Ok here it is…(drum roll)…the 2nd official chapter!

The Banquet

Arwen could not keep from trembling. The Great Hall intimidated her and she had never sat at the head of the grand table before. She had made it through the day perfectly fine, ceremony and all, but now she was becoming nervous. It was not the exquisite decorations, elaborate food, or even all of the attention she was receiving. Merely the thought of being Lady Arwen of Rivendell (the Lady) made her stomach flutter. The only thing that kept her clam was Aragorn seated on her right.

On Aragorn's right was seated Legolas and on Arwen's left was Lord Falien, head of the council.

Falien had dark brown hair with eyes to match. But his eyes had been hardened from the cruelties of the world. Don't get me wrong, he was a kind elf, but he played strictly by the rules. He especially looked down on elves that "lowered" themselves by falling in love with other beings…specifically humans. He believed that any elf who wished to marry a human should be exiled, including all of their descendants. And though he suspected an attraction between Arwen and Aragorn, he had a soft spot for the princess. Once he had been best friends with Elrond.

Arwen, however, did not reciprocate his feelings. He had always discouraged her father from telling her "fantastical nonsense"- specifically the legend of the Lady of Fire. Falien claimed it encouraged good young elves to mix with mortals. This did not sit well with Arwen since it was her favorite tale.

"Arwen."

Arwen turned in her seat and saw Legolas standing before her.

"I must return to Mirkwood. I wish you well."

Arwen rose and embraced Legolas. "Return shortly. I need you here."

Legolas smiled. "You shall be fine. You have the council to guide you and Aragorn-"

A glaze fell over Arwen's eyes. "The council is heartless. Cold," she said for his ears alone.

"Then I am more convinced than before that you are needed to lead here."

"May your journey be swift," Arwen said as Legolas turned and left. Arwen re-seated herself and noticed Falien's chair was unoccupied. Arwen turned to Aragorn. "Have I missed something?"

"I caught very little of their conversation."

"Whose?"

"A messenger came from his post and reported to Falien. A mortal is getting uncomfortably close to Rivendell."

"What are they going to do with him?"

Aragorn remained silent. When he did not speak, Arwen swiftly rose. Aragorn caught her wrist. "There are many things I do not understand about elves, but this happens to be logical."

"There is no logic in killing the innocent," Arwen replied backing away. Then she turned and hurried from the room.

Legolas was riding calmly through the now growing dark woods when he reigned his horse to a stop and stiffened. He thought he had heard something. Legolas dismounted when he heard feet shuffling over the dry leaves. Silently, Legolas peered through the brush and saw a girl.

Her dirty clothes were all different shades of brown. A tan hood was pulled close around her head, but a few strands of copper hair hung over emerald eyes set in the whitest skin Legolas had ever seen.

"Who's there?" she called her voice betraying her fear.

Legolas stepped forward slowly, trying not to scare her. "Do not be afraid. I won't hurt you."

Despite his reassurance, the girl's eyes grew wide. She backed against a tree. "What do you want? I have no gold."

"I want nothing. Are you lost?"

The girl hesitated. "I am looking for the city of Rivendell. You are an elf, are you not?"

"Legolas of Mirkwood. Mortals are not allowed in elf cities, unless brought by an elf. Why are you traveling there?"

"My business is my own, Legolas of Mirkwood. Let me be on my way."

Legolas could not stop the chuckle that escaped his lips.

"What's so funny?"

"It's impossible for mortals to just stumble across Rivendell. Unless you are an elf or know the way it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, you have gotten impressively close."

"Please."

Legolas stopped smiling and looked into her eyes, startled to find how deep and beautiful they were.

"I am on a quest."

Legolas was in the middle of thinking when three elves galloped up on horses. One was Falien.

Falien looked at the girl in disgust and contempt. "You leave us no choice, mortal. If your kind would stay in your cities we would not have these problems."

The girl was becoming frightened all over again.

Legolas stepped in between the girl and Falien. "She is my guest. You have no business here."

"I am the head of the council, young prince, and-"

"And I am the Lady of Rivendell."

Every head turned to see Arwen sitting regally on a beautiful white horse.

"My lady," Falien began, "it's dangerous to allow mortals go poking around so close to Rivendell."

Arwen looked closely at the girl. She was good. Somehow she just knew it. "She will stay as my guest and I will discuss it no further. Your counsel is not needed on this matter, Lord Falien."

Falien concealed his irritation, bowed his head, and then rode off with the other two elves in tow.

Legolas swung up onto his horse and then held his hand out to the girl.

"Thank you," the girl said humbly to Arwen.

Arwen smiled. "We shall talk later. For now, I will leave you in the care of Legolas. You will stay on, I trust, Legolas?"

Legolas nodded.

The girl shyly took Legolas' hand and swung up on to his horse behind him. Legolas could not help but notice that her skin was the softest he had ever felt.

Not sure what the swelling feeling inside his chest was, Legolas pushed everything aside and followed Arwen back to Rivendell.

The ride was quiet, but not uncomfortable. When the girl first saw Rivendell, she gasped in astonishment, her hand pressed to her chest.

Legolas smiled. Suddenly, it was like he was seeing Rivendell for the first time himself.

Arwen led the way with Legolas and the girl following behind. Arwen brought them to the West Wing, a place filled mostly with guestrooms. "Legolas, will you show her around? I'll inform the people of your arrival."

"Thank you," was all the girl could think to say, eyes wide trying to take everything in.

Arwen smiled and then noticed Legolas. He was staring at the girl in the same wondrous way she was staring at the city. "Legolas," she whispered gently.

Legolas snapped back to attention and smiled sheepishly. "What would you like to see first?"

Arwen, trying not smile, left.

The girl's eyes took in everything. The trees, the balcony, the carvings above the door. Legolas. Realizing she had been asked a question, the girl blushed. "I'm sorry. What was that?"

"What do you want to see first?"

"May I see my room?"

"Of course!" Legolas swiftly opened the door for her.

As soon as she stepped inside, the girl nearly fainted. Never had she seen such an elaborate room. "It's beautiful," she breathed. As she turned to Legolas, a yawn escaped. She clapped her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry!"

Legolas laughed. "No, I'm sorry. I should've known you'd be tired. Perhaps we shall have the tour tomorrow?"

The girl nodded. "I would like that. Thank you, Legolas."

"I shall see you in the morning." Legolas turned to go.

"Elsa."

"What?" Legolas stopped at the door and looked back at the girl.

"My name is Elsa."

Legolas smile. "Sleep well, Elsa."

The girl returned his smile as he disappeared behind the door. She removed her hood and turned slowly in a circle, scrutinizing every detail. Then, she laughed and jumped on to her bed. She nestled under the covers and fell asleep.

Images flashed through her head. The same images that had for years.

A pale woman in white silk with fear in her eyes. A glint of gold. Rough hands reaching down.

Then images she knew. The meadow near where she had grown up. Her parents' faces when they told her…the truth.

Yay! Another chapter completed. Q: would u rather have shorter chapters with more frequent updates or longer chapters with updates like once or twice a week? Please tell me so I know! Thank u 4 your reviews!