Scarletbow

By: The 80lb Carrot

Disclaimer: They aren't mine. I couldn't have written them as well. Areyin, however, is my own creation.

Summary: Arwen had a little sister--a runaway and a rebel destined never to rule.

Rating: PG-13

AN: Yes I read the books. In fact I read them in fourth or fifth grade. I am now in high school. But I saw the movie . . . three times in the past three weeks. Which one do you think I am more familiar with? Good guess. So sorry if this relies more on the movie than the book. Starts as the Fellowship is being formed. Skips the messy bits. Starts up again when Legolas gets home. Got it?

AN2: Areyin-- Air-yin

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When he awoke late the next morning, Legolas was lost for the first few moments, having completely forgotten where he was. His first response was to panic as he sat straight up, looking around and not recognizing where he was. A laughing voice brought him back to his senses. "Morning, sleepy head. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up."

Areyin sat in a chair beside the large window, sunlight streaming in and illuminating her and the book she held in her hands. "I've been up for two or three hours already," she told him with a playful smile, "Though that was probably your first good night's sleep in a long time. Journeying hard for a year only to turn around and come right back. Am I right?"

He nodded, pushing his pale hair from his face with one hand. "The solid rest was greatly appreciated."

A quick laugh escaped her. "You sound so formal. We may both be royalty but that doesn't mean we have to act it all the time." She put her book at the base of her chair and uncurled her legs from beneath her, getting to her feet. "Besides, it's not like we're in court or anything. And unless you're in the presence of Lady Galadriel, no one really cares how you act. That's one of the things I like about this place."

"You're going to accept her offer, then?"

She was silent as she crossed the room, coming to sit at the foot of the bed. "I've been thinking about it, I really have. There's no downside to it, no reason not to. So, after considering it long and hard," she paused for a dramatic effect, flinging her arms wide, "I have finally decided to become the next Lady of the Wood." A smile lit across his face at her answer and she almost died with the relief of having his support in her resolve.

"And should you ever need assistance," he told her, "The elves of Northern Mirkwood would gladly offer their help."

A look of relief so profound crossed her face he was shocked to think of what her reaction would have been had he said nothing. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Her arms looped themselves around him and she pressed her face into his shoulder, muffling her voice. "You couldn't possibly know how much this means to me! Your help, your support, everything!" She hugged him tighter as his arms went around her back and for a moment they just held each other in silence.

Then Legolas spoke. "You should tell Lady Galadriel of your decision." His voice was calm but inside his heart soared. After five decades--half a century--she had finally admitted that she needed him, although maybe not in so many words. They had both known it of course, she had just never said it aloud. Areyin was very proud, he had accepted that long ago when he had decided he loved her, but sometimes she let her pride get the better of her. But finally, finally, she had let all her walls down and admitted that she needed someone.

She sighed again. "I suppose you're right. Come on, let's go."

"I'm barefoot," he interrupted, gesturing at his feet.

"And so am I," Areyin told him, "Nothing's going to bite off your toes."

He considered it for a few seconds, then stood and followed her out the door. Halfway to the main conference room they were met by the Lady Galadriel herself in all her glowing glory. "I believe, Areyin," she said, speaking slowly as they had always known her to do, "That you have something of which to inform me. Am I correct in my assumption?"

The smaller girl smiled broadly. "That you are, m'Lady. I have decided to take your offer."

Completely taking them both by surprise, the regal woman embraced the future ruler with a kindness associated with family. "You shall rule well, niece," she told her, pale eyes shining almost with tears of relief, "And assistance you shall receive from me in times of need, as you will from Mirkwood as well if I am right. Does my intuition serve me correctly here?"

"Yes, aunt, it does." Areyin smiled and hugged Galadriel once more.

One hand in her niece's hair, she returned the gesture. "You should inform your father."

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apology to my beta reader right now, but i sent you this chapter like three days ago and well, since i didn't get a response i figured you liked it and went ahead and posted it. one of my friends at school really likes this story and her attitude can be along the lines of 'post the next chapter NOW!' let me assure you that it's very very scary.

read and review!