A/N: Sorry this chapter is short. I thought the content did not need anything else, but if you disagree, then just let me know!

Satiana: I cannot believe your friend tackled Orli! That is too funny! She didn't get arrested or anything, did she?

Orion: I'm glad I could make this interesting for you. I agree that most of the stories I've read either have a lack of chemistry between Legolas and the lady or too much. Glad I could strike a sort of balance.

Baby JJ: *blushes* Thanks for the compliment!

Nessie: There were actually girls screaming for Legolas while I was watching the movie; it was crazy! For those of you who still haven't seen Two Towers yet, what's the matter with you? Just joking! Go and see it!

Chapter 18

            To say that the days that followed their confrontation were pure misery for Legolas was a complete understatement. Anyone who knew of the situation between the prince and Lady Ziendriel could clearly see the sadness that filled his eyes or the way his sagging shoulders affected his composure as he walked the halls. He had grown quiet, even more so than his friends were accustomed to, as if always deep in thought. A frown had found its way onto his handsome face and had sealed itself to his lips, becoming a prominent feature. It was a complete change from the smiling, joy-filled prince enjoying himself and his ladylove at his father's ball so many nights ago…

            What was more astounding was the affect that the situation now had on Legolas' archery. The first time it had manifested itself, everyone had been shocked and speechless. The four friends had organized an impromptu hunting party, hoping to get their minds off Ziendriel. They had bee two hours into the hunt when a suitable target had presented itself. Spotting the prey first, Legolas had drawn his bow and swiftly released his arrow.

            It struck a tree a few feet away from its target.

            Lorith, Jhad and Gragoc had stared at the arrow in disbelief, allowing the animal to get away. Never had they seen the prince miss his target. He was easily the best archery all Elves had ever known and to see such a thing was a misfortune. Legolas had just sighed and repacked his bow. His head had bowed so deeply that it almost touched his chin to his chest. He headed back home.

            That had been the worst sign of his troubles, which had immediately alarmed Thranduil once he had been told. He was now aware of the truth of the situation, and although understanding the part his son had played in it, Thranduil had felt himself disappointed. Legolas and Ziendriel belonged together, that much he knew. His guard had told him of the kiss the young lovers had shared and that had warmed his heart, for he knew it had meant his son's happiness. Unfortunately, as he had learned, the bliss was short lived. For the dear girl had somehow discovered the details of the wager Legolas' friends had unwittingly involved his son in. And that had been most unfortunate.

            After a very long, very winded conversation with the king, the prince seemed to have pulled himself back together after the disaster of the hunting trip. He had doubled his efforts in concentration by practicing for most of the day, running through the forest and swiftly releasing his arrows. His efforts were well rewarded when upon returning from another hunt, he procured three different types of prey to his father, all bearing a single death shot by an arrow from his quiver.

            But, when he was not under the watchful eye of his father or friends, the servants often found him sitting in the gardens, staring off into space. He was always found upon the bench that many knew he and Lady Ziendriel had spent talking for time on end. When they saw him there, the servants allowed him his privacy and left him alone.

            Ziendriel was not faring much better.

            The facts of the wager had leaked out to every open ear, causing her to become much more of an object to stare at than before. The looks and the whisperings were now accompanied by looks of pity, which did not suit her at all! When she saw yet another look of pity, all she wanted to do was scream and throw something, which was becoming more of a constant feeling than she cared to admit.

            Ariel was not helping either. After the truth of the situation had reached her ears, her younger sister had stormed into her room with the intent of telling her, "I told you so." By then, Ziendriel's nerves had been far too frayed and undone to allow such an attack.

            "I do not care to hear the petty rants of a spoilt child here in my room," Ziendriel had told her, her voice quiet and deadly. It had immediately wiped away the smug smile on the younger lady's face. "You may be my sister, but it will not prevent me from saying that your jealousies have marred your beauty in ways you cannot comprehend. You think of no one but yourself and give no thought to the needs and feelings to those around you. You may think that your beauty dictates it, but I will tell you that you are sadly mistaken."

            Ariel had watched her sister as she spoke these words, the fear flickering in her blur eyes. Never had her sister spoken to her with such conviction and certainty. "Ziendriel-" she began, but stopped at the warning in her sister's eyes. Ariel had involuntarily stepped back.

            "Do not speak to me!" Ziendriel had cried, her face full of anger, "You have nothing I wish to hear! Have you no shame or has your jealousy turned you so far against me that you cannot see that I am suffering from a broken heart?" She had stared at her, her eyes blazing. "You have asked me once why the prince chose to spend time with me instead of you," she continued, "I will tell you it is because of compassion, something that I try to show through the actions of my very life. I know of it and hold it dear for I have been both recipient and giver. You have never known the pleasure for your beauty holds you high above it. And that, to me, is a very sad thing."

            Ariel had stood there, shocked beyond words. The change in Ziendriel was astounding and most certainly unnerving. Never had she seen her sister display such an array of emotions!

            Ziendriel had ordered her out of the room shortly after that and Ariel had obliged. It was obvious that her sister had much to do concerning her heart and Ariel did not know how to help her; it was something Ziendriel had to do on her own.