Twilight and Greenleaves

Disclaimer: Don't own anything of this.

A/N: Thank you some more! Please review! It makes me want to write more!

Chapter 5

I'm here to court the Princess Adúriel.

For a moment, Legolas couldn't believe what he had just heard. This human was going to seek her hand in marriage? But she was too young! What was he thinking, courting a girl barely sixteen? Resentment rushed through him, but he managed to keep it in check, glancing sharply over at Aragorn, seeking his objection and interference.

She is only sixteen, Lord Rhone, Aragorn replied sharply, his tone the only hint at his true feelings about this whole matter. You may court her, but marriage is her decision.

The young man merely nodded and smiled, but it didn't reach his emerald eyes. But of course your Highness, he replied with a smooth quality that Legolas did not like the sound of. And now, I believe I shall go rest for the evening. Good night, your Majesties. Rhone bowed gracefully to the King, Queen, and visiting Elf Prince, kissed Adùriel's hand, then left the hall.

There was silence following his departure, one filled with tenseness. If she noticed, the Princess didn't seem to care. She simply smiled brilliantly up at her parents before leaving, her eyes aglow.

Legolas made to speak, but Aragorn shook his head to silence him. The King and Queen both rose from their seats, gesturing for him to follow. He did so, but with a seething anger he couldn't begin to comprehend. How dare he! That mortal, after such a girl for his own gain! The greed of men made the Elf feel ill. How is Adúriel so blind to his intentions? She is too young and inexperienced in life to sense people's intentions; she is innocent, he told himself, but it did not still the rage flowing through his body. He kept himself silent, waiting until they reached a door on the second floor of the palace.

When at last Aragorn had closed the door to his private audience chamber, Legolas let his anger spill forth. How can you allow this?

Aragorn raised his eyebrow slightly at the venom in the Elf's tone. He had rarely seen Legolas display such emotion before, and certainly not like this. He knew of Legolas' dislike for the greed and less than noble intentions of men, but that was not a reason for such a reaction. It's my daughter's choice, he said simply, sounding weary. If I forbid it, she will simply choose him just to spite me.You can't let her marry a man like that! Legolas managed to say, trying to keep his voice down. She is only sixteen, still a child. Aragorn, this is your daughter we speak of! When he received no response, he turned on the silent Elven Queen. Tell him! he demanded.

Arwen merely gazed at him with her penetrating gray eyes. Adúriel is not a fool, she told him softly. I do not believe that he will long have an effect on her.

He lowered his eyes, chastising himself for loosing his temper so. I cannot help but worry, he answered in a low voice. Young girls are so easily blinded to the greed of men who are charming.Do not fear, Aragorn assured him. Adúriel will not be drawn in by lies. She will be fine, my friend.Adúriel, Ada is not going to approve! Elen protested as she lifted the elaborate saddle up onto the waiting stallion. He will be most angry if he finds out. There are orcs about, its dark, and you have a broken arm!Just hurry, Adúriel returned in a soft whisper, supervising as her sister did the buckles on the saddle. Since she had not yet been able to get another horse, she was taking Eldarion's, certain she could have Arrna back before he was missed.

I cannot cover for you! Elen hissed in a low voice, her gray eyes glinting with worry.

I don't expect you will need to cover for me, she returned, drawing the hood of her cloak up to conceal her features. I do not intend to be gone for very long.

The younger Princess breathed out huffily, her eyes narrowing as she helped Adúriel up onto the anxious horse. I have half a mind to go get Eldarion or Ada, Elen muttered, hugging herself as she looked up at her sister.

But you won't, Adúriel countered, spurring her mount forward quietly, heading out of the stables and into the shadows of the gardens.

She had to be attentive and cautious, as meeting someone would cause awkward questions that she wanted to avoid. Since her injury, she hadn't been allowed outside the walls of Minas Tirith, and was growing weary of it. Adúriel merely wished to go for a short ride, to feel the fresh air of the wild.

Her ears were pricked for any sounds as she neared the wall where a small door led out of the city. Hearing none, she urged her coal black horse out of the shadows and into the starlight. She was nearly to the door when a voice from the night made her stop short.

Manke naa lle autien? ( Where are you going?)

Adúriel gasped sharply, turning Arrna about. Her sapphire eyes narrowed as she scanned the darkness, searching for the person who had spoken. Ya naa eller?(Who is there?) She hissed angrily before she could think of the wisdom of doing so.

A figure dropped soundlessly from one of the trees lining the walkway, landing catlike on his feet. Legolas. He stared at her curiously, his star bright eyes luminous in the darkness.

Mani naa lle umien?( What are you doing?) he inquired, stepping nearer.

Kela! Sa uma il pand lle! (Go away! It doesn't concern you!) Adúriel whispered heatedly, before realizing that she was still speaking in Elven, which is how he had addressed her. What are you doing out here? she inquired coolly, switching back to the common tongue of men, as if she had not just told him to go away.

The Elf merely shrugged. You should speak Elven more often, he said softly, not answering her question. Your voice makes it sound like music.

Her cheeks flushed crimson at his compliment; how musical could angry words sound? Despite any misgivings she might hold towards him for treating her as a child, she could not keep up her cold front around him any longer. A soft smile made its way across her face. They say the Elves have voices that could charm any heart, she returned quietly. Though I'm afraid I do not possess the magical qualities to my voice as my kindred do.

Legolas smiled at her, enough to cause the girl's flush to deepen. Tell me, where are you planning on going, aranelle?

Hearing the familiar name caused her to soften further, hearing the affection with which he spoke the word. Adúriel sighed, bending to his question. Out of the city for a ride.

Legolas raised his eyebrow, a concerned expression flickering over his fair face. Forgive me Princess Adúriel, but I do not believe that is a good idea considering the attacks on Elves lately. A young girl with Elven features and a broken arm would make excellent prey for wandering orcs.

Her eyes darkened as she bristled at his words. Everyone thinks me a child unable to look after myself, and I see you are no different.

His expression changed again, realizing his error with her. Though he had not intended it, to Adúriel it seemed as if he was treating her like a naughty child. Amin hiraetha. Goheno nin. (I'm sorry. Forgive me.) Legolas sighed softly, his azure eyes pained. You are mistaken in thinking I consider you a child. I simply meant that is dangerous to go out by yourself, even for someone like your brother, even for me.Then what would you suggest? Adúriel demanded tiredly, weary of arguing with him. I need a short ride; are you offering to accompany me? She cursed the words the moment they left her lips, horrified. What would he think of her?

Legolas did not seem startled or offended by her question. The Elven Prince merely smiled at her, a smile that sent warmth flooding through her body. Ae anírach, aranelle. (If you wish)Amin tyára.(I do.) she whispered, lowering her eyes as her cheeks reddened again.

The Elf's eyes glowed, and he stepped forward, speaking in low words to Arrna as he gently took hold of the bridle. For a moment, Elf and horse stared at each other, seeming to be seizing up each other. Then Arrna shook his mane with a low whicker, calm and docile. Legolas gave a satisfied smile, released the bridle and opened the gate before turning back to the waiting girl. He moved towards the horse's right side, accepting the reigns she handed him. With effortless grace, he mounted in front of her, the reigns held loosely in his hands.

Can you hold on well enough? he inquired, glancing at her over his shoulder.

Adúriel managed a nod as she slipped her good arm about his waist, leaning her head against his back. Legolas spoke softly to Arrna, and the horse moved forward eagerly through the small gate and into the night.

She lifted her head to peer around his shoulder to see the view, and felt her breath catch in her throat. Though she had often seen the fields of Gondor, they looked even more incredible by night. Awash with silver moonlight, the waving fields looked mystical and wild, calling to her soul.

Sa naa vanima (It is beautiful), she murmured breathlessly, her azure eyes aglow with wonder.

The Elf looked at her again, and saw the desires of a wanderer awakening in her eyes. Tancave.( Yes) He sighed softly, wondering briefly what paths she would walk before her end, what trials and suffering she would endure. As Legolas urged the stallion into a gallop, he spoke again, his voice raised so that she could hear. Tell me, what do you want to do with your life?

Adúriel was slightly taken aback, her dark hair streaming out behind her like strands of liquid night. I've never really thought about it, she admitted, leaning close to his ear to make herself heard over the wind that whistled past them. It isn't easy to decided what is something worthwhile to do coming from a family of such high achievers.There must be something you desire to do, he returned, his gaze fixed ahead to make sure Arrna didn't trip himself on a hidden hollow in the grass.

She lowered her head slightly, wondering if he could have guessed. Deep in her heart, Adúriel longed to join the Rangers, to wander with them as her father had once done so long ago. Yet while such a thing was not unusual for a king in exile, it was not something a Princess of a ruling family did. She had not breached the subject with her parents, certain such a life choice would be frowned upon.

I want to see something of Middle Earth, she said at last, settling on being partially honest. I do not wish to die having seen nothing of this world. It would be a grand thing to see all of the places my Ada once traveled through.

Legolas smiled sadly to himself. Alas that I was right, he thought with a gentle sigh. For a young maid to bear such wanderlust would be a difficult thing. She was a curious person: Adúriel was neither a warrior maiden as Eowyn, nor was she a gentle lady with a more subtle strength as Arwen was. She was something in between, a hard place to be. He knew all too well how hard it would be for the young half Elven girl, and wished that she would not have to walk such a path, such a lonely, lost path.

Not all those who wander are lost, he reminded himself inwardly. I'm sure you shall walk those paths some day, he declared at last.

Her head lowered, but she didn't responded. Companionable silence fell between the two of them as they continued to ride across the fields for at least an hour. But as the moon rose higher in the sky, Legolas turned the black stallion back towards Minas Tirith. So lost in her own daydreams of living as a Ranger, Adúriel was momentarily startled when the Elf spoke again.

You seem to be spending quite a bit of time with Lord Rhone.

Adúriel felt her cheeks warm, grateful that he wasn't looking back at her. It was true; Rhone had been very attentive towards her, keeping her company for these past few weeks. She bit her lip as she recalled how eager he seemed to make her attracted to him, though she was not certain if he was what she wanted for a husband. She did not feel as if there was anything truly powerful between them, as there had been between her parents when they had met. It made her uneasy and uncertain, but she continued to spend time in Rhone's company, hoping that her feelings might change.

I suppose I have, she agreed slowly. He is . . . kind to me.

Legolas considered this for a moment before speaking again. Do you love him?I beg your pardon? Adúriel gasped in shock, sitting bolt upright behind the Elf as he once more guided Arrna through the gate. You should not be asking me such a thing!Why ever not? It's a simple question, Legolas responded calmly, seeming not at all ruffled by her defensiveness.

She glared at him as he glanced at her over his shoulder momentarily as they passed beneath the mallorn trees. Perhaps for Elves it is a simple question, she returned stiffly. And perhaps it is the nature of Men to not know if they love someone or not.

Legolas accepted this response, though it was not truly an answer. He now retreated to deep thought as he led an eager Arrna into the stables, sliding gracefully off first. He then reached up to assist Adúriel, being careful not to jostle her arm, even though the splints would come off in a day or two.

Why did you ask me that?

He was taken aback by her question, unsure in a way that only she could make him feel. he inquired, deliberately avoiding the question.

Her sapphire eyes searched his intently, wisps of dark hair falling across her face. Inwardly she sighed, knowing that if he did not wish to answer her, he would not. Are all male Elves so stubborn about sharing their feelings? she wondered a bit sourly. Her attention was drawn to his actions as he began to care for Arrna, checking to make sure the horse had adequate food and water.

Legolas suddenly said unexpectedly, startling her. I have a request to make.