A/N: Soooo sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I was debating if I should say anything about this at all… but I just had a baby ( on 3/13) and I was a little preoccupied getting ready. As an apology I made this chapter extra long. I hope you enjoy. Please R&R And as always, enjoy!

For what seemed like forever Calemirai sat in the chambers she had been provided, her thoughts still hazed over by the emotional assault from the woodland king. She had been sitting on the bed, the contents of her bag spilled out in front of her. She had not brought much with her for her adventure. Her daggers of course, a few outfits to change into, a small repair kit for if anything had been tattered along the way, her journal , ink, and quill, and a blanket for if she was gone into the cold seasons.

She began to wonder if there was anything else she would need, if she were to venture into the Mirkwood alone. He had agreed to have her escorted through… though she hardly wanted to wait an unknown length of time to do so… especially after her half- confession and the foreboding words he had sent her off with.

She was still staring at her things, her mind wondering when she was disrupted by a visitor. And though it was little shock to her whom was at the door, she was more than a little unsettled by the sight of him.

"Legolas… come in." she muttered before returning to her spot on the bed, beginning to tuck her things away. "What brings you?"

"I heard you spoke with my father today. I came to see how if faired." Something seemed off about him as well, though she was hardly willing to pry at the time being. She was not even certain she could look him in the face just yet.

"Hard to say for certain. He is far from easy to speak with, or to read… He did explain a few things to me, though I was not able to ask him everything I had wished to, And it seems he has agreed to allow me access to the forest, though it will be many days out still."

"And you will wait?" He asked in a low, unsure tone. With that she was unsure how to respond. She wasn't halfway out the gates just yet, so it would be easy to say she intended to.

"… I am not sure." She admitted, glancing up at him. "What would my chances be if I were to venture out on my own? Would they be so bad that it is worth the wait?" his brow furrowed as he thought of how to respond.

"That depends on how well trained you are in defending yourself I suppose… among other things. The evil of the forest is not only the threat of beasts, but disorientation. If you lose the path and do not know the forest it is likely you will never find your way back out… lest it be in the belly of an orc or some other stray creature that has yet to flee." She winced at his words. She was anxious to leave for sure, but her quest was worth more than her wounded feelings, or fear of embarrassment.

"Then It would seem that if I want to succeed in my goals hear that I have little choice in weather I wait or not. I am sure I could defend myself well enough, and I know something of tracking. But this is not the forest I know…" He made his way towards the bed, kneeling down before to look up at her face, which she had so far during their conversation kept down, doing her best to seem busy with the task of stashing her items away.

"My I suggest then that you do stay instead. He may be somewhat crass, but I am certain that my father means no harm to you, and he will likely schedule you to go as soon as he is able. Besides I am sure you will enjoy the celebration day after tomorrow. Especially if your home is as small as you claim."

"Just what is this event for anyway?" she asked, still doing what she could to avoid his gaze.

"It is one of few that we celebrate here. It is a celebration of harvest. Summer draws near its end and so especially in years where it is bountiful we have a celebration in thanks for the year's good fortune. Many where their dress clothes, there is music and a feast. The celebration hall will be full. You will rarely see it so lively here."

She listened and couldn't help but think it did sound to be an exciting site bear witness to. And until then she would just have to hope that her conversation with Thranduil remained a private as he seemed to have wanted it.

"I suppose I can wait. There is more I have to learn after all… I hear you were a bigger part of the war then you seem to want to admit. I should like to interrogate you more on it between now and the time I leave… If you would be kind enough to tell me." He smiled then, getting to his feet.

"I do not think my part in it is so worth mentioning. Though there are bits that I was closer to than others, and I suppose I can share that knowledge with you another time. For now I should leave to you rest, or plot, or whatever it was you were up to before my interruption." With that he took his leave.

She took the rest of the night to go over her notes in her journal and to fill out in more detail areas which had been mostly left vague.

… … … … …

The next day she did her best to retrace the path she had walked with Legolas on her first night in Mirkwood, this time taking better care to note the different corridors she passed, and what turns to take to get where. Along the way she ran into many unfamiliar faces, some of which paid her no mind, others looking her over curiously.

It was only after a few hours of circling about that she saw a guard with a familiar face; one she hadn't seen since she had first arrived in the mountains. "Ethiron!" She called out, nearly tripping over herself as she ran towards the dark haired guard. He glanced her way, a bright smile finding its way to his lips.

"Ah! So you are still here!" he called out, making his way to her. "I had heard you were debating running off after you met with our king." She winced slightly.

"And… who told you that?"

"Our dear prince of course."

"You and him must be pretty good friends for news to travel so quickly between you." she muttered sheepishly.

"Yes and no… but to be completely honest, I went to him to ask how you were doing. I actually have something to confess…" he said moving in a bit closer to her as if to tell a secret, despite there being no one else nearby. "I… may have overheard a good part of your conversation with Thranduil." Her eyes widened slightly, her cheeks instantly feeling flushed.

She was unsure just how to react to such news. She half wanted to turn and run away, and half wanted to slap him across the face for not making his presence known at the meeting. He chuckled softly before placing a hand gently on her shoulder as if to lead her down the path.

"No need to be embarrassed, I had already assumed you and him were closer than you let on. But let's not dwell on yesterday's meeting, let me walk with you a while. I actually have been wanting to talk to you about something." She walked with him, though she couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, and she was certain that it showed as she felt herself tensing as they walked.

"And what is that?" She asked abruptly.

"The celebration tomorrow… Are you planning on going?" She tilted her head curiously.

"I don't know. It sounds like an interesting event… but I am sure I would just feel uncomfortable with so many strange faces around me. You and Legolas are the only faces I really know here and what are the chances of finding either in the sea of elves that live here?" He chuckled softly and gave a slight nod.

"I can understand your concern… but I think you should come none the less. I have a favor to ask of you… but I think it would be better presented there. Would it make it easier for you to decide if I offered to escort you to it?" He cocked his head curiously, a slight smirk tugging at his lips, drawing out the blush of her cheeks once more.

"I… suppose that would make it a little less intimidating." She admitted. And he nodded with a grin.

"Wonderful! Then I will come for you tomorrow before the festivities begin! I should be on my way then." He said, finally lifting his hand from her shoulder and turning to return to where she had found him. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." He said before dismissing himself.

She continued on her rehearsed trail for a short while, curious as to what his request of her may be, though she tried to take her mind to other thing. It was late in the day when she returned to her room. On her bed was a small package, with a letter rolled up and tied to the top.

Lifting the letter she read:

Thank you for agreeing to let me escort you

tomorrow. Though I wouldn't want to show up

With someone who was under dressed for the occasion.

Hope this is to your tastes.

-Ethiron

Again she felt heat entering her cheeks as she pulled open the wrapping on the package. Her breath caught in her chest as she unfolded the fabric inside. The dress was white with golden accents. The top came down in a low "v" from the shoulders and met with a corset style belt that went from below the bust to the hips of the dress, with trumpet sleeves made of a see-through golden material. The skirt faded from white to a soft golden color that flowed loosely.

The dress was suited for a princess far more than a simple girl like her, however she hardly planned to turn down a chance to wear something so beautiful, as she was unsure she would ever have the chance to do so again.

… … … … …

Calemirai looked into a small looking glass that was on the writing desk of her room. Her hair was pulled up into a bun, weaved with tiny braids. She had never been the most expert in gussying herself up, but still she felt it looked rather nice. The dress hugged her curves well, though it was more snug across her bust then she felt comfortable with; She doubted that was a mistake on Ethiron's part.

She had barely finished readying herself when her escort arrived, dressed rather well himself. He was in a dark green dress shirt and black britches, his wavy brunette hair mostly down, save for a single braid down the back to keep the sides of his hair from falling in his face.

They walked through many halls, down ways she had yet to venture through that seemed to lead down, closer to the river until finally they reached the celebration hall.

It was larger than any space she had ever seen outside of open, rolling hills, with extravagant carvings of ornate leafy patterns that danced up the stone walls. There was a Large platform in the middle of the hall that stretched over the river that seemed to be for dancing, that was encircled by slightly lower ground that stretched out in all directions –save for over the under mountain river- that held tables covered in baskets full of fresh fruits, and pitchers filled with wine.

Most extravagant of all however, were the countless elves that stood about chatting with one another, or danced on the raised floor to the upbeat rhythm that floated through the room. All of which were dressed in lovely gowns, dress-robes or dress shirts in more colors then she had ever known to exist.

Ethiron chuckled beside her, and she then realized she must have been gawking for some time. "S-sorry. I have just never seen such a celebration before… much less heard of one." She admitted before she continued to walk beside him.

"I look forward to your reaction when you see the one thing I am looking forward to you seeing then." He said with a small grin. She tilted her head curiously, but he then continued on, taking her arm in his to lead her alongside him. "In due time, for now how about a drink and perhaps a dance?"

He led her to one of the tables, pouring her a small glass of the wine, as well as one for himself. As she raised the glass to her lips she could not help but notice the sweet aroma it gave off. She had remembered such a scent. It had filled the ports of Dorwinion in her visit. The taste was sweet as well, though pleasantly so, and she had not realized just how fast she allowed the contents of the glass to spill past her lips.

"So… then.. you said there was a favor you wanted to ask of me?" She asked, still curious just what it may be.

"Yes, but again… in due time, for now enjoy the celebration a bit, as you said yourself you have never been to such a thing." She frowned slightly but agreed. It was after all the only time she could imagine seeing such a large celebration. As they made their way around she could not help but look about, hoping to see the princes face amongst the crowd, but to no avail.

She was unsure how long they were wondering through the crowd, or how many times he had refilled her glass for her by the time they went to the dance floor. What she did know was that despite the draft brought in by the river her cheeks felt warm, and she felt a strange calmness and cheerfulness filling her.

It was then on the dance floor that she noticed how strangely focused Ethirons gaze was, and that his gaze was not on her at all, but searching through the many faces outside of the ring of dancing elves. Finally a light entered his features as if catching his target, before he spun, so that she was facing what he had been looking at.

Curious her eyes searched the groups of standing elves until they fell upon one which caused her breath to catch in her throat, and nearly caused her to stumble over herself as she halted, not wanting to lose sight for even a second.

There in a small group of unfamiliar faces stood Legolas. His golden hair falling freely over his shoulders and down his back, cascading in soft waves, free of his normal braids; his brow adorned with a silver circlet. He was dressed in a silver-blue dress shirt, which below the soft lights of the celebration hall reminded her of starlight.

Ethiron grinned, and let out a small chuckle. "A better reaction then even I expected." He admitted, leading her closer to the side of the room where the prince stood as he danced. She nearly felt like slapping him for pointing out her reaction. Instead she forced her gaze down sheepishly. "No reason to be embarrassed" He said softly. "After all, it is related to the favor I wanted to ask of you."

"H-how so?" she asked, letting out far more alarm in her voice then she had intended.

"It's simple really… when you leave to go fix your homeland; I want you to ask him to go with you." She tilted her head curiously.

"How will that benefit you in any way?"

"Because… Once everything is fixed in your forest… I want you to bring him back here, and convince him to stay." He said, once again more vaguely then she would have liked. Her irritation must have showed because he then continued. "I am sure he is beginning to feel something for you as well. If those feelings grow… then that may be the only way anyone can convince him to stay in one place for long." Her brow furrowed and she could feel the blush in her cheeks deepening.

"What makes you think that? Or that I would leave my forest again once its fixed."

He smiled softly at her. " Well… I plan to prove to you that he has feelings for you before the end of the night… and if your feelings grow deep enough for him, then I doubt you will need much persuasion."

Calemirai began to feel dizzy, from his words or from the wine she was unsure, either way she wanted out of the conversation, yanking away from the male, and shuffling through the swaying sea of dancers that seemed faceless. Tears began to form in her eyes, though she was unsure just why.

She did not get very far before Ethiron's fingers closed gently around her wrist, just enough to halt her. His brow furrowed, and a look of desperation filling his features. "Please… hear me out… that may not have been the best way to present my request to you…" She paused, deciding to give him a moment to explain.

He let out a sigh of relief before beginning. "Thranduil has been our king for a very long time now… he has been a good king, doing the best he could to keep us thriving despite the cursed land that we settled in so many centuries ago. He grows tired however, and it shows… both in his abrasive behavior and in his features. He needs his heir to step up and be what he was born to be."

"And what does any of that have to do with me?" She asked wishing to tear free of his grip on her.

"Legolas has been in love for many decades now, though his love is not a person… His romance is with travel and adventure… I have seen a weak spot in that romance however." He looked thoughtfully at her. "He looks at you, from time to time, in a similar fashion to how he looks to the distance… perhaps it is because you are a part of that distance."

She blushed a bright crimson, looking away from him. "This has nothing to do with me"

"But it does! If he goes with you… then I am sure your feelings, as well as his will grow. If they do, then coming back here is hardly a punishment. I have seen the excitement and wonder in your eyes as you explore the halls here, and the woods are healing more each day. This is one of the biggest forests known, and it would be yours if you were to come back with him. And you could sate his need for adventure." Ethiron looked down then, swallowing hard before he continued.

"This is the last settlement of elves from here to Dorwinion. Those who did not want to leave from Rivendell, and from Lorien came here in hopes of keeping the way of the Eldar alive here. There are many here who are still young for our kind, and are not yet ready to cross the sea. But if Legolas does not soon step up and take his place, then there will be no more kingdom of the elves, we will have to leave with Thranduil, or be scattered once more."

His eyes were pleading, and she was unsure just what to say. Her eyes then made their way to Legolas once more as she thought.

"I will make no promise to return with him… But I can at least ask for his aid… and I will try to convince him that he needs to take his place as Heir here… will that suffice?" He smiled, and nodded. Then lead her back to the dance floor.

For a moment she was quiet before looking to him sheepishly. "Can… I ask you something?" she muttered. She was unsure if it was her own curiosity or the wine about to speak, but still she allowed it to happen. "How… do you plan to prove… that he has feelings for me?"

A mischievous grin entered his features then, as he lead her close to where Legolas stood before pulling her in close to dance with her. He leaned in then, whispering to her. "I am sure he has seen us by now, but lock eyes with him, if you can. Make sure you get his attention, and smile when you do so."

She did as instructed, at least to the best of her ability. It was easier then she had thought however, as she caught glimpse of his face his eyes were already shifted to look over the dancing pair. As her eyes met his she noticed a soft smile making its way to his lips, and returned it with one of her own.

Ethiron nodded and leaned in a bit closer then. "Watch his face closely now, and his posture as well… and whatever you do, do not flinch or look shocked." She wanted to ask what he meant but before she could do so he lifted her hands to his shoulders, placing his on her sides, and slid them down slowly to her hips.

She felt her cheeks redden, but did her best not to show shock in her eyes. Had he not warned her however, she was certain that she would have slapped him across the face for making such movements. Her senses quickly dulled to his touch however as she noticed Legolas' eyes darken slightly. He had seemed so relaxed before and yet now- his eyes still locked on the two of them- He looked tense and rigid, his posture bringing to her mind the night he had fended off her attackers from the bar. He then turned his gaze, and dismissed himself from the group he had been standing with before walking off.

She stood shocked for a moment before smiling brightly. Ethiron spun her then before wincing slightly as he noticed the prince disappearing into the sea of people. "He is not going to be happy with me for some time…" He said then with a small laugh. "Is that an obvious enough sign for you?"

She was still too awe struck by his reaction to reply, instead her smile just widened slightly. Ethiron laughed once more before letting her go. "Now… go hunt him down, tell him how annoyed you are at what I just did, and ask him to go with you… before I end up on the wrong end of his bow." He joked.

Legolas had made his way deep into the crowd before she managed to find him, calling out to him as she got close enough. He turned, though the look on his face was far from pleasant at first, but then forced a smile. "I thought you were busy dancing?"

"W-well I was… until my dance partner got a bit too… close for my tastes…" She muttered before giving him a soft smile. His face seemed to relax some, which caused her heart to beat wildly in her chest. Was he truly upset about how Ethiron had acted towards her? She hated the feeling of hope building in her, especially when there was still so much she had to learn before heading home, still she pressed on.

"Actually… I was hoping to borrow you for a short time, that is… If you are not too busy, it seems… I am in need of a new dance partner. Does the prince take requests from common travelers?" She asked sheepishly.

His smile softened before he nodded. "I suppose I can do that, this once. Though I must warn you, dancing is hardly my best skill"

She giggled softly before he took her hand, leading her back to the dance floor. He rested one hand on her side, the other staying firm in hers as both did their best to fall into pace with the other dancers, though both seemed far too stiff to fit in with the fluid crowd.

"So… Did you and Ethiron come together?" He asked her then, a hint of hesitation in his words. She smiled inwardly, as the heat in her cheeks increased.

"I suppose we did. He asked me if it would make me more comfortable to come with someone I knew."

"I see" he muttered, his eyes shifting away from her. She thought for a moment before speaking, trying to think of the best way to drive the subject towards her question.

"He mentioned to me that you like to travel… and I actually wanted to ask you something…" She looked up at him, drinking in his features as she tried to muster up how to ask him. An odd feeling of nervousness filled her. She had not expected any help with her goals, yet now the thought of him turning her down made her whole chest ache.

"Oh?" He cocked his head curiously, allowing his eyes to fall on her face once more.

She nodded her head, trying to form the words in her mind before speaking. "Well… How… would you like to see the east?" His brow furrowed slightly as if he wasn't sure what she was asking. Quickly she continued, her eyes trailing to the ground. "That is… if you are looking for a place to explore… I am sure that whatever is going on back home… you would be a great help in understanding. Would you… be willing to go back with me?"

She was sure that half her words were slurred together from how fast she was talking. Still he looked curiously at her before speaking. "You want my help?" The look on his face was hard to place, but he seemed distracted. "I will have to think about it, if you do not mind."

She felt her heart sinking after he spoke, though she did her best to hide it. It was soon after that she dismissed herself, heading out of the hall.

… … … … …

She was not sure how long it had been, but she had turned down at least ten different halls before she began to curse herself for not asking Ethiron to help her back to her room. She could still hear the music from the celebration, and so she finally resolved to trying to find her way back.

It was then, after a few more turns that she noticed a familiar form sitting on a set of stairs, arms rested on his knees, his forehead rested on his hands.

"Legolas?" She asked, moving closer. He jerked slightly as if startled before looking up at her. His face was full of thought, as well as concern.

"Calemirai? I thought you left quite some time ago…"

"I did… but it helps if you know where you're going before you leave somewhere… What are you doing out here?" He chuckled slightly before getting to his feet.

"I was just getting some air. Here, let me walk you" She was still a bit embarrassed about his response to her question, though she was sure that if she didn't take him up on his offer she may never find her way back and so she nodded her thanks before following him.

Much of the walk was quiet. They had finally reached an area familiar to her before Legolas broke the silence. "Has… Ethiron visited you often since we arrived here? I had not expected him to escort you this evening."

She blushed faintly before shaking her head. "I ran into him once is all. He offered to take me so that I would go is all… Why do you ask?"

"I was just shocked to see you with him is all. Have you… asked for his aid as well? When you leave?"

"No… only you." She was a bit caught off by the question, and for some reason it gave her butterflies to hear him ask such a thing.

After a long pause he turned to her, a strange, sharp look in his eyes, So piercing it nearly reminded her of the kings gaze. "Why me?" She turned to him then, her heart racing as she tried to think of a reason –any reason- that wasn't because of what Ethiron had said… that wasn't to get closer to him.

"For many reasons…" She said finally.

"Such as?" His eyes searched her face, as if looking for a specific answer. She bit her lip, not sure just which answer would satisfy him.

"Well… you are well travelled… you know about creatures that I have seen… and…" She paused, her eyes searching his face.

"And?" He seemed to be searching her still, curious to hear her continue. She moved a bit closer to him, fearing that the truest answer of all was about to escape her lips. She was unsure what drove her now: curiosity, her own thoughts and feelings, Ethiron's words, or perhaps the wine. Whatever it was she didn't back down this time.

Before she realized she had closed the gap between them, her lips pressing to his, so gentle that she wasn't even sure she they had touched, until she felt his own lips pressing back, drawing her in closer. They were softer than in her dream, and they left her feeling all the more drunk. Instinctively her hands clasped behind his neck, drawing him down to deepen the kiss.

It was then that she realized what she had done. Her heart sank, and before she could think she let go, running the rest of the way to her room, an odd mix of excitement, fear and confusion filling her.

When she finally reached her room she rested against the door to catch her breath. It wasn't long however before she heard the running of footsteps from behind her, and the princes voice as he approached.

"Calemirai…" he said softly- nearly breathlessly as he closed in, looking nearly as confused as she felt, before leaning down, and pressing his lips to hers once more.

A/N: So still no adventure action, but a little more going on in Mirkwood. Next chapter will be setting up for some adventure and what not, though just a warning the next chapter will have some mature/suggestive content in the beginning. Please tell me what you think of this one though as reviews always inspire me to write more 3