"The tailor said I looked more lovely than any other in this dress" Lady Elinor continued to drown on about her new dress which Eowyn found quite ugly herself.

The women around her oo'd and awe'd at it, praising her even if it were rather tight around the middle; all desperate to gain the acceptance of the important women. Most had been clamouring over one another for hours to be the most flattering, it was sickening. Briefly Eowyn wondered how Fararmir had gotten through his childhood relatively unscathed having to undergo hours of this every day for most of his life.

"It is a lovely dress" Eowyn complimented wearily when it was her turn.

It was like clockwork, every time Elinor spoke every women in the circle spoke praises to her words in the correct order, you kept silent until it was your turn.

"It is a very beautiful dress, my Lady" Ava's smooth, seemingly genuine voice cut into the circle. Out of the corner of her eye Eowyn could have sworn she witnessed Elinor head inflating some, Elves still for the most part kept to themselves inside the walls and she was clearly pleased with herself at having reserved a compliment. "In it you remind me of a beautiful white flower I used to see in my youth, it grows in only the coldest of regions "

Before the Elinor could work out if it was an insult or not, Ava continued "I'm terribly sorry but I must borrow Eowyns company for some important matters. I do hope you all enjoy your evenings"

With that Ava slipped away from the group, dragging Eowyn with her, "How do you do that?"

Ava smirked at her human friend for a second, pushing effortlessly though the crowd in front of her. Trusting that Eowyn would be following her "A millennia of practice"

Eowyns eyes shot up, and a feeling similar to getting the air knocked out of her lungs assaulted her of its own accord. She knew Elves were the oldest beings on Arda, and that were even a few Elves that were over ten thousand years old. But she had never really speculated how old Legolas and Ava were, she simply assumed they were rather young considering most other elves referred to them as 'Peneth' which she had learned was to calling someone 'child'.

Ahead of her, Ava pushed the doors open and strode out into the hallway, shutting them firmly behind themselves as the exited the room. Cutting off the pointless chatter, and leaving them in silence.

"How.. old, are you?" Eowyn hesitantly inquired, "If you don't mind my asking"

Aragorn had once absently told her that you could see everything in the eyes of a person, few had learned to keep it hidden, but for most it was a blatant window to who they were. He had then added, that of course Elves were rather different, too complicated to be easily understood by a simple glance.

"I have lived through nearly three thousand years"

In that moment, she looked it. For a moment Eowyn could see all the grief and hardships she had lived through displayed in her light green eyes. The anger swimming just underneath it, for whatever wrongness had been done to her. Happiness and joy also twinkled brightly there also, overlapping the sorrow and anger. Malice and ruthlessness which surely had kept her alive on many occasions seemed to darken her otherwise light orbs, glittering in the dark waiting to be unleashed. There was a whole host of unrecognizable feelings swimming in the depths of her eyes, most Eowyn hoped she would never come to feel on her own. It was terrifying and electrifying all at the same confusing moment.

Then, a moment later it was gone. Her eyes returned back to their normal bright happiness, disguising the rest. And Ava smiled at her, and Eowyn found herself smiling back though she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was because if she had witnessed all of that, it must have been on purpose, it meant she was trusted.

"Avalein" Melemer unexpected voice cuts across any sentence Eowyn might have muttered in return to finding out her age as he rounds the corner to their immediate right "I thought I might find you at the celebration, not" He paused for a moment looking sourly at Eowyn "in the company of a mortal"

Though he spoke only in Elvish, his tone of voice is disapproving and his face displays mild disgust as he glances at Eowyn who is attempting to remain still under his gaze. "We were just on our way, I stopped to retrieve Eowyn"

Melemer was nice enough, that was of course, providing you didn't ask Legolas. Though he was trained as a warrior he neglected to take his warrior oaths and instead became a messenger for Thranduil; being sent in his place when it was not deemed important enough to send himself or Legolas. For someone as young as he was, he was startling old fashioned, frowning on developing relations with any other than elf kind. And was not ashamed to admit so.

While Ava didn't mind his company, even if he was serious at almost all time of day and more stubborn than a mule, he and Legolas had never quite seen eye to eye. On anything. Melemer was nearly always desperate to achieve praise from the older Elves of Mirkwood, the King often the height of his focus. Also, a few centuries beforehand he had attempted to court Ava, which had only made matters worse when it came to their friendship between the Prince and the messenger.

"King Thranduil will not be pleased to hear you are keeping company with mortals" Melemer warned sternly, somewhat like a parent to a child

His threat was only met with a raised eyebrow, "Thranduil doesn't like many things in life it doesn't mean they must cease to be altogether"

Melemers face soured further, his mnouth drawing into a thin line "I do not think this wise Avalein"

"Your position has been noted, if anything bad should come from this I shall ensure all know that you advised against it"

"I did not think now would be a opportune time to act so childishly"

Ava's other eyebrow crawled up to meet the first significantly closer to her hairline. While she was not a Princess, she was however one of the three Warrior Captions, and had a seat an nearly all councils if she so wished to be present. And while Melemer wasn't officially a warrior, and therefore wasn't under her command, he was still expected to speak wither in some form of respect.

"Again your opinion has been noted, however I would certainly like for you to explain to me how I am being the childish one during this particular conversation. You joined a conversation, uninvited, thrust upon me your opinion, and then accused me of acting childishly upon my disagreement with with it" Ava was aware of Eowyns growing discomfort, but paid no attention to it.

She was aware that perhaps her sharp words were uncalled for, but at the same time she couldn't find herself to care. It had been an exceedingly long day, starting with finding Legolas in the middle of a brawl. Chalion had tried numerous times to speak with her, all attempts of which she had ignored. There was still, of course, the uneasy feeling of mistrust that had settled into her nerves the moment she stepped inside the white walls, and had yet to diminish.

Sensing her frazzled nerves, Melemer let his argument die on is lips, uttering a somewhat rushed "My apologizes my lady, for acting as I have" Then, with a bow he swept from her company and down the hallway.

Ava starred after him for a few long moments, in mild irritation before rolling her eyes skywards and turning her attention back to her companion, forcing a smile "Come on, we're already late"

Eowyn forced her feet to scramble forwards after the elf, "Late? For what exactly?"

For the first time Eowyn noticed that instead of her usual leggings and tunic, Ava was wearing a long, draping skirt that flittered backwards as she walked, though she still worry a tight fitting tunic and two knives stabbed to her back. Her hair was also unbound, allowed to frame her fair face which it was usually not allowed to do.

"Pippins begetting day celebration!"

Eowyn had noticed Pippin acting slightly glum the last few days, though the rest of the fellowships clearly were trying their best to bring cheer back into the young one's life. Although, this was certainly the first time Eowyn had heard that it was his birthday; suddenly his glumness made sense. He was probably homesick, missing the hobbit-like celebration he should have currently been enjoying.

Doubling their pace they pair made good time, eventually meeting up with the twin sons of Elrond; who it appeared were also running a bit late.

"Ava, are you on time for anything?" One twin teased, dancing just out of reach of the punch that was aimed his way

"There is a relatively decent chance that our dear Ava would be late to her own death" The other continued, a teasing grin stretching over his handsome feature

Sometimes, the character changes of Elves brought great surprise of Eowyn. When first she had met the twin sons of Elrond, they had been grim and business like, now it was uncommon to see them without a grin on their lips.

Likewise, it was the same with Legolas. Since his return from his home he seemed significantly warmer and friendlier, not that he had not already been friendly. Perhaps he just acted younger, not like the entire weight of the universe was upon his shoulders alone

"I would like to take this opportunity to point that I, for once, had a reason for my tardiness which was that I had to find and retrieve Eowyn" Ava defended, "What are your excuses?"

"Well you see, Elladan looked fat in nearly everything he owned"

"It is true, I had to change four times"

.

With Legolas' assistance in getting there Tzipora was able to join the celebration, though he had been strictly ordered to remain seated through the entire affair, otherwise he would have to face the terrifying wraith that was Lord Elrond. Still, he was glad to be out of the room he had occupied for three weeks, while many of the visiting Elves took times keeping him company, still it was lonely and desolate in there and he was glad to finally breath free air once more.

And while by now most Elves had taken to dancing to the lively music, Legolas was quite content in sitting with him at the edge of the festivities. It was known that while he enjoyed any celebration as much as the next elf, he was just as happy watching the dancing then actually partaking.

They were so different in that aspect, Legolas and Ava; yet seemed to bring out the best in one another. Weather that be from practice, or simply how it was no one would ever be able to know. Since they were little, Tzipora could remember Thranduil , Grandesh, and Cirdan joking that they were night and day.

Legolas with his bright blond hair was obviously day. Quite, and collected. Reserved in nearly all situations unless it was only around trusted friends or her was inebriated, which didn't occur often. He was the sensible and level headed one out of the two, hardly ever rushing into any situation without thought. Unless angry of course. Still, upon befriending the Elf Prince he could constantly surprise you, seemingly transforming into a complete other person that he was publicly.

While Ava with her dark mass of hair was night. Curious and excitable. A mischievous grin, and sparkling eyes nearly always seemed to be present on her face, her joking nature helping to settle frazzled nerves whether it be tired archers and visiting delegations. And while Legolas was a man of few words, Av never seemed to run out of them; able to skilfully construct webs of sentences that could leave questions more confused than they had started. A skill that had gotten them out of trouble on a number of occasions due mostly to confusion of what they were even supposed to be in trouble for. Like Legolas, once you had the chance of befriending her, you were able to witness her serious, intellectual side that she kept hidden. For whatever reason.

Togeather though, they seemed to bring out the best in one another. Legolas kept Ava from doing anything too rash and dangerous. And she, in turn, kept him from ageing well beyond his years, ensuring he did not allow all fun to bleed from his life.

"You're smirking" Legolas commented suspiciously, injuring on his thoughts "Why are you smirking?"

"Just thinking, Princeling"

"A dangerous pastime"

"You should know" Ava's smirking voice intruded as she approached them from the crowd "Since you spend nearly half of your time brooding"

"Oh, fist I lurk and now I brood?" Legolas questioned

"What an exciting existence you lead, Princeling"

Legolas gave a futile attempt and glaring at them, but couldn't keep the smile from his face for very long, "Do you think Pippin enjoyed his evening?"

"If he remembers any of it" Tzipora chuckled, recalling the rather large amounts of wine the rather small individual had managed to cram into his body

"I think it's debatable whether or not he'll remember the past week at this rate" All three sets of eyes wandered over to the hobbit he was still consuming wine near the other end of the room, before they all burst out in laughter.

"I do have a question for you both, though"

Legolas and Ava exchanged a wary look, well this couldn't be good, "Yes?" Legolas asked for the both of them

"Aside from Me and a few select others, nobody is aware that you two are together, yes?"

Again, another look was exchanged "Yes.."

"Then, I am sure you remember the announcement you forced upon me when I first began courting Threntale?"

Identical looks of horror met an amused smile, "You wouldn't"

"Oh but I would"

"That was Legolas' doing, none of my own I will have you know!"

Tzipora's smirk widened further, before motioning for one of the archer to spring forward. After a whispered order the archer dove into the crowd, a moment later the music lively music was brought to a somewhat painful end as the instruments stopped at different times.

All eyes in the room turned towards Tzipra once he cleared his throat, though under Elronds watchful gaze stayed seated in his chair. The room was filled for the most part with only Elves, as they were the only ones that had made time for the Hobbits, and a rather large number of them were Mirkwood and Rivendell elves.

"Many years ago" Tzipora began, grasping Ava wrist to keep her from feeling the scene "I swore vengeance on our dear Legolas upon his insistence that I inform my friends and other of my growing relationship with a rather public kiss"

Feeling identical stares of hatred burning into his skull as he continued his speech, his smile only grew wider, "Now, I believe it is time that I repay the favour my dear friend force upon me beforehand"

"I think it only fair that Legolas announces his courtsmanship with a kiss!"

His words were met with a roar of approval and enthusiastic clapping, followed by loud rhythmic chanting of 'kiss'.

Knowing now that the words were spoken, there really was no way of getting out of the situation Legolas continued to stare as his rather pleased looking friend with hatred. However, the longer it took the more insistent the crowd became.

Rising his eyes from his friend his fixed them and Ava face that had turned a rather unnatural shade of red. Fueled by the cheers, Legolas allowed his legs to carry him a few steps forwards before placing his hands on either side of her face, and kissing her rather fondly on the mouth.

His actions were met with even louder cheers, if possible.

..

The door banging open startled her awake. The stench of Orc only further jumpstarting her system. Leaping out of her bed, Ava's hands flew to the table where she kept her knives quickly drawing the blade, preparing for an assault.

"Make a move, or any sound and I'll slit her throat and let her bleed out" She recognized the voice as Chalions, who indeed stood motionless in the doorway a little child around the age of seven clasped in front of him, his blade resting over her throat

"Good, it would appear I have your full and undivided attention" A cruel smile crept its way onto his thin lips, "Now put the knife down or she die's"

For a moment Ava considered disobeying him, wondering how quickly she would be able to get to the other side of the room, and whether it would be enough time to retch the child free of his grasp. A small whimper of pain was heard as Chalion pressed the knife deeper into the child's skin, causing a red line to trickle down her throat. The knife was quickly discarded.

"Now, I'm going to ask you a question and you are going to nod, or shake your head in return. Understood?" Ava numbly nodded her head, her eyes trained on the small child who was desperately suppressing a terrified sob

"If Legolas were to ask you to marry him, would you say yes?"

Of course she would say yes, there wasn't a doubt in her mind when it came to that answer; however she knew well that that would not be the answer he would be looking for. So instead, she shook her head 'no'.

"You're lying to me" Chalion hissed, pressing the knife deeper into the child's neck. More blood seeped downwards, staining the front of her shirt a bright crimson.

"What has Thranduil been keeping my wife?" His eyes hungrily traced her face, looking for any clues but all he found was bewilderment

"Don't lie to me" He warned once more, pulling the girls hair backwards, causing her to whimper in fear

"She'd dead, Chalion, do you not remember?"

"I remember the lies they fed me, that she had died. No, she hasn't. She is being kept form me, and I need her back now"

Ava's brows creased in confusion, he was mad. He had to be, he had driven himself insane in all his time spent alone, that must be the answer. A shadow to her right moved rapidly toward her, knocking her over the head before she could react. Her world fading to blackness.