IOHITF – WARNING!!! Contains Legolas-mocking!!!

E/N: I know, I know... this took me another age... I am truly sorry. But only one part of it was my fault. The other part was my computer being a first class bitch on me. So yeah, it's all been quite a mess. But I'm done now, so yay for me. Or something. Glad I'm done too, as will now have some quiet for a while. In other words; a week of quiet before people start nagging that my next update is taking too long. *blushes* Sorry...

Love, peace and a paperclip,

-xxx- Elvea

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that New Line Cinema or Tolkien Enterprises already owns *sobs* and I am not gaining any other profit out of writing this than (positive) reviews and a good laugh when I think of a new cruel way to annoy Legolas. So there!

This chapter is dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, for he deserves to be mentioned. If it wasn't for him and his brilliant ideas we'd never even heard of Middle-earth, hobbits or Legolas for that matter, and I'd never be writing this fic. So I wish to dedicate this chapter for him, because he was what inspired me to write and he deserves the credit for creating a fascinating world like this one in here.

Random insanity of the author: Flirting's like sport; when you do it right you get good exercise.

"As their eyes became used to the dimness they could see a little way to either side in a sort of darkened green glimmer. Occasionally a slender beam of sun that had the luck to slip in through some opening in the leaves above, and still more luck in not being caught in the tangled boughs and matted twigs beneath, stabbed down thin and bright before them. But this was seldom, and it soon ceased altogether. (...) There was no movement of air down under the forest-roof, and it was everlastingly still and dark and stuffy. (...) The nights were the worst. It then became pitch-dark - not what you call pitch-dark, but really pitch: so black that you could really see nothing." (the Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, chapter 8; Flies and Spiders)

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Chapter 9 – Homeward Bound

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~*~ Tinwë's POV ~*~

When I returned to the halls with father and our company it was nigh on dusk. The hunt had been fruitful and tonight's banquet would be a marvelous feast. Everything outside was quiet; the forest was getting ready for another pitch-black night.

Dismounting quickly I left Rochír to the stable-boy and headed for my quarters, where I expected my lady to be awaiting me. I entered the main bedroom but she wasn't there; there was only silence.

'Elena? Are you here?' No answer. Where could she be? She wasn't in her separate bedroom either. Maybe Legolas would know... I walked to his part of the royal wing and knocked on the door of his study.

'Who is it?'

'Tinwë.'

'Come in.' I entered the room. Legolas was reading some big book, he had laid it in front of him on the desk. Some loose sheets of paper lay beside it, scribbled full with Legolas' neat and organized handwriting.

'Did all go well today?' I asked.

'Most certainly.'

'So you enjoyed yourself?'

'Oh yes.' He smiled without looking up from the book he was reading. I eyed him suspiciously.

'How so?'

'I think I managed to teach Elena a lot today.'

'Great. Do you know where she is now?'

'I last saw her on the training ground.'

'You left her there?'

'She was using the basin to cool down.'

'I see.'

'Have you tried the dining hall? She was quite hungry.'

'I'll try that.' I left the studied and headed towards my new destination. On my way there I ran into Galion.

'My lord, shouldn't you be getting changed for the banquet? By Elbereth, you are still wearing your riding garment!'

'In a moment. I'm looking for-'

'Aranel Elena? She's with the seamstress.'

'But-'

'I have to go sir, I have some things to see to.' He disappeared around the nearest corner.

'Yeah, the wine cellars.' I whispered.

'I heard that!'

Why would Elena be with the seamstress? She's got more than plenty of dresses already! I turned and once more headed for a new goal. Hopefully she was still in the same place, or I could search for her forever... She was just exiting the seamstress' chamber when I got there.

'There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!'

'Oh.' she replied. A moment of silence followed. 'I'm sorry about that. Did the hunt go well?' she sounded somewhat formal and a little distant.

'It went well. I almost got the white stag!'

'Almost?'

'I wasn't paying attention to where I was riding. I hit my head on a branch.'

'It must run in the family. Men...'

'What do you mean, "men"? Is that some kind of insult?' Elena raised an eyebrow, then smirked and stuck out her tongue.

'Nago nin.'

I grinned. 'Dabon i iest.'

'Gwig...'

'Gadathon le an tó!'

'Estelion...'

'Hé dú.'

'Berethon le. Gado nin... ir turich...'

'Noro ir turich.'

'I'm wearing a dress, Tinwë. I'll fall.'

'Then undress.'

'Men!'

'You're repeating yourself.' I grinned again.

'Die a thousand slow and gruesome deaths with lumps and festers.' She stomped off. What was that all about? Women...

~*~ Elena's POV ~*~

First Legolas, now an ignorant husband. Arg! He didn't even *ask* how my day has been! Shitty, obviously. But nooo... Tinwë only thinks of himself and what *he* wants, and is only attempting to be funny when it is merely annoying. Another thing that runs in the family. Thank the Valar that I didn't marry Legolas instead of Tinwë.

I stopped walking; I had no idea where I was. Again. You know, GPS would come in really handy right now...

'Why did you do that? Why did you have to stalk off like that?' I turned around. Tinwë. Figures.

'Go away.'

'And leave you here, lost?'

'I'm not lost.'

'No?'

'I just don't know my exact whereabouts at the moment.'

He smirked. 'You're lost.'

'Go away.'

'As you wish.' He started walking away.

'Wait!'

'That was predictable.'

'Silence, Elf. I'm only saying this because I need to get back to my quarters-'

'Our quarters.'

'My quarters. I'm still cross with you.'

'Of course.' He resumed walking and I followed, hating myself for being so dependant on everyone else in this world. When we got to our- my quarters I immediately entered my private room and slammed the door behind me, hoping that Tinwë would take the hint and leave me alone. The two handmaids that were present in my room (to clean up or whatever it is handmaids do- I never bothered to pay attention to my history teacher when he spoke of the different stances in the Middle Ages. Boooooring...) looked up at me in shock. Tinwë entered the room and dismissed them.

~*~ Tinwë's POV ~*~

'Tell me what's wrong.' I demanded.

'Nothing's wrong.'

'Something's wrong, or you'd be behaving differently.'

'Go away.'

'What happened?'

'I said: go away!'

'Not until you tell me what happened.'

'Leave me alone!'

'I won't.'

'What are you, my mother?'

'It's about Legolas, isn't it?' She didn't answer. 'What did he do? Did he hurt you? If he did, I'll-'

'He didn't hurt me.'

'Then what did he do?'

'Nothing.'

'Don't lie to me, Elena.'

'I'm sorry, mother.'

'Elena...'

'Nothing happened, okay?'

I studied her face for a moment. She was very upset over something, that much was clear to me. But she also seemed afraid of something, and sad. Her eyes were continuously looking far off, as if she missed something very much and tried to feel more complete by thinking about it. I started to understand.

'Was it something he said to you? What did he say?'

'Nothing! Just leave it!'

'Did he shout at you? Called you names? Did he-'

'What part of "nothing" don't you understand?'

'Fine. If you won't tell me, I'll go and ask Legolas.' She glared at me. 'Unless, of course, you do have something to say.'

'Fine.'

~*~ Thranduil's POV ~*~

Being king can require a lot of energy, being really a full-time job. Being the father of three children as a bonus can be even more exhausting, for it is also a permanent responsibility. Especially when two of the tree children happen to be Legolas and Tinwë...

'I hear you spent your day with wendë elena.'

'I tutored her in archery and the wielding of knives.'

'Did you enjoy yourself?'

'Quite.'

I raised an eyebrow. 'How so?'

'Oh, no particular reason...' Legolas fidgeted with the papers lying in front of him.

'Are you sure? Nothing unusual happened?'

'Not really unusual, no. Why should something unusual have happened?'

'Because apparently you and wendë elena had a nice day together. That is unusual.'

'I don't know about her...' he mumbled.

'Hi man agorech?' I demanded.

'Alnad...'

'Cannan le nara nin.' He avoided my gaze, knowing that he couldn't escape. It was as if he were a mere elfling again, having done something naughty together with Tinwë. Legolas and Tinwë. The deliquescent duo. Slowly the story started rolling out, he carefully considered nearly every word. Out came the confession of a very cruel act.

Goheno nin, ada...' he whisered when he finished.

'I knew it had something to do with you.' A voice similar to that of Legolas came from behind me. Tinwë glared at Legolas. Legolas looked away, not knowing how to face his merely hours younger brother. 'Are you even aware of the damage you've done? Do you even realize how fragile the spirit of Men can be? How far do you plan to go, Legolas? Until she breaks?' Legolas did not reply. Not even an apology coming right from his heart would do for Tinwë now. 'I thought you to be a bit more mature and wiser than this.' Tinwë turned around and exited the room. Legolas sighed softly.

'He is right, ion nîn, you did go too far...'

'So did she. She humiliated me in front of all people dear to me! Did she not deserve to be punished?'

'That is not yours to decide, Legolas. Your task was to help her find her way home, not something else. If she chooses to stay her, your task is ended. If she wants too leave... it is your task to take her where she wishes to be.'

'Why? Why me? Why not Tinwë?'

'You have been given this task, not Tinwë. It will all be clear before it all ends.'

'Before what ends? Father, how do you know?'

'Has the foresight of your people abandoned you?'

'I don't understand...'

'There is a bigger picture that your eternal strife with wendë elena. In that picture you were appointed to do your task. Punishing her, however, is not a part of it.'

'So we were, in a way, meant to meet?'

'Of course. If not, someone else would have found her.'

'But why me? Why not someone who can actually stand her sickening pride and annoying comments?'

'I cannot tell. But I think that you have more to discuss with Tinwë and wendë elena right now rather than with me. Be careful with the words you choose.' I left the study, leaving Legolas to ponder over my words.

~*~ Elena's POV ~*~

I woke up all alone in a king-size bed. It somehow felt wrong, and I felt alone. But it was really my own fault. When he returned from his little audience with Legolas and wanted to talk I had shouted at him until he finally left me alone and went to the banquet alone. I didn't care about rules and whether or not it would look odd; I didn't feel like going so I didn't. it's as simple as that. He didn't bother to try to talk to me after dinner. He knew it wouldn't help anyway. So we slept separated.

Stupid marriage. I couldn't wait to leave this whole bloody world and be rid of all my troubles. After I had taken my decision on the training ground I immediately went back inside and asked a maid for help. She had helped me into a clean dress and had directed me to the quarters of the seamstress. There I had asked for riding clothes of my size and she had immediately started on them. I had then sent the maid away so she could help me to food and other necessities for a long journey. She had neatly packed all things for me and I was pretty much ready to go. All I had to do was to pick up my clothes at the seamstress' and then I would be off. If I played it smart, they wouldn't notice my absence until somewhere in the afternoon. By that time I'd be a nice way ahead of possible pursuers.

A knock on my door interrupted my train of thoughts.

'Who is it?'

'Tinwë.'

'Go see if I'm outside.' Tinwë took the hint and silently left me. That, or he's a blonde for a very good reason. Very few moments later another knock followed. 'What now?'

'I'm deeply sorry to disturb, aranel,' Galion's voice came from outside, 'but I was sent to get you and take you to your lessons.'

Great, just great. They sent me an escort. Wait a minute... lessons? Not breakfast? What time is it anyway? 'I'll be right there!' I grumbled. Why can't anything ever go according to plan?

I picked a dress that looked easy enough to put on by my own and quickly put it on. Not being able to find my hairbrush in the black hole that was my room I left my hair a mess and simply stepped outside. Galion blinked at me, but said nothing and bowed, then he started walking.

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I stared at the endless bookshelves full of giant books and countless scrolls. So this was the royal library. Big. Right now an Elf named... Eru, I don't even remember the guy's name- right now some Elf was instructing me on the ways of the Elves, their laws and their history. Yawn. He had also attempted to teach me more Sindarin that the apparently measly bit I knew already but he had failed. It was a far more complicated language when you had an instructor who did know every single rule on grammar and spelling, unlike at home. My scribbling in Tengwar was also awful and untidy, he said. Pfffffffrth.

I dipped my pen in the ink and drew random patterns on the sheets of paper meant to take notes and practice writing on. My teacher had forbidden me to use the script I had learned at home (the Latin script, like all Western countries) and wanted me to write in Tengwar to practice the different letters. Needless to say that apart from the drawings the sheets were rather empty.

The Elf frowned at me and took my pen. 'If you're not using the ink for useful things, then don't use it at all. Aranel.' He said icily. He appeared to be the blond version of professor Snape, but then more handsome. Still a pain in the ass though.

He went on and on with his story and for a moment I believed that this was a punishment; that they'd leave me here forever. Fortunately at that moment the maid that had helped me pack yesterday appeared to pick me up. It was time for dinner.

As soon as we were out of the library she started talking to me.

'If you still wish to leave, aranel, then this is your last chance. Nearly everyone is having dinner right now, they won't notice you leave...'

'Thank you. Could you run an errand for me?'

'Naturally.'

'I need my clothes from the seamstress, could you fetch them for me? I'll be in my quarters.'

'Are you sure you'll find them?'

'I'll manage. Now hurry, please.' Off she was, without further comments.

It seemed that things would still go my way after all, for I found the way back to my room at once. I sat down on my bed and looked around the large room. It could be my new home... no. I didn't want to stay here. I don't even belong here. I noticed a small package on my pillow. There was no note with it, just a small bag. I picked it up and opened it. It contained a small jug and in that jug I found resin, dried up. Tinwë must have left this on my bed then, for the plan for last night had involved sticky resin and Legolas' chair. I looked for my pack and stuffed it in. It might still be useful. But why Tinwë had left it for me to find was a mystery.

The maid entered my room, carrying a small pile of clothes in her arms. She helped me change into them and laid the dress on my bed. Silently she then directed me to the stables, where my horse- well it was mine now- had been saddled. She wished me a safe journey and disappeared.

This was it. The last stage. I'd be home soon. If I was lucky I'd make it to Rivendell in less than two months, and from there- home! I'd finally be rid of Legolas and finally I'd be out of this stinky, crappy world I had once so admired. There's no place like home. I attached my pack to my saddle, as the maid (and probably someone else as well) had seen to it that I had arms with me for the road. A bow, a full quiver and a long knife with a scabbard made for it. I took no time to admire them and quickly arrayed them so that they wouldn't get in the way during the ride.

Just as I was about to mount, my luck changed again. The neighing of a horse could be heard outside and not much later the head of a great white stallion and the head of an arrogant Elf prince appeared in front of me. Damn. Why didn't they warn me that he was out for a ride?

'Just where do you think you are going?' he asked.

'Away.'

'Does anyone know?'

'No.'

'Will you come back?'

'No.'

'Isn't that quite improper, to just leave without saying goodbye to your dear ones, your husband? Your lord and king who has been too kind for you? Isn't it insulting to leave without thanking for the hospitality?' it sounded like a Gestapo hearing, and obviously was meant to make me feel guilty. Unfortunately for Legolas it wasn't working.

'I'm sure you'll thank them in my place. You even get to hear the words personally. After all, you are the one who made me feel really welcome, more so than the others.' I said icily. Bull's eye, he looked downward. Then he looked up and glared at me.

'You're not going anywhere.'

'I do as I please.'

'You're my prisoner.'

'I'm a princess now, Legolas. And whether you like it or not, that makes me your equal. In fact, in this case it makes you my brother, though only by marriage. And you know just as well as I do that you lost your claim to call me your prisoner. Get out of my way, I have a long road to travel still.'

'A title on its own will not make you my equal that easily. You are still mortal and you are still less fair and wise than the Elves. Nay, we are a long way from equal. I am a prince by descent, you are a princess because you were drunk and my brother an idiot. That is still a difference.' I glared at him. Stupid Elf.

'Fine. Now beat it. I wish to leave.'

'Not without me. You are my prisoner.'

'I am not.'

'Even if you're not, you'd die within half a day after you leave these stables, for you do not know the way through the forest alone. You'd be eaten by spiders or suffer some other horrible fate. However tempting it is to let you go on your own and never see you again, I made a promise and I will hold to my word.'

'Oh why can't I just be rid of you?' I shouted. 'Do me a favor: walk to Mordor and STAY THERE!'

He yawned. 'It's getting late. We should be going, or leaving has no use anymore tonight. The sooner we leave, the better.' He turned his horse.

'Don't you need supplies?' I asked. He pointed at a pack attached to his saddle. 'Oh.' Apparently he was just ready for anything.

'Follow me closely, the forest is very dark this time of night, and it will get even darker yet. Don't turn left or right when I don't tell you to, don't speak aloud, make no noise in general and most importantly-'

'...do not get of the road.' I ended his sentence. Hobbit anyone?

'Silence.'

Oh, sod it. The Valar hate me, I swear they do.

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E/N: Ladeeda, am done now. Just wanted you to know that I have a livejournal at livejournal.com and that you might want to check back on it for either notes on what's taking so long or simply random ramblings about my oh-so-interesting life. Ahem.

Love, peace and a paperclip,

-xxx- Elvea

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Elvea's Elvish Helpdesk. Sort of.

Please note that these phrases took ages to get right. Hard work's been put into them, forgive me if a mistake is made in one or two places. I've spent hours on studying Tolkien's languages, so I know what I'm doing. Be aware that I did not simply copy these phrases from some website but constructed them myself. Please also note that the Grey Company website contains Elven (which is only loosely based on Tolkien's work), not Elvish. Phrases found there are not in proper Elvish (although I just love the term mani'oio). Thank you.

Nago nin - bite me

Dabon i iest - I allow that wish

Gwig - men

Gadathon le an tó - I'll get you for that

Estelion - I hope

Hé dú - tonight

Berethon le. Gado nin ir turich - I dare you. Catch me if you can

Noro ir turich - Run while you can

Hi man agorech - what did you do now

Alnad - nothing

Cannan le nara nin - I order you to tell me

Goheno nin, ada - forgive me, dad(dy) / forgive me, father

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the increasing amount of reviews with every chapter (for which I am truly very, very grateful) I can no longer write very long responses to the reviews left for me. I do not want to quit it entirely though, because it's been part of this fic from the start and you readers are really a source of inspiration. Therefore I shall continue the responses, but only a few lines each, also because it simply delays the updates otherwise. If you really want a lengthy discussion you can still e-mail me, talk to me over MSN or leave a message for me at my livejournal. I really appreciate and enjoy reading the comments.

Ariach: Phew... quite the fangirl, eh? I used to be like you when I was a newbie on ff.net, but unfortunately I simply don't have much time to read other stories anymore (nor to look for them, for that matter). If you like you can leave a recommendation... But please, don't hunt me down and turn me into anything unnatural... I'll be a good author, really!

Zenera: Thank you for the compliment / review. Was this update soon enough?

Raphael the Andromeda: *blushes* Okay, that was sweet. You wrote me a song, sort of. I thanked you on my livejournal, but I don't think you read that so I'll just thank you again. Thank you, it was really nice. I hope you enjoyed the new chapter as well.

donna: Well, you got your answer... and yeah, imagine the twins... why d'ya think I wrote them in the first place? ^_~

MornieUtule: Glad you like it so much. I'm not a real Legolas fangirl myself, but yeah, he's cute... and I think that right now Elena and Legolas are 50-50, at least to cruelties... right?

Aries28: The prank Legolas has to survive is yet to come, although you may have an idea now as to what it might be. Aiye, Leggings could end up in his boxers- the elven equivalent of those, that is. But not because he really wants to... *snicker* Concerning the marriage: unless I go against the canon as Tolkien left it for us, there is NO loophole. They're stuck. Elena, however, could still get married in our world though, because for obvious reasons her marriage with Tinwë is not registered here. If she does it is another story. Thank you for reviewing!

Oasisrocker: Amazing... I thought that everyone would agree with Legolas (because I think he had the right to do to Elena what he did), but apart from you pretty much everyone thinks he was a total asshole. Heh. I did the impossible. I created a total bitch of a character, a really impossible person (seriously, if I ever met her I'd probably be strangling her in frustration after an hour) and made her do a stupid thing to her lust object. She then behaves even worse, bitches more, crosses the line and keeps moving further away from it... and all the readers feel sorry for her and think Legolas an ass! Yay me!

Murr: Honestly, do you think that Legolas and Elena- even IF they ever were stupid enough to even kiss- would be able to stand the idea of giving up the fight before the other has really surrendered? They're both too stubborn for that... and then there's still this little elfling called Tinwë. He may not be with Elena, but they're still married. And yes, Legolas + spikes = yumm... more conflicts (heaps, even) are on their way, I promise!

Witchmaster: Would you be happy with a clone when you got married for a whole different reason than love? And how would you like being the only mortal in an all-Elf community when you know nothing about their ways et cetera (and are not even capable of finding the way to any place on your own, in other words completely dependant)? Would you still want to stay if you've been through a very crappy 1,5 month and you even nearly died? I think I'd want nothing else than to go home, drop-dead gorgeous husband or not. Well, did I change your mind?

Frodo's Girl: Elena has a tendency to being an evil bitch, yes. But Legolas knows quite the amount of pranks as well... neither can be considered innocent, I think. Hope you liked the new chappie!

Insane Person of the Darkness (cool name!): Thanks for the little chit-chat about good quality. It'd better be good if I take this long, eh? I'm afraid Tinwë stays in Mirkwood on his own, unless he can still somehow convince Elena to stay, meaning he'd have to come after her. =P You'll just have to wait and see.

The Whisperer: Yes, Legolas had the intention to give Elena a piece of his mind in that way. Quite cruel, but not entirely undeserved, I think. Don't beat him up just yet, I still need him to get through Mirkwood alive. I have no use for a near-dead Legs. We'll see if he can conquer the pride and apologise. I will not, however, translate the Sindarin ficlet in the last chapter. The rating'd go way up, and it's not really all that important. Have you tried Ardalambion? It has a very extensive work on all Elvish languages. Check it out here:

dragonmage: kewl, someone actually worships my fic... *eyes all glazed over* I am feeling so superior right now... ahem. Don't mind me. Very big ego, you see? Legolas' Big Ego Syndrome (LBES) seems to be rather contagious... but I'm not the one you should turn to if you want Legolas. If you want him, go to the nearest Interdimensional Portal™ and hunt him down. Bring some cherries for the journey as well. Sound like a plan? I'm glad you enjoyed the speech. I feared I0d made it a bit too long, but people like it. Thanks for the compliments. Just one thing: ...wisdomosity? Did you learn that word whilst listening to one of Bush's speeches, or do you just like odd words?

ElvenPickle: faster than a Mary Sue onto Legolas... heh. I like that one. I think I'll keep it and use it somewhere, someday. If you don't mind, that is. I think it's brilliant! *blushes* I did my best to make the hormone-common sense argument work out, I'm glad that you think it bore good fruit. It took me bloody long enough! Bad Elvy, bad! But don't worry about the fic going all mushy, corny and soap-operish. I'd shoot myself sooner than to let that happen.

Lizzy~beth: Yes, I believe that depressingly is a word. I promise not to quit this story before the end. In fact, I have an idea in my head for a sequel (if it's appreciated) but I want to finish this story first and see if I still believe in the idea. I wouldn't want the sequel to be less good than the original. I am also considering to write one or more small ficlets about the childhood of the twins. Legolas and Tinwë... before Elena. DUMDUMDUM!!! Uh, right... hope that you still enjoy my lil' ficlet!

Vardalothwen: Heheh... sorry if my little scene made you a little shaky... if it's any comfort: you certainly weren't the only one. Heh. My beta practically drooled over her keyboard... *snicker* About Legolas and Elena... well, Elena used to be a fangirl, and her Inner Luster (if I may borrow Miss Cam's wonderful term) is still there, ready to strike. So physically she is still attrackted, even though she still thinks Legolas to be an ass. As to our oh-so-beloved Prince... now that would be telling!

Kat: Muha! My chapter was powerful! I am powerful! I am almighty! Uh, right... LBES (see dragonmage's response for meaning of abbreviation) kicking in again... I really do think that Elena deserved it, even when it was a bit crueller than necessary. For Tinwë's actions I fear you have to wait until the next instalment, I wouldn't want to spoil the fun. *is picturing scene with Legolas seducing Elena again* Mmmm... yes, quite sexy indeed... gorgeous and seductive... maybe a bit evil, but he has the sexy spikes so who cares? ^_~ Sorry if I'm causing troubling daydreams or injuries from falling out of chairs. Whether Legolas hates Elena too much... there's a fine line between love and hate, and if people really hate each other they simply avoid each other. After all, why waste time on them? They're not worth it. So if they do keep meeting and arguing, there is something in the subconscience they're not aware of. This does not mean, however, that it is always love.

*wipes sweat off forehead* This short-reply thing isn't really working... they're still quite long... *sigh*

Gizmo LittleWing: Well, you know what I think of the review you left me. Quite useful, as always! Thankies! Am anxious to read your comments on this chapter, as it promises to be great fun already. Elena's thoughts will not take the primary part of the story, though. I describe things the way you would see them yourself, the way you would pay attention to them. In normal situations you don't pay attention to each motion, each thought. But in that particular situation you notice every little move... so I describe that. Besides, you have to admit that you quite enjoyed picturing it all. ^_~

Butterfly: Feel free to put my story up on your website; I'd be flattered. Could you give me the URL of the website so I can check it out? I hope you enjoyed the new installment!

skylar: doing my best, as always! I can only be happy that my best is still satisfactory! Thanks for reviewing once again!

ElvenWeirdo: I can't answer that question in full, but for a slight psychological explanation check out Kat's reply. Thanks for your review(s)! (pressed button twice?)

JeanB: Aww, that's nice of you to say. Dammit, I'm running out of ways to thank you guys. You people are great! I can only say that I'm very thankful for all of your comments. Hope you enjoyed this!

Chocolat Elf: If a portal like that existed, I'd be long gone... alas, I am stuck here, and therefore I write. For myself and of course you guys. Maybe you should just do your best with Physics and make a portal yourself one day... that a good idea?

ola: as stated before, I will not translate the Sindarin, I'm sorry. Hope the weather cleared up in... well, wherever you live. Sorry the update took so long. Am very cross with myself, but can't get my lazy bum to update sooner either... face it, self is a hopeless case... oh yes we are, Precious... we are... never mind that.

Maria: Evil, evil Legolas... but sexy! I like him this way! Besides, Elena isn't really Miss Innocent either...

Cyberwing: glad you enjoy, happy to give you a good laugh. Next chapter will contain more humor, promise!

AnGeLiC dEvIl: learning Sindarin requires a LOT of patience and a lot of time, but once you get past the hard start it's really worth it. Hmmm... My story going poetic... that's a good thing, right?

Videl-14: Elena wanted me to thank you for the cyber-hug, although she was slightly disturbed. Hope this chapter was equal to the others. I'll try to update faster next time. (Now where have we heard that before?)

Mellon: I made him an ass because I simply don't believe that he's as perfect as your average Mary Sue. I wanted him to be more human. That and he annoys me, so I want to return the favor.

danceingfae: *smiles* you went red in the cheeks? What is it with you Legolas fans and not being able to read a scene like that without going bananas? Hmmm... *scratches chin thoughtfully- yes, I really do that* Maybe because it's a very accurate description of your average fantasy? Sorry. Hope this, yet again, long wait was also worth it.

ithinkineedanewname: no, the fic is only halfway, if my guess of the story's length is accurate. After all, Elena is journeying with Legolas and we both know that such a thing can cause major delays. They are so hopeless... *sigh*

Kazle: First of all, thanks for the comment on my lj. As a matter of fact, when you left that comment I was just sending this chapter to my beta. What a sense of timing! You're not the only one that had this O.O expression when seeing the Sindarin, though. Thanks for all the compliments, though you should be careful with calling me things such as brilliant. I have LBES (see dragonmage's) and am very sensitive to that sort of thing, you see. I'll forgive you the babbling. I quite enjoy long reviews like yours!

Black Pearl: We all love Evil Legolas. Yes we does, Precious, we does... O.O Anyway. He got his lecture, and he's sure to get more than his share thrown back at him before the end, I promise.

Alaundriaranel: No, I'm not British at all... I only have a teensy-weensy bit of British blood, and that was waaaay back in my family-tree. I do have relatives and friends in Australia, the US and Britain though; I was also raised with English. That count? I live at the other side of the Channel. Bite me, I live in Holland (although also have very little Dutch blood. Long story, don't ask).

Anne Holly: Thank you for the review and the well-wish, it's really kind; I greatly appreciate it.

Meggie: |:o) Thanks a lot for bothering to review! I hope you still enjoy the story; tips for improvement are always welcome!

Starlight: Hope you didn't get in trouble with your mom too much! As for our ever-arguing couple... even if they had feelings for each other they'd be too proud to admit. They'd probably be more likely to kill themselves when they find out. And of course Thranduil cares about Elena being mortal, but they were already married; the ceremony was just to undo some of the damage. The reason he accepted is because he realised that it all happened for a reason.

Natzlin: =) Thank you!

Elanhin: Happy to see you enjoyed the update. Well, Legolas is still around so it promises much trouble for the couple. And a lot of fun for us... heheh... *rubs hands together evilly*