A/N: I was given the suggestion to write Legolas and Eleniel's story in a prelude to Trust Me with Your Heart and Captain of the Gateway. This prelude will include bits of these stories, ultimately making one timeline. It may be out of order of the books and movies, but I love their characters too much to not write their full stories, and believe I owe them this justice. I will also be re-doing Trust Me with Your Heart after the completion of this story. Thank you, J.R.R. Tolkien, for such amazing and wonderful literary inspirations!

The Company of Three

Chapter 1: Midsummer's Festival

The early morning hours lulled on the once great Greenwood with the sweet smell of summer. The morning dew she could hear dripping down from the beautifully green leaves of tall trees, and from the bluegrass that covered the great practice yards before her. She breathed in a long breath. Filling her lungs with a smell most mortals could never understand. The refreshing sensations of breathing in the life around her, the wonder and pure joy that nature brought her kin. It was to be a good morning for sure. It had to be. For it was an important day for this particular wood elf, and her entire life weighed on the outcome of the day, let alone the rest of the month.

The Greenwood had been known for its warriors; a peaceful yet stubborn elves, plentiful harvests, good humor in politics, and their strong King. And of course, the near impenetrable fortress this King had turned the surrounding forest into. And for all this, the vanity of their King would be rewarded in an event most anticipated by their kin from across Middle-Earth. For each start of a new summer, King Thranduil held a festival that not only showcased his wealth but the power of the ruling Sindarin elves. And not only was it a fest for this celebration of the summer months, but also a celebration of life, longevity, and light. But of course, with each summer that passed, the Greenwood had a custom of appointing new positions for King Thranduil's army by way of a tournament, held in the King's honor for those he felt worthy of such a position. However, positions were only awarded to those champions not only favored by King Thranduil, but only those who placed first in all events or majority of them. If Greenwood did not place at least second in any event, no one was to be considered for placement by the King. But today had marked day one of the festivities. And she would be damned if she didn't at least make an impression to her King.

The palace had been bustling with cheer, preparations, new guests, and merrymaking for days before the festival, but with the arrival of elves from all over Middle-Earth, King Thranduil expected his own forces to be more vigilant that ever. Since the announcement of the festival, Thranduil's armies had been on constant watch with little sleep or patience for much else. Every soldier in the guard was placed on watch, no matter if they were to compete in the upcoming tournament or not. The flooding of visitors to their gates caused Thranduil more anxiety than he cared to give away. But she knew this, she knew very well how her King felt about such an influx of visitors into their domain, but that was not her primary concern at the moment.

"Eleniel!"

The soft voice had been no more than a whisper she was sure, but the sound reached her ears like a horn sounding for war and tearing her away from her thoughts. She was Eleniel, daughter of General Thaurdaer. However, unlike her father, she was a lowly soldier herself amongst the army of King Thranduil. She was a young elf, holding none of the prestige her father did, and was of average height for their people with her long red, brown hair curled in ways most of her peoples did not. Today it had been tied into a tight bun, allowing for her slender, pale neck to be exposed to the warm sun. She was slim for her build; strong and lean, made agile for the life she had chosen for herself, all of which gave her unwanted attention for being so young and skilled. But being the General's daughter did come with its own exceptions. For one, her ability to climb ranks through the military could have been much easier than the current path she chose, but it would have been without the timeless friends she had made on the way, such as the three sons of Thranduil and her own mentor, Lady Tauriel, another captain amongst their people.

As Eleniel turned sharply to receive the voice that had called to her, and could see the Lady Tauriel walking towards the practice fields to greet her from the palace gates, and of course she was not alone. Tauriel, much older than she, was a Silvan elf, or common elf, to those like King Thranduil. But she was skilled, dedicated, loyal, and decorated. In her years growing up in the Greenwood, Tauriel had adopted Eleniel like a younger sister, teaching her and honing the very skills the Tauriel spent centuries perfecting. And for her efforts, Tauriel had been made a captain alongside the heirs of Thranduil's throne without having to be placed through a tournament for competition, causing much speculation to her relations with Thranduil's sons. She was the beloved friend of the three princes; Prince Telegalad, Prince Sidhoin, and Prince Legolas, the youngest who only stood a century or so older than Tauriel. But today had not been about Tauriel, nor was the upcoming month. Eleniel had been born into the care of Thranduil's home, as her father was close with the King. Her older brothers as well either served the King within the army or on his council of advisors, traveling Middle-Earth in service to him. As a child, Eleniel had been motherless, and swept beneath her older brothers' successes as the only daughter born to the General. The neglect was what caught the eye of the youngest prince, Legolas, as well as his companion Tauriel when Eleniel had been very small indeed. And in all those years Eleniel had been grateful for the friendship, love, and knowledge she had gained from her friends. But today, today would start a journey she had long awaited yet deeply feared. It not only would test her skills, but how much she had truly learned from her mentors.

"Eleniel." The voice was soft and warming, making the young elleth smile with ease. Tauriel, dressed in a fine, embroidered green tunic with matching leggings wore her long, slender sword at her waist. Her own slim build matched that of Eleniel. "Tis early, we missed you at fast."

"I need to be ready." Eleniel urged, stepping towards the older elleth. "Everything rides on this tournament. My whole life. My freedom. One false move could earn me contempt from the King."

Tauriel laughed, shaking her head. "Poor child, to think so lowly of yourself! Eleniel, you have been ready for this for months. I nor Legolas, can teach you nothing else to survive these tasks."

"Perhaps, but I am not willing to take that chance."

Eleniel grabbed the long recurve bow that lay on the ground and a quiver filled with beautifully carved arrows. That was how she knew they were hers, in her hours alone she spent designing and carving her arrows delicately as to identify as her own, if not also for a touch of stress relief and calming of nerves. Together they walked further into the green covered practice yards, where Tauriel then stepped back as she watched her friend loose arrow after arrow, quickly losing track of time. She was flawless. Her technique, her strength, her confidence. There was truly nothing else to teach the young elleth but only to believe in herself.

"Have the nerves finally settled in?"

Tauriel jumped, startled by the soothing, deepening voice that crept to her ears. She turned with her hand tight around the hilt of her sword, swearing as she moved. "My lord, you have nerve!"

A low chuckle escaped the newly joined blonde elf. Tall, muscular, lean, and sturdy, he smelt of pine wood and spring mornings. His long blonde hair was braided back into a long tail with a circlet of silver gently laid on the crown of his head. His tunic was made of the finest thread, of the lightest green, reminding her immediately of newborn leaves. "My apologies, Lady Tauriel, twas not my intention."

Tauriel threw a look of contempt at the youngest prince though it quickly dissipated as she turned her attention back to Eleniel. "Your intentions are never known, milord. And as for her nerves, they seem to have taken her hostage!"

"It is her first competition, it's to be expected." Legolas sighed as he watched the girl loose arrow after arrow, never once missing her mark.

"Yes, and I have nothing left to teach her." Tauriel shook her head. "If your father does not except her as the next captain, she might lose her wits!"

Legolas shook his head, looking sad. "To the eyes of a mortal, she's a mere child. But to my father she is a tool, a pawn for his own doings. Being a member of his army should not be her only purpose in life…"

"Legolas?"

He turned to smile at Tauriel, though it was sad and never reached his eyes. Tauriel considered him a moment, it was unlike Legolas to be so forlorn. He was wise, and very much a respected leader of their people, but he was quiet and always calm. There was not much she knew of that would every scratch his perfect mask. They were close friends, but Tauriel knew he kept his secrets for his own reasons. "Legolas? Something wrong, my lord?"

"No, no." He shook his head, this time the smile did grow. "I apologize. Today is an important day for many of us, plenty of expectations to be met!"

"Mhmm." Tauriel agreed, still regarding him closely. His attention turned back to Eleniel and her practicing. But his face grew grim again, distracted, and worried.

"Shall we make this more interesting then?"

"Interesting?" Tauriel threw the Prince a look of utter bewilderment. A moment before he had been perplexingly quiet, but now he had a new glint in his eyes. One that Tauriel knew all too well. "Legolas, don't! It won't end well, she's already irritated!"

Legolas gave Tauriel a lopsided grin before quickly slipping off the circlet of silver and tossing it at her, which she clumsily caught. In just a moment, Legolas had a long bow in one hand with an arrow knocked, ready to fire. Tauriel gave a groan, closing her eyes and mumbling under her breath. In a next instant, as Eleniel loosed yet another perfect arrow, another whirled passed her left ear, splitting the arrow she shot in half on the target some yards away. A skill far superior than hers belonging to only one other person, and it made her oh so angry.

"Legolas!" Was the low, feminine growl. The young elleth whipped around in a fury, bow in hand with another arrow waiting to be knocked. She was breathing heavy, her small frame tightening with the response of his surprise attack. "What is the meaning of this? You could've hurt someone!"

"I believe you forgot your formalities, dear Eleniel."

"Formalities?!" Eleniel glared, marching towards her two friends with her bow. Eleniel walked straight up to the blonde haired elven prince whilst waving her bow in his face. "Well, my lord, let me remind you how important today and the rest of the month is to me. Or did you forget your father's, and my own, not so idle threats? If I do not win the main event of this competition, then I might as well die in it! All my hard work rests on this! And you making light of it is not helping my nerves. "

"Aye, I do. Peace young Eleniel!" Legolas laughed. "Father means well El. You have nothing left to learn, surely you must see how well you have done." He shook his head at the dark-haired elf, slightly saddened that the only lesson left to learn is one he nor Tauriel could teach her. "Eleniel, you have been ready for this for months. Whether you win or lose, I do not think you will have much to worry about."

"So says the current reigning leader of the army." Eleniel huffed, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.

"Bora mi nin." Legolas said gently to the disgruntled elleth. There was something in storming grey eyes that caught his attention. Though she was young, only the second female to join his father's army, she was experience, strong, and known to be fearless. She was known for taking risks those with ten times were life years and experience, would never take. But way she looked at him now, made him believe her boisterous comments were not just about winning and becoming captain. "Mana, mellon-nin?"

Taken back by his questioning, Eleniel looked down. Tauriel, watching the change in scene began to wonder if Eleniel had not told her something. Was there something she was missing? "Eleniel, you can speak freely. No one here will judge you or harm you. Why is this so important to you?"

"It is not about being victorious." Eleniel answered her friends in a low voice in Sindarin. "Much more than prestige rides on this tournament."

"Will you not tell us then?" Tauriel continued to question. Eleniel shook her head. She would give no more answers, Tauriel knew this. There was something much bigger happening here, she only hoped Eleniel knew what she was getting herself into.

"Perhaps we could change that?"

"There's nothing to change, Legolas." Eleniel growled. "Let it be. I want to focus on today."

"You do not trust your friends, so how can you trust yourself?" Legolas snapped at her. "Tauriel is right, your enemy is yourself."

"Legolas!" Both Eleniel and Tauriel gapped as his remark.

"Mellon-nin," Tauriel started, attempted to smooth ruffled feathers. There was a strong tension building between her friends that was causing her an unhealthy amount of unease. "It's her first competition, she's bound to question everything around her. As for her reasons, she, like you and I, have our own secrets."

Legolas turned to Tauriel, his azure eyes lit like a new born flame. He gave her a rare look, one that she was sure had more than one intention behind it. Her heart skipped a beat for a moment, for the look was as intense as his eyes. "I have no secrets from you, Tauriel."

Tauriel gapped at him before he turned his attention back to their youngest friend. She shook herself to remain focused on the problem at hand, that growing tension. "Then let her learn! She is young yet, she will learn to trust herself and others."

"Perhaps one more lesson can be taught."

"Now Legolas really, you'll hurt the girl." Tauriel grumbled, immediately noting the wicked glint in his eyes had returned from moments before. "You two don't play fair once you' all riled up!"

"What's she on about?" Eleniel glared at Legolas, one hand gripping the hilt of her sword her right hip.

With a wicked smile, all he said to her was, "This!" And Eleniel's belt had been cut in two by one quick draw of his own sword. Eleniel's face froze in shock as she looked from the ground to her Prince, uncertain of the next motion to follow. "Pick it up." He growled at her. "Go on, get it!"

"Legolas…" Tauriel warned. His emotions were all over today! It was making it difficult to read his next move, and she normally counted herself an excellent reader of emotions. In seconds their Prince had gone from wickedly mischievous to a blanked look that had her instantly worried. "Enough you two! Or shall I get Telegalad?"

"Get him. Let him watch how as his favorite elleth loses yet again in another duel. How do you expect to finish first in the tournament Eleniel, when your first enemy is always yourself? Go on, pick up your sword." Legolas growled. His eyes darkened for a moment as he held tight to his sword raised at Eleniel. He stood in one stance, patiently waiting for Eleniel to respond. The soft, playful expression disappeared in an instant, frightening her. She knew the look, for she had seen it once when they were children, even if to him she was still a child. For as calm as their people portrayed the youngest prince, Legolas had potential for horrible tempers whilst upset or wronged by someone. Eleniel wondered which it was today judging by how strange his moods had been.

"No."

The blade tip had reached her neck. This was an extreme, even for Legolas. "What has gotten into you? I said enough! Lower your weapon, that is an order!" Tauriel yelled, reaching for Legolas' sword.

The blade turned to her, his eyes such a dark blue she did not recognize them. A breath of fear escaped her lips as she stepped back from the tip. "You do not command me. Ever."

Eleniel reached for her sword as quickly as possible with her left hand, and in one swing to hope to disarm her friend. But he was cunning, he knew her moves for he taught them to her. Before her sword could even reach across his chest to disarm him, Legolas swung his own blade in a downward motion, then circled both their arms, sending Eleniel's sword flying off to the side. Furious that he should disarm her so quickly, the young girl lunged at Legolas knocking him to the ground with one fist raised in pure outrage.

She was angry, yet again provoked by him and bested all in a matter of seconds. It was not the first time the young prince had bullied such a response from her. Yet as she straddled his torso, rage channeling into her fist as her next weapon of choice, Eleniel glared down into the pair of eyes of lapis, clear and true. They spoke volumes though the prince's actions said otherwise. There was pain, a pain she had been too busy to notice today as she was so concerned with the upcoming events. She had been so wrapped in her own achievements and goals for today, that she had failed to recognize what today really meant to him. Legolas' own face seemed to soften in that moment, though he was still controlled by whatever external force that had made him so suddenly impulsive. She knew this rage, these controlled episodes yet she knew by Tauriel's face it was the first time she herself had seen such a response from him. Eleniel took a deep breath, tapped Legolas gently on the face, and stood up quickly. As she stood, she reached a hand out for Legolas to take. And he did, slowly.

"I owe you and Lady Tauriel my youth, my knowledge, and my skill. Without either of you, I would have never made it thus far. I would never be able to follow my dreams." Eleniel whispered to him in a low voice that even Tauriel's elf ears could not hear. "But Legolas, the pain that drives me will always be my battle and thus will always be internal. Mellon or not, if you will not speak of what troubles you, do not then force me to speak of my own ghosts." Eleniel continued, glaring and holding tight to his calloused hand. "You owe Lady Tauriel an apology my lord." She said a little more loudly for Tauriel to hear. She let go of his hand in a rough manner, pushing back from the elf as she did.

Tauriel stood frozen, unsure of how to address the young elleth and her prince. Was there a side to take? What had transpired? It all made little sense to her. But before anyone could speak a word, several guards clad in the golden armor of Greenwood marched towards their small company, headed by Telegalad, the eldest Prince of Greenwood. And he did not look pleased. The company of guards stopped at the command given by the Prince, while he covered the distance between them and him in only five long strides. Eleniel and Tauriel both bowed low, mumbling 'my lord,' in low voices like children who had just been caught. But Telegalad did not look to them, only his youngest brother.

"Pedsi!'

Legolas glowered at his brother, "I have nothing to answer for, Telegalad. We were just warming Eleniel up for the festivities."

"Practicing? This is your excuse?! Legolas, the entire kingdom saw Eleniel attack you!"

There were simultaneous gasps by both Eleniel and Tauriel. "No, no, my lord! You're mistaken!" cried Tauriel. "It was a game, nothing more!"

Telegalad turned to the two females and sighed sadly. "It may have very well been a game, but others were watching, and it did not look playful. Father is not pleased. Eleniel and Legolas have both been summoned to the court. You will have to answer to both your fathers."

They were then separated. Legolas to part with his brother, Eleniel and Tauriel to part with the guards. At first, they were escorted to Eleniel's own private rooms. A privilege of befriending the King and his sons, she was allowed her own rooms inside the palace whilst she trained and attended her daily duties to her king. The room itself was large, consisting of a formal chamber to greet and entertain guests, as well as her own private bedchambers. Tauriel and Eleniel were escorted to her formal chambers, having the door closed behind them but could hear the posting of metal from the armor of guards outside of the doors. They were not to leave nor was anyone to enter had been a clear message.

Eleniel threw herself down onto one of the soft chaise she possessed, frustrated and upset. As she sat she remained quiet, mulling over her most recent duel with her favorite prince.

"Perhaps you two are closer than I thought."

The words were like an empty echo, for she was still lost in her own thoughts. Tauriel, in her own simple way, remained a gorgeous being to behold. Eleniel admired her, a semblance of the stars she knew her friend loved so much. Much more perhaps than the rest of their people. And for as well as Eleniel claimed to know Tauriel, she knew equally as much about the mystery that is Eleniel. Eleniel sat up from her chair, composing herself. "I am not sure I understand Tauriel."

"Tell me Eleniel, have you ever been in love?" Tauriel whispered, smiling a smile that spilled with curiosity. There was some teasing to her tone. Eleniel rolled her eyes.

"Perhaps you misunderstood our relationship."

"Have I? The Prince reacted so strongly to hearing the one thing you lack is self-confidence in completing your quest to captain."

"He did not! And for the last time, I do not!"

"We would not be sitting here if he did not." Tauriel smirked. "I have never seen my lord react like such. To something so simple, he even dared to raise his sword at a friend. I have known Legolas a very long time, since before you were born into this illustrious world, El. And I have never seen those green eyes darken in such anger before."

There was a long pause, one young Eleniel had not known how to answer without giving away another friend's pain. If Tauriel did not know, then she did not want to be the one to tell her. It was Legolas' story to tell, not hers. Just as Legolas swore not to tell her story to another breathing soul.

"I told Legolas today," Eleniel began quietly, not looking at Tauriel. She stood up from her seat, straightening out her tight, green leggings and boots, fidgeting with anything so she may not have to look at her friend as she spoke. "After I had calmed, that I owe you and Legolas everything. I would not be half the person I am today without your guidance. But even knowing that, there are still some secrets my dear friend I have not even told you."

Tauriel gave her young friend a concerning look. She knew Eleniel had secrets, they all did. But she had known the young elf since birth and had hoped Eleniel could speak to her about more concerning manners as friends. "Eleniel, we all have our secrets. I do not expect you, or Legolas, to bare your souls darkest riddles to me. Yet you both must remember Legolas is prince of our realm, one day he will be Crown Prince, and someday maybe even King. Legolas cannot act the way he has today, not again. We are not children anymore. There is no one now to protect us from our actions, especially Legolas. Especially you." Tauriel sighed, shaking her head. Eleniel studied her friend. Yes, she is right. But these are still not my secrets to tell, Eleniel thought to herself as Tauriel went on. "I suppose I am fortunate enough to not have family that is close with King Thranduil, but even as his captain I too am not afforded the ability to hide behind my secrets."

"You sound as righteous as Legolas does when he's in a mood." Eleniel huffed, crossing her arms across her chest, not liking the direction the conversation was taking. "I am well aware what Legolas will one day become, but he is still a friend and I will still protect him. Prince or not. Just as I would protect your deepest secrets, as I know Legolas will protect mine. What happened today was in part my fault. I failed Legolas as a friend today, and now it has caused him more trouble."

"Eleniel, I am not under-"

"Before you question Legolas' actions, speak with him first." Eleniel spoke with a stronger voice, raising her grey eyes to finally meet Tauriel's. "I am not angry with our prince, for I understand why he attacked. I do not condone it, but I at least understand. It is not my story to tell, mellon-nin. You must ask him."

Tauriel raised an amused eyebrow to the young elleth and gave a small, quiet laugh. "My dear Eleniel, that sounded almost like a declaration of love…"

Eleniel threw a look of contempt at her friend before throwing herself back down on the chair. "Meleth… Mana meleth mi sen amar annin?" She whispered to herself, forgetting Tauriel was not but a few feet from her. "Nay, I do not love Legolas, lest not in the way you are implying." She sighed. "I hope Thranduil is in quite the forgiving mood today…"

A/N: R&R! I would love to hear all of your input before I post chapter 2! What do you think? Please remember, this is a prelude to Trust Me with Your Heart and Captain of the Gateway. If you have not yet read those stories, please do! I have incorporated Tauriel's character into this story, but if you have already read Trust Me with Your Heart, you generally know what will happen. BUT, I do plan to give you all some good plot twists.

If you have good ideas, send them!

Thank you!

Translation:

Meleth… Mana meleth mi sen amar annin?: What love in this world for me

Elleth- she elf

Mellon-nin – my friend

Bora in nin – trust in me

Mana - what

Meleth-nin- my love