Chapter IX: Just a child

I turned from my window when the army disappeared into the sunrise. I had already said my goodbye to Tauriel, and had given my warning to Kili about watching out for my adopted daughter.

I looked over the room Ie had been staying in. There was stray arrows scattered about, a tunic hanging off the back of one of the chairs, a few knives were lying about in random places…in short, it was a mess. But still, it was cleaner than my room in Mirkwood. I have to give myself that at least.

I sighed as I grabbed my traveling bags out of the closet and started stuffing tunics and leggings in them. I don't want to leave after the night I had under the stars, but it was inevitable. I had told my father that I would come home right after the wedding, and I made a point to keep my word to the letter.

I quickly finished packing before getting dressed and strapping my weapons on. I would have liked to leave as soon as I was able, but then I thought that leaving without thanking the dwarf king wouldn't be very polite. And elf princes are always polite.

The halls were unnaturally quiet as I made my way to the dining hall. I thought that I might as well say goodbye to the friends I had made in the mountain before I leave, as well as the hobbit. And, if I am lucky, the disappearing elf princess might be there as well.

Why does every thought I have somehow turn to the princess?

Luck was indeed on my side today. Elona was eating breakfast with the other dwarves, as well as the king. But something was definitely wrong. The hall was suspiciously quiet, even though almost every dwarf was there. The only one missing was Kili…oh. Kili was always the loudest one, calling out taunts and starting the arguments and shouting matches. One would have thought that Fili would fill his place, but the blond dwarf was sitting despondently next to his uncle, head resting heavily on his fist. He glowered at anyone that tried to get a smile out of him, and would only give short, one-word answers to questions sent his way. Thorin had put some food on his plate, but Fili was merely pushing his sausages and eggs around with his fork.

Elona was sitting between the dwarf she danced with last night, Bofur, and her father. She was watching Bofur's face intently, following his lip's movements as he weaved a story about a wolf pup's adventure. They seemed to be the only ones not affected by the heavy atmosphere.

I watched as she laughed at something he had said, and couldn't squash the jealousy rising inside me. Even last night I hadn't been able to get that kind of laugh out of her. And that smile…what wouldn't I give to have that smile directed at me instead? Where in all of Arda are these thoughts coming from?

"Legolas!" Elona called out when she saw me. I had to hide a smile. She still mispronounced my name. Instead of Legolas, the way she said it sounded like Lagoles. I didn't bother to correct her though. It was almost…endearing, in a way.

"Good morning Elona. Sleep well?" I asked nonchalantly as I sat down next to Gloin. I smirked as Elona ducked her head to hide the blush that suddenly appeared on her face. Bofur frowned at her in confusion, but then he saw my smirk, and his frown deepened further.

"Legolas," Thorin noticed my presence. "I received a message from Thranduil this morning. He wishes you to return to Mirkwood immediately."

I frowned. My father messaged the dwarven king to send me home? "Is something wrong, my lord?"

Did I really just call Thorin Oakenshield 'my lord'? Nobody tell Ada.

"I do not know Legolas. The message did sound urgent though." I nodded. "I understand. I was planning on taking my leave just after breakfast." Thorin nodded and turned back to his sulking nephew. I quickly ate enough to keep me full for a while before standing up and shouldering my bags.

"King Thorin," I address the dwarf. "I wish to thank you for your hospitality. It would be my pleasure to return the favor soon, in my own home."

Thorin nodded. "It was a pleasure having you here, Prince Legolas Thranduilion. And I might take you up on your offer soon, if only to see our burglar safe on his way home to the Shire." He nodded to Bilbo.

"We would be honored to have the hobbit as a guest in out halls," I smiled before giving a bow and walking out the door.

I told the stable hands a few days ago to have my horse ready this morning, and I was pleased to see that they had remembered despite the hustle and bustle of the wedding. My midnight black stallion was standing in his stable, already tacked, and all I had to do was slip his bridle on and fasten my bags to the saddle. But before I could mount him, I was stopped by a small hand on my arm.

"Will you visit?"

"Of course I will Elona, if you father invites me." I gave her a smile. "But only if you promise to come to the Greenwood someday."

"…Gre-ood?" her brows knit in confusion.

"No Elona, Greenwood," I enunciated for her. "My home."

Elona's mouth made an 'o' shape and she nodded. She stepped back as if she was going to leave, but seemed to hesitate. Then suddenly, my face was full of bouncy brown curls and pale arms were wrapped around my waist.

"Goodbye Legolas,"

I froze for a moment, my arms spread out in shock, before smiling again and wrapping my arms gently around her shoulders. "Goodbye mellon nin."

She stepped back, and gave me a last smile before turning and walking to the door. However, the hatted dwarf was standing there with arms crossed and a frown on his face. He said nothing when she reached him, but jerked his head inside. She bowed her head and clasped her hands in front of her, like a chastised child. He turned his glare to me.

"Listen here, elf prince," he spat out. "Elona is nothing but a child, not even five decades. She has a hard enough life without you going around and playing with her emotions."

My mouth dropped. Fifty? She hasn't even come of age yet! How then was she so mature? And beautiful…and why are her eyes so sad…and playing with her emotions? I don't even think of her like that!

"I do not…"

"Stay away," he growled, breaking me off. With one last glare, he turned and stomped after Elona.

AN: Hullo again! Sorry for the pathetic shortness of this chapter, but I spent the whole weekend on the mountain and didn't get much writing for this story done...but for those of you following Brother Mine...drumroll...I HAVE THE REUNION DONE! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm still editing it though. I wasn't too happy with how it turned out.

NOW. I have a VERY improtant announcement to make. You ready for this? *Another drumroll**Legolas rolls his eyes at Huntress' immaturity* Don't be like that Leggy. It involves you. *Legolas gets a very scared look*

Now for the announcement...ELONA AND LEGOLAS HAS A SHIP NAME!

I know. I'm totally overreacting.

Legolas: No duh. I don't even like Elona like that.

Huntress: Don't be like that Leggy. Anyways, the name is Lelona. Isn't that just so fun?! Full credit to CreativeHobbit for coming up with that word of pure awesomeness.

Legolas: Lelona? Now you've really gone crazy.

Huntress: I know. I've actually known for a long time...

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