Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any characters from the books or movies. Anyone you don't know, I probably own. I'm going to put all the chapters up whether you like them or not. Thanks to Kelly, who beta'd this back in 2005!

The Love of his Life

Chapter 1: The Surprise

'I wonder why the King has summoned me,' thought the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas had just arrived in Gondor and was heading towards the palace. He had not been in Gondor for some months and was very glad to return. He was shaken from his thoughts by the sight of the palace looming above him. He was admitted at once and a servant brought him to the King and Queen. It seemed that he was expected.

Aragorn and Arwen rose to greet him. 'It is wonderful to see you again, Legolas, my old friend.'

Legolas embraced Aragorn and then Arwen. 'It warms my heart to see you both again.'

A few pleasantries and other news were exchanged before Aragorn got down to business.

'Do you know what today is?' he asked the Elf. Legolas thought for a moment. It was the twenty-fifth of June, but he doubted that was the answer Aragorn was looking for. Then his memory saved him.

'Gâlae's birthday,' he answered.

'Yes, her fifth,' beamed Arwen. 'She has been asking about you for quite a while and Estel thought it would be a nice surprise if you were here for her birthday,' the Queen continued.

'Yes, she will be pleased. When will we tell her?' Legolas asked.

'Now if you are up to it,' answered Aragorn.

Smiling, Legolas nodded. 'Yes. I much desire to see her myself.'

Aragorn and Arwen rose and started toward the door with Legolas following close behind. They walked down a long corridor, which Legolas knew well. He had walked down this long corridor when he had painted the walls of the nursery with a mural.

They stopped in front of an open door. Five-year-old Gâlae sat at a small table with her twelve-year-old sister Ranâ, thirteen-year-old brother Eldarion, and an elf- maiden Legolas recalled seeing before, but he could not remember her name.

'Hello Gâlae,' Aragorn said. At his voice, the elf-maiden stood quickly and bowed to the King and Queen.

'Ada!' Gâlae cried, running to her father and mother.

'There is someone who wants to see you,' Arwen told her. She stepped aside to let Legolas enter.

'Prince Legolas!' cried Gâlae as soon as he had entered. She flung herself at him and he scooped her up in his arms. When he put her down, Arwen said, 'Legolas, you remember Elenî, don't you? She takes care of the children for us.'

'How do you do,' Elenî said, curtseying a little.

'Very well, thank you.' Always a gentleman, Legolas kissed the back of her hand. He knew it was rude to stare, but he couldn't help it. Elenî was beautiful. Her long golden hair flowed in the breeze and her bright Elven eyes were filled with happiness. Legolas didn't know why he had never noticed this before. 'Perhaps I never paid attention,' he thought.

Arwen looked at Aragorn. They had both seen the spark pass between Legolas and Elenî. Gâlae was the first to break the silence.

'Come join our tea party, Legolas,' she said brightly. Taking him by the hand, she pulled him over to the table and motioned for him to sit. Smiling, he greeted the other two children, who hugged him happily.

'You may have my chair, Master Legolas,' offered Elenî. 'I believe Eldarion and Ranâ have had enough of this game.' The two older children smiled gratefully, and bidding Legolas goodbye, left the room.

'Thank you, Lady Elenî,' Legolas said. She turned to go when Gâlae called her back.

'Please stay, Elenî,' the little girl pleaded.

Elenî smiled. 'All right, but only for a little while. Prince Legolas is probably tired from his long journey. He might like to rest before supper.'

While she was speaking, Aragorn and Arwen quietly slipped from the room.

As they sat, Elenî said to Gâlae, 'Leave Legolas' hair alone, Gâlae. I do not think he wishes to wear pink ribbons in his hair again. You may play with my hair and I will wear the ribbons and crown.'

Flushing slightly, Legolas quickly looked at the floor as Gâlae eagerly agreed. Legolas was entranced by Elenî's beautiful voice and soon forgot his embarrassment. Her voice was gentle, yet firm and full of love for the child. He watched as she let Gâlae braid her beautiful hair and place ribbons at the ends. Then, she knelt as Gâlae placed the small crown on her head.

'Someday you will be a princess just like me,' proclaimed the littlest elf.

'Do you think so?' asked Elenî, playing along.

'I know so,' responded Gâlae, confident in her wisdom.

'How do you know?' asked Elenî.

'I just do.'

Legolas smiled at their conversation and promised himself he would get to know this intriguing young elf-maiden.

AN: Ada- Father