a/n: Heavens~! I simply must say thank you to all of my readers~ esp. Mija. Thank you so much for putting up with me and my sluggish posting~ I promise it is going to pick up now that I have settled properly into my college schedule~ Thank you again and I hope you enjoy~!

Rasat

            "My Lord," Carandoliel greeted him as he was winding his way through the armory of the palace. Ever since his early training years at the hand of a sword, when the prince could not be found anywhere about, he was almost always in the palace armory. He had explained once to her that he enjoyed the feel and the smell of the weaponry, his favorites being the gilded knives and swords from ages past. She did not care much for the silvery glow of the blades, nor for the metallic smell of the room but she loved to watch Legolas wander about inside of it- his eyes gently set and his fingertips grazing the lines of ancient swords.

            She found him standing with his hands clasped behind his back and his eyes turned towards a broad sword from the First Age. He followed the line of the ancient blade, concentrating upon it fully and clearing his mind with long, slow breaths.

            "My Lady." He did not move his eyes towards her but his smile told her that her company was wanted all the same. Carandoliel simply waited a few moments for him to resolve his thoughts and speak with her.

            "I was watching you sleep this morning…" He spoke, still watching the curves of the sword as Carandoliel's face opened slowly into a confused smile. "…and I was thinking of how beautiful you were, and…" Legolas turned to face her, picking up her small hand in his own. "…and how much I love you." He brought the ivory skin of her palm up to his lips and kissed the cup of her hand.

            "And I you." She opened her hand and pressed her palm against his cheek, running her long fingers down the length of his chin. He smiled and drew her towards him in a kiss, holding her gently in his arms as he thought how such rare and wonderful a gift had ever been given to him.

            "Why are you in here my Lord? You come only to the sanctuary when your mind is troubled." She gestured towards the open room and moved away from their embrace. Legolas sighed deeply as he offered her his arm and began to walk towards the arched entryway of the armory.

            "I spoke with Araorë this morning." Her emerald eyes rounded upon him and opened wide with eager curiosity. Her liveliness had been confined within the palace, but it still burned brightly behind her irises.

            "And what did he say?"

            "We spoke of the woman- he made it very clear that father and I were neither needed nor wanted in the assistance of the stranger."

            "But surely he realizes that all matters such as these must be dealt with by the courts and the King- Araorë can't expect your father to give him free reign." Carandoliel's brow furrowed and created a small "V" just above the bridge of her nose. Legolas wondered if he looked the same when he was puzzled.

            "He hasn't and that is what bothers Araorë most of all. He wants to prove something- or else hide something. He no longer wishes to be thought of as the prince's friend. He desires something more, something greater." Legolas sighed again and Carandoliel could sense the confusion and sadness in his tone. She had not known that Araorë was so unhappy with his position in the court, he had certainly never shown as much to her.

            "What are you to do then?" They had entered the main hallway and as he spoke, he turned his eyes towards the eastern wing.

            "I am going to see her again. I am going to speak with her."