Well, I'm not really sure where to start. This story could be considered AU by some...but...you'll just have to decide for yourself at the end. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

Oh! I should probably explain that Begil and Naimen are Legolas' brothers in my world. :)

Disclaimer: Wow, you actually thought I was Tolkien? Maybe I need to re-think how I do my make-up...But to clear up any confusion, nope, I'm not him, so this isn't mine.

A Path Untaken

Chapter 1: The Star

Bright faces and broad smiles shone as brilliantly as the stars high in the dark sky. Laughter rang through the air as the warm breeze, scented by Rivendell's vast gardens, sidled in through the open windows and doors.

Radiant and melodic voices filled the hall, brimming out into the lantern lit pathways and weaving amongst the vibrant foliage.

Two faces near the center of the gathering, however, outshone the rest, their glow more dazzling than the moon, in all its luminescent glory.

The elegant figure on the right was clothed in pale lavender, a thin silver ribbon about her waist. Raven hair was swept back, tumbling from the clasps in gentle curls, and delicate white blossoms rested as a crown on the fair brow above a pair of sapphire eyes that glittered in mirth.

On her left was another face, chiseled and merry. This elf's flaxen hair was braided as a warrior of Mirkwood. Clad in green, he contrasted his breathtaking partner, accenting her dark, rare beauty with his own strong, golden appearance.

He, upon seeing a couple nearby, whispered something to her, eliciting a quiet trickle of laughter then a light blow to his arm.

"Legolas, they've barely met. You cannot even begin to entertain the idea that they are a couple until at least a fortnight has passed," the lady chided, eyes dancing in good humor.

"Aye, m'lady, but see how he holds her hand, and there, they dance together," the tall warrior pointed out. The couple in question was indeed joining the other pairs of elves in the center of the softly lit room. "See how he holds her waist…they are set, m'lady, whether you allow yourself to see it or not."

She laughed again, the strain of amusement as musical as a stream tripping and tumbling over the smooth stones in its path. "You say my logic is faulty yet you fail to see the fallacies in your own. Basing a couple's success on how they hold hands or how he embraces her is hardly a solid or reliable standpoint for one's statements."

Legolas grinned at her, the expression bordering on impudence. "Oh, m'lady, in fact, it is crucial." He clasped her pale palm in his own and brought it before their faces, his air changed to that of utter sincerity. "If he is truly interested in her he will hold her hand tightly, for it would not do to lose her after all his efforts. But he must not hold too tightly or the loss he works to avoid will become inevitable. Instead of the uplifting, freedom giving relationship he had aspired to attain upon taking her hand, she will strive to loose herself from what she views as a threat to her independence." He lowered their hands. "If he trusted her enough to loose his grip and if her love was true, she would not let go, for her attachment to him would bid her to hold on."

Arwen could not find the words to express her astonishment, it was so complete. Finally, she forced out in a breathless voice, "Legolas, when did you become so wise?"

A wan grin crossed his face, fluttering lightly for a moment before fading away like ice melting before a warm sun. "The moment I saw the star." He kissed her hand. A slight bow later and he took his leave.

She watched as he threaded his way through the throng of joyous elves, nodding and smiling to the many before melting out into the night. His words puzzled her greatly for if he had meant the light of Elbereth why didn't he say stars? Why did he only speak of one star? Perhaps a particular star…yet he had said the star as if there was only one…

"What puzzles my sister so greatly that she cannot spare her brothers a greeting?"

Arwen spun, snapping out of her thoughts, the voice behind her sparking light back into her eyes. "Elladan! Elrohir!"

"You should not have said anything, 'Ro, for now we shall not be able to tell if her if her response is only one of masterful acting or truly a pleasure-filled welcome," Elladan chided, making to cuff his twin on the back of the head.

Elrohir neatly ducked his brother's swipe. "Ah, she would not have honored us with one of those, 'Dan. Only her suitors are given such a gift."

Arwen sent them a quick glare but it vanished at their sunny grins. "Honestly, to even say such things...you know how I feel upon this subject."

"That you shall never marry but waste away in seclusion and dreary colors until the ships of Valinor come to whisk you off." Elladan pressed a hand to his heart melodramatically.

Elrohir nodded, an impish grin playing around the corners of his mouth. "Too true, brother. If not for Legolas, I fear she would never step past these doors."

"Anyone who thinks you two are past the elflings in wit must have cotton plugged in his head." A single prod pushed Elladan back a step, and a satisfied Arwen turned her attention back to the floor of dancing elves.

He, however, was not accepting defeat. "Legolas seems to think we have sense, else he would not have agreed to accompany us on a short hunting trip before returning to Mirkwood."

The reply's clever barb was lost on Arwen as her face fell, her eyes lighting with confusion and a hint of anger as she whirled back on her brother. "Returning to Mirkwood! When did he decide this?"

"Arwen," Elrohir spared his twin a swift glance. "The shadow of Dol Goldor grows stronger with each passing day. His people need him."

"He is the prince, you know," Elladan continued puckishly, his grin widening at his sister's defiant stare.

Arwen tactfully ignored his comment and her eyes began to search the hallway as she spoke, "Cannot Begil or Naimen take his post? He has only been here for three days…"

"They have been overseeing his responsibilities."

"But-"

"Arwen, he is the best archer Mirkwood has to offer. They need his keen eyesight and accurate shot."

"They need him, or do not want him far from sight?"

Now this was not the venue the twins expected. "You believe they baby him?"

"It is simply that they do not wish anything to graze him. Nor do they realize, though they boast of his skill, that he is a grown Elven warrior, perfectly capable of caring for himself."

"And as such they need his leadership, Arwen. He is not only a deadly opponent but his heart is strong. That is rare in these dark days."

"I still am not in favor of the situation." Arwen answered, her soft voice clipped in displeasure.

"I doubt you ever will be comfortable with idea of Legolas leaving. However, take comfort, dear sister." Elrohir swung an arm round his sister's slim shoulders, winking at Elladan, whose eyes twinkling with excitement at the prospect of their plans for the Mirkwood Prince. "We shall strive to coerce him into staying a few days more."

TBC...