Disclaimer: I own nothing of Middle-earth, though I do thank J.R.R. Tolkien for creating this wonderful world. The characters and places are used for non-profit purposes only, so please don't sue me.
Author's Notes: I am not a Tolkien-expert nor do I claim to be one. Any errors that might occur in canon, language etc. are entirely my fault. Please feel free to point them out in a friendly manner, constructive criticism is welcome.
Additional A/N: Many of my stories and certainly my way of describing the characters' relationships are inspired by Cassia and Siobhan's wonderful "Mellon Chronicles".
I too work with the idea that both of Aragorn's parents died when he was young and he was therefore raised in the House of Elrond like a son and that Elladan and Elrohir are his older brothers by all but blood.
J.R.R. Tolkien did say that Aragorn "was raised in the House of Elrond", all else is just artistic license and I ask you to please not take offence in it.
Aragorn is a man of many names and I believe I have used them all. ;)
He is Estel to his family and close friends, Aragorn to those who knew him during the War of the Ring and to the Dúnedain Rangers and Elessar to the people of his Kingdom.
I have tried my best to get the Elvish words and phrases right, but if you do find an error, please let me know.
Words/phrases that are not translated directly in the text can be found at the end.
Special A/N: Above and beyond all, I would like to thank my best friend Phil for her inspiration and patience and for reading and re-reading all my drafts over and over again. Hannon le, muinthel-nîn!
CHAPTER 1
Soft golden light filtered through the dense canopy of leaves, speckling the woodland floor of the great elven kingdom of Mirkwood.
Insects hummed in the glades and birds twittered in the trees, their songs floating musically on the balmy summer breeze.
Many of the elves of Mirkwood enjoyed the peace and quiet before the Summer Solstice, which would bring with it an endless week of celebrating and merrymaking, and spent their time strolling along the woodland paths or lazing in the sun in the many glades near the banks of the Forest River.
Forgotten were the ever present threats that usually dampened the moods, the shadow that had been steadily creeping over the south of the Wood seemed to have receded a little and there had been no attacks of either wargs nor spiders in over a fortnight.
All was well in Mirkwood on this mellow summer's day.
Sitting beneath the shady boughs of an ancient beech tree were four elves and a young human and all were engrossed in an animated discussion as to who the best archer in the upcoming tournament would be.
"Have none of you considered that Prince Legolas will be partaking also?" A voice from beyond their circle queried. "I daresay there should be no question as to who will win." Trelan, Second in Command of the Royal Guard of Mirkwood and close friend to the Prince dropped down next to his liege, skilfully ignoring the withering glare that said Prince cast him.
"Indeed." The human laughed, "How could we forget!" He nudged the elf prince playfully. Legolas had long since befriended the adopted son of Elrond, the Lord of Imladris, and called the human - who was known as Estel among his close friends and family – a brother.
Estel was of course only the name Lord Elrond had given him as a child, for his right name was Aragorn, Son of Arathorn and he was the Heir to the throne of Gondor. But only a chosen few knew this fact, for it was yet to remain a secret and therefore he went by many names – most of them given by people he loved.
Legolas brushed a strand of long, golden hair out of his face and smiled – albeit somewhat tartly. "I shall try my best."
A few feet away a group of elegantly dressed elves from Lothlórien passed, eying the friends curiously and whispering among themselves quite unduly.
The group sitting beneath the beech tree had been a source for gossip most of the day, for it was of course widely known that the handsome blond elf was the son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood and that the identical elves that accompanied him most of the time were Elladan and Elrohir, Sons of Elrond.
The identity of the human and the elf maiden that were also part of the circle of friends were unfamiliar to most and speculations drifted to and fro on the balmy breeze like pollen.
"Listen to them." Elenath, the Noldorin elf maiden scowled at the passers by. "They do naught but gossip day in, day out. It makes one wonder what other interests they might possess."
"For shame, Elenath!" Elladan grinned, not meaning his words as a reprimand. "Gossip is considered a high art of communication in some circles. Or so I'm told." His grey eyes twinkled with mirth.
The group erupted with laughter, Elrohir elbowing his twin none to gently, earning himself a dark scowl.
Yes, life was good these days in Middle-earth. And it was about to get even better.
Midsummer's Day dawned in a spectacular array of colours. Soft lavenders and mauves tinged the early morning skies as did bold red's and oranges and above all the first golden rays of the sun.
By mid-morning the competitions were well underway and an excited buzz filled the air.
Legolas had just taken up his position among the archers, ready to show off his skills that were quite formidable. Among his people the Prince was known for his amazing talent.
Arrows whizzed through the air, hitting their marks more or less true and evoking cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
It was an artistic event, not meant to display power but cunning and Legolas excelled, much to the joy of King Thranduil who sat upon a raised dais in the shade of the trees, his face aglow with pride.
Many of the elf maidens from the realms beyond Mirkwood's borders had gathered to watch the Prince display his skills and applauded eagerly with every shot.
Elenath glanced at a them from where she stood near Elrohir, her cobalt-blue eyes stormy as the sea.
Elrohir smirked as he noticed her expression. "Our friends from Mithlond seem to be quite impressed by the Prince's talent."
Elenath snorted. "Indeed. They seem ready to swoon and faint at any moment now."
Her voice was sharp as a sword's blade.
The elf twin laughed. They had grown up together and were as close as brother and sister, therefore he knew most of Elenath's moods well yet this open hostility towards others was new to him.
"You would not happen to be jealous, would you now, Tinu?" Tinu. Little Star. Elladan and Elrohir had bestowed that nickname upon her when they were but elflings and still used it frequently.
"Jealous!" Elenath stared at him in disbelief. "Nay! Why would you think such a thing? I care not by whom the Prince is ogled or whom he chooses to woo."
Elrohir shrugged. "Perhaps I gauged it from your reaction. Forgive me, I must have been mistaken."
"You most certainly erred. Excuse me now, I see Estel hailing me." With a haughty toss of her head that sent her long, black hair flying over her shoulder she strode off and soon disappeared in the crowd.
"And what, pray tell, has you grinning like a fool?" Elladan asked as he walked up to his brother a few moments later.
Elrohir looked at his twin from the corner of his eyes. "Naught, muindor-nîn, that you will not soon be able to witness yourself." His gaze flickered to the field where the next tournament would be held. "Look! The swordsmen are up next!"
Just as the archery tournament there would be three rounds of sword fighting, set on three consecutive days to heighten the suspense.
"Excellent." Elladan listened while the names of the participants were being announced. Since the fighters would all be wearing full armour to protect them from the potentially lethal blows of the razor-sharp blades it was vital to know who would be on the field next.
Elladan had won the tournament every time in the last five years and would therefore only fight in the final round, which left him with enough time to observe his potential opponents.
"Have you ever heard of Lord Thurin?" Elladan asked Elrohir, looking remarkably like their father as he turned a questioning glance at his brother, one eyebrow raised.
The younger twin shook his head. "He's obviously new to the tourney and the poor lad will be encountering Lord Tarias in his first match." Honest sympathy laced his tone.
Lord Tarias was known for being nigh invincible and not very gentle when dealing out blows, something Elladan had experienced on a number of occasions.
The twins watched the contestants march onto the field.
Tarias was surpassingly tall and broad-shouldered, he had fought many battles in the long years of his life and had stood beside Gil-Galad and Elendil in the Battle of the Dagorlad.
Elladan honoured him as quite a formidable opponent.
As they watched Thurin enter the glade a murmur ran through the crowd.
He was quite a bit smaller than Tarias, both in height and weight, yet he walked confidently and held his helmeted head high, causing the sun to glint off the polished steel.
Unlike most others he wore no coat of arms either on his breast-plate nor on his shield, which was black as obsidian.
The opponents bowed before the King and each other and then patiently awaited the fanfare of trumpets that would mark the beginning of the match.
In the beginning their blows fell slowly, measured, each testing the other's reactions, but then the movements accelerated and soon the fight turned into a graceful yet lethal dance – beautiful to behold yet difficult to maintain.
Thurin proved to be an outstanding fighter who quickly and effectively landed his points, which were achieved by touching the opponent without wounding him.
His slighter build enabled him to slip through Tarias' defences and disable him well within the fifteen minutes that a fight was allowed to last.
The crowed cheered and even Thranduil and Legolas – who had taken his seat beside his father – stood and applauded.
Thurin bowed with a flourish, first before the Royal Family then before the spectators and finally made his way back to his tent, in which the fighters changed in and out of their armour.
"That is the first time I have witnessed Lord Tarias being defeated so rapidly." Elladan said in awe as he followed Elrohir through the milling elves towards the Palace.
It was already time for the noonday meal and some rest before the great celebration in honour of the Solstice that evening.
The dining-hall was nice and cool after spending much of the morning in the bright sunlight and Elrohir dropped into his chair near the head of the table.
As it was an informal meal there was no need to wait for the King, one could come and eat whenever it pleased.
Lord Elrond had already been waiting for his sons and smiled at both of them.
"Did you see the swordfight, ada?" Elladan inquired excitedly. "Wasn't it spectacular?"
Elrond nodded. "It was indeed and should Lord Thurin master the next round just as expertly you will be fighting against a most formidable opponent."
They all looked up as Elenath and Estel stepped up to their table, both looking slightly disheveled.
"Suilad, vede, you were talking about the day's events?" Elenath asked as she took a seat opposite Elrond, looking rather flushed.
"We were talking about the swordfight." Elladan answered in his father's stead which earned him a slightly perplexed look from the elf lord. "Where were you anyway?"
"We found a spot in the shade." Elenath looked to Estel who nodded while piling food on his plate from one of the platters that stood in the center of the table. "Did my father arrive yet?"
"Nay." Elrond shook his head sympathetically. "But I am sure he will do all he can to arrive in time for the festivities tonight."
Elenath swallowed her disappointment with a sip of wine and smiled. "Of course he will. I have yet to witness him missing a decent feast." Though her tone was light Elrond caught the hint of sadness that laced through it.
"So, did you see the swordfight?" Elladan queried around a mouthful of smoked fish.
"Of course we did, you nift. " Estel answered. "Why else would we wait around the glade for hours on end?" The Dúnadan shook his head in an expression of mock bewilderment, earning a glare from both Elrond and Elladan and causing Elrohir to snigger softly.
"And there I thought you had perhaps come to see me fight also." Legolas startled his friends as he suddenly appeared at their table, grinning.
Estel sputtered. "Of course I wanted to see you fight, too, but I know how you fight." Which was true, for the Prince and the Dúnadan had often fought side by side in the long years of their friendship.
Laughing good-naturedly Legolas slid into a chair next to his friend. "Sîdh, mellon-nîn, actually I just came to find Lord Thurin. My father would like to meet him personally." The Prince looked around the hall. "Unfortunately nobody seems to know where he is."
"Nobody seems to know what he looks like either." Raniean, Captain of the Royal Guard, said as he approached the table with Trelan trailing him. "Lord Thurin seems to be quite a mystery."
Trelan nodded vigorously. "Aye, and I heard that he never lost a tourney he attended though." The small elf reached for the platter with the roasted chicken and started heaping his plate. "Lord Pedrim of Lothlórien heard that Thurin is rumored to be quite a ladies man too."
"A ladies man!" Elenath stared at Trelan wide-eyed.
Trelan blushed. "Forgive me, Lady Elenath, I did not mean to speak thus before an elf maiden."
Although she waved it off Trelan seemed loath to continue talking and instead opted to devote his entire attention to the food on his plate.
"No matter what other qualities he may possess, I fear Elladan may be in for quite a fight." Elrond said as he stood to leave.
When Elrond had left Elrohir looked at his twin, mirth glittering in his grey eyes. "I agree with ada, El, and I think perhaps you should rest some the next two days so you might stand the faintest chance of walking off the field in one piece when Lord Thurin finishes with you."
Elenath grinned, Estel looked at Elrohir as though he had just uttered a death-wish and Legolas, Raniean and Trelan laughed outright at the twins bold words.
Elladan grabbed his brother by the front of his tunic, putting Elrohir's face within a hairsbreadth of his own.
His grey eyes snapped with icy fire and for a heartbeat the younger twin was afraid he had just overstepped the limit.
"I would not talk so, brother, unless you wish to take my place instead? I reckon Lord Thurin would not know how to tell the difference between us." Elladan hissed menacingly in his brother's face, only letting go of his twin when Legolas pried them both apart.
"Peace now!" The Prince demanded, authority ringing in his voice as none of his friends had ever heard before and turning many heads in the hall. "Elrohir's words were spoken in jest. I advise you not to take everything he says too seriously, Elladan." Legolas shook his head. "Perhaps it is best we all took some rest lest somebody gets hurt."
Just as he turned to walk away he saw that Estel was about to reply something, but the look in his eyes bode ill so Legolas merely grabbed the Ranger by the elbow and half dragged him out of the dining-hall with him.
Elenath stared after the elf prince. Never before had she seen him act as he just had and some part of her was more that just impressed. She was overwhelmed.
The great hall of King Thranduil's palace was awash with lights and music.
Elven lords and ladies of all realms decked out in their finest attire strolled about the halls and gardens, some dancing, some singing and all of them making merry.
Elenath entered the hall beside Lord Elrond, wishing all the while to be elsewhere.
She had never much liked such formal festivities – very much to her father's chagrin – and wearing opulent garments as were required on such evenings only made her fidget.
For this occasion she had chosen a dark burgundy-colored gown with long, fluted sleeves that dropped down the length of her skirt. Golden flowers and stars were embroidered into the heavy fabric around the low cut neck line, waist and down the front and back center of the flowing skirt.
Her long black hair had been elaborately braided and decorated with pearl-studded pins that glowed mystically in the bright lights of the chandeliers.
After they had been properly announced Elrond released Elenath, who wanted only to find her friends.
She had seen the looks some of the younger elven males cast her way and she did not like this kind of scrutiny at all.
When she finally spotted the twins at the far end of the hall near one of the large balconies her mouth dropped open in surprise.
Next to his brothers stood Estel, yet it was his attire that shocked her.
He had laid off his worn Ranger's clothes and was now clad in black velvet leggings with a dark-red stripe running down the side and disappearing into his knee-high leather boots that had been polished to a sheen.
The Dúnadan also wore a dark red-under tunic and a black-over tunic that were cut a little more snugly than the loose clothing he usually wore.
Silver embroidery on the over tunic shimmered faintly with every move he made.
Probably the most shocking change was his usually unruly black hair that had been pulled back partially and secured with a silver clasp, making him look every inch the King he would likely be someday.
Elenath wondered briefly how anybody could miss noticing that this young human was of royal descent. Surely the secret could no longer be upheld after tonight!
"Tinu!" Elladan spotted her first, his beautiful face aglow with a smile that was known to make some maidens swoon with desire.
She waved and quickly pushed her way across the hall, careful not to step on any gowns or feet while being pushed and jostled herself.
"Finally," she sighed, gratefully accepting a glass of wine from Estel who blushed slightly under her approving stare.
"Ne'er before have I seen so many elves in one place. One might be led to believe that all the realms have emptied and their inhabitants gathered here." Shaking her head disbelievingly she was completely oblivious to the many appreciative looks she garnered.
At the far end of the hall King Thranduil stood at the foot of the stone steps that led up to his throne and watched as Legolas joined his friends.
He was proud of his son, the Prince would someday make a most worthy king to his people. Yet another matter weighed heavily on the King's mind.
Legolas had long since reached an age when young elves started looking for mates, but the Prince showed no interest whatsoever in taking a wife and starting a family.
Thranduil guessed he knew why his son was so reluctant, unfortunately the facts remained: Legolas was a Prince and would someday soon need a spouse to give him heirs.
None of the elf maidens present seemed very suitable in Thranduil's eyes, most were much younger than Legolas and showed only interest in his son's good looks and his title, but not in the heart that been hurt far too much in his young life.
In the past the King had hoped that Legolas would someday wed Elrond's daughter Arwen, but that was before he had learned of Estel's deep love for her. Thranduil would not break the young human's heart and destroy his friendship with Legolas if there was but an inkling of a chance that some other suitable maiden might yet exist.
His gaze fell on Elenath. She looked striking in the finery she wore that evening but the King was aware that she held no love for the rules of court or society.
She might have been of noble birth but he knew from many an account that she was not destined to be locked in a cage. Even if it was a golden one.
"Has she disgraced her house yet?" A deep, almost purring voice asked sarcastically from beside the King, startling him out of his glum thoughts.
Thranduil shook his head, suppressing a smile and accepting the goblet filled with chilled golden wine that his companion offered him. "Nay, although I had rather expected to encounter quite a hellion after the tales you told me."
The blond elf standing next to the King laughed, drawing the attention of several females to himself without even noticing.
It was true that she was quite a wild child and regrettably had not inherited her father's social skills, yet a proud smile illuminated his handsome face as Glorfindel watched Elenath jest with an elven warrior from Mirkwood.
"Worry not, my friend. Your daughter has not disgraced your name or hers and though she does not aim to flatter she is firmly standing her ground. She has more of you in her than you might believe." Thranduil smiled, eyeing Legolas sceptically. The Prince was surrounded by twittering elf maidens, all of whom were desperately trying to direct his attention to themselves only.
Thranduil could not fault them, for Legolas was truly a handsome sight to behold.
Clad not in the silver ceremonial-silks of the elves but instead opting for the colours of his woodland home, he wore dark brown formal leggings and a tunic made of emerald green velvet that was embroidered with golden leaves on the stand-up collar and around the hem and cuffs.
His golden-blond hair was braided just slightly more intricately than he usually wore it and contrasted beautifully with the rich colours of his clothing.
"It seems your son is in need of some rescuing." Glorfindel's mirthful blue gaze had followed that of the King and now lingered on the young Prince, flashing sympathy.
"Would that one of those lasses had more brains in her sweet little head than they are displaying at the moment. Maybe then Legolas would finally find a woman who would be fit to share his life." A deep sigh escaped the King's lips as he drank a sip of wine.
Glorfindel nodded. "Not much was left of my house when I returned to Arda, but we managed to keep it alive. If Elenath does not change her ways and open her heart to the possibility of taking a husband, I fear the House of the Golden Flower shall finally wilt and die." He sighed wistfully.
But it was not only the fate of his house that weighed on his mind and rested on Elenath's slender shoulders…
"A sad lot we are." The King remarked dryly, evoking a laugh from the golden-haired Lord.
"Indeed." Lord Elrond smiled, hearing the King's last words as he strode towards them. "It is nice to see you have finally arrived, mellon-nîn." His gaze lighted on Glorfindel. "Your daughter has been most displeased by your tardiness."
"Displeased?" An elegant eyebrow winged upward as his gaze once again landed on Elenath. "If that is so, then I had better make it up to her immediately." He turned to the elves standing beside him. "If you would excuse me, your Highness, Peredhel." He bowed to each of them.
Sauntering over to where his daughter was engaged in a deep conversation with the young elf warrior, Glorfindel's beauty and the catlike grace with which he moved turned many an elleth's head.
"May I?" He interrupted the conversation and drew Elenath into his arms and onto the dance floor ere she could protest.
"Ada?" Confusion at his sudden appearance was written all over her face. "When did you arrive?" She tried to pry his fingers from where he held her around her waist, but to no avail.
Glorfindel smiled innocently, knowing how much Elenath despised dancing, especially with him, for in his arms she was bound to be carefully observed. "Oh, barely an hour ago, meleth-nîn. I trust you were in good hands while I was gone?"
"Aye, I was." Pleading blue eyes turned to face him and it struck him how very much she resembled her mother. "Please ada, I do not wish to dance. Let me go."
He planted a gentle kiss on her forehead and whirled her in a tight circle, making her skirts fly. "Ai, Tinu, I shall never understand why you do not like to fly across a dance floor, especially to such beautiful music."
"People are watching." She growled through her teeth and sighed in relief as he led her out onto one of the balconies and finally let go of her.
"You look stunning tonight." He took her hand and made her turn from side to side. "Aye, you look just like your mother."
"I do!" Elenath asked incredulously, beaming until she saw the pain in his eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry, ada." She reached up and brushed the lines of worry from his face.
Elenath's mother had been murdered by orcs many centuries ago when Elenath had been little more than a wee babe. She knew the loss had nearly broken her father's heart.
"Never be." Glorfindel caught her small, elegant hand in his larger one and smiled down at his only child. "Your mother's passing was not your doing and I am happy that she is now reunited with those she loved so dearly." Tenderly as only a father could he tucked a strand of silky black hair that had come lose from her braids behind her ear.
"I'm sorry that I do not enjoy such events in ways as you do though." She sighed wistfully, "I just feel terribly awkward when I'm around so many people."
Glorfindel smiled and led her down into the gardens. "You need not feel awkward, meleth-nîn. I know that I have probably raised you too liberally for your status, but you have much natural grace that you need only acknowledge a bit more. You have done me proud Elenath, always."
Elenath stared at her father wide-eyed.
She had expected much, reprimands, recommendations how to improve herself, perhaps even a request to alter her behaviour altogether but never in her life had she reckoned with so much approval.
"Hannon-le, ada. You can scarce imagine how much those words mean to me."
Pulling his daughter into a tight embrace Glorfindel chuckled. "You needn't be so shocked, my little star. And instead of weeping onto my tunic, pray tell what you were complaining to Elrond about?" The smile in his voice was evident.
Stepping back, Elenath wiped away the few tears that had fallen and grinned. "I did not complain, I merely annotated."
The elf lord nodded. "Ah, and what then did you annotate?"
Pulling up to her full height - which was still nigh a foot shorter than Glorfindel - and lifting her chin defiantly she said: "I merely stated that it was most displeasing, for you to remain in Imladris and complete whatever business was handed to you though I doubt that it could not have easily waited until after the Solstice Festival."
"Ai, Tinu." Glorfindel sighed wearily, shaking his head. "I know how much it would have meant to you had I joined you immediately, but I wish for you to understand, iell-nîn, that there are many things in this world that you do not yet comprehend. Had it not been a matter of vital importance I would not have tarried."
Elenath felt a twinge of shame deep within her heart. "I am sorry, ada, I know you only meant to ease the burden placed on Lord Elrond's shoulders. Forgive me my selfish words."
"There is naught to forgive." A smile illuminated his beautiful, ageless face. "Now come, tonight is an evening for merrymaking." He turned to leave but stopped when she made no move to follow.
"You are not coming?"
"In a few moments." She glanced at the stars, feeling their serenity fill her. "I shall be along shortly."
Glorfindel nodded at walked away, leaving her to the blissful quiet of the King's gardens.
It had taken some time and energy but Legolas had finally managed to free himself from the gaggle of elf maidens who had surrounded him for most of the evening.
Ruing the fact that he was royalty – else he could have simply ducked out and disappeared – he did just that when the opportunity presented itself.
Taking a few shortcuts through hidden passages the Prince stepped into the gardens, far away from the milling crowds and sighed, seeking out Eärendil and envying the Mariner for the peace and solitude he must certainly have on his heavenly voyage.
He stood staring at the star-covered black of the night sky, inhaling the fragrances of night blooms that wafted on the balmy air and enjoying the quiet when a flicker of movement to his right caught his attention.
"Elenath?" The Prince was slightly surprised to find her sitting all alone on the marble ledge of the fountain just a few feet away.
She stiffened when she heard him approaching, turning to face him only when he took a seat next to her.
Though she smiled he could see that faint silver tear tracks marred the pale beauty of her cheeks.
"Has something happened? Are you not well?" He inquired anxiously, longing to wipe away the moisture on her skin.
"Nay, all is well." The smile she graced him with this time was a little more reassuring. "You need not worry on my account."
Legolas eyed her carefully. They had known each other for so long but somehow he suddenly had the feeling of never really having seen her before.
It was difficult not to worry on her account when she looked as fragile as niphredil and yet he longed to taste her lush lips, see if they were anywhere near as sweet as he imagined and ere he knew what he was doing, he found himself leaning towards her, cupping her soft cheek in his hand and slowly, gently drawing her towards him.
Their lips brushed ever so gently, barely a whisper of skin against skin but Elenath felt a warm tingling where he had touched her.
Again his lips brushed hers and this time she yielded to his gentle teasing and slightly opened her mouth.
As his tongue slid into her mouth she shifted closer to him, wanting to feel the warmth radiating off his body. He tasted of wine and spices, a combination that made her dizzy with longing.
Legolas' pulled her closer, feeling the softness of her breasts press against him through the fabric of their clothes, he felt her hands tangling in his hair and her kiss deepening with a desperation so tangible it made him want to weep.
When he finally pulled back she made a protesting sound that set his blood to boiling, but he knew that if they continued at this pace they would certainly end up on the floor, devoid of their clothes within minutes.
He opened his eyes to gauge her reaction and felt his heart leap with joy at the look of utter longing and tenderness in her eyes.
"Ai, Tinu-nîn." Legolas whispered reverently, brushing the pad of his thumb over her swollen lips and smiled as her body shuddered ever so slightly.
"That was most amazing, ernil-nîn." She whispered slightly breathless.
"And most certainly something your father would be very interested to hear." An amused voice spoke up from the darkness beyond as Raniean stepped into the light flooding down from the palace.
Elenath and Legolas jumped apart at the first sound of Raniean's voice and now stood staring at the tall, blond Captain of the Royal Guard, both looking rather guilty.
"Ran!" Legolas was the first to regain his composure. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you," came the prompt answer. "Or have you forgotten that tonight is an official feast and that I am – whether you like it or not – your bodyguard?"
Legolas glared at Raniean for a few moments but finally relented. He could not fault the other elf for doing his duty.
"There will be no word of this to either Lord Glorfindel or my father." His crystal-blue gaze pierced that of the warrior, who nodded his consent after staring at his liege for a few seconds.
"Elenath, I..." The Prince's voice faltered as he turned to face her and found that Elenath was gone.
TBC...
Elvish translations:
Suilad – greetings
Vede – uncle
Sîdh – peace
Mellon-nîn – my friend
Adar/ada – father/dad
Elleth / ellith – elf maiden(s)
Peredhel – half elven
Meleth-nîn – my love
Hannon-le – thank you
Iell-nîn – my daughter
Ernil-nîn – my prince