Tauriel walked down the staires of the palace ajusting her quiver as she went. Legolas was probably in the throne room, so she was going to see if he wanted to patrol the borders with her. She sighed, wishing she was still the chief of guards, but Florescat had taken up the position, so that made Tauriel feel better. However, as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she heard voices. She instantly froze as her elven ears began to out words.

"I need you to go to Rivendell," Thranduil was speaking.

Tauriel pictured Legolas nodding. "I have heard rumors that there is a halfling there who carries the one ring. Is it true?"

Tauriel pictured Thranduil nodding. "Yes, the ringbearer is there and Lord Elrond requests our presence there. He insists that all races be there. I need you to lead a party of ten. The council will determine what we do about the ring."

"I remember a time when you insisted it was none of our concern, ada."

There was an exasperated sigh from Thranduil. "Do not bring up the past, iôn. Worry about the present."

"Shall I mention the escape of Gollem?" Legolas questioned.

"I see no point in hiding it. He will probably be after it now."

"And Sauron must be calling to it; the one ring that can rule them all."

Tauriel couldn't help it anymore; she had to speak up.

"I am coming," she announced, walking calmly into the room, noticing Florescat quietly standing beside Thranduil.

"Princess," the new chief began. "I would not advise you going considering-"

"I will be fine, Florescat," Tauriel interrupted, hoping no one had thought much of the chief's outburst. Yet, how could they not, with only four people in the room?

The king and prince didn't seem to notice anything, though they both looked uncomfortable, and Tauriel wondered if she had missed something.

Florescat looked as though she would say something again, so Tauriel glared at her, willing her to be quiet. I'll tell him when the time is right, but something has come up. Do not say something, she silently told Florescat. Legolas was also looking like he wanted to say something, and his eyes met Tauriel's in an exasperated manner.

Thranduil noticed the exchange.

"Come, Florescat," he murmured. "We shall let these two talk in private."

0o0

"You are not coming," Legolas stated before Tauriel could talk.

"Why not?"

"You need to stay here and cover my duties."

"That's not fair!"

"Life is not fair."

"I do not care; and I was not asking, I was telling."

"You need to stay here!" Legolas insisted.

"Why are you so eager to hide me from the world?" Tauriel demanded angerly. Did Florescat tell you...?

Legolas glared at her for a few more moments, then his eyes softened, and he sighed.

"I'm sorry. I just cannot help but be protective; I care about you," he walked up to her.

"I know," Tauriel murmured. "But you need to understand that I cannot always stay within our borders."

Legolas grabbed her hands. "I know only too well that I am powerless to stop you from going if that is your wish," he whispered. "All I am saying is; think about." he kissed her on the forehead, then left the room.

Well that was ominous, Tauriel thought. What is the prince hiding from me?

Terms:

Iôn- son

Sorry it took so long for this to be published, but I have been getting loads of homework. Also, I would just like to say that this book may take longer to update, because I haven't read the books and I need help from my friends, so don't expect updates to be fast. Sorry if this chapter kind of sucks, I'm trying to get used to writing this book. Anyway, I hope you guys will be patient, and I will see you next chapter- Mallowbloom