Luthien: I do not own anything of Lord of the Rings.
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For the next few days Alatariel felt like a completely new soul, she knew now that she had let Celinor go and that shadow that was Celinor had left her heart. She sighed happily as she opened the doors to her small balcony and felt the cool breeze calm her. She was happy that she was friends with Legolas, it made everything seem so much more simple and easier.
But her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door, she walked briskly towards the door as she opened it a messenger stood at her door.
"For you milady, from Prince Legolas" said the elf formally with a small bow.
"Thank you, ah it's only short do you mind waiting for a few minutes so I can write a reply?" she asked kindly as she held the open letter in her hand.
"Of course princess, take as long as you need" he replied. She smiled gratefully and closed the door. As she walked to her desk she read the short letter quickly.
*
Dear Alatariel,
I just wanted to know whether everything is still fine for the picnic today. I also apologise for not asking this is person but I am at a meeting with father and unfortunately I cannot spare a minute. I'm also very curious to meet your friend.
Until we next meet,
Legolas
*
She smiled and pulled out a quill and some ink and quickly replied.
*
Everything is still in order Legolas.
See you at the gardens at midday; I'm sure you'll like my friend for I have not met a person who hasn't.
Alatariel
*
She folded up the paper and put it back in the envelope and quickly handed back to the messenger.
"Good day milady" said the messenger formally as he gave a short bowed and briskly walked off down the corridor.
Alatariel realised that she needed to see Seremela to see whether she was still coming. She brushed her hair again and then made her way to her friend's chamber. But as she raised her hand to knock on the door, the door quickly opened and an elegant arm pulled her inside swiftly.
"Oh thank goodness you're here! I cannot thank you enough Tari!" exclaimed Seremela excitedly pulling Alatariel into a tight embrace.
"It is fine I assure you, so are you definitely coming with us?" asked Alatariel.
"Of course! I would never pass an opportunity like this away! To have a beautiful picnic with the most handsome elf in all of middle-earth" said Seremela dreamily.
"I see, so have you decided what to wear?" asked Alatariel curiously.
"Oh yes! It took me hours but I finally got the dress I wanted" she replied happily walking over to her wardrobe and pulling out a beautiful lemon colored dress.
"Its certainly very bright" said Alatariel surprised.
"Oh yes I know but it matches my hair!" said Seremela putting the dress back. Indeed she right as well, the warm yellow color of the dress matched Seremela's gold hair perfectly.
"It's a lovely choice Sere," said Alatariel realizing she had not prepared a dress for the occasion unfortunately Seremela happened to be thinking along the same lines.
"How about you? What have you decided on wearing?" asked Seremela curisouly.
"Truthfully, I have given it no thought," said Alatariel quietly knowing that Seremela would explode, and as predicted she did.
"WHAT? Are you mad?" exclaimed Seremela shocked.
"Well I'm not going out to impress anyone, Legolas and I are just friends anyway" said Alatariel quickly.
"Oh if I were you that would be the one thing I wouldn't want to be," said Seremela smiling faintly.
"What do you mean?" asked Alatariel confused.
"Well what if you develop feelings for him? What if you love him but your just friends? All you will be to him is a friend and your heartbreak could be great. I'm just saying that if I was you and I developed feelings for him, it could be dangerous if you know what I mean," asked Seremela quietly, but Alatariel heard every word.
She sat there stunned, as her friend looked at her anxiously both unable to say anything. She had never thought of their relationship going any further than friends. Legolas was a friend who was a past enemy; he was helping her heal herself. It was a basic friendship nothing more.
"It would never happen, I know it would never happen" she replied firmly.
"Ok if you say so, I think you better find a dress soon Tari. Only an hour to the picnic" said Seremela looking outside.
"OK, I'll see you in an hour at the gardens then" said Alatariel softly.
"Until then" said Seremela kindly giving a soft wave Alatariel closed the door behind her as she left.
Alatariel sighed as she made her way slowly back to her chambers. She suddenly felt like she didn't want to go to the picnic but she knew that she had to go. It would be very awkward for Seremela if it were just she and Legolas. Alatariel much to her dismay had started to doubt in her friendship with Seremela. They had been so close when they were young and Seremela's family moved here from Lorien. But as of now the two elves that used to be inseparable were now more on their own then they were with each other.
She didn't know how but maybe they were just out growing each other. She hated to think that in a few years they would walk past each other and share no words. She didn't want to doubt her friendship but by the bold and sometimes harsh words that Seremela used it was hard not to. She rubbed her forehead with her hand hard trying to rid of the questions that were piling in her head. But as she was walking round a corner she did not sense the being coming around the other side.
"Oh dear, Tari are you ok?" asked a gentle voice beside her. She looked up to see Elrohir looking very concerned crouching beside her. 'Oh I must have bumped into him' she thought cursing herself for not being aware.
"Yes I'm fine, a bit shocked but nevertheless fine," she replied calmly as she sat up.
"You look very muddled," he said amusingly as he stood up extending a hand to her.
"Thank you" she replied rolling her eyes as she took his hand and stood back up.
"Anytime, so where are you going today that haves you in such a gloomy state?" asked Elrohir amusingly.
"I'm having a picnic with Legolas and Seremela but I don't really want to go for my friendship with Sere isn't what it used to be. We're still friends but sometimes its seems awkward between us" she replied honestly.
"Hmm I wasn't expecting that," said Elrohir slightly taken-aback.
"I know, but its true. I never thought I would be dreading something that is supposed to be fun and enjoyable," she said sadly.
"How would feel about it if I came along?" asked Elrohir curiously. He let out a soft laugh as he saw his sister's eyes light up.
"Oh would you? That be wonderful I might feel more comfortable. This picnic is only so Seremela can get to meet Legolas for she is infatuated with him" she replied her eyes pleading silently to her brother.
"Of course, tell me the time and I promise I'll be there," said Elrohir genuinely.
"Be at the gardens in an hour and thank you Elrohir!" said Alatariel thankfully as she placed a kiss on his cheek and walked swiftly towards her chambers once more.
An hour later Alatariel was dressed in a light blue tunic with some dark blue breaches and a pair of brown boots that reached her knee with a pattern of gold leaves. She brushed her hair again and as she put the brush down a fast knock came at her door. She hurried to the door and Seremela was standing there as she opened it.
"You're wearing a tunic Tari?" asked Seremela straightaway in horror.
"I told you I'm not out to impress anyone and I'm going to take Dinaer for a ride afterwards" she replied calmly.
"I guess so, well anyway I thought we could walk down together" said Seremela brightly.
"Ah ok well I'm ready and I've got the basket in here so we might as well head off" said Alatariel happy that Seremela hadn't overreacted too much out seeing her attire. She turned and picked up the basket and then after closing the door the two she-elves walked towards the gardens.
Meanwhile Legolas was waiting patiently on a bench looking out for any sign of his company approaching. He sighed calmly and just then a firm hand placed itself on Legolas's shoulder.
"Getting impatient I see?" said Elrohir sitting down beside him removing his hand.
"No not at all, I'm well. Say do you know of Alatariel's friend?" asked Legolas curisouly.
"Oh yes, Seremela is her name. She's a nice girl but not very smart but nevertheless a good person," replied Elrohir honestly.
"Oh that's sounds alright, I just have a small suspicion that Alatariel is playing matchmaker with me and her" said Legolas amusingly.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she was, she always liked making other people happy. But if she was unhappy she would never let anyone help her, I blame that stubborn streak in her personally" laughed Elrohir. "But she's been much happier since you two started to get along, she seems so radiant".
"That is very good news indeed," said Legolas cheerfully, Elrohir smiled and nodded.
"Say Legolas, how exactly do you feel about my sister?" he asked curiously, Legolas looked slightly taken-aback at the question.
Legolas had never thought of Alatariel and he going any further than they already were. They were friends but there was always this feeling in Legolas of wanting something more than friendship. Like when she cried he wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her. But she was vulnerable and she was healing he did not want to make her feel under pressure and panic. He liked being friends with her, for now it suited them both well.
"We're just friends Elrohir, nothing more nothing less" replied Legolas kindly.
"Oh that's all well, I would have nothing against you friend if you and Tari were more than friends. It just that she's just healing over the Celinor issue now and it wouldn't be wise to start that kind of relationship now" explained Elrohir quietly.
"Its fine Elrohir, I understand," said Legolas gently.
"Oh good, now where are those girls? Tari's usually always on time," said Elrohir annoyed as stood up
"Oh shutup Elrohir you old man" laughed a musical voice from behind them. Legolas turned around to see a very yellow yet beautiful she-elf standing next to Alatariel. Her golden hair fell in waves down to her lower back and had round teal colored eyes. She was tall and slender but nothing he hadn't seen before.
Then his eyes turned to Alatariel, if she looked stunning in a dress and beautiful in a tunic he would love to see her when she was really dressed up. The tunic suited her and flattered her elegant form and the color of the tunic made her blue eyes stand out more than ever. 'Those are thoughts of a lover Legolas, not a friend' said a firm voice in the back of his head but he ignored it. He then turned his eyes back to the nervous maiden in front of him.
"You must be Seremela, it's a pleasure to meet you" said Legolas softly taking her hand and placing a soft kiss making a pink tinge appear in her cheeks.
"'Tis a pleasure to meet you also milord" said Seremela with a smile.
"Shall we get started then?" asked Alatariel happily winking at Legolas. He looked surprised but gave a small chuckle.
So it began, they unpacked the picnic basket and Elrohir immediately launched into silly jokes and stories that he had on his adventures. And unfortunately some embarrassing moments of Alatariel's childhood. Which much to her dismay had everyone in great fits of laughter.
"So she ran straight forward and bang right into the dessert and it crashed right on top of her and do you know what she said?" asked Elrohir slightly red from laughing.
"What did she say?" asked Legolas eagerly. She gave him a sharp look, which he ignored.
"I didn't do it!" replied Elrohir bursting into another fit of laughter and seconds after so was everyone else.
"Your child hood sounded like an amusing one Alatariel" said Legolas after recovering from his fit of laughter.
"Well how about you Legolas? Do you have any amusing moments in your childhood that you would like to share?" asked Alatariel with a cruel smile.
"No I don't, I was one of those children who had a very boring upbringing" said Legolas calmly.
"Oh what a load of rot Legolas" said a deep voice, the four elves looked around to see Lord Thranduil approaching.
"Hello milord, would you like to share one of Legolas's past moments since he is convinced that he had none that were amusing" asked Alatariel sweetly.
"Indeed, well one day I thought I had lost my son and then a maid came to me and said she had found him. I followed her and somehow he had mistaken a maiden's room for his own. When I walked in Legolas was dressed in a maiden's dress that was pink with many gems and frills. And then he said father this tunic isn't very manly but I think it goes nicely with my hair" said Thranduil amusingly.
There was a small silence before Alatariel, Seremela and Elrohir burst into hysterical fits of laughter and started all over again when they saw Legolas's face tun bright red.
"Thank you father" said Legolas with his jaw clenched.
"Anytime son, now I have things to do, so have fun" said Thranduil cheerfully as he stood up and walked away.
"Oh Legolas! That tops all of my childhood moments," laughed Alatariel smiling brilliantly. He didn't want to but seeing her face so radiant he couldn't help but smile.
"I think he's proud of it by the way he's smiling" said Elrohir amusingly. The smile immediately dropped from his face and turned into a scowl.
"I am not, I was just an little elf!" retorted Legolas blushing some more.
"I think its healthy to get in touch with your feminine side don't you think Seremela?" asked Alatariel winking at him again.
"Oh of course, how about you Elrohir do you think it's healthy?" asked Seremela smiling. Then it occurred to Alatariel that Seremela had hardly spent much time talking to Legolas and more time getting aquatinted with her brother.
"For people from Mirkwood yes" laughed Elrohir. Legolas's eyes narrowed at him but he ended up smiling as Elrohir began laughing again.
Conversation started up again and Alatariel was now very aware of how Seremela was acting with Elrohir. Though Legolas didn't seem to mind, he seemed actually very content. Soon enough there was nothing more to talk about and all the food was gone. Alatariel realised that it must be around mid afternoon and she still had to take Dinaer for his ride.
"I think that we made good use of this picnic don't you?" asked Legolas cheerfully.
"Yes well I think its time we packed up now, I have to go and take Dinaer for a ride" said Alatariel kindly.
"Tari I've talked to you about that horse, it's dangerous" said Elrohir firmly.
"I have trained him well Elrohir, he understands me and listens to my commands" she replied stubbornly.
"It is true, she has excellent control over the horse," said Legolas earning a thankful smile from Alatariel.
"Very well, I never thought I'd see the day when someone could tame that horse," said Elrohir beaming proudly at Alatariel.
"I better head off, Legolas would you like to come?" asked Alatariel. She enjoyed Legolas's company especially when they were horse riding. She managed to learn something everytime they went together.
"Yes of course, are you two fine to stay here?" asked Legolas gently.
"Of course, we'll pack up and you two get going the sun is already starting to lower" said Elrohir kindly. Seremela gave Alatariel a wink and a cheeky smile, which luckily no one else noticed. She rolled her eyes and Seremela and headed off towards the stables with Legolas.
"Will you rename him since his name does not fit him anymore?" asked Legolas stroking Dinaer's mane gently.
"Yes I will, I think Arminas will suite him well" she replied proudly.
"What does that mean?" he asked curiously.
"I do not know, I remember Elladan calling his toy bear Arminas when he was a little elfing" she replied amusingly.
"Ah I see, well we better hurry the sun is starting to lower with every minute that that we waste" said Legolas elegantly mounting Arod.
"Indeed, come on Dinaer. I mean Arminas," laughed Alatariel and in minutes the two elves were riding calmly into the forest. Conversation rolled from topic to topic and it eventually landed on Seremela.
"How long have you two been friends?" he asked curiously.
"Most of our lives, she moved to Rivendell from Lorien when her parents died when she was just a baby. She now has a foster father who is Elrond's advisor. He is a kind man and he has raised Seremela well" she replied sadly.
"It must be a great pain to loose your parents so young. Did you know your parents at all?" asked Legolas softly not wanting to push her too much.
"Nope, not for a moment. My mother died while having me and my father couldn't stand the sight of me for I reminded him too much of my mother. My father died out of grief for loosing his love. I cannot blame him for I know how he must have felt," said Alatariel sadly. Legolas knew she was referring to the days where Legolas reminded her of Celinor.
"How are you?" he asked seriously, she looked at him with confusion.
"How am I? Well I am fine Legolas why do you ask now?" she asked curiously.
"I want to understand how you are, like are you still grieving or in pain?" he asked softly.
"I am healing, thanks to you. I couldn't have done any of this without mellon (friend)" said Alatariel smiling gratefully. He smiled back but he couldn't help but feel his stomach drop as she said mellon. Then his heart and not his head asked a question that he should have asked himself as soon as they became friends. 'Do you want to be friends with her? Or more?' He scolded himself silently for thinking that she was a friend.
"Legolas are you ok? Why are you shaking your head?" she asked curiously.
"Yes I'm well, just thinking that's all" he replied smiling.
"I just realized something, you have barely told me anything about you! All I know is your position as a prince and that you live in Mirkwood. I want to know more," she said eagerly.
"What about?" he asked smiling at the curious elf next to him.
"Anything that comes to mind" she replied encouragingly.
"I'll tell you about Mirkwood, my home" he said proudly. She smiled, frowned, laughed and smirked as he told stories and facts all about Mirkwood and its people.
"I would love to visit, it sounds so beautiful" whispered Alatariel slightly in awe.
"It is, but I believe something to be more beautiful," said Legolas winking at her cheekily.
"Your flattery will get your nowhere with me Legolas" laughed Alatariel.
"Oh well it was worth a try, oh dear its almost nightfall we better get back" said Legolas as he turned his horse around.
"Your right, come on Arminas" she said softly turning her horse round.
"Say? Should we have a race to see who can get back first?" suggested Legolas.
"I think we should! ARMINAS GO!" shouted Alatariel quickly and with a quick kick Arminas was flying through the forest with Arod only a few meters away.
"You cheated! You got a head start!" called Legolas stubbornly.
"Stop being a little boy and try and beat me prince!" she shouted over her shoulder her red hair flying in the wind.
"Don't worry about that," he whispered, he whispered some words in Arod's ear and soon they were almost near Alatariel's side. He smiled when he saw Alatariel whisper some words in Arminas's ear but that smile faded when Arminas went at full speed and again Legolas was behind.
He then gave a sigh of defeat as he heard Alatariel gave a great shout of excitement as she steered Arminas into Rivendell's stables.
"You won, with a horse that is barely trained" he said amazed as he trotted into the stables.
"You're the one who said I had trained it well" she replied bluntly.
"I'm just trying to find faults so I can try and say that somehow I won" admitted Legolas truthfully closing the door swiftly as he put Arod away.
"I know Legolas, defeat does that but I do say you should get used to it" she said arrogantly as she dismounted Arminas and shut him inside the stable.
"How dare you!" laughed Legolas as came running towards her. She gave an excited laugh and began running towards the House of Elrond. Little did they know as they ran around laughing that two other elves were watching them.
"She's so radiant and bright, it had been a long time since I have seen her this way" said Elrond smiling as he watched his daughter laugh.
"Would I be wrong to say that my son has something to do with this?" chuckled Thranduil.
"Nay you would not be wrong, I find it amazing that two elves who disliked each other so much could become such good friends in such short time" replied Elrond gently.
"It is amazing, well I should be off I have a few little things to attend to" said Thranduil still watching his son chase the redhead around the gardens.
"That is well, farewell my friend" said Elrond calmly, Thranduil gave a small smile and nodded as he closed the door behind him. Elrond then turned back to his child; he smiled again seeing her laugh.
"Bless you my child" he whispered softly as then slowly returned to his chambers.
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*Next chapter coming up soon* (Thank you very much for the people who reviewed so far it was very much appreciated).
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For the next few days Alatariel felt like a completely new soul, she knew now that she had let Celinor go and that shadow that was Celinor had left her heart. She sighed happily as she opened the doors to her small balcony and felt the cool breeze calm her. She was happy that she was friends with Legolas, it made everything seem so much more simple and easier.
But her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door, she walked briskly towards the door as she opened it a messenger stood at her door.
"For you milady, from Prince Legolas" said the elf formally with a small bow.
"Thank you, ah it's only short do you mind waiting for a few minutes so I can write a reply?" she asked kindly as she held the open letter in her hand.
"Of course princess, take as long as you need" he replied. She smiled gratefully and closed the door. As she walked to her desk she read the short letter quickly.
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Dear Alatariel,
I just wanted to know whether everything is still fine for the picnic today. I also apologise for not asking this is person but I am at a meeting with father and unfortunately I cannot spare a minute. I'm also very curious to meet your friend.
Until we next meet,
Legolas
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She smiled and pulled out a quill and some ink and quickly replied.
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Everything is still in order Legolas.
See you at the gardens at midday; I'm sure you'll like my friend for I have not met a person who hasn't.
Alatariel
*
She folded up the paper and put it back in the envelope and quickly handed back to the messenger.
"Good day milady" said the messenger formally as he gave a short bowed and briskly walked off down the corridor.
Alatariel realised that she needed to see Seremela to see whether she was still coming. She brushed her hair again and then made her way to her friend's chamber. But as she raised her hand to knock on the door, the door quickly opened and an elegant arm pulled her inside swiftly.
"Oh thank goodness you're here! I cannot thank you enough Tari!" exclaimed Seremela excitedly pulling Alatariel into a tight embrace.
"It is fine I assure you, so are you definitely coming with us?" asked Alatariel.
"Of course! I would never pass an opportunity like this away! To have a beautiful picnic with the most handsome elf in all of middle-earth" said Seremela dreamily.
"I see, so have you decided what to wear?" asked Alatariel curiously.
"Oh yes! It took me hours but I finally got the dress I wanted" she replied happily walking over to her wardrobe and pulling out a beautiful lemon colored dress.
"Its certainly very bright" said Alatariel surprised.
"Oh yes I know but it matches my hair!" said Seremela putting the dress back. Indeed she right as well, the warm yellow color of the dress matched Seremela's gold hair perfectly.
"It's a lovely choice Sere," said Alatariel realizing she had not prepared a dress for the occasion unfortunately Seremela happened to be thinking along the same lines.
"How about you? What have you decided on wearing?" asked Seremela curisouly.
"Truthfully, I have given it no thought," said Alatariel quietly knowing that Seremela would explode, and as predicted she did.
"WHAT? Are you mad?" exclaimed Seremela shocked.
"Well I'm not going out to impress anyone, Legolas and I are just friends anyway" said Alatariel quickly.
"Oh if I were you that would be the one thing I wouldn't want to be," said Seremela smiling faintly.
"What do you mean?" asked Alatariel confused.
"Well what if you develop feelings for him? What if you love him but your just friends? All you will be to him is a friend and your heartbreak could be great. I'm just saying that if I was you and I developed feelings for him, it could be dangerous if you know what I mean," asked Seremela quietly, but Alatariel heard every word.
She sat there stunned, as her friend looked at her anxiously both unable to say anything. She had never thought of their relationship going any further than friends. Legolas was a friend who was a past enemy; he was helping her heal herself. It was a basic friendship nothing more.
"It would never happen, I know it would never happen" she replied firmly.
"Ok if you say so, I think you better find a dress soon Tari. Only an hour to the picnic" said Seremela looking outside.
"OK, I'll see you in an hour at the gardens then" said Alatariel softly.
"Until then" said Seremela kindly giving a soft wave Alatariel closed the door behind her as she left.
Alatariel sighed as she made her way slowly back to her chambers. She suddenly felt like she didn't want to go to the picnic but she knew that she had to go. It would be very awkward for Seremela if it were just she and Legolas. Alatariel much to her dismay had started to doubt in her friendship with Seremela. They had been so close when they were young and Seremela's family moved here from Lorien. But as of now the two elves that used to be inseparable were now more on their own then they were with each other.
She didn't know how but maybe they were just out growing each other. She hated to think that in a few years they would walk past each other and share no words. She didn't want to doubt her friendship but by the bold and sometimes harsh words that Seremela used it was hard not to. She rubbed her forehead with her hand hard trying to rid of the questions that were piling in her head. But as she was walking round a corner she did not sense the being coming around the other side.
"Oh dear, Tari are you ok?" asked a gentle voice beside her. She looked up to see Elrohir looking very concerned crouching beside her. 'Oh I must have bumped into him' she thought cursing herself for not being aware.
"Yes I'm fine, a bit shocked but nevertheless fine," she replied calmly as she sat up.
"You look very muddled," he said amusingly as he stood up extending a hand to her.
"Thank you" she replied rolling her eyes as she took his hand and stood back up.
"Anytime, so where are you going today that haves you in such a gloomy state?" asked Elrohir amusingly.
"I'm having a picnic with Legolas and Seremela but I don't really want to go for my friendship with Sere isn't what it used to be. We're still friends but sometimes its seems awkward between us" she replied honestly.
"Hmm I wasn't expecting that," said Elrohir slightly taken-aback.
"I know, but its true. I never thought I would be dreading something that is supposed to be fun and enjoyable," she said sadly.
"How would feel about it if I came along?" asked Elrohir curiously. He let out a soft laugh as he saw his sister's eyes light up.
"Oh would you? That be wonderful I might feel more comfortable. This picnic is only so Seremela can get to meet Legolas for she is infatuated with him" she replied her eyes pleading silently to her brother.
"Of course, tell me the time and I promise I'll be there," said Elrohir genuinely.
"Be at the gardens in an hour and thank you Elrohir!" said Alatariel thankfully as she placed a kiss on his cheek and walked swiftly towards her chambers once more.
An hour later Alatariel was dressed in a light blue tunic with some dark blue breaches and a pair of brown boots that reached her knee with a pattern of gold leaves. She brushed her hair again and as she put the brush down a fast knock came at her door. She hurried to the door and Seremela was standing there as she opened it.
"You're wearing a tunic Tari?" asked Seremela straightaway in horror.
"I told you I'm not out to impress anyone and I'm going to take Dinaer for a ride afterwards" she replied calmly.
"I guess so, well anyway I thought we could walk down together" said Seremela brightly.
"Ah ok well I'm ready and I've got the basket in here so we might as well head off" said Alatariel happy that Seremela hadn't overreacted too much out seeing her attire. She turned and picked up the basket and then after closing the door the two she-elves walked towards the gardens.
Meanwhile Legolas was waiting patiently on a bench looking out for any sign of his company approaching. He sighed calmly and just then a firm hand placed itself on Legolas's shoulder.
"Getting impatient I see?" said Elrohir sitting down beside him removing his hand.
"No not at all, I'm well. Say do you know of Alatariel's friend?" asked Legolas curisouly.
"Oh yes, Seremela is her name. She's a nice girl but not very smart but nevertheless a good person," replied Elrohir honestly.
"Oh that's sounds alright, I just have a small suspicion that Alatariel is playing matchmaker with me and her" said Legolas amusingly.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she was, she always liked making other people happy. But if she was unhappy she would never let anyone help her, I blame that stubborn streak in her personally" laughed Elrohir. "But she's been much happier since you two started to get along, she seems so radiant".
"That is very good news indeed," said Legolas cheerfully, Elrohir smiled and nodded.
"Say Legolas, how exactly do you feel about my sister?" he asked curiously, Legolas looked slightly taken-aback at the question.
Legolas had never thought of Alatariel and he going any further than they already were. They were friends but there was always this feeling in Legolas of wanting something more than friendship. Like when she cried he wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her. But she was vulnerable and she was healing he did not want to make her feel under pressure and panic. He liked being friends with her, for now it suited them both well.
"We're just friends Elrohir, nothing more nothing less" replied Legolas kindly.
"Oh that's all well, I would have nothing against you friend if you and Tari were more than friends. It just that she's just healing over the Celinor issue now and it wouldn't be wise to start that kind of relationship now" explained Elrohir quietly.
"Its fine Elrohir, I understand," said Legolas gently.
"Oh good, now where are those girls? Tari's usually always on time," said Elrohir annoyed as stood up
"Oh shutup Elrohir you old man" laughed a musical voice from behind them. Legolas turned around to see a very yellow yet beautiful she-elf standing next to Alatariel. Her golden hair fell in waves down to her lower back and had round teal colored eyes. She was tall and slender but nothing he hadn't seen before.
Then his eyes turned to Alatariel, if she looked stunning in a dress and beautiful in a tunic he would love to see her when she was really dressed up. The tunic suited her and flattered her elegant form and the color of the tunic made her blue eyes stand out more than ever. 'Those are thoughts of a lover Legolas, not a friend' said a firm voice in the back of his head but he ignored it. He then turned his eyes back to the nervous maiden in front of him.
"You must be Seremela, it's a pleasure to meet you" said Legolas softly taking her hand and placing a soft kiss making a pink tinge appear in her cheeks.
"'Tis a pleasure to meet you also milord" said Seremela with a smile.
"Shall we get started then?" asked Alatariel happily winking at Legolas. He looked surprised but gave a small chuckle.
So it began, they unpacked the picnic basket and Elrohir immediately launched into silly jokes and stories that he had on his adventures. And unfortunately some embarrassing moments of Alatariel's childhood. Which much to her dismay had everyone in great fits of laughter.
"So she ran straight forward and bang right into the dessert and it crashed right on top of her and do you know what she said?" asked Elrohir slightly red from laughing.
"What did she say?" asked Legolas eagerly. She gave him a sharp look, which he ignored.
"I didn't do it!" replied Elrohir bursting into another fit of laughter and seconds after so was everyone else.
"Your child hood sounded like an amusing one Alatariel" said Legolas after recovering from his fit of laughter.
"Well how about you Legolas? Do you have any amusing moments in your childhood that you would like to share?" asked Alatariel with a cruel smile.
"No I don't, I was one of those children who had a very boring upbringing" said Legolas calmly.
"Oh what a load of rot Legolas" said a deep voice, the four elves looked around to see Lord Thranduil approaching.
"Hello milord, would you like to share one of Legolas's past moments since he is convinced that he had none that were amusing" asked Alatariel sweetly.
"Indeed, well one day I thought I had lost my son and then a maid came to me and said she had found him. I followed her and somehow he had mistaken a maiden's room for his own. When I walked in Legolas was dressed in a maiden's dress that was pink with many gems and frills. And then he said father this tunic isn't very manly but I think it goes nicely with my hair" said Thranduil amusingly.
There was a small silence before Alatariel, Seremela and Elrohir burst into hysterical fits of laughter and started all over again when they saw Legolas's face tun bright red.
"Thank you father" said Legolas with his jaw clenched.
"Anytime son, now I have things to do, so have fun" said Thranduil cheerfully as he stood up and walked away.
"Oh Legolas! That tops all of my childhood moments," laughed Alatariel smiling brilliantly. He didn't want to but seeing her face so radiant he couldn't help but smile.
"I think he's proud of it by the way he's smiling" said Elrohir amusingly. The smile immediately dropped from his face and turned into a scowl.
"I am not, I was just an little elf!" retorted Legolas blushing some more.
"I think its healthy to get in touch with your feminine side don't you think Seremela?" asked Alatariel winking at him again.
"Oh of course, how about you Elrohir do you think it's healthy?" asked Seremela smiling. Then it occurred to Alatariel that Seremela had hardly spent much time talking to Legolas and more time getting aquatinted with her brother.
"For people from Mirkwood yes" laughed Elrohir. Legolas's eyes narrowed at him but he ended up smiling as Elrohir began laughing again.
Conversation started up again and Alatariel was now very aware of how Seremela was acting with Elrohir. Though Legolas didn't seem to mind, he seemed actually very content. Soon enough there was nothing more to talk about and all the food was gone. Alatariel realised that it must be around mid afternoon and she still had to take Dinaer for his ride.
"I think that we made good use of this picnic don't you?" asked Legolas cheerfully.
"Yes well I think its time we packed up now, I have to go and take Dinaer for a ride" said Alatariel kindly.
"Tari I've talked to you about that horse, it's dangerous" said Elrohir firmly.
"I have trained him well Elrohir, he understands me and listens to my commands" she replied stubbornly.
"It is true, she has excellent control over the horse," said Legolas earning a thankful smile from Alatariel.
"Very well, I never thought I'd see the day when someone could tame that horse," said Elrohir beaming proudly at Alatariel.
"I better head off, Legolas would you like to come?" asked Alatariel. She enjoyed Legolas's company especially when they were horse riding. She managed to learn something everytime they went together.
"Yes of course, are you two fine to stay here?" asked Legolas gently.
"Of course, we'll pack up and you two get going the sun is already starting to lower" said Elrohir kindly. Seremela gave Alatariel a wink and a cheeky smile, which luckily no one else noticed. She rolled her eyes and Seremela and headed off towards the stables with Legolas.
"Will you rename him since his name does not fit him anymore?" asked Legolas stroking Dinaer's mane gently.
"Yes I will, I think Arminas will suite him well" she replied proudly.
"What does that mean?" he asked curiously.
"I do not know, I remember Elladan calling his toy bear Arminas when he was a little elfing" she replied amusingly.
"Ah I see, well we better hurry the sun is starting to lower with every minute that that we waste" said Legolas elegantly mounting Arod.
"Indeed, come on Dinaer. I mean Arminas," laughed Alatariel and in minutes the two elves were riding calmly into the forest. Conversation rolled from topic to topic and it eventually landed on Seremela.
"How long have you two been friends?" he asked curiously.
"Most of our lives, she moved to Rivendell from Lorien when her parents died when she was just a baby. She now has a foster father who is Elrond's advisor. He is a kind man and he has raised Seremela well" she replied sadly.
"It must be a great pain to loose your parents so young. Did you know your parents at all?" asked Legolas softly not wanting to push her too much.
"Nope, not for a moment. My mother died while having me and my father couldn't stand the sight of me for I reminded him too much of my mother. My father died out of grief for loosing his love. I cannot blame him for I know how he must have felt," said Alatariel sadly. Legolas knew she was referring to the days where Legolas reminded her of Celinor.
"How are you?" he asked seriously, she looked at him with confusion.
"How am I? Well I am fine Legolas why do you ask now?" she asked curiously.
"I want to understand how you are, like are you still grieving or in pain?" he asked softly.
"I am healing, thanks to you. I couldn't have done any of this without mellon (friend)" said Alatariel smiling gratefully. He smiled back but he couldn't help but feel his stomach drop as she said mellon. Then his heart and not his head asked a question that he should have asked himself as soon as they became friends. 'Do you want to be friends with her? Or more?' He scolded himself silently for thinking that she was a friend.
"Legolas are you ok? Why are you shaking your head?" she asked curiously.
"Yes I'm well, just thinking that's all" he replied smiling.
"I just realized something, you have barely told me anything about you! All I know is your position as a prince and that you live in Mirkwood. I want to know more," she said eagerly.
"What about?" he asked smiling at the curious elf next to him.
"Anything that comes to mind" she replied encouragingly.
"I'll tell you about Mirkwood, my home" he said proudly. She smiled, frowned, laughed and smirked as he told stories and facts all about Mirkwood and its people.
"I would love to visit, it sounds so beautiful" whispered Alatariel slightly in awe.
"It is, but I believe something to be more beautiful," said Legolas winking at her cheekily.
"Your flattery will get your nowhere with me Legolas" laughed Alatariel.
"Oh well it was worth a try, oh dear its almost nightfall we better get back" said Legolas as he turned his horse around.
"Your right, come on Arminas" she said softly turning her horse round.
"Say? Should we have a race to see who can get back first?" suggested Legolas.
"I think we should! ARMINAS GO!" shouted Alatariel quickly and with a quick kick Arminas was flying through the forest with Arod only a few meters away.
"You cheated! You got a head start!" called Legolas stubbornly.
"Stop being a little boy and try and beat me prince!" she shouted over her shoulder her red hair flying in the wind.
"Don't worry about that," he whispered, he whispered some words in Arod's ear and soon they were almost near Alatariel's side. He smiled when he saw Alatariel whisper some words in Arminas's ear but that smile faded when Arminas went at full speed and again Legolas was behind.
He then gave a sigh of defeat as he heard Alatariel gave a great shout of excitement as she steered Arminas into Rivendell's stables.
"You won, with a horse that is barely trained" he said amazed as he trotted into the stables.
"You're the one who said I had trained it well" she replied bluntly.
"I'm just trying to find faults so I can try and say that somehow I won" admitted Legolas truthfully closing the door swiftly as he put Arod away.
"I know Legolas, defeat does that but I do say you should get used to it" she said arrogantly as she dismounted Arminas and shut him inside the stable.
"How dare you!" laughed Legolas as came running towards her. She gave an excited laugh and began running towards the House of Elrond. Little did they know as they ran around laughing that two other elves were watching them.
"She's so radiant and bright, it had been a long time since I have seen her this way" said Elrond smiling as he watched his daughter laugh.
"Would I be wrong to say that my son has something to do with this?" chuckled Thranduil.
"Nay you would not be wrong, I find it amazing that two elves who disliked each other so much could become such good friends in such short time" replied Elrond gently.
"It is amazing, well I should be off I have a few little things to attend to" said Thranduil still watching his son chase the redhead around the gardens.
"That is well, farewell my friend" said Elrond calmly, Thranduil gave a small smile and nodded as he closed the door behind him. Elrond then turned back to his child; he smiled again seeing her laugh.
"Bless you my child" he whispered softly as then slowly returned to his chambers.
~*~*~
*Next chapter coming up soon* (Thank you very much for the people who reviewed so far it was very much appreciated).