This chapter is quite long. I won't say anymore, because I said all I needed to say in the last chapter. On with chapter 3 then. ^_^

~Lainfaer~

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Chapter 3: Questions.

She also panicked rather a bit. Whilst they walked, she went over the story of Lord of the Rings in her head, and everything that she had found out about Elves and their ways.

//I am so going to mess up!//

She soon grew tired, and started stumbling a bit more. So Silivren lifted her into his arms, and carried her the rest of the way. She smiled as a thank you, and leant her head against his shoulder.

He smelt of the woods, trees, and flowers. Crisp Autumn mornings, yet bright Summer days. The freshness of a new Spring afternoon, and the harsh cold of a Winters' night. Spices and fruits blended in made an amazing concoction of smells.

//This would make a fantastic aftershave!//

Even though they hardly knew each other, he was being more kind and caring to her than Dan ever had been. If she had been hurt when she was with him, he would just say:

"Get a plaster, it'll be fine in a day or two." Then he would leave her to it.

She pushed Dan out of her thoughts, and concentrated on the present. She was in a huge group of Elves, being carried to meet their King. What was she going to do when she met him?

//Faint?//

At least that would give her a bit of extra time to prepare for their meeting.

//Ok, now remember to bow…no, curtsey, and be polite. Use Middle-Earthish language, no slang, or swearing! Definitely no swearing! Make sure I look reasonably smart…I wonder if they'll give me some decent clothes to wear? Thank him for his hospitality, if he gives me any that is. Thank the Elves for rescuing me, that's better…//

"What are you thinking about Amy?" Silivren asked her, noticing her sudden decline in questions.

She shook her head. "Nothing important." She grinned at the way he said her name. So properly, and definably. With every word he said, he pronounced every letter perfectly.

"How much further?" she asked, yawning.

"About half an hour. Get some sleep if you wish." She nodded, and shut her eyes, leaning her head back against his shoulder.

****

Amy opened her eyes and yawned. She stretched, then realised she was covered by sheets. Very soft sheets, she noted. She yawned again, and sat up.

She was in a small room, lying in a four-poster bed. The walls were made of carved stone, and the ceiling had intricate designs carved into it. There was another archway, leading through to a washroom. Sunlight poured in though some glass-panelled doors to her right. White curtains hung at them, and they were slightly open. A gentle breeze blew in, making them flutter. Her sheets were white, as was her pillow and nightgown.

//Hey, where are my clothes?//

They were lying over the back of a chair that sat in front of a wooden dressing table, also with delicate carvings. It held a mirror, and had on it a hairbrush, hand-held mirror, and comb. All were wrought of silver, and finely polished.

//Oh joy of joys…a hairbrush! Finally!//

She slid out of bed, and her feet touched some white slippers, made of a soft cotton-like material. She slipped into them, and found they fitted her perfectly. She tiptoed over to the dressing table, and picked up the hairbrush. She sat down and brushed her hair free of any knots.

//I feel like a Princess!//

She felt clean, and refreshed, but couldn't remember having a bath. Her clothes had also been washed, and the cut in the leg had been stitched up. In fact, they looked brand new, as if they had never been worn or ruined.

A wardrobe stood between the archway and the doors that led out onto a balcony. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she crept over to have a look.

It was full of beautiful, floor-length dresses, and gowns. She fingered them gently, and found they were exceedingly soft beneath her touch. There seemed to be hundreds, all different colours, and materials. Blues, greens, pinks, whites…every colour imaginable. In different lights, they seemed to shine different colours.

//Have I died and gone to heaven? Elves, beautiful surroundings, everything here that I need, and all these wonderful clothes…//

There was a soft knock at her door. She shut the wardrobe door, and sat on the edge of her bed. "Yes?"

It opened, and an Elf-maiden entered. "Oh good, you're awake. How do you feel?"
"Much better thank you," she replied, smiling. The Elf shut the door, and walked over to the wardrobe. "Would you like something new to wear?"
"Yes please. Am I still in Mirkwood?" she asked as the Elf took out several dresses.

"Yes, and you have to go and speak with the King. But I am afraid he is not in the best of moods. His son, Prince Legolas has just returned from a trip to Imladris, and has announced he has yet more travelling to do. The King doesn't usually mind these short trips, but not one after the other. Apparently, it's something quite important, but I don't know all the little details. They're in the throne room now, talking. Well, I should say shouting. Every Elf in Mirkwood can hear it!" She laughed. "Any argument that happens between King Thranduil and his son can be heard for miles around." She brought over a few dresses, and indicated for Amy to stand up. She held a couple against her front.

"I think a light blue would suit you best," she commented. She picked one up from where they lay on the bed, and held it up. "How about this?"
Amy touched it. It was soft, made of some sort of silk. It shimmered light blue in the sunlight that still shone in through the doors. If it moved, she could catch glimpses of silver and light greens. It had a metallic glow to it.

"Its lovely," she answered, smiling. 

"Go through there and try it on." Amy took the dress through to the washroom, and took off her nightgown. She slipped the dress over her head, and found it fitted perfectly, hugging every curve she had. She then padded back through.

"That looks wonderful," the Elf said, smiling. The other dresses had already been put away.

Amy looked at herself in the full-length mirror of the wardrobe. It did look lovely.

"I look and feel so…different," she said quietly. She looked at the Elf. "What's your name, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Seregon."

"That's a lovely name. All you Elves have beautiful names."

"Come, sit down, and I shall do your hair." Amy sat in the chair, and let Seregon brush her hair. She let it hang loose against her back, and Amy noticed it had gone a bit wavy, and didn't hang dead straight like it normally did.

After a few minutes, Seregon placed down the brush. "There, that's better. Now, come on, let's take you to see the King. Would you like a drink first?" Amy nodded, her voice failing on her already. She had a small glass of water, then Seregon led her down to the throne room.

The hallways were all carved out of stone, just like her room. The ceiling was wooden, and had vines and leaves as decoration. Various tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes from the history of Mirkwood and her people. Paintings were hung up too, and some she could see, were definitely done by a child. Portraits of the woods and members of the royal family, looking at the clothes and crowns they were wearing. The floor was lined with a dark red carpet with gold embroidery along the edge. Again, it was leaves and vines.

//These are Wood-Elves after all,// she reminded herself as she gazed at all the immaculate designs.        

They passed many Elves along the way, and they all smiled at Amy and her guide. She smiled nervously back. Her hands were clasped in front of her, and she could feel them sweating.

Eventually, they reached a large wooden door, and even through the thick oak, Amy could quite clearly hear two people shouting at each other. She glanced at Seregon, who was smiling.

"See what I mean," she whispered.

Amy grinned, then someone else joined them.

"Loud, aren't they?" Silivren commented. Amy smiled at him. "You can say that again."
"How are you anyway?"
"Much better. I never got to thank you for bringing me in." 

"Its fine. Good luck with meeting the King. I had better go and tell him you're up." He braced his shoulders, and opened the door. Amy caught a glimpse of a large stone hall with wooden panelling before the door was shut again.

The shouting ceased, and she faintly heard Silivrens' clear voice cutting through the now silent air. She swallowed nervously a couple of times, then the door reopened.

"He will see you now," Silivren told her. She nodded, and glanced at Seregon.

"Good luck," she whispered, and smiled. Amy smiled weakly back, and stepped into the hall with Silivren.

It was incredible. The ceiling was high above her, and held up with marble pillars. Large windows let sunlight come streaming in, lighting every nook and cranny. There were few doors, and the only ones there were, were large, and made of oak with wrought iron handles and locks.

Amy gazed around in awe. Never before had she seen a hall so vast, yet elegant. Her gaze turned towards the far end, where there were four thrones. On the largest one, sat an Elf, tall, proud, and elegant, with long golden hair and startling blue eyes. His throne was carved of wood, leaves, vines, and animals carved as decoration. His hands rested upon the arms, and Amy could almost sense his restlessness. He wore dark green robes with gold hems, and his tunic and leggings were silver. Upon his head, he bore a crown of ivy leaves, red berries, and vines. He smiled warmly at her, yet she could see he was tired.

Before him, stood another Elf, almost identical to the King. He too was tall and proud, with long, light gold hair, and the same dazzling blue eyes. He wore a brown travelling tunic, and his leggings were dark silver. He had a quiver of arrows upon his back, and he held his bow loosely in his left hand. He wore a deep frown upon his forehead, and a small scowl played upon his lips.

Amy reached the centre of the hall with Silivren, and curtseyed. Her knees were still wobbling dangerously, and she took deep breaths to try and calm herself down. She noticed both Elves were slightly flushed from shouting.

"So, you are Amy," Thranduil started as way of introduction. His voice was clear and pure, ringing around the hall like the pealing of bells.

She nodded. "Yes my Lord. I am honoured to be in such fine company." To her, her own voice sounded dull and boring against the Kings'.

He smiled. "Welcome to Mirkwood. This, by the way, is my son, Legolas Greenleaf." Amy looked over at the Prince, and instantly felt faint again. She had finally met the real Prince Legolas.

She quickly calmed herself down, and curtseyed again. "My Lord."

Legolas it seemed, was rather surprised at having a human woman in his palace. "My Lady," he replied, one eyebrow raised questioningly.

"Amy was found on the borders of Mirkwood Legolas," Thranduil told his son. "Captain Silivren found her, and brought her back here to be healed."

"I must thank you all again for your wonderful hospitality," Amy said, her gaze now fixed firmly upon the King. Even so, she could feel Legolas looking at her, and started to feel dizzy.

"How is your leg?" Thranduil asked.

"Much better thank you my Lord. Just throbbing a little."

"When you are fully recovered, you must tell me your story of how you came here. Captain Silivren has told me what he knows, but I am sure there is more."
"I myself am not completely aware of what happened my Lord, but I will tell you as much as I can." She held a hand to her head, the headache returning. 

"Thank you Amy. Your arrival is a mystery to us. Go now and rest, and we will talk again later."

She smiled. "Thank you my Lo…" but she never finished the sentence. She collapsed to the floor, and both Legolas and Silivren reached out and caught her.

Thranduil stood and walked over. "Lay her down," he commanded. They lay her gently on the floor, and he felt her forehead. "Fetch Seregon." Silivren went out and collected her. She came hurrying in. "Thank you my Lord. I will see to her."

"Now Legolas," she heard the King continue. "We also will talk later."

"Yes Adar," he replied, and turned back to Seregon and Amy.

"Silivren, your class will be waiting," Thranduil told the Captain.

Silivren bowed, looked at Amy once more, then left.

"We need to get her to her room," Seregon said.

"I'll carry her," Legolas offered, and lifted Amy into his arms.

When they got outside, Seregon shut the door, and looked at the Prince. Legolas just grinned. "I don't think Daddy's too happy with me."
"Prince Legolas, you know how delicate your fathers temper is. You shouldn't push it that far."

 "He's just angry because I didn't tell him I volunteered for the Fellowship," Legolas replied. "He says I should have told him first."

"I heard," Seregon answered, smiling. Legolas grinned back, and looked down at the human. He noted she was still rather pale. "Come on, she needs rest. I know talking to my father is like. Hard work." Seregon led him to Amy's room.

Legolas laid her gently down on the bed, and Seregon bathed her forehead. "Will she be alright?" he asked with concern.

"Yes of course. She's tough this one. Your father can be rather intimidating at times my Lord, if you don't mind me saying."
"No, I know what you mean." He felt Amy's forehead. "She's burning up. Fetch some athelas. I'll do that." He took the cloth from her hands and gently wiped Amy's forehead whilst Seregon fetched the herbs.

As he had a few moments alone with this girl, Legolas finally looked at her properly. In the hall, he had been concentrating on what his father was saying, and not taking much notice of the human.

But now he could see her properly, and found she was one of the fairest humans he had ever seen. Her light blonde hair framed her face, and her green eyes were shut. He had caught a glimpse of them in the hall, and he had noticed they were rather dazzling, a deep green that seemed to pierce his very soul.

But that was all she was, a human. Nothing more. He knew a few humans, such as Aragorn and Boromir, but he did not know any women. And he intended to keep it that way.

Seregon returned with some athelas, and rubbed it onto Amy's temples. She eventually stirred and her eyes fluttered open. Legolas went and wrung the cloth out as she woke up. He would never admit it, but her eyes were quite frightening when she looked directly at you.

"How do you feel?" he heard Seregon ask.

"Rather tired," Amy replied, sitting up a little. Seregon helped her to lean against the pillows. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. She saw Legolas standing at the end of her bed and gasped slightly.

"How do you feel my Lady?" he asked gently.

"A bit better thanks," she replied, smiling.

He smiled back. "Good." He walked to the door. "Alright, I guess I'll be seeing you around. Have a good stay…Amy." He smiled, and left.

"He's quiet," Amy whispered to Seregon.

Seregon stifled her snort of laughter. "You think so? You'll have to get to know him. He does only talk when he wants to, but when he does, he could talk for Mirkwood!"

Amy laughed. "I'll take your word for it."

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So, how was that? Please tell me what you think, just…not too many flames. They're not nice. Hints and tips on how I could improve the story would be much better. if it really is that bad, as many of you have said already, then your input would be much appreciated. ^_^

~Lainfaer~

Chapter 4 will be up soon, depending on the responses I get for these two, ok? ^_^