A/N: For those of you who don't know who Silinde is, he is an elf from the movie version of LOTR. He was one of the representatives of Mirkwood and was there w/Legolas at the council of Elrond.

Wanting to look just right, Kalen stood before the mirror studying her reflection. She would be representing her people, and knew everyone would be making judgments of them based on her appearance. The dress that adorned her was a gift from Calanagariel, and not wanting to offend, Kalen had promised to wear it. It was hard to imagine that Calanagariel had ever worn such a garment with its sheer material, and the image in her mind caused Kalen to chuckle lightly. The tan dress clung to her body, leaving one of her shoulders and both arms bared, and its length fell fluidly down her long legs. She felt a little uncomfortable showing so much flesh, but remembered that she had been seen in much less before. She huffed loudly. There he was again! Could not a minute pass by without his fair face appearing in her thoughts? She supposed not, and began wishing that she would be called to banquet before she lost all grasp on whatever temporary strength remained. A loud knocking came from the outside of her door, and she sighed in rescued relief.

"Kalen, it is Silinde, may I come in?"

Checking her reflection one last time and brushing a few strands of loosened hair from her face, she answered.

"Yes, please come in."

Silinde's eyes widened in surprise, and a pleasant smile overcame him.

"I cannot recall a time when I have seen an elven captain appear so comely."

"You are most kind, but that kindness eluded you earlier in the forest."

Silinde smiled as he remembered his words about her hair and eyes. Truly he had not been concerned with them, but rather the craftsmanship of her fine swords, and his sharp wit had gotten the better of him.

"Forgive me, for there are times when my tongue has a mind of its own and speaks only what it truly wishes to say."

"Do not be troubled, Silinde. I would not expect that every male would fall to his feet desiring me. Your quick words caught me unawares, but let us not speak on it again. Are we to make our leave for the feasting halls now?"

Silinde shook his head and strode over towards the wall where her swords lay propped against the walls of her room.

"No, it is not yet time, but I was wondering if we might take a short walk and if I might hear of the origins of these fine weapons."

Kalen paused before answering. There was innocence about him now that had not been present in the forest. She looked at his beautiful face, and both his blue eyes and his large smile bore a slight twinkle in them. He stood waiting for her answer and began pulling on the sleeves of his dark green tunic as he did so. A sudden thought entered her mind, and for once, it entailed more than Legolas alone. Yes, it would be wrong to use Silinde as a distraction, but truly no harm could come of it. His demeanor had changed from earlier, and he seemed to have a genuine interest in her swords; perhaps he would return the courtesy and tell her of his own weapon. He had no wish to love her or to have her love him in return, only to speak with her as one warrior to another. No doubt he had been sent by Thranduil to keep her company in this foreign place, and she desperately needed company no matter its source.

"I would love to walk with you, Silinde."

She extended her hand to him, and he took it in his own, wrapping it around his arm. The two elves walked out into a courtyard. There was a slight breeze and the stars glimmered in the night sky. The landscape of Thranduil's kingdom was nothing short of breathtaking and filled with many surprises. She had not expected to see the night sky from a palace concealed within a cave, yet there it was, either by elven magic or reality. They talked for a long while, sharing stories of family and weapons, and she listened to his every word with complete interest. Silinde told her of the beauties of the forest, and of the treasures of Thranduil's kingdom. He was more than a mere messenger, but also, a friend to Thranduil's house. She smiled in jest as she queried about Thranduil's son.

"So what of the Prince? Will he be as sharp tongued as you were prior, or will he be as kind as the Silinde before me now?"

"'Tis hard to answer with certainty, but I daresay that he might be kindly to anyone clothed in such a manner as you are now."

He smiled and reached for her hand once more.

"Shall we begin for the feasting halls?"

Kalen nodded and reached for his hand. The tall male began for the hall, Kalen by his side, and paused at the doors before entering.

"I do hope you have a head for wine. The elves of Eryn Lasgalen are very fond of it, and delight in sharing our superb stocks with our guests."

"I do not know. I have never been one for indulging in spirits, but I will indulge you by having my fill of your wine, that is, if you will return me a courtesy."

"Whatever you ask, save making a fool of myself in front of my King."

"I would never ask such a thing. I was thinking we might meet tomorrow for a lesson in archery."

"An elf not skilled in archery! HA! What is Middle Earth coming to? I will agree, if you will return a lesson in swordplay."

"You strike a hard bargain, Silinde, yet one I cannot refuse."

They smiled at one another, and pushing lightly, Silinde opened the doors of the feasting hall. There was a brief silence as all that were seated in the hall paused to see who had entered, but the silence was over as quickly as it had started. There was a buzz of chattering, and the sounds of elven singing as Silinde led Kalen to the seat beside Thranduil.

"I had wished my son to be here to greet you, but he has yet to return from an errand I delegated to him after his recent homecoming. I expect that he and his friend will be arriving before this night is over."

Thranduil made pleasant conversation with both she and Silinde, but a part of him seemed grieved when he spoke of Niphredia and Calanagariel. For his part, Kalen thought, he could not have purposely wounded Niphredia.

"Sire, if you will permit it, I would wish to change my place at your table and speak further with Kalen of Taureliloomis."

"Silinde! You wish to abandon the company of your friend and king to be nearer to our female guest?"

"Never abandon, my Lord, only temporarily suspend."

Thranduil laughed and nodded his approval to Silinde, who was at that very moment making his move to the other side of the table. When Silinde reached the chair beside Kalen, Thranduil glanced toward the opening doors of the hall, and before standing, he leaned over and whispered:

"I see the prince has arrived."

Everyone in the hall stood and there was a shuffling of feet as they did. Kalen was anxious to get a look at the prince that would be hearing her plea for aid, and sensing her anxiety, Silinde whispered into her ear.

"You will like Prince Legolas. He is quite honorable and a very loyal friend. You may prefer the archery lesson to be taught by him, as he is a master archer."

Kalen swallowed and widened her eyes. Had he just spoken the name of Legolas, or had her mind deceived her once more? The swallow was caught in her throat and she felt a rushing of heat to her head.

"I'm sorry, but I think I may have heard you incorrectly. Did you say 'Legolas'?"