A/N: Hello best reviewers in the world! I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Thank you all so much for your kindness, it means a lot to me!

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Legolas could see the entrance to the palace as the sun set upon the last day of their journey. All the other elves were ecstatic at the sight of their home, but Legolas was lost in deep thought. He could not stop his mind from going over the events of the previous night over and over again. He did not understand why Melenia reacted as she did to his touch, and he was feeling quite anxious over her meeting with his father. "She shall surely tell him of everything that happened," he thought. He had not seen her since their incident. She had been in the carriage all day and night, and she even kept the small window closed. He quickly had to push all thoughts out of his mind as one of the elves who were guarding the entrance of the palace greeted him as they got closer.

"Welcome Prince Legolas!" Melenia heard the guard call out.

"So we have arrived," she said out loud.

"Yes, we have!" said Eowadia as an immense smile spread over her face. The carriage came to a halt, and shortly someone began to open the door. A tall blonde elf clad in warrior's clothing stood in front of the door.

"The king of Mirkwood bids you a warm welcome Lady of Aèrogar," he said somewhat stiffly. "He also sends word that he greatly anticipates your presence in his study shortly."

Melenia climbed out of the carriage gracefully and surveyed her surroundings. The carriage had stopped before a grand cave opening. Melenia looked around with awe written all over her face. She had often been told that the king's palace was within a light and airy cave, but the reality of it had always evaded her. The woods around her had a very sweet smell, and she could faintly hear the songbirds filling the air with their music. It was as if magic lingered in all that surrounded her.

"Princess," the guard's clear voice pulled her out of her trancelike state, "follow me." He motioned for her to follow him into the cave. Melenia quickly looked at the faces of her traveling companions once more before she followed him. Her gaze lingered on Legolas who was staring at her intently with quite an unreadable expression on his face. She quickly shrugged it off as she hurried to catch up with the guard who was already a good way down the corridor.

If the outside of the cave had not been fascinating enough, the inside was quite captivating. It was well lit and there were beautiful carvings all over the walls. She made a mental note to come back and study the beautiful scenes on the walls. For now ,other thoughts were starting to take over her mind. She knew that the king would be asking about her journey and his son's conduct in particular. Here was where she was presented with different options. "I could always tell the king of what happened, that will certainly keep the prince away for the rest of my stay here," she thought. "But then again, maybe I have dealt with him too harshly… I did attack him." It may not seem like a huge decision but it was certainly plaguing Melenia. She continued to ponder over the issue until the guard stopped in front of an ornate door.

"The king is in here your highness. If you would excuse me now, I have some business to attend to," he said with a bow.

"Yes, thank you," she said in her most gracious tone and nodded at the guard as he walked away. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Yes, who is it?" came a very strong voice from within.

"It is Melenia your highness," she answered as she turned the door knob and pushed the door open. In front of her stood King Thranduil with a very warm smile on his face.

"Welcome princess, it good to see you. Please come in, sit down. We have much to talk about."

"Yes we do," she said as she closed the door behind her and then sat in a large, soft chair.

"So, tell me of your journey. How was it?" he asked as he sat in the chair opposite her.

"Well," she said after a slight hesitation, "It was…interesting."

"I should like to hear all about it." He backed into the chair and looked very prepared to listen.

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Legolas sat outside his father's study for a short while, hoping that his talk with the princess would end shortly. The desire to know if she would tell of their little encounter or keep it to herself was gnawing at him. He considered waiting until they finished talking, but he quickly decided against it. He threw one last look at the firmly shut door before heading toward his chamber for a clean change of clothing and a quick rest. "I shall find out of her decision soon enough," he said to himself as he walked down the hall.

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A/N: I know, I know…that was very short chapter, but unwritten literature papers are calling my name so I will just leave you to wonder over Melenia's decision.. It could go either way…