Wo0o0! Sorry that it has been so0o0o long guys! I do have a legitimate excuse for the tardiness this time, though; I really do! You're not gonna believe this, but I actually have a life now! Yay! LoL

LEGOLAS'S P.O.V.

The sound of two horses' hooves trotted down the road. Several nobles, my father and I stood outside the palace doors, waiting.

The muscle in my father's jaw was clenched, and many of the noblemen were wringing their hands. Apparently, I was not the only one upset about Morier's return. No one said a word; no one made a noise. Everyone was silent, tense.

A horse's nose came into view, and I heard someone beside me take a deep breath and slowly let it out. I wished I could, but I would not show the weakness.

He rounded the corner, and, as I took in his profile, I felt the hatred rise within me. He sat upon that horse as though he were a champion returning from battle. He was snide, arrogant, and held the smugness in every fiber of his being. A sneer of disgust itched at the corners of my mouth, but I beat it into submission (regretfully).

Then, suddenly, I saw the woman behind him, his wife. I felt the blood drain from my face.

By the Valar! It was Fay! She looked completely different, but it was, without a doubt, Fay!

I knew, somewhere in the haze of my mind, that my jaw was slack and completely un-elven, but I truly could not help myself.

Morier stopped his horse and dismounted in front of my father and me, bowing.

"Your majesty!" He exclaimed. My father straightened slightly.

"Lord Morier," He acknowledged. "Milady," He nodded to the woman behind Morier.

I could not take my eyes off of her. What had he done to her? She looked completely different! She had always been pale, even for a human, but now she had an unearthly glow to her! Her eyes were still blue, but they seemed sharper, somehow. It was as though she were seeing everything about her more acutely. I couldn't really describe it.

The most noticeable change, however, was her hair. When I had first met her, she had had those funny reds and blues in it. They had eventually washed and faded out to reveal her soft, blonde hair. It had not been a very light blonde. On the contrary, it had been almost dirty blonde. But now! Now, it was platinum! It was pure gold!

"May I introduce," Morier started saying, snapping me from my reverie. "My wife, Lady Inwe."

My father nodded again. "Welcome, Lady Inwe. I am King Thranduil, and this is my son, Legolas. I hope that you find happiness here in Mirkwood, with your husband." He turned his eyes on Morier. "After you have resettled into your home, I will require a brief council with you."

"Of course, my king." Morier bowed again. "Good day, gentlemen." And with that, he mounted his horse once more and started down the road.

I paced my room. I had been doing so for the past hour or so. Fay was with Lord Morier. Fay was with Lord Morier. Fay was married to one of my most hated enemies!

O, the Valar were so cruel, sometimes!

I continued pacing back and forth, my frustration growing. This room felt so…so…confining! I had to get out!

Quickly, I strode to my door and threw it open. I pounded down the hallways, my mind set on reaching the stables as quickly as possible. I needed to lead my horse out of the barn, mount him, and kick him into such a pace that the wind would strip away all of my troubles.

I was so intent on my quest to my horse's stall, that I did not see the figure in front of me.

"Whoa!" Someone toppled down to the floor.

Quickly, I extended a hand to them. "I am so sorry! It was my fault; I wasn't watching where I was going and…" I stopped. The figure had taken my hand and pulled themselves up. "Lady Fay." I barely whispered.

Her brow creased. "I beg your pardon?"

I stood there another moment, my eleven composure at a complete loss. I opened my mouth, closed it. Then, "O, excuse me. I meant to say, Lady Inwe. It is just that…" I stopped. "Do you not know who I am?"

She looked at me for a long moment. I felt disappointment course through my veins. She did not know…

Suddenly there was the light of recognition in her eyes. My pulse quickened in hope…

"O! Yes! Your Highness! Of course! O, please forgive me for not recognizing you sooner!" She dropped into a deep curtsey.

Instantly, the bitter disappointment returned. "Please, rise. That is not what I meant. It is I that should be sorry. I mistook you for…for an old friend."

She stood, looking at me. Her expression was one of curiosity. She gazed upon me as though she had truly never seen me before.

O Fay, I thought, what has happened to you?

"Well I am honored that the prince finds a resemblance in me to one of his friends." She murmured.

I forced a smile.

This was so awkward.

"'Twas not hard to do, my lady. In fact, while you are adjusting to your new life here, if you ever find yourself in need of a friend, please do not hesitate to call upon me."

Her jaw practically dropped. "You…you are most kind, your highness."

"Think nothing of it." I waved my hand aside casually, a motion which did not reflect my inner feelings at all.

There was another long moment of silence. Neither of us were sure what to do.

"Well, I suppose that I should be on my way. It was a pleasure meeting you, your Highness."

"Yes; likewise…"

She curtsied again, and then started down the hall. She was gone from view in a few moments.

I remained motionless.

I would like to thank all of the reviewers on the last chapter. They include:

Chelsea, Chris, Caladhiel, Quanla, Lawen, Sieluvar, Imcrazy.urpoint, Manson, Sk8terbabz, MethodMacleod, Fweak1, SilverTearz, Puppy, Aarien Star, Elven Script, Asphodele, Chichiri's Wanderer, Sexxi Guys My Anti Drug, and Autumn Sunlight.

Reviews are always appreciated! They inspire more and more updates ;)

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ElfPilot