A/N: Sorry... Sorry... I was out of town and there was absolutely no way I can bring a laptop nor a palm... Geeez!!! Anyway, it's kinda short... well, like most of the chapters, but I promise to put the pace up. See you soon!!!

Disclaimer: Don't own anything!

Chapter 9

'Thank you Legolas.' Ellaure said as she fixed her things. She was soon followed suite by me.

'Legolas...' she said. I looked up at her.

'Ellaure?' I asked as I stared at her.

'There is something I... Something I wanted to inform you about.' she said rather hesitantly.

'Would you care to sit down?' she asked as she moved towards a bench.

I followed her. What could we possibly talk about that is making her somewhat conscious and scared? Could it be about our relationship as friends? Could it be something about her being drawn towards me? Oh! I hope so. So that I can also express my deep love to her!

We sat down together and she looked almost too scared of me to hear her out. I reached for her hand to show her assurance as she sighed and started to talk.

'Legolas, promise me not to feel bad or uncomfortable because nothing will ever change between us. I hope you would understand what I'm going to say and if you disapprove of this, I hope we could still be best friends.' she started.

I can suddenly feel my heart beat faster. Waiting for her to finally say the words I have longed from her to hear. She is to be mine now, and I can feel it. Hoping of the years of dreaming of our togetherness will finally become reality.

'It's like this... I'm starting to fall for someone and I want you to tell me it is okay. I want you to know that ever since, he had cared for me, gave m laughter and happiness. Even the silence lingering between us speaks of his love.' El looked at me, then down again.

I stared at her knew that this is the time I have been waiting for my whole life.

'I'm falling for Haldir.' she looked up at me and stared into my eyes.

Haldir... How can it be? I tried to hide all my emotions but found out that I couldn't. The hurt in my heart showed through the sparkle of my eyes.

'Legolas... Why are you hurt? Is he not good enough for me? Tell me so and I will abandon this feeling I have for him.'

Abandon the feeling. Ellaure would go that far just for me. Yes, I can tell her to abandon it, but she would be hurt. It's like me taking away the happiness she has. No! I can not be like my father.

'Legolas! Please say something.' The elf pleaded as she held my hands firm.

No, I must fight like an elf. Not just win by using our friendship. I must have a fair fight with Haldir in winning her heart. I still have dignity in myself and never will I even go near the borders of being like my father. My father who took away my love and freedom.

I looked at her as my face softened.

'Ellaure... It is for you to decide who you must love. I can not be a barricade for your happiness. I am only here to support you.'

Ellaure's face now lightened up with a smile. She hugged me and told me how much she appreciated me.

'But if that Haldir will ever hurt you, just tell me, and I would gladly cut off his head for you.' I said.

'No need for that, my prince. I will take care of Ellaure with all the softness in this world.' Haldir suddenly showed from nowhere and placed a shoulder on Ellaure. She looked at him and touched his hand. She smiled at me once more.

I lay down in my bed for the whole night and excused myself from dinner, sending a servant to tell my father that I am not hungry.

My mind was working on all possible ways on how to catch Ellaure's attention. On how to make her fall for me. Maybe I could go out with someone and make her jealous... A good choice perhaps.

Just then, my chamber doors burst open and I quickly jerked to get my arrow and aim it at the person by the door.

That person was unfortunately my father.

'Are you going to shoot me with that? Put that down this instance!' My father demanded. I did what he told and quickly stood up and bowed.

'Fair evening, my father.' I said, still bowing then slowly stood up straight.

'I have a matter of discussion with you about the feast the night before—'

'Father, I did not mean to but I felt Silsulwen—'

'Do not cut me in the middle of my saying, Legolas! How dare you disrespect your father and king?'

I immediately thought of looking down out of my shame but I had promised myself since the War of the Ring never do it again. Never to bow down again.

I didn't budge when his words hit me and stared at him with cold eyes. But I immediately turned it into an emotionless stare, it would just cause more trouble.

He stared at me rather annoyed and went straight at me, stomping in the marbled floor, eyes showing the deepness of his rage. As he reached me, he used the back of his hand to slap the right side of my face.

But I didn't move as he slapped me. I received it and showed no emotion of pain.

'You are becoming to be very stubborn, you vile creature!' he shouted straight at my face and slapped me once more.

I would just certainly accept the pain I felt, wishing I could die this instant, but no, I can not die. I am immortal. And the sadness I felt was replaced with new hope of winning Ellaure's heart. So I would rather face him with my might than to show him how weak I am. I can not show him that I am affected by his hatred to me. I want him to know that I can live through this age and other ages to come even without him. I know I am stronger than him.

'How dare you walk out of the feast while Ellaure is playing?' Another slap.

'Walk out during breakfast this morn...' another one.

'Sneak into Ellaure's chambers when she was with Haldir!' he slapped me once more but harder.

How did he know that I was inside El's chamber the night before?

Haldir!

Now, I felt every intention of crushing him.

'So now you are angered by my doings, son?' Father said mockingly as he stared at me. I had let my emotion for Haldir show.

He slapped me.

'Now listen to me carefully, Legolas! Ellaure and Haldir are for each other. Do not interfere with their relationship or I will kill you!'

He certainly wants some powerful link in between Mirkwood and Lothlorien. Every elf in Middle Earth knows that Ellaure is almost like a daughter to father. He is just using her.

'And if you ever tell her that you love her, you will never see her again.' he shouted as he walked right out of the door.

'Ellaure...' I breathed as I sat down in my bed and looked out towards the moon.

I had started a silent war between me and Haldir, to win her heart fairly and me not using the advantage that I had earlier, but I was decieved by that menacing elf! He had me all figured out from the start and had cheated me before it has even started.

He has full control of this war now. Just because of my father.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it! Please read and review!