The sun shone brightly through the trees as the party of horses came proudly out of the forest. At the head of the procession was a pearl-colored horse astride which was the heir to Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf. He wore a deep green tunic and leggings of a shade lighter. His short bow was strapped to his back aside a quiver full of arrows into which a pouch was built to hold twin daggers. His long, white-blonde hair was braided at the temples and then tied back at the crown and braided to the nape of his neck. His eyes shone brightly in the afternoon sun as he dismounted from the horse. He stepped back and extended a hand to the dark-haired Elf maiden behind him to help her get down from her dappled grey mare.
She wore a gown of silver and the circlet of Mirkwood. She was Vanawethwen, sister to the heir, though most knew not of her. She smiled gratefully at her brother who let go of her hand and smiled in return. He nodded to the Elven company behind them who then dismounted as one, their shimmering Elvish cloaks dispersing the sunlight.
He walked through the entrance to the Great Hall of Lord Elrond's palace and was met by the Princesses Ascafeniel and Haeorewen, behind whom was another Elf maided whom he had not met. He'd been here many times before, but had not seen her and now he wondered who she was. No matter. There'd be time for that later. He dropped to one knee before Princess Ascafeniel, took her hand, and kissed it lightly.
She could feel her face heat at the touch of his lips and she struggled to maintain her composure. "Legolas Greenleaf. It is a pleasure to have you again in our company."
He stood, still holding her hand. "The pleasure, My Lady, is all mine." He inclined his head toward her then turned to Haeorewen and took her hand and kissed it as well. "And it is also a pleasure to see you, Princess."
"As always Prince, you are most welcome here, but please, do not feel inclined to include me in your welcome. I know for whom you are here," she said smiling as her sister's face turned a delicate shade of pink.
"Your frankness has always been a trait I admired you for, Princess. It is most..........refreshing." He smiled with unprincely mirth and turned back to Ascafeniel. "My Lady, if you would be so kind as to show my company and I to our rooms. The journey was long and tiresome and I am ready for sleep."
"Of course. Rinvilyaiel?" she called to the handmaiden who had been standing off to the side.
She bowed slightly and waited for instructions.
"Please escort the Prince, his sister, and the rest of their company to their rooms."
"Yes My Lady," she answered, curtsying and turning to the company with a smile. "This way please." She turned and the group followed.
But, not before Legolas cast Ascafeniel a very meaningful glance, then walked out.
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Note: A lot of these chapters are very short and to the point. I didn't want to have to divide chapters into sections, so I just wrote a lot of chapters.
