((Author's note: I was commented on my separation of the two characters, in a recent e-mail. It is rather simple, Firith and Nilwen are in different places; therefore, they are separated in thought. It made sense to me, let me know please. Am I only making sense to myself? Ah, but here we are chapter12 of the Maidens of Lorien.))

Firith avoided low branches as she ran with grace. 'I hope I am not too late. Galadriel will surely strangle me if I upset such an important guest. Please Prince Legolas do not be angry!' She cried out in her mind. The waters were near, and she could feel the breeze stiffen as she neared its brilliant edge. The birds had long since departed into slumber and the trees seemed to moan in the zephyrs, stretching their branches against the moonlight. Firith slowed her pace and strode to the field of meeting. She stopped and smoothed out her gown and gently fixed her tousled hair. Golden tresses flowed untangled against her lower back. 'Ah much better, I am ready.'

"Firithfalas, I am glad you have come." The words seemed to spring out of nowhere, but then trailed back to the mouth from which they set forth. There, seated upon a smooth bastion, was the Prince of Mirkwood.

"Oh! I did not hear you my lord," Firith gasped and then started to giggle.

"I seem to have an upper hand at sneaking around," he laughed then motioned for the maiden to sit by him. He offered his strong arm to her to ascend the stone.

"My lord."

"Please call me Legolas, fair maiden."

"Very well then, Pr.. umm.. Legolas," she stopped and looked down rather embarrassed. Then continued after a pause, "are you enjoying your stay here in Lorien, being only your first night here in the Golden Woods?"

"Aye, many a song has been sung in my woods of the Lady of Light and these woods. I am most enjoying my stay. It is getting more interesting by the minute."

"How so.. Legolas?"

"When I arrived, I knew not what to expect, and now that I am here, I seem to know my whereabouts. Then I met the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, both of which were beyond all of my images in my mind. You stood also, a rose among the leaves, and I knew I would enjoy my stay. May I ask you how you know Nilcoirewen? A servant of yours?"

"Oh no! No servant is she of mine. Nilwen is my bosom friend from many years ago. We have known each other since elven childhood."

"I see." Legolas seemed somewhat perplexed at this thought. 'Such an odd thing to see an elven maiden run from me, and move so much like a male elf.'

"She is not royalty though, I was summoned to take the daughter of Galadriel's place. Nilwen came with me; we are from the woods of Rivendell," she stated proudly.

" Rivendell? I have seen these woods. Beautiful by no mistake, but Lothlorien is by far the fairest."

"Aye, I have grown to love these trees more so than those in Rivendell. It is late, I should go."

"Of course my lady, I have kept thee out enough."

"You will be shown your room when you wish. Fare thee well Legolas. I shall see thee in the hour of sunrise."

"Aye milady, and I hope to see your shining face there. Goodnight fair one."

Firith walked away from the waters without glancing back. She knew that she truly loved Donturion. There was no mistake of it. 'Aye, but Legolas has such the poetic soul. No. I must not fight my instinct. I will sleep on it. Yes, rest is what I need.' She excused herself from the feast and walked to her room. She had to push Nilwen and the archer out sometime. Perhaps it should just be now.

((Author's note: Next chapter shall be soon. Please keep reviewing. It encourages me so. ))