Elrond approached him slowly, in a seemingly casual manor. However, any who knew him well, and Chalion did for a time, knew that Elrond never did anything 'casually' and there was always a purpose for what he said or did. The elven lord offered him a tight smile, and a nod of the head but kept his eyes carefully guarded from his new companion.

"Enjoying the music?" He inquired, raising his eyebrow in a trademark gesture

"Its nothing of the beautiful music that rings through your halls, Elrond" Chalion answered, with practiced precision his voice rang out as thick and smooth as butter

Elrond chuckled, a dry chuckle void of most true feelings "I see you haven't lost any of your charm"

"Well Elrond, I'm a charming person"

"I'm not too sure charm will help you today"

Chalion felt his throat dry a bit, he still hadn't figured out how he planned to tell Ava his news. Or outrun Thranduil if things went badly "Who could resist my charms Elrond" He said instead, although his voice held nothing but confidence he was sure Elrond clearly saw through his facade

"What do you expect to happen?" Elrond asked, genuinely interested. Not simply asking a question he already knew the answer to

For a moment Chalion considered lying again, telling him he thought she would welcome him with open arms but decided that perhaps the truth was the best course of action this time "Honestly? I haven't the slightest of idea, I think it depends highly on how Thranduil reacts once I tell her" He paused, but after a thought blundered one "He has no doubt poisoned her mind against me"

The air around the two of them changed, prickling with the held in force of Elrond's temper. Chalion instantly regretted his words "Surely, Chalion, you do not think Thranduil would do such a thing?" He bit out, angrily yet diplomatically "Oh but you do"

Elrond turned to face him fully, subconsciously squaring his shoulder like one would before the battle began "He is a father Chalion, he isn't out to ruin you for the sake of it. He is worried simply for the sake of one he has grown to love deeply. Someone he has makes sure nothing was to happen to her even in the most treturiouse of times. Surely you can understand the pain of losing a loved one"

Although his voice was calm, it did turn a few elven heads who had grown to know when Elrond was angry, even if it happened on very few occasions. A few elves inched away slightly, in a hope to avoid his wrath; while some drew closer. Eager to hear what had set off the usually passive Lord.

"Its is not as if I would be killing her!" Chalion snapped, his thin temper rearing its ugly head

"No, but Thranduil views himself as her father. Even if he will not admit to it, certainly he fears losing her affections"

"Well then perhaps if Thranduil has cause to worry over being replaced then he should wonder exactly why that might be instead of takeing his insecurities out on me!"

Elrond refused to raise to the bate, merely allowing his other eyebrow to crawl up and join the first "Perhaps you should learn to control your acid tongue, before you say something foul to Ava and Legolas cuts it from your mouth" Elrond let out another dry laugh, "I was wrong. You haven't changed at all"

...

"Legolas!"

Although the hall was crowded with the sound of many bodies moving about and talking Legolas clearly hear Ava calling his name, and instantly stopped. He turned around gracefully, watching as Ava darted around the mass of people towards him, her long blue gown clenched tightly in one hand so no one would accidentally trip over it.

"Can you take my stitches out?" She asked a little breathlessly, yet with a dazzling grin

"Of course" He laughed, thinking of all the times they'd taken on another stitches out long before they were supposed to. A habit which drove all the healers in Mirkwood up the walls, and on the verge of a mass killing spree "Lets go somewhere a little quieter though. Shall we?"

Ava nodded her agreement, and Legolas began weaving through the crowd towards the door. His hand held tightly onto hers, keeping them from being separated in the thick crowd of people. Thanks to practice and pointy elbows, Legolas was easily able to slice horde the throng, pushing past colorfully dressed people with ridiculous updo's and out the door into the much quieter hallway.

The hallway was completely deserted, a welcome reprieve to their elvish ears after the comotinog form instead the hall. "Are you even supposed to be takeing these out yet?" Legolas asked before starting his task, not wishing to be on the receiving end of a lecture from Elrond

"Afraid of Elrond are we?" Ava teased lightly

"Yes. Yes I am, and if you aren't, you are foolish" Legolas answered seriously before breaking into a grin

"Yes I'm allowed to take them out, I just can't find Elrond to do it so you'll have to do"

"You wound me Ava" Legolas groaned with mock despair, quickly setting to work on her stitches

"Somehow I think you'll survive"

"You better hope I survive, who else would put up with your constant schemes and inability to go to bed at a reasonable hour?"

"Oh theres a list of elves that would" She assured him, wincing slightly as some thread got cought on her skin

"Sorry" He apologized, before continuing with their banter "Oh really? And if I were to tragically perish who would you run to when there was a storm?"

For a moment Ava was silent, Legolas was almost sure he had won this round.

"Tzipora" She declared a moment later "Or Grandesh"

"Well I'm glad to know that you have backups" He chuckled, before declaring; "Done. The stitches are out"

"I may have backups, but none will ever be as good, nor will I love them more than the real thing "

For a moment Legolas was dumb struck. It always amazed him how she managed to say things that held so much emotion, or power in passing. As if they were merely discussing the weather. Although he was comforted in the fact most elves were struck dumb when she did that, perhaps it was why she did it. Simply for the reaction. He still remember the look of horror on Grandesh' face when she casually informed him she hated almost everything about herself, and then fluttered away.

The smirk on her face told him that his face probably resembled the one Grandesh had made all those years ago, and that he should probably say something before her smirk broke out into a full grin but he couldn't quite bring himself to do it.

He blinked at her for a few more times, and watched as her smirk grew wider, before pressing his lips firmly against hers. He felt her grin that was still plastered on her face as she wound her arms around his neck, his arms circling her waist and pulling her closer. If possible.

"What on Arda is this?" An unfamiliar voice demanded