*Sigh* Long night, my muse is trying to abandon me--but I won't let her/him/it escape!!!

Chapter 18--Secret Conversations

After the ball was over Gimli insisted that Jaisia and Legolas come back to his home by the forge for a talk. He closed the door and locked it before turning to Legolas. "All right, elf, let's have it," he said.

"What?" Legolas asked.

"Don't play innocent with us, little brother. You knocked over the goblet on purpose, why?" Jaisia asked. "You aren't that clumsy."

Legolas sighed. "I'm not really sure. I just felt like something was wrong. Sandi gave me such a look afterwards, like she'd like to see me skinned alive. I fear that something is wrong," he said.

"You think Sandi tried to hurt sugar? But he's her father!!!" Jaisia protested.

"And that accursed mage has been telling her lies for years, lies she may still believe, I can't seem to trust her," Legolas said.

"Perhaps you should share your concerns about her with Aragorn," Gimli said.

"Who do you think he'll believe, me or his daughter?" Legolas said. "I can not say anything to him or to Arwen."

None of them could argue that, silently they separated to return to their rooms to think and rest. Legolas entered his old room and locked the door. He turned and someone was standing there. "Elbereth!! Don't do that!!" he gasped.

"Sorry, I thought I'd check on you," Lightfingers shrugged. "How's it going?"

Legolas told Lightfingers everything that he suspected. "Do you think Darrin did the same thing to her that he did to me?" he asked.

"Not sure, I'm going to go talk to some people," Lightfingers said and climbed out the window. He was gone in an instant.

Shaking his head, Legolas doused the lights and laid down. Eventually he fell asleep despite his concerns and fears.

Legolas was up early the next morning. He headed toward the kitchen, intending to see if he could grab a bite to eat. Reaching the bottom of the steps he bumped into Sandi. "Excuse me, princess," he said. He was careful to show none of his suspicions.

"That's all right, Legolas, where are you off to so early in the morning?" Sandi asked.

"I might ask you the same," Legolas said.

"But you must answer me first--after all I am a princess," Sandi said. "And you are a guest here only."

"But I am also a prince so I believe we have a stalemate, my lady. My business is mine alone, good day," Legolas said. He could feel the princess' glare as he headed for the kitchen.

You'll be sorry for this, I swear it, elf, Sandi fumed. She continued up the stairs to her room to plot and rest. She had so many things that needed to be worked out……

So what'd you think? **Frowns** Not sure I like this chapter, let me know if it needs something…..R/R!!!!!!