AN}-- I now return... See with the end of a holiday, I'm sort of steaming nonstop and I get really good at updating... unfortunately, it doesn't last very long. Yet again, I apologize for long waits, and short chapters but this is the best I can do with the more than half-dozen stories I'm currently working on right now.

Chapter 05:

Gimli decided to stay one more night since the ball in honour of his friend would be held and he wanted to attend. Anyway, the palace of the House of Mirkwood was something to behold. Gimli had thought that since Legolas was alwas so uncomfortable underground and most comfortable in the trees that the Mirkwood palace would resemble a bit of the talans he'd seen in Lothlorien. He was pleased and surprised, however, when he found the palace a labyrinth of caves on the face of a mountain cliff, right by the Forest River. Mind you, the caves did not delve as deep into the mountain as those of Dwarves but the ElvenKing's halls were still beautifully made and more brightly lit.

"Not to offend, Legolas, but I can not believe that woodland elves could make such beautiful halls," Gimli grunted as they walked down a corridor leading to the outside, where the ball was taking place.

"That is because we only aided in its making," Legolas explained, amused at the Dwarf's approving and awestruck glance at his home. "It was intially made by Dwarves... Your ancestors, I believe, back in friendlier days between elves and yourself." Gimli looked up and Legolas smiled down at him, knowing what the other was thinking. If they had it their way, those friendly days between Dwarf and Elf would be rekindled sometime in the near future.

They arrived, in good time, to the ball and both Walkers were greeted by the elves with applause and ovation. Gimil blushed the rusty beard of his chin and Legolas just smiled and waved gracefully at the crowd. His father was immediately at their side.

"Mellyn-nin!" the king began. "Your prince... My son has returned to the safety of Mirkwood..." The crowd cheered loudly and Legolas smiled, modestly. "He has fought through many battles and fought the evil that had long befallen our forest... Now, it is a time of change... With Prince Legolas' return... This ball.. This NIGHT shall signify the beginning of our journey back to our home's proper name: Greenwood the Great."

The Eldalie cheered and the king signaled the musicians to resume their playing. Legolas and Gimli took up seats on the table and began to converse as they ate the food. A goblet of wine was in front of both and they sipped it merrily, enjoying themselves.

"This wine is very strong," Gimli commented. Legolas winced as well and put the goblet down.

"Yes... A little TOO strong, given I haven't really drank any since I've left Imladris... I don't think I'll have anymore," he laughed, putting the goblet aside.

Thranduil, then, joined the two but somehow the conversation seemed to involve the king and the dwarf more and more... and Legolas, less and less. Soon Gimli and Thranduil were laughing at jokes that Legolas missed or didn't understand. The feeling of being left behind swept through him again and he looked around his brother and sister. They were occupied as well, however.

Leithwen was busy with some of the elvish scholars visiting Mirkwood. Leuthilalren was dancing with Luin-gil, whom all other ignored. Legolas spied how Leuthilalren seemed to be so enchanted by Luin-gil and he took note in his mind to have a bit of talk with his brother. Legolas knew that this obvious infatuation he had with this elleth was not to be and needed to be ended soon. What would the other think?! The younger prince... courting the outcast of northern Mirkwood! It would be a scandal, to be sure. He was about to go and separate the two when several ellyth came upon him.

"Oh, my prince! We're so happy that you've returned," an elleth he knew in passing as Nibiniel. Her friend, Dimien, was giggling beside her, looking up blushingly at the prince.

"As am I," Legolas said, kindly. He took a look up at his brother and Luin-gil and found them on a log, laughing and talking. Others were pointing and gossiping amongst themselves but the two didn't seem to notice. He made a move to walk towards them but Nibiniel stopped him.

"Surely, you do not mean to leave us yet," Nibiniel murmured, her hand stroking his forearm.

"I really have something to attend to..."

"Not right now, of course!" Dimien intervened, her hand on his other arm. Legolas rolled his eyes and he felt the old prince lessons he had when he was younger and frowned. He REALLY did NOT want to stay but his old habits taught him that he could not deny the company of an elleth who wished it and now there were TWO.

They began to engage him in conversation and he felt himself drawing into a shell... finding that all these two elves could talk about were themselves and who had taken whom to their bed. They were so.... shallow... His head began to pound at their petty words and he took a sip of his wine to try and ease the pain.... He found that not only did it ease the pain... The high-pitched voices of Nibiniel and Dimien were dumbed down and he found them more tolerable. He sipped again, knowing that it wasn't very wise to drinking so much... but he took a drink again... and another... and another...

AN}— And here is another chapter to this story! I can't believe I'm updating... haha... the fact that I updated this story... OR Prophecy at all!! is a friggin' MIRACLE... Now, I must get to the others I have forgotten as well. =) Please Review!!