Disclaimer: I own only what you don't recognize (i.e. Gilanna, her siblings, Legolas' siblings, though, I'd trade ALL of them for ONE Legolas). With that out of the way once again, on with the story.

* * * * *

Gilanna was nervous the week leading up to her siblings' arrival. There was something wrong, and she did not know what it was, or even why. She shook herself back into reality, and went back to the library where was going to meet Legolas.

A week later, Gilanna was out reading in her tree when her ears picked up the sound of many hoofs. They were travelling fast, eastwards, on the road. The hunt had not been out today, and Gilanna knew it was her siblings. She figured that Legolas would hear and tell the house that their expected guests were arriving. Gilanna almost ran to the mouth of the cave, but, as well as she now knew the cave in the three weeks she had been there, she was not quick enough for the horses.

The leader of the elves had already dismounted and was talking to Thranduil. Gilanna silently came up to the two, and at a break made herself heard. After that, there was much rejoicing. Friends were reunited, for Gilanna's best friend, Celebdúlin had also come, sisters and brothers met, even though it had been just a month since they had last seen each other.

Then, Gilanna introduced all that had come to all that were there. This took some time, since many elves had come to see the disturbance, and Gilanna had to repeat herself many times. After that, a feast had been laid out for the household and their guests, and they enjoyed a spectacular evening.

* * *

Gilanna shared a room with her younger sister and Celebdúlin while her brothers shared the room next to them.

"Are we going to be able to dance here?" Elenhíná asked the next day. Gilanna looked at her, her lips painted in a frown.

"I'm not quite sure, Elenhíná," she replied. "I hope so, but we must bring it up with King Thranduil. I do not doubt, however, that sooner or later we will be able to show our skills."

"I'm surprised you haven't shown off yet," Celebdúlin added. "Especially to that young prince, Legolas." She gave Gilanna a knowing smile. Gilanna rolled her eyes.

"I will not hide that I find Prince Legolas very friendly," she replied, "but that is all he is. A friend." Celebdúlin shook her head and shrugged her shoulders in a very disbelieving way. "And I will admit that if it were up to me, it would not be like that, but he will most likely never see me that way, so it doesn't matter what I think." Shake of the head again.

* * *

They stayed for almost an entire month. Finally, one night, the subject of dancing came up.

"I believe that your mother danced very well," Thranduil commented. "I'm sure she would have been a great teacher to those who were willing to learn." Before Gilanna could reply, Elenhíná spoke up.

"Yes she was," she said. "Just look at Gilanna. She's the best dancer in all of Imladris, aside from our mother." Gilanna blushed, as Legolas looked at her with a spark of interest. Thranduil smiled.

"I would not doubt it," he said. "Would you care to show us your talents." Gilanna regarded them all before answering. She sighed.

"Very well." She stood up and motioned for Celebdúlin and Elenhíná to support her. She nodded to Celebangar and Gwaithêl to get their instruments and begin the music.

From the first note, the trio held their audience in suspense and wonderment. They danced, but it seemed as if they were just floating on air. They moved flawlessly, their feet barely touching the ground for an instant before moving again. With the last note, they collapsed into a low bow. Applause erupted from all sides of them. Elves had appeared since the first note, wondering at the music. The trio grinned. It was just like old times.

* * *

Within a few days, they danced again. The same effect. Even Ariel and Gildae, Legolas' sisters were amazed at their moves. The trio taught them some moves, and let them dance with them.

These guests were now held in great respect. It was with a sad heart that they left, two months after they had come.

Thranduil delivered the news to Celebangar who delivered it to his youngest sisters. Their father had requested them to come home as soon as possible, especially Gilanna. They took the news rather well, considering that they had almost made Mirkwood a home away from home. But it lay heavily on the heart of Gilanna.

She had not discussed what had happened on her trip to Mirkwood to any of her family. She could tell her father had not told them why exactly they were being sent to Mirkwood to see how Gilanna was. And what of Legolas. In the two months, their friendship grew, and conversations in the night became longer and much more captivating as they spoke of love, marriage, and what they wanted to do. This night would hold no joy. It was already decided that they would leave in five days.

Gilanna told Legolas the news that very night. She wanted to tell him herself, rather than have him hear it from anyone else. Two days later, they had another of their conversations.

"What I would give that I might stay here longer, just to be in your company, my friend," Gilanna said.

"And what I might bargain to anyone that might let you stay," Legolas replied, "but you cannot."

"That I know, yet my heart yearns to stay."

"And my heart yearns for the same." Gilanna looked at him.

"Perhaps then, if my lord and your lord give their permission, we might meet again," she said. Legolas looked into her eyes.

"I would hold my breath till that day and live, knowing I would see you once again." Gilanna smiled.

"Nay," she said. "Do not hold thy breath. Let me take it away." Without any more hesitation, she lifted her head and their lips met. Legolas pushed his head slowly down to make the kiss deeper. Gilanna wrapped her arms around his neck, and his hands went around her waist. They broke apart, smiled, and kissed again.

They departed and Gilanna made her way slowly to her quarters. Celebdúlin was still awake, waiting for her friend.

"What happened," she asked. When Gilanna was silent she said, "I know something's up. There's a light in your eyes I've never seen. What happened?" Gilanna smiled, but broke. She told her most trusted friend everything.

* * *

The dreadful day of departure came. The skies were grey, and Gilanna looked up hopefully at the sky, wishing for rain.

"Farewell, and good luck," Thranduil said as the five of them mounted their horses. "I wish you fair speed and an easy journey. Know that all of you will be welcomed back whenever your path wanders across our wood." They all bowed their heads in respect.

"Words could not describe my thanks to your kindness, King Thranduil," Gilanna said before departing. "I hope that I may once again wander in these fair woods. My heart would be glad at the chance."

"We await that day then, my lady," Legolas spoke up. Gilanna smiled, tears forming in her eyes. She nodded once again, and turned her steed in an about face. Together, the five set off, with cries of "Farewell!" at their backs.



A/N: Well that's the third chapter! I'm still not sure how long I'm going to make this fic, but that's not keeping me from writing. I'll figure it out soon, so don't worry! (Don't see why you would, but anyway) And, as always, if you haven't reviewed, please do!