It took Eden two more days to all the rooms in the palace. She had avoided Legolas and every time she saw him she would duck and cover, hoping he did not notice her. She could almost feel his eyes scowering for her.


But today was the last day. Today was the day that she got to go home (finally). She was not looking forward to seeing her family, especially her parents, but she was glad to leave the house of Thranduil. She sat at her desk, scribbling a letter to the chef who had been kind enough to make her a rather large batch of fruit cakes.


She did not notice when the Prince entered the room silently. His footsteps were inaudible to her as she continued writing, commenting on how smart it was for the chef to add actual fruit bits in the cakes.


"Why do you avoid me?" his clear, soft voice lingered in her head. Eden did not turn around and yet her heart had practically jumped in her throat. She had paused, the quill in her hand dripped ink onto the parchment, but then continued writing, deciding to ignore him.


"Again I ask," he said, moving closer now, "What have I done to lose your trust?"


"The question, highness, is what have you done to gain it?" she still did not turn around.


"I think I can point out a thing or two that I have done," Legolas smirked. She stayed quiet.


"Eden, talk to me, please," his voice was so sad....oh the sultry wickedness of this elf. But she would not be swayed. "If I have done anything to upset you, I apologize. I suppose I was a bit forward....a-and inappropriate with you." He heard her sigh.


"I-it wasn't that...," she said, her back still to him and then she said in a whisper, "I fear you."


His expression did not change. He merely looked down upon her again. Her copper hair was hanging loosely behind her and her head was drooping slightly. He moved the chair, while she was still sitting on it, so it would face him and then kneeled down and took her hands in his own.


"Was it because of...," he started.


"No!" she almost cried out, "No. It wasn't that. I just fear....I fear your capibilities. I fear your manipulation. I am still young and my heart is yet malleable. I know what has happened to others in the past and I....do not know the source of your....actions."


"I understand not what you mean," he shook his head, stroking her hand gently. "What others? And what do you mean you don't know the source of my actions? I would assume it is all self-explanatory."


"Must I remind you of Cindera?" she said, in a quiet voice. "And....and...well our families are not exactly the best of friends. I do not know your intentions. I do not know why you act so kind to me. There is no reason for it, except that you might be plotting against me and my family and using me like you used Cindera." Her hands had slipped out of his and she leaned back.


"You are mistaken in your assumptions," said Legolas quietly. "Cindera was my brother's lover, not mine. I would never treat a lady in such a way as he did. He shamed her and yes, her family was our political rival, but she did not deserve the shame that she received. To me, our family was shamed, to put an innocent girl through that kind of ordeal. Did you really think it was me the whole time?"


Eden smirked. "Maybe," she said, "But how I do know that you are different than your brother?"


"Because my brother does not respect the opposite sex," said Legolas and then whispered. "I am enthralled with it."


Eden laughed. "Enthralled?" she giggled. "What is there to be enthralled with?"


"Everything," he did not smile, "Females are the Valar's gift to every species. They bring the beginning of life and they are living dreams walking on this very earth."


"Not all of us are like that," Eden turned towards the open window, but Legolas's hand moved her chin towards him.


"Oh yes," he whispered. "You are." He kissed her passionately.


'This is my second kiss!' she cheered in her thoughts.


But she was startled by his tongue slithering into her mouth and pulled back.


"Are you sure you're doing this right?" she asked. He only laughed and kissed her again, his tongue in her mouth once more. Alright, so maybe it wasn't THAT bad, just a bit strange.


'I already have a tongue in my mouth,' giggled Eden to herself, 'I certainly don't need another one, especially if it's someone else's!'


But somehow, he had forced her own tongue to react and it was now playing with and carressing his. Their actions were sending chills down her spine.


'Strange how such a.....what's the word....strange act can bring so much pleasure,' she thought.


But now it was his turn to pull back.


"I will surely miss you, Lady Eden," he said, stroking her cheek and then stood up, as did she.


"Perhaps we will see each other again, Prince Legolas," she smiled.



"I have no doubt about that," said Legolas, kissing her hand. "Perhaps we can meet again somewhere."


"Where?" asked Eden. "I'm going to be punished so harshly when I get home. I doubt I'll ever go outside ever again."


"So then I will come to you," he said, "Your window is the one by the willow tree, am I right?"


"How did you know?" she asked, surprised.


"I know many things, Lady Eden," he said and offered his arm to her. "Your horse and escorts await you." Eden laughed and took his hand. They walked in silence down the hall to the stables, stopping once to drop off her letter to the chef.


When she was on her horse, she looked down at him, waiting to feel the power, and yet his eyes made her shrink, even when she was so high above him on Sumo.


He took her hand. "I will visit you when I can, Lady Eden. Have a safe journey."


His hand let go of hers and he walked away. Eden wished he had stayed longer, or better yet accompanied her home.


But now, as the gates of the palace closed behind the train of escorts, she realized that she had much worse things to deal with. As in, the matter of her parents.


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A/N: If you think this was supposed to be a big romantic scene, fear not because it wasn't supposed to really be one. I mean it was, but not really. This chapter was sort of like a lever for the story because I think it really helps boost the next few chapters since it explained and maybe even quenched some of the fears that Eden had, or did it? Muahahah. Anyways, I want to thank all of you so much! You guys are my inspiration for writing this so....thanks! :)


My Choose Your Own Adventure website will be up soon!!