Legolas had led Melannen deep into the heart of Mirkwood, down worn paths that he knew by memory, not by sight. She continuously wondered where he was taking her, but wherever the trails led was fine with her. She felt like she was a child, dreaming about a grand adventure with a Mirkwood Prince though a magical forest filled with amazing creatures, but this was real. The smell of pine mingled with the humidity calmed her mind. For once she could just be herself, there was no one to judge her, just Legolas.

Then out of nowhere she could hear the gurgling of water, the sound seemed to echo back and forth until finally it was absorbed into the forest, so she had no idea where it was coming from. Legolas led her up a narrow path with a sheer drop on the right and a tall wall of stone on her left. Then she saw a narrow opening in the stone, and Legolas grabbed her hand and led her inside, it was very dark, but Legolas seemed to know it well and led her by a smooth path. Then once again she saw light and they came out of the darkness and into the most breathtaking place she had ever been to.

There was the path, which was somewhat clearer now since large trees bordered on side in a straight line, and on the other side there was a steep cliff with dazzling waterfalls that cascaded down into a blue pool which had a sandy bank far down below her.

"Where are we?" Legolas smiled mischievously, and Melannen swore that she had never seen so smug an Elf in her entire life.

"No where that can be found on a map, I can assure you."

"That's a big help." she said. Melannen was so fascinated by the view that she hardly noticed Legolas taking off his tunic. "What are you doing?"

"Going swimming." he said, in a matter-of-fact tone.

"What? That fall alone will kill you!"

Legolas shook his head, "No, otherwise I would have died a long time ago." he emphasized the word 'long.' Then he ran towards the precipice and leapt off. Melannen screamed.

"LEGOLAS!" She ran to the edge but all she saw was the foam, Legolas was nowhere to be seen.

"Legolas!" she yelled again, more desperate this time. Then she saw a golden head pop up out of the water.

"Come on! The water's great!" he motioned for her to jump. "It's deep, I promise!"

Melannen couldn't stand it any longer, so she undressed until she had on only her under-garments. Then she dove off.

The water was quite cold, and it took Melannen's breath away. When she came to the surface she saw Legolas standing a few feet away, laughing.

"Is it just me, or is it cold?"

Melannen was furious, he had know it would be freezing! "You!" she swam over to the Prince and, grabbing his shoulders, dunked him under playfully. Though she had not known his strength, and soon she found herself being pulled under as well.

It seemed as though they had played like children for hours and hours. Melannen had lost complete track of time, she guessed that was Legolas' purpose of bringing her there, to get her mind off other things. Melannen looked up at the sky and noticed that it was getting late.

Before Melannen could comment, Legolas grabbed her and dragged her to the white beach. He sat partially in the water, breathing hard and laughing.

Melannen rolled her eyes comically, she didn't know if she'd ever get used to his crazed antics, he was almost as bad as Elrohir and Elladan. "What was that for?" he asked.

She pushed the Prince over and punched him playfully. He grabbed Melannen's wrists lightly, flipping their positions and soon she found herself subject to his own odd affections. "I find you incredibly annoying, you know that?" she inquired flirtatiously.

"I am aware." Legolas said, trying to act serious, but despite his efforts it was obvious that he was enjoying himself immensely.

There was a strange silence and before either could think to say anything, both found themselves leaning towards the other. Melannen could feel his warm breath on her face and instinctively closed her eyes. When their lips met, though both of them had been expecting it, neither had believed it would happen. Melannen yielded to him and let his tongue have access to the moist cavern of her mouth. This could not be happening.