A/N: A note to my readers... a reviewer pointed out a discrepancy in dates. I am sorry for this as I forgot to fix the dates here as I did the other archive. I used Shire Reckoning for Ch16/17 and then changed to King's Reckoning on Ch18. I will continue to use King's reckoning.. but it is all in the Fourth Age, so it is not really important!

Happy Reading!

Chapter 20- Encouraging Words

"Now that we have this issue cleared up, let us take some leisure time about the palace grounds." Aragorn announced to the group sitting around him in high back chairs. Valandir looked around the circle and sighed to himself. There was Aragorn who sat in his seat in a stately fashion and had paid close attention to all of the problems Faramir had brought with him. It was easy to tell that he was content man now, even though he had the weight of an entire realm. As for Faramir, he spoke for most of the council about problems the embargo the Umbarians had placed on Gondorian goods was causing. Then there was Legolas. He had spent the entire council with his eyes glazed over and no word escaping his mouth. Not even when he was asked a direct question did Legolas give any answer freely. It was not hard for Valandir to notice that his friend had placed himself into a purely meditative state. He was thinking very deeply about something and Valandir was sure it was not about the embargo. He did not know for sure what other reason Legolas would have done such a thing to tune his friends out.

Actually, Valandir had a very good guess as to why his friend was acting in such a way, as Legolas had been moping about it for so long now. Sometimes he just wished that Legolas would do something about it, instead of sitting back and letting the world pass him by, but it seemed that his liege was content doing that and it did not matter to what end.

Legolas had not been like this before the war; he had always been bright, cheerful and extremely, how would one say... engaging and flirtatious. Valandir did not pretend to not know what had happened to his friend while he was away. He was sure that Legolas had seen horrors beyond all other horrors and it had worn on his spirit. On top of that, Legolas had developed a huge bout of "sea longing" when he sailed with Aragorn to Minas Tirith. Valandir had a calling to go home as well, but he could only imagine what Legolas was going through. Now, though, there was yet another reason Legolas felt so down. He was in love and not willing to tell anyone about it, especially the person to whom it mattered most.

How long had Legolas loved Emlin? That question had been plaguing Valandir's mind the entire morning after he had witnessed the exchange between them in the corridors. It seemed almost as if Legolas had loved her for many years, but had never told her or anyone else of his feelings. That could have very well been the reason, though, for his abstinence and not finding any other elleth attractive or of wifely material. Legolas had forever seen Emlin in different ways than he had originally told Valandir and many of the other people who had inquired. Valandir could still remember that day when he found Legolas carving a piece of wood into the shape of the bird. Legolas had told him about Haldir and Indilisse, and their children Emlin and Thoron. Valandir supposed he should have recognized it then, but he had only passed it off as Legolas having an abiding friendship with Emlin, even though they had only known each other for a month in Lórien. He had always claimed her to be too young for anything except for friendship.

But looking at Emlin now, Valandir was sure that Legolas was thinking very differently. Any respectable male- whether they be Elf or Man- would think differently.

With a heavy sigh, Valandir stood and straightened his tunic, glad that the business of the morning was over with so he could play with Emlin. He chuckled to himself. What would Legolas say if he knew his closest friend and advisor had planned to match Emlin with Legolas all along? That had been Valandir's intention from the first dance at the masque on to the next days in the library, walking about the city and mornings watching the sun rise. He had found quite the elleth for Legolas; the perfect elleth. He had been waiting for one like her so he could introduce them and hopefully see the sparks fly. Valandir truly hoped that something like this would lighten Legolas' spirits especially if he fell in love. Luckily for Valandir, though, he now realized that he would not have to do so much work convincing Legolas that he loved Emlin; getting him to say it to her would be the challenge. It seemed to be sufficiently wearing on Legolas' nerves to see them together so often, but Valandir knew his friend had a great deal of willpower and would not easily give into his urges if a friend had already 'seemingly' claimed her. Now all he had to do was step up his attentions towards Emlin a little more to really bother Legolas, because Legolas may have a great deal of willpower, but he also had an extreme jealous streak like his father.

Valandir followed Aragorn from the room, and the four walked in a companionable silence, though Legolas still managed to be cut off from everything going on around him. Once they were out of the palace, Valandir found himself remarking to everyone, "It is a beautiful day."

"Aye, that snowfall last eve certainly cleaned the air." Aragorn agreed. "My wife even said she would like to duel with Emlin today if she could, after you were finished with her Valandir."

Valandir chuckled at what Aragorn said, but secretly because of the way Legolas balled his hands into fists. "You told her you would not allow her to, correct?"

"I have no control over Arwen, Valandir." Aragorn laughed, "If anything she has control over me."

Faramir nodded his head, "I would have to agree that being married does that to oneself. And I can still remember Éowyn nearly ready to give birth to our first child, asking for her sword so she could practice."

"Now that, I would forbid." Aragorn replied.

"I forbid it, but I felt like I took the life from her." Faramir smiled, "She eventually ended up with her sword, but only made it to a standing position before she was too tired."

They all laughed, but Legolas kept his face straight and looking ahead. Valandir could hear the metallic clang of swords in the distance, and figured that it was probably Emlin already in competition with Éowyn or with another swordsman. Valandir glanced at Aragorn and sighed, "What is it that Emlin is here for again?"

"To learn." Aragorn said quietly and looked at them. "There is much she can learn from my wife here, but I think she would be better suited for traveling to other elven lands where their crafts are far more advanced than ours. Arwen has agreed to teach her the practice of healing and the way to act in a court."

"Why would she need to know how to act that way?" Faramir questioned. "Is she betrothed to a lord of some type?"

Aragorn shook his head, "The last betrothal I heard of in Middle-earth was that of Legolas' ill-fated one. But you never know who may come along and she may need the skills of diplomacy."

Valandir glanced at Legolas and smiled. There was question written all over his face as though he was struggling with himself.

"You speak like you are her father." Faramir replied.

Aragorn chuckled, "Haldir put the fear of the Valar into me before he left her. I am not jesting when I say he made me take an oath to keep her protected from fell creatures, men and ellyn. Not particularly in that order."

"Haldir is very controlling." Valandir remarked.

Faramir glanced around at them, "Not very. You all will understand when you are gifted with your own children, specifically daughters. You would sooner kill every male that even glanced in your daughter's direction rather than see her defiled, even mutually, by one."

"I will take your word for it." Valandir said and turned his attention forward, "I do not intend on binding and having children."

"Then what is this that you are doing with Emlin?"

Everyone turned to the sound of voice, all a degree more surprised than the next as they looked at Legolas. Aragorn pursed his lips and said, "Finally you speak, but only when it is about Emlin."

That made Legolas appear angry, and the prince turned his head forward to look in front of him. The rest of their leisurely walk was quiet until they finally came across the practice field where it was not Emlin sparring, but two small children. However, Emlin stood to the side with Arwen shouting orders to the children, trying to teach them how to fight. Valandir smiled to himself as he pulled from the group and started for Emlin. Legolas was going to admit it today, even it was only to a wall, that he was in love with Emlin, daughter of Haldir.

Legolas sat in the chairs that had been provided for them to watch the training session take place. He knew that he had been unbearable the entire day, not participating in the council and snapping continually at people. But really, he did not care, because the only thing that was on his mind was Emlin. As though anything else was new...

He was a hopeless case. All day and all night for the past week he had thought of Emlin. He had even dreamt a rather racy dream yester eve, and that had been what woke him to go watch the sunrise. Unfortunately, though, Emlin was already there, and it only made him think of the dream some more. When he got close to her he could smell niphredil in her hair, and sense her exuberance for life radiating from her body. It must have been because she was young.

Legolas had stayed beside her for quite sometime, just watching her face and all of the different expressions that appeared. Of course, that had also been the wrong thing to do, because all he could then think about was if he was a part of her thoughts. And if he was a part of them, was he the thought the inspired the warm smile, sour frown, or depressing crease in her brow. If only he could reach in and grab onto her thoughts. That would have made things so much easier. It would at least allow him the ability to know if there was something there between them before he agonized over the decision on whether or not to take action.

Valandir strode across the field and stood beside Emlin, placing an arm around her waist. Legolas felt his blood boil slightly; watching as Valandir cautiously wrapped his arm around her so tightly that they were touching. He did not even know why he felt so possessive and protective over her. Valandir was a good elf, and an even better friend. Legolas knew that if anything happened between Valandir and Emlin; Valandir would handle it with the utmost integrity. That was more than Legolas could say for himself. He still remembered upon meeting Emlin for the first time and the unsavory thoughts he had about her. Valandir may have had them as well, but was being honorable and not pushing them on her.

That was until now. Legolas continued to appraise them as Valandir escorted Emlin to the archery line. Valandir stood behind her, and placed his arms in such a way that they were encircling her as he held his bow for her to take. That was not so bad, but what he did next made Legolas extremely mad. Emlin took the bow from Valandir and positioned herself almost perfectly, but Valandir seemed not to think it so perfect, and placed his hands on her hips. With deft movements, Emlin was turned slightly. And then Valandir's hands splayed across her back and stomach, straightening her torso in the most suggestive of ways. Legolas felt his body tense horribly, and he glanced down to see his knuckles white as he gripped the arms of his chair violently.

This was ridiculous! For all he knew, Valandir and Emlin could have been intimate! Why was he being so selfish? He would never claim Emlin as his own; he might as well let Valandir have someone so... special.

Vaguely he heard a conversation between Arwen, Aragorn and Faramir, but all Legolas could lend himself to was watching as Valandir's hands dropped low on Emlin's thighs, curving around between her legs to separate them slightly. He breathed in sharply, and closed his eyes. He could not see this. This was not happening. There was no way Valandir was doing this to Emlin! Definitely not in front of Aragorn, and definitely not for all the world to see. But what pained Legolas the most was that Emlin seemed to be enjoying this as she leaned back against Valandir's chest.

He heard Emlin giggle and respond with a, "naughty elf," to Valandir. That was the final straw. He could not take anymore of this watching his friend touch and speak so intimately with the elleth he loved. It should have been him in Valandir's place, showing Emlin how to arch. He was the one that had to be there, feeling her. It was not fair. Valandir needed to be stopped and Legolas take over his spot.

Legolas froze in his half standing position as he realized what he had just thought to himself. Did he really just think that he loved her? It was no longer infatuation? How could it have turned into love when he had no contact with her whatsoever since the journey through Lórien? Well, there were the few times that they had talked, one being the time when he had actually kissed her, but still they could not have had developed any special bond with such little contact. Could they?

Oh Elbereth... but he loved her. He did. That was the only explanation that made any sense to him anymore. He was only happy when Emlin was around...that must be love. It all made sense now. That was why he found no other elleth to his liking. He had always wanted Emlin. And in this instant he did not really care about Haldir and Indilisse anymore. They would understand if he could truthfully prove to them that he was genuinely in love with Emlin. Maybe Haldir would soften his stance if he saw that much.

"Legolas?" There came a soft call, "Legolas, are you well?"

He glanced to the side to find Arwen giving him a soft smile coupled with a worried crease in her brow. Legolas took a deep breath, "If you will excuse me, my lords and lady. I need to take a walk about the palace to clear my mind."

"But Legolas," Aragorn chuckled, "We just did so."

"I know, mellon, but I need to do this." Legolas replied and straightened himself out. Without any more protests from his friends, he was gone quickly and found himself walking along a small path up to the living quarters and to his chamber. He stepped inside and walked over to the high carven wood table with missives and edicts of sorts, and pushed them all to the side, searching for the small pouch of fine velvet and embroidered with gold with the crest of the Greenleaves. Legolas finally found it when all of the papers were scattered across the floor, and he walked to a stool and sat down on it.

Loosening the tie, Legolas slipped his fingers inside and removed the contents of the pouch. It rested in the palm of his hand and he gazed down at the Fangorn wood, now molded into the intricate shape of a bird. It once had a rough surface, but now the dark wood was soft and smooth to the touch from many years of gazing at it and caressing it with his fingers. He did not think anyone knew of this artifact that he had carried around with him everywhere he went, just so he could look back on his memories of Emlin and smile. Legolas sighed. He had meant to give it to Emlin when he next saw her, but now he was not so sure.

He stayed there in his chambers for the rest of the day, debating this issue of Emlin and love in his head, but by the time the sun was set and bright stars dotted the sky, he was no closer to a solution than he was before. Legolas was in love with Emlin, and needed to tell her, but he did not want to hurt Valandir, or hear that Emlin herself did not fancy him, but Valandir instead. He could live without her expressed love, but not with spoken rejection.

There came a soft knock at the door and then a quiet, "Mellon."

Legolas slumped his shoulders, but resigned himself to walk to the door and open it to find Arwen . "Yes, Arwen?"

"Will you walk with me?" Arwen questioned, "Aragorn has other commitments this eve."

He nodded his head and shut the door behind him, forgetting that he still held the carven bird in his fist. They walked for a little way down the corridor in silence, Legolas not really wishing to talk and Arwen not wanting to say anything presumptuous. It was until they turned down an open-aired hall that he glanced at her, "Aragorn has no other commitment, does he?"

Arwen shook her head and chuckled, "Nay, he does not, but it got you out of your chamber."

"I have spent a great deal of time there this visit." Legolas replied, glancing down at the ground.

"Aye, you have." Arwen glanced over at him, "And I cannot decide if it is Aragorn and I that you are hiding from, or from something else."

"I did not say that I was hiding." He defended.

Arwen gave him a knowing look, "Legolas, I have known you for a long time. I know when you are hiding. Do you forget that time you sought asylum within Indilisse's wardrobe because you did not wish to have council with your father, Master Targon and my father?"

Legolas laughed, "That was a long while ago. Master Targon was not too happy when he found me either."

"Neither was Elladan when he heard about it." Arwen replied and sighed, "It is good to hear you laugh again, Legolas. Both Aragorn and I agree that it has been long since you last smiled or laughed."

"I have much on my mind." Legolas said.

They grew quiet again as they walked down the corridor some more. But Arwen could always be counted on, "I think it is a wonderful thing that Valandir has found someone to court, do you not?"

He tensed and let out a heavy sigh, parting himself from Arwen. Legolas walked to open window and rested his arms on the sill, peering out into the night air. "You already know the answer to that question, so why must you ask?"

"You think I know the answer?" Arwen asked with an amused tone, "I do not make it an ambition of mine to read the deepest thoughts of my friends."

"It is not so deep, Arwen," Legolas replied, "I feel that if you were to just to read a bit of what is in my head, you would know to the full extent of what you ask."

She smiled and joined him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "If you love her then, why do you not tell her? Why do you shy away from her, when you have told me numerous times that all you want in life is a wife and family to make you feel fulfilled?"

"She is so young, Arwen. Even you know that." Legolas said, turning his face away from her so that she could not see the emotion there.

"She may be young, Legolas, but that does not make her unattainable to you." Arwen replied, "She was very young and impetuous the last you saw her, but now she has grown so many ways and is actually quite intelligent. Emlin would make a worthy mate in that respect if you were to so choose. And she is also very good with children."

He remained as silent as he could, looking up at the night sky. Was Arwen telling him to ruin his friend's plans just because he thought Emlin should not be with Valandir, but himself instead?

"But she has come here to learn from you, Arwen. And see other places." Legolas argued, "Not to bind with anyone."

Arwen smiled, "Maybe her teaching, as you so say, is to be undertaken not only by me, but by a mate as well?"

"Haldir and Indilisse did not send her to find a mate." Legolas rephrased.

"As much as they hate to admit it, Legolas, Emlin is grown and capable of surviving on her own." Arwen said, looking closely at him.

"Haldir would commit a bloody murder if I were to take and corrupt his daughter, Arwen." He said quietly, "I am sure Aragorn has at least told you about the stay in Lórien."

Arwen laughed at him, "Corrupt, dear friend? You will not corrupt her. You will merely be taking her along to the next phase of her life. And I did hear of it from Aragorn, but also a much more detailed description from Indilisse, which included the after affects."

Legolas cocked his eyebrow curiously, "Affects?"

"I will not be the one to tell you, Legolas." Arwen said, "All I can say is that Emlin has missed your company dearly."

He felt a slight flutter in his chest at the small bit of good news, even he could not really know of it meant exactly as it was, or if it was meant in a much deeper sense. "It does not matter, though. Haldir still would rather wish death upon me than see me with his daughter after what I did so long ago."

Arwen smiled again, placed a hand on his cheek as he turned to her, "He is forgiving, Legolas. And no ellyn will ever live up to his expectations for his daughter. Trust me, I know this from living with my own father."

Legolas pulled away from her touch, but then offered his arm to her to guide her back down the corridor. "We return to Ithilien tomorrow, so I fear that this conversation has been for naught."

"You visit often, Legolas." Arwen replied, "Hopefully, though, the next time you come, you have sorted your feelings out and pursue her. Any person who lives in this limbo is bound to fade, and you are not the only one who lives in it. Emlin does as well."

With that, Arwen parted from him and turned down another hallway to head for her chambers. Legolas paused and let out a long sigh, opening his fist up again to peer down at the wooden figure. Arwen was right. He at least owed it to Emlin to tell her the truth and explain why he had been acting in such a way.