Note: I am so happy now. I've just gotten my very first bad review. Thanks to everyone who gave me reviews, both good and bad. As for the bad review, I will not apologize for it. She is supposed to be a blatant Mary Sue.

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Chapter 3 Banquet Feast

Legolas was sitting and talking with his father and Aragorn, who had arrived while he was out with Yesel. Aragorn had just ridden in on his way to Rivendell, and was giving them the news from outside. Thranduil had been asking Aragorn a question, when he heard Legolas draw in his breath. He looked to see what was wrong, and found his son staring at the entrance. He looked and saw that Yesel had just entered on her father's arm. Thranduil smiled to himself at his son's reaction, nor was Legolas alone in this. Thranduil saw several others staring at her.

As for Legolas, from the moment he saw her, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She was beautiful. The playful girl of this afternoon had been replaced by a polished woman. She was wearing a simple gown of iridescent blue. She had left her hair down and her only adornments were the wreath of violets that Legolas had sent her, which she wore in her hair and a teardrop pendant around her neck. Largolas guided his daughter towards them. When they reached Legolas he stood up so quickly that he lost his balance. He regained it but not before an amused ripple ran around the room, as all assembled became aware of the young prince's situation. Thranduil looked at Largolas and saw that he was used to his daughter getting this kind of attention, and that he was smiling to himself at Legolas' actions. He heard a choked chuckle and saw that Aragorn could hardly contain his laughter. He was obviously getting a lot of amusement out of Legolas being so flustered. In fact, he was not the only one. A lot of people were looking from a slightly blushing Legolas to Yesel to see who was causing their usually self possessed prince to temporarily lose his poise. Thranduil had never seen his son act this way, but he had to admit to himself that if he had been younger and Yesel had smiled at him like that he probably would have reacted the same way. As Yesel was seating herself, Thranduil overheard her tell Legolas, "Thank you for the flowers. They were a lovely surprise." "They are not near as lovely as their wearer," he replied. She turned her head but not before he saw her blush.

After everyone was seated, Thranduil stood up and spoke. "This evening we have much to celebrate. We have visitors from Evermeet, my old friend Largolas and his daughter Yesel. Aragorn has also graced us with his presence tonight." "Oh great," a voice broke in. "Legolas and Aragorn are together again. What kind of pranks can we expect from the two of you this time?" "Who us," they chorused together. "They have promised me that they will be good, so you won't have to worry about green horses Eolod." "You turned horses green," Yesel asked them. "Yes we did," Legolas said with a laugh. "That's a good start, but I can show you how to do rainbow colored horses." Legolas and Aragorn looked interested. Eolod groaned, and Largolas said, "Yesel, I thought I told you to forget about that after what happened last time." "It's not my fault that Lord Elrond did not see the humor in it." She shrugged. "At least his sons thought it was a good joke." She held up her hand when Largolas started to say something. "Peace Father. I am sorry it happened and I did apologize, and I promise it will not happen here." Thranduil cleared his throat. "Apparently Legolas and Aragorn have found a kindred spirit in Yesel, who has talents other than turning horses multicolored. We are also celebrating the winner of the archery contest, Yesel." Cheers, applause, and laughter accompanied his last remark. The cheers and applause were for her, while the laughter was for Aragorn, who sat with a shocked look on his face. He could not believe that someone had actually beaten his friend. Legolas just grinned and accepted the good natured ribbing aimed at him. Aragorn turned to Yesel and said, "Your skill as an archer must be great indeed if you beat Legolas." "Nor is she only skilled at archery my friend," Legolas told him. "She is also adept at swordplay. She is a match for even you." Aragorn looked impressed. He knew that Legolas would not make a statement like that lightly. "I would be interested in a demonstration." "Of course. It would be an honor. How about tomorrow," she told him. "That sounds good. I have to ask you, did you actually turn all the horses in Rivendell multicolored?" Yesel laughed. "Yes I did. I had done it to my horse at home so I decided to do it in Rivendell. I only meant to do it to one, but unfortunately I got carried away and changed all of them. In truth though, it was not totally my idea. I had some help with it." She saw her father frowning at her so she lowered her head and whispered the rest to Legolas and Aragorn.

Largolas frowned slightly. He guessed that Yesel was recounting her escapade in Rivendell to the other two. He sighed. Thranduil looked at him. "I believe my daughter is planting ideas in their heads," he said as he gestured to the three. Thranduil chuckled. "Those two do not need her help to get into mischief. They can find it well enough on their own. Did she really do that in Rivendell?" "Yes. From what I gather, Elrond's twins wanted to play a trick on their cousin visiting from Lothlorien, and Yesel helped them with their plan. They wanted to recolor his horse only, except she got carried away and did all the horses. The other boy was livid, the twins and Yesel couldn't stop laughing and Elrond just seemed resigned to it all." "He probably was. Between his sons and mine, he has learned to accept it. I have had all four of them here too and chaos has always abounded." They both looked as Yesel, Legolas, and Aragorn burst out laughing. Largolas leaned over and whispered something in Thranduil's ear. He nodded.

Aragorn wiped his eyes. "That sounds like Elladan and Elrohir. They've always delighted in giving Eissiang a hard time. I'm sure Elrond was upset with all of you." "I don't think so. Not really at any rate. Shortly after it happened I was walking down a hall and I heard laughter. I went in because I thought it was one of the twins. Instead, it was Elrond. I backed out before he could see me. Of course I told Elladan and Elrohir." She was interrupted by Thranduil. "Yesel, your father tells me that you play the harp. Will you play for us?" "Yes, but I'll need to go get my harp." She got up to go but was stopped by a wave from Thranduil. He beckoned to a young servant who came forward bearing her harp. She thanked him then sat down cross legged on the floor. "Yesel, if I may make a request," her father said. She looked up. "Please play that piece you were working on before we left home. I particularly like that one." She nodded and started to play. All conversation died off as all the guests listened to her play. Her music was full of feeling. All those listening felt the peaceful tranquility of a forest, the absolute happiness of being in the arms of a lover, the joy of being with family and friends, the tension right before battle, the fear of nameless shadows, the heartbreak of losing a mate, and the promise of rebirth. There was no sound at all for a full minute after the last note had faded from the air. Then as of one accord, everyone stood and started clapping. Larnia gracefully stood up and went back to her seat.

Legolas was gazing at her admiringly. "You are an accomplished archer, are graceful using a sword, talented with a harp, and your beauty is unsurpassed in this company. Wouldn't you agree Aragorn?" "I would indeed," he replied earnestly. Yesel blushed. "You have a glib tongue Legolas and you as well Aragorn. You flatter me needlessly. I do have skill at archery, but it is no more than Legolas'. I play the harp well, but only because it is something I like to do. As for my beauty, it is no more than any in this room. I can not accept a compliment for something I had no hand in creating. Now let us talk about other things. Tell me more of your adventures, both of you." As the three of them talked, Aragorn was thinking that he had never seen Legolas so enchanted with a girl before, and that he had probably met his match in her. He smiled to himself. The next few weeks would be interesting.