Author: Arindwen Greenleaf

Disclaimer: I do not own Legolas nor Mirkwood nor King Thranduil.. Even though I do wish I did..but I DO own Arindwen of Rohan and this plot so don't even THINK of trying to take her or this plot without my permission.. Dire consequences will follow. I also own Adanvine as a character, not as a person, cause he's my friend who wanted a cameo. Go figure.

Rating: R-Violence

Feedback: Desired like said Elf.

~*~

Throughout the day, the small party of three made their way to the Palace of Thranduil.Legolas and Adanvine walked side by side, speaking quietly in Elvish. Arindwen studied the dark-haired Elf from the corner of her eye. There was something strange about him, something Arindwen couldn't put her finger on. I thought all Elves had blonde or brown hair.. Not black. As they walked, the sun began to dip below the unseen horizon and the shadows of the trees lengthened. As the sun left its lofty position in the sky, Arindwen once again began to feel a familiar sense of sleepiness stealing over her. She yawned and shook her head, annoyed at herself for showing such weakness in front of such untiring creatures.

Sighing she forced her now tired legs to keep on moving, as the forest darkened and creatures began to stir.

She frowned, her mind once again drifting back to Adanvine and his strange appearance. Out of curiosity she glanced over at the two Elves who had their heads together in some sort of private discussion. As if her felt her gaze, Adanvine glanced up and locked eyes with Arindwen. Arindwen gazed into his black, bottomless eyes and for a split second saw.. what? She once again couldn't put her finger on it, but this feeling of.. wrongness seemed to prevade throughout her. Adanvine went back to his conversation and they walked on.

Later, an hour or so after the sun had sunk behind the far mountains, Arindwen started to notice signs of Elven life. Though most Elves lived inside the palace grounds, a few more daring and adventurous folk lived in the trees just a few kilometers from the walls. This being Arindwen's first time truly amongst such "noble folk" as most people called them, she turned her gaze upwards and stared at the tree top dwellings in which movement could be seen. Her eyebrows rose in surprise and she turned her gaze back down to the road ahead of them. The trail was becoming more and more hard-packed and easier to walk on, and Arindwen knew that in a few minutes time she would be coming face to face with the king of Mirkwood Elves, Lord Thranduil. This prospect scared and excited her at the same time, for she was eager to request military assistance from the High Lord for her father, King Theoden. This was the biggest mission she had ever taken the responsibility of and though she would never admit it, it frightened her that Thranduil would not accept her plea. What if..

A light tap on her arm brought her back from her thoughts and worries. Legolas was standing by her, smiling. He nodded ahead.

"Soon you shall see the Palace of Lord Thranduil, my Lady. And it is not a sight you shall soon forget." He smiled once more and Arindwen nodded her understanding. A few meters on, around a bend, and there were the Palace walls. Tall gleaming (white?) walls stood out from the rich lushness of the forest. Though no guards patrolled the walls, Arindwen knew that they were there, hiding as only Elves could do. And sure enough she was right.

"My Prince! My Prince! You have returned!" A young Elf lept down from a tree and landed lightly on the path a little ways ahead of them. "Welcome back, my Prince! Your father is waiting for you." Legolas smiled and the young elf's gaze slid from Adanvine to the young woman who stood by his Princes' side. Legolas, seeing his gaze, saved the poor young elf from any embarrassing statements he might have made.

"She is the daughter of King Theoden, a Warrior of Rohan," he explained. Immediately the young elf stiffened and became more alert. Arindwen grimaced. Must he always introduce her like that? He was going to get her killed one of these days. "She is here on a mission from her father and will be treated with the highest respect she deserves." The elf bowed stiffly and said "Welcome, Lady."

"Greetings," said Arindwen, still slightly put-off by the reaction her title was getting from all of these fantastic creatures. The elf turned his gaze back to Legolas and the little party started forward, led by the elf.

"Your father expects you at Evening Meal which will commense in an hour. You will have time to rest and refresh your selves before the banquet." Legolas nodded.

"Thank you, Calborn." The elf nodded and pushed the heavy wall doors open.