To Breathe Part Five

In forest circles

Author- Arisma

Disclaimer- The main character and setting herein are loosely based on the works of the marvelously talented JRR Tolkien. I don't own Legolas (*sob*) though I am borrowing him. When I am done I promise to put him back with as little damage as possible, and I promise also to use a clean cloth to remove the drool he'll undoubtedly accumulate in the process.

Rating- R (cause I know it will eventually be smutty... yay smut!)

Feedback- Feedback equals new chapters, so please press the review button.

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He'd spent the entirety of the afternoon with his father and it had been one of the most pleasant times he'd had with him. Now though he couldn't help grinning as he smoothed the silver shirt and tied the black leggings. As much as he'd enjoyed his time with Thranduil he was more than ready to enter a world more suited to his present state of mind.

His mind wandered as he finished dressing, pulling on knee high boots and smoothing his hair carefully. Finally he threw a light cloak over his shoulders and left his rooms, navigating the twisting corridors easily. When he emerged into the cool night air he realized he was still grinning.

His smile only grew broader as he made his way silently through the trees, following his memory and his nose, the scent of clean wood smoke easily discernable to his superb senses. As he approached the clearing he heard the sound of laughter and music, familiar voices floating on the night breezes. He entered silently, stood for a moment watching as the elves before him danced and sang, small groups forming and reforming as elves joined and left each conversation.

He searched the faces until he found the one he sought and then he made his way to Erwyddon, smiling broadly still. "I'm surprised to see you here." he said, startling the elf.

"And why is that?" queried the soldier, quickly resuming his relaxed stance.

"Well, you were too ill to fulfill your obligations, so I assumed you would be too ill to attend the evenings celebrations as well." Legolas grinned at the scathing look his old friend was shooting him, and Erwyddon was unable to maintain the grimace.

"I took my post this afternoon. I just wasn't interested in drawing a bath for you, is all." he retorted, poking the prince in his ribs.

"If you weren't interested, you shouldn't have bet." chided Legolas, wagging a finger at his friend.

Erwyddons face flushed as he crowed loudly, "You cheated!"

"Oh, nonsense. You never asked if anyone had told me. It pays to be sure of the terms of a wager before you agree to it."

"I still say you cheated." muttered the soldier, suddenly standing straighter. He gestured demurely to a corner of the clearing where a beautiful maid stood, beckoning. "If you'll excuse me, I'm being summoned."

Legolas followed his friends point and grinned more broadly still, "By all means, by all means." He watched as his friend meandered to the maid and soon they slipped off together, seeking a secluded spot in the forest to share. Just as he was turning back to the conversation the others were having he heard a familiar voice and immediately craned his neck to find her.

It took but a moment for his eyes to locate her, standing on the outer edge of the clearing, talking animatedly with the same young lady that had been with her in the gardens earlier. Excusing himself politely he made his way over, noting with amusement that the girl he did not know hurriedly nudged the one he did as he approached.

"Hello again." he said, catching up her hand an planting a kiss on it, his lips lingering a moment longer than was proper.

"Hello." she replied, making no move to free her hand from his grasp. When he finally straightened she gestured to her companion with her free hand, saying, "Legolas, this is Erian. Erian, Legolas." They nodded politely to each other but it was apparent to them both just who the prince was interested in.

"If you'll excuse me..." added Erian lamely, not really making an effort at covering her hasty escape.

They watched her leave, a silence building between them. Her nearness enthralled him and he smiled to note that she still had not released his hand. "Walk with me?" he asked and was surprised when she nodded her consent. He held out his arm and she took it gracefully, and together they left the clearing, walking slowly through the deep woods. As they strolled she asked questions about his adventures and he answered, enjoying the light in her eye and her quick wit.

"But what of you?" he asked finally, having related his long tale as thoroughly as the situation warranted. "What did you do in my absence?"

"Nothing so spectacular as facing he fires of Mordor, that is for sure. I helped raise no nations nor aided in overthrowing any evil empires." she said, chuckling.

"I know you took the time to grow into a proper woman. That I can see with my own two eyes." he smiled sideways at her, seeing the blush form on her cheeks in the pale moonlight.

"The things you say, my lord," she murmured demurely, her flush deepening.

Unable to resist he leaned in, placing a soft kiss to her lips. Unexpectedly she pressed her lips more firmly against his and after a moment of surprise he complied, deepening the kiss, pulling her closer to him. She tasted faintly of sweetened wine and he sighed when he released her. "I've been wanting to do that since I first saw you."

She smiled, her cheeks still flushed. "I've been wanting you to do that as long as I can remember." she said, chuckling uneasily.

"I aim to please," he replied, his voice low. He couldn't help but smile at the way her eyes gleamed for a moment in the moonlight before she started walking again.

"So tell me, Legolas, will any of your friends be visiting Eryn Lasgalen?" he chuckled knowingly but allowed her to change the subject.

"I've no idea, really. Elessar and Arwen are so busy, between the little one and their positions, I can't imagine they'll find the time to do much traveling. As for the others, I doubt Gimli will be stopping by, considering the less than glowing reviews he's had of this place from his kinsman. The hobbits perhaps, though it would be a fair trek for them." He shrugged and kept pace with her, wanting to claim her lips again but somehow knowing that he must wait.

Around them the forest lightened with predawn glow and he was startled to realize it was so late. "Oh no!" She cried unexpectedly. "I was supposed to be home hours ago! My father will have my head for this." she turned, sighing as she started for home.

Legolas caught up to her easily, stepping in front of her, walking backwards that they could continue to speak. "Allow me to walk you home?" he asked, smiling.

"Could I stop you?" she queried, smiling in return.

"Likely not." he stated, leaning forward again to catch her lips in a brief kiss.

Hand in hand they traversed the forest paths until they arrived at her families home, nestled near the palace proper. As they approached the door burst open and an older elf stepped out, wrapped in a sleep robe, slippered feet slapping on the cobbles as he raced down the path.

"Amaya! where in the name of the Valar have you been?" he cried, shaking a finger at her.

Legolas stepped forward smoothly, offering his hand to the elder elf. "Your pardon, sir. I was taking a stroll with your lovely daughter and I fear time ran away from us. It's entirely my fault, I do hope you'll forgive me."

Amayas father shook his hand briefly, his forehead deeply furrowed. "I see." he stated, nodding his head towards the still open door. "In. We'll discuss this properly in the morning." he said, watching as the younger elves shared a long look, finally clearing his throat, sending his daughter scurrying into the house.

Once the door closed behind her he leaned in, his eyes earnest as he held the princes gaze. "Look, son, I've no doubt you mean well, but I don't think you understand the situation fully."

Legolas made to object but the elder elf shushed him, his eyes serious. "We all know she's always had a bit of a crush on you, it's no secret. But you're adults now, the two of you. She's a bit of an innocent in the ways of the world, and I hope that you'll respect that."

Legolas nodded, his mouth open but no words emerging. The elder elf smiled softly saying, "I'll bid you a good evening now, my lord. Thank you for seeing her home safely." The prince nodded and watched as the other disappeared into the house and the lights within flickered and then were extinguished.

He heard a small tapping and raised his gaze the second floor, to a pale shape behind one of the windows. It opened a crack and she leaned out, smiling, beautiful in a white dressing gown. "Thank you for everything, Legolas. Pleasant dreams." He smiled and waved, walking down the path, the last image of her bathed in moonlight and smiling at him lingering in his head as dawn turned to day.

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A/N~

Daisy Princess~ Wow, thanks. Powerful.. I'll take it!

Rose of Dragonmount~ We're getting there! In all things I strive for balance and in my other fic they fell head over heels in love (and into the bed) in the first chapter. This one is going to take a while longer... but it'll happen and be sweeter still for the waiting.

Kate~ You again! Yay! I hope you enjoy this story and the other one too, though they are very different. Thanks for writing!

KnowInsight~ As I mentioned before, I try to keep a balance. Thranduil tends to be a jerk in most fics, and he is at least wearing that hat in my other, so in this one, he's going to be more of a father than an antagonist. Thanks for reviewing!

LKK~ Another regular from Diplomacy that's enjoying this one as well, yay! I do understand what you meant about edge. I just wanted to make clear that this isn't the same as some fics in where a noble lady who lives in a palace and should never have held a weapon in her life is a master swordsmen or archer. Amaya isn't feeble but put her up against an orc and she's toast, just like any of us would be, sans an automatic weapon.

To all my readers- Review! Tell me what you want to happen, tell me I stink if you think it. Just let me know how I'm doing! And above all, keep reading and enjoying. I write it for me, but I post it for you.

~Arisma~

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

David Viscott