Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.

Engaging Plans.

Chapter 2

Legolas had been both surprised and delighted when, on his Conception Day, Arwen had gifted him a deep green silk tunic with the emblem of the King of Eryn Lasgalen embroidered on the breast in gold, as well as a pair of dark brown leggings made of soft velvet. "Finery becoming the son of a King," she had told him, and for some reason he felt it was fitting that he should wear her gift tonight. Despite Gimli's quip, he was ready at the appointed time, and made his way to the chambers of the royal couple.

"Come in, Legolas," called Aragorn in answer to the polite knock on the door. The Elf entered the room to find his friend looking splendid in his deep blue robes, edged with silver. Arwen stood beside her husband, her velvet gown a shade or two lighter but with the same silver edging around the neckline and sleeves. They were watching with pride as their youngest daughter, Ellraen, swirled about, displaying her own gown, made of green silk, the exact colour of Legolas' tunic. Another of Arwen's little plans, he surmised with a wry grin.

"You are looking particularly handsome, Legolas," said Arwen. "Do you like your new outfit?"

"Yes, thank you. I see you had some fabric left over," he answered indicating Ellraen's dress. Aragorn had also noticed the matching outfits of his daughter and her escort and looked to Arwen who shrugged, trying to appear the epitome of innocence. Aragorn was not fooled for a minute, but turned his attention back to his beloved daughter.

"What do you think, Father? Do I look pretty, Legolas?" she asked coyly.

"You look simply stunning, very much the young lady, as always," Aragorn said as he hugged her close. Legolas merely raised an eyebrow as he looked over to Ellraen who hastily coughed to cover her laughter. Aragorn had apparently not heard about a certain young Princess who had been seen running through the woods of Ithilien in some of her brother's hunting clothes. The leggings and tunic made it easier to climb trees, as she still loved to do, she had informed Legolas when he queried her state of dress. In fact, he agreed with her and had promised not to mention the unbecoming behaviour of a young lady of royalty to either of her parents.

"Your beauty rivals your mother's, and I am honoured to be your escort tonight," answered Legolas gallantly, taking the young woman's hand and brushing it lightly with his lips. Ellraen blushed slightly and then smiled happily as she accepted the arm Legolas offered. "Shall we go?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he winked conspiratorially at his companion. "It would be a shame to deprive those young men already in the banquet hall of your beauty."

"It would be my pleasure, although I am sure there are many young ladies waiting to see my very handsome escort!" she answered in the same exaggerated, yet complimentary manner.

"Oh, Legolas, before you leave, I forgot to ask, did your musicians arrive with you? I do not recall seeing them earlier."

"Yes, Arwen, they are here, somewhere. I expect they have been busy planning the music for the evening with your own musicians. Ellraen and I will go immediately to the hall and make sure all is in readiness." As soon as Legolas closed the door, Aragorn turned to Arwen and swept her into his arms, kissing her soundly.

"What was that for?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

"To thank you for our beautiful children," he whispered into her hair. "And because I love you."

"And I love you, my handsome King, but I am afraid romance is not in my plan at present, duty calls. It is time for us to leave, Kerwyn's parents will be waiting for us to escort them to the banquet." Arwen laughed at the sour face Aragorn pulled at the mention of their guests.

"As much as I love Eldarion's betrothed, I find her mother to be exceedingly insufferable," complained Aragorn as Arwen shoved him gently towards the door.

"Then I trust you will keep that opinion to yourself for I want nothing to spoil this special occasion," warned Arwen.

"Of course I will, I have learned much about diplomacy since I became King and besides, your wish is my command," he said lightly as he took his wife's arm and lead her towards the guest chambers where Kerwyn and her parents were staying.

********

Further down the passageway, in the opposite direction to the guest chambers, Ellraen suddenly stopped walking and pulled Legolas into an empty room.

"We need to talk before we go to the banquet," she said without preamble. Legolas had already sensed that something was bothering his friend, and so he waited silently for her to continue. "I do not wish to offend you, Legolas, but I hope you realise that I only agreed to let you escort me so that you would be appear to be spoken for, and left alone by the many young women who fancy you. I mean, as much as I adore you, I think of you only as an older brother rather than a consort."

"I am not offended for I was about to say something similar. I realise that everyone is trying to 'protect' me, and I am grateful for my friend's concern, but I am not really that fragile. I am honoured to escort my younger 'sister' but I am sure there must be a young man of Gondor who will steal your heart." Ellraen blushed prettily at that comment and Legolas easily guessed the truth. "I see you have already found one, who is he?"

"Someone to whom I have not told of my true feelings," she answered shyly.

"Will he be at the banquet?" asked Legolas.

"Yes, he is the son of an invited guest."

"Would you prefer that I did not accompany you, Ellraen?" the Elf asked, a look of concern briefly crossing his fair face. "I do not wish to give a possible suitor the wrong impression. I am not afraid to go unescorted."

"Oh no! That will not be necessary. We have spoken on several occasions and I told him I was to be your partner for this evening. I explained that you are simply a close friend of the family. Besides, mother went to a lot of trouble to ensure that our outfits matched."

"Yes, she did, I also would not like to ruin her plans. So tell me, does your young man have a name?" Legolas asked in a teasing tone of voice.

"Of course," she scoffed. "But unless you can guess who he is, I will not tell you his name."

"Ai, a challenge! I accept," he said happily. "Let us go at once, for I would like to see who has captured your heart."

Many heads turned to watch as the graceful Elf entered the hall with the young princess on his arm and Legolas' elvish ears picked up several comments of an envious nature from some of the maids they passed by. Ellraen also heard one or two and once they were seated at their places at the head table, she reached up and gave her escort a quick peck on the cheek.

"That should give everyone something to talk about for a while,' she whispered, ignoring the looks of disdain from her elder sisters who had arrived earlier.

"Yes, and I think I can already see your young man, I do not think he appreciated that action,' Legolas whispered into her ear, smiling as he heard a few intakes of breath at his intimate behaviour. Looking around, he noted with relief that all the musicians were in attendance and were ready to play as the Royal party approached the hall.

All conversation ceased suddenly and everyone stood as the King and Queen entered, escorting Kerwyn's parents. As they took their places, a herald announced the arrival of Eldarion, Crown Prince of Gondor and his betrothed, the Lady Kerwyn. Everyone cheered and applauded as the popular Prince and his lady walked slowly to the place of honour at the head of the table. Aragorn was called upon to officially announce the betrothal and once the speeches were finished, and the toasts made, the banquet began in earnest. Arwen had arranged so many courses that by the time dessert was served, everyone could hardly move.

All throughout the meal, Legolas watched the young man he deemed to be the object of Ellraen's affections, ignoring the conversation that flowed around him. He remained distracted until Gimli, none too gently, kicked him under the table.

"What is wrong with you, Legolas?" asked Gimli as the Elf failed to answer another question from Faramir who was enquiring about the progress of the boat haven Legolas was building near his village.

"I am sorry, you were saying Faramir.?" he asked just as the dance music began.

"You two can talk later," said Eowyn as she walked up to place a hand on Faramir's shoulder. "I feel like dancing. Now that the meal is over, Arwen has released me from overseeing the kitchen."

"You did offer to help her any way she wished," Eomer laughed, and Eowyn glared at her brother.

"I think you are the only one who was not included in Arwen's plans."

"One of the advantages of being King of a neighbouring realm, although she did mention wanting to speak to me about horses for the wedding."

"Come on Eowyn, the music is lively," said Faramir as took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.

Legolas offered to dance with Ellraen, and as they also walked hand in hand to the dance floor he said, "I believe you have fallen for the charms of the Healer's son. You have been staring at each other all evening, am I correct?"

" Yes, but do not be surprised if he wishes to challenge you, I fear he is looking quite jealous." Legolas smiled, remembering Gimli's words from earlier, but he was relieved that the young man in question approached with a polite request rather than a challenge.

"May I have this dance with Ellraen?" he asked boldly, having found the courage to approach the Elf.

"If she wishes." replied Legolas, turning to look at his partner. "Have no fear, I will step aside graciously, once we are introduced." Ellraen nodded her consent and he gently placed her hand in that of her suitor.

"Of course. Legolas, I would like you to meet Joseth," Ellraen said.

"Pleased to meet you, Master Elf," said the young man with a polite bow.

"And I am pleased to meet you, enjoy your evening, both of you," said Legolas as he left the dance floor before he could be called upon to partner anyone else. He looked across the room to see Arwen smiling as she watched her daughter dance with the one who had obviously stolen her heart.

Legolas returned to his seat and became involved in conversation with Gimli and Eomer. When Faramir returned after several dances with his wife, he joined with his friends in watching Aragorn perform his duties as both King and father of the betrothed Prince. At Arwen's insistence, he danced with all the ladies who had been invited by Kerwyn's mother and when he wasn't on the dance floor, he was engrossed in conversation with her male relatives.

"Aragorn looks quite exhausted," commented Faramir as the evening wore on. "It seems it is he, rather than you, Legolas, who has found favour with the ladies tonight."

"I think he is enjoying the experience as much as I do," quipped Legolas sarcastically.

"Bored is the word I would choose to describe the look of him," said Eomer candidly, causing everyone to laugh and nod in agreement.

"I think you are correct, your Highness," added Gimli, "but I am afraid Arwen seems to have his whole evening planned. He has not even had the time to speak to his friends."

"I think he is in need of some fresh air, or perhaps a smoke of that awful pipe he favours. I also have a plan, and it is better than Arwen's," said Legolas mischievously. Faramir and Eomer listened with delight as he explained what he had in mind and they readily agreed to help the Elf rescue the King from his boredom.