13th chapter posted at the same time as the 12th.

Legolas

A portion of the Royal family awaited us in the main square as we arrived. Aragorn of course, stepped forward as everyone dismounted, greeting a few he knew with an Elvish salute, which I was grateful for. Some of the Elves had forgotten he was raised among them, I was hoping it would boost their support of him.

I found Elwyn's arms around me as soon as I stepped out of my horse's left stirrup, and though surprised, instinctively enfolded her in my own. Though the curious gazes from my kin did not go unnoticed.

"Narl mára?" (Are you alright?) she asked, barely audible, concern filling her voice. Her breath tickled my ear and I shuddered involuntarily.

"Yes," I replied, rubbing comforting circles on her back.

"There are so many," she said and I knew she was looking over my shoulder at the other Elves. I pulled back a little and brushed a strand of hair off her face.

"Legolas," I heard Canaliel say, approaching us from behind me.  I saw Elwyn's eyes turn to him before I had even acknowledged his presence. When I did turn, he was staring quizzically at the princess standing beside me. "Man nás?" (Who is she?)

He must have assumed that she did not speak Elvish, for he seemed surprised when she answered for me.

"Elwyn, daughter of Aragorn," she replied.

His eyebrows raised, but he quickly regained his composure. "Your Highness." He nodded at her then turned to stare briefly at the other Elves as we had been. "The she-Elves will need sanctuary during this battle; I assume Gondor is willing to comply?" His back was still turned to us, but it was clear he was speaking to Elwyn. He knew I had little jurisdiction here.

"Of course," she readily agreed, her tone indicating that it should have been obvious. I got the brief impression that she was offended at Canaliel's comment, taking it as though he meant that Gondor would turn us all away.

He faced us again, a carefully planned civil look on his face. "Settled then." He bowed his head at me, then her. "My Lady," he said, then turned to leave.

"He does not like Men," she observed. It was a statement, not an inquiry.

I sighed. "He is not fond of mortals, no," I admitted. "Little more than Dwarves at times." I turned back to her. "But there are more important matters to attend to than our petty differences," I reminded her.

"Such as what to wear tonight," she said playfully, smiling softly. It was only then that I remembered Aragorn's mentioning before my departure to Ithilien a welcoming feast or what have you for the arriving Elves and I nodded. Perfect, one more thing to worry about, forcing myself to keep away from her all evening. Not that I wanted to; that was the problem.

"Man ná raica?" (What's wrong?) she asked, having noticed the look on my face. I felt her palm on my cheek and she drew my gaze to hers.

"Ta ná úengwë," (It's nothing.) I assured her, covering her hand with my own and gently removing it.

She allowed her arm to fall to her side and didn't say anything though I was sure that she didn't believe me. She knew I was to a certain extent shutting her out and I had decided some time ago that it was best that she believe that than to know the true reason I was avoiding her.

Her eyes were colder now, more closed off, as if something I had done had made a decision for her that she had been debating. Probably the same one I had made. "I'll see you tonight then," she said curtly.

"Yes, tonight," I said, struggling to remain as removed as she now seemed to be. She nodded and eagerly brushed past me.


Short, I know, but the banquet's next and it's a fun one!