A/N: Sorry it's a short chapter but it should be getting better in the following chapters. I won't be updating for about a week after Chapter 3 since I will be gone during Spring Break. Yay! Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and comments. I think some of you have pointed out some really good things that needed attention. Thanks again!

Chapter 3

Strange Thoughts

Vanadil slowly made her way down the staircase that led to the large banquet hall. For a fleeting moment, she had considered not being present at all but knew she could not embarrass her parents. Sighing, she walked through the oak doors and saw the festivities going on around her. There was lighthearted music, cheerful laughter, and the tables were covered in food.

Briefly, Vanadil caught the scent of the meal and she realized she was hungrier than she thought. However, her mind quickly drifted back to the reason she was here, and her appetite left as quickly as it came.

She wandered over to where her parents were seated and quickly found a vacant chair beside her mother. Vanadil glanced around and saw with relief, that Legolas was nowhere to be seen. Feeling the knot in her stomach slowly unwind, she looked back at her mother and smiled.

"I made a point to be early this time, seeing as I'm always late." She remarked.

At that, Aragorn smiled, "I'm glad to see you are making an effort."

Nodding slightly, Vanadil took another chance to catch a glimpse of the activity around her. She had grown accustomed to such festivities over time. Knowing Legolas could arrive at any minute, Vanadil fidgeted uncomfortably, wishing with all her might that she could somehow become invisible. She would much rather be spending time with Eledhwen, or at the very least, in her room by herself.

The sudden feel of a hand on her shoulder made her jump in surprise. Looking up, she saw that Legolas had, in fact, arrived without her noticing. Glaring at him for startling her, Vanadil remained silent not wanting to give him the notion that she had been anticipating his arrival. Aye, in truth she had been but not for the same purpose he would have wanted.

"I am pleased to see you here, Vanadil." He spoke softly.

For some frustrating reason, Vanadil could not find the intense sharpness she wanted to counter his words with when he spoke to her in that manner. Narrowing her eyes, she firmly replied, "Is that so? You and I both know that I had no choice in the matter."

Ignoring her harsh remark, Legolas continued, "You look quite a vision tonight."

"Aye, but a vision of what?" she exclaimed, challengingly. She enjoyed toying with others' words, a pastime she had long found amusing. It normally left people in a state of confusion or dismay. She would have been satisfied with either response from Legolas.

In truth, she did not trust anything male, whether it be man or elf. They were much too dominating in her opinion, and the thought of being under such control frightened her. She did not want someone to crush her free spirit.

Much to her disappointment, Legolas simply smiled and took her hand in his. His hand was soft and warm, but Vanadil stubbornly ignored it. Although she knew most maidens would swoon at his touch, Vanadil refused to give in to such ladylike passions.

Gritting her teeth, she asked, "What are you doing?"

Smiling once again, he answered, "I am asking you to dance, Milady."

Feeling frustration burn within her, Vanadil knew she couldn't decline as it would be insulting to him and in turn, insulting to her parents. Although she would take great delight in mildly offending him, she would rather die before doing such to her father and especially her mother.

She knew that he realized this, and in turn had snared her into a trap. Glaring back at him, she reluctantly stood as he led her away from her seat. Aye, he was quite cunning indeed.

Later that night, after the banquet, Vanadil decided she would talk to her mother once and for all about the matter. She was sure her mother would understand and in turn, be willing to convince her father to annul the betrothal. She had timed her meeting perfectly as her father was gone speaking with Legolas and some other noblemen, so she could speak to her mother privately in her chambers.

Knocking softly on her door, Vanadil quickly heard her mother softly beckon her to come in. Smiling, she pushed open the door and just as quickly, shut it behind her.

"Mother, I need to speak with you." She began.

Arwen nodded and motioned for her to come fourth. "It is about Legolas. I see you can not get him off your mind, dear daughter."

Vanadil winced and replied, "Aye, mother but I wish I could. The very thought of him turns my stomach so."

Her mother smiled, "Mayhap your stomach turns for the fact your feelings towards him grow?"

Rolling her eyes, Vanadil snorted, "Nay! Not the feelings you wish me to feel."

"Vanadil, what is it that makes you loathe him so? Mayhap you could give him more than just a brief chance to prove his worth to you. For many seasons I have known Legolas and he is a valiant elf."

Vanadil opened her mouth to reply but was silenced by a quick wave of her mother's hand as she continued. "Vanadil, if you let him love you, he'll will be willing to do anything for you as it will make you happy. He will not oppress you."

She shot her mother a surprised look. How could she have known that was one of Vanadil's fears?

Seeing her comment hit home, Arwen replied, "You know your father would not have agreed to the betrothal if he thought it not in the best interest for you. He loves you dearly and wishes more than anything for your happiness. For this reason, he worries when you leave unexpectedly as you often do. The worry causes him to be quite cross with you sometimes."

Vanadil took a moment to think over her mother's words. Could it be true that her father cared more about her than she thought? And what of Legolas? Had her stubbornness really blinded her as to who he really was? Could her mother be right about the matter? She had never doubted her mother's words before and found little reason to do so this time. Bidding her mother good night, she quietly left the room and walked back to her own chambers still milling over her questions that kept appearing in her mind.

A/N: There's the 3rd one! As always, please Read and Review!