Author's note:

This is a long chapter! It was hard to write because at this point Legolas isn't doing a very good job representing himself. But fear not, I've begun writing the next chapter and he redeems himself

Anyway, see for yourself and let me know what you think!

Chapter 11:

As the week of festivities drew near its end the celebration grew grander. More food, more wine, more dancing, and more revelry were to be had by all. As Tauriel made her way up to the great hall she concluded that despite of all the drama surrounding her, or perhaps because of it, this had been the most remarkable festival she had ever experienced. She resolutely tried not to think of how Legolas and Faervel would be watching her, but most importantly the king. She knew Thranduil would analyze her every move; if she so much as glanced at Legolas the wrong way it would surely be punished later.

Now that the festival was well underway there was no need for grand entrances, this gave Tauriel hope that she might slip in unnoticed. As she came upon the top of the platform she noticed that would in fact not be the case. Faervel stood aside, patiently waiting for her arrival, and she could not help but feel warmed at his kind gesture.

"You outshine even the stars tonight, Tauriel," he murmured as he kissed her hand. She was the most magnificent creature he had ever beheld. He said her name like a prayer, quickly lost in her presence.

"Then the stars must be very dim," she laughed melodically, although flattered at his compliment. She gave him credit for making her feel so adored that for the moment she forgot every other care in the world.

Faervel simply shook his head; she could not be more wrong but in this instant he would never disagree with her. "Shall we?" He asked, offering her his arm. She accepted and together they entered.

The arrangement of the tables was still the same of as the previous nights and so they directly walked to their previous seats. Supper had already been served and conversation abounded.

"Tauriel, always a pleasure," the councilmen welcomed her warmly. They had come to know her better over the past few days and had grown quite fond of her sharp wit and enchanting smile. She greeted each of them whilst she was served and caught up on the conversation. Tauriel took a small biscuit and ate quietly, not realizing how hungry she had been. She dared not look over to Legolas but felt his stare rest on her back. At length she grew quite thirsty and moved to go get a drink but Faervel stayed her.

"I ordered the kitchen to have your drink prepared," he said, handing her a tall glass filled to the brim. She would have said he shouldn't have gone through the trouble but knew it would be in vain.

"Let me repay your kindness," she said, putting the glass down. She genuinely wanted to do something for him in return. "I will dance with you, I will—" she offered, but he cut her off.

"Do not trouble yourself," he said softly, and chuckled at her frown. "I do not ask for anything in return because there is nothing you could do that would make me happier than I am now, just being in your presence." He gently kissed her cheek and watched as she closed her eyes and smiled. The moment was disturbed by the guffaw of the two nearest councilmembers who clapped loudly.

"First you arrive late, and not a moment later show this display?!" Tarvelis teased in good humor, "One might wonder the reason for you initial delay…" he trailed off suggestively.

"When I left my chambers the lights of Faervel's room were on yet the door was locked!" Edwenor further confirmed.

Faervel sighed and mouthed an apology to Tauriel, who was blushing furiously.

"My affairs are just that, my own," he snapped, meaning to silence them but doing just the opposite.

"See how he does not deny it!" Tarvelis jeered, producing more laughs. Tauriel was no longer embarrassed and was tempted to laugh with them, even at her own expense. Faervel saw she was not upset and joined in the laughter.

"Upon my honor I have not seen her since the competition earlier," he said, his hand over his heart. Thankfully, this directed the conversation away from them, and instead towards the competitions which had occurred. A few members rose to give her their congratulations and she sincerely thanked each.

Legolas watched as Tauriel and Faervel laughed merrily with the other councilmembers. He wished he could say Tauriel looked sad and longed for his company, but it looked like she hadn't even remembered his invitation for her to sit beside him. Instead he turned and glared at his father who sat observing all before him. He recalled just before entering what he had told him. Somehow, his father had discovered his desire to honor Tauriel with a dance and a seat at his table. I forbid you, Thranduil had said icily, and now Legolas found himself rather unhappy with his situation.

Seron noticed Legolas seemed upset and she wondered what she could do to ease his displeasure. She followed his gaze which was set on the Captain of the Guard she had met earlier. She recalled the embrace she had found them in and very slowly came to the suspicion that the cause of his discontent had something to do with the elleth. She smiled as she formulated a plan.

"Anwel," she whispered, calling her friend who had been making eyes at the young male guard members all day.

"What?" she said, not looking away from her admirers.

"I need you to distract the prince," she said, making sure no one heard her. Anwel finally turned and looked at her in surprise.

"Why?" She asked. It was clear the prince did not show any particular interest in her and she felt uncomfortable in his presence. If anything, he seemed to favor Seron.

"Just do it, as a favor, please," Seron pouted and looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Very well," she sighed, and turned to the prince, smiling. "My Lord Legolas, I am fascinated by your skill with the bow, how is it you became so proficient?"

Seron heard Anwel distract Legolas, and only rose when she was sure he was looking away. She ghosted over to Tauriel and tapped her shoulder lightly. Tauriel turned, clearly not expecting to see her.

"Princess," Tauriel bowed her head, "to what do I owe this unexpected honor?" Seron leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

"I do not pretend to be blind. I see the way he looks at you. The way he smiles when he speaks your name and rarely ever else. Even now I do not know why he hasn't come to you, but in his absence I have taken it upon myself to do it for him. Come."

Tauriel had wondered why Legolas had not come to her—he had seemed very determined she be by his side during this time. Yet after a time she had forgotten and she enjoyed the lightheartedness of the councilmembers. She quickly told Faervel she would be gone for a moment and followed Seron.

"Your graces," Seron said sweetly, calling the attention of the royal table. "I was just thinking how wonderful it would be if we honored today's champion with a place at our table. Is she not radiant?" Her voice was all sugar and feigned ignorance and she batted her eyes as if she was doing such a noble thing. Legolas could have kissed the girl then and there. Thranduil had forbidden him, but Seron, oh beautiful Seron, she had taken it upon herself to bring Tauriel to him.

"Wonderful indeed," Thranduil said without emotion. "Welcome Tauriel."

Seron motioned for Tauriel to sit beside her and both were quickly seated. Legolas was not close enough to have a conversation with her, but did not care as long as she was at least near. As for Tauriel, she felt Thranduil's unrelenting judgment but went along with the charade, acting both surprised and pleased.

As most began to finish supper, the question of when the dance floor would be opened was quietly circulated.

The king rose and gestured to his son. "Legolas," he called, gesturing towards the hall. His tone indicated it was both a command and a warning. Legolas stood and bowed to his father, then turned to ask his partner. Rumors circulated that he would be formally announcing his attachment to Lady Seron of Rivendell and as he walked in her direction the whispers intensified.

Legolas kept his face expressionless but Tauriel detected a defiant gleam as he walked past his father. When he outstretched his hand to her she made a face of surprise as the other elves applauded but were left without confirmation of his attachment to Seron. She knew Thranduil would be displeased but it would be unthinkable for a lady to decline the first dance, so he could say nothing. His expression remained unchanged as he watched the two make their way to the front of the room. Instead, the most expressive reaction belonged to Faervel who was the most shocked. He felt a deep pang of jealousy and tried to halt it, but it had already taken hold since the competition earlier.

For the first time that day Legolas genuinely smiled. As he heard the song begin, his smile grew. It was a slow song with a lilting melody, meant to call forth memories from the past and blend it with new hope for the future. For him, it meant he could hold Tauriel closer to him without any undue suspicion. He looked down at her, her emerald eyes sparkled, but the rest of her expression remained reserved. He shifted their position slightly so that her head rested against his chest, just below his chin.

"You look beautiful," he murmured, using this new position so he could speak to her inconspicuously. She did not reply but felt her not her head. "I understand now, my father spoke to you, earlier in the hall. He forbids our union." He felt another slight nod. "I will speak to him. In time he will see reason. He will see he cannot keep us separated." He did not feel Tauriel nod. Instead, they switched their frame, as Tauriel did a spin and now stood linked to his opposite side, allowing their eyes to meet again.

"Our actions go beyond us," she said, keeping her form steady. "They affect other people, beyond us." Legolas knew that these other people were just one person, namely one elf: Faervel. He knew she appreciated the councilman, but the thought had never really occurred to him that she would choose Faervel over him.

"Do you love him?" he asked, his voice unintentionally accusing. The pace of the dance changed and they turned, Tauriel no longer facing him. Even when she could look upon his face she chose not to. The silence between them seemed deafening. As the song drew to a close he squeezed her tightly to him, not knowing when he would ever have the opportunity to do so again. "Do you love me?" The question slipped out in his state of weakness and desperation. He felt Tauriel go rigid and no amount of consoling and sweet utterances would relieve her.

The song ended and they stopped; the room finally holding steady. The applause was thunderous as it echoed in the hallways and now other couples and friends took to the floor. Tauriel inclined her head, a slight nod, and then quickly left him, foregoing the tradition of him bringing back to her seat. Had her nod meant a 'yes' to his question? And if so, to which question? She had not vocalized an answer and he had not been able to look into her eyes for a clue. He used the momentary frustration to try to cover the wound the absence of her love had inflicted.

Tauriel returned to Faervel's side and for a moment they did not speak. His pained expression informed her of his suspicion, and she felt worse that she could neither confirm nor deny it. To spare the both of them the pain, she chose to evade it.

"He calls himself my friend," she began, trying to make her voice sound light-hearted. "So he asks my hand to dance, knowing full well I am not practiced in those arts. He wanted to make a fool of me before the whole kingdom!"

"I do not believe that was his intention," Faervel said quietly, her attempt at humor disregarded. "I believe he desires you."

For the second time that day Tauriel found herself saying Legolas thought no more of her than a captain of the guard. And for a second time that day the listener did not believe it.

"Faervel," she dropped formality and said his name slowly, savoring it. She drew close to him and clasped his hand. "I can honestly say I do not know what Legolas desires. He has been my friend for many centuries and his intentions are not even obvious to me." She stood, pulling him somewhat reluctantly with her. "Do not let him ruin this festival for us. I am happy to be here with you. He has asked me to dance, and now I ask you to do the same. Will you do me the honor?"

His expression relaxed but did not reach his eyes. She was surprised at how much she wanted to see his eyes light up again. She admitted to herself that he was very handsome, and was not immune to the intensity of his gaze.

"Of course," he smiled shallowly and took her proffered hand.

The last open spot in the group of dancers was, of course, nearest to the royal table. In plain view of the king, no less. Tauriel had still not dared look at him and so she kept her eyes focused on Faervel. He held her gently, almost afraid to touch her, and she chuckled at how she all but had to hold him and lead. Nonetheless he eventually grew more comfortable and drew her near to him, inhaling her scent of the forest and wildflowers.

Thranduil observed Tauriel and Legolas dance; seeing their lips move in hushed conversation. He noticed Tauriel seemed to have slight discomfort and could easily presume why. Legolas, on the other hand, seemed determined. He had gone against his order and marked this as his act of defiance. Now, there stood the elleth in question again, this time with her actual partner. They seemed close enough, but he did not find their relationship completely believable just yet. Still, perhaps it would benefit his son to see Tauriel with Faervel, so he would get the idea.

"Legolas," Thranduil said quietly. Legolas looked at him, and he simply gestured in the direction of the couple in question. Thranduil did not want to be cruel, he wanted what was best for his kingdom: he had to do what must be done. Legolas saw Tauriel and Faervel smiling at each other, easily flowing through the dance.

The couple glided around the other dances, dimly aware of their presence but for the most part entranced with each other. Tauriel knew she had to make her attachment to Faervel seem believable; and now with this spot so near to the king, it was her opportunity to do so. She knew Legolas would not look her way whilst she danced with Faervel so she felt no inhibition on what he might see.

Her hands rested on Faervel's shoulders, but she slowly moved them up to rest around his neck. He had not expected her touch on his sensitive skin and instinctively tightened his arms around her waist. His heart beat rapidly, so much so that if Tauriel strained her ears she could probably hear it. Her pulse was not so quick, but it was strong, and she felt every beat intensely, putting her almost in a trance-like daze. His eyes, of molten honey, made her feel warm and she found herself ever so slightly rolling onto the balls of her feet to raise herself closer to him. She could feel the eyes of her king but did not feel the nervousness she had expected; to her surprise it felt natural.

In one swift motion she brought her lips to his and they locked in a kiss. Faervel had not fully expected it, but slowly eased into the motion. One arm stayed firmly wrapped around her waist while the other roamed her back; feeling her flexed muscles as she held on to him. His lips moved with hers and he expected her to pull away soon, but she did not. Instead, her lips parted slightly, giving him entry and deepening the kiss. Her hands travelled from his neck, to his hair, to his shoulders, it did not matter—he was completely lost in the moment.

Legolas had seen other elves kiss before. He himself had kissed elleths before. But he had not seen such a public display in a long time, and the fact that it was the one he loved kissing another made his heart wrench. Thranduil, though unsettled at the display, thought Tauriel must know what she was doing, for she was not the kind to be so public either. Even if she was simply maintaining appearances, he was pleased. The unabashed pain displayed on his son's face though, made him for the smallest fraction of a second, feel guilt.

Faervel eventually pulled away from her, his breathing ragged. "Tauriel," he said bewildered, not knowing what to say.

"Forgive me, my Lord," she said apologetically, though a coy smile tugged at her lips.

"I should apologize; I should not have let my jealousy get the best of me. I should not have doubted your devotion," he said, stroking her cheek. Tauriel marveled at how he could be so honest while she felt so torn by deceit.

The pair exited the dance floor and went to an unoccupied bench against a stone wall. They knew if they went back to the table the jeers which would await them. Faervel left her for a moment to seek out some wine and a sweet for them to share.

Legolas watched Tauriel and Faervel keep to themselves in one of the corners of the room. A corner, he thought, which looked awfully familiar. He saw Faervel bring her a cup of wine and instantly knew it was the same place. Without hesitation he rose and sauntered over to where they sat. He knew he would be crossing the line, but he had just seen Tauriel kiss the man for ten minutes and felt justified from his anger.

As Legolas came upon the pair Tauriel saw the agonized look on his face before he carefully concealed it. For his sake, she pleaded he did not make a fool of himself. Faervel bowed stiffly,

"My Lord."

"Councilman Faervel," Legolas nodded back politely. Tauriel stayed quiet, preferring to observe, though she eyed the two warily.

"Is Tauriel not stunning this evening?" Legolas asked, though he did not even glance at her.

"Tonight, and every night," Faervel responded, not sure what the point of this conversation was. He remembered Legolas' odd behavior the first night of the festival and thought the prince to be rather…unstable.

"Very true," Legolas agreed. "As a matter of fact, I recall that about four-hundred years ago, this very night of the festival, Tauriel and I were in this exact same location."

Tauriel narrowed her eyes, finally seeing where this was going. Legolas must truly be desperate if this was his approach to vying for her affection.

"Legolas," she said warningly, what he said now could potentially not be undone.

"You remember, do you not?" He asked, finally acknowledging her.

"Not really," she said dismissively, albeit untruthfully. Faervel was still confused.

"Let me share then," Legolas offered, and turned back to Faervel. "As I was saying, around four-hundred years ago Tauriel and I, I am embarrassed to say, engaged in a drinking game which led to some very unwise decisions…all I really remember is her body leaning on, almost on top of, my own, on this very bench."

Faervel looked at her, then back to him, then back to her.

"In youth we all make unwise choices," he shrugged, trying his best to not let the image Legolas had so vividly painted take shape in his imagination. He tried to lighten the mood further. "I can recall that as an elfling I too once had too much wine, and as a result, well, there really was no positive result."

Legolas scowled as his plan to get a rise out of Faervel failed. On the other hand Tauriel was angry at Legolas. At this very moment she almost preferred Faervel to her friend. He, for one, was not making a fool of himself and provided consistency which Legolas had not shown the entire week. As she thought more about it, she began to value Faervel's positive attributes even more, and felt that maybe Legolas wasn't for her, as Thranduil had said. As she weighed this thought she missed whatever snide remark Legolas had said and only tuned back to see Faervel respond equally unpleasantly.

"Stop!" she had had enough. "Just stop. Legolas, I expected more out of you. You have ridiculed yourself beyond measure. You are not the friend you once were. I have never asked for your attention and I surely do not desire it now. Faervel, you have been so kind to me, you do not deserve this. I offer my sincerest apologies for bringing you into this matter." They both wanted to protest but she did not give them the chance. "I will retire for the evening. I wish to be alone." She turned on her heel and left, leaving both elves in repentant silence.

End note:

Not much to say, I guess. Except that very soon Kili will make an appearance. The next chapter should be up decently soon.

Please review!