Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

A/N: I just wanted to thank Jacque, Megami, Satianaand pellagolloien for reviewing and your compliments! I only hope I can make the rest of this story as good as the beginning!

Chapter 4

A week had passed since Legolas had agreed to train Ziendriel, but unfortunately he was in no position to do so at the moment. The small matter of business he had told her about had taken more than just "a few days time" and he found himself hoping his new friend would understand his absence.

King Thranduil had sent him and his three trustworthy friends to the very edge of the eastern border of Mirkwood to investigate the rumors of a renegade band of Orcs running amuck. It was a day and a half journey from the heart of the forest stronghold and Legolas was grateful for the companionship. Since his return from his travels some weeks ago, Legolas had found he missed his friends from the Fellowship. Lorith, Jhad and Gragoc, however, nicely filled that void in his heart.

What he sorely wished for at the moment, amid the peaceful and comforting forest that he loved, was Ziendriel's laughter. It would definitely be a change from the loud hacks of coughing Gragoc calls laughter, he thought to himself, smiling at a memory of Ziendriel laughing. In his mind's eye, he could see her sitting on the bench in the garden; a big smile on her face, her lips parted and the twinkling in her eyes as she playfully pushed him away. The journey had been somewhat somber thus far (they were, after all, trying to investigate the matter inconspicuously and gaiety and laughter would not help) and he found it a bit unnerving; the sound of her laughter would be most welcome at this point.

As usual, it was Gragoc who caught Legolas deep in thought. "You have the smile of a fool stretched across your face, Legolas," he told him, coming to sit beside him at their campsite. "Care to share your amusing thoughts with the rest of us?"

Legolas, who was relaxing with his back against a trunk of a tree, averted his eyes. "Not especially, Gragoc," he replied, staring straight ahead. He kept his face expressionless, hoping he would just drop it.

But, it was Jhad who was able to break through to his thoughts. "You're thinking of Ziendriel!" he nearly exclaimed, but caught himself just in time. It would not be good if the rumors of Orcs were true and their position given away thanks to an outburst of conversation.

Legolas looked at him in surprise. How had he known? He settled back against the tree. "Perhaps," he murmured.

"And what thoughts do you hold for the lady?" Lorith asked, a grin forming on his face.

"If truth be told," Legolas replied, a bit annoyed, "I was just thinking of how I prefer the sound of her laughter to the hacks and coughs you three emit to show your amusement!"

Lorith pretended to be offended. "Do you not think my laughter to be melodious as the twinkling stars above?" he asked, batting his eyes dramatically. Gragoc and Jhad laughed, softly.

Legolas chuckled. "I do not pretend to understand how twinkling stars can be melodious," he said, chucking a smooth rock at his friend. "Nor do I think that your laughter brings joy to my ears."

Lorith easily caught the stone in his hand. "Seemly so, my friend," he said. "I am no match for Lady Ziendriel!" He grinned again.

"How goes your quest for a place in her heart?" Gragoc asked, curiously.

Legolas shrugged. "I am no closer to understanding her immunity to me than when I first started," he answered. "She is like a great riddle; the harder you try to solve it, the more questions will present themselves. She is curious."

"But, in the meantime?" Jhad questioned.

Legolas smiled. "She is great company," he answered. "She hides nothing from me and therefore I feel as if I am able to trust her with my own secrets. She uses no guile when we are together and I am able to relax and enjoy myself much in the same way when I am in your company." He paused for a moment and smiled again. "It is her laughter that draws me to her. Have you heard her laugh? It is contagious. With it, she makes my cares fly away; I can forget myself, clear my head and just be Legolas of Mirkwood. I do not think any prince has had that luxury. But I…I have. To have a friend such as Ziendriel Yalith is truly a blessing."

Gragoc's eyebrows rose so sharply, they almost disappeared into his hairline. "'Friend'?" he repeated, disbelievingly. "You describe her as 'friend'?" He looked incredulously at him.

Legolas turned puzzled eyes to him. "Yes," he answered, bewildered. "How would you describe her?"

Before Gragoc could reply, Jhad cut in, "Newfound friendship is always a great gift. Do you not agree, Gragoc?" He looked pointedly at him, who immediately closed his mouth.

Legolas looked at his friends, not understanding their sudden strange behavior. He stood and announced, "I will make one more sweep of the border. I will be back shortly." He threw them one last glance, thoroughly bewildered, then walked off.

"Fool!" Gragoc hissed to Jhad. "It is clear the poor boy is in love!"

"What good would it do when he does not know it himself?" Jhad hissed back. "Did you not see his confusion when you suggested otherwise? He has found a good friend and he is content with that! Let him be!"

"I agree, Gragoc," Lorith cut in. "If our prince is meant to be with this lady, then it will happen with or without our help. Truth be told, I have never seen Legolas this happy or relaxed when talking of a maid. Leave them be."

Gragoc opened his mouth to argue, then shut it after a moment. "Why do you choose to be sensible now?" he grumbled to Lorith. His friend just laughed.