'Alright, I'm ready.' Eva said as she locked the door behind her. Torynn smiled and rolled her eyes, as her friend pulled her cloak tighter around herself.

'It is about time. I was worried that we'd never depart.' She said as they began their short journey to the palace. Eva lived closer to the old palace of Elrond, due to her noble blood. Torynn was silently thankful. If Eva hadn't the connections that she did, entering the thresh hold would prove more difficult.

After perhaps five minutes of walking they arrived at the servant's quarters. Torynn's eyebrow rose. 'Eva...' she said as her companion rapped on the wooden door. 'I thought you said you had connections in the royal court.' Eva shrugged and smiled slightly.

'I led you not to believe I was related to anyone in the royal court. More like the servants of the royal court.' She said. Torynn was about to insist that they turn back, when the door opened and a surly looking old elf stepped out. He surveyed the two with a look of disgust. Torynn glared back at him, but Eva smiled politely.

'Hello Athomel.' She said sweetly. The tall elf nodded, the solemn look still holding on his face. 'I wish to speak to aunt Milla. I believe she is free at the moment?' The tall elf nodded again and turned swiftly, his long raven black hair sweeping in front of them before he strode back into the quarters. Torynn followed while Eva closed the door.

'Evanita!' they heard as they entered a grander chamber. A thin, smiling woman with a warm complexion crossed to them, placing two hands on Eva's cheeks and then kissing each cheek tenderly. 'It has been long since I have seen you. You have grown as tall as a tree.' She said with a bright smile. Eva blushed and waved her aunt off.

'I was wondering, aunt, if you could perhaps do us a favor.' She said motioning to Torynn, who was standing, half hidden in the darkly lit corner. Milla smiled and walked forward, pouring some herbal tea in a few cups.

'Perhaps young one. I shall see what I can do. What favor is it you ask of an old elf?' she said offering the tea cup to Torynn. She took it with a forced smile. She had grown to hate herbal tea. It reminded her so of her godmother. Yet she dutifully took small sips.

'We wish to see Prince Legolas.' Eva said taking her own cup from her aunt. Milla froze and frowned slightly.

'You should not jest about such things Evanita. If I were to take you to the prince, I would never work in the palace again!' she said sitting on an old chair of red velvet. She swallowed her own tea. 'What's more, the prince has already found a maid to dote upon. I witnessed them in the palace gardens yesterday.' She said with a small smile. Torynn felt herself blush under the hood of her cloak. Eva raised an eyebrow and smiled.

'Really Milla? And what did this maid look like?' she asked, knowing that Torynn would be glaring at her. Milla's smile stretched and she lowered her cup to a tray, laying her hands neatly in her lap.

'She was a rare beauty. Golden hair that shined in the light of day, sun kissed skin and eyes so green they shamed the forest for its dullness.' She said as her eyes glazed over. Torynn felt her cheeks blush even more. For an elf to think she was beautiful was a compliment beyond any other.

'Really?' Eva said with a smirk. 'She sounds surreal.' Milla shook her head.

'Oh no, she was real, and the way the prince set her eyes upon her, any creature could see that he was in love.' She said before standing. 'So I am afraid, young elves, your mark was left too long.' Eva grinned at this as Torynn, too, stood.

'Lady Milla, I must see the prince.' She said, her hands clenching together. Milla shook her head.

'I am afraid no matter if you are the most beautiful elven maid in Rivendell, you could never steal the prince's admiring looks from that young lady he saw last day.' She said taking the tea cup from Torynn.

'But you do not understand Lady Milla.' Torynn said as her hands swept the hood back from her face. 'I am the young lady from last day.' Milla's eyes widened slightly, her mouth open a touch. Eva could not stifle a giggle. Milla gained her composure enough to bow her head slightly.

'My apologies, my lady. I had no idea.' She said smiling at Torynn. Torynn returned it and bowed back.

'That is of no importance to me. I must see Prince Legolas. I believe that I said something to offend him yesterday and I wish to make amends.' She said drawing her cowl up again. Milla nodded and swept up her skirt in her left hand and motioned for them to follow her. They crept out of the servant's quarters and up a narrow winding staircase. They finally came to a long hall and Milla stopped in front of a grand pair of oak doors. She lifted her hand and gently opened the door.

**************************************************************************** ****

Legolas leafed absentmindedly through the book before him, thinking about nothing but Torynn. He had felt the anger coming off her like heated waves. She had not shown her distress, at least not physically, but he could feel it. She was saddened by something, and her sudden mood change had proved that. He wondered what it was that he had said to make her so defensive. The words 'not as they seem' kept floating threw his head and he had a feeling that they were a key to solving the mystery.

Legolas turned his head as his doors opened and one of the servants peaked around the corner. Remus and Orthenelle both noticed too, but quickly resumed their game of chess. Legolas smiled kindly at the elf.

'What is it you want, lady elf?' he asked, sitting up from his bed. She bowed slightly.

'My apologies my lord, but there is a beautiful elven maid who wishes the company of masters Remus and Orthonelle.' She said with a soft smile on her old face. Both companions looked up at the mention of their names. They rose and speed toward the door. Milla stepped back and Legolas expected for the door to close. He looked down at the large book he was holding in his hands. It was 'A Hobbit's Tale' by Bilbo, Frodo's uncle. It was an interesting read, and having nothing better to do with his time, he had sat down to learn more of his old friend's uncle. He barely noticed the cloaked figure that swept in and quietly shut the door.

He glanced up, confusion crossing his fair face, as the mysterious figure turned to face him. He closed the book, still frowning slightly. It was probably the elf maid, wanting something else.

'May I help you further, lady elf?' he said standing, so that he was towering compared to the short figure. He saw hands appear and pull the cowl away and for once in all his years back from the wars of Saron, he felt surprise fill him.

'Legolas Greenleaf, it is odd to see an elf so shocked.' Torynn said, a small smile crossing her oval face. Legolas managed to pull himself together enough to move forward.

'I had not expected to see you again, my lady.' He said so that he was now standing in front of her, perhaps a meter away. Her smile disappeared, replaced by a look of hurt.

'I had not meant to seem so harsh with you, my lord. I was simply not feeling well and I could not control my temper. Forgive me, please.' She said, bowing her head to him. He frowned, stepping forward and placed his hands on hers, forcing her to look up at him.

'Do not express your regret, for I am certain it was I who caused you some pain, and it is I who should seek forgiveness.' Torynn frowned at this and shook her head.

'No, it was not you who was at fault.' She said softly, feeling remorseful at her actions the other say. 'I wish to see you again. Every day if possible.' She said, feeling suddenly emboldened by his hands on hers. 'I wish to remain in your company as often as possible my lord. Please.'

'In that case, you should call me Legolas.' He said bringing his head down slightly so that it was almost level with hers. 'And you need never beg for my company, for I willingly offer it.' Her eyes met his at his comment and she felt her breathing become uneven and irregular. 'Lady Torynn, would you accept my company for dinner tomorrow, here at the palace?'

'I - I accept.' She said, stuttering slightly. She was about to continue when there was a crash from outside. She broke away from him, whipping around to see the door creak open slightly.

'No, you mustn't leave yet!' Eva's voice faintly called.

'We must return to our prince, lady.' Remus answered. Torynn's eyes went slightly wide and she turned back to Legolas.

'I must leave!' she said in a whispered tone. 'Before they enter!' Legolas frowned.

'There is no other way out.' He whispered back and Torynn felt as though she might die. Her eyes raked the room for any possible escape, as Eva tried feebly to keep the two lords' attentions. Finally a smile appeared on Legolas' face. Torynn quirked an eyebrow.

'What?' she asked cautiously as he took her hand, pulling her away from the entrance. He grinned at her and pulled her closer.

'Do you trust me?' he asked in a hushed voice. Torynn felt his warm breath on the top of her head and felt that she was in some heaven far away. Yet she managed to stay focused.

'Legolas I - '

'Do you trust me, Torynn?' he asked bending down slightly, looking her straight in the eye. Torynn felt that she couldn't speak, that her throat was closing up, not allowing for any speech. She heard Eva's squeal and nodded. 'Wrap your arms around my neck.' Torynn's eyes widened at the request.

'To the point, aren't you?' she said jokingly, but she did as he told her and felt him wrap his arms around her waist. 'Legolas, what are you - '

'Hold on tightly, Torynn.' He said as he hoisted her up onto his sill. Her eyes widened still.

'Legolas, you cannot be serious!' she said searching his eyes for some sign of tease. When she saw none, she pressed herself to him, closing her eyes tightly. 'Don't drop me.' She pleaded. Again she felt his hot breath on her shoulder.

'I would never.' He said in a soft voice. Before Torynn could answer him she felt him step over the edge and felt a small drop, just as the door of his chambers burst open.