Chapter 3

A/N Wow. Ask and thou shall receive. I love the reviews. Thanks guys. And give me your thoughts It really does influence what I write a bit. For example, this chapter would not exist if it weren't for someone saying that Elenya should say NO. The problem is that she has to say yes because I can't have her leave Mirkwood. Feryn would just find some other girl and that's not where this story is headed. But how to make her say YES without her looking like a doormat or slutty. You'll have to read to find out!

Elenya woke up the next morning before anyone. Her head so full of turmoil it did not allow her a good night's sleep. She was not able to come to a decision during the night and wondered what she was going to tell the captain when he arrived.

She got out of bed and began to get ready for the new day. By the time she got to the kitchen for a drink of juice she realized that it was very early still, and her parents had yet to awaken.

Suddenly panicked at the thought of having to give a decision, Elenya thought this would be a perfect chance to escape. But where would she go? If she were to leave Mirkwood it would be the same as saying no to the King's request.

If I only had more time to think, she thought to herself. And that's when the idea struck her. She could go to work in the palace early. With all the other tailor's and seamstresses about, the captain would have to wait until after the day had finished for her answer if he wanted it to stay a private matter.

Elenya rushed out the door and ran to the palace.

A couple hours later, Elenya was hard at work embroidering when her father and the captain, Feryn walked into the room. All the other workers turned to greet their foreman and Feryn.

"Elenya," her father walked straight to her with a simple wave to the other workers. "Where were you this morning?"

"I decided to come early. There is a lot to be done still," she explained.

" There is no need to explain," Feryn said. "But I will see you later this afternoon."

She nodded in response, and Feryn turned and left.

She sighed in relief. Her father leaned down next to her and whispered in her ear.

"What is wrong?"

"I need more time to think."

"Fine then, why don't you go the storage rooms and start sorting the thread. In all this rush for the birthday it has remained quite a mess. That should keep you out of sight for the day."

"Thank you, father." Elenya stood and gave him a hug before she left.

Elenya was in the storage room all day. She never even came out for lunchtime. It was about time to go home and she was dreading it. As she was sorting out the different shades of blue, she heard the door open.

"Father, is that you?"

"I'm afraid not. I hope I'm not interrupting you," a voice said.

Elenya turned around and upon seeing the person, she dropped a whole bag of teal thread.

"Oh, I didn't mean to startle you," Legolas said.

Elenya stayed still and silent.

"Here, let me help you," he said.

Legolas walked over to her and bent down to recover the bag. "Where does it go?"

Elenya shook herself out of her shock and took the bag from him, placing it on the shelf right above her.

"What are you doing here, your highness," she said and quickly bowed.

"Oh, well, your father said you'd be here."

"Yes?"

"Well, I wanted to know when you wanted me to come in for my last fitting. And I also wanted to say that the jacket is fitting a bit tight around my shoulders. I'm afraid my friend had me rather distracted yesterday and I didn't mention it" He smiled.

"Well, I'll try to fix that tomorrow. Why don't you come in the day after to try it again? Then I would say one last fitting a week before the party should give me enough time to fix any more problems. And if I cannot, I'm sure my father can. There is nothing else you need to ask me?" she questioned him with trepidation, half-afraid he came to ask what she wouldn't answer to Feryn.

"No," he said. " But I believe it is time for you to go home for the day. Would you like me to walk you? I'm afraid your father has already left."

Elenya stared at him in even greater shock this time. She willed her mouth to work. "Alright. Let's go then. This mess can all wait for tomorrow."

Legolas smiled and offered her his arm.

They walked out of the palace with a few stares from other people walking by. Sas they walked through the trees, Legolas tried to make conversation. He asked her about her family, and how long they'd been preparing for the party. He noted Elenya seemed tense and timid. But he attributed it to the fact that he was the Prince, and that alone could be intimidating.

As they approached the house, Legolas noticed Feryn's horse was outside.

"Do you know, Feryn?" he asked.

"Not really. He's just here about me." She responded a bit angry that she hadn't made it home before the captain.

"What about you?"

"Oh, you know, the party, you, being your servant."

"Oh. I told him it was a silly tradition, but he was insistent."

"He was insistent?" She stopped their pace and turned to him. "If you think it was so silly then why did you agree to it?"

"I didn't see the harm. It does sound a little shallow, but there's no damage to anyone, so why not?"

"You don't see the harm? No damage to anyone!" she asked angrily.

"I didn't think you'd be so angry. My apologies."

"Oh, don't you apologize. You royals think you can do whatever you want with those of lesser status. And now actually having your father find you a bed partner as well!"

"What are you talking about?" Legolas backed up looking at her as if she was insane. "Bed partner? I believe you have mistaken this tradition. I merely chose servant girls for my table at the party. That is all. There will be no bedding of any kind. And what does my father have to do with this?"

Elenya studied his face carefully, but could find no sign of a lie. Perhaps he really doesn't know, she thought. Thinking that this information could be used to her advantage she continued.

"I apologize, your highness. Perhaps I have been mistaken. I'm sure the idea of sleeping with someone other than your future wife is a ridiculous idea. I don't know how I could have drawn such a conclusion." She tried to bait him.

"I would never. Elves mate for life. We are not like the race of Men. Some of them, I understand, can be a little more promiscuous." He finished. "How can you have ever gotten such a horrible idea of the nobles. We are no different in our ways than any other Elves regardless of rank."

"Again, my apologies. Please, let us go on." She smiled and put her arm in his where it was before.

"I did not mean to offend you, Elenya. If you wish then I will tell Feryn not to include you as one of the servers. I imagine that is why he is here."

Elenya thought it over quickly. IF the Legolas did not want her to share his bed then she could say yes to Feryn without further thought. When Legolas found her in his room he would be further appalled. She could say yes to Feryn and not compromise her body, and she would not have to leave Mirkwood either. Thinking herself very clever, and very fortunate to have had the chance to talk to Legolas, Elenya decided her choice was made a whole lot simpler.

"No, your highness. Now that the misunderstanding is laid clear then I would say that it will be an honor to serve you on your birthday."

They reached her house and Elenya bid farewell to Legolas at her door saying that perhaps it would be better if Feryn didn't know they had spoken. Slightly confused, but not wanting to upset her further, he bowed and returned to the palace.

Elenya stepped inside. Feryn and her parents all stopped their conversation as she walked in.

"I do not want to keep you in suspense," she said. "My answer is yes."

A/N I don't mind the same reviewer more than once. Why would I? That tells me you're all still reading my story. Yei!