A/N: I love all the reviews that I have received and I see some request from readers but I must turn them down. They are all lovely but I've ideas to what I am writing. Do not get me wrong, I am not being rude to either one of you. Your ideas however will be put aside, for some of my future writings.

The Blind Guardian: Thank you for the lovely review. And yes, I too am used to see Haldir as a lover. The love I have for that character lies so deep that I have to make him a father instead.

Iluvenis, urylia, everpondering, greenleafbaby, devildragon, meldavane, DJ: Here is a little more. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Rachel: I hope the answer will be unfolded to you soon.

princess of mirkwood: Glad you are excited *smiles*

Blue Eyes At Night: Thanks for the encouragement, hon. I didn't know that there is a better looking twin (although I am happy that you preferred Elladan too). Sorry about the astrik stuff. I'm not good with html and stuff. I hope I've clarified the problem. I hope to see you update soon.

Noli: Don't cry, here is more.

Lizlego: Thank you for liking it and giving my Legolas's romance a chance. I hope you like what I have below.

Lady of Legolas: Love triangle….hmmm…maybe…..I do not know.

A/N: Again, 'italics' are self thoughts. Enjoy reading and remember to review.

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Chapter 7

"Haldir, old friend. How could you keep this from me? Are you worried that someone will take her away from you?" questioned Legolas, furrowing his brow.

"Many have sought my permission to court her, in which I allowed, but Aurwen pushed most away. She is all I have, Legolas and I am afraid of loosing her," said Haldir. "But now, I am worried that she will never marry. Her love in defense is deeper than I thought."

Legolas said nothing but smiled. Breaking the silence he said, "It is every father's worry, that their child is growing up. You have contributed two millennia of your life to raise her, give someone else the chance, to love her as much you do. Give me that chance, Haldir, as I seek permission from you, to court her," Legolas asked with the utmost respect.

Haldir's eyes lighted up upon hearing those words. "Why Legolas, this is a surprise. I did not expect this to come from you." Still disbelieved at what he had heard.

"Am I not good enough for her?" Confusion spreading through his eyes. "Or is someone courting her at the moment? Someone like Elladan," Legolas suggested.

"Nay, my friend," said Haldir shaking his head. "Aurwen made it clear to me that her relationship with Elladan is brotherly, although I cannot say much on his behalf. However, you have my leave to court her and I am still surprised, at your formality."

Legolas smiled over Haldir's answers. "Friends or not, it is expected of me, since I am a Prince. My father would have been upset if I would court someone without proper permission. You of all people should know that rules were made for a reason."

Glancing into the sky, Haldir knew that it was time to leave. "I would love to share more with you but I have matters to attend. I will see you at the banquet tonight," said Haldir. "In case you want to look for Aurwen, she will either be in her chamber or my room. There are books in there that she loves to read."

"Thank you Haldir. I will see you tonight," answered Legolas, before Haldir excused himself.

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"This, is my chamber," I said as I reached for the knob. The door creaked a little as I pushed for it to open. "Come on in."

"It is bright in here," exclaimed Elladan, half squinting his eyes.

"Adar said the same thing. I like it bright, it makes me happy. I hate dark rooms and I do not understand why some people enjoy it," I sighed. "Make yourself comfortable, Elladan while I change into something lighter." I disappeared into a corner where my clothes were hanged.

"Hey, Aurwen," hollered Elladan. "Who painted this portrait of you and Haldir?"

"That, was done by Dunhirion," I answered from behind. "He is good in art and he did that not too long ago," I continued as I made my way back to the main room. "It is a beautiful piece and father has a similar one on his chamber wall."

I took a seat at the corner of my bed when Elladan decided to have a look at my arm. He rolled my sleeves up before gently unwrapping layers of bandages. All this time, he did it standing up. I had my eyes on him the whole time he attended to my arm. What we both saw was rather alarming, to me especially. Bruises were forming around the wound and traces of dried blood were visible on the stitched area. I paled after seeing how bad it turned out to be.

"Looks like you have added too much stress to it, Aurwen. However, I have seen many of such injuries in the past, and I know how to deal with it," said Elladan when he saw how worried I looked. "Excuse me for a second, I will be right back," he said and left.

'Father is going to kill me when he sees this. It was better this morning. What am I to do? I have a banquet to go to and this is too ugly to hide. Oh Elbereth, what am I to do?'

A moment later, Elladan returned, with bandages and vials in hand. "Do not worry, Aurwen, I have the stuff that will make it better. The bruises will subside by the time you wake up from your rest. Here, drink this while I apply some medicine to your arm". Elladan handed the drink over to my hand while taking a seat next to me.

I drank the concoction. "Urrgghh! What is it? It tastes horrible," I said in dismay.

"Something my father used to make me drink. It does taste horrible but it is good for the bruise," commented Elladan as he took the cup from me. "You see, I was a troublemaker when I was young and father has to treat my many wounds for as long as I can remember. I learnt to make it on my own, when I was older, to save myself from getting the scolding from my father." While he was sharing his stories, he applied the medicine to the wound. The tea had a soothing effect and so did the medicine. It had a cool feeling when it touches the skin.

All the time, I had my eyes fixed at him. In many ways, Elladan has a special place in my heart. He re-wrapped my arm with fresh new bandages. "There, as good as new," he said before looking up and catches my gaze. Before I could react, he leaned over and kissed me. It was sweet and gentle.

"E-Elladan," I said in a whisper as I pulled away.

"I am sorry, Aurwen. As of lately, I am drawn to your fondness. I cannot help but fall for you. Although I must apologise for my actions," confessed Elladan. "You are something, Aurwen."

"I-I do not know what to say," I blurted, still shocked over the kiss. "Elladan," I began softly, "I have said before, I see you more as my older brother. I wished things could be different between you and I." Gripping both his hands, I gave it a gentle squeezed. "However, I am not mad over what had just happened."

Not certain over their future ties, Elladan asked, "Will you still have me as your escort for tonight?"

"No one could be a better escort than you, Elladan. Thank you for attending to my sore arm. I will see you later, at my door," I said as I gave him a kiss to the cheek.

Happy with the answer, Aurwen gave him, he replied, "I will see you then. You have a good rest and do not worry about me. I will be fine," Elladan said with a smile. He waited until I fell asleep before leaving. As he made his way back to his chamber, he came across Legolas.

"Elladan, just the person I was looking for," said Legolas to the figure in front of him. "Are you heading somewhere?"

"Nay, Legolas. I just got out from Aurwen's chamber. She is resting."

"Speaking of Aurwen, are you courting her, Elladan?" questioned Legolas.

Surprised by the question, Elladan replied, "What made you say that?"

"I have known you for some time, my friend. I have not seen you happier. Your eyes seem alive, whenever she is around," Legolas probed further.

"Indeed, I do love her but as a sister, nothing more. I very much like her company, after all she is one special elf. She has passion, determination, strength and is yet stubborn, very much like Haldir," laughed Elladan. It was his way to shield the pain that he is feeling inside. "I only hope she will find someone to love her."

"I agree with you on that," smiled Legolas. "Will you be attending the banquet?"

"It will be rude of me not to attend. After all, it honours my own kin," said Elladan. "Both Aurwen and I will be there. You will also get to meet Elrohir's love interest."

"Alright then, we shall all meet again, at tonight's banquet. It is really nice to be back in Lorien. Seeing both you and Elrohir again, makes the trip extra special," Legolas answered smiling.

Night of the banquet.

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"Lorien never seems to stop, hosting festivities. Last night, we welcomed my grandsons and tonight, we hold another in honour of our kin from Mirkwood. The festivity does not stop here. We have yet another surprise. They have just arrived, late this afternoon. Joining our guests tonight will be Lord Elrond and Lord Erestor," announced Galadriel as the two walked out.

Surprised over what I've just heard I nudged Elladan. "Did you know about this?"

"Nay Aurwen, Adar did not say a word to me. I am as surprised as you are. I wonder what brings them to Lorien?" said Elladan, confusion running through his face.

At the same time, my eyes picked out something peculiar from the older elves. Shocked at what I have just witnessed, I asked Elladan, "Is your father and Erestor-" I could not find myself to finish the sentence.

"Yes, they are. They announced their love for one another not long after Estel and Arwen married. It was a surprise to all of us at the beginning. But father had been mourning far too long, over my mother's passing. Erestor makes him happy," chirped Elladan. "Not many knew of their relationship except for his children and my grandparents. However, they are slowly showing their affections for one another to the public eye," explained Elladan. "I see father approaching. I am sure he will not be able to recognize you, Aurwen. It has been far too long," mentioned Elladan before Elrond greeted them.

"Elladan, my son," Elrond greeted his son with a hug, followed by Erestor.

"Adar, Erestor, how nice to see you both," answered Elladan. "What brings you to Lorien? I would have greeted you on your arrival if I knew of your coming."

"We had this planned for some time and could not share it with you. It was something your grandmother arranged," replied Elrond. "I saw Elrohir and Niana at the archway. Speaking of Niana, who might this lovely maiden be?" asked Elrond. "Are you not going to introduce her to your father?"

"I told you my father would not be able to recognize you," teased Elladan. "You have met her before, she is none other than Haldir's daughter, Aurwen."

Surprised by the answer, Elrond simply said, "Has it been that long or am I getting old?" questioned Elrond with a smile.

"It has been that long, my lord. It is nice to see you again, my lord," I said and curtsied.

"This is Erestor, my companion," answered Elrond as Erestor and I got acquainted.

"Who is looking over Imladris with both you and Erestor away," asked Elladan.

"Glorfindel is taking charge at the moment. Both Erestor and I will be here for a week at least," answered Elrond. A familiar star on Aurwen's neck caught his attention. "Is that the Star of Luthien, you are wearing?"

"Indeed. It was given to me by the Lord and Lady of Lorien," I replied.

"It is beautiful jewel," said Elrond. "It is a nice gift, coming from Galadriel."

"It is, my lord," was all I could muster.

"Lord Elrond and Erestor of Imladris. It has been far too long since we last saw each other," said a familiar voice.

"Legolas, son of Thranduil, you have not changed," answered Elrond. "It is good to see you. How is your father?"

"It is nice to see you too, my lord. Father is doing fine and Mirkwood could not be happier, having him as its King," said Legolas. Turning his attention to the other two guests, he said, "Elladan, Aurwen, nice to see you again, and must I say, both of you look stunning."

"Thank you, Legolas. You look great yourself. It has been a great evening so far," answered Elladan. "Will you all excuse me for a moment, I have something to ask grandmother," said Elladan before turning to me. "You are in safe hands, I will be back," said Elladan whilst winking at Legolas to step in.

Taking the hint, Legolas stepped in. "Would you like to dance?" asked Legolas.

I nodded my head as he took my hand and lead me to the dance floor. I felt that all eyes were upon us when we took the first step. It was rather hard for me, as I was not used to the attention. Sensing the uneasiness projected from my body, he held me closer to him. Looking down into my eyes, he mouthed the words "Relax, you are doing fine".

Smiling, I took a deep breath and exhaled. Feeling much better, I found myself moving to the rhythm of the song, as the music played on. Legolas placed his hand on the small of my back, making me weak at the knees. Aware of the sudden buckle in my footing, Legolas tightened his hold on me. It was a long dance and after it ended, Legolas guided me off the dance floor and headed for the balcony.

I was happy with his decision. It was getting crowded inside and all the attention was not helping.

"You read my mind, Legolas. I felt like I was suffocating in there," I said as we stepped out onto the balcony.

"Me too," was all he could say.

Breaking the silence, I said, "It is a beautiful night; clear sky, stars twinkling, and the moon, shining so brightly. I wished that the banquet could be held out here, rather than within the enclosure of four white walls," I sighed, dropping my gaze to the floor.

"I could not agree with you more," Legolas said, smiling. "You look stunning tonight, Aurwen."

"As do you." Looking up, I was surprised to see a set of blue sapphire eyes meeting my icy blue.

Holding me closed, Legolas bend over and seized my lips. We do not know how long the kiss lasted. It was perfect; soft, gentle and yet warming, to the heart. I never knew, that a simple kiss, such as this, could carry an effect on me. By the time we drew apart, I was breathless. Little did we know, we were being watched by someone, not far from where we stood.

tbc…….

A/N: Be so kind and write me some reviews.