I have re-written chapters one to eight. There are no serious changes but anyone following the story might want to give them a glance over, just to prevent any confusion when I start referring to caves rather than a palace.

Thank you everyone for the reviews. They are appreciated. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter as things are actually starting to happen now.

Chapter Nine - Happy New Year?

"Why must I dress in this ridiculous costume?" Legolas whined as he stormed down the passageways through the caves.

"It is not a costume Highness, it is the traditional formal dress for an elf of your stature as well you know. Do you want to be mistaken for a common elf?" Ariel said indignantly. She had been trying to make him get ready for hours and he was being awkward at every stage.

"Yes actually I do. I am no better than any other elf in this kingdom. My crown does not make me a better warrior or a better man, it only makes me taller. If I was not wearing velvet and gold I would still be the son of the King, I would still be Legolas."

"Yes and if I had hairy feet and were half as tall I would be a happy hobbit, but I am not and there is nothing I can do about that." Legolas could tell that she was getting annoyed with him. She wouldn't usually snap like that. He laughed a little and carried on walking down the corridor. The image of Ariel with hobbit feet suddenly entered his mind and it was the most ridiculous image that had ever come into his head.

"You are to meet your parents and some of the Rivendell nobles in your Father's reception room now before the ceremonial entry into the ball."

"Ugh. I hate meeting with the nobles. One always has to be so polite to them."

"Well I am sure that you'll do your best. You will be escorting Lady Narawen into the ball. You are committed for the first four dances, after that you can mingle as you wish."

"For somebody who is supposed to be my aide, you have become very bossy all of a sudden."

"I am sorry Sire, but I have had many extra duties to attend to recently. If I become snappish please excuse my behaviour. I do not mean it"

"Do not worry Ariel, I do not doubt that my stubbornness has helped little in making your task any easier. It is I that should apologise. Anyway, who is Lady Narawen, I do not believe I have met her. Where in the Green Wood does she dwell?"

"She is of the Rivendell party."

"But it is tradition that I escort a Lady of my own kingdom."

"Since when were you interested in preserving tradition?" They both smiled at this impertinence. "Your Mother informed me last night that it is a particular request of Lord Elrond that you escort Lady Narawen into the ball."

"A request of Elrond! Oh I understand. I am guessing that Lady Narawen is young, single, beautiful, a lively conversationalist with a love of dancing. Father and his matchmaking is so transparent. I cannot believe that as well as recruiting you to pair me off, he has embroiled Elrond in his schemes."

"To be honest sire I would know nothing about any of those things. Lady Narawen was the wife of Numbor, a Rivendell archer who perished in the War. She has been widowed for the past two winters."

"Numbor," Legolas said, stopping. "I knew him. He was a brave warrior who fought well. I knew not that he was married."

"For over an age Sire."

"The pain of the war and the destruction of Sauron continues." His voice was now reduced to a whisper.

"Yes it does, for so many." Legolas looked at her knowing her meaning. He had not imparted to her the knowledge of his dreams or his thoughts of despair, but she was clever, he was sure she had worked it out.

"Lord Elrond brought her here to try and help her overcome her extreme grief."

"Is such a thing possible? Can one go on after the death of a lover?"

"I do not know, but she has not faded so there is some hope. Lord Elrond hopes that her reintroduction into society will help her concentrate on the things she still has rather than the things she has lost."

"I hope I can help."

"I'm sure you will Sire. We really should hurry Your Highness. The party will be waiting for you."

"Yes of course." He started to walk again. They soon came to the guarded door behind which his family awaited his arrival.

"Remember Sire, please be polite. It won't kill you for just one night."

"You are not coming in with me?"

"Certainly not. The Royal Reception Room is no place for a mere servant."

"Ariel, you are no mere servant. You are my personal aide and therefore if I request your presence you should be there."

"I couldn't agree more Sire, but not tonight. Besides I have to be in the Great Hall before the sun sets. I should really change my gown but I haven't the time now."

"Your Gown?"

"Yes. Did you not notice that I am wearing just an ordinary day gown."

"I must confess I had not, but you always look good enough for a ball."

"Flattery will get you everywhere Prince, but not right now. You have nobles to mix with."

"Yes, I suppose I do." He turned around and the guard opened the door.

Ariel turned and walked away from the door before breaking into a sprint. She was required to be in the great hall before sunset and that was but a few minutes away

She ran around a corner and straight into another person. She fell backwards onto the floor. She looked up and saw Lady Thrimalia stood over her.

"Lady Ariel, I am so sorry," she gasped as she helped Ariel up from the ground.

"Do not apologise milady, it was my fault entirely. I was rushing and paying no heed to where I was going."

"Then let us say that we were both to blame and leave it at that." Thrimalia suggested.

"Yes Milady." It was then that Ariel noticed that she was not dressed for the ball. She was wearing her combat clothes and her bow and quiver was slung across her back. "You are not attending the ball Lady Thrimalia." Ariel said, a little disappointed.

"No, I thought it best that I use this time to practice my archery while everyone else is busy."

"But will the king not be offended? You are an important member of the Royal court you must surely have been invited."

"I was issued with an invitation, but the King has given me leave not to attend. He shares my conviction that I should spend as much time practising my art as possible."

"But why would you want to miss such a glorious occasion as an elvish ball?"

"I have been forced to attend more than my fair share in my life and when I become a General I will be obliged to stand beside the King at all occasions from balls to when he finally sails to the Undying Lands. Legolas will be tired of my presence before long, I would prefer not to push the boundaries too soon." Ariel could not help noticing the Lady's casual use of the Prince's name.

"But the Prince seems to like having you around. I am sure he will be disappointed if you do not attend tonight."

"I do not flatter myself that he would even notice my absence Milady."

"I am sure he will. Please come Milady. I have seen your grace in the combat arena, I would love to see you dancing for I am sure that it is poetry." Thrimalia blushed at this compliment.

"I confess that I do love to dance, but balls are not how I like to do it. Open air merry making beneath the canopy of the stars is how I like to dance. The balls within the city are far more to my sister Anwyn's liking."

"Is there nothing I can do to dissuade you from this course you seem set on taking."

"I would prefer that you did not try. I would hate for you to waste your time and be late. You must have been on your way there when I knocked you down."

"Yes. I should really go to my chambers to change my gown, but I have no time now."

"Change your gown? You mean you are not ready now." Thrimalia looked at her wide eyed. "All that finery and you are not dressed for a ball. Is it the custom of your people to always dress so well? Here we only dress in our finest for an audience with the king."

Ariel looked down at her gown. It was nothing special, just a plain green velvet gown with a gold trim. She had far nicer ones which she would wear for the day. Were she a guest of the king and not simply a servant, she would never dream of wearing such low apparel to dine at his table. "Over the years I have collected a great many fine gowns made in the fashion of my homeland Rohan. I wear them so that they will not be wasted."

Thrimalia just looked at the gown with awe, for Ariel to own finer gowns was simply beyond her comprehension. She herself did wear gowns but it was seldom. The spark of a plan came into Ariel's head and the wheels of thought began to turn.

"Perhaps you would like to see some more of my gowns for I do confess I have a large collection. You could tell me more about life as a soldier. I would love to hear about it from you, I have read much about you in the histories. I would like it very much if you could join me for tea. I have few friends here in Eryn Lasgalen and none are female. I would very much enjoy your company."

"Thank you milady. I too would enjoy that greatly."

"Shall we say three days from now at 4.30?"

"Yes, I am not engaged in training then. I shall look forward to it. I must be going now though. I do not want to make you late for the ball."

"I shall see you three days hence." Ariel curtseyed to Thrimalia and the elf bowed slightly before they departed company.

Ariel felt very pleased with herself. Her new plan was a good one and if it came to fruition, she was sure that it would make her job much easier.

She came to the entrance of the Great Hall of Thranduil where the guards were about to close the doors. "Just in time," one of the guards said to her as the door banged shut behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared that she would not make it for there was to be no admittance after sundown.

She took a dance card from one of the serving girls who stood at either side of the door and began to walk through the crowds of elves in the room. She took in the wondrous sight of all of those fair folk together in one room. They were all wearing fine gowns and tunics, obviously woven from the most delicate of elven fabrics. Everyone looked so beautiful. The brief snatches of conversation she could hear were all about poetry and art and other such refined subjects. She had been told many years ago, while she lived in Imladris, that the Silvan elves of the Woodland Realm were a lesser breed of people than their kin in the west. As she looked around at the guests of Thranduil she knew that was a lie. They were the equal to any other people in Middle Earth and she felt privileged to dwell among them.

Suddenly there was the gentle sound of an elvish horn blown into the hall and a path was cleared in the middle of the room. A set of large doors opened and from behind them emerged a group of the most beautiful and wise elves Ariel could possibly imagine. First there was Lady Earmilmadith of Rivendell with Lord Elrond's son Elladan. Then there was Elrohir and Lady Eowulia of the Green Wood. They were followed by Lord Elrond himself with Lady Hethien. Ariel could not suppress the small surge of excitement within her at seeing Elrond and his sons again. She had loved them so when she spent time at Rivendell and she knew that they were fond of her also. She knew that she was unlikely to be able to speak with them as she would not be mixing with the higher nobles on that night, but just seeing them brought a warmth to her heart that she could not remember feeling in a long time.

Soon after Elrond had emerged Prince Legolas came out with the Lady Narawen. Instantly Ariel's heart went out to the poor lady. She smiled, but Ariel knew that it was just an act. The death of her mate had clearly torn her heart in two. Her smile did not reach her eyes and the despair at being in society without her lover was evident in those icy blue orbs. The sight made Ariel want to weep it was such a tragedy. The lady was most beautiful. For such grace to wallow in such misery was beyond pity. It was tragic. Ariel could see that the Prince was also distressed at her pain. He leaned over and whispered something to her, at which she rewarded him with a genuine smile and her Lord was happy.

Finally King Thranduil and Queen Taedriel appeared and walked down the centre of the room towards the dais where their carven chairs awaited them. They took their seats and the King called for the music to begin. Instantly life was injected into the room and the conversations began again. Ariel looked over at the Prince and saw that he was happily talking with Lady Narawen and Ariel was glad. He needed to be more sociable with people.

Suddenly she felt hands on her waist and a voice whispered in her ear. "You look very lovely this evening milady." She knew immediately who it was.

"As I am sure you do too milord Herdrin."

"Blast, how did you know it was me?" He said laughing and coming into her view.

"I would know you anywhere Herdrin. Besides are you not one of only two elves in this kingdom whom I know? The other sits with another over yonder," she gestured to where the Prince sat. "So unless the Woodland folk always greet strangers in this way, It would not have been difficult to guess it was you." Herdrin leaned forward and kissed Ariel on the cheek as was usual for when they greeted each other.

"Where is your sister tonight?" Ariel asked scanning the ballroom for any sign of Lady Valmari.

"She sits with our parents and the King." Ariel looked up to the Dais and saw that three extra chairs had been placed by the King and Queen's thrones so that they could speak with their guests.

Suddenly Ariel felt a presence behind her. She turned and the Prince was standing there. "Your Highness," she turned and curtsied. "I did not realise you were there. I thought you were entertaining Lady Narawen."

"She has been rescued from my gabbling by Elladan." Ariel looked up to see that Elladan and Elrohir had built up a small collection of ladies whom they were trying to impress with stories of their great deeds. Ariel and the Prince alike were happy to see Lady Narawen smiling, even if her pain was all too obvious.

"Your Highness," Herdrin said, bowing to the Prince. "It is an honour to see you again."

"Likewise." Ariel could not help but sense a little hostility in her Master's voice. She ignored it though. It would not do to make a scene in front of such company.

"I was just wondering if you were taken for the first dance milady?" Herdrin said to Ariel. She smiled at him and was about to answer when she hear the Prince's voice.

"I am afraid that the Lady has already consented to give me the honour of the first dance this evening." Ariel's smile faded a little. She did not like people answering for her. She was perfectly capable of replying with her own tongue. She set her face back in place however as she looked up at Herdrin. It would not do to show displeasure with her Lord.

"Perhaps later milord. As you can see I am already promised to another for the first."

"I will hold you to that milady. You must save at least one for me."

"Do not despair my lord I shall." With that Herdrin bowed and walked away, just as the music was starting for the dancers.

"Shall we milady?" The Prince offered her his arm, which she took, albeit a little angrily. She did not appreciate being treat like a child. Of course she couldn't say that, not when the one treating her as such was the Prince.

They took their places among all of the other dancing couples and began to go through the complicated sequence of turns and steps.

"You dance well milady. I trust you have had lessons." The Prince said as they spun round.

"Yes, Lord Elladan taught me when I was a child and I never forgot."

Legolas snorted at this. Elladan, teaching a child how to dance! The notion was too ridiculous. "He obviously taught you well." He spun her around once more before leaning in close to her. "You must protect me tonight Ariel," he said quietly in her ear.

"Protect you! Protect you from what sire?"

"There are a lot of ladies in this room tonight who I know. I would rather not have to fight them off all night."

"Ladies that you know well sire?" she asked, a smirk on her face.

"You could say that." Ariel looked around and saw that there was indeed a lot of ladies looking their way. Many of them shooting daggers at her. She laughed them off and turned her attention back to her partner.

"I shall do my best Sire, but I cannot promise that you will finish the night in one piece."

"As long as you do your best."

The dance ended and Ariel curtseyed to her partner, the Prince, in turn bowed to her. She stood up straight and turned around. For the second time that night she went straight into someone. "I am sorry milor..." Ariel looked up at the man she had assailed and found herself looking straight into the eyes of Lord Elrond.

"Ariel?" he whispered, as if he could not believe his eyes.

"Milord," she said curtseying.

"Never in all of my dreams could I have imagined that you would grow to be so beautiful my child." He took Ariel's hand and kissed it before placing it over his heart. A symbol of the paternal love he felt for her and the happiness of being with her again. Suddenly Elladan and Elrohir appeared by their father's side.

"What is happening Father?" Elrohir asked, noticing the position his father was in with the young human. He raised his gaze to look upon her face and was captivated by her beauty. "Milady," he said quietly, bowing with his hand over his heart. He was about to ask her if he had ever met her before as she seemed so familiar, when his brother spoke.

"Titta Ravenne*?" Elladan said quietly. "Is it really you." At this Legolas, who was still standing behind his aide was reminded of a conversation he'd had with Elrond years ago about a favourite pupil of his. He had never given her a name, he had just referred to her as Titta Ravenne. His heart had wept when her mother removed them both from Imladris as he had loved the girl as he had loved his own children. He had said she was the most spirited child he had ever had the fortune to teach. He had even said that were she not mortal, she would have been a perfect match for the Prince of Mirkwood when she was grown. Indeed Legolas had felt that Elrond even hoped he could overlook her mortality and fall in love with her anyway. How ironic it was that now she was brought into his life in order to teach him how to love somebody else.

"What kind fate is it that would return you into our lives milady?" Elrond said, smiling broadly at her. Ariel looked around and noticed that everyone had stopped what they were doing and all had gone quiet. Everyone was intrigued by the woman that had moved the Lord of Rivendell so.

"Perhaps you would care to join us," Elrohir said, also noting that all eyes were on them. "There is much I am sure we would all like to talk about. I for one would like to know how you are able to dance so well when you had my brother for a teacher?" Elladan playfully swatted his brother around the head and they all laughed.

Elrond led Ariel away for the dance floor towards some chairs, where they sat and talked for most of the night. She was so pleased to be back in his company. He had been the greatest presence in her life when she was a child and she loved him for it.

As the night proceeded however, she could occasionally feel, eyes boring into her. She would turn and see the Prince looking at her and Elrond. For the most he just looked curious, but she was sure that sometimes there was malice in his eyes. Even when he was dancing with Lady Valmari, he seemed to be paying more attention to what Ariel was doing. Eventually, Ariel could stand it no longer. She waited until the Prince was alone before excusing herself from Lord Elrond.

Legolas just watched her as she approached him. His face was cold. "Does something trouble you Sire?" she said as she stopped beside him. "You seem unhappy."

"Is Elrond your father?" To say that she was shocked was an understatement. This was completely out of the blue.

"What!" She finally managed to splutter out.

"It's a simple question Ariel. Is Lord Elrond your father? It would explain why you use your mother's name when you introduce yourself and why you never mention your father. It would explain your beauty also. You have his hair and eyes."

"No! I am not his daughter. I do not understand what would make you ask me such a question."

"Well, you certainly seemed to be getting on well for two people who are simply friends." There was true disdain in his voice now. Ariel found that it didn't suit him one bit and she did not like this Prince Legolas who she was now standing before.

He looked up at her through narrowed eyes. "You and he are lovers aren't you? That is why he was so pleased to see you." If Ariel was shocked before, now she was enraged.

"How DARE you ask me something like that!" She shouted, not caring that everyone was now listening.

"You didn't seem so shy in telling me of your lovers yesterday."

"That is the most hurtful, despicable thing anyone has ever dared say to me. It is not only a slur on my character but on his name. I do not recall a time that I have ever been so insulted. I pity you Prince, that your lack of love drives you to outbursts like this." She turned away from him and approached the dais, where the King and Queen sat watching this scene with fascination. She breathed deeply as she came closer to the King. She did not want her ill humour to allow her mouth to run away with her when she spoke to him.

"Sire, I would like to return to my chambers by your leave."

"Certainly child. I think that may be wise." He replied looking past her at his son, who was clearly seething with anger.

"Thank you Your Majesty." She curtsied and stepped away from the dais backwards. She walked over to where Lord Elrond sat stunned by what was happening. "I am sorry milord but I am suddenly feeling very ill," she spat out, clearly aiming this remark at the Prince. She curtsied to him before turning to leave.

As she neared the door she felt someone grab her arm. She turned around and looked into her master's azure blue eyes. They were filled with anger. "Do not walk away from me like this," he commanded.

"Let go of me," she cried, wrenching her arm free. He took hold of her again. She spun around and slapped him hard across the face. "Do not touch me. You are no noble lord, you are just another man." She turned on her heel and stormed out of the Great hall satisfied that the Prince knew, in no uncertain terms, just how furious she was.

* Titta Ravenne means 'Tiny She-Lion' in Quenya