Hi there again! thanks for reviews, glad you like it! enjoy!
4 months had passed. Aragorn had not returned from the mountains of the dwarfs. Hope was dying inside the house of elrond.
Inside her chamber, Arwen lay on her bed weeping, Legolas sitting solitary on the chair beside her.
"He's not coming back, is he........", Arwen cried bitterly, her beautiful elvish face swollen with tears.
Legolas was silent, for he knew that if he were to give an answer to Arwen, he too would cry. He hoped with all his heart that his friend had not perished, but he knew that his hopes were in vain, deep within his heart, he knew Aragorn was gone.
"Lady Arwen?", a timid voice appeared at the door.
Arwen sat up with a great effort."Yes?", she whispered, rubbing her sodden eyes.
"Your father wishes to see you, he asks if i will take you to him", the elf servant held out her hand in sympathy,"Come Lady Arwen."
Slowly, Arwen stood, reculant to leave the bed, reculant to leave the hope that the window presented to her.
"Go on Arwen", Legolas patted her on the shoulder, trying to give her what comfort he could,"I shall keep watch here, there is no need to fear, if he comes, i shall send for you immediatly."
Arwen smiled gratefully at the Mirkwood elf before being led away by her father's messenger.
"What am i to do Aragorn?", Legolas whispered into the empty air."I know in my heart of hearts that you shall not return, yet i dare not give up hope. What am i to do? My love for Arwen burns brightly in my heart, but i am confused........."
As Legolas expected, there was no reply, and so he continued to stare relentlassly at the empty window.
"Arwen my child", Elrond embraced his daughter lovingly, feeling her love for Aragorn flow through his own veins. How he despaired now at what he had to tell her.
"Oh father!", Arwen burst into a fit of sobs, drying her eyes on her father's robes.
"Arwen........", Elrond began slowly,"I know that you do not want to hear this.........but....i fear that Aragorn is not coming back......."
To Elrond's surprise, Arwen did not shout, or protest, or fight. In fact she glanced at her father with knowing eyes.
"I fear it too father", she whispered into his tunic,"I fear too in my heart of hearts that Aragorn shall not be returning. I keep hoping, and hoping, even if only for Legolas's sake, but it is not working."
"My child......", Elrond said gently,"I feel that.....maybe it is time for you to find a new suitor, after all, i am not getting any younger, and i would wish for you to have an heir, a good strong heir, who can rule the house of Rivendell."
"I will always love Aragorn!", Arwen said defiantly, but her defences did not last long once she had seen the look of pity in her fathers eyes. Her heart melted, and she hugged him strongly.
"Oh father!", she sobbed wildly,"I know you are right, but i know not if i am ready to except a new suitor........"
Elrond nodded understandingly."Of course Arwen, i know how you feel. I have lined up several men who are worthy of your partnership, but you need not make a decision until you are ready."
"Who are these suitors?", Arwen asked, rubbing her eyes.
"You shall find out tonight at diner", Elrond motioned for her to leave,"Until then, get some rest, for i can sense that you are in need of some."
Arwen took her leave, and walked slowly back to her chamber. She entered the room to find Legolas sitting in the same position as when she had left.
"Are you alright Legolas?", she approached him, touching his shoulder with one hand.
Suddenly, a sharp pain flowed through her other hand.
"Ouch!", she cried, cradling her finger in her hand.
Legolas was now alert."What happened Arwen! I'm sorry!"
Arwen shook her head. "There is no need for you to be sorry Legolas, you did nothing, i just cut my finger on something."
Legolas was silent as he watched the drop of blood flow slowly from Arwen's hand. It dripped forlornly down and down, until it hit the floor.
Suddenly, Legolas was hit with a flashback of that night. He remebered lying on the ground, scared and cold. Then he had gotten up.......the blood on the ground........all the painful memories he had pushed deep into his mind came forcefully out, blocking his thoughts. He screamed, shaking his head, as if he were trying to shake of the experience that had happened to him.
"Legolas?!", Arwen asked, moving closer to her friend.
"No!", Legolas cried, running from the room,"No! Not again!". He ran down the passage way to his own room. As soon as he reached it he lept inside, and locked the door. He sank to the floor in despair.
"What's happening to me!", he wept, holding his head in his hands."I can't let that one night destroy me!"
"Prince Legolas!", Arwen banged on the door."I demand you tell me what is going on, right now!"
Legolas's breath froze for a second. He couldn't tell Arwen what had happened to him that night.......how could she understand..........no, it was better to keep the pain to himself, then he would know what real pain felt like, Anyway, if he confided in Arwen, she may think to tell his father, and then his uncle would see to it that he was exiled.
"No", he whispered,"I cannot."
"Legolas!", Arwen banged again.
Legolas cleared his throat before calling through the door,"I am fine, i just had a nightmare, that was all, i am fine now Arwen. I think you should get ready, dinner shall be startng soon."
Arwen frowned outside the door, deeply unsatisfyed with Legolas's explanation, but she said nothing, for she knew better than to question an elf of his calibre.
"Alright", she finally called,"I shall see you at dinner."
Legolas lay still until her footsteps had died away from the door. Slowly he moved toward his closet. He opened it, and began to look for his dinner clothes. Completely by chance, he pulled out something which he had been certain he had thrown away.
The garments, apart from being stained with blood were relatively clean, but to Legolas they presented a foul stench, the stench of horror, and betrayal, a stench that he did not want to be reminded of. Once again, the memories that he had tried so hard to push deep down inside his mind poured out.
"What are you doing to me?", Legolas felt his mind recalling that fateful night.
"Hush Legolas", his uncle said.
Legolas held his head in his slender hands, and sobbed. That night was destroying him. He felt so ashamed. He should have tried to do something....but what?
"What could i have done?", he whispered to himself.
Once again, he felt the cruel memories of the night pass him by.
"No!", he cried, and buried himself under his bed.
Thandiul stood outside Legolas's door, listening to the mental torture that Legolas was experiencing.
"Excellent", he whispered,"I think it is time for me to taunt my friend a little more before phase two of the plan proceeds."
He knocked softly on his nephew's door.
"Yes", Legolas's voice sounded through the heavy oak, full of fear and horror.
"Let me in Legolas", his uncle commanded.
Legolas remained silent. The cause of all his pain was standing right outside his bedroom. He hunched himself up in fear.
"I shall tell your father that his son refuses to listen to his elders, just as he did when he was a young boy. Your father thinks you have grown up Legolas, but i know that you have not. You still percieve foolish dreams, of adventures, and happiness. Well, that dream does not exisit for you. you know that."
There was a click, and the door swung open, Legolas cowering before his uncle's presence.
Thandiul smiled, as he pushed Legolas before him, and shut the door behind them with a snap. They were alone.
Legolas sat on the furthest edge of the bed from his uncle, his eyes swollen with his tears.
"Why?", he croaked,"Why did you come in here?"
Thandiul moved closer to Legolas, pushing him toward the back wall. There was nowhere for the elf to run.
"You enjoyed it, did you not Legolas?", Thandiul said to his nephew."You liked it......."
"No, i did not", Legolas protested, keeping his nerve, even though he was terrified of what the older man could do to him.
"Then why did you do nothing to stop it?", Thandiul eyes glittered maliciously as his eyes bore into those of his nephew's.
"I could do nothing.......", Legolas wept,"You almost killed me."
Legolas shrank back against the wall.
Thandiul reached out, and touched Legolas's face with his hand, stroking his soft subtle cheek, and ran his fingers down his face.
"What are you going to do this time?", Legolas wept.
Thandiul only laughed."nothing."
His uncle got up from the bed, and walked toward the door. "I enjoy watching you suffer Legolas", he laughed cruely. He walked out of the room, the door shutting with a bang.
Legolas lay face down on the bed, and wept.
Arwen entered the dining chamber, somewhat aprehensive of what she would find inside. She took her usual seat, beside Legolas, who had not arrived yet.
"I hope he is alright.....", she mumbled to herself quietly."He did not seem his usual self today. There is something wrong with him....i can feel it."
Elrond signalled to his servant to sound the gong. Diner had begun.
Legolas slipped into the dining chamber quietly, sliding into his chair beside Arwen.
"What have i missed?", he whispered into her ear, the smell of her hair easing his worries, if only for a moment.
"nothing", she replied, her eyes still fixed on her father,"But i feel my father is to make an announcement."
"What did he say to you this afternoon?", Legolas asked,"I am sorry i did not ask before, my mind was on other things."
"No need to be sorry. He asked."
"Silence!", Elrond's strong and clear voice echoed through the chamber, cutting Arwen off.
Elrond's voice continued to spread throughout the chamber."Before we begin to dine this evening, i have something to say to you all. It has been several months now since Aragorn, son of Arathorn left these walls. I concieve that my daughter Arwen must find a new partner, for i fear that Aragorn shall not return. All those that wish to have my daughters hand in marriage shall have but seven days to decide, for then i will hold trials,a tournament, to see who shall be the one. My daughter Arwen shall also have a say in this process, for a do not wish for her to marry someone that she despises. now, let us begin to dine."
As Legolas began to serve himself, he hunched closer to Arwen.
"Are you happy with this Arwen?", he whispered to his friend.
"Not really", she replied sadly,"But, i must produce an heir, and i indeed fear that Aragorn shall not return."
They began to eat in silence, Legolas staring solidly out of the chamber window. His thoughts took presidence over his food.
"But, if Arwen marries another, then i shall be unable to keep my promise to Aragorn, for i promised to protect her until he returned", Legolas took a sip of wine from his goblet, trying to drown out his feelings."But, then if Elrond has ruled that his daughter must marry, then who am i to question, I am simply the Prince of Mirkwood, he is head of Rivendell."
Legolas gazed into Arwens eyes, as she ate, completely oblivious of the attention that shrouded her.
"I must clear my thoughts", he decided, taking his leave of Arwen."I must go out into the air, for then, maybe the wind shall rule my desicions."
He sauntered out into the calm clear night, and sat on one of the stone seats in the garden. Almost immediatly, he stood up. He could not sit there, the memories were too strong. He moved to the other side of the house, the side that was in view of the small lake. He pondered over his thoughts, torn between his love for Arwen, and his duty to Aragorn. He was so mixed up, the horros that his uncle had bestowed on him still weighted heavily upon his mind.
"Legolas?", a voice disturbed the elfs train of thought.
Legolas whipped round, his arms raised in combat position, as he had flashbacks of that night. The pain flowed through him once more, he had the sudden urge to jump into the lake, to wash himself clean of the dirty feeling.
"What is wrong, my son?", Thranduil patted his son gently on the shoulder."I saw you leave the banquet, i know there is something on your mind........tell me."
Legolas breathed a sigh a relief, and lowered his arms."I am torn father.......", he whispered quietly, gazing out onto the soft calm lake, wishing his life was quite as simple as it."I am torn between my love for Arwen........and my duty to Aragorn. I love the daughter of Elrond, but i do not wish to dishonor Aragorn by telling her. What do i do?", Legolas did not dare to tell his father what his uncle had done to him, for he was terrified of the consequences.
Thranduil sighed as he beheld his son."You have grown so much Legolas........", he sighed,"No longer are you the loud, brazen elf you used to be, you have changed......and for the better. Follow your heart my son, it alone can show you the way."
Legolas glanced up at his father, finally realising that, for the first time in many years, he did give good advice.
"Thank you father", he whispered, rising from the grass."I believe i know what to do. I just have to justify it to myself."
Legolas set off toward his room, his thoughts now clearer in his mind.
When he reached his chamber, he lay upon his bed, face down, breathing in the sweet scent on the pillows.
"I have decided upon my course, he breathed into the covers. "I shall enter."
It was seven days later. The gong had chimed for diner. Legolas placed his tunic hurriedly over his head, and ran down the slender stairs. He still had not entered the race for Arwen, he just felt so afraid of betraying Aragorn, and the words of his uncle had once more clouded his mind. He slid into his seat, next to the elf princess.
"It is final", Elrond announced that night."The seven days have passed, and i have the four names of those who are brave enough to try and win the heart of my daughter. Let me congratulate the following peoples :- Prince Ruyston of the Grey Havens. Sir Drastyn of the Hallowed Wood. Sir Jiyuer of Rivendell, and Thandiul, brother to Thranduil, the King of Mirkwood."
At the last name, Legolas looked up, in both surprise and shame.
"No", he breathed, as he saw his uncle glance Arwen over,"I cannot let him win the tournament. I must enter now, for if Arwen becomes betrothed to Thandiul, then i shall have betrayed myself as well as Aragorn. That evil man must not lay one finger on Arwen. It cannot happen."
"Rise all those whose names i have metioned now, and except your appluase", Elrond clapped for the brave chancers, wishing them all luck.
Thranduil watched Legolas, as he slowly began to rise from his seat.
"That's right my son", he murmered under his breath,"You can do it."
"Wait!", Legolas gave a loud cry, completely confusing his mind with what he was about to do."There is one more entreant."
Elrond ceased his claps, and glanced upon the young elf seriously.
"And who might that be, young elf?", he asked, knowing excatly what the answer would be.
Legolas felt his mouth dry up, any confidence that had been there before was gone, but he had to continue.
"I", he whispered, moving toward Elrond's table,"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood wishes to enter the tournament."
"Legolas!", Arwen said, completely shocked by her friends actions.
"I knew he couldn't resist", Thandiul laughed softly, "I knew he could not stop himself from entering, he loves her far too much. Now, the real fun shall begin."
Legolas stood still, completely shocked at what he had just done, and yet, he knew he could not back out of it now.
"I have to win", he said quietly, chancing a quick look at Thandiul,"I cannot let him marry Arwen, who knows what would happen............."
What did you think? Part 4 should be out soon! thanks for reading!
4 months had passed. Aragorn had not returned from the mountains of the dwarfs. Hope was dying inside the house of elrond.
Inside her chamber, Arwen lay on her bed weeping, Legolas sitting solitary on the chair beside her.
"He's not coming back, is he........", Arwen cried bitterly, her beautiful elvish face swollen with tears.
Legolas was silent, for he knew that if he were to give an answer to Arwen, he too would cry. He hoped with all his heart that his friend had not perished, but he knew that his hopes were in vain, deep within his heart, he knew Aragorn was gone.
"Lady Arwen?", a timid voice appeared at the door.
Arwen sat up with a great effort."Yes?", she whispered, rubbing her sodden eyes.
"Your father wishes to see you, he asks if i will take you to him", the elf servant held out her hand in sympathy,"Come Lady Arwen."
Slowly, Arwen stood, reculant to leave the bed, reculant to leave the hope that the window presented to her.
"Go on Arwen", Legolas patted her on the shoulder, trying to give her what comfort he could,"I shall keep watch here, there is no need to fear, if he comes, i shall send for you immediatly."
Arwen smiled gratefully at the Mirkwood elf before being led away by her father's messenger.
"What am i to do Aragorn?", Legolas whispered into the empty air."I know in my heart of hearts that you shall not return, yet i dare not give up hope. What am i to do? My love for Arwen burns brightly in my heart, but i am confused........."
As Legolas expected, there was no reply, and so he continued to stare relentlassly at the empty window.
"Arwen my child", Elrond embraced his daughter lovingly, feeling her love for Aragorn flow through his own veins. How he despaired now at what he had to tell her.
"Oh father!", Arwen burst into a fit of sobs, drying her eyes on her father's robes.
"Arwen........", Elrond began slowly,"I know that you do not want to hear this.........but....i fear that Aragorn is not coming back......."
To Elrond's surprise, Arwen did not shout, or protest, or fight. In fact she glanced at her father with knowing eyes.
"I fear it too father", she whispered into his tunic,"I fear too in my heart of hearts that Aragorn shall not be returning. I keep hoping, and hoping, even if only for Legolas's sake, but it is not working."
"My child......", Elrond said gently,"I feel that.....maybe it is time for you to find a new suitor, after all, i am not getting any younger, and i would wish for you to have an heir, a good strong heir, who can rule the house of Rivendell."
"I will always love Aragorn!", Arwen said defiantly, but her defences did not last long once she had seen the look of pity in her fathers eyes. Her heart melted, and she hugged him strongly.
"Oh father!", she sobbed wildly,"I know you are right, but i know not if i am ready to except a new suitor........"
Elrond nodded understandingly."Of course Arwen, i know how you feel. I have lined up several men who are worthy of your partnership, but you need not make a decision until you are ready."
"Who are these suitors?", Arwen asked, rubbing her eyes.
"You shall find out tonight at diner", Elrond motioned for her to leave,"Until then, get some rest, for i can sense that you are in need of some."
Arwen took her leave, and walked slowly back to her chamber. She entered the room to find Legolas sitting in the same position as when she had left.
"Are you alright Legolas?", she approached him, touching his shoulder with one hand.
Suddenly, a sharp pain flowed through her other hand.
"Ouch!", she cried, cradling her finger in her hand.
Legolas was now alert."What happened Arwen! I'm sorry!"
Arwen shook her head. "There is no need for you to be sorry Legolas, you did nothing, i just cut my finger on something."
Legolas was silent as he watched the drop of blood flow slowly from Arwen's hand. It dripped forlornly down and down, until it hit the floor.
Suddenly, Legolas was hit with a flashback of that night. He remebered lying on the ground, scared and cold. Then he had gotten up.......the blood on the ground........all the painful memories he had pushed deep into his mind came forcefully out, blocking his thoughts. He screamed, shaking his head, as if he were trying to shake of the experience that had happened to him.
"Legolas?!", Arwen asked, moving closer to her friend.
"No!", Legolas cried, running from the room,"No! Not again!". He ran down the passage way to his own room. As soon as he reached it he lept inside, and locked the door. He sank to the floor in despair.
"What's happening to me!", he wept, holding his head in his hands."I can't let that one night destroy me!"
"Prince Legolas!", Arwen banged on the door."I demand you tell me what is going on, right now!"
Legolas's breath froze for a second. He couldn't tell Arwen what had happened to him that night.......how could she understand..........no, it was better to keep the pain to himself, then he would know what real pain felt like, Anyway, if he confided in Arwen, she may think to tell his father, and then his uncle would see to it that he was exiled.
"No", he whispered,"I cannot."
"Legolas!", Arwen banged again.
Legolas cleared his throat before calling through the door,"I am fine, i just had a nightmare, that was all, i am fine now Arwen. I think you should get ready, dinner shall be startng soon."
Arwen frowned outside the door, deeply unsatisfyed with Legolas's explanation, but she said nothing, for she knew better than to question an elf of his calibre.
"Alright", she finally called,"I shall see you at dinner."
Legolas lay still until her footsteps had died away from the door. Slowly he moved toward his closet. He opened it, and began to look for his dinner clothes. Completely by chance, he pulled out something which he had been certain he had thrown away.
The garments, apart from being stained with blood were relatively clean, but to Legolas they presented a foul stench, the stench of horror, and betrayal, a stench that he did not want to be reminded of. Once again, the memories that he had tried so hard to push deep down inside his mind poured out.
"What are you doing to me?", Legolas felt his mind recalling that fateful night.
"Hush Legolas", his uncle said.
Legolas held his head in his slender hands, and sobbed. That night was destroying him. He felt so ashamed. He should have tried to do something....but what?
"What could i have done?", he whispered to himself.
Once again, he felt the cruel memories of the night pass him by.
"No!", he cried, and buried himself under his bed.
Thandiul stood outside Legolas's door, listening to the mental torture that Legolas was experiencing.
"Excellent", he whispered,"I think it is time for me to taunt my friend a little more before phase two of the plan proceeds."
He knocked softly on his nephew's door.
"Yes", Legolas's voice sounded through the heavy oak, full of fear and horror.
"Let me in Legolas", his uncle commanded.
Legolas remained silent. The cause of all his pain was standing right outside his bedroom. He hunched himself up in fear.
"I shall tell your father that his son refuses to listen to his elders, just as he did when he was a young boy. Your father thinks you have grown up Legolas, but i know that you have not. You still percieve foolish dreams, of adventures, and happiness. Well, that dream does not exisit for you. you know that."
There was a click, and the door swung open, Legolas cowering before his uncle's presence.
Thandiul smiled, as he pushed Legolas before him, and shut the door behind them with a snap. They were alone.
Legolas sat on the furthest edge of the bed from his uncle, his eyes swollen with his tears.
"Why?", he croaked,"Why did you come in here?"
Thandiul moved closer to Legolas, pushing him toward the back wall. There was nowhere for the elf to run.
"You enjoyed it, did you not Legolas?", Thandiul said to his nephew."You liked it......."
"No, i did not", Legolas protested, keeping his nerve, even though he was terrified of what the older man could do to him.
"Then why did you do nothing to stop it?", Thandiul eyes glittered maliciously as his eyes bore into those of his nephew's.
"I could do nothing.......", Legolas wept,"You almost killed me."
Legolas shrank back against the wall.
Thandiul reached out, and touched Legolas's face with his hand, stroking his soft subtle cheek, and ran his fingers down his face.
"What are you going to do this time?", Legolas wept.
Thandiul only laughed."nothing."
His uncle got up from the bed, and walked toward the door. "I enjoy watching you suffer Legolas", he laughed cruely. He walked out of the room, the door shutting with a bang.
Legolas lay face down on the bed, and wept.
Arwen entered the dining chamber, somewhat aprehensive of what she would find inside. She took her usual seat, beside Legolas, who had not arrived yet.
"I hope he is alright.....", she mumbled to herself quietly."He did not seem his usual self today. There is something wrong with him....i can feel it."
Elrond signalled to his servant to sound the gong. Diner had begun.
Legolas slipped into the dining chamber quietly, sliding into his chair beside Arwen.
"What have i missed?", he whispered into her ear, the smell of her hair easing his worries, if only for a moment.
"nothing", she replied, her eyes still fixed on her father,"But i feel my father is to make an announcement."
"What did he say to you this afternoon?", Legolas asked,"I am sorry i did not ask before, my mind was on other things."
"No need to be sorry. He asked."
"Silence!", Elrond's strong and clear voice echoed through the chamber, cutting Arwen off.
Elrond's voice continued to spread throughout the chamber."Before we begin to dine this evening, i have something to say to you all. It has been several months now since Aragorn, son of Arathorn left these walls. I concieve that my daughter Arwen must find a new partner, for i fear that Aragorn shall not return. All those that wish to have my daughters hand in marriage shall have but seven days to decide, for then i will hold trials,a tournament, to see who shall be the one. My daughter Arwen shall also have a say in this process, for a do not wish for her to marry someone that she despises. now, let us begin to dine."
As Legolas began to serve himself, he hunched closer to Arwen.
"Are you happy with this Arwen?", he whispered to his friend.
"Not really", she replied sadly,"But, i must produce an heir, and i indeed fear that Aragorn shall not return."
They began to eat in silence, Legolas staring solidly out of the chamber window. His thoughts took presidence over his food.
"But, if Arwen marries another, then i shall be unable to keep my promise to Aragorn, for i promised to protect her until he returned", Legolas took a sip of wine from his goblet, trying to drown out his feelings."But, then if Elrond has ruled that his daughter must marry, then who am i to question, I am simply the Prince of Mirkwood, he is head of Rivendell."
Legolas gazed into Arwens eyes, as she ate, completely oblivious of the attention that shrouded her.
"I must clear my thoughts", he decided, taking his leave of Arwen."I must go out into the air, for then, maybe the wind shall rule my desicions."
He sauntered out into the calm clear night, and sat on one of the stone seats in the garden. Almost immediatly, he stood up. He could not sit there, the memories were too strong. He moved to the other side of the house, the side that was in view of the small lake. He pondered over his thoughts, torn between his love for Arwen, and his duty to Aragorn. He was so mixed up, the horros that his uncle had bestowed on him still weighted heavily upon his mind.
"Legolas?", a voice disturbed the elfs train of thought.
Legolas whipped round, his arms raised in combat position, as he had flashbacks of that night. The pain flowed through him once more, he had the sudden urge to jump into the lake, to wash himself clean of the dirty feeling.
"What is wrong, my son?", Thranduil patted his son gently on the shoulder."I saw you leave the banquet, i know there is something on your mind........tell me."
Legolas breathed a sigh a relief, and lowered his arms."I am torn father.......", he whispered quietly, gazing out onto the soft calm lake, wishing his life was quite as simple as it."I am torn between my love for Arwen........and my duty to Aragorn. I love the daughter of Elrond, but i do not wish to dishonor Aragorn by telling her. What do i do?", Legolas did not dare to tell his father what his uncle had done to him, for he was terrified of the consequences.
Thranduil sighed as he beheld his son."You have grown so much Legolas........", he sighed,"No longer are you the loud, brazen elf you used to be, you have changed......and for the better. Follow your heart my son, it alone can show you the way."
Legolas glanced up at his father, finally realising that, for the first time in many years, he did give good advice.
"Thank you father", he whispered, rising from the grass."I believe i know what to do. I just have to justify it to myself."
Legolas set off toward his room, his thoughts now clearer in his mind.
When he reached his chamber, he lay upon his bed, face down, breathing in the sweet scent on the pillows.
"I have decided upon my course, he breathed into the covers. "I shall enter."
It was seven days later. The gong had chimed for diner. Legolas placed his tunic hurriedly over his head, and ran down the slender stairs. He still had not entered the race for Arwen, he just felt so afraid of betraying Aragorn, and the words of his uncle had once more clouded his mind. He slid into his seat, next to the elf princess.
"It is final", Elrond announced that night."The seven days have passed, and i have the four names of those who are brave enough to try and win the heart of my daughter. Let me congratulate the following peoples :- Prince Ruyston of the Grey Havens. Sir Drastyn of the Hallowed Wood. Sir Jiyuer of Rivendell, and Thandiul, brother to Thranduil, the King of Mirkwood."
At the last name, Legolas looked up, in both surprise and shame.
"No", he breathed, as he saw his uncle glance Arwen over,"I cannot let him win the tournament. I must enter now, for if Arwen becomes betrothed to Thandiul, then i shall have betrayed myself as well as Aragorn. That evil man must not lay one finger on Arwen. It cannot happen."
"Rise all those whose names i have metioned now, and except your appluase", Elrond clapped for the brave chancers, wishing them all luck.
Thranduil watched Legolas, as he slowly began to rise from his seat.
"That's right my son", he murmered under his breath,"You can do it."
"Wait!", Legolas gave a loud cry, completely confusing his mind with what he was about to do."There is one more entreant."
Elrond ceased his claps, and glanced upon the young elf seriously.
"And who might that be, young elf?", he asked, knowing excatly what the answer would be.
Legolas felt his mouth dry up, any confidence that had been there before was gone, but he had to continue.
"I", he whispered, moving toward Elrond's table,"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood wishes to enter the tournament."
"Legolas!", Arwen said, completely shocked by her friends actions.
"I knew he couldn't resist", Thandiul laughed softly, "I knew he could not stop himself from entering, he loves her far too much. Now, the real fun shall begin."
Legolas stood still, completely shocked at what he had just done, and yet, he knew he could not back out of it now.
"I have to win", he said quietly, chancing a quick look at Thandiul,"I cannot let him marry Arwen, who knows what would happen............."
What did you think? Part 4 should be out soon! thanks for reading!