Revised: 8/25/07

A/N: To refresh your memory: When I left you Arnen was eavesdropping on the most influential council ever held in Middle Earth (in the T.A. that is). Oh…and there were a couple mysterious beings that popped up. Hmmmmm…

Time Changes Everything…Except Leaves

Lord Elrond sat inside of his study with many scouts standing before him.

"Scour the lands all around. We need to know what to expect. King Thranduil will need to be contacted; Lothlorien will need news of this as well. Aragorn, notify the Dúnedain of what is to take place. We could do with as many eyes watching as allies as we possibly can. The numbers of the enemy seem to be growing." Elrond looked at Gandalf sadly.

"Dismissed."

The autumn leaves of Imladris did not leave their homes bare as winter came, for trees of that realm only heeded two seasons: spring and fall. So instead of a landscape blanketed in snow, the deep richness of the treetops made a beautiful array of color. Elrond did not allow winter to enter. Few knew his reason, and those who did never mentioned it. So, as the cold wind came from the mountains, the leaves continued to fall but not diminish; yet there never seemed to be a heavy layer of them lying on the ground.

On a cool morning in December – when more scouts began to return from their journeys – Arnen woke early. The sky was just being painted by the sun's beautiful brush of light and from her window she could still faintly see Ithil and a few burning stars. Her mind was restless about what she heard in the council meeting. No one else seemed to know what had gone on right underneath their noses. It had been two months ago, but it felt like yesterday.

'Bilbo's true story came out. Frodo came in possession of the Ring when Bilbo went on his final adventure. Gollum has escaped – no – has been "rescued" from Mirkwood. Saruman has betrayed us. And probably the saddest thing of all: Frodo accepted a burden I am not sure he knows what it means to carry.'

Before Arnen could step any deeper into her reverie she ran into something. The unexpected jolt caused her to stumble back. A quick hand caught her, believing that she would fall but the woman just shook it off. She looked up at the one who had just brought her away from her thoughts. Aragorn stood before her with a smile on his face.

"Dear sister, you will have to be more careful. You were so far away in your mind I am sure you could have walked off a cliff and not have even known it."

Arnen just rolled her eyes, but her brother's companion caught her attention. It was the elf lord from Mirkwood. With curiosity she looked at Aragorn. The ranger could not help but chuckle. Slapping the elf on his back he announced, "Arnen, this is Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood, the second and youngest son of King Thranduil. Legolas, this is Arnen, my sister and a traveling companion of the Grey Company. But of course you two should remember each other."

Both elf and woman were shocked by the introductions. Arnen could almost kick herself for not recognizing him. Legolas, able to see her astonishment, knew he was not alone in his embarrassment. He would have recognized her other night if he had seen her eyes. Thinking back he wondered why he had not realized their unnatural color. The last time they met she was a child. The young one was newly named and adopted into Aragorn's family.

The prince of Mirkwood strode into the library. He was told that he could find Aragorn there. His keen ears caught the turning of pages and his friend's voice reading aloud. Weaving through bookshelves he finally came upon the man. But Legolas was surprised to see a child sitting on his lap. The elf had heard stories of the girl Aragorn found by Bruinen. He cast a twinkling eye at his friend as he watched the way he lovingly held the little one in his arms. She was a plain child with raven hair and porcelain skin. A radiant smile was on her face as her new brother explained the colorful illustrations in the book.

Aragorn suddenly became aware that he was being watched. Looking up, he saw an elf dressed in traveling attire of green and brown. He smiled and motioned for him to come closer. To the child's dismay, he closed the book and stood up, setting her on the floor. Looking up, she saw the elf standing before her. She quickly dipped behind Aragorn's legs, only poking her head out a little to eye him cautiously. Legolas chuckled and advanced toward his friend.

'Mae Govannen.'

'Mae Govannen, Legolas. Arnen come from behind me. You and I both know that you are not afraid of elves.'

The child pulled on Aragorn's sleeve making him bend down so that she could whisper in his ear. She had yet to master the art of whispering.

'He is different. I do not know him.'

Legolas laughed. He knew why the child was so wary of him –true, she did not know him. Winking at Aragorn, Legolas knelt down and looked at the little girl hiding behind his leg.

'Do you know where Mirkwood is, Arnen?'

Black hair flopped in front of her eyes as she nodded her head.

'That is my home. Elves from there are different than the elves of Rivendell.'

Arnen blushed. He knew that she realized her whisper wasn't quiet enough. Legolas laughed.

'But you are quite different yourself. Your eyes are not so usual are they?'

'Ada says they remind him of Anor and Ithil.'

Legolas looked at her eyes closely. Yes, they did remind one of the two heavenly bodies. The color, of course, would be enough to make someone wonder, but it was the light. The light in her eyes gave him the impression that the fruits of the Trees had been formed in her orbs.

'I agree with him, Menelhin.'

The child put her hands on her hips and looked at him intently.

'My name is Arnen, not Man-il-hen,' Arnen stumbled over the foreign word.

The ranger and his friend laughed heartily. The child glared up at her brother and began to stomp away.

'Wait, little one. Wait,' Legolas said gently as he wiped the tears of mirth from his eyes, 'there is no need to be angry.'

Arnen turned around, gaze fixed on him. The elf drew near and knelt to look at her face.

'It means "heaven-eyes".'

A smile spread across his face. "Menelhin."

Arnen chuckled as she thought of that day in the library years ago. She had forgotten about the elf and also the play name he gave her.

"Mae Govannen, Prince Legolas. Welcome to Imladris."

"Ah!" he exclaimed with a twinkle in his eyes. "I see you have finally learned not butcher the elvish tongue. You almost do it justice."

Aragorn laughed, but Arnen did not see what was so humorous. She was only a child when they first came into contact. It was not fair that he was making fun of her. Strider knew his sister was not amused.

"Arnen, you must say that you really were terrible with the language. A dwarf would probably have done a better job."

The woman glared at her brother. A fire danced in her eyes, but Aragorn did not see it until it was too late. For a second time he found himself tackled to the ground. He laughed and wrestled with Arnen as a kitten would play with a ball of yarn. Yet even yarn is not so helpless. It can unravel and entangle the unsuspecting feline. Suddenly, Aragorn was pinned beneath his sister. She was seated firmly on his back while locking his hands in a surprisingly strong grip. The elven spectator clapped, congratulating Arnen on her success.

Aragorn could have easily reversed their positions but decided to let her have her moment. Wriggling beneath her in a signal to let him up he asked, "Who taught you to finally beat me? Whoever it was needs a firm lesson in how to keep woman ignorant of how to best their brother."

Arnen would have throttled any other man that said that, but it was only Aragorn. He was just getting warmed up for the day. She would not let him continue, though.

"Halbarad and I had tense moments a few times. Experience is the best teacher. Good day, Legolas. Again, welcome to Imladris."

With that she walked away. Arnen returned to her previous thoughts about the council. She was so deep in thought her treacherous feet had unexpectedly carried her somewhere she definitely did not want to be. Arnen cursed when she realized she was at the study of Lord Elrond. Before she could turn in another direction the door swung open with Gandalf on the other side. With a strong hand the wizard picked her up by the back of the collar, deposited her in the room, and shut the door behind them faster than Arnen could begin to let out any cry of surprise. Turning to him she was about to ask what he did that for but caught herself when she saw his eyes. The grey orbs were dancing with a dangerous light that she knew from its previous appearances. Immediately she shut her mouth. Gandalf only gave a nod of his head then led her gently to a seat before Elrond.

What was that all about? Anyway, now you know who the Mirkwood elf is for sure. For those of you who have read the book, I'm sure you knew who he was last chapter. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.