For the next week, everything at the castle was happy and merry. Susan and Legolas went on with their intimate friendship which was hard to define. They were closer than normal relationship with friends but were not exactly dating each other. All they did was share, chat and practice archery. The human enjoyed these times the two shared, it was free and without regulations as if everything was at their own will with no pressure at all. At times, she would find herself comparing the elf and the Telmarine. It was true that both were princes, absolutely handsome and had melted Susan's heart with their uniqueness. At times, she would wonder if the circumstances had been different, she could have ended up with Caspian. If there had been no war at that moment, if Aslan had allowed them more time, if she had returned to Narnia with Edmund and Lucy on their last journey. But, "ifs" were only possibilities, they seldom happen and definitely not in that logical mind of Susan's. Moreover, Legolas was there for her. Of course it was true that they had not declared anything to each other or promised one another a lifelong commitment or anything, yet, she felt in her guts that there was something special and unique about the bond they shared.

One day, as she heading towards the garden to enjoy her ritual morning walk, she found Queen Arwen at the Memory Wall, observing intently at the beautiful carvings.

"Good morning, Susan," she said gently without even turning her head as if she had been expecting her.

"Good morning, my lady," the girl curtseyed with a slight surprise, "You have waken up early."

"And you too," the elf replied, finally turning her head to look at the human before her, "I have come to speak with you."

"Oh, of course," the girl's eyes widened with further astonishment.

"Don't worry, just a casual talk, shall we walk to the garden, the flowers are blooming gorgeously, I would not want to miss it."

So, side by side, the two queens chatted as they went along.

"It is a curious thing that you should want to talk to me," Susan suggested, not sure of the brunette's intentions.

"Oh, I'm sorry but I would very much like to ask you something about Elwing."

"Elwing? What is the matter?"

"She is after all my daughter and it's always difficult to have conversations about relationships with children." Both of them smiled, Susan had to agree, no matter the time period, parents have hard times making children listen or spill out their thoughts.

"I promise to help you find the answers you are seeking with the best of my ability."

"Thank you very much, Susan. Is she recently spending more time with Tocatar while on friendly terms?" The tall queen asked as she leaned down to observe one of the blossomed pink roses.

"Yes, they have left the past behind them. I believe it was during the masquerade ball that they reconciled."

"I imagine you had a part in this, isn't it my dear?" she voiced out her question.

"I believe I did. I was a bit hesitant to believe that Tocatar was trustworthy for he seemed so... indifferent towards Elwing when I first met him. But since he came and revealed his true intents to me, which I can ensure you that they were honest and sincere, I thought it a pity that the two should be in such an unfriendly condition." She paused for a while and continued, "he is truly a gentleman and I feel and believe that he will bring happiness to Elwing."

"That's all I wanted to hear from you!" Arwen sighed with relief, "Ellie had been judging the young elf badly for years and to be such great friends with him so suddenly has worried me. I'm glad you have comforted me with your words."

The two walked on for a while when the Queen of Gondor suddenly brought up a topic.

"I see that you have been drawing closer to someone in particular."

Of course, the person who flew right into Susan's mind was the Prince of Mirkwood but not to seem too obvious, she asked instead, "You mean the twins? Is there anything wrong?"

"No, I don't mean my girls, I meant Legolas."

"So she knows," the human thought, and a hint of pink, rose to the surface of her face.

"You have no need to feel shy or ashamed, the king and I are of no means stopping you." The elf said gently, scared that Susan might have misunderstood her.

"I just... I just didn't know that it was so obvious, to you and also the king." She answered timidly, with her head facing downwards.

Queen Arwen raised the girl's head to face her, forcing her to look straight into those bright-blue eyes, "I'm a woman and an elf, with those combined instincts, I can spot anything out."

She continued, "Legolas is like a younger brother to me, I care for him as much as Aragorn does. We never expected him to get married but we all hoped that if he did, it would be someone of grace and elegance with a kind-heart. We had no idea that it would be a human, that's all."

"But please forgive me my queen, we are currently only acquainted as good friends so it might be too soon to think of a possible marriage." Susan answered bluntly as if to convince herself in some sort.

"If you say so, my dear," the queen replied, "but do remember, follow your heart. I have other matters to attend to, I'll see you during breakfast. I'm glad to have had your company."

Susan contemplated those words of the elven queen from morning till afternoon. Even with Legolas beside her talking, she could not help but think. "Follow your heart" was Arwen's exact wordings and they sounded exactly like what Aslan had said to her. Was it a sign that she should do that? She had once been so certain, but as the gap between the elf and her drew closer, she could not help being slightly skeptical. Her 'friend' had also noticed that she was somewhat distant and called her name. He was definitely right for she took no notice at all. However, she did turn, somewhat surprise when he patted on her bare shoulders, exposed by her dress.

"Are you alright, Susan?" He asked, distressed that she should look unwell.

"I'm fine, sorry, I was just thinking." She answered with a faint smile.

"It's been two weeks since I arrived, and I'll have to leave for Mirkwood in a day to visit my father." he said softly.

"Oh! This is quite sudden," she replied with clear disappoint in her tone which casted a smile on the prince's face.

"And I was thinking,"he took a deep breath and went on, "would you be so kind to accompany me on this journey?"

She lifted her head so abruptly that it hurt her neck a little and searched for his eyes to look right into them, "Really? Of course! I'll be delighted too."

She did not wait for him to response and immediately wrapped her arms around him for a hug. She most certainly was overjoyed!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story in general so far! Update will be posted tomorrow so stay tuned! Meanwhile, I would much appreciate if you could review and tell me what you think! I'll be sure to reply!

Reply to the Cretin: Thank you for the reviews! I might do disclaimers later in the story when I start to add in more characters or creatures, for that matter! I used to do that for my other stories but it was apparently quite annoying when I did it for every single chapter! By the way, you plant? You're in university or college, right? So few classes a week? You must have long lessons! I am glad you are doing well at school and anyways, good luck! Sorry for the multiple questions attack, just curious!