I returned to Gondor with my father, who seemed beyond pleased at how my brief relationship with Legolas had ended. He did not know that already in my head, I was forming a plot to return to him.

Immediately after my return, my father imposed all sorts of restrictions for me, to stop me escaping. I was to be escorted everywhere, I was not allowed out of the land limits alone, I was not allowed a horse, and I was to stay in my room after sunset.

Weeks passed, and I felt increasingly like I was in a prison, for a crime I did not commit. What annoyed me most was my father's overwhelming sense of hypocrisy. He loved my mother after being told it was wrong, and yet he would not even let me speak Legolas' name in his presence.

And then came my turn in fortunes. Legolas' father, King Thranduil, came to Gondor to meet with my father. I knew it did not concern Legolas or myself, it was a business visit.

I was introduced rather hesitantly to King Thranduil. He reminded me of Legolas - they shared a sense of internal peace. He grinned rather profusely when he met me, and just as I was about to turn and leave, he whispered in my ear.

"Bag your things, and I will speak to you again at the ball this evening." He muttered softly. I nodded once to show I understood, and hurried back to my room, smiling secretly.

I spent the afternoon packing, but only essentials. I hid the bag under my bed, and dressed for the ball in a simple purple velvet gown. King Thranduil was indeed waiting for me, and pulled me into a secluded corner.

"Did you do as I said?" He asked, and I smiled.

"Yes my Lord, but I am wondering why I did so."

"I know that you are in love with my son, and I know he loves you in return. Since he came home, he has been distant, pained. I do not like to see him in such a state, and I know if you were there with him, he would feel much better."

"My Lord, it is true I love your son. But I am forbidden from seeing him."

"By whom?"

"My father. He has imposed all the restrictions upon me he can devise. It would be impossible for me to slip away unnoticed, I am not even allowed my own horse." I explained hastily.

"My horse is waiting for you in the stables. I will distract your father. Go to your room, collect your things, and leave."

"My Lord?" I raised my eyebrows, but I couldn't help but grin. He even had Legolas' mischievous air.

"It will work. I'll be seeing you in Mirkwood, my lady." He bowed, and walked over to my father.

I didn't have to think twice. I returned to my room, and put on my long purple winter cloak, that had a hood. I pulled the hood up over my face, grabbed my bag, and made my way down to the stables.

I knew King Thranduil's horse instantly - it was Legolas' horse Galad. She stood silently as I attached my things to her, and climbed gingerly on her back. I was an experienced rider - King Eomer had taught me - but I had never had to mount while causing as little disturbance as possible.

And from there, I rode into the night, the wind in my hair clearing my thoughts, and setting themselves on one goal - to return to Legolas, or die trying.

************

For all my wide travelling, I had never wandered the paths of Mirkwood. As I did, for the first time I understood why Legolas loved his homeland as much as he did. The trees reached up to the morning blue expanse of the sky while the canopy artistically dappled the pathways.

I walked the paths slowly, not wanting to be questioned by a passing Elf. My velvet hood was up, covering my distinctive hair and eyes, my long cloak wrapped around me. I emerged in front of the Palace, and proceeded up through the doors, straight into a wide foyer with an exceptionally high ceiling.

Legolas was just coming down the staircase when I entered. He stopped instantly, knowing it was me. Agonisingly slowly, he walked to me, and gently slipped my hood down, revealing my face.

"Lien, you are not allowed to be here. If your father…" he began. I pressed my finger to his lips and grinned.

"I have missed you like the ground misses the sun in winter. Forget about my father, and tell me you are glad to see me." I tucked a strand of his golden hair behind his pointed ear as I spoke.

"I am very glad to see you." He smiled, and held me to him for a long moment.

"My father knows not that I am here, but I cannot stay long." I warned.

"Come, we have much to speak of." He took my hand, led me back up the stairs, and into his chambers.

I have never seen such extravagance. Long rows of bookshelves lined the walls, each filled with musty volumes. His bed was decorated with sheets of green and gold, a large glass case at the foot of his bed held his vast collection of weapons.

"I am willing to face exile Legolas, I will for you."

"You realise how much you are giving up?" He asked softly.

"I realise how much I am gaining. My father is just a man Legolas. Eventually, he will know he cannot keep up apart. But it is you decision to make, and all I will tell you is I love you." I told him, and touched his hand. He regarded me in silence for a moment, before his beautiful face split into a grin.

"As if I had to think about it." He leaned in and kissed me, before pulling away suddenly.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Marry me." He blurted, and I stopped.

"What?"

"Become my wife. Today, right now." He smiled, and I smiled back.

"As if I had to think about it." I echoed, and as one we ran out down the stairs, to become married.

Aragorn's blood was bubbling in his veins as he tore up the steps of the Mirkwood Palace, his sword in hand.

How dare she! What made her think she could run off to the arms of her royal lover, and abandon all the rules he had set in place? Aragorn loved his daughter very much, and only wanted what was best for her, and he knew Legolas could not provide everything she would need.

He reached the corridor where Legolas' room was located. He was nearing his door when a young Elf maid stopped him.

"My Lord, where are you going in such a rush?" She asked politely.

"I am looking for Prince Legolas." Aragorn replied.

"My Lord, it is requested that no-one disturbs him this night." She informed him.

"Why not?" Aragorn demanded.

"Because, my Lord, he is sharing his marital bed this night." Aragorn could feel his eyes widen, and once again the anger burned up inside him. He pushed the young maid from his way, and shoved Legolas' door open.

He did not know what sight he expected to meet his eyes, but it was certainly not the one he did see. Legolas was not in bed with his daughter - in fact, he was sitting on a chair beside the bed, watching Vanwaithilien while she slept soundly in his bed, her inky hair fanned over the pillow.

Legolas looked up when Aragorn entered, and expecting a fight, braced himself. But Aragorn did not strike him, instead he stopped to watch Lien sleep, caught in her web of youthful enchantment.

"I have been informed that you married her." Aragorn spoke quietly, not wanting to wake her.

"I did." Legolas answered cautiously.

"I know you love her Legolas, but sometimes, it is not enough. It will be a difficult road, especially for you."

"I know it Aragorn. But I cannot deny my heart."

"She is more beautiful than I first realised. No wonder she has captured your heart, and warmed it so."

"I have lived for thousands of years, I have seen so many horrors and delights. But nothing could have prepared me for her Aragorn. I feel like I have been searching for something, all my life, and I have found it in her. What I feel for her, I cannot explain. She makes me feel…"

"At peace?" Legolas looked at him, and smiled.

"Yes."

"That is why her name means Serenity. That is what you have been searching for Legolas. That is what I am giving up." Aragorn murmured sadly.

"She will never abandon you Aragorn. You are her father, and she loves you."

"I know it. When you are ready, I would like you both to come to Gondor, to celebrate the marriage. I have acted hastily, and I apologise my old friend." Aragorn placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder.

"There is no need to apologise. You were only doing what you thought was right for your daughter."

"Still…I will leave you at your peace now."

Aragorn turned and left, closing the door gently behind him. Legolas regarded his wife for a moment, before reaching over, and kissing her forehead. She stirred, and her beautifully haunting eyes opened.

"Legolas?" She whispered sleepily.

"It is nothing. I am so glad I found you." He smiled, and held her in his arms.

"I am glad you found me."

The moonlight blossomed and faded, the sun rose and set, the seasons changed. But Legolas' love for Vanwaithilien did not fade, nor did her love for him. Finally, Legolas' search for serenity was over.