Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Lord of the rings. I am so sorry that this chappie was this long coming. I have been busy lately and of course I still have much more writing to do on this story. I wouldn't want you to get ahead of me. Enjoy the cuteness - DLN

Memories

Laurelin

I could still recall my twelfth birthday. I t had dawned bright and early. It was one the few days I had awakened before Amanda. I visited the Elven kitchens and was looking for Legolas afterward but having no luck in finding him. The afternoon came quickly and I still couldn't find him anywhere. Finally I just gave up and contented myself with being seated in the presence of Uncle Elrond and Aragorn. After awhile they noticed my upset state for Aragorn asked me,

"What troubles you young mage? Here I know what would cheer you up." Seconds later an elegant leather bound book was placed in my lap. I picked it up to find pages and pages of Elvish writing bedecked with beautiful designs of flowers weaving betwixt the words and letters. The margins were covered in magnificent green ivy designs that were so intricate one could not tell where it began and where it ended. Except perhaps for the artist of course.

"It's beautiful Lord Aragorn I thank you most graciously," I responded jumping to my feet and curtsying low in his direction.

"Laurelin you know you need not call me Lord and don't just thank me I only put the Elvish script in that book Arwen sketched and coloured the designs, so don't forget to thank her," replied Aragorn patting me on the head.

"Aragorn you haven't seen Prince Legolas by any chance have you?" I asked sweetly.

"Sorry little one, I haven't seen him since yesterday," he answered. I felt my face fall as I let out a soft,

"Oh."

"Don't be upset I'm sure you'll see him before they day is out," replied Aragorn. I turned to leave until I heard Uncle Elrond clear his voice. I turned back to look at him. He returned my look expectantly.

"Yes Uncle Elrond?" I asked.

"Do you actually think your surrogate Uncle would forget something as important as his favourite mageling's birthday?" he bent to his knee with his arms wide open. I squealed his name and ran into his arms. Elrond scooped me up and rested me on his hip. "Come my dear and I shall take you to your present." I put my head on Elrond's shoulder as he began to walk and shut my eyes. As he walked he began to sing softly in Elvish. His smooth stride made it seem as if we were gliding across the stone floors of Rivendell. I had no idea of where we were going but it didn't matter I was with Uncle Elrond and he would let nothing happen to me. I was safe and happy. Of course while Uncle Elrond carried me I began to wonder why I hadn't seen Amanda of Gaddy all day either. It seemed that everyone had somewhere else to be conveniently. Perhaps Amanda and Gandalf had forgotten my birthday, it wouldn't surprise me.

"My darling little Laurelin you didn't have to close your eyes but you may open them now and look on your surprise,' said Unlce Elrond stopping suddenly. I drew my head up from his shoulder and opened my eyes. Tethered to a tree just outside Lord Elrond's stables was a magnificent black horse atop her back was green saddle. M yname was engraved on it in beautiful Elvish script. A matching bridle had already been put on the horse. It was ready to be ridden that very moment. "Her name is Hwesta Laurelin and she is yours, this is my birthday gift to you. I had her bred from my very own war horse, I broke her and then trained her myself. She is brave and fast as the wind. I hope you like your present."

"Oh Uncle Elrond I love it," I answered turning around and capturing the foreboding Elf in a tight hug. I drew back and looked him straight in the face smiling. "Uncle Elrond come riding with me I want to try her out right now." I exclaimed scrambling down from his arms.

"I'm sorry Laurelin as much as I would like to go with you on your very first ride, Our dear Prince of Mirkwood asked that you wait for him to take you on your rmaiden voyage on Hwesta," explained Elrond.

"He did," I asked softly in disbelief. "But Prince Legolas is nowhere to be found today or else he doesn't want to be found by a little kid." Uncle Elrond knelt down in front of me and caressed my cheek with the back of his knuckles.

"I would never say that of Prince Legolas not especially when he's standing behind you smiling down on you as of you're all that matters to him in Middle-Earth," responded Elrond. With a gasp I turned around to see Legolas grinning down at me holding a bow and a quiver of arrows. Remembering who he was I stumbled into a clumsy curtsy and looked to his feet. I stood there for a few moments wondering what he must think of me and my rudeness. I then felt two fingers ever so slightly rasie my chin until I gazed up into the Prince's cerulean blue eyes.

"I really wish you wouldn't treat me like a prince, for I have honestly never have and never will act like one," he responded. I nodded at him as he regretfully removed his hand and I straightened to my full height.

"How goes it with you friend Legolas?" I asked softly not able to take my eyes off of his face.

"I'm sorry that it seems like I've been hiding from you all day but in actuality I was working on your birthday presents. I didn't forget your birthday but I didn't want you to see your surprises either," he explained. He then held out the bow and quiver to me.

"You made these for me," I said in awe reaching for them but as I did I saw his right hand bound with a clean cloth. "Legolas what happened?"

"That? You could say I had a run in with a certain Elven dagger while carving your bow," he answered sheepishly his cheeks coloring a cherry hue. Carefully I set my presents on the forest floor and then launched myself at his waist hugging him for all he was worth. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me on top of the head. I thought I would die of sheer happiness in that single second.