Kaysie sighed. The past two days had been crazy. First, Legolas had asked to escort her to the upcoming banquet (which she accepted) and then Sarah showed up out of nowhere. Kaysie smiled to herself, remembering the events that had followed the little 'bed incident' as she liked to call it.
"Are you thirsty?" asked a voice.
Kaysie, somewhat startled, turned around. There, standing before her, was Legolas.
"What?" Kaysie asked him.
"I asked if you were thirsty," Legolas replied.
"Oh, um... no. But, thank you," Kaysie smiled sheepishly.
"What were you thinking of?" Legolas asked Kaysie.
"Just about what happened earlier with Sarah," she replied.
Legolas grinned and then laughed softly.
"Yes, that was quite... amusing," he said. "Do you three always act that way?"
"Pretty much," said Kaysie. "I'm the sanest one of all."
"Sure you are," said a voice from behind her.
Legolas easily looked over Kaysie's shoulder. An amused smile formed on his perfectly chiseled features. Kaysie turned to see that Frodo and Ariel had joined her and Legolas. Kaysie raised her eyebrows at Ariel.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" she asked her.
"Exactly what I said," replied Ariel. "You are far from sane. In fact, you're as crazy as the rest of us."
Kaysie opened her mouth to reply but finding no words to respond with she quickly closed it. After a moment, she just sighed and threw her arms up in defeat.
"Fine. You win," she said. "I'm as crazy as you are."
"That's right you are... hey, wait a minute! What...?" Ariel was cut off by Legolas.
"So how has your evening faired so far?" he asked Frodo and Ariel.
"It has been going well," replied Frodo with a small smile. "And yours?"
"Very well, in fact. Though it has not been easy avoiding my father. I'm afraid that I have had to drag Kaysie out onto the dance floor four times already," replied Legolas.
"Your father?" asked Kaysie. "You did not tell me that he was here. Why don't you want to talk to him?"
"Well, um... It's complicated," replied Legolas after a moment. He had a grim expression on his face.
"Oh, okay," said Kaysie.
Frodo started another conversation but Kaysie wasn't listening. Instead, she was looking at the many faces of the crowd around her. It was the night of the banquet and there were hundreds of people crowded in the grand hall: some hobbits, others elves, a few dwarves, and the rest men. Far off in the corner of the room were Merry, Pippin, and Sam, along with Sarah. The hobbits seemed to have taken a liking to Sarah and now the four were merrily talking and enjoying themselves. Kaysie thought back to earlier that day when she, Ariel, and Sarah had met the three charming hobbits for the first time.
~~~Flashback~~~
Frodo, Ariel, Kaysie, Legolas, and Sarah were sitting at the foot of the stairs talking more civilized than they had been moments ago, when through the window nearest them, they saw three approaching figures- or hobbits to be more exact.
"They're here," exclaimed Frodo.
He got up from the step that he was sitting on and ran to the front entrance. He threw open the grand doors and raced out side.
Once outside, Frodo ran up to his friends and the four hobbits embraced in a group hug. When the hug ended, they joined Legolas, Ariel, and Kaysie who were standing a little way off. They hadn't wanted to break up the little reunion.
"Hello, young hobbits," said Legolas with a warm smile when they were all together. "It has been far too long."
"Aye, it has," answered Merry.
"Yes," added Pippin. "But it must not seem long for you, Legolas. After all, you're an elf. You live forever."
"That may be so," replied Legolas. "But it has been many a year since I saw you last. Only until recent events, I hadn't a good laugh in a while."
At that, Pippin smiled proudly while Sarah, Kaysie, and Ariel's cheeks turned red in embarrassment knowing that Legolas was referring to their little outburst. Frodo also smiled, knowing what Legolas was talking about. After a moment, Sam cleared his throat.
"I don't believe we've introduced," he said gesturing to Sarah, Ariel, and Kaysie.
"Oh," said Frodo. "This is Ariel, Kaysie, and Sarah." He pointed to each of them in turn.
"Hello," said the three friends.
"You do know who Merry, pippin, and Sam are already, don't you?" asked Legolas.
His answer came in nods indicating that they indeed knew who the hobbits were. This however confused Merry, Pippin, and Sam and so Kaysie, Sarah, and Ariel had to tell them their stories. The seven companions stayed like that: all talking under the rapidly dimming sky until guests for the banquet started arriving and then they went inside to enjoy the night.
~~~End Flashback~~~
Kaysie continued to peer through the crowd until her eyes fell upon a tall, blonde elf that was talking with Aragorn. On his head was a golden crown made of what seemed like leaves. He seemed proud and had a kingly air around him. After a moment, Kaysie saw Aragorn point in their direction. The tall elf smiled at Aragorn and then turned and walked toward them. Kaysie gasped. He looked just like Legolas, only older. Kaysie glanced at Legolas and tapped him on the shoulder. He looked at her.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Um… I think that your father is coming," said Kaysie pointing at the tall advancing elf.
Legolas along with Ariel and Frodo followed Kaysie's gaze until they saw who she was talking about. Legolas rolled his eyes in frustration. He made to leave but Frodo grabbed his arm and would not let go. Before long, the elf was upon them. He looked at Legolas and smiled warmly.
"Hello, my son," he said to him.
"Father," Legolas acknowledged.
"It has been too long since I have seen you last and even longer since you have seen the trees of Mirkwood," said the king.
Legolas did not say anything, only nodded. There was an odd silence and then Legolas looked at Kaysie who smiled uneasily at him.
"Father," said Legolas. "I would like to introduce you to the Lady Kaysie."
Legolas' father looked surprised for a moment and then his face lit up with happiness.
"It is a pleasure it meet you, my dear," he said.
"And you also, my lord," replied Kaysie bowing slightly. She was well aware that this was Lord Thranduil, king of Mirkwood.
"I am glad you have begun to look for a wife," Thranduil said to Legolas.
"It is not like that, atar (father)," answered Legolas quickly. Kaysie was blushing furiously and Frodo and Ariel were laughing quietly.
"I see," said the king. "Well, then who might this young hobbit be?" he asked changing the subject.
"This is Ariel," said Frodo joining the conversation.
"A pleasure to meet you," smiled Thranduil.
"Nice to meet you too," said Ariel.
Everyone lapsed into silence again and shifted on their feet uncomfortably.
"So…ah, Kaysie Greenleaf. Sounds nice," said Ariel after a moment.
This took everyone off guard. Legolas looked down at the floor and then slowly lifted his head to look at Kaysie. Her cheeks were very red and the look she was giving Ariel was making Ariel very nervous.
"Is that so?" Kaysie asked her angrily. "Well then if Kaysie Greenleaf sounds good then what about Ariel Baggins?"
Frodo's eyes widened in shock as Ariel replied.
"I think it sounds good," she said.
"You do?" asked Frodo before Kaysie could reply.
Ariel's eyes widen slightly and her cheeks turned dangerously red. She had said her thoughts out loud.
"I…I…um…" Ariel put her head down. It was Legolas and Kaysie's turn to laugh.
"Mmm…mm," the king cleared his throat.
Legolas and Kaysie immediately got quiet while Ariel and Frodo looked at the king expectantly. He turned to Legolas.
"So I have not seen your brother here tonight. Was he not invited?"
"Look, there is Lord Elrond," said Legolas changing the subject. "I'm sure that he would like to speak with you."
"Legolas," said Thranduil. "Do not change the subject. I want to know where he…" he was cut off.
"I don't have a brother," Legolas snapped raising his voice slightly.
"Now, Legolas, I know how you feel but honestly you can't keep acting this way."
Legolas took a deep breath and held back a snide remark. Instead, he turned to Kaysie.
"Would you care to dance?" he asked her softly.
"I would love to," Kaysie replied deciding that it would help calm Legolas and herself down.
Legolas smiled down at her and extended his hand to her. Kaysie accepted it and Legolas led her onto the dance floor. The music was calming and the dance was slow. Legolas placed one arm around Kaysie's waist and held her hand with the other. Kaysie rested her free arm around Legolas' shoulder. They danced like this for some time until Kaysie finally gathered enough courage to ask the question that had been nagging at her mind. She took her head off of its place on Legolas' chest and looked at him. He looked questioningly at her.
"Legolas, what was your father talking about? About a brother?"
"I hope that you do not take this to offence," Legolas said quietly. "But I would rather not talk about it."
Kaysie looked at Legolas but did not say anything. His face held no expression but his piercing blue eyes seemed to be pleading with her. Kaysie nodded slightly and then put her head back in its current resting place.
When the song was over Legolas and Kaysie went over to the long table that had been set up against the wall. The top was piled high with all sorts of magnificent foods. They both began filling their plates but did not get the chance to finish. The two elves' attention were distracted when a commotion of noise and loud laughing reached their ears. Legolas and Kaysie put down their plates and went to find the source of the commotion. In the corner of the large room, they found what they were looking for.
Merry and Pippin were standing on a table singing or trying to at least. There voices were slurred and in each of their hands was a mug no doubtly filled with ale. Sarah was standing off to the corner laughing hysterically obviously enjoying the hobbit's little charade while Sam was sitting in a nearby chair with his head in his hands muttering. Frodo and Ariel were also there; only they were trying to get the drunk hobbits to get off the table. A crowd had gathered and was getting bigger by the minute. Just then Merry slipped on a piece of fruit and fell into Pippin. They both fell off the table. Frodo knelt down beside them as did Legolas. Merry was knocked unconscious and Pippin was holding his head in his hands. Meanwhile Sam was silently cursing the hobbits out.
When Legolas finally got Pippin on his feet, the crowd began to decrease, everyone going about their business. Aragorn walked up to them suddenly. He looked at the drunk hobbits and sighed.
"Legolas," he said. "Help me get them to their rooms."
Legolas nodded and then picked up Merry as if he were as light as a feather. Pippin began to sway back and forth and if it wasn't for Aragorn he would have fallen on his face. Aragorn led Pippin through the crowd and Legolas began to follow but then stopped and turned back to Kaysie.
"I will be back in a moment," he said.
"Alright," said Kaysie. "I'll wait for you here."
Legolas nodded and then left. Servants had come and were picking up the mess that the hobbits had made. Kaysie turned to Ariel.
"Well that was interesting," she said sarcastically.
"Very," answered Ariel dryly.
"I thought it was funny," spoke up Sarah.
"You would," said Ariel.
"Funny!" exclaimed Sam suddenly. "Those two are always getting into trouble. Even back home, in The Shire they are like that. Everyone in this room probably thinks that all hobbits are as foolish as they are."
"Don't worry, Sam," said Frodo. "I'm pretty sure that everyone in this room either laughed at Merry and Pippin or just looked the other way."
"I hope you're right, Mr. Frodo," replied Sam. "I hope you're right."
"Of course he's right," said Ariel cheerfully. "I don't think anyone here tonight has anything bad to say about any hobbits."
"Yeah. So don't worry," added Sarah.
"I suppose you're all right," said Sam and then added. "I think I'm just gonna go get something to eat. Will you come with me Sarah?"
"Umm… okay," said Sarah.
The two friends walked off leaving Frodo, Ariel, and Kaysie alone. They didn't really say anything but instead watched what was going on around the room. Before long a lively song was played and Frodo asked Ariel to dance.
"But what about Kaysie?" she asked.
"Don't worry about me. I'm waiting for Legolas," said Kaysie.
"But…"
"Go," exclaimed Kaysie.
"Please?" asked Frodo.
"Well, I'm not really much of a dancer," stated Ariel.
"Neither am I," Kaysie told her. "And yet I've danced five times. It's not hard. You just sorta move with the music."
"That's easy for you to say!" said Ariel. "You're an elf for crying out loud. Elves are graceful. They're supposed to be good dancers."
"Just try it," said Kaysie.
Ariel looked at Frodo. He had a sad puppy dog look on his face. She was going to refuse again but found that she could not resist Frodo's sad eyes.
"Okay," agreed Ariel after a moment. Frodo smiled widely.
"Terrific," he said. "Let's go."
Frodo took Ariel's hand and led her to the dance floor. Ariel looked back over her shoulder at Kaysie who smiled encouragingly at her. Ariel rolled her eyes and followed Frodo. Kaysie remained by herself in the corner and waited for Legolas who appeared a couple of minutes later.
"Thank you for waiting for me," said a voice behind Kaysie. She turned around.
"Legolas! I didn't even hear you come up behind me."
"I apologize, my lady," came Legolas' quiet response.
"It's alright," smiled Kaysie.
"Where are Frodo and Ariel?" asked Legolas.
"Dancing."
"And Sam and Sarah?"
"Eating."
"Ah," Legolas sighed. "And what are we doing?"
"Talking," answered Kaysie.
"About anything in particular?"
"Actually I was wondering about something," said Kaysie.
"And what would that be?" Legolas asked.
"Well I have seen everyone tonight except for Gandalf and Gimli. Where are they?"
"Gimli could not make it tonight but he will be here in a few days," explained Legolas. "And as for Gandalf. I saw him earlier today. Where he is now, I do not know. As a wizard, he has many responsibilities and comes and goes often."
"It must be interesting to be a wizard," said Kaysie.
"Yes but I would prefer to be an elf," admitted Legolas.
"You're already an elf," pointed out Kaysie.
"And I plan to keep it that way," Legolas grinned.
"So how are Merry and Pippin doing?" still smiling at Legolas' last comment.
"Well Pippin was pretty groggy when Aragorn brought him to his room and probably will sleep until breakfast is served tomorrow and Merry was still unconscious when I put him in his bed. I am fairly sure that he will have a headache in the morning."
"Perhaps we should tell Aragorn to have guards keep an eye on those two. It might keep them out of trouble," Kaysie suggested.
Legolas and Kaysie broke out into another fit of laughter. They carried on like this until suddenly Legolas' body went rigid. He was staring at the entrance way. Kaysie followed his gaze and her eyes widen in pure shock. She couldn't believe who she saw standing just inside the entrance.
"It can't be," thought Kaysie. "Can it?"