Chapter 25:

The woodland realm was nearing the third day of mourning and ready to end the sadness with celebration. Tauriel had arrived later in the evening that she had planned, but the kingdom was still filled with activity for the oncoming celebration. Upon reaching her room and storing the chest, she found a note on royal parchment. It was an order to meet with the royal seamstress to create a dress for the engagement. It dawned on her that now, as part of the royal family, she could wear their sigil and colors. Payment had already been taken care of since there was no way she would be able to afford anything remotely elegant enough like what the king wore. She thought it was all unnecessary, but for now would go along with it.

With some trepidation she decided it would be best to take off the ring for now to avoid suspicion. To think the last person who had worn it had been the Queen was a sobering thought. Thranduil bent on one knee, asking for her hand in marriage—she couldn't even picture it. But then again if someone had asked her to picture Legolas doing the same a few years ago she wouldn't have been able to either. She suddenly wished he were here so she could kiss him but he had been surprisingly absent since she returned.

As night began to fall she decided it best to meet with the seamstress as soon as possible to allow her more time to work with the dress. She changed into clean clothes and made her way towards the palace to get it over with. She was surprised to see the king at ease with the seamstress; still reserved, but more relaxed than usual.** He stiffened when he saw her and immediately performed the introductions.

"Tauriel this is Namileth. She will see that you are appropriately outfitted for tomorrow's announcement. She has already been given instructions so all you must do is stand still and behave."

"I will try but make no guarantee," she said, testing the waters with her new 'father.' She could have sworn she saw a hint of a smile but he turned and left before she could confirm it. "I am at your command," she said, turning to Namileth.

"Yes," she smiled deviously, and Tauriel wondered exactly what she had just gotten herself into. Five spiders in the forest and ten orcs scared her less than a royal gown fitting and a happy Thranduil. Namileth began taking measurements and making a few marks here and there before speaking. "So Tauriel, I have heard much about you. I expect we will get to know each other very well now."

"You have?" Tauriel asked, curious. Why would the royal seamstress know about her?

"Thranduil often vents his concerns when he comes to see me. You were mentioned a few times. Do not fret, more often than not he had good things to say; and when he did not he was simply being a stubborn, but concerned father. But just between us, I always took your side." The last part was said as a whisper, like it really was a secret though they were the only two in the room.

Tauriel didn't know what to be more surprised about: the fact that she referred to the king so informally by his first name, that they were about as close to 'friends' as she had ever seen the king with anyone (so much so that he told her about what troubled him), that he had an overall good opinion of her, or that Namileth approved of her.

"You seem very familiar with the king," Tauriel said slowly, unsure if she could share her true thoughts anymore. "I didn't know he was close to anyone."

"Oh I have known him for many years—more than I care to count, that's for sure. We grew up together, back when Oropher was king and Thranduil nothing more than an annoying, arrogant princeling. I daresay it's a good thing Legolas has his mother's temperament; having two Thranduils running the kingdom would surely lead to its demise!" She shook her head and let out an emphatic huff.

"Did you know the queen?" Tauriel asked before she could stop herself.

"I did," she smiled ruefully at the memory. "She was pure patience, happiness, and kindness. She could temper her husband like no other could, even put him in his place if need be. She was perfect for him…but it is not good for the soul to dwell on those who have passed. Thranduil did adore her though." She moved from her back to stand in front of her; working around her neckline and shoulder, as smile on her lips. "Much like Legolas adores you."

"How do you know?" Tauriel felt bad for asking questions like a child, but was astonished at the things the woman seemed to know. Legolas was always reserved about his emotions, how could she know how he felt, especially when he always tried so hard to hide it?

"I have known Legolas his entire life; from the very moment he was born!" she chuckled, "when you get to my age you can tell these things. It didn't help that while three beautiful princesses were visiting all he could do was talk about the Captain of the Guard."

Tauriel blushed and realized how easy it was to talk to her—no wonder she knew about the personal affairs of the king and Legolas! She smiled and let herself relax, thinking it would be nice to have her as a friend. It would be a nice change to have a confidant that was a woman, and especially not a guard member.

"I thought no one else knew," she said, coming out of her thoughts and eliciting a good-natured laugh from Namileth. She kept working, now draping several pieces of cloth around her body, her fingers a blur. "Well soon enough the entire kingdom will know," she added, her tone wary.

"And you will look beautiful when they find out," she said confidently. "Don't worry, I can tell you like a simple, functional design. I will try my best to create something elegant, but also to your liking."

"Thank you," Tauriel said gratefully, thinking she probably wouldn't mind these fittings as long as Namileth was present.

"It is my pleasure," she replied, fully concentrating on her work.

Legolas paced around the armory impatiently. He had called a meeting for the leaders of the guard subgroups and only two of them were present. Seeing as how Tauriel was busy with her dress fitting (and he knew better than to disturb Namileth whilst she worked) he decided it best to tell the guard that Tauriel had been reinstated as Captain.

"Where are they?" he growled irritably, wanting nothing more than to leave them and have Tauriel to himself.

"They will be here soon, my Lord," one called Pirvol said. Not a moment later the remaining five arrived, clearly not expecting to see the prince.

"My Lord, we did not know it was you," one said apologetically, clearly hoping Legolas was in a forgiving mood.

"You're fortunate it is me," he replied, "for when your new Captain hears of the lack of discipline her wrath will be much worse."

"New Captain?" he asked confused, "what of Ecthelon?"

"The king saw him fit for a different unit. Tauriel is reinstated as Captain. For your own sake, I would not antagonize her—I'm sure you all remember why." Legolas suppressed a smirk as their eyes widened in apparent fear. "Let the rest of the soldiers know; training is to begin again in two days. Do not be late." He gave a smug satisfied not and left them.

"Of course, she's reinstated. She's the king and prince's miqulnat (derogatory 'plaything'/whore). She has always been favored. Even after threatening the king's life she is allowed back from exile, granted full pardon, and allowed her old position. It is shameful, the king is no longer—" Legolas heard one say this when they thought he was out of range. His blood boiled at the insult to Tauriel and his father. He knew he should put his patience into practice but he could not forgive what they had called Tauriel.

He turned back and pinpointed which ellon, Lavanor, had made the remark, and silently came up beside him.

"It would be wise to address your superiors with respect," he hissed, "a lesson you appear to have forgotten. Do not fear, I will make sure you do not forget it again. Draw your sword."

"My Lord, I did not—" the elf remained motionless, apologizing.

"Fight," Legolas said, his own sword already in his hand, "Draw your weapon," he repeated. With shaking hands, Lavanor did as he was commanded. The other sub-captains gave them room and watched as the two began to duel.

Within seconds Legolas had disarmed Lavanor and held his sword at his throat.

"Again," Legolas ordered, making his opponent pick up his blade and fight. Lavanor made no attempts to even try to match Legolas, he simply let the prince attack and prayed that the ordeal would end as quickly as possible. Every time Lavanor was disarmed or 'killed' Legolas simply said "again" and the process was started from the beginning. Legolas grew angrier with every passing moment until he attacked with such ferocity he accidently slashed the elf across his right shoulder.

"Ahh!" Lavanor cried out, dropping his sword and gripping his shoulder to try to stop the blood from escaping. The gash was deep and Lavanor could not feel his arm. Legolas looked petrified, he couldn't believe what he had just done; he slumped as the weight of his guilt settled on his shoulders.

"Go to the healers at once!" he said quickly, barely above a whisper. Luckily, the elf could still walk and was accompanied by his friends who gave him much needed support.

Legolas couldn't bear to stay in this place any longer; too ashamed to face the sub-captains who remained. He was filled with regret, but couldn't fully bring himself to truly be sorry for the entire situation. His thoughts disturbed him, and he wanted to be with none other than the elleth who could calm him down and bring a smile to his face. He wanted to be with Tauriel, he needed to see her.

The seamstress and the Captain had finished with the dress and were talking about more personal affairs in the spare time that remained. It was so easy to get comfortable with the seamstress Tauriel found herself practically telling her whole life's story without a second thought. Laughs echoed through the hall until it was finally time Tauriel depart, promising to come again soon.

Midway down the corridor Tauriel was surprised to see Legolas hurriedly make his way towards her, his expression and posture indicating he was burdened with something. Before she could say anything at all he had his arms around her, his head buried in her shoulder as she simply provided comfort. Though he was taller than her, it felt like it was her arms, not his, which held the both of them together. She let him stay this way for a while, realizing he needed her support, before she pulled away slightly to meet his eyes. They were a clouded grey and she knew something was wrong.

"What is it?" she asked quietly, hoping talking about it would not make things worse.

"I have done something terrible," he squeezed his eyes shut and grimaced at whatever memory haunted him.

"Let us go to a more private place so we can discuss further," she suggested, remembering that they were in the middle of an open hallway. She knew that since they were in the palace his room couldn't be far. She hadn't been there in many years and now returning to it as his betrothed made her feel very warm. "Now, it cannot be that terrible if the kingdom is still intact," she tried to make him smile.

He simply shook his head and let him guide the way until they climbed a spiraling staircase and entered a room. He seemed at a loss for what to do once they entered so she guided them to the fireplace and sat in front of the warm glow. She quickly stood to retrieve a warm blanket and a goblet of wine from a silver platter and decanter. The blanket was large enough to wrap around both of them, which she did once they sat, and handed the cup to Legolas. He took a long drink, emptying the cup in one gulp. Tauriel moved to refill it but he tightened his arm around her waist, keeping her seated beside him.

She figured he would speak when he was ready and so set about trying to ease his discomfort. His hair looked unkempt and without thinking she put her fingers in it, soothingly stroking his hair. He leaned into her and released a deep sigh as his head rested on her chest.

"It was my fault," he whispered after a while, lifting his head away. Tauriel let him continue before asking questions. "I should have controlled my anger. But what they said about you…I could not. To call you that, to imply that you…" he cut off, anger rising in him again.

"People have always had something to say about me," she tried to comfort him, "and they always will. We can't let their opinions interfere with our happiness."

"I know," she felt, rather than heard, him say. "I know. But I did not. I made him fight me. Over and over again until on accident I hit him."

"You what?!" she wished her tone had been more calm as she felt him wince.

"I cut him across the shoulder," he said dejectedly.

"Oh Legolas," she sighed, wrapping her arms around him tightly. She nudged him to make him look at her. "That was not very smart of you," she said, employing what she knew best—teasing him. Just as she predicted, his eyes widened. "I'm not sure I can marry an ellon who loses his temper so quickly." She made as if to get up and to her surprise he let her. He really thought she was serious! She would have laughed if the look in his eyes weren't so heartbreaking. She dropped the act and looked at him seriously. "You should not be so hard on yourself. If you count all the times I injured one of the guards to teach them a lesson I would surely never be allowed to lead them again."

"But I am the prince; I should set an example," he protested.

"And you have. That everyone makes mistakes but that is not cause for despair. We will visit him in the House of Healing and make amends." Tauriel was pleased to see Legolas nod and his expression finally relax, even if only a little.

"Thank you," he said, knowing she understood how important it was for him to have the approval of the kingdom and, of course, herself. He rose and refilled his cup, offering her one which she declined. They stared at the glowing embers of the fire and relished the warmth, Legolas feeling especially warm from the Dorwinion wine. Upon finishing his second cup he simply watched the pleasant glow on his beloved's face and couldn't fathom how after everything they had been through she was still her beside him. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, noticing how she still blushed.

Tauriel shifted slightly so she could move over to him and gently allowed her lips to meet his. Her lips curved as she registered his surprise but he quickly forgot it and kissed her back with force. She could tell he was hungry for her from his tight grip and ragged breaths. Though he tasted of rich wine she knew he was mostly sober, drinking enough to let his minor inhibitions go. She was happy to love him in this way, to satisfy his physical need for her.

Legolas pulled on the edge of the blanket, causing Tauriel to slide and lie flat on the ground. Though she tried to pull him down with her he remained propped on his arms, pressing kisses onto her face, neck, shoulders, and arms. He found the ticklish spot just below her ear and lazily kissed that too before lowering his body atop hers. Tauriel was more than happy to return his affection and knew he secretly enjoyed when she kissed the tip of his ear. She gasped when he lay atop her, not from his weight, but from a certain protrusion around his waist she had never felt before. He pulled away from her for a fraction of a second to pull of his rough outer tunic and returned to her, pulling at the laces of her cloak.

"Legolas," she murmured, her eyes closed but a smile on her lips. "We cannot be wed before we are formally betrothed," she laughed.

"I know," he sighed, and she felt his fingers pause. "I simply want to be close to you," he said, his fingers slowly moving again. Her robe was unfastened and he pulled it off, wrapping her up in his arms and relishing in the warmth of the closeness of their bodies. He kissed her again, slowly, gently, communicating his love for her as tiredness began to fill his limbs. Tauriel gently kissed his forehead as he drifted off to sleep, a soft snore escaping his lips.

"I will see you tomorrow," she whispered to the sleeping prince before stealing away. She had one more thing to do before the announcement tomorrow.

Tauriel refastened her cloak as she descended the stairs. A chilly breeze ran through the hall as night fully descended, bathing the kingdom in the light of the moon and stars. She made her way to far corner of the kingdom which was mostly left alone, especially at night. Under the deteriorating stone arches and large willows was a sacred space to honor the dead. There were no graves, only a wild garden with occasional charms placed by visitors.

To her surprise, Tauriel saw she was not alone but moved silently around the hooded elleth to stand before yellow flowers. The blooms were more gold than yellow, Tauriel specifically noticing these for the similarity to his golden eyes. She had overcome her grief for Faervel, and now was here to honor him and 'tell' him about her engagement. She knew it was a trivial thing to do, it was not like he could really hear her, but it made her feel at peace. The soft grass cushioned her knees as she kneeled before the flowers, but a sob from the other visitor drew her attention. Silently, she made her way to the elf, feeling the need to provide comfort.

"Do not despair," she said, coming to sit behind the hooded figure, "they are in a better place now." She tried to keep her voice smooth and soothing. The hood dropped and Tauriel saw angry eyes boring into her own.

"What do you know?" she hissed, "you dishonor his memory!" This was Faervel's sister; as much as Tauriel dreaded finally speaking to her she knew she must.

"No," she said firmly, "I do not. I concede I did not know him for very long but while I did I grew to care for him."

"Only to turn around and cavort with the prince after he died!" Hot, angry, bitter tears streamed down her face.

"It was not so," Tauriel said evenly, "Faervel knew my heart before even I did. He told me so himself. What may have started off with romantic interest ended only in utmost respect and great friendship."

"He told you?" she asked, confused. Tauriel understood that much of her anger had been directed at the idea that Faervel had been deceived.

"Yes," Tauriel nodded, "I'm sure I don't need to tell you how kind and understanding he was." The elleth only nodded and wiped away some tears. "I could never have foreseen his sacrifice, and if the events were to reoccur I would never allow him to make it again. But we cannot reverse time; we can only look to the future ahead. He would not want you to be sad." Tauriel cautiously put a comforting hand on her arm, and was relieved to see it was not batted away.

"I know he wouldn't," she said. "But for so long it was easier to deal with the grief by blaming another instead. I'm sorry."

"You have no need to apologize; your emotions were genuine and true. It is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one." The elleth had calmed down and was no longer crying, though sadness still clung to her features.

"I can see why he liked you," she said finally, looking at Tauriel directly. Golden irises met green and for a second Tauriel felt like she was looking at Faervel. "You're right. Tomorrow we celebrate life. I have grieved long enough."

Together the two elleths rose and left the garden. They travelled back to the palace mostly in silence, but there was no longer any tension between them. Tauriel wasn't sure they would ever be friends, but at least they could understand each other's sorrow.

They parted by the fountain and Tauriel returned to her chambers with a heavy yawn. Today had been a long day and tomorrow was guaranteed to be even longer. She barely managed to remove her boots before falling into bed and immediately falling asleep.

**I really love Thranduil (and Lee Pace) so I think I'm going to start a Thranduil fanfic after I finish this one. We'll see.

So this was kind of a boring filler chapter but I wanted to introduce other characters to make the story seem more realistic and insert other characters thoughts into it. I hope it made sense and tried to finish it as quickly as possible.

Most avid readers leave a review on stories they like—so review and let me know what you think!