RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: The characters from Lord of the Rings and their wonderful world are borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. The plotline and all other characters are copyright 2002 Emily Kinsman (emi_kins@yahoo.com)

3.

She woke the next day with her mind full of the memories of former Sword- bearers, her fingers still curved around the hilt of Calmakil. Feeling that she must have been unconscious for at least a year, she sat up slowly and looked around herself, smiling at the form of her mother who stood with her back to her, gazing out through the Wood at a rocky waterfall.

"A gift was left for you, Dear," said Llilwen softly without turning around, "It is there on the bedside table. Apparently you have made a bit of an impression on the Prince of Mirkwood."

"How long was I asleep?" asked Elenath as she reached for the parcel that was nestled beneath a lovely spray of roses.

"You are very strong, My Daughter, and stubborn to boot! It was only last night that you took up the Sword Calmakil and sent the entire Council into an uproar."

The younger Elf silently read the note that was attached to the gift and smiled. My eyes shall never forget your beauty, nor my heart your courage. I am ever your servant, Legolas. She knew at once that he had begun his journey back to the wilds of Mirkwood and wished that she could have bid him farewell.

"In the end," continued Llilwen as she turned and regarded her daughter with mild curiosity, "Most vowed their service to you, should you need it. But beware Dimnarion of Mirkwood, for he would not pledge his loyalty and would rather see the Blade in his own hand." She paused, watching a gentle blush rise to her daughter's cheeks as she read the note. "Surely the prince does not court you?"

"No! No, Mother, of course not." A jeweled dagger glinted from the package when she opened it. "Though I surely would not refuse his attentions if he did so."

"Your grandfather is concerned for you. Legolas has been promised to another for many long years now - an arranged marriage is to take place in one year's time."

"I know." Elenath told her mother of the strange encounter that she had with Mirkwood's Royal Son. "Why did Merethiel say nothing to me about this?"

"Because she does not know."

***

Indeed Lady Merethiel did not know of her upcoming wedding. Four times the moon waxed and waned before Elenath finally gathered her courage and approached her grandfather's throne where he sat in deep conversation with his royal advisors. She stood silently with her head bowed until he acknowledged her, his eyes shining with pleasure. "Ah! My lovely granddaughter! To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"

She regarded her grandfather with open fondness. As was the way with Elves, he had hardly aged a day since she was born almost a thousand years before. His long dark hair was plaited in a small braid at each temple; the rest of it hanging loosely down his back. He sat straight and tall, a regal figure even among the proud Elves of Rivendell. "Have you time to walk with me?" she asked, reaching to take his hand.

"Of course!" he said, and immediately adjourned his meeting. "Come, we have things to discuss, do we not, Elenath? You are nearly one thousand years old and still have not cast your eyes favorably upon any possibly mate."

His advisors chuckled at this as they dispersed. The day that Elenath found a mate would be the day that Orcs shed their evil ways.

She blushed and looked at the floor, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her pointed ear. The old Elf had been obsessed with finding a proper mate for her since she celebrated her eight-hundredth year. "I am sorry, Grandfather. I have other matters on my mind. The subject of love has not even occurred to me since I was given the Sword."

"Ah, VanimaOhtaramin My Beautiful Warrior. You work too hard and should turn your energy to matters of the heart. Is there no Elf that has caught your fancy?"

The two of them linked arms and strolled out into the garden. "None that are available to me, but it is not my romantic prospects that I came here to discuss with you."

"None that are available? Perhaps he can be made available. Who is it?"

She was silent.

"Oh, come now, you can tell me."

"Why has Lady Merethiel not been told that she is betrothed to the Prince of Mirkwood?"

"Ah," said Elrond flatly. "The Prince of Mirkwood."

"Yes, the Prince of Mirkwood! He approached me on the eve of the Council thinking, or rather hoping, that I was Merethiel."

"He would not be a good match for you, My Dear."

She stopped walking and turned to face him, her face flushing with indignation. "I did not ask you if he would be a good match for me! I asked why Merethiel has not yet been told!"

"Calm yourself, Elenath. It is to be a surprise for her upon her Eight Hundredth birthday. I think that she will be thrilled!" He cast a gleeful smile at her, which faded quickly. "As for you… think no more on the lad. He is heir to the throne of a distant kingdom, and my heart would break if you left Rivendell."

"Of course, Grandfather. I would never presume to steal my cousin's betrothed, but I think that she should be told at once. The Prince will arrive tomorrow, expecting to embrace his future wife. Besides, what if she is not happy? It will ruin her birthday!"

"What is there to be unhappy about? He is a valiant warrior, a natural leader, and kind and handsome, so I am told by the she-Elves of my Court. I am really rather fond of him. Lady Merethiel will be as well."

"Aule's Anvil! You cannot be sure of that! The hearts of she-Elves are obviously beyond your understanding. Besides, one of these days if you push her too far, that sweet, demure exterior of hers is going to give way and then Rivendell will know the true meaning of fury!"

"Fine, then," he said. "You tell her. I am surprised you have not already done so for you are the most headstrong female I have ever known!"

Elenath laughed. "Mother says that I take after you!"

***