I know, I'm constantly changing POVs. Bear with me, it's the way I think.
******
The walk was not long, and even Lashriel found herself gaping at the beauty of Rivendell. Built into the mountainside, it's towers and great stone aqueducts seemed a part of the canyon itself. Below it, a calm river pooled, with a thin archway stretching from one side of the canyon straight to the city - a makeshift bridge.
" We'll cross here." Arweyon said, then a little belatedly," Welcome to Rivendell."
******Legolas POV******
Lord Elrond met us at the door. His face tightened as he saw Lashriel, and I bowed to him to regain his attention.
" Lord Elrond. As the Prince of Mirkwood, I bring you greetings, and a fair companion."
Lord Elrond returned the salutation, but his gaze was still centered on Lashriel. She didn't notice, because her eyes were on me. 'Prince?' I saw her mouth. But, before I could explain, Arweyon ran up to his grandfather, a grin on his face.
" My lord! Wonderful news! My si-"
I quickly reached out and covered his mouth, hissing a warning in his ear. Lord Elrond, seeing my caution, quickly mollified Lashriel's puzzled expression.
" Yes, yes. You were going to tell me of your archery lessons with our young Prince." Turning to Legolas," Has his aim improved since you've returned, Legolas, or will he remain hopelessly lost?"
" I believe his aim has improved a great deal," I said," Not so much that he could outshoot me, but I must congratulate him on his fine practicing."
" I try." Said Arweyon with a frown when he'd been freed.
" But, let us not talk now," A voice in the shadow of a tapestry rang," For I believe our guests are tired from their trip."
" Father!" Arweyon ran towards his father.
" Lashriel, may I present his Highness, King Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and father of young Arweyon."
******
Lashriel saw a regal man, with a thin beard that was kept neatly trimmed. His hair was long, and his face was leather-worn. She smiled, for his name rang clear in her head from the days of her Uncle's story tales.
" My lord, Aragorn. I have heard a great deal of your deeds from my uncle."
She swept a graceful curtsey.
******Legolas's POV******
I watched father and daughter acknowledge each other politely, and I could see how much it pained Aragorn to hide his secret from her. But, it was for the best. She wasn't ready, yet.
" Welcome, Lady Lashriel, to Rivendell. I hope your stay here will be pleasant."
" As do I, my Lord."
She bowed.
" Very well," Lord Elrond managed," Perhaps we should show Lashriel to her room. Arweyon, would you please escort the lady to her quarters?"
" Of course."
Arweyon bowed, then led Lashriel toward a pair of doors, which opened into the hall. Almost as soon as they left, Aragorn sighed and collapsed into a chair. His face was full of pain, as he propped his head in his hands.
" I'm sorry, Strider, if I knew it would pain you so..." I apologized.
" No. No, I needed to see my dear Lashriel again."
" She has her mother's spirit."
Both Lord Elrond and Aragorn fell silent at the mention of their dear Arwen. The situation was still somewhat of a mystery to me, but from what I knew, after the birth of Lashriel, Arwen had disappeared, and a strange human woman stepped forward claiming that Aragorn was the father of her children. Aragorn, caught between grief for his wife and the demands of the woman's family, had been tricked into marrying her. But, I was still in the dark as to the particulars of the woman's proof. All I knew, was that she held a leash around Aragorn's neck, one that he wouldn't be freeing himself of anytime soon.
Suddenly, the lady herself entered from the side door in an excess of fanfare. I grimaced - she had an extreme love of finery that contrasted Aragorn's simple nature. Her face was old, but wih a conniving air of one who always gets her way.
" My Lord! I'm to understand that my son has returned."
I silently cursed this woman. Arweyon was no more her child than Lashriel was, as he was the eldest of the product of Arwen and Aragorn's marriage. Aragorn had tried to find his eldest son a place of safety also, but decided he would not burden his acquaintances with both children. This new woman was convinced to care for the child - but she would forever claim that it came from her bosom. She knew nothing of Arwen...at least that's what Aragorn supposed - I wasn't so sure.
" He has. He is-" Aragorn thought for a moment," Readying the rooms for my guest."
She frowned.
" My son is a prince. He should not be subjected to such menial labors."
I decided at that point, that now was a good time to excuse myself.
*******
Lashriel looked at the relative comfort of the Rivendell suites. Her beautiful almond shaped eyes grew wide as she looked around. Arweyon had a proud grin on her face.
" All this belongs to your grandfather?" She murmured.
" Yes." He smiled.
Lashriel looked around, until she came to a mirror. Her face flushed in shame, and she turned away.
" Is something wrong?"
" No-..." She turned back to the mirror," Is it possible to have that moved elsewhere?"
" Yes, of course. Does it bother you?" Arweyon frowned.
" Yes." She said, then searched for a valid excuse," The glare from the window."
" Ah." He smiled sympathetically, half-convinced," Of course."
As he took the great looking-glass down from it's hook, it left a very uncomfortable blank spot on the wall, but Lashriel smiled.
" Much better."
Suddenly, a knock at the door startled them. Legolas opened the door cautiously, looking in at them.
" Am I interrupting anything?" His face seemed anxious.
" Not at all," Arweyon reassured," I was just helping the lady redecorate."
Legolas looked over towards the mirror, and nodded.
" Of course. I just wondered if the Lady would wish to take a walk in the gardens."
Lashriel seemed about ready to accept, but Arweyon grinned.
" Yes. For so beautiful an elf must not keep to her room."
Lashriel frowned.
" No. I'm tired from the trip. I think a short rest will do me some good."
******
" Arweyon, you must really gain some tact."
" Gain tact? What for?"
Legolas sighed. He loved the boy like a brother, but sometimes he just didn't seem to understand his sister at all. Possibly because he'd been around the new woman's eldest daughter far too much.
" Arweyon, perhaps it would be best if you did not make anymore compliments to Lashriel."
" Hmm. All right. If you really think it right." Suddenly he grinned," There's Eliza!"
Eliza was a short, rather stout girl, with a very agreeable temperament. The second of two daughters belonging to the fiend woman, Eliza was nothing like her mother, always cheerful, and always ready to lend a hand.
" Arweyon!" Eliza ran to her half-brother, and being only seven years old, babbled excitedly. " Father says you've brought a secret friend home!"
Suddenly, she saw Legolas, and ran up to hug him around the waist.
" Mister Legolas!"
Legolas sighed in mock exasperation," You and our new friend will get along just fine, I see. Am I really that old?"
Eliza laughed and smiled a tiny round dimple.
" Mister Legolas, father said I'm not 'apposed to talk about my new friend or she'll go away."
" Yes, Eliza, she's very shy. You must also never tell her how pretty she is."
" Why?"
Legolas thought for a moment, then leaned down and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes went very wide, as she looked at Legolas who nodded half-seriously. Her mouth a tiny 'o' of awe, she ran off, looking for her new friend. Legolas stood up with a grin.
" What?" Arweyon prompted.
" I told her if she said Lashriel was pretty, Lashriel would turn into an acorn, and explode."
Arweyon groaned.
" Legolas...you're so evil sometimes. Must you fill her head with such nonsense?"
" What?" He mumbled beneath a grin," It's no more insane than your sister's reason."
******
Unfortunately from where the mirror now stood, Lashriel could see herself perfectly reflected in the mirror as she lay on the bed. She stared at the sullen pale face in the mirror, with long blond hair. Thin pale face, straight blond hair...and slim pointed ears...horrible ears...Suddenly, with a fury even she was surprised by, she grabbed her pillow and threw it at the mirror. It hit it with a flump.
" Perhaps we should work on that temper of yours first."
Lashriel spun around to see Legolas standing at the doorframe smiling.
" You should knock."
Legolas shrugged apologetically. Reverting back to her formal tone, she stood up.
" Yes, Master Elf?"
" Lord Elrond has invited you to a ball," Seeing her about to protest," It is the express wishes of Lord Elrond. Oh, and here."
He laid a package on the bed for her.
" Consider it a gift."
"Oh, but I..."
" Eliza was most vehement about it. You can not deny a child's wish."
Lashriel shook her head to argue again, as sweet as Eliza had been to her. She could not accept anything. Her gaze fell on the mirror.
" If you will not accept it from her, then consider it a gift from me. Perhaps its value will fall to a point worthy of your acceptance..."
" Oh, but I never meant to say it was unacceptable, it's just I have no money, or anything to exchange..."
" You can pay me back later."
" I can't accept this," she said stubbornly.
" I'll collect my wages later, if it will please you." He said softly, closing the door behind him.
She looked at the package.
****** Legolas POV******
Arweyon was shuffling about like a nervous pigeon at the dinner, and it wasn't because his clothes discomforted him. Finally I laid a restraining hand on his shoulder.
" She'll be here."
" How can you be so sure?"
" She could never resist..." I murmured.
" Resist? Resist what? What are you talking about, Legolas?"
Suddenly, the Second Wife made her appearance. She wore the most finery out of everyone in the room, and from the haughty expression on her face, I figured she wasn't too happy to be here. Behind her, were her two daughters. Gerala had the same nose-high expression, but little Eliza looked absolutely ecstatic. As soon as she was free, she ran to Arweyon to show off her little dress.
" Isn't it pretty," She squealed, her face a natural rosy red.
" Yes," Arweyon grinned.
She turned around, as everyone gasped, and started to babble happily," She's wearing it! She's wearing it!"
******
Lashriel never felt so humiliated in her life. The dress was thin, made of a material that sparkled like blue water, and clung to her like wet paper to wood. She felt like a light blue tree with lights strung up and down her. As she walked, she could hear the entire room echo with the click of her shoes. All eyes turned to her, and her normally pale cheeks were bright. Suddenly, a hand extended towards her.
" May I?"
She turned to see a pair of blue eyes smiling at her. Legolas bowed.
" I don't need to be here." She said in a last attempt at escaping.
" Of course you do," Lashriel despised how his tone seemed to calm her down. She didn't want to be here...did she?
He escorted her to the middle of the dance floor, but feeling her body suddenly stiffen, he didn't slow down, leading her to a corner on the outskirts.
" I see you decided to take my advice." He said after a moment.
" Remind me not to listen to your advice anymore."
Legolas smirked, but it fell short as he saw Gerala sauntering towards him.
******
Lashriel felt herself flush in embarassment. Such perfect, unpointed ears, naturally rosy skin...this girl was the epitome of Lashriel's dreams of perfection. The girl smiled winningly at Legolas.
" Well, your highness, we meet again."
" Yes," Legolas said rather pointedly.
******
Aragorn watched his daughter in amusement. Her ears seemed to wilt in annoyance, and her face had gone pink with envy. He heard an amused chuckle from behind him.
" I remember my daughter looked that same way when she saw you dance with the other women invited to the dinners."
" Yes."
" IT would seem the saying is true. Like father, like daughter. Should I be counting on a strenghthening alliance of the Kingdoms of Gondor and the Elves?"
" Hmm, doubtful, after all, Lashriel denies her Elven..." Aragorn suddenly frowned," Lord Elrond, you aren't suggesting my son and my daughter..."
" What?" Lord Elrond raised a brow, then laughed," No! Whatever gave you such an absurd idea? No...I was thinking of a different Prince..."
******
Aragorn wasn't the only one to notice Lashriel's reaction. But, Legolas saw the true reason behind it. He grinned as he watched Lashriel's face droop at Gerala's 'perfect' features. Perfect for a human. But, beneath that heavenly visage, was a heart of pure lead. And Lashriel felt it soon enough.
" Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Gerala glared down her nose," Too short for an elf, too skinny for a human, too tall for a hobbit, too lanky for an ogre...a troll perhaps?"
" I've not had your luck, lady," Lashriel retorted coldly," My name is Lashriel Baggins."
Gerala blinked in mock startlement, then crowed with laughter," Ah! So it speaks! Well, louder child. What are you? Certainly no relation of mine...or the good Prince..."
Legolas's had stepped to one side. He wasn't worried. From his experience, he knew Lashriel's tongue was sharper than any humans. A deep sense of conceited pride filled him for a moment. It was a talent of the Elvenfolk. But, to his surprise, Lashriel kept silence. Well, this girl was full of surprises.
" Lord Elrond is holding a hunt party tomorrow. Am I to expect to see you there, lady?" Gerala said softly, her eyes glittering in challenge.
" Of course."
" Good. I'd hate for the men to have lost some rather excellent quarry..." Gerala laughed again, before walking off.
Lashriel stood there for a moment, red in the face with annoyance. Yes, annoyance. She wasn't going to waste good anger on such a high-nosed wench.
" Lose a good battle?" Legolas inquired politely as he rejoined her.
" You surely must be blind."
" Oh?"
" If that was a battle, then I command all Middle Earth to take up their swords to try their turn at defeating me, for lack of a better challenge." Lashriel said, pursing her lips.
" If you insist. But, my blade will not be of iron."
Legolas grinned as he took up Lashriel's hand. Her heart stopped as she realized where they were heading.
" No." She swallowed then hissed nervously," This is not the challenge I meant."
" I am a Prince." He grinned impishly," One dance. I command it."
******
The walk was not long, and even Lashriel found herself gaping at the beauty of Rivendell. Built into the mountainside, it's towers and great stone aqueducts seemed a part of the canyon itself. Below it, a calm river pooled, with a thin archway stretching from one side of the canyon straight to the city - a makeshift bridge.
" We'll cross here." Arweyon said, then a little belatedly," Welcome to Rivendell."
******Legolas POV******
Lord Elrond met us at the door. His face tightened as he saw Lashriel, and I bowed to him to regain his attention.
" Lord Elrond. As the Prince of Mirkwood, I bring you greetings, and a fair companion."
Lord Elrond returned the salutation, but his gaze was still centered on Lashriel. She didn't notice, because her eyes were on me. 'Prince?' I saw her mouth. But, before I could explain, Arweyon ran up to his grandfather, a grin on his face.
" My lord! Wonderful news! My si-"
I quickly reached out and covered his mouth, hissing a warning in his ear. Lord Elrond, seeing my caution, quickly mollified Lashriel's puzzled expression.
" Yes, yes. You were going to tell me of your archery lessons with our young Prince." Turning to Legolas," Has his aim improved since you've returned, Legolas, or will he remain hopelessly lost?"
" I believe his aim has improved a great deal," I said," Not so much that he could outshoot me, but I must congratulate him on his fine practicing."
" I try." Said Arweyon with a frown when he'd been freed.
" But, let us not talk now," A voice in the shadow of a tapestry rang," For I believe our guests are tired from their trip."
" Father!" Arweyon ran towards his father.
" Lashriel, may I present his Highness, King Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and father of young Arweyon."
******
Lashriel saw a regal man, with a thin beard that was kept neatly trimmed. His hair was long, and his face was leather-worn. She smiled, for his name rang clear in her head from the days of her Uncle's story tales.
" My lord, Aragorn. I have heard a great deal of your deeds from my uncle."
She swept a graceful curtsey.
******Legolas's POV******
I watched father and daughter acknowledge each other politely, and I could see how much it pained Aragorn to hide his secret from her. But, it was for the best. She wasn't ready, yet.
" Welcome, Lady Lashriel, to Rivendell. I hope your stay here will be pleasant."
" As do I, my Lord."
She bowed.
" Very well," Lord Elrond managed," Perhaps we should show Lashriel to her room. Arweyon, would you please escort the lady to her quarters?"
" Of course."
Arweyon bowed, then led Lashriel toward a pair of doors, which opened into the hall. Almost as soon as they left, Aragorn sighed and collapsed into a chair. His face was full of pain, as he propped his head in his hands.
" I'm sorry, Strider, if I knew it would pain you so..." I apologized.
" No. No, I needed to see my dear Lashriel again."
" She has her mother's spirit."
Both Lord Elrond and Aragorn fell silent at the mention of their dear Arwen. The situation was still somewhat of a mystery to me, but from what I knew, after the birth of Lashriel, Arwen had disappeared, and a strange human woman stepped forward claiming that Aragorn was the father of her children. Aragorn, caught between grief for his wife and the demands of the woman's family, had been tricked into marrying her. But, I was still in the dark as to the particulars of the woman's proof. All I knew, was that she held a leash around Aragorn's neck, one that he wouldn't be freeing himself of anytime soon.
Suddenly, the lady herself entered from the side door in an excess of fanfare. I grimaced - she had an extreme love of finery that contrasted Aragorn's simple nature. Her face was old, but wih a conniving air of one who always gets her way.
" My Lord! I'm to understand that my son has returned."
I silently cursed this woman. Arweyon was no more her child than Lashriel was, as he was the eldest of the product of Arwen and Aragorn's marriage. Aragorn had tried to find his eldest son a place of safety also, but decided he would not burden his acquaintances with both children. This new woman was convinced to care for the child - but she would forever claim that it came from her bosom. She knew nothing of Arwen...at least that's what Aragorn supposed - I wasn't so sure.
" He has. He is-" Aragorn thought for a moment," Readying the rooms for my guest."
She frowned.
" My son is a prince. He should not be subjected to such menial labors."
I decided at that point, that now was a good time to excuse myself.
*******
Lashriel looked at the relative comfort of the Rivendell suites. Her beautiful almond shaped eyes grew wide as she looked around. Arweyon had a proud grin on her face.
" All this belongs to your grandfather?" She murmured.
" Yes." He smiled.
Lashriel looked around, until she came to a mirror. Her face flushed in shame, and she turned away.
" Is something wrong?"
" No-..." She turned back to the mirror," Is it possible to have that moved elsewhere?"
" Yes, of course. Does it bother you?" Arweyon frowned.
" Yes." She said, then searched for a valid excuse," The glare from the window."
" Ah." He smiled sympathetically, half-convinced," Of course."
As he took the great looking-glass down from it's hook, it left a very uncomfortable blank spot on the wall, but Lashriel smiled.
" Much better."
Suddenly, a knock at the door startled them. Legolas opened the door cautiously, looking in at them.
" Am I interrupting anything?" His face seemed anxious.
" Not at all," Arweyon reassured," I was just helping the lady redecorate."
Legolas looked over towards the mirror, and nodded.
" Of course. I just wondered if the Lady would wish to take a walk in the gardens."
Lashriel seemed about ready to accept, but Arweyon grinned.
" Yes. For so beautiful an elf must not keep to her room."
Lashriel frowned.
" No. I'm tired from the trip. I think a short rest will do me some good."
******
" Arweyon, you must really gain some tact."
" Gain tact? What for?"
Legolas sighed. He loved the boy like a brother, but sometimes he just didn't seem to understand his sister at all. Possibly because he'd been around the new woman's eldest daughter far too much.
" Arweyon, perhaps it would be best if you did not make anymore compliments to Lashriel."
" Hmm. All right. If you really think it right." Suddenly he grinned," There's Eliza!"
Eliza was a short, rather stout girl, with a very agreeable temperament. The second of two daughters belonging to the fiend woman, Eliza was nothing like her mother, always cheerful, and always ready to lend a hand.
" Arweyon!" Eliza ran to her half-brother, and being only seven years old, babbled excitedly. " Father says you've brought a secret friend home!"
Suddenly, she saw Legolas, and ran up to hug him around the waist.
" Mister Legolas!"
Legolas sighed in mock exasperation," You and our new friend will get along just fine, I see. Am I really that old?"
Eliza laughed and smiled a tiny round dimple.
" Mister Legolas, father said I'm not 'apposed to talk about my new friend or she'll go away."
" Yes, Eliza, she's very shy. You must also never tell her how pretty she is."
" Why?"
Legolas thought for a moment, then leaned down and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes went very wide, as she looked at Legolas who nodded half-seriously. Her mouth a tiny 'o' of awe, she ran off, looking for her new friend. Legolas stood up with a grin.
" What?" Arweyon prompted.
" I told her if she said Lashriel was pretty, Lashriel would turn into an acorn, and explode."
Arweyon groaned.
" Legolas...you're so evil sometimes. Must you fill her head with such nonsense?"
" What?" He mumbled beneath a grin," It's no more insane than your sister's reason."
******
Unfortunately from where the mirror now stood, Lashriel could see herself perfectly reflected in the mirror as she lay on the bed. She stared at the sullen pale face in the mirror, with long blond hair. Thin pale face, straight blond hair...and slim pointed ears...horrible ears...Suddenly, with a fury even she was surprised by, she grabbed her pillow and threw it at the mirror. It hit it with a flump.
" Perhaps we should work on that temper of yours first."
Lashriel spun around to see Legolas standing at the doorframe smiling.
" You should knock."
Legolas shrugged apologetically. Reverting back to her formal tone, she stood up.
" Yes, Master Elf?"
" Lord Elrond has invited you to a ball," Seeing her about to protest," It is the express wishes of Lord Elrond. Oh, and here."
He laid a package on the bed for her.
" Consider it a gift."
"Oh, but I..."
" Eliza was most vehement about it. You can not deny a child's wish."
Lashriel shook her head to argue again, as sweet as Eliza had been to her. She could not accept anything. Her gaze fell on the mirror.
" If you will not accept it from her, then consider it a gift from me. Perhaps its value will fall to a point worthy of your acceptance..."
" Oh, but I never meant to say it was unacceptable, it's just I have no money, or anything to exchange..."
" You can pay me back later."
" I can't accept this," she said stubbornly.
" I'll collect my wages later, if it will please you." He said softly, closing the door behind him.
She looked at the package.
****** Legolas POV******
Arweyon was shuffling about like a nervous pigeon at the dinner, and it wasn't because his clothes discomforted him. Finally I laid a restraining hand on his shoulder.
" She'll be here."
" How can you be so sure?"
" She could never resist..." I murmured.
" Resist? Resist what? What are you talking about, Legolas?"
Suddenly, the Second Wife made her appearance. She wore the most finery out of everyone in the room, and from the haughty expression on her face, I figured she wasn't too happy to be here. Behind her, were her two daughters. Gerala had the same nose-high expression, but little Eliza looked absolutely ecstatic. As soon as she was free, she ran to Arweyon to show off her little dress.
" Isn't it pretty," She squealed, her face a natural rosy red.
" Yes," Arweyon grinned.
She turned around, as everyone gasped, and started to babble happily," She's wearing it! She's wearing it!"
******
Lashriel never felt so humiliated in her life. The dress was thin, made of a material that sparkled like blue water, and clung to her like wet paper to wood. She felt like a light blue tree with lights strung up and down her. As she walked, she could hear the entire room echo with the click of her shoes. All eyes turned to her, and her normally pale cheeks were bright. Suddenly, a hand extended towards her.
" May I?"
She turned to see a pair of blue eyes smiling at her. Legolas bowed.
" I don't need to be here." She said in a last attempt at escaping.
" Of course you do," Lashriel despised how his tone seemed to calm her down. She didn't want to be here...did she?
He escorted her to the middle of the dance floor, but feeling her body suddenly stiffen, he didn't slow down, leading her to a corner on the outskirts.
" I see you decided to take my advice." He said after a moment.
" Remind me not to listen to your advice anymore."
Legolas smirked, but it fell short as he saw Gerala sauntering towards him.
******
Lashriel felt herself flush in embarassment. Such perfect, unpointed ears, naturally rosy skin...this girl was the epitome of Lashriel's dreams of perfection. The girl smiled winningly at Legolas.
" Well, your highness, we meet again."
" Yes," Legolas said rather pointedly.
******
Aragorn watched his daughter in amusement. Her ears seemed to wilt in annoyance, and her face had gone pink with envy. He heard an amused chuckle from behind him.
" I remember my daughter looked that same way when she saw you dance with the other women invited to the dinners."
" Yes."
" IT would seem the saying is true. Like father, like daughter. Should I be counting on a strenghthening alliance of the Kingdoms of Gondor and the Elves?"
" Hmm, doubtful, after all, Lashriel denies her Elven..." Aragorn suddenly frowned," Lord Elrond, you aren't suggesting my son and my daughter..."
" What?" Lord Elrond raised a brow, then laughed," No! Whatever gave you such an absurd idea? No...I was thinking of a different Prince..."
******
Aragorn wasn't the only one to notice Lashriel's reaction. But, Legolas saw the true reason behind it. He grinned as he watched Lashriel's face droop at Gerala's 'perfect' features. Perfect for a human. But, beneath that heavenly visage, was a heart of pure lead. And Lashriel felt it soon enough.
" Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Gerala glared down her nose," Too short for an elf, too skinny for a human, too tall for a hobbit, too lanky for an ogre...a troll perhaps?"
" I've not had your luck, lady," Lashriel retorted coldly," My name is Lashriel Baggins."
Gerala blinked in mock startlement, then crowed with laughter," Ah! So it speaks! Well, louder child. What are you? Certainly no relation of mine...or the good Prince..."
Legolas's had stepped to one side. He wasn't worried. From his experience, he knew Lashriel's tongue was sharper than any humans. A deep sense of conceited pride filled him for a moment. It was a talent of the Elvenfolk. But, to his surprise, Lashriel kept silence. Well, this girl was full of surprises.
" Lord Elrond is holding a hunt party tomorrow. Am I to expect to see you there, lady?" Gerala said softly, her eyes glittering in challenge.
" Of course."
" Good. I'd hate for the men to have lost some rather excellent quarry..." Gerala laughed again, before walking off.
Lashriel stood there for a moment, red in the face with annoyance. Yes, annoyance. She wasn't going to waste good anger on such a high-nosed wench.
" Lose a good battle?" Legolas inquired politely as he rejoined her.
" You surely must be blind."
" Oh?"
" If that was a battle, then I command all Middle Earth to take up their swords to try their turn at defeating me, for lack of a better challenge." Lashriel said, pursing her lips.
" If you insist. But, my blade will not be of iron."
Legolas grinned as he took up Lashriel's hand. Her heart stopped as she realized where they were heading.
" No." She swallowed then hissed nervously," This is not the challenge I meant."
" I am a Prince." He grinned impishly," One dance. I command it."