Disclaimer: Don't own it. Really wish I did, but I don't. Unfamiliar things to you I DO OWN.

Chapter 2: Fair Hearts Desires

Thranduil was still in the throne room. His son was in front of him, speaking about the increased attacks of the spiders.

" Have the healers made a sufficient amount of the antidote?" Thranduil asked as he leaned slightly into the golden- painted wooden chair.

" Yes, my Lord, they have. Every warrior on patrol shall have a packet of them. Riders are already on the way to deliver them. And every family near the palace shall have one." Legolas formally replied. Whenever he entered his father's throne room he always felt as if he should act every inch of a true prince. At the moment this conversation was between the King and his subject, not between father and son.

" Good," replied Thranduil, " You have done a fine job so far, my son. Why don't we go into the sitting room and share a cup of dorwinion before evening meal?"

The corner of the Prince's mouth lifted into a dazzling smile. " That sounds wonderful." Legolas replied, easily slipping from subject to son.

Thranduil nodded. He stepped off the raised platform and took but a few steps towards the doors with his son by his side when a commotion was heard on the other side. Seconds later the door flew open and Armeliel came running through. Her deep ebony coloredhair, which was previously in a neat braid, now had strands coming loose that softly framed her face. Her eyes beheld anger and sorrow.

"My lords... Uncle." She began. Thranduil exchanged a concerned glance with Legolas. " As you both likely know, I was out in the forest this morn. I went in about 3 leagues, as I usually do, and spotted something that greatly disturbed me."

" Was it spiders?" Asked Legolas.

Armeliel shook her head, " No," Legolas frowned. What else could it possibly be other then spiders? " I came upon 15 orcs. I killed them all and burned the bodies." Thranduil inhaled sharply and for a few moments, the hall was filled with a tense silence.

"How...?" Thranduil asked, more to himself then to his family who were around him. " How could orcs have gotten so close to the caves? They grow bolder, is as I fear."

After a few thoughtful minutes passed by, Thranduil addressed his family. " Legolas, inform the night patrol of this and have them scout for more." Legolas nodded and left to do what he did.

He turned to Armeliel. "You will not go into the forest anymore without another elf. It is not safe."

"Uncle? You cannot say this! I can take care of myself. I proved it in the forest today."

"Yes, but the situation also shows that it is not safe anymore. Armeliel you are family. I do not want you getting hurt. Therefor I say one last time: You may not enter the forest without another elf." He paused and his features softended. "Go get ready for evening meal." Armeliel nodded and silently left the room.

The King sighed wearily and slowly made his way to the royal families private sitting area. 'I think I do need a goblet of wine', he mused. Pretty soon he was relaxed in his chair with a cup of wine in his hands. Several minutes later Legolas entered the room. " Help yourself." Thranduil said, raising his cup and indicating the bottle where some more of the wine was. Legolas nodded and poured himself some wine before taking his seat opposite his father. They sat in silence. No words were needed to be spoken. They were both content to remain in a comfortable silence with each other, enjoying the wine. Five minutes later Armeliel entered the room. She smiled a bit before almost shyly saying,

"Sorry to have kept you waiting."

Thranduil smiled warmly at her. " There is nothing to be sorry for." He replied. He always felt protective of his wife's sister's daughter. Legolas was his only child. A male. So at times he treated her as he would treat Legolas.

But he could see it now. She was maturing into an adult. Even though her coming of age was still some 54 years off. She was maturing far to quickly. Well... so did Legolas and he himself. It came with the territory of being a part of the royal family.

Someone knocked on the door twice and then a servant girl entered. She quietly told them that evening meal was ready to be served, and then left. They all got up and headed to the family's dinning room. At meals, all talks were all mainly steered away from business and warriors and the troubles ruling a kingdom created.

" I don't think," Stated Armeliel after the servants placed the food on the tables and left, " you will be seeing those leggings again, Legolas. If Oroalphien or I have a say in it." Thranduil chuckled, shaking his head. Legolas shook his head unable to keep from smiling.

" Do not fret, Armel, they don't fit me anyway."Legolas replied. And so continued their evening meal. Tales were told and much laughter was shared.

After the meal was over, they all ventured to the sitting room, were more tales would be told and wine would be given.

"Uncle," Armeliel began, " will you tell they tale of Beren and Luthien?"

" Ai, my star, you do enjoy that tale, do you not?" Thranduil asked kindly. Armeliel nodded.

Legolas smiled, and said " I haven't heard that one in a while, do tell, Adar."

"Very well." Replied the King, setting down his goblet and shifting slightly in his chair. Then he began the tale. " It is told in the Lay of Leithian that Beren came stumbling into Doriath grey and bowed as with many years of woe, so great had been the torment of the road. But wandering in the summer in the woods of Neldoreth he came upon Luthien, daughter of Thingol and Melian, at a time of evening under moon rise, as she danced upon the unfading grass in the glades beside Esgalduin. Then all memory of his pain departed from him, and he fell into an enchantment; for Luthien was the most beautiful of all the Childeren of Iluvatar.

"Blue was her raiment as the unclouded heaven, but her eyes were grey as the starlit evening; her mantle was sewn with golden flowers, but her hair was dark as the shadows of twilight. As the light upon leaves of trees, as the voice of clear waters, as the stars above the mists of the world, such was her glory and her loveliness; and in her face was a shining light. But she vanished from his sight, and he strayed long in the woods, seeking her. He called her Tinuviel, that signifies Nightingale, daughter of twilight, in the Grey-elven tongue. There came a time near dawn on the eve of spring, and Luthien danced upon a green hill; and suddenly she began to sing, the song of Luthien released the bonds of winter. Then the spell of silence fell from Beren, and he called to her. Then she halted in wonder and fled no more, and Beren came to her. But as she looked on him, doom fell upon her, and she loved him; yet she slipped from his arms and vanished from his sight even as the day was breaking...."

The next morning a light mist hung in the air. The buds of flowers were all opening up, showing that Spring was here. Oroalphien knocked twice on Armeliel's door before entering. Armeliel was already awake, by her dresser, looking for a comfortable dress.

" If you are looking for the dress, I have it right here, Armel." Armeliel looked up and smiled graciously before taking the vanilla colored dress. She started to undress and put on the offered gown. Oroalphien tied the strings at the back of the dress. Armeliel smiled in thanks and Oroalphien nodded in acknowledgment. " There." she said when she was finished. Armeliel walked to the mirror and admired the dress.

Oroalphien walked over and gently nudged Armeliel to the seat in front of it, and then started doing her hair. She took three parts from the side and braided it, then did the same to the other side. When they were both braided she tied them together in the back and placed small vanilla colored flowers in them.

When Armeliel was finally done, she turned around and hugged Oroalphien. "Oh Oro, thank you so much. This looks grand." She cried.

Oroalohien hugged her back, "Now, now..." She murmured. To her, Armeliel was the daughter, sister, and friend she never had. She was desperately trying to have Armeliel act more like the Lady of the Court. She was fighting a losing battle. She pulled back and took a good look at the young elleth she held. She laughed softly, " You should trade in your tunics and leggings for some of these gowns more often." She said in answer to Armeliel's bewildered expression.

" When occasions come I will dress and act every bit of a Lady of the court, but you are expecting too much from me by being this all the time." The young elleth laughed.

After I few minutes, Oroalphien looked at the clock and gasped, " Dear me, Armeliel, you should get going or you'll be late for morning meal!"

Armeliel spun around and gasped and then headed to the dining room in a fast walk. When she arrived she found Thranduil and Legolas already seated and the servants just putting down the meal.

" Pardon me for my tardiness, Uncle, I lost track of time." She explained while taking her seat.

" Do not worry, my star" Thranduil said. He took a sip of his warm tea and picked up his fork to start on his meal of eggs and oats.

" So," Legolas began, " What are you planning on doing this day, Armel?"

" I am planning on going over Imeldawen's cottage with Lalaith." Armeliel replied, placing her fork down.

" Making pies, today?" Legolas asked hopefully.

" I do not think so. Every time we make a pie we always find it with you and Tinrou." Legolas laughed. It was a warm laugh, you could tell he was happy and content at the moment. " I do think, my dear cousin, that you and Tinrou should make your own. Then you can have as many as your fair hearts desire." Armeliel said, taking a sip of her tea.

" Tinrou and I will have to try that." Legolas said, with a thoughtful look coming into his eyes.

Thranduil coughed, trying to keep his laughter in. He looked at Armeliel with a mischievous glint in his eyes before locking on eyes so much like his own. He coughed again. " Now Legolas, do you think it is wise that you and Tinrou should try something like this?" At Legolas' nod, Thranduil continued. " Oh dear..." he murmured. In a louder voice he continued, " I remember when you were a little elfling. Your mother had brought you into the kitchens with her and she let you help her make a pie. Thus she got occupied with other matters and you were left baking..... you nearly burnt the whole kitchen down." He chuckled. Armeliel brought her napkin up to her mouth to cover up her giggles.

Legolas' face turned just a tint pinker as he replied, " I was an elfling then! At that age I found my feet fascinating and stuck them in my mouth. You cannot blame me at such a young age."

Thranduil laughed. " No? Well... let us see other, more recent, examples... Ah! Last year, for the feast of Yavannna, you attempted to make bread. Tinrou and yourself had put too much yeast inthe breadso while you had let it set, it had grown so much that it overflowed from the bowel, over the counter and onto the floor. Tinrou and yourself tried to control it, but it just kept growing bigger. Then you ran from the building, yellingthat the dough having a mind of its own." Thranduil sat back with a smug smile.

Armeliel burst out laughing. " I... I had forgotten about that! Dear Eru!..." She said between fits of giggles.

By now Legolas was clearly blushing. " Ai! I wont try to deny it. But I will still try it. I've nearly burnt down a kitchen, and have had dough grow into rather large size. What else can go wrong?" Thranduil just shook his head and finished the last of his meal.

" I fear I must go for the petitioners, farewell." Thranduil said getting up. He looked at Legolas and said, "May the Valar be with you"and left.

Armeliel laughed again. She got up from her place and walked over to where Legolas sat. She put her arms around his neck from behind and leaned over, kissing his cheek. " I take my leave now Legolas. Have fun and... don't do anything rash." she whispered in his ear. At Legolas nod she kissed his cheek again and left.

After drowning his tea, he got up and made his way to Tinrou's cottage. The day was truly beautiful. The skies were a clear blue, the plants just releasing from winters hold. Turning green with new found life.

As he came upon Tinrou's cottage, he found him playing outside with his little sister. She was young, only being in this world for one year.

"Hello Tinrou." Legolas called.

Tinrou looked up and called back, "Greetings Legolas." He picked the young elfling up, causing her to giggle, and made his way into the cottage to hand her to their mother. He came back out and sauntered over to where Legolas was leaning against a tree.

He studied Legolas for a few moments before asking, " What are you up to?"

Armeliel walked out of the palace and into the clean free air. Just outside the gates she came upon her best friend, Lalaith. Lalaith was the same age as Armeliel and was the daughter of a tutor and a weaver.

"Hello, Lalaith." she greeted.

"Hello, Armeliel." Lalaith answered.

When they arrived at Imeldawen's cottage they knocked and patiently waited for the door to be opened.

Imeldawen greeted them and led them inside to the sitting room.

" I heard that you went into the forest yesterday morning." Imeldawen stated.

"Yes, I did." confirmed Armeliel. " But I came upon orcs not 3 leagues in."

" Don't sound frightened, Armel, we all know that you thrive for action." Lalaith said.

They all laughed, for they all knew it was true.

"Do you all remember how every time we make a pastry dessert we find it in Legolas' and Tinrou's hands?" At Imeldawen's and Lalaith's nods, Armeliel continued. " This morning, Legolas asked me if we were making pies, and I told him to make some for himself if he wants some. It was in jest, but he took it the other way. As we speak he is heading to Tinrou's cottage to bake a pie."

" Oh no," Imeldawen said in between laughs. " It will be disastrous! What ever are they thinking?"

" Apparently not much." Replied Lalaith as she braided her brown mane. They all laughed.

" Anyway, we will hear about their adventure at the end of the day." Stated Imeldawen. " The feast of Yavanna is only a few weeks away. Do you all know what you intend to wear to the feast?"

" I shall be wearing a green dress with gold lining. What will you be wearing, Armel?" said Lalaith.

Armeliel shook her head. " I haven't a clue. Oroalphien is making me a dress, but she wont let me get the slightest glimpse or the tiniest detail on what its appearance will be. How about you Imel?"

" Its not finished yet, but it's a deep blue,and it will havea silver under dress that when I turn, wifts of silver will appear." she sighed. "It's a lovely dress." The other two elleths agreed.

"So," Lalaith said, neatly changing the subject. " I have gotten a letter from Dimdalion. He is faring well and he sends his regards to you both. It seems that he found our little adventure with the squirrels amusing." He and Lalaith were brother and sister. Dimdalion was a novice warrior. As a novice warrior, he and fellow novices went on a three month long lesson. It was required every year, and it helped the young warriors get a grip on what they were training for, and what they would be surrounded by.The novices always said thatit ismuch better then a verbal speech.

" Oh really?" asked Imeldawen. " I think he finds everything amusing, but then again he would not be amused if he..."

Armeliel picked up where Imeldawen trailed off, in a little baby-like voice, " hurt his sister in any possible way." The two elleths laughed, and laughed harder while a glaring Lalaith turned a lovely shade of red.

"You should blush more often, Lalaith, it is most becoming." Armeliel said, ducking gracefully as a pillow was thrown at her.

" Do not be upset, Lal, it is merely a jest, nothing more." Said Imeldawen.

"Truly, merely a jest." Said Armeliel, turning serious.

" It would seem... but then again it may be because I have a brother who enjoys my company very much." Teased Lalaith.

"Did you hear that, Imel?" Armeliel asked.

" I did, Armel, unless my ears deceive me." Imel replied.

"Hey now..." Lalaith said, uncertainly. She looked from Armel to Imel, seeing the mischief in their eyes and knowing what was about to happen.

At the same time the two Mel's lunged at Lalaith and each took a hold on each arm. Then they each efficiently dragged a struggling, half protesting half laughing, elleth out of the cottage and down the dirt road. Earning curious and bewildered glances from passing elves.

They had managed to drag Lalaith to the river a little ways ahead of her cottage without her noticing. But when clear sight of the rushing water came into view, Lalaith's laugher died down but her protesting came up a few notches.

"Please! Imeldawen! Armeliel! Please, I beg of you! I was teasing! Ai! I do not want to get wet!" Unfortunately for Lalaith, her protests were ignored and she was flung into the water with a loud splash. When she emerged to the surface, her hair was sticking all over her face and her clothes clung to her body. The two Mel's were giggling so much that they weren't paying attention to Lalaith who had wadded to the banks and grabbed their ankles pulling them both into the water. When they emerged from the water glaring, Lalaith was laughing while telling them, " Listen to my laughter!"

They all laughed.When their mirth abated some what, Lalaith looked at each friend in front of her before saying, "Even?" At their nods they all got up and wadded out of the water and down the path to Imeldawen's house to change into fresh clothing.

Meanwhile... At Tinrou's cottage, Legols had just finished telling him what had happened that morning and of his plans for baking pies. " So I am off to prove to them that I can bake and I will. Will you aid me, Tinrou?" finished Legolas.

He looked over at Tinrou who's mouth was slightly open to form an 'O' shape. After a few minutes when no response came, Legolas asked again. "Tinrou?" Legolas reached out to touch his shoulder when Tinrou jolted back to reality.

"Forgive me, Legolas, I was merely thinking. Excuse me for being blunt but,... we can not cook to save our lives. When on patrol, yes, enough to stay alive, but here... no. What were you thinking? There is no way we can prove that we can."

"Can we at least try, my friend?" Legolas pleaded.

" Oh all right. We will try. But the question really is... what kitchen will we use?" Tinrou said, giving in to Legolas' crazy idea.

They then sat in silence. For that was indeed an important question that needed answering, but they didn't have any answers.

"Well," Legolas began slowly, " We certainly cannot bake in your cottage." He paused in thought before continueing, "How about we bake at the palace? We have more then three kitchens and if one gets ruined beyond repair, it wont be the end of us."

Tinrou nodded. "Alright." he murmured.

With that they slowly made their way to the palace's gate. As they entered they passed through the many passages and corridors till they found 4 kitchens, but all of them were occupied. On the fifth kitchen they came upon, they found it clear of any elves. The quickly entered the room and shut the door.

Legolas looked around him, rubbing his hands together. "Lets get started, shall we?" He asked. He looked at Tinrou and nodded. Legolas moved to the cupboards to retrieve flour, yeast and so on. Tinrou on the other side of the room was looking threw the fruits when he turned around and asked.

" Apple?"

"Excellent."

Tinrou nodded, turning around to grab the sack of apples and heave it on the table in the center of the room. Once they all had the supplies on the table in front of them, they paused. Now what? They didn't want to start off wrong and having it all come crashing down into a burning pile of black dough.

" Legolas... we don't know how to make a pie. Not the slightest clue we have."

" Oh of course we do, Tinrou." Legolas replied. "We... we just, um... we start first with the flour and... uh... yeast, right?" He asked, stuttering and uncertain.

"Right"

Legolas turned back to the table. Hesitantly he pushed the sack of apples towards Tinrou and said, " Peel and cut the apples... about twelve. ..after you peel and cut them make the rest of the filling and mix it together. I will be making the crust."

" What is the other filling besides apples?" Tinrou asked, retrieving a knife from a drawer.

" I don't know. Put some stuff that looks and smells like it goes together."

Tinrou nodded. Legolas turned back to his dough and while remembering last years bread baking, carefully put just enough yeast in. After mixing it and other ingredients together, he put it on the counter with a cloth over it to let it set. He then went and helped with the fillings. Once that was finished they both went around cleaning the area and warming up the oven.

"Well Legolas, I must admit this is relatively simple." Tinrou said, leaning against the counter with a relieved smile on hi face.

"Indeed." replied Legolas, checking on the dough. "I knew we could do this. We should do this more often. Everything is going smooth."

If only he knew how wrong that last statement was.

" Go check and see if the dough has finished setting." Legolas said after twenty minutes went by.

Tinrou walked to the other counter and picked up the cloth that was set over the bowl. He peered in and frowned. "Legolas? Is the dough supposed to be grey?"

Legolas walked over and peered over Tinrou's shoulder. " It's also turning green on the edges."

"Is it supposed to be like that?"

" I always thought it to be a pale brown, but that is how it looks when it is already baked... so my guess is that it is supposed to be like that."

"Oh,"

"Bring the filling over." When Tinrou had brought it over he placed it on the counter.

" What about the crust?" He asked.

Legolas took a knife and cut a couple of strips here and there and took them out. " Problem solved. Pour the filling in." Tinrou did as he was asked and Legolas put the strips and attempted to do a lattice topping for the crust. " There," he said triumphantly.

"I think we should put it in the oven now." Tinrou said.

He then took the pie and placed it in the oven.

" Now we wait." Tinrou said.

"Aye," came the reply.

Armeliel looked up after she had wrung her hair outside the cottage. On the way to the cottage the got even more peculiar glance shot at them and some head shaking from elders who knew what they were capable of.

" I think we should go over to Tinrou's cottage and see what they have done." Armeliel said.

" Shouldn't we change into dryer clothes?" Lalaith asked ringing her dress into a pot of flowers.

" And miss seeing what they are up to? I think not. We can change later." Armeliel replied

So the three wet elleths made their way to Tinrou's cottage... only to find out that they had left to the palace to use the kitchens there. So off the went to the palace. The guards let them in with a bow to Armeliel.

" Has Legolas and Tinrou passed by here at all today?" Armeliel asked a passing maid.

" Indeed, my Lady. They took to the corridors leading to the kitchens. I do not know what kitchen they are occupying but they have not left." The maid replied.

" Thank you for your help, miss." Armeliel said.

" The pleasure is all mine, my Lady." The maid replied with a small curtsy before taking off. "This should be exciting." Imeldawen commented. The others nodded in agreement.

They then went into the corridor, looking in every kitchen for a sight of the prince and his friend. At the fifth kitchen they found Legolas and Tinrou just taking out the pie from the oven.

" Well, well, well... I see you haven't burnt down anything. That is good." Armeliel said. Legolas scowled at her.

The two elves looked at the three elleths up and down.

" What happened to you three?" Tinrou asked.

The three maidens smiled and an occasional giggle escaped their lips. " We had a great misfortune of taking a surprising dip in the river."said Lalaith.

Though the two males weren't satisfied with the reply, but they let it go. Being more interested in their creation.

" Is that your pie?" Imeldawen asked.

" Yes," came the reply.

" And were you going to eat it?" She questioned.

" Yes... this is how its supposed to look." Legolas said, though he was eyeing the pie with obvious dislike.

"Is it?" Tinrou added.

" By the gods no!" All three replied. Armeliel rushed over and hugged Legolas from the side while Imeldawen and Lalaith disposed of the green, grey, pie.

" Please don't ever do such a thing like that! If you had taken a bite we would of had to rush you two to the healers." she said.

" Exactly," Imeldawen said. " From this day forth don't try this ever again. You take care of those spiders and orcs and we'll take care of cooking."

Tinrou and Legolas sullenly nodded. They were upset that they were terrible cooks but they were secretly pleased because they had an excuse now to get the elleth's pies.

At evening meal Thranduil asked, "How was baking, Legolas?"

" We didn't burn anything. But we soon realized that we had absolutely no clue what we were supposed to do. For the filling and the crust we just added what looked and smelt good."

" Lalaith, Imeldawen, and I came just as they were taking it out of the oven. It was truly awful, Uncle. It was green and grey and they were going to eat it, too!" Armeliel added.

Thranduil laughed. " I am glad that Armeliel came, Legolas, sometimes you do not have that much common sense in your head." Legolas blushed.

The next day Anor sunshone brightly. Drops of water softly clung to leaves and flowers, from the night's shower.

A fair maiden was in the woods. her cloak was torn and grief was etched into her face. Silver tracks made by tears trailed down her porcelain cheeks and landed onto the ground beneath her. She limped, for a gruesome gash was on her leg and it bled freely still. She feebly pushed her limp golden mane over her ear, revealing the pointed tip. Her breathing was heavy. She had run, for over 15 leagues she ran as if they were pursueing her still. If she faltered for a mere second she would pay the price, and they would get her.

She was tired, she couldn't go on. Oh how she wanted to lie down and sleep. Forget her troubles for a short time. But that was not so. She couldn't let herself do that. So she pushed herself. Once she knew she was safe she would give in to her body's protests. But not now.

Out of nowhere two gaurds of the woodland realm appeared. The questioned her. She looked up, her pale blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

" Will you keep me safe? Away from them?" She asked wearily. The two gaurds looked at each other and back at the maiden with concern and worry. She then collapsed. Letting the darkness take her.

A/N

the little part about Beren and Luthien was taken from chapter 19 in the silmarillion. Its not mine. I just took a part of it and rearanged some of it to fit it in with my story.

Please review!