A/N

I'm so sorry! I have been really busy for the last few days, well, weeks. It's mainly school and homework! Here we go! So sorry if it's short!

Falling in Love

Chapter 4

Many Unhappy Meetings

He looked up. Travelling for four days, it's enough to make anyone weary. Making a journey by horse may be faster than foot, but still tiring. And could Arod be any slower? He used be so energetic. But that was nearly thirty years ago.

Faramir was riding ahead of him. He seemed to be so much quicker and swifter. Amazing, truly amazing.

Faramir never did tire, though he was a mere human.

Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood sped up, and found himself side by side with Faramir.

"I thought Elves were never supposed to tire?" said Faramir with a grin.

"You would say that," Legolas replied. He took a water sack from his belt and drained half of it.

Faramir sighed, and looked across the grassy plains. "We'll be there soon," he said reassuringly. "I'm sure Gimli will be there. And Eowyn and Haramir. My, it will be good to my family again."

"I've never met Haramir," said Legolas. "What does he look like?"

"Eowyn says that he reminds her of me," said Faramir.

"That's so sweet," Legolas said.

"You really need to find yourself a woman, mate," said Faramir with a huge smile, which spread from one side of his face to the other. "Will it be an Elf, I wonder?"

Legolas was deep in thought for a moment. His father, King Thranduil was indeed deeply disappointed that his son had still not found a suitable wife. But Thranduil had been very understanding. Legolas was just waiting for the right moment in time. As Elves don't use arranged marriages, or betrothals, finding love can take an Elf's entire life, which can be no less than five thousand years.

"Legolas?" came Faramir's voice from what seemed like miles away.

Legolas came back to reality.

"Yes?"

"We're here!"

Faramir and Legolas were riding over Pelennor Fields. They had past Osgiliath, and were heading for Minas Tirith.

Thirty years ago, both Faramir and Legolas had fought on that same field, though in different battles. It was here that the late King Theoden of Rohan fell. Attacked by a flying Nazgul, and almost saved by Faramir's wife, Eowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck, a young hobbit friend of Frodo Baggins, a hero of Middle Earth.

Minas Tirith was gleaming. The bright sunlight was upon it, making its walls look like snow, though it was summer. It was a tall building with a large population living inside it. Aragorn and Arwen would surely be right at the top, with their children.

The gates of Minas Tirith opened, and Faramir and Legolas rode inside. Many greeted them as they trotted through the streets. On passing houses, young girls and boys looked out of their windows and waved with sweet smiles upon their young faces. Flowers were thrown onto the street as they rode slowly towards the top.

Finally, they reached the doors of the king. Faramir and Legolas dismounted their horses, and tied them up. Then, they walked towards the doors and they were opened by some guards. The doors swung open with grace.

There, upon his throne, sat Aragorn. He was in deep conversation with a woman with golden blonde hair. As Faramir and Legolas drew closer, Aragorn looked up.

"Is that who I think it is?" asked Aragorn. He stood up and strode over to his visitors. "Why, it's my old friend Legolas!" A huge smile was illuminating on his face. Aragorn placed one hand on Legolas's shoulder.

"It's good to see you my friend," said Legolas in his own tongue.

"Likewise, Legolas," Aragorn said in the same language. "Can you believe it's been thirty years since you departed and never came back?"

"It is truly regrettable," said Legolas. "I have missed the best part of your children's lives. I wanted to see them as babies and as children. However, it will be a pleasure to meet them as adults."

"Of course it will!" said Aragorn enthusiastically. "Faramir, Legolas, come! I wish for you to meet my family!"

Aragorn took Faramir and Legolas by the arms, and they swept out of the room. Through long, winding passageways, up twisted staircases and over beautifully made rugs they went. Aragorn was talking to Faramir about `Eowyn and Haramir, which gave Legolas the chance to look around.

The hallways were rather dingy, though quite cosy. There were hangings on the walls, decorated with illustrations of past events at Minas Tirith. There happened to be a fairly new one, with a date of some twenty- nine years previously, showing a noble though cold looking man perishing in fire. It was rather strange, now that Legolas thought of it.

Legolas looked into the rooms of which had their doors open. Light was shining in through tiny windows like the smallest moon on the darkest night. Rugs were laid on the floor. Some were a form of green or blue, which gave the impression that the floor could be a plain of grass or the ocean.

Finally, as though the three had been walking for hours, they reached a large room, in which were a set of high-backed chairs with a large wooden table. Sitting upon these chairs were five people.

One was male. He was a mixture of Aragorn and Arwen, their son and heir to the Gondorian throne.

"Legolas," began Aragorn, "this is my eldest child and only son, Eldarion."

Eldarion rose from his seat, and bowed, first to Legolas, then Faramir and finally his father. Eldarion was fair of face, shared his mother's features and his father's build. Honey blonde hair fell to his shoulders. As Eldarion smiled, the image of Aragorn shone through him.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet the Elf my father talks so often about," Eldarion said, "he has told my sisters and I so many stories of your adventures."

"I have waited long to meet the young man who supposedly looks so much like his father." said Legolas.

Aragorn beckoned Eldarion do sit, while ushering his daughters to stand.

One had fiery red hair tied into two long plaits which rested on her shoulders. She had an oddly shaped face, and looked more human than Elf.

Another had long silky blonde hair and baby blue eyes. She looked by far the youngest. She smiled at Legolas sweetly. She looked as if she could be an Elf of Lothlorien.

The last sister was beautiful far beyond her siblings. The only other who could be more fair was her mother, where the beauty was original. Raven black hair was resting on her shoulders, and silver ribbons were entwined in it. Shining green eyes were staring at the ground, as though determined not to look at the visitors.

"These," began Aragorn, "are my daughters; Ondine, Silvena and Danestar. Danestar! Do look up! Do not stare at your feet!"

Danestar looked up, and her eyes fell on Legolas. She gasped quietly.

"I am afraid to say," said Aragorn, "that I have had to be rather stern with my children lately. But this will stop if they are willing to behave as they are supposed to be." Aragorn looked at his children, and then smiled warmly at them. "But I could not ask for more wonderful children."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my ladies," said Legolas, bowing to each of them in turn.

"Arwen," said Aragorn, "come here and greet Legolas."

Arwen rose from her chair. She looked exactly as Legolas remembered her, though she had aged much.

"It's good to see you, dear cousin," said Arwen to Legolas, "Why have you not visited before now?"

"I have been busy, Arwen," Legolas replied.

"Do you not have a lady friend accompanying you?" asked Arwen.

"No, I'm afraid not," said Legolas, "I have still not settled down."

"What a shame," said Arwen with a small grin, "isn't it a pity, girls?"

"Oh yes, mother," said Ondine catching her mother's drift.

"Yes, mother," said Silvena cottoning on.

"Deeply regrettable, mother," said Danestar, not turning away from Legolas.

Suddenly, the doors of the room banged open, revealing who had been listening.

For a moment, Legolas believed that a second Faramir was standing in the doorway. But he knew better.

"Haramir!" cried Faramir. He rushed to greet his son. Stood behind them were King `Eomer of Rohan and Faramir's wife, `Eowyn. Faramir kissed `Eowyn on the cheek, and then shook `Eomer's hand.

"It is amazing that we could all be reunited for this splendid occasion!" said Aragorn. "Come, all! I shall show you to your rooms to be rested!"

Later that day, Legolas was lying on his bed in a guest room. His thoughts cast around many things as he sat listening to the birds twittering outside.

The sky outside began to grow dark; night was falling, which meant dinner would soon be served. Legolas doubted that the night was as peaceful here as in Mirkwood.

Darkness was swirling outside. The birds stopped singing. Night was upon them.

A knock on the door startled Legolas.

"Enter," called Legolas.

The door swung open, and Eldarion was stood there.

"Legolas," began Eldarion, "my father wishes for me to tell you that our dinner is ready and he requests your presence there."

"I accept," said Legolas, "please tell Aragorn I am coming."

Eldarion nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Legolas rose from his bed and walked over to his washbasin. He splashed some water on his face, and dried himself with a cloth. Then he left the room.

Legolas walked down a grand staircase, leading him to a dining area. Friendly chatter surrounded him. As he reached a table, a voice called him over.

"Legolas! You're here!" cried Aragorn. He beckoned him to sit, pointing to a seat next to Ondine and Danestar. Silvena was seated next to Haramir and Eldarion.

Legolas sensed something suspicious. Arwen caught his eye and she winked playfully. She was matchmaking. It was so obvious. Arwen never changed, not a bit. Though it was rather amusing to watch Arwen try pair him up, and fail.

"Good evening, my ladies," said Legolas to Ondine and Danestar.

"Good evening, my lord," said Ondine, blushing a little.

"Good evening, my lord," said Danestar, struggling to keep a straight face.

As Legolas sat down, Aragorn called to everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he said loudly so they could all hear. "Do not be hungry any longer! Let the feast begin!"

It was wonderful. There was salted pork and roast mutton, fresh fruit, new wine and malt beer. Legolas did not eat much, as he was too busy examining Aragorn's guests.

There was Faramir, `Eowyn, `Eomer, Haramir, Gimli the dwarf and himself of course. Also there were Arwen, Aragorn, Eldarion, Danestar, Silvena and Ondine.

After the feast, Aragorn rose from his seat.

"My family, friends and guests, I would like to propose a toast," said Aragorn. "To the future and whatever it may hold!"

"To the future!" everyone replied.

Ondine, Danestar and Silvena returned to their rooms after the feat had ended. Ondine came in with the others for a while to talk of the night's events.

"That was an interesting evening," said Silvena.

"It certainly was," agreed Danestar.

Ondine was silent.

"Ondine?" said Silvena. "Middle Earth to Ondine? Come in Ondine?"

"Oh very funny," mocked Ondine. "Really witty."

"What Silvena wanted to ask was; what did you think of the feast?" said Danestar.

"Oh," said Ondine. "It was very tasty, the salted pork especially."

"You have something in common with that dwarf, Gimli! He likes pork too!" said Silvena.

"How dare you!" shrieked Ondine.

"Alright!" said Danestar. "Anyway, I didn't mean the food. What did you think of Haramir and Prince Legolas?"

"Oh!" exclaimed Silvena. "Haramir is such a sweetie! I really like him! Prince Legolas really isn't my type, though."

"That's a shame," said Ondine. "I really like Prince Legolas. I think he's so handsome and kind."

'Oh, she does, does she?' Danestar thought. 'She'll have to keep her claws off him, he's mine.'

"Awww!" said Ondine. "There's no-one left for poor Danestar!"

"Back off, Ondine!" said Danestar angrily. "I've always had second best to you, but not anymore! I'll have Legolas before you can poison him!"

"What makes you think Ondine wants to poison him?" said Silvena.

"I've had enough of this!" said Ondine standing up and walking to the door. "You keep away from Legolas!"

And with those words, Ondine slammed the door shut.

P.S. Hello again. For all the confused readers, Eldarion is Rowan, I just changed the name. Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers: ArwenGranger, ItarildeAmandil, LilyClairePotter, DriDri, Street faerie, maggie black, stumpystormtrooper, Niomi Gardner, Errol, RoseoftheWorld, Elfy-Elf Girl, Lizzy, utsuri, Nichola, Lady Porcelain, Clare, QueNighthawk and Nina. Thanks so much! You've all been really supportive and your reviews were fantastic and helpful! Bye now, ele15greenleaf