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

NOTE: This is a copy of Chapter 4, the real one seems to have disappeared.

Engaging Plans

Chapter 4

A few moments of uncomfortable silence followed the scene made by Eldarion and Joseth, but fortunately, the musicians, both Elves and Men, were sensitive to the mood of those around them and decided another lively dance tune was in order. The rhythm of the music enticed the guests to dance, and it was not long before the most of those present had resumed their merrymaking, with only the occasional glance towards where the Crown Prince and his 'prisoner' were seated.

"Well, that was quite a show, Eldarion!" exclaimed Leniel, his other young sister, as she sat beside the Elf. "I am sure you have made a wonderful impression on Kerwyn's family," she added, her sarcasm only serving to fuel her brother's anger.

"I was merely defending Mother from an obviously unwanted advance," he replied still glaring at Legolas who was taken by surprise by that statement.

"I assume you are referring to the fact that I kissed Arwen in a simple display of affection?" Legolas asked calmly. "Your interpretation is both incorrect and a conclusion unworthy of our friendship."

"Yes Eldarion, you should be ashamed of yourself. We have all seen such lovely displays of affection between Mother and Legolas in the past," scoffed Leniel. "Father does not object, so why should you?"

"Because she ran from him in anger. There must have been some insult given," he insisted.

"Surely you know that I would never betray your father's trust, nor cause insult to your Mother?" queried Legolas, the pain in his heart at the hurtful words causing the natural brightness of his eyes to dim slightly.

"Of course he knows, " answered Leniel before her brother had a chance to speak. "I think perhaps he has had too much wine and is letting his romantic feelings for Kerwyn muddle his thinking. In fact, I also suspect it is father, not you, who has earned her wrath," she said, looking to Legolas to confirm her suspicions.

"Arwen was slightly annoyed that your father was no longer entertaining his guests," was all Legolas was prepared to say. It did not seem wise to mention the fact that Faramir and Éomer had been his co-conspirators in Aragorn's disappearance.

"I thought so, for I saw him follow King Éomer out into the courtyard. Apparently something Eldarion failed to notice. I think you should apologise to Legolas," Leniel said sternly.

"I am sorry for my false accusation, Legolas, but surely you now realise how such a mistake could be made?"

"My behaviour would not be questioned by my own folk, for it is not our way to seek the attentions of a married woman. Apparently it is not unheard of among Men, and I will endeavour to be more restrained when I am among them."

"Then I hope you can also forgive my rash behaviour," said a remorseful Eldarion.

"Think no more of it," said Legolas smiling once more as he clasped the young man's shoulder in a sign of friendship. Eldarion returned the display of friendship in kind, so that all could see the situation was resolved. "Go and keep your betrothed's parents entertained and let nothing mar the rest of the evening."

"Legolas and I will go and placate Mother, if that is possible," Leniel said with mock seriousness as she took the Elf by the arm and led him out to the courtyard. "I believe I saw Father sneak out here with King Éomer and Gimli," she whispered confidentially.

*******

Arwen had not seen Aragorn leave the banquet hall, but as she passed by the outer door leading to the courtyard, she heard the sound of familiar laughter coming from somewhere outside. Looking through the open door, she spotted the table in the poorly lit corner where her husband and his friends were to be found. Just as she was about go and confront him, Ellraen and Kerwyn caught up with her, and she was held back as her daughter grabbed her hand.

"Are you well, Mother?" the young woman asked with some concern.

"Yes, why do you ask?" queried Arwen, feeling slightly confused by the question.

"We hoped you were not too upset by * that * Elf's shocking behaviour," explained Kerwyn. "Do not worry, now that Eldarion and Joseth have taken him in hand, he will cause no more trouble." Arwen frowned at the derogatory way her son's intended called Legolas 'that Elf', until she remembered that the girl had been brought up to be wary of the mysterious Fair Folk, as had many in Gondor. Arwen thought it ironic that they all seemed to forget that their much beloved Queen was also of elf kind, but she also felt sad that such bigotry was to be found so close to home.

"What did he do?" Arwen asked, finding it difficult to imagine what kind of trouble her gentle friend would see fit to cause.

"His behaviour towards you on the dance floor was totally inappropriate," stated Kerwyn who had obviously not yet been swayed by the delightful charms of the Ithilien Elves. Arwen hoped her low opinion of Legolas would soon change for the better.

"Nonsense!" declared Arwen, pleased with the younger woman's sense of impropriety, although misplaced in this instance. "His behaviour was impeccable, and in no way inappropriate for one who has been a close friend of both myself and my husband, for a very long time," she explained, then turned in surprise to her youngest daughter. "How could you think otherwise, Ellraen?"

"But you stormed off in anger, Mother.."

"The cause of which is right over there," said Arwen, pointing to where Aragorn was sitting, still enjoying his pipe and listening with an amused grin to something Joseth was telling them. "Would you be so kind as to go and find Eldarion and have him inform your family that all is well, Kerwyn?" she asked the young woman, adding, "Aragorn and I will be along shortly."

"As you wish," she replied, for she in truth she was eager to return to her beloved.

"Shall we join our friends over there, Ellraen?" Arwen asked. "I would like to hear what your father is saying."

The smile left Aragorn's face when he heard all that Joseth had to tell him, piquing Arwen's curiosity even further. The two women approached silently until they were close enough to hear Aragorn's words.

"As you mature in your own relationship, Joseth, you will understand better what it is to trust someone implicitly, as I trust both Arwen and Legolas," Aragorn said in response to the young man's concern over the incident that both he and Eldarion had seen as a betrayal. "Go and tell Eldarion to release my friend at once," he ordered, making Ellraen's suitor well aware of his displeasure with his harsh treatment of Legolas.

"I will go with you," offered Ellraen, taking her young man's hand in a gesture of support, and whispering, "Do not fear, Father will not stay angry with you for long."

Arwen smiled as she heard her the confidence in her daughter's words, and nodded encouragement to them both before turning her attention to the King.

"So here you are, Aragorn, I wondered where I might find you," Arwen said loudly, her anger obvious in her movement as she walked over to confront her wayward spouse. "Who arranged this little diversion?" she asked, realising she already knew the answer as she spoke. "Legolas!"

"From all accounts, he was causing quite a diversion himself," commented Gimli, giving Aragorn a knowing wink and causing Arwen to blush slightly.

"A simple misunderstanding," said Legolas as he and Leniel joined the group. "Eldarion and Joseth merely sought to defend the Queen's honour."

"A commendable act, but it would appear that it is the King who is in need of defence at present," commented Éomer, his eyes smiling with mischief. "I believe that is the role of a good Steward, is it not Faramir?"

"I would gladly defend my King, from any danger, except that of an irate Queen," he teased, his words causing a ripple of laughter to flow through the group and even Arwen found it difficult not to smile.

"It would seem that both my dear Aragorn and sweet Legolas have cause to fear my wrath. However, I am surprised that both you and Éomer saw fit to become accomplices in this matter," she said to Faramir.

Aragorn looked at Legolas and smiled as he commented, "So the truth is finally revealed! I always thought that you were the instigator of the mischief caused by Elladan and Elrohir, and now you are extending your mischievous influence to Éomer and Faramir!" he joked.

"The Twins may have followed my suggestions on some occasions," conceded the Elf, " but I was always under the impression that Estel was the real troublemaker. However, whilst the King of Rohan and the Prince of Ithilien were willing participants, I accept responsibility for planning your 'rescue'. You can not deny that you enjoyed your reprieve, brief though it was," laughed Legolas.

"Of course I enjoyed it, thank you for a most entertaining interlude," agreed Aragorn as he took another puff of his pipe.

"You are not too angry with me, are you my dear Arwen?" Legolas asked.

"No, for I really enjoyed every minute of our dance, especially the end," she said with just the slightest hint of shamelessness in her voice.

"Where is Eldarion?" asked Aragorn, his eyes alight with merriment. "I think perhaps it is Legolas who needs his honour defended!"