Chapter 3: Is this Love?

Their journey to Mirkwood's gates continued for about another two hours, Arriël and Alexia did not speak during this time. Being in a strange new land they could help but be amazed at all the beautiful plants, animals and flowers. Arriël's breath is lost from all beauty she is witnessing. Legolas spots a small patch of flowers, picking on and handing it to Arriël Legolas gently kisses her hand. Both of the girls have become bored and anxious. They long to see the great palace hall where the king dwells. Yet neither one of them can shake the feeling that something is nearby watching, lurking amongst the shadows.

"Lex can you feel it, it's following us?" Arriël said looking around eyeing each tree.

"Legolas look giant spider eggs, we've just landed in one of their nests," Dimtilion said reaching for his bow and arrow.

"What do you mean giant spider eggs?" Alexia asked cocking her eyebrow up.

It's too late though from the tree tops three giant spiders attack their small traveling group, Legolas attacks one of them while Dimtilion handles the other. Leaving Arriël and Alexia as bait for the third spider looking to each other they smile.

"There's no way that I'm going to be eaten by a spider," Arriël said, concentrating on her telekinesis, she raises the giant spider mid-air. The spider struggles with all its strength to break free but its no use Arriël is to strong. Alexia uses her power to rip the legs right off the body of the vile creature, dropping to the ground the spider lays dead, its black blood is its grave.

Legolas and Dimtilion are speechless, and now it is our girls turn to be shocked for they have forgotten their cardinal rule. Never let anyone witness their gifts, but it is to late now, and if they had not used them, they could have more than likely spinning around in one of those things webs.

"How did you do that?" Dimtilion asked with amazement.

"It's called telekinesis we're really sorry we didn't wish for anyone to see our gifts but you did, we understand if you don't wish to return to the palace with you." Alexia said grabbing Arriël's hand both of them started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Legolas asked curiously eyeing the both of them.

"Well we just thought that, because of our" Arriël stuttered.

"We need only to pass over this hill and we're at the palace so hurry, by the look of the sun dinner is to be served soon, and I am sure you wish to change." Dimtilion uttered happily.

The girls smiled to their newfound friends, walking the rest of the way for they wished to stretch their legs Arriël, Alexia, Dimtilion, and Legolas talked of their travels. Legolas spoke of the tale of the one ring and how Frodo Baggins a Hobbit made its destruction possible Legolas spoke of him with such an endearing tone of voice. When they finally reached Mirkwoods gates Arriël was so happy. She does not know why but she has a peace inside of her as if nothing could go wrong. That was until her and Alexia entered the city of Mirkwood they received every scowl that was under the sun. To top it all off with a cherry they are about to meet his royal highness.

Reaching the palace entry Legolas dismounted from his horse, as did Dimtilion and Alexia, but Arriel has not moved one inch since they arrived in the city. This is something that Legolas has noticed, he says nothing instead he offers her a kind gesture his hand. Helping her off the horse, he grabs her waist, and brings her slowly down. Their eyes meet they say nothing, but continuing to stare at each other until Arriël smiles, turning away feeling embarrassed with Legolas's hands still around her waist. Dimtilion and Alexia begin walking into the palace talking amongst themselves Arriël finally breaks the silence.

"Shouldn't we follow them your highness?" She asked her voice timid and shy; Arriel still has not met his gaze.

"Yes, we should and if you wouldn't mind call me Legolas." He said cupping her chin so that she would look at him. When he touched her, he felt that same heat run through his body giving him a peace within his heart.

"Oh sorry your highness, I mean Legolas." Arriël said stuttering. Legolas reaches for her hand like a reflex. "Legolas may I ask you something?" She asked her voice still quiet his thumb caresses her fingers.

"Of course what is it?" Legolas replied smiling at her.

"Is there a reason why I received every scowl known to this entire world, and then some from those young girls?" Arriel asked still a little confused, she knows that Legolas is a good-looking guy but for that type of rudeness to occur, especially when they no nothing about her is ludicrous.

He chuckled to himself, over the past years maidens have flocked to his feet begging for his hand in marriage and to each one he has declined. Legolas has yet to find that maiden that makes his heart sink as the Titanic did in the ocean. As of now, he feels that Arriel is hitting it dead on but he leads her on to believe that he does not notice how beautiful he finds her.

"I do not find it funny your highness it was quiet uncalled for, but what do you believe their reasons for their rudeness was?" Arriel questions.

"I think they were jealous of you, I mean why wouldn't they be you were riding with me Legolas Prince of Mirkwood," his cockiness shortened when Arriel learned that he was only joking.

"Oh ha your so funny, well that doesn't matter because I don't plan on associating with those girls, hey what does lirimaer mean Legolas?"

"Are you integrating me Lady Arriel?" Legolas cocked his eyebrow up is tone now changing he seems angry. Arriel looks down and shakes her head no, Legolas smiles and cupping her chin once more he pulls her face back up to his own. "I was only jeering with you Lady Arriel, now come I can hear my father talking to your sister, but if you must know. Lirimaer means lovely one in elvish"

"You think I'm lovely?" she asked smiling.

"Of course I do who wouldn't." Legolas said looking straightforward not making eye contact but Arriël sees the slight hint of blush on his pale cheeks.

When they finally reached the throne room, it is a large room filled with many tapestries, books. Carvings mostly of trees made into pillars to hold up the ceiling. Tall candleholders everywhere with large cream-colored candles lit. A beautiful balcony was to the left of the throne room from what Arriël could see it looks over the entire city and then some, and finally the king's throne. The chair was a large oak color carved into it was vines entwining with each other along the side and on the top right above the king carved into the wood was a small cluster of leaves it was so simple yet beautiful. Legolas ran to his father pulling Arriël along with him, he greeted the king.

"Vendui atar!" Legolas said letting go of Arriël's hand and hugging his father.
[Hello father!]

"Hello my son, who is your friend" the king said motioning to Arriël and smiled at her. "This must be your sister am I correct Lady Alexia?"

"Yes your highness this is Arriel, Ari meet King Thranduil" from what Arriel can tell Alexia already seems at home.

"Hello your majesty it's very lovely to meet you," Arriël said as she curtsied.

"My dear child please do not curtsy to me, it is an honor to have you hear, come you must stay with us" King Thranduil is handsome beyond his years with those same beautiful cerulean eyes that Legolas has.

"Of course your highnesses thank you for your kindness," said Arriel.

"It appears that your friends are very courteous and beautiful my son," King Thranduil said smiling at his son; he thought to himself I wonder if my son has become fond of the girl Arriël? It is not everyday I see him holding the hand of a maiden he has only met. "So tell me Arriël and Alexia where are you from, your clothes do not look that of elven, dwarf, hobbit, or mortal." He said looking them up and down.

"No your majesty we're from a place called United States. My sister and I took a trip to Montana and," Arriël's voice begins to tremble and fade as the vision reappeared in her head. Lex noticing this looks to her and becomes scared for Arriël's life.

"Ari, Ari look at me what's wrong? Ah, please answer me." Alexia said pleadingly.

"Lex he's calling us. I don't want to go with him please make him go away." Arriël screams before she faints, she almost hit the floor but Legolas with his catlike reflexes catches her just in time.

Seeing Arriël like this scares Legolas but it scares Alexia more, whom is she talking about? Who is the he that she did not want to go with? Why did she keep having this vision repeatedly? So many questions went through Alexia's head that she did not know what to do, all she could think of was her little sister seeing this evil person whatever it was. It was not any better for Legolas all he could think of was Arriël and the look of fear on her face it made chills run down his spine. Seeing the girl so innocent, so beautiful, a girl that he could possibly love has so much fear in her eyes.

The king ordered that Arriël and Alexia were to stay in the palace for as long as they liked. He also decreed that the elven healers were to look at Arriël if there can be anything done to help her. Alexia explained that this is very kind but nothing could cure what had happened. She soon became tired and longed for a nice bed to sleep in. Legolas said that he would watch Arriël while she slept. He vowed to himself that whatever evil Arriël saw he would not, could not let it take her away from him. He watched as she slept, and could see that her sleep was troubled seeing this he went to her saying Sana Melamin rest my love in translation, Arriël stopped smiled and she was at peace again.

Soon after this Legolas fell asleep not wanting to of course, he had a long journey through Mirkwoods forests and wishes to sleep but knows he cannot. Although he fails in trying to stay, awake. Arriel has become troubled once more while sleeping; she begins to have that nightmare more of a vision of things to come. She dreams of that same dark place. Creatures surrounded her horrible creatures. The creatures that look like, animals maimed and tortured into what she saw now. Creatures with horns, open flesh wounds all over their bodies, long jagged teeth, claws that look like knifes with ridged edges, eye's that showed so much evil, and yet a longing to be free from what that had become.

She sees Alexia, Legolas, Dimtilion, and eight others but she cannot see their faces only their bodies. All are dead with the exception for Alexia; she turned around and saw the man covered in darkness. His black robes hair like a black hole that no light could penetrate. His skin pale his eyes show no color only darkness, for some reason Arriel is unable to see his face only his eyes. She hears his voice deep, booming, the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Then he shows her all wonderful things that she has always wanted. Her fantasies fade away into nothingness. He spoke once more and said that all of this could be hers if she turns to his side and rules the world in sheer darkness. Arriël knows she cannot do this. She tires to run from the man but she cannot he has her under his control. She awakens screaming in a sweat Legolas immediately awakens and runs to her holding her tightly while she cries.

"I will Ari. I promise I will find out what is going on but first you must tell me a little bit. What is going on there is something you are not telling me about yourself? Now I know we just met but do you have any idea what might be happening to you?" Legolas questions her.

"Yes, I know what's happening but I don't know if I can tell you." She said stopping in the middle of her sentence.

"Melamin you can tell me anything." He said kissing her deeply. Surprised she kisses back she tastes him she thought he tastes of sweet peaches and cream. Legolas thought she tastes of sweet wine they finally pull away.

"Ok well I have this gift...More like gifts to do things that normal people can't do." She closed her eye's gave out a heavy sigh. "Brace yourself." She said becoming nervous and biting her bottom lip.

"Melamin go on" he urges her.

"I have the power of foresight, and telekinesis. Alexia and I also have a strong connection we can feel each other's emotions." Arriël said it so fast that Legolas barely caught it all. "I've been seeing these horrible visions; of a man I don't know exactly what he looks like. He is so evil. In my vision, you and Dimtilion were dead along with eight others. The only ones who were alive were Alexia and I. The thing is my visions are not always true. Well not that their not true more like they don't always come true, it's more like a vision of what could happen if something else doesn't to stop it." Arriël begins to cry again. "I don't want to loose you Legolas."

"Make it stop please, just make it stop." Ari said while holding him tightly as she cries.

"You won't loose me melamin I promise I will never leave you. We're going to go see Gandalf he'll be here for a feast he is very wise maybe he will have some answers about all this." Legolas said kissing her forehead.

"You promise?" She asked still shaken up by the dream.

"I promise I love you Arriël." He said kissing her; she pulls away from him quickly this surprises him.

"What! How can you love me when you barely even know me?" She asked in shock. What he said makes her happy and at the same time upset.

Is he just trying to make a move on me, no he's to much of a gentleman to do something like that but still I it doesn't seem right. Arriël's thoughts confuse her.

"Legolas you can't love me it's just not possible I like you. I don't know about us, everything is happening so fast. And so much has happened in the past couple of hours. I just need time to think." She said looking away.

Hearing this Legolas became upset and thought. I thought she loved me as well but I think she does, but its true me telling her this is sudden and maybe I should just give her time to think.

"Alright I'm sorry for being so forward." He said dismayingly looking at her, his expression is grave and makes her unhappy.

"No don't apologize it's just I need time to think that's all. I assure you things between us will get better." She looks to him and smiles he sees this feeling at peace seeing her eye's he could see in her heart that she is not lying. "I want you to know something Legolas I would never read you mind, your deepest thoughts." She said looking into his eyes.

"I trust you, now come you need your rest I'll be right here if anything should bother your sleep may you be at peace while you sleep lirimaer," he said kissing her forehead.

Arriël layback down on the bed, her soul at peace she holds onto her cross that still hangs around her neck. Whenever she has bad dreams, she always feels better when she clasps her cross. Legolas sits on the side of the bed playing with her hair making her fall asleep faster. He watches as she sleeps and thinks to himself.

She's the most beautiful girl that I've ever seen, and I love how she's not like the other girls she looks different more beautiful because she is so different. I just hope that Gandalf has some answers for her I do not like theses visions taunting her, somehow I have to protect her.

Arriël's sleep continues peacefully that night. She awakens to find Legolas in a chair near the bed sleeping. At least she thinks he is sleeping, his eyes are open but he makes no movement. Waving her hand in front of him, he still does not stir. Arriël finally decides that he is sleeping. He is so cute when he is sleeping even though his eyes are open and it is somewhat creepy, it is not really, though his eyes are beautiful, their crystal blue like the ocean but even more beautiful. She decides to awake him even though he looks so cute. Arriël awakens him with a gentle kiss on the cheek, but just as she does she wonders "Oh gosh! Do I have morning breath?" She said aloud. Legolas hearing this and smiles to himself.

"No lirimaer you don't," he said smiling at her.

"Oh gosh you heard me?" She said feeling the embarrassment welling up inside her.

"Yes and no you don't promise," he said smiling.

"Legolas are we going to find Gandalf today?"

"Not till later I want to show you all my favorite places in Mirkwood"

"I really don't want to go," she said looking out towards the balcony.

"Oh, I see well that's ok I'll just see you later then I guess" he said getting up walking towards the doors.

"No, Legolas stop it you know I would love that more than anything but, I feel uncomfortable around all those other girls. Especially when their giving me those evil looks, I think they want to kill me for being in your presence." She said grabbing his arm laughing at her own comment.

"Oh no worries Ari, where I'll be taking you the only people well be me and you," he said winking at her.

"Oh really Prince Legolas?" She asked with eyebrow cocked up looking at him.

"Yes, and that's only because I don't like hanging around the people around the palace well except for Dimtilion. Some others, most of the girls that I have courted have only been after one thing my crown. There are no sparks no attraction with you it is different. I like you a lot you know the rest so I go to my special places to get away from the prissy girls." He said looking at her.

"Oh I see well it makes me feel honored that I'm the first to know of your special places. Before we go can we get something to eat and can I change?" She asked.

"Sure I'll go get you hand-maid," Legolas said leaving her with a kiss on her cheek.

About two minutes later Arriël hears a knock on her door. She opens the door; there stands a woman who looks like she could be a mother. Her name is Lacristiel, she holds in her hands more like over her arms were about ten gowns. On the other arm a bag what it was filled with Arriël does not know. She walks into Arriël's room gently laying all the things on her bed so that Arriël can see everything. Out of the bag she pulls slippers of different colors, one was silver with gold around the edge, another blue with silver vines all over it. The other green with no design except for that fact that they were as smooth as silk and soft to the touch. The pink ones are not a bright pink their actually a soft pink like a pastel color, and the last pair a soft blue that almost look white with small trimming of silver around the ankles. The dresses are gorgeous, Arriël has never seen so many beautiful dresses in one place; she does not know which one she should choose.

Now normally Arriël is not a girl to wear a dress out in public except for special occasions such as dances that are formal, and weddings. For this, she made the exception. Lacristiel watches the young girl walk back and forth looking at the dresses wondering if she will ever pick one out. She grows impatient but sees how the girl has never seen such clothing and smiles to herself. The dresses are also many different colors, a silver one with a lower neckline and the sleeves stop at the elbow flowing out from the elbow. An etiquette design of beautiful white vines lacing together. A navy blue one with sliver trimming all over the bottom sleeves neckline a small line with silver vines entwining each other on both arm. The other a dark forest green the plainest of all the dresses but it is beautiful, a soft blue, and the last soft pink. The sleeves more slender tighter with a whole for the thumb. A point that reaches the tips of her fingers. Around the chest a beautiful darker pink pattern. The pattern is of small exotic flowers not even flowers, but stars if you can imagine. The train of the dress flows gracefully. On the back a sort of corset look, the dark pink strings lacing together to make a simple yet lovely bow at the end.

"Lovely isn't it?" Lacristiel asked.

"Yes their absolutely beautiful. How can I possibly choose in such a short amount of time?" Arriël asked.

"Well if I may make a suggestion. I think you would look lovely in the pink dress, pink slippers, with your hair I can French braid it. Entwining small pink flowers into it not to many though just about four on each side does that sound ok with you?" She asked looking at Arriël.

"That sounds lovely." Arriël begins to space out unable to believe that this is happening. "I'm sorry I'm not used to all this kind of attention. With clothes and hair well if you don't mind I'd like to bathe first and then dress when I'm done I'll call you if that's ok." She said still in awe at what she is about to wear.

"That's just fine, just one question what kind of oil would you like in your water, and what kind of perfume would you like?" Lacristiel asked opening a cabinet full of them.

"Um...you wouldn't happen to have something that smells like melons watermelons maybe?" She asked hoping she has it Arriël loves the smell of watermelons.

"Sure do I'll go put this in the tub and just call me when you're ready for me to do your hair ok?" Lacristiel said leaving.

"Yeah, thanks again" Arriel said shutting the door.

As Arriël finishes her bath, she puts on the dress hoping it will fit because they do not exactly have a tag on them that has a specific size. When she puts the gown on she is surprised it's fit just right and shows off all the right curves on her body. Then she puts on the slippers and finds that even though they looked very thin they feel smooth and silky. Arriël feels like she is walking on clouds. She finally dries her hair a little bit, calling Lacristiel back into her room, but this time Lacristiel carries a big smile on her face on her wrist she holds a small pouch. With something in it but she sets it down, and starts on her hair as if it is not there.

Arriël wonders what it is but has says nothing. Lacristiel finishes her hair with two ponytails, small pink flowers, four on each side in a row coming down from top to bottom. Then right as Arriel is about to get up Lacristiel tells her to sit down grabbing the pouch, pulling out a small gold ring she places it in Arriël's hand. On the outside is an inscription that said Mela en' coiamin in translation love of my life she places it on her wedding ring finger.

"Cris from who is this from?" Arriël asked Lacristiel.

"It's from his highness he told me to give it to you today before you came down for breakfast" she smiles.

"King Thranduil gave me this ring?" She asked confused.

"Oh heavens no child! Prince Legolas, and between you and me that's a first for him" she winks at the young maiden.

"It's gorgeous the inscription what does it mean?" She asked curiously.

"Oh that I'm not supposed to tell you he'll tell you later" Cris said smiling even brighter. A knock comes at her door, opening it only to discover that it is Alexia.

"Hey girl you look great," Alexia said smiling at Arriël.

"Oh so do you, I love you hair like that all down and curly" they both smile and hug each other.

"So how are you feeling this morning?" Lex asked with a look of concern.

"Much better honest. Look I have to tell you something at breakfast but come on let's go because I'm starving" she said laughing.

"Me too do you think they'll have a big green jalepeño for me to eat with my breakfast?" Alexia asked smiling.

"I don't think so Lex," Arriël said laughing.

The two walk arm in arm talking about all they have seen. Arriël knows she has to tell Alexia all that Legolas told her the night before. Problem is she does not know how. They walk for about five more minutes before stopping and asking two of the guards, which way the dining hall is, they both smile, pointing in the north direction, the girls thank them and smile. Alexia tells Arriël more about Dimtilion. Even how Dimtilion is taking her riding today out around Mirkwood's forests.

Arriël is happy that Alexia has found someone she can call her own, because when they were back home all the guys Alexia dated, ended up being total jerks all they wanted was to make out, and be all touchy feely. They never just wanted to talk or hang out. Lex got sick of this and decided not to date for a while, but when she talks about Dimtilion its as if she wants to marry him. They finally reach the dining hall Arriël became nervous, and just stops Alexia just gives her a warm smile and said telepathically it's ok come on theywalk in and nine others are at the table.

"Good morning lirimaer" Legolas said greeting Arriël with a small kiss. He does not care that anyone witnesses his affections for her. "And good morning to you too Lex I trust you slept well?" He asked turning to Alexia as she looks for Dimtilion little does she know he is right behind her.

"Yes very well thank you, um, do you know where Dimtilion is?" She asked still searching the room.

"Right here Alexia" he said loudly.

"Oh there you are you know you shouldn't sneak up on me you scared me" she said in a hurtful voice.

"I'm sorry a'maelamin," he said kissing her cheek.
[My beloved]

"Come I want you two to meet the others" Legolas said pointing to the other's around the table. "This is Gandalf the White, Aragorn son of Arathorn King of Gondor, his wife Arwen Queen of Gondor Princess of Rivendell. Gimli son of Gloin, Frodo Baggins, Sam Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, and my father whom you have already met." He said pointing to all while they smiled at the two girls.

"Lovely to meet you all," They said while bowing to Aragorn, Arwen, and King Thranduil.

"If you wouldn't mind me asking you Frodo what are you no offense or anything it's just your the size of child and yet you look like an adult but I must say your very cute," she smiles at him.

"None taken Arriël I along with Sam, Merry, and Pippin are hobbits from the Shire. Also known as half-lings, now if you do not mind me asking what are you. You have pointed ears like an elf and yet you're darker not as fair. May I say you and Alexia are very beautiful" he said blushing.

"I don't know what we are Frodo but when I find out I'll let you know ok" Arriël said with a wink towards him. Arriël decided that she just had to tell Alexia what Legolas said I love you. "Uh, excuse me King Thranduil may Alexia and I be excused for one moment please?" Arriël gives him her best angelic smile.

"Of course my dear but do come back soon we're having fresh alitliels made with abseils." King Thranduil replies.

Walking outside Arriël, fiddles with her thumbs unsure of how she is exactly suppose to explain to Alexia what had happened the night before. "I have to tell you something but I'm not exactly sure how too, so help me out here"

"Ari what is it, you can tell me anything you know that" Alexia said looking at her sister peculiarly.

"Last night while Legolas was watching over me, he did something,"

Alexia begins to cuss under her breath, mumbling various swear words. "I'll kill him wait here!"

"What? Why, oh my gosh no it's nothing like that Alexia we didn't have sex or anything my gosh I have my morals and I still plan on waiting till I'm married. No he told he me loved me, but I didn't say it back" Arriël said sadly.

Alexia screams loudly in joy, her screams echoing throughout the halls of the palace. Every member of the dinging hall has heard her, looking to the door, and then back to each other thinking nothing of it. They continue to talk amongst themselves as our sisters continue their conversation outside the hall. Arriel covering Alexia's mouth removes her hand slowly.

"Ok are you done?" Arriël asked Alexia nods her eyes glowing.

'Why didn't you say it back? He is everything a girl could ask for I mean he is gorgeous, sincere, and sweet. A royal I mean come on how many times does a normal girl, you or me get a devotion of love like that from a royal. What stopped you from saying it?" Alexia asked.

"The fact that I've only known him for about day has nothing to do with Lex," Arriël's side that is more sarcastic shines bright through her comment. "I don't know I mean I like him a lot, but I liked Sean a lot too, and look how that ended up. Eric I liked him too, but when he finally said all the right things, it was not enough. One thing that I have not told you, in those dreams, Legolas whispers his last dying breath into my ear. I don't want to love him if I'm just going to loose him," Arriël said gravely.

"Oh mija no your not going to loose him, he loves you and besides you know that our visions only come true if we don't do something to stop it. Their like pictures of things to come if something else does not happen, and sure, for ninety-nine point nine percent of the time they always come true. This time is different so go to him, be with him" Alexia said pushing Arriël back into the hall.

Legolas smiles at Arriël unable to break his gaze away from her. "Well father we better get going, I'm taking Arriël horse back riding through the forests."

"Alright son but please bring her home safely I don't want her to be harmed," King Thranduil has become very protective of both girls, never having any of his own he feels that they make up for his lack of daughters. Arriël and Alexia kiss King Thranduil's cheeks, the old king blushes and smiles.