Author's Note: Hello, hello. Well, I have found some time to finish the chapter and post it, though it is quite late. I am truly sorry, and though I deserve it, please don't be angry with me (though some might have found my absence fortunate). I hope you like it, and I would appreciate any reviews. Enjoyable reading!

"A Dream"

"Laureligh?" Aldar repeated, raising an eyebrow. Legolas smiled, sighing deeply.

"I feel so strangely toward her, Aldar," he explained with a slight chuckle, grinning as he recalled their meeting. "The mere touch of her hand made my heart leap. I felt like an elf-child with some silly schoolyard melisse… She must be a nymph or a muse- nay… she must belong to the fair Valar themselves."

"The Valar- Legolas, you have it bad!" Aldar snickered, trotting alongside his friend.

"What do you mean?" he asked, turning to his friend.

"What do you mean, what do I mean!" he shot back. "You are hopelessly in love with this she-elf!"

Legolas' frown turned to a smile.

"You think?"

Aldar snorted. "All you have done since you have returned is speak of her- but do remember before you fall head over heels, dear Prince, you will likely never see her again."

Legolas' smile faded. It was sad to have a dream he knew would never be.

"You fall too easily for the helpless maiden, Legolas. I am not saying that is all togetherwrong, but you must watch yourself. Guard your heart. Not all she-elves are the One."

"You are right Aldar," Legolas said, keeping his gaze ahead as he studied the path.

"I am always right, Your Highness," Aldar replied with a smirk.

"Ah, Rivendell at last," one of the elves in the company declared. Legolas looked up. It was more beautiful than he remembered. The foaming waterfalls cascading down the rocks and cliffs along with the beautiful elven architecture forced him to cheer up. The view was even more beautiful once they entered the gates. Inside, Legolas jumped off his horse, staring in awe at the land. Golden leaves fell like a light rain and the huge buildings were designed with elegant arches and staircases.

As the others dismounted from their horses, a tall elf with raven hair and silken white robes approached them.

"Welcome to Imladirus, friends from Mirkwood," he spoke warmly, extending his hands. As he spoke, three elves joined behind him. "We hope you feel at home here. Come, and we shall show you your place to retire before the feast."

"Diola lle, Lord Elrond," the eldest of the company said, placing his hand across his chest and bowing as he extended it forward.

Elrond nodded with a smile.

"Lle ume quel, Celerath. Sut naa lle?"

"Quite well," he replied, smiling slowly, "but I feel I might have a change of heart after this council meeting."

Elrond smiled again.

"Come- right now I must speak with an old friend. The others will be shown their rooms," he exclaimed, motioning to the servants. As one led the horses to the stables, the other two escorted the rest of the company to their rooms.

The first led Legolas to the left down a small path. At the end they came upon a large gazebo with a lovely waterfall foaming behind it and lush ferns growing along its' banks. It was isolated, away from the rest of the elf-haven, almost hidden behind the trees and forest. The servant led him inside and left, leaving him to roam freely. Tall candleholders twisted like vines holding a dozen white candles each stood by the open archways leading into the room. The rest was bare except for a marble staircase that led to another room. Walking up, he stepped in the guest room.

It was brightly lit with rays of sunshine that seemed to flood every corner. The smell of fresh air warmed him. Legolas slowly walked around, his eyes pouring over each intricate detail. Across the top of the stairs was a semi-circle balcony that stood over the waterfall. Lacy cream curtains flowed on each side into heaps on the floor. Legolas turned to the left, running his hand on the ivory railings and walked in the rest of the room.

On his right was a wide wooden dresser adorned with fine elven carvings. On it sat a golden bowl with cool water for washing his face. Beside it, in the corner, was a large oval mirror with the words Aman naa i' khselee delicately written on the white frame. On the adjacent wall was the bed, equipped with fluffy feather pillows and white silken sheets. On the left side was a large candleholder, like those downstairs, and a small bed table with a vase of elanor and niphredil on top.

On the other wall were two wooden doors, opening into a large closet. As he closed them, he heard a faint voice outside the balcony. He slowly walked closer, able to hear more clearly. It was a song- an elvish song, sung by a woman. Her melodious voice floated through the air. Legolas peered over the balcony, drawn to her beautiful song.

At first, he caught but a glimpse of her. Her dark gray dress and brown hair seemed to make her invisible in the wood. Then he saw her. She leaned on the railing in the middle of a small stone bridge under the falls, almost hidden behind the blossoming cherry trees. She was even more beautiful than before.

"Laureligh," he whispered, afraid to take his stare from her face. He stood there awkwardly for what seemed hours, surprise rendering him immobile.

'Go to her!' he screamed silently, wanting to kick himself. Quickly he turned and plundered down the staircase, nearly tripping over his own feet.

melisse female love

"Diola lle, Lord Elrond," "Thank you, Lord Elrond,"

"Lle ume quel, Celerath. Sut naa lle?" "You look well, Celerath. How are you?"

Aman naa i' khselee Blessed is the beholder