? What is he doing here?

The old wizard gave a hearty chuckle, "Why should I leave when I am needed here? Lady Galadriel is patient, she would not mind a small delay."

After a few moments of small talk, the wizard turned his attention to Tauriel. Suddenly, his joyful eyes turned grave, and his lips wore a small frown. Legolas, who had not missed Gandalf's sudden change of move tensed. "What is wrong?"

Gandalf moved closer to the body. He reached out to hover his hand over her body. A certain darkness drifted out of her, and the wizard tensed, a sense of foreboding swelling in his chest. Tauriel could feel the pull, and it felt foreign, nothing she had ever felt before.

"It seems," Gandalf said, his voice melancholy, "that there was something evil placed within her. There is no wickedness in her soul, but something like a curse hangs over her head. An irreversible one."

- Legolas -

The air felt heavy and thick as the words sank. Processing the whole thing, Legolas looked at the wizard, disconsolate. The news had hit the prince like a hard blow to the chest. Faeron, who had watched the whole thing unfold, placed a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder, though it felt static and heavy on Legolas, but he did not say anything.

"Did Elrond not see this?" Faeron asked, "He seemed troubled, but we did not ask him why."

"I did see it." Elrond said, all three turned around as he entered the tent, his face grave, "That is why I summoned Mithrandir. It is beyond my power to release her from the curse. She is bound in chains."

Legolas finally spoke up, "What kind curse is it. Do you know?"

Mithrandir sighed, "No. Whoever put it there must have great knowledge in dark magic, for there is a block to it. I cannot reach it myself. Though, I can aid you by making the curse dormant. But this all I can do."

Elrond frowned, "How? The only way is to…"

"Erase a majority of her memories." The wizard finished for him. Faeron gasped and Legolas paled. Elrond squeezed his eyes shut, as if to ward off a bright light.

Legolas felt utterly useless, and he wished he could find someway to help Tauriel. He reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair from her eyes. This wasn't going to be an easy recovery, he could tell, but he had to be strong for her. Legolas' wished he could find an optimistic thought, but he knew he'd be lying to himself if he did.

"I will only be ridding 200 years worth of memories. The curse will only work if she knows of it. Part of it is supposed to torment her soul and drive her to madness; This is the part I can only remove so to say. She will still be the Tauriel you know, but pieces of the past shall have to be left behind." Gandalf explained to them, trying to soothe their worry.

"Can her memories be regained again?" Faeron asked. The wizard shook his head.

"She cannot. However I shall fuse the past and present together and mix some memories up so she does not suspect anything. Tauriel will be a little confused for awhile, and it will seem like she has completely forgotten everything, but she will settle down after a month or two. You must help her in this."

Legolas tore his gaze away from Tauriel and looked at Gandalf, "Do you swear that no harm shall come to her?"

Gandalf wasn't one to lie, "No, I cannot swear. She is already harmed, she is damaged. I am only parting half of the curse from her. It is her fate, I do not know what the future will hold for her."

Elrond, who saw that the Prince was slowly destroying himself with worry, said, "Legolas, I'm afraid you must leave for just a while whilst Gandalf performs the operation. You must rest."

The prince shook his head and insisted, "I stay here, I refuse to leave her side."

"Lord Elrond is right, you must rest. Tomorrow you can be with her every moment as we ride back to Mirkwood. We must respect his wishes." Faeron said, slowly prying Legolas from the tent. Legolas yanked his arm from Faeron's grasp.

"Legolas!" The prince turned around and saw his Father standing behind him, "Go outside, now!" Thranduil demanded, sharply.

Legolas begrudgingly listened to his Father and took his leave, Faeron following him. Before he left, however, Gandalf grabbed his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze, optimism bright in his eyes, "Do not fear Legolas, I will give her the best care I can."

He released his grip on the prince. Legolas took one, last lingering glance at Tauriel before leaving the tent, Faeron following him out.

Elrond walked over and stood beside Thranduil. They watched as Gandalf prepared himself for the operation, grabbing herbs and pulling out books from the shelves, placing them on the table beside where Tauriel lay.

"How long?" Elrond asked Thranduil.

"I do not know. I was ignorant and thought it was only a ghost of love. But when I saw the amount of love he held for her in his eyes, I realised that it was real. It was like the love I shared with his Mother." Thranduil said, wistfully. Elrond just simply nodded his head, satisfied with the answer.

The wizard had finished preparing, he turned to the two elves.

"I feel a familiar presence in the room." Gandalf said, narrowing his eyes at the corner of the tent. He saw a slight shadow, although no one was standing there. A mocking laugh echoed in his ears, and suddenly he knew who it was.

"He is here. He can feel her body leave her soul." Mithrandir said. Elrond had straightened up, and Thranduil suddenly paled.

Death watched as slight fear gripped their souls. Especially the Elvenking. Death remembered the great elf who had fallen on his knees and begged for the soul of his wife. Death contemplated whether he should spare the young elleth whom the prince loved, but since he had nothing else to do,he stood back and watched the wizard attempt to save her.

"He is amused," Mithrandir said, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Show yourself!"

Death smirked. As tempted as he was, he didn't want to give them the satisfaction. Instead, he spoke, intending to mock them.

"The more you fool around trying to get me to show myself, the more chance that Tauriel will die." Death said, darkly amused, he turned to Elrond, "Although you Elrond, son of Eärendil, may foresee the future, I can see her whole life. You fear to tell these men, especially the young prince of her fate."

Although a strong feeling of foreboding rose up in Gandalf, he asked, "What will be the fate of Tauriel, The Dark Lord of Spirits?"

Death chuckled, "Oh you are fooling no one Olórin. You and I both know what will happen if you wipe the memories of her. The curse has one task, and it will not rest until it has completely destroyed her." Death turned to Thranduil, "And you Thranduil, son of Oropher, will suffer greatly if you let her walk free"

Thranduil finally spoke up, refusing to believe him. "You may be The Dark Lord of Spirits, but we shall not fall under your ruse."

Death almost sounded bored, "Oh I do not lie. Just kill her and you may all be liberated from such darkness. You are too fond of the she-elf."

Mithrandir was getting angry, "Go! For you only cause trouble!"

Death sighed, and shook his head. "I shall take my leave. But remember, It was I who warned you of this great danger. I can see myself coming back soon."

Death vanished and the warmth was suddenly back in the room. The mocking laugh of the Dark Lord echoed in their minds. All three men were left struck in silence.

Mithrandir was the first to move, although himself was disheartened.

"Let us begin."

"You know, we could go and visit the people of Esgaroth and see how they are." Faeron suggested, trying to distract Legolas from his grief. But the Prince stayed awfully silent, staring up at multitude of stars.

"Stars, are a strange thing." Legolas mused, his voice distant, "I always thought they were a thing of beauty. But now I see them as a cold, distant light that not even the greatest can hope to reach."

Faeron contemplated his answer, "Yes…" he started, slowly, "But they can also give hope and light into those whose hearts are heavy with grief. They are wishes that many people have made." He paused, waiting for a reply. Instead he received silence, and he gave an exasperated sigh, "Come on Legolas! I do not know Tauriel as much as you do, but I am definitely sure she would be cross with you for wallowing in grief!"

"She would also want you to be strong for her," Another voice added. The two elves turned around and saw Nethraunien walk over to them.

Legolas looked at both of his cousins, currently wishing he had their optimism, "You are right." Legolas admitted. Finally, after a few moments he decided, "Alright then. Let us go to Dale."

The trio walked to the area where the horses were kept. Although the entrance to the Dale was a short distance, they were tired and weary from the Battle, especially Legolas who was both emotionally and physically drained.

They mounted their horses and set off. After about five minutes they arrived at the gates of Dale. The stench of death still lingered in the air, and a few bodies still laid around. The three rode through the paths, their way lit by the few lanterns that hung around on trees and on windows.

Faeron and Nethraunien could not help but cover their noses because of the after scent of war. Legolas, however, was used to the smell, and through the years he learnt how to deal with the awful scent and learnt to block unwanted scents.

The trio eventually spotted who they were looking for. They dismounted from their horses and set off up the path by foot. Bard, who was tending to the injured, saw the the three come up to him, and he stopped what he was doing and went over the greet the elves.

"Good Evening, what brings you to Dale at such late hour?" Bard asked, as he shook all their hands.

"We have come to check on your welfare to see your people are." Faeron said, as all four started walking up the path. Nethraunien, who was only 76 years old, could not help but almost gag at the sights before him and roll his eyes at a woman who pleaded for his aid. Legolas shot a cautious glare at his younger cousin and discreetly kicked him in the shin. Faeron and Bard were completely oblivious to this situation as they were ahead, talking away.

"Ouch!" Nethraunien exclaimed, glaring at Legolas, "What was that for?"

"That was for you being so childish. Grow up and get used to the sight. Besides, you have tended to the injured, what makes these surroundings worse?" Legolas snapped at him.

Nethraunien shrugged his shoulders and said, nonchalantly, "The conditions," he leaned forward towards Legolas' ear and whispered, "Were a lot cleaner."

Legolas, who made no attempt to be discreet this time, kicked him in the shin once again, much harder. "Do not be callous. Dolle naa lost."

"Whatever," The young elf grumbled, sulking at the fact of being chastised by his cousin. Legolas pushed Nethraunien in front of him so he could keep his sights on him incase he did something utterly childish.

Bard and Faeron paused their steps so that Legolas and Nethraunien could catch up. Faeron noticed his brother's sullen mood. Faeron turned to Legolas, "Mani naa ta?"

"Adolescence." Legolas simply stated, and Faeron simply chucked and rolled his eyes.

"Are you planning to return to Esgaroth?" Legolas asked Bard. The smile dropped from the man's eyes and he sighed.

"The people fear to step foot into that town again. They say it is cursed because Smaug now lays dead at the heart of the town. There will be a gathering tomorrow to decide the fate of the people." Bard said, tiredly.

Nethraunien, piped up and said, "Why don't you just stay here in Dale?" he suggested, "I mean the place needs a little….cleaning but it is still habitable. Once all the riches are shared trade will be bountiful."

Bard, paused and said, "Yes, now that you mention it. The idea was floating around somewhere in my mind, but I just did not know who to confide in. But since someone else has mentioned it, it seems like a fine idea."

Nethraunien brightened, "Yes! And that way you don't have to go round and beg for aid from other kingdoms like !"

Faeron and Legolas opened their mouths to remonstrate with the young elf, but they were cut off by Bard who gave a hearty chuckle, "Yes that is true."

Nethraunien gave Legolas and Faeron a look of superiority, almost adding a raspberry but he decided against it. Both older elves just rolled their eyes and just turned their backs on him and walked off to catch up with Bard.

"How many lost? If you don't mind me asking." Faeron asked as he stared at the makeshift hospital, particularly pitying an old woman who weeps for her son who lay dead at her arms and the boy who wandered around, calling for his Father, who was most likely dead.

He ripped his gaze away, painful memories surfacing his mind. Now wasn't the time to wallow in the past.

"715 injured, 200 lost," Bard said, doleful, "Some who refuse to believe one dead are currently scouring the battlefield."

Bard turned to Legolas, "Speaking of the injured, how is your companion...Tauriel?"

Legolas sighed, "I do not know, for I have left her in the hands of Mithrandir and Lord Elrond. They fear she will not awaken for quite sometime."

Bard put a reassuring hand on Legolas' shoulder, empathising with him, "I understand what you are going through," Bard looked at his children, who were sat on the floor, huddled together, "Although you seem okay, I can see it in your eyes."

He continued before Legolas could interject , "She was visiting her Brother who had caught a rare disease. My wife was travelling back from Nindamos when her and the group she was travelling with were attacked by a stray pack of wargs. She and three other women survived, but she barely escaped with her life and was severely injured."

He sighed, and glanced at the ruins of Esgaroth, "The two other women, who weren't as badly injured, brought her back home. I paid everything I could to save Asta. She was comatosed, unable to awaken. But before I could find anything, it was too late. She passed away 4 months later."

"I sometimes blame myself for her death. I was angry with myself for not going with her, and protecting her. But I had the children to think about. So I kept strong for them."

Bard gave Legolas a small sad smile, "Asta had a weak soul but a strong heart. Tauriel, however has the heart of a warrior and a very strong soul. Although I have no power to see what lies ahead, I can see that she will survive and live."

Legolas gave an appreciative smile to Bard for his optimism, and he felt a slight sliver of hope creep onto him.

The moment broke when a fight had suddenly broken out between two men who were scrapping over food. Legolas spotted Faeron diving on the men to break them apart, whilst Nethraunien, shouted and cheered on the younger man who threw a feeble punch at his opponent. Bard clearly saw that he was needed and ran over to the men, and Legolas went to Nethraunien to sort him out.

A crowd was starting to gather. Legolas took his chance to grab his little cousin by the cuff and drag him back out of the crowd. Nethraunien protested, but obediently followed. When they reached a small back alley, Legolas dumped him on the floor, not attempting once to be gentle.

"What's your problem?" Nethraunien snapped as he stood up, dusting his clothes off, "I was just having fun!"

"You were causing trouble, and Bard didn't want to capture anymore attention. You just had to go out there and do the opposite, seeking attention! They will think us as a disturbance!" Legolas hissed, glaring at the boy.

Nethraunien yelled in frustration and pointed at Legolas, "You are just angry because Tauriel is practically dead! You're thinking yourself useless! And you're just taking it out on me!" Nethraunien shouted at his cousin.

"Don't ever say that again." Legolas growled, "You may be young, but I can still-"

"Just stop the both of you!"

Legolas and Nethraunien turned around and saw Faeron standing a few feet from them, particularly not looking pleased. He raised an eyebrow at both elves, silently asking for an explanation.

Nethraunien stepped forward, and pointed an accusing finger at Legolas, "He keeps on taking out his anger on me!"

Faeron rolled his eyes, "I am not surprised. But-" he turned to Legolas, "You should be at least be a little calmer than this. What happened to your patience? Has it suddenly slipped away my dear cousin? We,- well more likely I- understand that you are deeply upset and troubled about the whole situation. Tauriel would thwack you in the head if she saw you like this."

Legolas calmed a little bit, and laughed quietly at the image of Tauriel reprimanding him for not managing to control his emotions. Nethraunien glanced at him as if he was a mad man and Faeron only smiled.

"Come, let us go back to the camp and see how Mithrandir does with Tauriel."

Mithrandir stepped away from Tauriel, and placed down the jar of Lavender he was using. Thranduil and Elrond stopped their conversation and turned their attention to the wizard. Gandalf sighed and shook his head.

"How is she?" Elrond asked, glancing at Tauriel, who had gained much of her colour back, but was still shaking despite the abundance of blankets wrapped around her, "Will she recover?"

"Yes…" Gandalf started, slowly, "And no. She will heal, but not fully. I have wiped most of her memories. It wasn't exactly 200, but it was enough to stop her regaining back her recent memories...I hope."

Thranduil narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the wizard, "There is something else. Something you aren't telling us. Death said there were going to be some dangers if ever she wakes again. Why won't you tell us?"

"I don't know, but I just can't say."

Full explanation of why I re-wrote the whole thing. I hope you will understand x

As always review or pm me for any questions. I am open to criticism. I hope you all had a lovely christmas.

-Amidstidris