1This chapter is pretty short. Just a warning. Don't kill me!
600 years later
Estellia ran through the gardens as fast as her legs could carry her. She had something very important to tell her ada, and the news scared even her.
Legolas was sitting in his living quarters, speaking quietly with his father and Elrond. Thranduil was happy for his son. He had pulled out of his despair, and focused all his energy and time on making his daughter happy.
Estellia burst through the chamber door, coming to a sudden halt when she realized they had company. She immediately gave a small curtsy, "Grandfathers, forgive my intrusion..." she said politely, before rushing to her father's side unceremoniously.
Legolas looked at his daughter curiously, noting her flushed face. She had obviously run all the way here. "What is it, daughter?" he asked, taking her small hands in his and leading her closer. Estellia was hardly the age of five in mortal years.
"Ada..." she panted. "In the gardens, there was a woman... She-she said she knew where mother was... And that she wouldn't let us have her back..."
That is where I left you in the last chapter...
Legolas stared hard at his young daughter. "Estellia," he said calmly, "You know that can't be true... Atara is in Mandos, watching over you..." (Mother)
"But ada!" she protested, tugging on his arms, "Please! Just come talk to her! At least make her leave our gardens! She scares me!"
Legolas exchanged solemn glances with his father and Elrond. Elrond nodded. He was curious to see the she-elf that said his wife was alive...
Legolas got to his feet, his daughter still clinging to one arm. He scooped her up, resting her on his hip, and walked out of the room saying, "All right, penneth nin, let us go seek out this mystery she-elf..."
Elrond and Thranduil followed him.
The garden's were not overly large, but they were quaint, tranquil, and lovely. There were intricately carved fountains and benches here and there, and flowers of every color and kind. Including niphredel and elanor that Galadriel had brought from Lorien.
There was a lone figure, leaning casually against one of the largest fountains. They were wearing a dark cloak.
As they neared, Legolas called out, "My lady, what unkind words did you say to my young daughter, to make her so distressed?"
The she-elf turned. Legolas's heart wasn't the only one to freeze. Though the she-elf's features were hidden by her cloak, and the hood pulled up, it was held by a very, very, familiar broach... A serpent, with ruby eyes...
You know what, I think I will leave it here... I'll post the next one real soon. I just wanted to leave ya a cliffie.