Hi there, thanks and welcome to my new reviewers, I hope you enjoy the story….

Chapter 4--Tree Climbing And Diplomatic Meetings

The garden was incredible. Legolas had to agree with Jaisia. Brightly colored flowers bloomed everywhere and trees and shrubs dotted the grounds. There were also a wide variety of colorful songbirds and butterflies.

One tree in particular got Legolas' attention he wandered over to it while Jaisia was examining a large flowerbed. The tree was old, even older then the city. Legolas was sure of that. Legolas laid his hand on the rough bark and peered up into the branches.

"So what do you think? It is everything I said?" Jaisia said triumphantly.

"Indeed it is," Legolas agreed. It has been a long time since I climbed a tree, he mused then grinned. No time like the present. He leaped, catching a limb and began to climb up.

Jaisia came over to the base of the tree and peered up at him. "Little brother, do not fall! I do not want to explain that to the Queen!" she called.

"I have never in my life fallen out of a tree, Jaisia. Do not worry," Legolas replied.

Jaisia crossed her arms over her chest and frowned up at him. "There is a first time for everything, you know," she pointed out.

Legolas laughed. He found a large, sturdy limb and stretched out on it. "The view is magnificent from up here," he remarked.

"I am sure it is. How--" Jaisia began

Just then Deirdre came up to her. "Good morning, Lady Jaisia. My sister asked me to escort Prince Legolas and you to her audience chamber. Do you know where he is?" she asked.

"I most certainly do," Jaisia said. She smiled and pointed straight up.

Deirdre looked up and soon spotted him. "How in hell did you get up there?" she demanded.

"That is a stupid question, my lady. I climbed of course," Legolas replied. "I will be right down." He climbed down as easily as he had climbed up. He paused to thank the tree and say good-bye then they followed Deirdre.

Queen Jacinth was waiting. She smiled when they approached and gestured to a couple of chairs. She waited for them to be seated before she spoke. "So what message does your King send to me?" she asked.

Legolas no longer had Aragorn's letter, but he had read it before it was sealed. "He sends greetings and is willing to discuss whatever you are asking." he said.

"My request is very simple, a trade agreement between our two cities and a pact of non-aggression between us. I all ready have Sarrin to deal with and that is more then enough," Jacinth said.

"Begging your pardon, your Majesty, why does Sarrin hate you so?" Jaisia asked carefully. "He was determined to keep us from getting here."

Jacinth sighed. "A fair question, Lady Jaisia, as you have seen our kingdoms is very close together. If we married he would gain twice as much land and more power for himself. He tried to court me, but I disliked his carefully veiled malice and his obvious arrogance. I refused his proposal and he was enraged. I was forced to have him removed from the city by force. Every since them we have been at war, but we are equal in strength so we are at a standstill," she said.

Jaisia shook her head. "I will never understand Humans. It seems like such a foolish thing to quarrel over," she remarked.

"Such is as it is, so Prince Legolas, I trust you have the ability to accept a suitable offer in your King's name?" Jacinth asked.

"I do, your Majesty," Legolas replied.

"Then let us see if we can come up with one," Jacinth said.

After an hour of intense bargaining they came to an arrangement that would highly benefit both cities and signed the documents, one for Jacinth and one for Legolas to take back to Aragorn.

"It has been a pleasure, Lady Jaisia, Prince Legolas. I hope you will stay for awhile before commencing your journey back to Minas Tirith," Jacinth said.

"We would be pleased too," Jaisia said. "I would like to explore some of the city, right Legolas?"

"As you wish, Jaisia," Legolas agreed, though he would have liked to leave so he would be away from Deirdre…….

Thought I'd give Legolas a little break, don't worry action is coming soon…..R/R please!!!