A/N-Konnichiwa! (that's Jap for hello) :hugs all reviewers and bursts into tears: WAAAAAAAAH!!!!! You all are soooooo nice!!!!! 32! I could hardly believe it! I was listening to the Sailor Star Song, and it's happy mood fit mine perfectly! :sniff sniff: Legolas: At last! She is hugging someone else besides me! Dragonfire: Oh no, I forgot my kawaii Legolas! :glomp: Legolas: .gak..:choking:

Neways, here's chapter 4 everybody, I hope you like it! I'm so happy typing away with a mug of ale and listening to track two (Concerning Hobbits) of the LOTR soundtrack!

1 Of 'Friendly' Advice and Blood

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Gimli stared out the window, not moving. He had been watching Shiara and Legolas for quite a while, wondering if his friend would do anything. He smiled slightly when the prince had extended his hand to help her up. {Just like a prince to do something like that.} Then he had blinked several times, for the next thing he knew, they were lying on top of each other. {How did that come to be?} And then, they were up again, Legolas opening the door for her. Confused, he stared for a bit more at the empty field where the arrows in the target board were still embedded.

'Ah, our prince will never learn, will he?'

Gimli whirled around, his hands straying to the ax by his side, only to find that he had left it in his room. Then he relaxed when he saw Linel and Galier standing there, shaking their heads. Astounded, he asked, 'How long have thee been standing there?'

'A while,' said Galier vaguely. 'We saw thou standing there and came to see what was so interesting.'

Gimli was even more surprised. 'You mean to tell me you've been standing there the whole time? Mayhap I'm growing deaf in the ears.'

'Nay, Gimli.' Linel held up his foot which was clad in the light shoes of wood-elves. 'But rather interesting was that not? I bet my bow that Legolas was meaning to do that.'

Galier shook his head. 'Nay, if that was so, wouldn't he have stayed down a little longer? He got up before a minute had passed. Nay, I think not.' He looked over at Gimli. 'But methinks it would be wise to give our prince council in wooing Shiara.'

Gimli cocked an eyebrow. 'Council?'

'Aye, council. If something as fortunate as falling on top of the girl he loves happens, and he does nothing but get up and apologize, there is something desperately wrong within his head.'

The other elf looked indignant. 'Galier, be you aware that that is my SISTER you are discussing like that?'

'Quite!'

'Then why are you-'

'Would she not be happy if she was with Legolas? Wouldst you not be happy if she was happy?'

'Well-'

'I agree,' spoke up Gimli. 'It WOULD be wise to instruct his lordship on the ways of wooing maidens, as he must become king soon. Every king needs a queen. I would like to instruct Legolas on the ways of praising the lady.'

Galier nodded. 'Fair enough! I shall teach him the gifts that should be given to maidens!' He turned to the grumpy looking Linel. 'Come, Linel! You must be part of the council, you know your stepsister well!'

He sighed. 'Fine.the manner of talking then.'

And with that the council of the prince's advisors in love was formed.

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Legolas walked back from the banquet hall, tired, dejected, and furious with himself. Again, he had no time to eat, for as soon as he arrived, everyone had insisted on hearing his tale, his father included. So, he told the tale, starting from when he left Rivendell, all the way through Gondor, the others of the company freely interjecting their share of the story; Merry and Pippin the most. It was midnight and he was ravenous, but by now, the kitchens would be closed.

Legolas could deal with the hunger; it was the fact that Shiara would not talk to him and when he would talk to her, she would refuse to look at him. {Mayhap I truly embarrassed her.} he thought sadly.

He had walked all the way to his room from the day before, when he realized that his things had been moved to his old sleeping chamber on the upper floors. It was right next to his father's. Scowling, feeling even more cross, Legolas made his way up the stone staircases.

Upon finally reaching his room, he opened it to find Linel, Galier, and Gimli laughing and drinking ale on his bed. 'What are you all doing here?' he cried in surprise.

'Ah!' Galier jumped off, sweeping an elegant bow. 'Just the prince we were looking for! We, my dear Legolas, have decided it is high time to instruct you in the art of wooing maidens!'

Legolas stared.

Galier went on. 'Always give her flowers! Leave them on her table, put them in her hair! The first lesson is, maidens always enjoy flowers and their scent. It would be good if you knew exactly which kind of flower your maiden likes though-'

'Lillies,' Legolas said automatically.

At that, Galier, Linel, and Gimli shared a secret wink. 'Fine then,' said Linel. 'Complement her on her archery often is the second lesson! She will surely be taken by your manners!'

'And my lesson,' said Gimli. 'is to tell her that she is lovely as often as you can! For reference, if she says "How beautiful this flower is!" reply, "But not as beautiful as you!"'

Legolas continued staring.

'And now!' said Galier. 'We must leave you for the night, but if you ever have need of our council, feel free to ask!' And with a bow, all three of them left.

Legolas stared after them, feeling dazed and confused. 'Wha--?'

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He lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling. It was well past 2 o'clock, and try as he might, Legolas could not fall asleep. The 'advice' of his three friends had been disturbing, for they had seemed to know who he had wanted to 'woo.'

The very thought made his cheeks burn. {How could they? Had they noticed my love? Have they noticed that I love--} he stopped. Then he said quietly, 'That I love.Shiara.'

It was raining, and raining heavily at that. Legolas had been running outside, in spite of warnings from his mother, Lelindil. He had always loved to run, whether it was raining or not. Even at age 6, he was swift and strong. But by now, he wished to go back in, for he was soaked all the way through.

Quickly, he stepped back through the gates from the woods, his cloth shoes squelching horribly against the mud. It was as the young prince was grimacing at the thought of what his mother would do when she saw his clothes ruined that he had heard the cries.

A soft plaintitive weeping was coming from his left. He turned and his grey eyes widened for it was a girl. Curled up and drenched, she was crying; and her black hair was plastered to her face, obscuring her features.

Walking over to her, he laid a hand on her shoulder gently. 'Are you alright, my lady?' he said in Common Speech. She had flinched away, snapping her head up; blue eyes wide and defiant. Alarmed, the elven-boy had quickly backed up. Then putting a smile on his face he said. 'I meant no harm, lady! I'm Legolas, I'm the prince of Mirkwood!' Then he had smiled again, waiting for the customary bow.

None came from the girl.

Frowning, and thinking she was really hurt to not bow to him, he headed toward her again. And she flinched. Softly he said, 'Do not fear me, I won't hurt you. My name is Legolas, what is yours?'

With wide eyes, she looked back. Then, 'Shiara.'

He blinked. That was Elven! 'Dewfire?'

She shook her head. 'No,' she replied in the Elven language. 'Shiara.' Some of her hair fell back and he could see a pair of pointed ears.

'Oh!' he replied in the same language. 'You're an elf! Apologies, I couldn't see. But-' Legolas glanced again at her pools of blue. 'You look more like a fairy in my eyes.' Then smiling he extending his hand. 'Come, Lady Shiara! It is nearly time for my sweets! I'll share with you!'

And this time, she took the offered hand.

He sat up straight, pulling his knees to his chest. They quickly became friends after that, joining together with Linel and Galier to become an inseparable foursome. There had been some initial dislikes between her and Galier, but Shiara had proven her worth to the young Galier after punching him solidly in the nose.

How long had they been together? How long had it taken, for him to finally open his eyes? 'How long has it been.' he whispered softly. '.that you, Lady Shiara Dewfire.have taken my heart? How long has it been.since I first.loved you?'

With a growl of frustration, he threw his blankets aside and rose, stalking out the door.

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Shiara gazed out at the dark trees. It was raining. She could understand what had driven her to come to this window. It had been a place of happiness and also sadness.

'See, it's a token of friendship! You wear one, and I wear the other!' she pulled off the chain and put it over his head. The half of the dewdrop shimmered in the light. 'So, do not cry for your mother anymore Legolas! I'm still here!'

And he had smiled, looking back at her half, then connecting his own with hers.

She sighed. How easily she had done that, given away the token. And without knowing it.{I've given my heart away to you.} 'Legolas.'

'How did you know I was here?'

With a gasp of surprise, she whirled around to find the prince standing there, the moonlight shining in his golden hair, looking back at her with surprise. 'Oh.' she muttered, turning red. 'I have good ears.'

Legolas walked over to stand next to her, looking out the window. 'It's late. Why are you still awake?'

'I could ask the same to you,' she snapped back, irked that he had dared to ask her that, when he himself was still awake. 'I cannot fall asleep.'

'Neither can I.' He did not look at her, but stared out of the window, his grey eyes dark and brooding.

They stayed like that for a while. Then for lack of better conversation, Shiara spoke up. 'Your friends are leaving to'morrow. I will miss them, Gimli especially. I can understand, why you two are so close. He is kind.'

He said nothing, only continued to look out the window. Shiara felt stupid. She was about to excuse herself when he said, 'Shiara, after what I said at dinner, do you now understand why I could not take you?'

Legolas felt her body next to him tense. 'No,' she answered. 'I don't Legolas. I could have endured all those hardships and more. You know that.' Then turning around, she prepared to walk off, but his hand reached grabbed her own. She whirled around, eyes dark and angry. 'Let me go!'

'No, not until you listen.' Shiara stopped struggling at the note of anguish in his voice. 'I know you could have done all that, but it would have permanently scarred your soul!' His eyes burned into hers furiously. 'Do you not realize that your entire manner would be changed? You would be hardened into a warrior, a fighter!' Sighing, he let go and looked down. 'I could have never forgiven myself if I had caused that.'

Then he took her hand and lightly brushed his lips against her knuckles. Gazing straight into her eyes, he said softly, 'Shiara, you are too precious to lose like that.'

Shiara stood rooted. 'So that's why.' she whispered brokenly. He nodded. Unable to think of anything to say, she gaped at him, mind reeling. 'Does that mean.you care about me?'

Legolas stared at her. 'Of course! Why shouldn't I?'

'Legolas.' Then she heard something. Shiara snapped her head up, looking around her, the feel of evil roaring in her ears. Standing up, she gazed around. Then it came again, a scratching sound.

She dimly heard Legolas say, 'What is it?' when she located the noise from above her. 'It's coming from the upper floors!'

'What is?' Legolas asked again, feeling bewildered.

'Someone, it's someone! It does not belong here.' she muttered craning her head around, trying to hear the noise.

Legolas frowned. Shiara did have better hearing than himself, but he could not hear a thing. Protect the ring. His eyes widened and he choked. 'The ring! They're after the ring! Father!' Gasping, he sped off to the staircases, Shiara running lightly after him.

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'What is the meaning of this!' Shiara cried. Two guards, on either side of the doors to the king's chamber. Two guards, with blood broken all over their chest. Two guards. Dead. She sank to her knees checking the pulses of each of them, then stifled a sob as she recognized the faces of the two and their eyes, glazed over in death. 'Haldir! Gadoin.dead.Legolas, they're both dead!'

Legolas closed his eyes. 'What evil has befell us?' he murmured. Then, putting his hand on the door handle, he pulled out his long knife as did Shiara. 'Stay behind me, Shiara,' he said quietly.

Flinging open the door with his knife in front, he stopped when he realized there was no one there. 'What is this.no one.' All there was, was his father's figure lying in bed. Legolas walked over quickly. 'He seems fine.' then his eyes traveled to the sheets, which were drenched in red. 'No!' he cried. Quickly flinging off the sheets, he found large gashes on the body of the king, blood flowing from each one.

Shiara came quickly at the cry of her friend, then choked when she saw the blood drenched sheets. 'King!' Grabbing his wrist, she felt the pulse. 'It's still here,' she said. 'He's still alive.' Ripping off strips from the bottom of her dress, Shiara pressed them over the king's gashes, attempting to staunch the blood flow. But when she pulled away her hands, they were stained with red, and the blood did not stop gushing out of the wounds.

It was then that Thranduil spoke. 'Shiara,' he croaked. 'Stop, it will not do any good.' He sighed, his breath rattling in his throat. 'My life is ebbing away.'

'No,' Shiara cried, tears in her eyes. 'No, you must live!'

Legolas said nothing, only took his father's hand, holding it tight.

'Legolas.' Thranduil whispered. 'They took the ring.they took the ring.you must go after them! You are king now, Legolas of Mirkwood.'

'No.no.you're not dead yet!' Legolas said. 'I cannot become king!'

Thranduil smiled faintly. 'You can. Go! Find the ring, and rule your people! I name you king of Mirkwood, Legolas my son. I believe you.' And then, Thranduil drew a last breath, and lay still. Thus ended the life of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood.

'Father?' Legolas tightened his grip on his father's hand. It had become icy cold. 'FATHER!'

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A/N-Yatta! I'm finished with the chapter!!!! :Dragonfire falls over, exhausted: Look, it's a cliffhanger! :smiles evilly: Yes! And you guys, it has come to my attention that I have totally screwed up the ending for The Return of the King. So.just pretend that the hobbits, Gimli, and Aragorn came to Mirkwood for a visit! :sweatdrop: Neways, please keep reading and reviewing minna, I know this chapter kinda sucked, but I hope it isn't that bad. I think EVERYBODY was out of character here.but oh well, REVIEW!!!!!