Chapter 2

"So, what's the matter?"

"Well, to make a long story short, I…got dumped."
"Oh, I'm…sorry."

Part of him was really sorry. But the other part of him was leaping with joy. He had been attracted to her for a long time, but wouldn't admit it to anyone. Well, almost anyone. There was one person who knew of his never-ending affection for Rhysilana Lee. His best friend Elral. Elral had listened to Legolas talk about Rhys many times. He knew hi best friend was in love with that girl. There was only one problem. Legolas was royalty and Rhys was not. Legolas's father Thranduil was planning on uniting Mirkwood with Lorien by marrying his son with the princess from Lorien. Nevertheless, Legolas was not pleased. Elral crouched, hidden in the thick of the woods, watching his best friend.

"Well, listen, I know you're upset, but I was wondering if you're going to the "party" my father is planning tonight."

"Well, I don't know. I mean, I guess. It's not like I have anything else planned."

"Great. Umm, Do you want to come…with me?"

Rhys looked him over a minute. What AM I doing? She paused before answering.

"Absolutely."

"Ok, well, I guess you'll be wanting to go back then. I know how girls LOVE to spend hours getting ready."

Rhys laughed and with a parting glance set off to find Mari.

"He WHAT!?"

"He invited me to the party tonight…as his DATE."

"Wow. My best friend is going as the date of Prince Legolas. How lucky can you get! And you thought this was a bad day!"

Rhys smiled as her friend began giving the long list of pros to being Legolas's date.

"…AND he's really CUTE!"

"Oh will you come off it! I understand you are smitten with him!"

"I am not!"

"Ok, well, if you're not then PLEASE help me find something to wear."

Three hours later, Rhys and Mari were waiting in the courtyard, where Legolas said he would meet them. After rummaging through both of their closets, the girls had finally found something to wear, not too formal but still elegant. Mari had chosen a silver skirt with a glimmering sea foam green shirt to go along with it. Rhys had on a pink halter dress that she had made herself. A quiet voice cut the dead silence.

"Wow…you look…great."

"Oh! Thanks! You look quite spiffy yourself."

He offered her his arm and she took it, with Mari grinning behind them.