Disclaimer: Okay, you know the drill. Lord of the Rings belongs to Tolkien, not me. However, Vanadil and all other characters not in the book are mine.

A/N: This takes place twenty years after the fellowship. It has been a while since I read the books and I'm beginning to reread them, so please excuse me for any plot errors I may have made. Feel free to point out any mistakes, but please do it nicely. Please give me reviews! Flames will be promptly put out with my handy-dandy fire extinguisher that I keep on hand for such occasions. However, constructive criticism is welcome.

Chapter 1

Vanadil carefully crept along the stone wall of the castle as to not to be seen. Although she was aware that she was disobeying her father's wishes, it was of little concern in her mind. Gazing into the distance, she sighted the gift of the morning sun rising above the trees. She knew she must work quickly as, in this case, light was her enemy.

Making her way through the shadows to the large, iron gate, she absentmindedly thought back to her quiver, wishing she had added a few more arrows. Evil seemed to be stirring in the nearby lands, and she could not afford to be caught off guard. Slinking stealthily across the ground, she smiled at the thought of what the new day might bring. She knew her father would be furious, but this did not bother her, as she was often disobeying him.

In truth, she would rather cut off her right hand than live the sheltered life of a princess. Although Vanadil hardly looked like royalty in her tunic, boots and leggings, she was in fact the daughter of Aragorn, son of Arathorn. She easily slipped by the guards unnoticed and sighed in relief. The hard task was done. She hated the ordeal she was forced to undertake to simply leave the castle, but her freedom was worth it. She belonged in the forest, among the trees and animals.

Silently greeting the coming day, Vanadil jogged across the land toward the dense stretch of woods that stood not far from the castle, but far enough that she felt secluded from the rest of the world. Slowing her pace to a brisk walk, once in the cover of the trees, she inhaled deeply and sighed. The trees seemed to sing a welcome and the cool air danced delicately upon her face.

Making her way through the foliage, she kept her attention to any stray sound, indicating an enemy. Satisfied that her surroundings were secure, she walked over to an old familiar tree. Like a friend, the tree seemed to respond to her moods. Although most speculated the very idea as preposterous, Vanadil knew that it was the small amount of elven blood flowing through her veins.

Leaping gracefully onto a sturdy branch, Vanadil continued to make her way up the tree, not settling until she had reached her familiar spot. She loved the feeling of being up high. Here she could see many things and had a new perspective of the whole world. It was here that she found contentment.

The frenzied chattering of a gray squirrel caught her attention and she looked up at it, smiling. It seemed to her that animals were the only ones who truly understood her. For some reason, she had always had a way with them, almost as if she could read their minds. The squirrel hesitantly made its way down the branch, closer to her. Gently holding out her hand, Vanadil mentally beckoned it to come closer. Suddenly, the squirrel fled back up the tree, disappearing into the thick canopy of leaves. Alarmed by its peculiar reaction, she quickly glanced down below her in attempts to discover what had frightened the animal so.

Four men, mounted on horseback, carefully picked their way along the path, as though not wanting to disturb anything. As she looked closer, she could see that they were not, in fact, men but elves. One had blond hair and looked very regal while the other three had darker hair and a bit darker complexion.

Suddenly, the blond haired elf glanced up into the tree were Vanadil was sitting. She visibly stiffened and hoped that he had not seen her location. He had.

Knowing she had been sighted, Vanadil glared challengingly down at the intruders.

Although surprised to see someone perched on a tree branch, the blonde elf first spoke, "Are you from Gondor?"

Gracefully leaping down to the ground, Vanadil replied, "Aye, but what business is it of yours?"

Taken back by her abrupt answer, he nodded and answered, "We wish to meet with the king as he is expecting us."

Before she could answer, one of the brown haired ones spoke, "Mayhap you could tell us what business you have in a tree and in these woods alone."

"Mayhap you could tell me who you think you are as to question my presence anywhere?" she shot back, automatically irritated by his question.

Holding up his hands in defense, the blond stood between them, obviously amused by her short temper and sharp tongue. "My name is Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, and my men and I were merely passing through. We meant no intrusion of any sort, and wish to be on our way."

Vanadil stiffened once more at the mention of his name. Aye, she had heard it spoken many times among the household. Not only did he accompany her father twenty years ago as a member of the fellowship set out to destroy the One Ring, but she had heard his name spoken to her on a much more personal level. He was her betrothed. A future joining decided at her birth nineteen years before. Once she had been old enough to understand and learn of this agreement, she resented the fact that she would one day be forced to marry for political reasons. Moreover, she would be forced to marry someone she scarcely knew.

A smile spread across her lips as she realized one thing. The prince was unaware of who she really was, probably thinking she was merely a peasant out hunting. Also, he had not asked for her name, meaning she was not obligated to reveal it to him.

Nodding in agreement, she answered, "Very well. Yonder lies the great castle of Gondor where you will find the king who you say is expecting you."

The four passed by, and Vanadil fought the urge to laugh at the fact she had successfully kept her identity a secret. However, as she watched the figures disappear down the path, a chilling thought crept into her mind. She had just realized the only reason Legolas could be here to speak to her father. He had come to claim his bride.

After waiting for a while to make sure they were out of sight, Vanadil slowly began to return to the castle in hopes of finding out his intentions, without being noticed, of course.

As she quickly walked down the main corridor of the castle, her mind hastily thought of methods of escaping what seemed to be an impossible fate. Although she did not have a plan at the present time, she was sure, beyond a doubt that she would come up with one in time.

Turning the corner, the sight before her stopped her in her tracks. Her father was speaking earnestly with Legolas, and the two seemed deep in conversation. Frantically hoping her presence had not been detected, she cautiously proceeded to back up. Unfortunately, she had been spied by her father, who summoned her over.

She could feel her father's frustration burn upon her skin as he spoke, "Honestly, Vanadil. Could you have not dressed appropriately for the arrival of your betrothed?"

Shooting a glare at Legolas, she could not help but detect the hint of recognition in his eyes, mixed with surprise. Looking her father in the eye, she replied, "Nay, father. I was told not of his arrival. How was I to dress accordingly?"

"That would have not been an issue if you would follow my requests and dress properly as a princess should."

Forcing herself to stay as calm as possible, she shot back, "Requests? Mayhap you make them sound like orders!"

Ignoring her outburst, he quickly changed the subject, "Vanadil, I believe it is the time to officially meet your future husband."

"We've already met." She grumbled.

"Alas, you did not give me the pleasure of your name, Milady." A soft voice beside her spoke. Casting a glance at Legolas, she could help but feel surprised. From his confident and regal stature, she would not have expected such a polite response, especially toward a girl who had just talked back to her father.

Turning back toward Aragorn, Vanadil spoke once more, "I shan't marry him, Father."

Turning his firm look into one of amusement, Aragorn replied, "Is that so? Who, then, shall you be marrying?"

"No one. I fail to see why we need go over this discussion again, Father. I am not some silly whim who needs protection and to be taken care of. I'll be no one's property and in that case, be a burden to no one."

Giving a short laugh, Aragorn met her glare, "It is too late for such decisions and declarations, daughter. It would make your life much more pleasant if you would decide to accept the facts as they are."

"We shall see," she replied coldly before spinning on her heel and making her way to the stables, despite her fathers calls to her.

A/N: There you go! First chapter done! I sincerely hoped you like it and Chapter 2 will be up ASAP. As I said before, please review!! I love feedback!