Disclaimer: See chapter one.
A/N: Thanx for reviewing; it keeps me going!
Chapter 3: Getting To Know You
Morning soon crept away, leaving the sun to shine it's glorious light above Mirkwood. Neofina decided that a walk through the woods would calm her nerves and settle her thoughts. **Why did he look at me like that? There was a glint of hope, of love almost, that I have never seen in those blue depths before. Nah. Maybe it was just because my eyes were blurred.** Neofina was satisfied with her conclusion and continued to walk and think about the main matter at hand. **Why is King Thranduil making me do this? I mean, Legolas is just as immortal as the next elf, why does he have to marry so suddenly?** Curiosity sparked within Neofina's head. Now she had two issues to attend to: King Thranduil's reasoning for his cruel yet sudden intentions, and finding Legolas' true love. The sun had begun to set, leaving a purple-red painted sky. Neofina gasped, remembering her promise to meet Legolas earlier. "Oh dear," she moaned as she started to sprint towards the tallest tree. Her long legs picked up their speed as she spotted the huge tree adorned with long branches and leaves of gold and light green due to autumn's quick arrival. Neofina's face brushed past branches beside her as she continued to run, whipping her face as punishment for breaking her promise. When she finally arrived to the tree's roots, she began to call out his name. She heard nothing but the breeze whistle in her ear. Then she heard the rustling of feet and her heart leaped, but swiftly fell when she caught sight of Thangulan, their other close friend.
"Where's Legolas?" Neofina asked catching her breath.
"I should be asking you the same thing," was his quick reply, "Why didn't you show up?"
"It slipped my mind, I guess," Neofina felt guilty now.
"Oh I see," was his sarcastic response.
"No, you don't understand, Gully, I really need to talk to him," Neofina's voice had a pleading tone, making Thangulan feel sorry for her, almost.
"Well, then in that case," Thangulan smiled at her washing away some of her guilt, "He's in his chamber preparing for dinner. You should go talk to him before he greets his father. That's all we would need: two grumpy Greenleaf's."
He winked at Neofina and she nodded in agreement, hugged her friend, and headed towards the castle. Thangulan sighed as he watched her go and shook his head slightly. "They're made for each other," he barely spoke above a whisper. He smiled to himself, and left the old tree following Neofina's footsteps back towards the palace.
Legolas paced his room in frustration thinking aloud. "Why hadn't she come? She's never not shown up!" He plopped himself down on his bed breathing heavy. "Ok, maybe I'm overreacting," Legolas mentioned hopefully, "But she better come and apologize." So Legolas changed his clothing and impatiently waited for Neofina's light knock on his door. When the sound echoed in his ears, Legolas decided to wait for a second knock, his pride taking over. But Neofina didn't knock twice; she knocked once and then walked away from the door. When she was halfway down the hall, his door swung open to reveal a very confused Legolas.
"Hey," Neofina's voice was soft and barely audible.
"Hello."
"Can I come in?" she asked as her feet directed her back to Legolas' room.
"Yes," he replied as he opened his door fully to reveal his extraordinary chamber. The walls were dark green with light green leaves painted in a border framing the walls and his bed. His bed was made out of oak wood and was covered in silk mint green sheets; a canopy of leaves hovered over his bed creating an iridescent picture to show itself on his sheets. He also had fabulous oak wood furniture and an amazingly large window with a view of the woods. Neofina has been in the room before, but whenever she returns to it, she always stands in awe for a moment before proceeding.
"Uh, Fina, hello?" Legolas chuckled to himself as he observed Neofina's face; she always acted like this when she entered his room.
"Oh, sorry," her cheeks began to redden, "You know me!"
"Yes, I do," he smiled yet again, but then he remembered the day's earlier events and his face grew more serious. Neofina noticed his emotional change and so she began to explain herself.
"I was taking a walk in the woods," she started, hesitant at first, but she still continued, "I was thinking over some things and then I realized that the sun was setting, so I ran as fast as I could to the tree, but you weren't there, but Gully was, and he told me where you were, so I ran to your chamber."
Legolas was not really listening to her babble; he was watching her face. When she became flustered, her cheeks were pink, and her eyes were so big, like large green jewels, and her lips, oh her lips, so full yet so fragile, calling him to kiss her. He put those thoughts aside for now and tried to concentrate on what she was talking about. What he received was 'walk in the woods', 'sun setting', 'Gully', and 'running to his chamber'. Legolas processed this newfound information through his head and he slowly approached Neofina embracing her in one of his "I forgive you hugs". Neofina's breathing grew to a more normal pace and her nervousness faded away like the sun had faded away from Middle Earth. The last bit of light had crept away from Legolas window leaving the room dark for a moment until the flicker of a candle appeared in Legolas' large hands.
"Will you accompany me for dinner tonight, Lady Neofina?" Legolas asked, once again amused by the little game they would play on their way to dinner.
"I thought you'd never ask!" she exclaimed while locking her arms with his. They gracefully left Legolas' chambers and continued to mimic royalty's formal demeanor until they arrived to dinner.
Dinner was delicious (as always), but Neofina couldn't really enjoy her meal due to King Thranduil's suspicious looks towards her and Legolas. Neofina was invited to eat at the palace ever since her and Legolas were friends, but tonight was the first night she had wished she were at home eating with her family then here. Legolas and Thangulan noticed Neofina's odd behavior and conjured up an idea to cheer her up.
"Fina," Legolas started, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "Let's leave this place and go out to the woods for a nice walk."
"It would be better then this," Thangulan nodded his head, Legolas' mischievous eyes mirrored in his own now.
"What are you two up to?" Neofina whispered trying not to draw attention.
"Nothing, really," Thangulan said in a tone that Neofina didn't really believe.
"I don't trust you, Gully," Neofina stated. Gully pretended to look offended, but Neofina wouldn't apologize for her statement; she meant every word of it.
"Look," Legolas started again, breaking the long silence, "Gully and I noticed that you were, so to speak, turning greener than your tunic," at that comment the two boys chuckled, but Legolas calmed himself and finished, "We thought that maybe if you got some fresh air, you would hopefully return to your natural color."
Thangulan couldn't hold his laughter in any longer; he echoed through the dining hall, causing all the elves to look questioningly at him.
"Is there something funny that you would like to share with us Thangulan?" King Thranduil's voice raised over Thangulan's laughing fit.
"No. my lord. please forgive me. may I be excused?" Thangulan said in between unmanly giggles.
"Yes, you are excused," King Thranduil replied rather annoyed.
"Thank you my lord," Thangulan bowed, still laughing to himself, but before he left he whispered to Neofina and Legolas, "Meet you out by the clearing."
Legolas nodded and Neofina smiled. After Thangulan left, they returned to their conversation.
"I didn't think what you said was that funny," Neofina said, a little hurt.
"I didn't think so either," Legolas agreed. They both looked at one another and simultaneously remembered how King Thranduil reacted towards Thangulan's "unruly" manner. They giggled and decided to figure out a way of escape. Legolas knew his father would not let Legolas just leave, so he would have to sneak out unnoticed; he waited until his father was in a heated conversation with the main guard over methods concerning how to protect Mirkwood's borders.
"Now's the time, come on," Legolas whispered as he took Neofina's hand. She grabbed it tighter as they entered the woods, unaware of her actions. When they made it to the clearing, they were still holding hands tightly, until Neofina looked down and realized what she had been doing the whole time. She swiftly untangled her fingers from his and a flustered look came upon her moonlit face. Legolas looked at her for a moment and then understood.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I mean," Legolas stammered.
"It's ok," Neofina reassured him. She looked around, but Thangulan was nowhere to be found, "Where's Gully?"
"I have no idea," Legolas pretended to sound worried, but all was going to plan, "He should be here soon. Maybe he had to go get something."
This excuse fulfilled Neofina's curiosity for the time being, so she sat down on the grass, curling her knees up to her chin. Legolas followed her movements and soon they were next to each other gazing up at the bright stars. **This is the perfect time to ask Legolas about maidens.** Neofina thought to herself. **Ok, Neofina, you can do this.** She sighed heavily and began to question her companion.
"So," she started. **Great going Neofina.** "Have you ever been in love?"
The question startled Legolas and left him thinking back through the years: when he was younger, meeting Neofina, the hardships of the fellowship, destroying the ring, sailing with Gimli, returning home, falling for Neofina; all this thinking caused a long silence to occur between the two. Neofina thought he would never answer her until she heard his voice, soft yet hearable.
"No, I don't believe that I have," he lied almost sounding sad. Almost.
Neofina mentally kicked herself for asking such a question, but she knew she had to continue, "What would you look for in a maiden, then?"
This question took Legolas by more surprise than the first. He thought long and hard about the question, but his answer kept coming up to qualities Neofina had. So he mentioned them, almost amused with himself as he began.
"Well, she would have to have brown hair with some curl to it, big green eyes, tall, slender, funny, sweet, good at archery, the list could go on forever I suppose," He smiled at Neofina while she tried to imagine such a maiden; she was oblivious to the fact that he was talking about her.
"Oh," was her small reply, still trying to think of someone who could fit in those shoes. Archery skills were rare among maidens; the only girls she knew who obtained any skills in archery were herself and another fair elf by the name of Adeliane. Adeliane had green eyes, but her hair was almost a sandy blonde. She would do perfectly though; she was just about everything Legolas had mentioned so far. Neofina hadn't realized that Legolas had been watching her the whole time, and when she turned to face him, she jumped a little at the intensity in his eyes. She felt uncomfortable so she stood up (Legolas followed her movements once again). She gave him a quick hug and fled from the clearing yelling behind her that she would meet him in his secret spot in the morning. Legolas was about to go after her until he felt a strong hand on his shoulder. It was Thangulan's hand.
"What happened?" Thangulan's hazel eyes showed concern, "Our plan failed?"
"Yes," Legolas sighed in disappointment, "I believe she does not know how I feel for her or she does not return my love."
"Come, tonight we rest," Thangulan's arm wrapped around his friend's shoulders, "Tomorrow, a new day will come, and a new light will be shed on the earth and our little predicament."
Legolas nodded his head and they walked back towards the palace, leaving the clearing abandoned with many secrets untold.
A/N: So there's another chapter! If anyone knows a website that explains the elfish language or has any ideas for she-elf names please write them in your review. Thanx a million!
A/N: Thanx for reviewing; it keeps me going!
Chapter 3: Getting To Know You
Morning soon crept away, leaving the sun to shine it's glorious light above Mirkwood. Neofina decided that a walk through the woods would calm her nerves and settle her thoughts. **Why did he look at me like that? There was a glint of hope, of love almost, that I have never seen in those blue depths before. Nah. Maybe it was just because my eyes were blurred.** Neofina was satisfied with her conclusion and continued to walk and think about the main matter at hand. **Why is King Thranduil making me do this? I mean, Legolas is just as immortal as the next elf, why does he have to marry so suddenly?** Curiosity sparked within Neofina's head. Now she had two issues to attend to: King Thranduil's reasoning for his cruel yet sudden intentions, and finding Legolas' true love. The sun had begun to set, leaving a purple-red painted sky. Neofina gasped, remembering her promise to meet Legolas earlier. "Oh dear," she moaned as she started to sprint towards the tallest tree. Her long legs picked up their speed as she spotted the huge tree adorned with long branches and leaves of gold and light green due to autumn's quick arrival. Neofina's face brushed past branches beside her as she continued to run, whipping her face as punishment for breaking her promise. When she finally arrived to the tree's roots, she began to call out his name. She heard nothing but the breeze whistle in her ear. Then she heard the rustling of feet and her heart leaped, but swiftly fell when she caught sight of Thangulan, their other close friend.
"Where's Legolas?" Neofina asked catching her breath.
"I should be asking you the same thing," was his quick reply, "Why didn't you show up?"
"It slipped my mind, I guess," Neofina felt guilty now.
"Oh I see," was his sarcastic response.
"No, you don't understand, Gully, I really need to talk to him," Neofina's voice had a pleading tone, making Thangulan feel sorry for her, almost.
"Well, then in that case," Thangulan smiled at her washing away some of her guilt, "He's in his chamber preparing for dinner. You should go talk to him before he greets his father. That's all we would need: two grumpy Greenleaf's."
He winked at Neofina and she nodded in agreement, hugged her friend, and headed towards the castle. Thangulan sighed as he watched her go and shook his head slightly. "They're made for each other," he barely spoke above a whisper. He smiled to himself, and left the old tree following Neofina's footsteps back towards the palace.
Legolas paced his room in frustration thinking aloud. "Why hadn't she come? She's never not shown up!" He plopped himself down on his bed breathing heavy. "Ok, maybe I'm overreacting," Legolas mentioned hopefully, "But she better come and apologize." So Legolas changed his clothing and impatiently waited for Neofina's light knock on his door. When the sound echoed in his ears, Legolas decided to wait for a second knock, his pride taking over. But Neofina didn't knock twice; she knocked once and then walked away from the door. When she was halfway down the hall, his door swung open to reveal a very confused Legolas.
"Hey," Neofina's voice was soft and barely audible.
"Hello."
"Can I come in?" she asked as her feet directed her back to Legolas' room.
"Yes," he replied as he opened his door fully to reveal his extraordinary chamber. The walls were dark green with light green leaves painted in a border framing the walls and his bed. His bed was made out of oak wood and was covered in silk mint green sheets; a canopy of leaves hovered over his bed creating an iridescent picture to show itself on his sheets. He also had fabulous oak wood furniture and an amazingly large window with a view of the woods. Neofina has been in the room before, but whenever she returns to it, she always stands in awe for a moment before proceeding.
"Uh, Fina, hello?" Legolas chuckled to himself as he observed Neofina's face; she always acted like this when she entered his room.
"Oh, sorry," her cheeks began to redden, "You know me!"
"Yes, I do," he smiled yet again, but then he remembered the day's earlier events and his face grew more serious. Neofina noticed his emotional change and so she began to explain herself.
"I was taking a walk in the woods," she started, hesitant at first, but she still continued, "I was thinking over some things and then I realized that the sun was setting, so I ran as fast as I could to the tree, but you weren't there, but Gully was, and he told me where you were, so I ran to your chamber."
Legolas was not really listening to her babble; he was watching her face. When she became flustered, her cheeks were pink, and her eyes were so big, like large green jewels, and her lips, oh her lips, so full yet so fragile, calling him to kiss her. He put those thoughts aside for now and tried to concentrate on what she was talking about. What he received was 'walk in the woods', 'sun setting', 'Gully', and 'running to his chamber'. Legolas processed this newfound information through his head and he slowly approached Neofina embracing her in one of his "I forgive you hugs". Neofina's breathing grew to a more normal pace and her nervousness faded away like the sun had faded away from Middle Earth. The last bit of light had crept away from Legolas window leaving the room dark for a moment until the flicker of a candle appeared in Legolas' large hands.
"Will you accompany me for dinner tonight, Lady Neofina?" Legolas asked, once again amused by the little game they would play on their way to dinner.
"I thought you'd never ask!" she exclaimed while locking her arms with his. They gracefully left Legolas' chambers and continued to mimic royalty's formal demeanor until they arrived to dinner.
Dinner was delicious (as always), but Neofina couldn't really enjoy her meal due to King Thranduil's suspicious looks towards her and Legolas. Neofina was invited to eat at the palace ever since her and Legolas were friends, but tonight was the first night she had wished she were at home eating with her family then here. Legolas and Thangulan noticed Neofina's odd behavior and conjured up an idea to cheer her up.
"Fina," Legolas started, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "Let's leave this place and go out to the woods for a nice walk."
"It would be better then this," Thangulan nodded his head, Legolas' mischievous eyes mirrored in his own now.
"What are you two up to?" Neofina whispered trying not to draw attention.
"Nothing, really," Thangulan said in a tone that Neofina didn't really believe.
"I don't trust you, Gully," Neofina stated. Gully pretended to look offended, but Neofina wouldn't apologize for her statement; she meant every word of it.
"Look," Legolas started again, breaking the long silence, "Gully and I noticed that you were, so to speak, turning greener than your tunic," at that comment the two boys chuckled, but Legolas calmed himself and finished, "We thought that maybe if you got some fresh air, you would hopefully return to your natural color."
Thangulan couldn't hold his laughter in any longer; he echoed through the dining hall, causing all the elves to look questioningly at him.
"Is there something funny that you would like to share with us Thangulan?" King Thranduil's voice raised over Thangulan's laughing fit.
"No. my lord. please forgive me. may I be excused?" Thangulan said in between unmanly giggles.
"Yes, you are excused," King Thranduil replied rather annoyed.
"Thank you my lord," Thangulan bowed, still laughing to himself, but before he left he whispered to Neofina and Legolas, "Meet you out by the clearing."
Legolas nodded and Neofina smiled. After Thangulan left, they returned to their conversation.
"I didn't think what you said was that funny," Neofina said, a little hurt.
"I didn't think so either," Legolas agreed. They both looked at one another and simultaneously remembered how King Thranduil reacted towards Thangulan's "unruly" manner. They giggled and decided to figure out a way of escape. Legolas knew his father would not let Legolas just leave, so he would have to sneak out unnoticed; he waited until his father was in a heated conversation with the main guard over methods concerning how to protect Mirkwood's borders.
"Now's the time, come on," Legolas whispered as he took Neofina's hand. She grabbed it tighter as they entered the woods, unaware of her actions. When they made it to the clearing, they were still holding hands tightly, until Neofina looked down and realized what she had been doing the whole time. She swiftly untangled her fingers from his and a flustered look came upon her moonlit face. Legolas looked at her for a moment and then understood.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I mean," Legolas stammered.
"It's ok," Neofina reassured him. She looked around, but Thangulan was nowhere to be found, "Where's Gully?"
"I have no idea," Legolas pretended to sound worried, but all was going to plan, "He should be here soon. Maybe he had to go get something."
This excuse fulfilled Neofina's curiosity for the time being, so she sat down on the grass, curling her knees up to her chin. Legolas followed her movements and soon they were next to each other gazing up at the bright stars. **This is the perfect time to ask Legolas about maidens.** Neofina thought to herself. **Ok, Neofina, you can do this.** She sighed heavily and began to question her companion.
"So," she started. **Great going Neofina.** "Have you ever been in love?"
The question startled Legolas and left him thinking back through the years: when he was younger, meeting Neofina, the hardships of the fellowship, destroying the ring, sailing with Gimli, returning home, falling for Neofina; all this thinking caused a long silence to occur between the two. Neofina thought he would never answer her until she heard his voice, soft yet hearable.
"No, I don't believe that I have," he lied almost sounding sad. Almost.
Neofina mentally kicked herself for asking such a question, but she knew she had to continue, "What would you look for in a maiden, then?"
This question took Legolas by more surprise than the first. He thought long and hard about the question, but his answer kept coming up to qualities Neofina had. So he mentioned them, almost amused with himself as he began.
"Well, she would have to have brown hair with some curl to it, big green eyes, tall, slender, funny, sweet, good at archery, the list could go on forever I suppose," He smiled at Neofina while she tried to imagine such a maiden; she was oblivious to the fact that he was talking about her.
"Oh," was her small reply, still trying to think of someone who could fit in those shoes. Archery skills were rare among maidens; the only girls she knew who obtained any skills in archery were herself and another fair elf by the name of Adeliane. Adeliane had green eyes, but her hair was almost a sandy blonde. She would do perfectly though; she was just about everything Legolas had mentioned so far. Neofina hadn't realized that Legolas had been watching her the whole time, and when she turned to face him, she jumped a little at the intensity in his eyes. She felt uncomfortable so she stood up (Legolas followed her movements once again). She gave him a quick hug and fled from the clearing yelling behind her that she would meet him in his secret spot in the morning. Legolas was about to go after her until he felt a strong hand on his shoulder. It was Thangulan's hand.
"What happened?" Thangulan's hazel eyes showed concern, "Our plan failed?"
"Yes," Legolas sighed in disappointment, "I believe she does not know how I feel for her or she does not return my love."
"Come, tonight we rest," Thangulan's arm wrapped around his friend's shoulders, "Tomorrow, a new day will come, and a new light will be shed on the earth and our little predicament."
Legolas nodded his head and they walked back towards the palace, leaving the clearing abandoned with many secrets untold.
A/N: So there's another chapter! If anyone knows a website that explains the elfish language or has any ideas for she-elf names please write them in your review. Thanx a million!
