(I hate author's notes but I need to apologize. I know that 5 chapters is a very pathetic story, and I'm glad that most of my readers enjoy The Mediator, I will be continuing it, but having my own love life (the nonexistent one) not going anywhere isn't offering much inspiration. I'm attempting to write some Harry Potter fan fiction and I will continue with this story. Thank you to all that reviewed)

"Do you enjoy catching me off-guard?" I asked.

"Hm." he replied, "Yes. I believe I do." He said, seriously.

"Oh do you." I said, amused.

"Yes. Now. I can tell that by your playfulness you have had a tête-à-tête post-breaking fast. And also that you are burdened by something."

"How did you-?" I wanted to know.

"I know you very well. Yet I do not believe your burden must be shared. For I have my own burden." Legolas stated simply.

"Should your burdens be shared?" I inquired.

"Some, yes. others, maybe not." He paused. "My father is coming to Lorien soon. A matter of days actually. And there are some things I need to seek his advice on."

~TOO SOON TO END~

No, no, no! It was too perfect and blissful too end. Too young. King Thranduil would surely know of my father at first meeting and horror washed over all my thoughts. I would be rejected over something I had no choice over. Life was unfair.

"Do not worry, love. He will fall under your spell as I have. And he will give me permission." Legolas said, after noticing my panic.

"Permission for what?" I asked, curiously.

"For your hand in marriage." He whispered into my ear. My hand! I looked up to his eyes, they were certain. And set on having me. 'How quickly that would change' I thought, remembering how my purebred façade would be seen through in days.

"And if your father does not approve of me?" I said, with a lump in my throat. Half elves did not become royalty. It had never been like that and most likely never would.

"Then I renounce my duties. And live with you anyway." He stated.

"You cannot do that! I will not let you." I said stubbornly.

"I will not have to. My father will love you. Now, I am off to see Gimli. Shall I report anywhere else, my sweet charger?"

"No you shant, responsibility. You may go as you wish. But report to the main complex for meeting, punctually, at midday."

"As you wish, milady." He replied, leaving the loft. "So your answer is yes?" he shouted up, once on the forest floor.

"A definite yes." I yelled down, and he smiled. A definite yes while it lasted.

~MIDDAY~

Midday meeting came sooner than expected. I had lost my time in thoughts of the perfect bliss, and how I was cursed to never achieve it. But midday meeting was midday meeting, and an officer of foreign affairs could not avoid it. It was a joke if you asked me. A socializing party that was mandatory on all parts. A ridiculous excuse for courting to begin, and in some cases, to end. But it was, also, a great way to break news and/or start off the working week. But midday meeting always seemed bland to me. My friends and I always spiced it up with silly childish games, or immature remarks. But whenever I was angry with one of them (or all of them) it never seemed as interesting. But as I entered the complex, I couldn't help but smile, this was the day I would face the thousand-question circus. Or was it? Usually, a ring inspired the controversy. But I didn't have a ring. I only had a wedding promise. So maybe, breaking the news would be held 'til the king arrived, but then the engagement would be broken, so no one would know of my deceit. Such a dismal future faced me. A dismal unchangeable future faced me. As I took my seat at the head of the complex, on top of the altar next to Galadriel, I noticed Legolas a few rows facing the altar. He looked jaded almost, with a goofy grin on his face. I hoped I didn't look as sappy.

"Today's meeting will be short, for the remaining fellowship is staying but to the end of this week, and then they are to return home. Visitors note, you must see your mediators for itinerary and mediators note you must have an itinerary available. King Thranduil will be visiting Lorien in 2 days, and we are all to be prepared for the coming of the king of Mirkwood." Celeborn stopped and looked at Legolas, who gave a weak smile back, "Enjoy the afternoon meal." He ended with, and chatter started immediately.

Aragorn approached me after the speech, before I had a chance to reach Legolas.

"Unevenstar," he said, bowing, "My itinerary would be greatly appreciated."

I remember gasping, not because of his request, but because only one other person ever called me Unevenstar...

Alexandria.