Hey! New chapter, aren't you glad?

Well, Nea and I are kind of out of luck for the next month--the internet we use to update will not be availible to us starting Friday until mid-september. I'll update at least once more--if you all review, I'll try to get around to it twice.

JD: Well then, as long as I don't know it's you not being signed in... then it's fine. LOL.

MoonLit-Night: I think you're right. Rather amusing, isn't it?

As prearranged, the 'spider specialist's' group returned to the palace of the king in midwinter. The elves were much more vigilant on this journey, for the wolves stayed behind. The canines had to struggle through the snow that drifted and blew several feet deep, so the elves could travel much more quickly on their own, walking with ease on the snow no matter its thickness.

Legolas looked down at the snow he was walking over, stopped and scooped some up. It was sticky, powdery snow which formed clumps without the slightest provocation. He clicked his tongue softly, drawing the attention of Ertelen, who took Legolas's expression in in an instant, turning to nudge Dareklien before they bent together to gather some snow. Miranol and Oleydya caught on quickly, and they all formed their weapons with the speed and ease garnered from years of practice.

They waited a moment, judging when the time was right, and then they all threw their icy projectiles at their leader, who was walking ahead. Waiting for a solid splash, they were disappointed when Nenya walked off the path, oblivious.

Or so they thought. An instant later snowballs were sailing at them. Since they were facing them, it was easy enough to avoid them, but war had been declared. All through the day, even as they walked on, they stopped time and again to attempt to hit one of their companions. They left behind a confusing trail for anyone who tried to follow it, scooping motions here ant there, the remains of snowballs scattered and skittered over the snow, falling into drifts before being covered once more. It would be all the more confusing for the lack of footprints, for even when startled the elves didn't leave behind trail enough that an instant of wind wouldn't blow it away.

This deep into the winter was the only time the wind slipped through the dark trees. It blew the snow around and made the forest seem even more unfriendly to those who knew it only in passing. For the six elves now walking within it, it was simply another time, another day. Despite their loss of the wolf pack, they could feel the watchful presence of Argile and Zetea above them, and the group knew their leader was just as watchful, though just as guilty of throwing snow as the rest.

However, she was the only one who hand not been caught unawares by the time they drew close to the palace. The others were a bit annoyed, but could see no help for it just yet.

Thranduil welcomed them back, before sending them all off to dry and changed, seeming a bit amused by the bedraggled elves. Indeed, he followed his son to find out how they had gotten to be in such a state without grim demeanors. He caught up just as Legolas called to Nenya.

"Nenya! Hold on!"

"What?" she asked, exasperation nearly tangible in her voice.

Legolas grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Thought you needed a hug," he murmured softly, pulling her to a halt.

"I don't need anything from anyone."

Legolas lifted a brow, leaning against the wall, still holding her against him with one arm. "Sure you do. You just don't want to admit it."

"Cockiness may suit a prince, but it doesn't suit you."

"Meaning I'm not a prince?"

"No, you're the prince, but there are some things more befitting one of royal blood than the lowest his people will allow."

"Ouch. That was a bit low," Legolas murmured. "Makes up for the guilt I was beginning to feel for this."

"For what?" she asked suspiciously.

Legolas chuckled softly and spun swiftly around, pinning her to the wall. An instant later his last snowball was melting its way down her back. "That," he said softly.

"You will be repaid in full, elf."

"I'll look forward to it," he answered cheekily.

"Most wouldn't," she hissed, her eyes cold.

Legolas frowned and backed up. This wasn't the Nenya he knew. This was the Nenya from his dream… nightmare.

She reached behind her and pulled what remained of the snowball from her shirt, shaking herself loose of the last pieces after tugging her shirt from her pants. She crunched the snow in her palm, and turned her eyes to the hesitant prince. She'd scared him. Poor dear.

Smiling slightly, she advanced on him, knowing she could intimidate even the bravest, cockiest of elves when she chose. She chose that moment, watching with dark amusement as he backed up until she had him against the opposite wall as securely as he'd had her.

The snowball hit his chest with a satisfyingly moist splatter. He blinked and looked down at himself, sweeping the snow globs off with a quick, automatic motion. He looked up at her in shock.

She smiled cheerfully at his growing glare. "That, I believe, makes us even." She laughed softly and winked at Thranduil as she passed him, her steps lighter than they had ever been in the palace.

Thranduil looked after her, looked at his still stunned and beginning to shiver son, and chuckled softly. "Never mind."