A/N: I am so sorry for the delays! I had massive writer's block and limited access to my computer due to Spring Break but anyways, here is the next installment

The Story Weaver: ~Thank you, glad you like it

little-steve: ~patience, patience the writer doth get blocks you know. But fear not! The next few chapters are clear in my head. (Well not really but at least I know where it's going now.)

Iluvlegolas: ~Thanks, I love Leggy too!

Icy878:~ thanx so much, chappy 6 is here

Disclaimer: I own nuttin' of Tolkien's. I do own Laurelin, Ivrin, Enna, Amgor, Tolarien, Andrahil, Tarsil, you get the idea, only what Tolkien doesn't own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Waiting for Laurel was the ever faithful Enna. She had already filled the bath and beckoned Laurel to undress and get in. Obeying, Laurel wondered when she should tell Laurel what she'd done. She would be stunned as well. It was kind of amusing. She liked the feeling of being unpredictable, it kept things interesting.

As Enna was slipping the dress over my head, I told her what I had asked the King. Her hands froze in midair.

"You what?" She asked incredulously with the funniest look on her face. Oh yes, the best reaction yet. Not that I did it for the reactions but it was a nice bonus,

"I asked the King to let Legolas off punishment early and to combine our archery practices." I repeated slowly. I gently lifted my hands and pushed her arms down as I spoke until they again rested at her sides.

"Why ever for?" She inquired as she snapped out of her daze and helped me with my hair. I was going to have to repeat this over and over, I just knew it.

"Well, I was in the library."

At dinner I told Elladan and Elrohir that we would have another person practicing tomorrow, plus Tolarien would be helping out. Relishing their puzzled looks, I filled them in quickly. They agreed and dinner proceeded splendidly. However, by the end of it I was asking myself what exactly I had gotten myself into. The twins were actually happy to have their other friend to join us tomorrow. But I relied on the knowledge that Arwen would be there tomorrow to help smooth everything out.

Unfortunately the next day Lady Celebrian had different plans for her daughter. Arwen was to get some new dresses fitted. She told me over the breakfast table.

"I am so sorry!" Arwen wailed quietly. "Nana insisted that I do it this morning and I can't get out of it. I don't want to leave you alone with those three but I have no choice!" My stomach fell though I managed to keep a calm expression on my face.

"It's alright" I assured her. "I'm sure that everything will be fine. They should all be thankful that I arranged it for them. Besides it's only for a couple of hours and I'll have the bow to keep me company. I can get through this, do not worry about me." Smiling to convince he that I could handle this. Well, I wasn't too sure myself but this was something a I had to do. Or else I would sentence myself to a life with no friendships whatsoever.

After breakfast I dutifully ran to change while the boys headed directly to the archery field. When I finally arrived panting I was surprised to discover that they hadn't started yet. They were usually more than eager to start. What shocked me more was when Legolas walked up to me and handed me the bow and a quiver full of arrows with a look that said 'you go first.' Tolarien took little notice of this significance but was impatient to start the lesson that the boys insisted be delayed until the girls arrival. He really was resentful that he was now required to teach a she-elf archery There were only a few female archers he knew of and they were all dreadful, he was not looking forward to having to instruct this child.

I was fearing the worst from the twins and Legolas, I did not even imagine that I would get the worst treatment from the archery master. He criticized everything I did even while the boys were encouraging me and praising me. I was relieved when he finally focused on Elladan. I put down the bow and whispered to Elrohir. "Is he always that critical and bad tempered?" He paused for a moment before he answered me.

"Not that I've heard, but then again I'm not too familiar with him as an instructor." I didn't notice that Legolas had come up behind us before he spoke. I nearly jumped with fright. Nearly. It would have amused him too much if I had.

"Tolarien is usually patient with beginners, he is rarely put out with new pupils. In fact, he usually enjoys it. Perhaps he is having a bad day?" I mused at this, it did seem like a logical explanation for his behavior but a little flutter in the back of her mind made her think that it could be something more. Later she would find out really how much more there was to it.

It seemed me that the Archery Master's mood had lightened as the day progressed. My turn over, I watched the other three with enthusiasm. Elladan and Elrohir were pretty well matched for accuracy, but they both were yet unable to hone their precision to the desired point. They both looked like their dignity had taken a tumble when Legolas out shot them. He was not perfect, but better than the twins. I smothered a giggle as I watched Elladan look away in disgust, and Elrohir started to glower.

The lesson ended amicably enough, I cheered for all of them and they all cheered for me. We split up after it was over, it was Elladan and Elrohir's time with the tailor. Legolas and I needed to return to our lessons. He with the rest of the children and I with Enna. While we were walking back to the palace I turned back to look at my target once more so that I could tell Arwen exactly how much I had improved. But when I did, I noticed the dark face of Tolarien glaring after me as I walked away. I turned quickly and caught up with the others. The twins congratulated me on my improvement.

"Thank you both. You have been a great help to me, and you've been so very kind." They both grinned at me.

"It was our pleasure Laurel." Elladan replied.

"We're always glad to help out." Elrohir finished giving me a smile and Elladan a cheeky grin as he finished the other's sentence. I laughed and gave both of them a quick hug as we walked.

"I'll see you at lunch." I called in parting as they turned towards the tailor's little realm. In silence Legolas and I continued on into the palace. As we came to our parting place Legolas cleared his throat. I looked over at him curious to what he had to say.

"I never got a chance to thank you for what you did for me." He looked down at his hands shyly before he continued. "You didn't have to, but I appreciated it." Before he changed his mind he grabbed my hand, drop something into it and hurried away.

I was very confused as I watched him go. When I saw the last of him I looked to the object in my hands. It was a small sun carved of bayor wood. I looked over it with awe. The carving was so fine and delicate. And the wood itself was polished to a high golden gleam. I closed my hand around it and smiled as I walked back to my rooms for my lesson.

I did not tell Enna of the gift once I arrived. I knew that Legolas wouldn't want it advertised that not only had be befriended the enemy but had given her a gift as well. But I did tell her of the strange feeling I had with Tolarien the archery master. I told her not to worry since I did not think that it was anything to be concerned about, just a passing curiosity.

The lesson of the day began. Fortunately it was history, something that I had a passion for. Instead of strict instructing, Enna assigned me passages to read and then later we would discuss them in great detail. Enna would answer any questions I had and in this way I learned a great deal more than the average elf. I was so interested in history that I occasionally asked the king to recount his part in it. We spent some pleasant evenings in the library drinking tea and talking of times gone by.

The lesson was too soon over in my opinion. I still had some questions over the fall of Gondolin, but it was time for lunch. I am infinitely grateful that we did not have to dress up for the noon meal, it was such a bother. So, still in my archery clothes I proceeded to the dining hall. I did not get far however. As I turned a corner that intersected the corridor that lead from the library I almost ran into a group of children that had just finished their lessons. I stopped my self just in time from walking headlong into a son of one of the kings advisers. But that didn't stop him from intentionally bumping into me. The boy turned heated eyes in my direction.

"Watch where you're going, Yelwa amlug." {Loathsome dragon} Pushing me back into the wall as he insulted me. I should have been more careful to avoid them. My recent breakthroughs instilled a false sense of security around me. I avoided these children at all costs. Now I had made a fatal mistake in letting them get so close to me. Now I looked about for an avenue of escape. There seemed to be none. The familiar fear built up inside me, but I was tired of it. I was tired of taking their abuse. I had to take a stand to these bullies for once, the whole lot of them. I knew that I would loose but I had to make this stop. Instead of following my first instinct and retreating

"You were the one who bumped into me orc-face. Now let me pass." I heard numerous giggles from the group at the same time I saw anger flash in Amgor's eyes. Now I could see that the group consisted of three girls, daughters of the kings advisors. As well as four boys, two sons of the elite guard, and one son of the master archer as well as Amgor. They began to close in on me even as Amgor did. Following their leader.

I tried to back up but I was already up against the wall. I knew that this wasn't going to be good. Amgor started to reach out, to grab a hold of my hair I presume. But just then the most wonderful sound came to my ears.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!?" the King bellowed. All turned their heads guiltily. I looked and there was King Thranduil flanked by Lord Elrond and two of the elite guard. My sigh of relief was audible and Lord Elrond at least looked to me with a mixture of surprise and pity. They all back away from me, almost to the other wall of the corridor while Amgor tried to mumble something intelligible. They all looked frightened and two especially so, their father was one of the guards with the King. "Amgor" the King thundered. "Would you care to explain this?" he looked down upon the young elf. Amgor gulped and tried frantically to formulate some bit of fluff that would free him from his impending doom.

Seeing that he would not get much information from Amgor Thranduil turned to Laurelin to get some answers. Though he was afraid that he already knew what had happened. "What happened Laurel?" She looked briefly to the group of children then looked to the King. Her decision was made quickly.

"I turned the corner too fast and almost bumped into Amgor." I looked to the said elf who was shooting daggers at me through his eyes. But I continued anyway. "I managed to avoid it but he did not hold the same consideration for me. He intentionally ran into me and made an issue of it. The rest of them followed his lead." I gestured to the rest of the group. None of them looked kindly to me, but then again they never did. But apparently the King was satisfied with my information.

"Alright Laurel, you may go to lunch now." I didn't look a gift King in the mouth. I meekly made my way around the guards and nodded toward Lord Elrond who smiled kindly at me as I made my way by.

In the dining hall I found Arwen, the twins, and Legolas already there. I hastily took my seat. Hoping that they would not notice but as luck would have it Arwen turned towards me just as I sat down.

"Laurel" She cried "How was your day?" She was obviously wearing a new dress that had been prepared for her. I think she did prefer the Mirkwood style of dresses to the Imladris versions. But I was hesitant in answering her questions.

"Well the morning went great, though the archery master was a little strange. I don't think that he likes me very much but that is nothing special. But I just had a run in with a few of the other children." I noticed that Legolas' pointed ears pricked up as I spoke. But I continued anyway. "I was fortunate that the King and your father had come along when they did. Amgor was not in a good mood." Arwen looked shocked.

"Is this what you do, Laurel? You have to run from the other children?" I looked calmly at her.

"Yes, it's the way it's been ever since I was brought here, ever since I could remember. Now Legolas and you three are the only ones who don't chase me. Ivrin was the only other, and now she lives in Lothlorien." I trailed off thinking of my old friend. My first friend, I miss her. Snapping out of it I thought of my new friends. "Think no more on these things, no harm is done and I am sure that the others will be punished for this latest incident." I did not add that they would be especially malicious after the punishment was over. But for now I was safe. Trying to turn the conversation to a more positive direction I addressed Legolas.

"So was your instructor satisfied with you answers?" This was still very strange. But it was getting easier to be around him. He is really not as bad as I had thought. He flashed me a regretful grin before answering his features brightening with his response.

"Yes, she was very impressed. Though I had to demonstrate that I did them myself in class. I hadn't gotten them right before, I didn't get it. So she didn't believe me. But I convinced her that I only had a little help and did it all myself." I smiled, I was glad that I could help my new friend out. "Thank you for helping me."

"Your welcome. I'm glad that I was able to help." The door to the hall shot open and Lord Elrond and a very mad looking Thranduil entered. He did not speak of what displeased him, we already knew. The King simply signaled for the meal to be served. I wonder what happened to those children though I didn't dwell on it. The rest of the time was taken up by recounting to Arwen the morning's practice. The four of us filled her in on the others accomplishments. We were all talking merrily as the meal came to an end.

Legolas came up with the idea of going for another ride. He ran off to ask permission and returned quickly taking both mine and Arwen's hands he pulled us up and started dragging us towards the door. Elladan and Elrohir were still on the other side of the table. Legolas paused and looked back.

"Are you coming? Or do I get to enjoy the company of these lovely ladies by myself today?" That did it. Elladan and Elrohir jumped from their seats and took up position one on either side of Arwen and I with Legolas in the middle. We made a merry picture walking arm in arm laughing trying to walk out of the door like that. It took a little bit of squishing but we made it through leaving our merriment echoing inside the hall.

~*~*~*~ The adults watched them go. Smiles on every face watching the friends retreat toward the stables. It was only when they were well out of site and when most of the other elves had left the room that Elrond finally spoke.

"What is to be done now Thranduil?" The King sighed, losing the contentment that had been his a moment ago.

"I know not, my friend. It does my heart glad to see Laurelin with friends and I am so happy that she and Legolas are getting along now. But the problem with the other children seem to grow by the day. I do not know why they feel such animosity towards her." This was really distressing him. He thought of Laurelin as his own, he wanted to see her protected from any sort of hurt or harm.

Now was finally the time for the Lady of the Wood to speak. She had seen enough now to be sure of her words. "They fear what is within her. They fear her power." Thranduil looked over at the Lady startled.

"Of what power do you speak?" Her daughter and husband were clearly bewildered as well but did not speak. Galadriel took time to explain.

"Her power she possess is young and tender. Only the other children can unconsciously sense it. Those of Mirkwood, now with the exception of the prince, fear that power. So they shun her and they persecute her." Leaving no time for interruptions from the others she continued on. "Laurelin is no ordinary elfling. She did not originate in this form that you see now. She did not begin life as an elf."