LORD OF THE RINGS – THE LOVE OF SIBLINGS
By Princess-Pirate

Summary: Luthien, Legolas' younger sister is in love with Tirmo, a sentinel from Lothlorien. She's madly in love but Legolas has his doubts about the young elf and so does his father. When Aragorn and the twins comes to visit they uncover a plot to remove the Royal family.

Disclaimer: All the characters and places in the story belong to the original creator – JRR Tolkien - and the New Line Cinema. Some of the new characters are my own creations and therefore I have some ownership over them.

Warning: Rated PG for blood, torture, and angst.

Chapter 3

The Banquet

'''''''''''''''

"You look amazing my lady" Tirmo said as he took Luthien's hand and kissed it.

They were standing with Thranduil in a room next to the great hall, waiting for the rest of their party to arrive.

"Thank you my lord" Luthien replied as she smiled.

This is too easy Tirmo smiled at the princess. "You do me great honour by being my companion for the ball your highness" he said and then turned to Thranduil. "And thank you my lord for allowing your beautiful daughter to accompany me."

Thranduil nodded and then looked up.

Smiling, he saw Legolas coming down the hallway with Elrond and his children. He was happy to see Celestial at his son's side. The lady, daughter of Galad and granddaughter of Gil-Galad, was seen in Legolas' presence a lot lately. Thranduil hoped deeply that his son would settle down soon.

"Elladan" Luthien gasped as she saw the eldest son of Elrond with the group. "What are you doing here?"

"Father invited Lord Elrond" Legolas said "And I asked them to come as well. I haven't seen them in a long time. Father said it was alright if they joined us since the attacks concern Rivendell as well."

Tirmo looked at the dark haired being next to Legolas. He had waist long dark brown hair and wore a deep blue tunic. He could have passed for an elf any day if Elrond had not introduced him as his adopted son.

"Good evening Lady Celestial" Thranduil said as he took the lady's hand and kissed it."

"Evening your highness," the blonde haired elleth said as she curtsied "Evening princess Luthien."

Luthien nodded in greeting and together they got ready to enter the hall and enjoy the banquet. She was going to kill Legolas for inviting Elladan.

They waited until their names were announced and then walked to the main table at the front of the banquet hall.

"Announcing Lord Elrond of Rivendell and his sons Lords Elladan, Elrohir and Estel Elrondion."

Elladan walked through the door with a last look at Luthien.

"Tirmo" Luthien said, "I would like you to meet Celestial of Ithilien."

"Pleased to meet you my lady" Tirmo said as he kissed her hand as well "I have heard stories of the great beauty of the granddaughter of the great Gil-Galad."

Celestial smiled but inside she was fuming. Legolas had told her of his suspicions and she couldn't believe his family would not heed his warning.

"Come your highness" Tirmo said as he led Luthien out to the hall.

"Announcing Her Royal Highness Princess Luthien Thranduileill and Lord Tirmo of Lothlorien."

"I missed you" Celestial said as she leaned closer and gave Legolas a hug around his waist "You don't know how worried I've been."

"Missed you too melleth" Legolas replied as he leaned in and kissed the elleth.

Although they weren't allowed to be intimate yet because of their ages and Legolas' age, they were still very much in love. For now, they were content to only kiss and hold each other. They wished for more but weren't allowed to bond yet until they both reached their maturity and Legolas was officially named the Crown Prince of Mirkwood. Both had too much respect for the laws of their elders (Both their grandfather's fought in the Great War and was killed) and wouldn't dream of dishonouring their families.

"Come my star" Legolas said as he saw his father smiling at them. He offered her his arm and they made their way into the hall.

"His Royal Highness Crown Prince Legolas Thranduilion and Lady Celestial of Ithilien."

Celestial smiled at Legolas and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Legolas led them to their seats.

He was to be seated next to his father and Celestial was seated next to Aragorn so that they could plan without being overheard.

"Why does your father allow that human to touch the prince?" Tirmo asked Luthien and she smiled at him, not noticing the venom in the other elf's voice.

"Estel is a good friend to us" she said "And he's very protective of Legolas. They are very good friends and he visits us a lot when he's on patrol with the other rangers."

Tirmo nodded and hid the anger from his face. Everything was set and it would be not worth it if they were caught out so early in the game.

Finally, Thranduil joined them and the feast commenced. Everyone had a good time, Legolas' guardians kept a close eye on the visiting elves, and Aragorn was glad to see Legolas relaxed.

The prince was currently in a deep conversation with Celestial. Both looked up when the king rose and asked for silence.

"Let the dancing begin" he said and with a nod the musicians started playing music as Legolas rose and pulled Celestial to her feet.

"My I have this dance my lady?" he asked and she nodded, allowing him to lead her onto the dancefloor. Wrapping her arms around him, they began to sway to the music.

Tirmo looked at them over Luthien's shoulder as he held the princess in his arms. There was no chance to get to Legolas now. It would have to wait until later when no one would suspect a thing.

After a few more dances Legolas excused himself and walked with Celestial to stand on the balcony.

She left him a little while later to join Aragorn for a dance.

"Your highness" a voice pulled Legolas from where he was looking out over the garden.

Legolas turned to find Tirmo in front of him, with two wine goblets in his hand.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Legolas asked and the elf nodded.

"I thought we might talk" Tirmo said, "I seem to have to explain my position to you. Your father wishes us to be on speaking terms."

Legolas nodded and took a goblet from the elf. He took the goblet that the elf did not offer him on purpose. He silently watched the elf as he sipped the wine. Realising he was being over cautious for nothing he relaxed and started to speak with the elf.

They walked to the garden and Legolas was fascinated with the younger elf's knowledge of training and fighting. He felt himself relax and then spoke to Tirmo about all his fears for Mirkwood.

Tirmo seemed sympathetic and accepted Legolas' apology when the prince apologised for being rude earlier.

They talked for what seemed like a long time. Hearing Aragorn calling him Legolas got to his feet, swaying slightly from moving to quickly, or so he thought.

"Your highness?" Tirmo questioned, steadying the prince when he nearly stumbled.

"Get Estel" Legolas murmured as he felt his limbs grow heavy.

"Legolas" Tirmo exclaimed as Legolas fell to the ground "Hang on. I'm going to go and find your father.

Legolas nodded and then his world went black.

Tirmo smiled evilly, motioning the other elves to join him. "Take him to the place" he said, "You know what to do. I'm going to go and join the princess on the dancefloor."

Yes sir" an elf said as they picked Legolas up and carried him away.

"Where is Legolas?" Celestial asked Aragorn.

"Probably still out on the balcony I suppose" the ranger replied.

"His father needs to speak with him. Luthien and Tirmo has looked everywhere and couldn't find him" Celestial looked around.

"I'll go and get him" Aragorn said as he walked out onto the balcony. "Legolas" he called as he walked down into the garden, knowing Legolas' love for the trees and the silence it provided.

He was walking down the pathway when he heard an elleth scream.

"FIRE!"