Maria dressed in one of her favorite gowns. It was made of long soft dark blue fabric, and the sleaves were of the same color yet the fabric was a sheer material, and it was not tight but very loose. It was odd that she was wearing a dress because she usually never wore dresses but felt she must look nice for the guests. *I think I should look good for the new arrivals* she thought to herself. *Or mabe for Legolas* thought another half of her brain. For some unknown reason this brought a red tinge to her cheeks. She turned when she heard a knock on her door.

When she opeaned the door it was not whom she expected.

Erebor? What are you doing here? she asked clearly perplexed.

I have come to escort you to dinner. He replied in the same cold voice as before.

I have already said to you that Prince Legolas is escorting me. she said fearful of what he would say to her.

No. You are coming to dinner with me. I have already told you this. Now come along. He said sternly.

No I wont come with you. I am going to diner with Legolas. And- she could not finishe har scentance for she was roughly hit in the stomach by Erebor.

Do not cantredict me. I am tired of playing your game now COME ALONG! he said in a fury.

After a few minuets of glaring she stood strait and quietly said

If you dont come now I will- He was cut off by Legolas' voice

What will you do to the Princess of Imladris?

Nothing Prince. He leaned tward her and said in a low whisper that Maria could barely even hear, Tell anyone of this.. incursion and I shall have to kill your lover from Mirkwood.

Than he briskly walked away.

What did he say to you? Legolas asked her.

~~~~Maria~~~~

*I won't get Legolas killed*

Nothing he was just saying he will talk with me later I lied. It hurt me to lie to him as i already counted him as a good friend.

However Legolas believed me. He nodded and said, If he gives you any more trouble talk to me. I shall deal with him.

I smiled at his nieve face. Thank you, Legolas for your concern but I can protect myself.

Shall I escort you to dinner, my lady?He asked with mock formalities.

Why yes, good sir I said.

When we got to the banquet hallit was a sight to take your breath away. It had green vines entwining up the pillars, and reached up to the celing. The moon shone through the glass celing and the smell of the sweat night air filled the room.

As I looked around at the guests one caught my eye.

I cried, How wonderfull to see you once again. I have missed you greatly. I swept him into an enormous hug. How is the halfling called Frodo? That is where you have been has it not?

Yes he is fine now, but he is not here, he is resting for he was stabed with a Morgual Blade. said Estel. He was her addoptive brother, and one of her closest friends. Legolas, Mae Govannen. It is good to see you again mellomen (A/N that means my friend'). Have you come to be apart of the council?

Yes Aragorn, I have. said Legolas. I see Erebor coming our way.

I shall distract him while you take Maria to her seating. She is seated between myself and you. Estel obviously knew of the situation with Erebor.

Thank you very much Estel, I shall speak with you later. And with that I allowed myself to be lead away by Legolas.

The rest of the evening weent by wonderfully until the dancing began. As soon as the music hoards of girls asked Legolas to dance. Being the gentelmen he is he accepted and was lead away by the girl who grabbed him first. Estel began to dance with Arwen and as soon as he left Erebor came up to me and asked me to dance. Well, not so much as asked and instead of waiting for my reply he grabed my hand and dragged me to the dance floor.

You have been slinking away from me all day Maria. I do not appresiate it. He said, When you are my wife I shall show you what it means to disobay me.

I shall never be your wife. I would die first. I said defiantly and tried to pull away but he only tightened his hold on me.

I have already begun negotiations with your father. I am going to first get on his good side then when the time is right I shall get your hand in marrage and your lover won't be able to stop it. He said evily.

He is not my lover. And I do not know how but i shall stop you. I said.

If you try to stop me than I shall killyour beloved brother and sister. He paused and turned me so I would look at their happy faces. Then I shall kill your lover. And finally I will kill you.

At first i didnt believe him, and then I knew he was telling the truth. You wouldn't. You coulden't! I said in an ergent whisper. I was trying to convince myself more than anyone else.

I would and I can. He looked over my shoulder, Now your lover is coming over here, say a word and I shall kill one of the ones you hold dear to you.

At that he left. Once Legolas came over to me he examined my wrist. You must tell someone of his behaviour!

I replied I shalln't create such an uproar over so small a thing. If he dose anything terrible i shall teach him not to mess with me.

Fine but if I see him do anything elst to hurt you, than I cannot be respansible for my own actions.

I was deeply touched by his words, Your words fall close to my heart Legolas Greenleaf. I thank you. Now what say you to us going for a little horse riding? I promise we shallnt get lost.

I think that would be a great idea. Come, I would give you my arm and lead you to the stables but i do not know where they are. He said sheepishly.

Then I shall give you my arm and lead you to my room where I shall change and than lead you to the stables