Elrond and Legolas had decided that a feast should be held the next night to thank the dwarves for helping, and especially to Bilbo. While Thranduil knew he should personally express his gratitude, he was reluctant to do it at this time, and so elaborately. Legolas, on the other hand, was more than ready. He had seen a side of the dwarves that none of his kin had ever told him of: honorable, brave, loyal. He owed them a lot for what they had done, and he was just waiting for anyone to say differently.

It was going to be a feast unlike any in many a millennia, with elves, dwarves, a human, and a little hobbit supping together!

If Thorin had his way, his company would leave in the next two days to continue their quest. But he and his brethren and their burglar were the guests of honor for the feast. And even if the hosts were elves, it would be dreadfully ungracious to reject such hospitality, especially when most elves had regarded them with only absolute disdain. Besides, Thorin's vote was already outnumbered. His kin were greatly looking forward to the party, especially Fili and Kili.

Thorin shared his thoughts with no one, but he was trying to contemplate the most appropriate way to personally thank Legolas for his kindness in getting Kili medical help.


Estel was having a ripping time with the dwarves, though he made sure to stay clear of Dwalin! The disgruntled old warrior still had not forgiven him for his part in Fili and Kili's childish, unruly shenanigan! Estel was fascinated by the dwarves' armor and weapons. He even practiced sparring with a few of them in the training fields, under Glorfindel's supervision.


Alasse was everywhere! Ever since Elrond had told her that she could run and play, it seemed that was all she did! Thranduil had insisted she stay inside, within sight, so he could keep an eye on her. But Legolas always managed to whisk her away-after being imprisoned the way they had been with no sunlight, he knew she needed to be out in the open. One minute, Thranduil would be told she was exploring in the library, and after searching for her there to no end, he would be informed that she was chattering with the cooks in the kitchen. Then it would be bombarding Bilbo with questions of the Shire and the little folk. Or romping around with Estel, Fluffy, Fili, and Kili. She was one busy little bee. Thranduil was actually growing fatigued trying to keep up with her whereabouts all over Rivendell!

Thorin was marching through the garden paths, searching for Bilbo, when he felt a small hand tugging on the back of his waistcoat. He turned, surprised to find Alasse standing there, with Fluffy sitting at her side. "Excuse me?" Alasse spoke up.

"Yes. What can I do for you, Your Highness? What is it you want, little one?" He asked grimly, but curiously.

"Master Thorin? Or King Thorin? I don't know which I'm really supposed to call you." Alasse frowned.

"Just Thorin is fine." Thorin sighed.

"Thank you for saving Ada and me. I'm so glad you helped Legolas." Alasse said cheerily.

"It's really Master Baggins you should thank." Thorin said dryly.

"Oh, I did. But it was your idea to come."

"Well, I was worried about Fili and Kili." Thorin shrugged.

"But you helped me and Ada. And you and Ada don't like each other! I heard him say so, many times!" Alasse exclaimed.

"The feeling is mutual." Thorin agreed flatly.

"But you still helped. Thank you." Alasse curtsied.

"You are welcome, little one." Thorin nodded, smiling. "I am glad we were able to be of some use."

"Have you seen this? Master Bofur made it for me!" Alasse proudly showed him the toy.

"Ai. I have seen it." Thorin chuckled, patting her head.

"Ada is going to let me keep it! I was so afraid he'd be mad, because dwarves made it. But he's not! He said it's all mine!"

"Well, that is fine."

"I'm going to miss Master Bofur, and Fili and Kili, when you all leave." Alasse said sadly.

"Mmm. Are you, now?"

"Mmm-hmm. They're my new friends. Do you think we will see each other again?" Alasse spoke hopefully.

"I cannot say, little one." Thorin shook his head.

"Well, I do hope so." Alasse said wistfully.

"You should probably run along now, young one. Your father and your brother will be wondering where you are." Thorin suggested.

"You are right, they will." Alasse agreed.

"Oh, you have not seen Bilbo Baggins around, have you?" Thorin asked.

"Ai. He was in the library when I passed it." Alasse answered.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Thorin nodded. He patted her head again. "And I am glad that you are alright."

"Thank you." Alasse smiled. Thorin strode away. Alasse sighed before she was suddenly grabbed from behind and flipped over, and found herself face to face with Legolas as he held her over backwards in his arms! "Aah! Legolas!" She scolded.

"There you are!" Legolas scolded. "You are supposed to tell us where you are going."

"I am sorry, Legolas. I saw Thorin and I had to speak with him. It was really important!"

"Mmm-hmm." Legolas huffed skeptically, raising a suspicious eyebrow.

"I didn't realize I had gone so far. I would've listened to you, honest!"

"That was a foolish thing to do, you know."

"I'm sorry, Leggi. Please don't tell, Ada!" Alasse begged. "He will get mad and not let me play outside! Please, please don't tell him, Leggi!"

"You strayed from my sight, Tithen muinthel." Legolas frowned sternly. "For that, you should be punished."

"I'm sorry..." Alasse started to tear up.

"But, I am not entirely a cruel brother. I believe I should be the one to punish you for wandering off." Legolas said.

"Wh-" Alasse mewed. Next thing she knew, Legolas was nuzzling his nose into her shoulder and then fluttering his fingers all over her middle. Alasse giggled and tried to hide her tummy from her ruthless tickle monster brother. "Leg-LEGGI! Stop!" She howled mirthfully, kicking out with her legs.

"Well, are you going to listen next time?" Legolas narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, yes! I promise!"

"Mmm-hmm. You've said that before, penneth." Legolas growled with a smirk, as he poked her stomach. She smacked at his hands.

"I mean it! Honest!" She exclaimed.

"Very well." Legolas sighed.

"Put me down!" Alasse demanded.

"Uh uh. Not till you give me a kiss."

"What for?" Alasse glared up at him.

"For saving you, of course." Legolas pouted.

"Oh. Okay." Alasse shrugged. She grabbed his pointy ears and arched her neck and kissed the side of his face.

"Ahh, yes. Much better." Legolas grinned.

"Now, don't tickle me again!" Alasse scolded him.

"Don't press your luck, sister." Legolas smirked.


"Bilbo, I've been looking for you." Thorin panted when he found his burglar speaking with Balin, Glorfindel, and Gandalf.

"I've been right here, Thorin." Bilbo answered.

"Excuse us." Gandalf smiled, waltzing the elf away.

"Did you tell him?" Thorin asked Balin.

"Tell me what?"

"That you, Master Baggins, are to be honored as a hero tonight at the feast." Thorin smiled.

"Me? Why?" Bilbo sputtered.

"For your cunning and bravery, Bilbo." Balin smiled.

"Oh, that. Oh, I didn't do much of anything." Bilbo shrugged shyly.

"You've done more than you know. We're proud to have you in our company." Thorin clapped his shoulder. Bilbo blushed.

"I-I'm proud to be part of it."


Alasse was excited when Estel told her about the feast, to thank the dwarves, the hobbit, and the Mirkwood soldiers. "Well, since it will be quite lively tonight, I believe you need to have a nap, Alasse." Legolas said, carrying her on his hip.

"A nap?!" She protested.

"Ai. You've already been rambunctious all morning. You need some rest so you don't wear yourself out before the party." Legolas explained.

"But I don't want to!"

"Am I going to have to force you?" Legolas asked cockily, wiggling his fingers towards her waist.

"No! No, I'll take a nap." Alasse mumbled.

As Legolas lay her down, she clung to his arm. "Will you stay with me till I go to sleep?"

"Of course."

"Legolas?"

"Yes?" Legolas cocked his head.

"When I grow up and get big and brave, I want to be just like you!"