So far I haven't said much about timing, but in this fic Legolas is YOUNG. If I understand correctly, elves reach their majority at 50. Legolas is about 250-300 here, so still very young in elvish terms. The last time he came to Lorien, he was only just past his majority.

Pen-neth – young one Ellon – male elf Elleth – female elf Mae govannen – well met Hannad lle – thank you Thranduilion – son of Thranduil

In this part, Tulienne gets insecure and does something incredibly stupid. Ooo, but Haldir's going to be mad when he finds out . . .

'Part 20'

If the notorious prince of Mirkwood was in any way apprehensive about being alone in Lorien – with his father already occupied in undoing the damage of his last visit – he didn't show it. He made himself quite charming to the elves helping with his belongings and confirmed that he was indeed immune to telekinesis. Either from Haldir – who was trying to strangle him – or from the small legion of maidens he had attracted – whose intentions were unprintable. He smiled innocently back at all the lovers and admirers of said elleths, who were giving him foul looks, and altogether radiated golden beauty as only a son of Thranduil could. For Tulienne, it was hate at first sight. And the way his eyes lit up when he spotted Haldir sealed his fate.

"Mae govannen, Haldir of Lorien," he greeted him with a smile. "And Rumil, Orophin. I am most glad to see you again."

The look of abject loathing on Haldir's face suggested that perhaps – just perhaps – the feeling was not mutual.

Legolas' smile faltered a little and gave way to a look of repentance. "I see you have not forgotten I and my brothers' . . . high spirits . . . the last time we visited," he said.

"High spirits," Haldir said, his tone lethal, "would have been slightly embarrassing me in front of a few elleths. Completely and utterly humiliating me in front of all of Lorien is another matter. Is it not a transgression I will push aside lightly. I am not a foolish maiden to be won over by your pout."

That pout seemed to be imminent. "What would you have me do then?" Legolas said. "I acknowledge I did you wrong, but I assure you I regret it and apologise for it. If it assists, I will also say that Adar made sure I was severely punished."

"Aye, it assists," Haldir said, a dangerous gleam coming to his eyes as he exchanged glances with his brothers. "But it does not put the matter to rest."

"However," Rumil said, stepping up to Legolas and putting a companionable arm around his shoulders. "If you were to allow *us* to punish you as we see fit . . . I think we could settle this to the satisfaction of all concerned."

The first signs of worry were flickering in the Mirkwood prince's eyes. He studied the three brothers.

"What . . . what did you have in mind?" he asked slowly.

"Now that's difficult," Orophin said.

"It's a question of where to start," Rumil added cheerfully. "Of where to hit . . ."

". . . and how hard to hit it," Orophin finished, rubbing his hands together in glee.

"Fortunately," Haldir said, grinning sadistically. "We have several weeks to consider this. So you need not concern yourself that we will disappoint. I have every intention of giving this matter my undivided attention."

***

A few days later, many of the inhabitants of Lorien were awoken by what could only be described as a shriek. A short time later, the youngest prince of Mirkwood was seen stumbling through Caras Galadhon, his tunic half unbuttoned, two different boots on his feet and his long hair streaming out behind him.

Haldir got a rather rude awakening himself when his door was pounded on and he opened it to find a slightly hysterical Legolas on his doorstep.

He tried valiantly not to laugh. It proved to be beyond his capabilities.

"Look what they've done to my hair!" Legolas shrieked again, nearly doing permanent damage to Haldir's ears. "You've gone too far this time. I have been more than adequately punished these last few days. It is over!"

"I would not concern yourself," Haldir said, reigning in his mirth with great difficulty. "It's really quite becoming."

Legolas' look of scorching indignation only made the moment sweeter.

"You just wait until my Adar sees this. He will . . ."

". . .do nothing," Haldir finished smugly, folding his arms. "I understand King Thranduil has decided to turn a blind eye to our little quest for justice."

"Justice?!" exclaimed a steaming Legolas.

"Aye, justice," Haldir answered composedly. "And we have not done you any great wrong. A few harmless little pranks in return for a grave humiliation. Pull yourself together princeling, and stop behaving like a maiden still short of her majority."

"I am not behaving like a maiden," Legolas shouted. "I am behaving like a perfectly normal ellon WHOSE HAIR HAS BEEN DYED BRIGHT GREEN!"

"We debated turning it blue," Haldir told him. "But Orophin felt green would allow you to blend in when you return home. We would not want your party set upon by orcs."

"I would rather face a legion of orcs than you and your confounded relatives," Legolas said, his flushed face only serving to highlight his lurid hair. "And I have every intention of persuading Adar to cut our trip here short, if this is the treatment I am to receive."

"This is but a fraction of the damage you inflicted on your last visit."

"Haldir, please," Legolas pleaded. "I was barely into my majority then – a mere elfling. I have grown, I have changed. I came here with every intention of making amends for my actions – but not to be tortured by my own kin!"

Haldir regarded him impassively, leaning on the doorframe. "But would you still be repentant if you had your brothers with you and our numbers were equal?"

"Are you calling me a liar?" Legolas demanded.

"I could call you a great deal worse, pen-neth, and it would be nothing but the truth."

Legolas' shoulders slumped. "Clearly then I have sullied myself forever in your eyes," he said. "Do your worst, Haldir of Lorien, for you cannot punish me more than that." He started to walk away.

"Legolas."

He turned back, just in time to catch the bottle Haldir tossed him.

"It may take a few washes," Haldir said. "But that will take care of it."

And then he shut the door.

***

"You look troubled, Prince Legolas," Tulienne said mildly, when he came too close to be ignored.

Legolas looked up, startled, which said everything one needed to know about his mood. Tulienne regarded him from her perch in the tree, noting that his hair had faded to a pale mint green.

"You hail from Imladris, do you not?" was the only reply she got.

"I passed all my minority and majority there until two years ago," Tulienne said. "But my parents felt the call of the sea while I did not, so I came here to join my remaining kin."

Legolas' brow furrowed. "Your cousin is bound to Haldir's brother, is she not?"

"Rumil, yes."

"Then you know of what has passed between us all."

Tulienne smiled. "I hear you made Haldir quite the spectacle, I am only sorry I wasn't here to witness it."

Legolas finally cracked a smile. "It was fairly unforgettable," he admitted.

"And fun."

Legolas shifted uncomfortably. "I am sure I was not the only one who found enjoyment in it. But that does not mean that I consider my actions were just."

"Of course not," Tulienne said comfortingly. "Anyone can see that you are truly repentant and that, in fact, you harbour great affection for Haldir."

"Aye, too great."

"Admittedly the path to Haldir's heart is not without its hazards."

"Does he have a mate, do you know?"

Tulienne hesitated. "I believe there is a . . .contender . . . but he is not bound. If you would pursue him, your way is clear."

Legolas ran his fingers lightly over the bark of the tree. "Do you believe I would interest him?"

"I do not pretend to know that, but the only way to determine it is to try."

"Under the circumstances, is that wise?"

Tulienne grinned. "Do you fear a challenge? I expected more from you, Thranduilion."

Legolas glared up at her, his eyes narrowed. "I fear nothing. And I do not fail to get what I desire for want of trying."

"Then what keeps you here?"

Legolas smiled. "Nothing," he said. "Hannad lle."

Tulienne's smile faded as he hurried off, and she took a deep breath.

"Now then, March Warden," she whispered. "We will see if you speak true."