I almost didn't update this weekend…this chapter took a long time for me to think up, hope u like it

*What is it, father?* Tathren asked quietly. She had just been strongly reprimanded for her cold behavior towards her betrothed. The Lord of Mirkwood had been in mid-sentence when his head watchman had burst in, delivering a message from Rivendell.

The Lord of Mirkwood had promptly forgotten his daughter for the information of his son.

Lord Thranduil's eyes quickly swept over the words. Then, in disbelief, he read it a second time. He crushed the letter in his fist and looked up glaring.

Tathren grew more concerned. *Is it news of Legolas?*

*News indeed!* Thranduil growled. *Rivendell shall pay dearly for this insolence!*

Tathren's brow knit together in confusion. She wished to read the letter, but did not want to anger her father further. When he had turned, the princess left the great room. Her light blond hair flowed behind her as she hurried to find her mother. Lady Meren was the only one who had a calming effect on her husband.

*Tathren!*

Tathren froze at hearing the familiar voice call her name. She smiled as she turned. *Sadron!* She happily ran to the young elf's waiting arms.

Sadron was a handsome elf with brown hair and brown eyes. Though his broad shoulders (unusual for an elf) suggested his behavior to be cumbersome, he was just as agile and light-footed as the rest of his people. Sadron held his precious princess close to himself. *Were you in trouble with your father?*

*Yes, but not because of you. Thankfully, he is still unaware about us. And now he has some other matter to distract his attention away from me.*

Sadron could not stop his charming smile. *And what is that?*

*I don't know,* Tathren said thoughtfully. *But it has something to do with my brother. He's probably decided to become a Ranger and wander the world with Aragorn. Father was none too happy about whatever the news was.*

*And what exactly were you in trouble for?*

*He wants me to be nicer to Bauglir is all.*

Sadron looked doubtfully at Tathren, knowing her all too well.

*What?* she asked defensively.

*Are you being honest?*

Tathren gave Sadron a good shove away from her, only partly playing. *How could you think I would not be?* she demanded over Sadron's chuckle.

*I wish to know if you are truly OK. Your father's rage is enough to make blooming flowers wither.*

*Only flowers that are shallowly rooted,* she replied coolly.

Sadron's good-natured smile disappeared. *You seem testy. Is it because of Legolas?*

Tathren let out a small sigh. *Perhaps. I miss him so dearly and he has not yet written back to me. And now something has happened to him,, but I don't know what.*

*You may be able to get a bit of information out of your mother,* Sadron suggested.

Tathren's eyes brightened at the suggestion. She gave Sadron a quick peck on the cheek. *What a brilliant idea! I'll do it! I will see you later?*

*Of course.*

Tathren beamed and then turned away. She walked as fast as was lady-like to her mother's chambers.

Lady Meren was arranging a new vase of wildflowers when her headstrong daughter entered. *I'm sure your father had good reason for not telling you,* the Queen said without looking up.

Tathren appeared cowed, though the comment had not meant to be a reprimand. *Mother, you are so wise and always seem to know what's on my mind-*

*Like Sadron.*

Tathren paused and blinked before continuing. *But you do not even know what this matter concerns. Have you been to see father yet?*

*No.*

*Mother, Legolas is my brother! I have a strong right to know if something's happened to him!*

The beautiful queen, glowing with gentility, finally looked up at the princess. *When it is time, it shall be revealed to you. Until then, try to keep your mind of it and then it will not plague you so.*

Tathren's shoulders slumped in defeat. *It's not fair,* she said quietly. *Just because he wishes he had a second son instead of a girl…*

Lady Meren's heart went out to her daughter and she did not wait to go to her and take her hands. * 'Tis true that he was so pleased with Legolas that he wished for a second son. But the day you were born he vowed that he would never fight in another battle again so that you would never grow up fatherless.*

The story touched Tathren's heart and a tear trickled down her porcelain face. *Really?*

Lady Meren squeezed Tathren's hands. *Really.*

*I'm just so fearful for Legolas. I've a horrible feeling that something evil has overtaken him.*

~*~*~*~

*I believe Elsa is the Child of Fire.*

Legolas looked quizzically at Aragorn. *Who?*

Aragorn sighed. *The Lady of Fire was a wise mortal who married an elf king. The had a child with…red hair.*

*You cannot base your entire conclusion on the color of her hair!*

*I know, I know. I've already spoken with Arwen, but she insists it was only a fairy tale. But I have an unsettled felling and everything about her- her characteristics, her appearance, her past- suggest that she may be one of the most powerful elves ever to walk this land. And if she is, then we are all in very real danger…*