Christine - I'm so glad you're enjoying this the second time around. I've actually added a few new things and changed some things around (besides combining chapters), so you may be surprised. Also, I'm planning to make the sequel a little darker than the first, so there will be some surprises there too.

Crissy Dowie - Yeah, I love the Alien movies too, except for the 3rd one because they killed off Hicks and I loved Hicks! Oh well...But I plan to put a chapter out every weekend, so I won't keep you in suspense for too long. Hehehe.

Chapter 3 - Promises
Anfalas
(Ariedel's POV)

Later that day, we were in sight of Draconir Castle. When I left more than two weeks ago, it was dark and I hadn't even thought to look back. The castle was breathtaking in its splendor from a distance, like something right out of a fairytale.

We rode on along the countryside, heading for the main gate. Luckily Legolas had the good grace to untie the rope around me. But it cracked me up that they had to tie me up like a mummy to keep me from escaping. A couple of times I thought I was dead when Legolas caught up with me. But then I realized that he was playing with me, trying to scare me. He had no intentions of killing me, no matter how many times he threatened it to my face.

When we got close enough I could make out the guards standing on either side. One of them ran inside and a moment later a horn blew three times. The remaining guard at the gate allowed the Elves to pass.

Once we were inside the courtyard I saw King Alexor Draconir standing at the door of the castle. Beside him was Alma.

The minute she saw me, she screeched and ran toward me. "My lady, my lady," she cried out along the way.

From the corner of my eye I saw Legolas turn to look at me. Without looking back at him, I slid out of my saddle to greet her. Not far behind was the king.

The Elves dismounted and bowed their heads to Draconir.

The king addressed them. "What goes on here? Where did you find my daughter?"

I knew Legolas was staring at me. I could feel his eyes on the back of my head. Before he had a chance to answer Draconir's question, I jumped in to give my own interpretation. "I went for a ride on my horse and these Elves captured and tortured me mercilessly."

"What!" The king turned to the Elves.

I turned to finally see the surprised expression on Legolas's face. His brows were crinkled together in disbelief.

"What is this about, Legolas?" asked the king.

My gaze fell back on the king. "Wait a minute. You know him?" I asked.

"Are your senses still lost, Ariedel? Do you not recognize Prince Legolas, son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood? Do you not remember screaming in delight as he chased you through the halls when you were a child? Or when he taught you how to use a bow?"

"No…" I looked at Legolas. Prince Legolas? Chased me through the halls when I was a child? "How old was I?"

Alma answered before the king could. "You were seven."

"If I was seven then how old was he?"

"Two thousand, nine hundred and ten," replied Legolas.

I laughed. Yeah, right. The joke was over. "Father, won't you punish him now? He did unspeakable things." I needed a really strong word. "He defiled me." I was going to smile the whole time they'd probably whip his hide.

"Is this true, Legolas?" asked the king in a serious tone.

Legolas was still looking at me, the harshness of his anger completely gone. Then he turned to the king. "Forgive me, my lord. I did not recognize her for she has grown since last I set eyes upon her. I thought she had stolen a horse from your realm and though I may have been harsh with her, I did not defile her as she says."

I noticed that he looked a bit nervous all of a sudden.

"What nonsense is this?" the king asked as he turned back to me.

I was about to argue my case, but Legolas kept talking. "You know me well enough, my lord, to know that I am not capable of such an act."

The king nodded his head slowly. "Yes, I do know this. Ariedel, why do you bear such false accusations against Legolas?"

The jig was up. The Elf was obviously honorable in the eyes of the king and of course I had no memory of anything before the day I found myself here in this castle. So he chased me around the halls and taught me how to use a bow when I was a kid. Big fucking deal. Maybe I needed to come clean…partially. "I wanted to get away from the castle for a few days. I knew that if I had asked you, you wouldn't have let me go alone. Then I ran into the Elves and they captured me. Legolas didn't defile me…but I was treated poorly by him. And so he should still be punished."

Legolas replied quickly. "For that I sincerely apologize. As I said, I thought she had stolen a Draconir horse."

The king nodded again. "Then you are lucky to be alive, Ariedel, for Legolas is not known to spare lives unless it serves a higher purpose. Go inside now."

"But…"

The king was angry now. "I do not want to hear another word."

My cheeks heated up in humiliation. I expected to see satisfaction on Legolas's face, but his anger was long gone.

Alma nudged me by the arm and I allowed her to lead me away, but not before I had another look back at Legolas and the other Elves.

"You and your kinsmen are no doubt weary from your journey. Remain at the castle to eat and rest," suggested the king.

"We are grateful, my lord."

"It is I who am grateful, for Ariedel has not been herself of late. There is no telling where she would have ended up if not in your company. I sent a legion of guards in search of her…"

Their voices faded as I turned back to enter the castle.

The Ash Mountains

The alpha drone crawled on the resin covered cave wall, watching as the juvenile queen fed on the carcasses he brought her. The bodies were easy to come by. They didn't suspect as he snuck into their camp and dragged off those that strayed too far.

The Uruk-hai were aware that their numbers were dwindling and with each passing day, more of them disappeared mysteriously. The strange tracks in the snow revealed that something was dragging them away. They decided to be prepared the next time the creature made an appearance. It was time for them to fight.

Anfalas
(Legolas's POV)

The guilt was consuming me. My ego did not want to believe that I had been wrong. I assumed she had stolen the horse and was posing as Ariedel. Of all things, it was difficult to believe that this fiery woman was Ariedel Draconir. She had been raised in a convent after her mother passed on. I visited her once when she was eleven. She had been passive, listless and unemotional, not to mention her frightful desire to remain indoors…never wanting to sit under the heat of the sun. I never returned after that, unable to bear her apathetic countenance. Something must have happened to her since then.

The dinner bell sounded and a moment later the door to her chamber opened. Ariedel stepped out and made to move down the corridor.

"Ariedel," I called out softly.

She whirled around in surprise at the sound of my voice and frowned at me. "So now I have a name."

I studied her slight form in the pale gown she wore. "I apologized in front of your father for my behavior and I do so again before you now. I did not know it was you. What else would you have me do?" She was a vision that nearly took my breath away.

"Are you always so cruel to women?"

I frowned. "Nay."

"Then what was your problem with me?"

"I was angry because…I could not imagine a woman so fair resorting to thievery." It was the truth. I had no reason to lie.

The look on her face was painful. "You were so sure I was guilty."

"Will you forgive me?"

"I don't know if I can."

She might as well have stabbed me in the heart with a knife as she backed away several steps and then turned to rush down the corridor. Her desire to flee from my sight pained me more than the blow of any Orc. I was confused by this feeling. She had meant nothing to me in the beginning. But her willful spirit captured my heart and even more so the moment I discovered her true identity.

In all of my years I had yet to desire any female so much that she would bring me down to my knees to beg forgiveness. Yet I craved forgiveness from Ariedel. This was an incredibly undesirable feeling. I punched at the wall beside me to clear my thoughts. Nay…I would not beg for forgiveness. Not now, not ever.

The dinner bell sounded again. I headed down the corridor to the staircase. When I reached the main floor, I followed the sounds of laughter to the dining hall. Some of the Draconir Castle guards were seated at the main table with the Elves in my company. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, eating and drinking. King Alexor was seated among them and beside him was Ariedel.

She had to be famished, yet she was daintily picking at her food with her fork. I moved into the room and of the many empty seats, I chose to torture myself further by sitting directly across from her at the table. Her eyes came up to meet mine briefly before she looked back down at her plate.

"Well now, Legolas, you appear well-rested," commented the king.

"Thank you, my lord. I have not felt a bed beneath me for many days."

"What business brought you so far south of Mirkwood?"

"My father was returning to Mirkwood after a long visit with the king of Gondor. Along the way a band of barbarians attacked their company. Several of them made off with his belongings, including his bow."

The king looked on in shock. "Vile filth they are!"

Ariedel looked up at the king. "I see no reason to risk lives for a bow."

The king turned to her. "You forget, my dear, that an Elf's bow is like his own arm. You cannot separate the two."

She made an obscene snort. "That's a load of crap, if I ever heard any."

Everyone at the table grew silent.

The king turned to her in shock. "Ariedel! You dare insult our guests?" Then he turned back to me. "Forgive her, Legolas. As I said, she has not been herself for some time now. The words that come out of her mouth are like the work of a dark wizard. It's frightening."

"She is forgiven," I said as I looked at her with a hint of a smile.

Ariedel still had that pained look when she turned to me. Something about her drew me into the depth of her grey eyes. I had never met a female…woman or Elf…that demanded my attention without even asking. I was not able to look away.

"Perhaps I need to send you to Forlindon sooner than expected," said the king.

"Forlindon?" I asked curiously as I raised my goblet to drink.

"The prince has asked for her hand."

Her hand? She was spoken for?

Ariedel sighed heavily and cut in. "I said I have no intention of marrying that Prince Yokel or whatever his name is."

"You will do as I say and marry Prince Yardell."

The desire to crush the goblet with my hand was overwhelming. The prince of Forlindon of all people. Anyone but him.

"What say you to a favor, Legolas? Will you do me the honor of escorting my daughter safely to Forlindon?"

I attempted to control the clenching of my teeth. "I am afraid I cannot." I had no desire to take her into the arms of that Forlindon brute.

Ariedel locked eyes with me and I saw her trying to convey the need to have me be her escort. Perhaps she thought that once she was away from this castle, she might be able to somehow convince me to let her go.

"I am expected…at Mirkwood," I said, still seething over the news that she was to wed Yardell.

The king looked disappointed. "That is unfortunate. I will have to send my guards then."

Her eyes continued to plead with me. I was unable to refuse. I stared back at her briefly before turning to the king. "Perhaps I can do this favor, my lord. I will send word back to Mirkwood of my delay in returning."

The king clapped his hands and rubbed them together in merriment. "Excellent. I will have the maids prepare my daughter for the journey in two days time."

Anfalas
(Ariedel's POV)

Later that night, I went to the stables to see how Blade was doing. I took a brush from a shelf and began to slowly run it over his thick neck.

"I suppose I'll never get the chance to find my way out of this." Blade knickered softly in response to my words. "If I did happen to find my transmutation device, I'd find a way to somehow take you back with me, Blade." I smiled to myself. "I'm sure the director at Gateway would throw a fit if he suddenly saw a horse grazing in the station's arboretum."

"Thinking about running away again?"

I whirled around and there stood Legolas. "Will you please stop sneaking up behind me?"

Legolas came up to stand at Blade's head.

I watched him gently caress the horse's muzzle and couldn't imagine those same hands had used a bow to kill barbarians with such precision that it scared the shit out of me. "I suppose you want me to forgive you in exchange for volunteering to take me to Forlindon."

"Why is it so important to you that I go instead of your father's guards?"

I shrugged.

"Perhaps you think you can persuade me not to take you there."

I turned to him. Could he read minds? Was that some kind of Elf thing? "No…that's not the reason. For your information, I think it's a good punishment for you. You're gonna have to put up with me for however many days it takes to get me there."

"Thirty-five days from Anfalas to Forlindon. I fear you will be the one punished."

"Thirty-five days? Why do we have to go on horseback? Can't we fly?"

He snorted. "How do propose we do that?"

"Don't you people have any airports?"

He frowned slightly. "Air…port?"

"Never mind." I shook my head and went back to grooming Blade. What was the rush to get there anyway? I would rather it took thirty-five years.

"You ran away to avoid your union with the prince of Forlindon?" asked Legolas.

"Yes."

"You care not for him?"

"Of course not. I don't even know him, never met him before in my life."

"I do not envy you. Why do your people insist on arranging marriages? Among the Elves, two people choose each other and wed for love and to bear children."

I sighed heavily. "I couldn't agree with you more." I reached out and touched his arm. "Legolas, maybe you can talk to the king. You can convince him to forget the whole thing."

Legolas shook his head. "I cannot. Tis not for me to change the mind of your father, no matter how much I despise Yardell of Forlindon."

"You know him?"

"I wish I did not."

"So just from your reaction, I'm venturing to guess that this guy is a complete jerk."

"Jerk?"

"A bastard."

Legolas gritted his teeth. "Aye."

"What makes him so bad?" I needed to know.

"I fought along side Yardell two years ago. He is a coward and a cheat who will use his own people as shields against the enemy. He and his company of men have been known to raid villages in search of women of which they violate and toss aside."

"But why doesn't someone put a stop to what he does?"

"His sire, the king of Forlindon, tolerates his son's behavior. He is the only heir."

I shook my head. "I can't marry someone like that. What am I going to do?"

Legolas gave me a pained look. "I know not what you can do, Ariedel." He appeared to sympathize with me.

I turned away and returned to brushing Blade. "I suppose you're happily wedded."

"Nay, I have no wife."

A plan began to suddenly take shape in my head. It was out of desperation, but I had nowhere else to turn. "I'm guessing that the reason I have to marry Prince Yardell is because my father wants me to marry into royalty. So nothing less than a prince will do. What if you were to ask my father for my hand?"

He frowned at me in surprise. "Me?"

"You're a prince. You're royalty."

He shook his head. "I have no desire to be wed at this time."

"It won't be for long. Just so I can get out of this castle and not be forced to marry Yardell. Then we can get divorced and go our separate ways."

Legolas looked at me like I had four heads. "You mean for me to fool your father?"

"I would be eternally grateful."

"If you were immortal such as I, that would be for a very long time."

Immortal? Did I read something about Elves being immortal? Of course. That explained his age. But two thousand plus years was a damned long time. Jesus, he must have done a lot in his lifetime with that many years behind him.

"Even if I had a desire to wed you, Ariedel, the king would never allow an Elf to marry his only daughter."

"How do you know?" I asked.

Legolas didn't seem to have an answer, but at least he looked as if he might be entertaining the idea just a little bit and not opposed to the whole thing.

"Please, Legolas. You have to help me. I can't marry someone like Yardell. I'll kill myself before I let that happen."

"Yet you are willing to wed me, whom you know just as little."

I put the brush away and turned to him. "You're right. I don't know you, but I'm pretty sure I can trust you. Besides, as far as we're concerned, it's not for real. We'll just pretend to be married when we're around everyone else. Will you at least think about it?"

"I will seriously think on it this night, Ariedel."

I moved toward him. "Thank you." I stood up on my toes and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. As I stepped back away, I felt my own cheeks heat up. What was it about this Elf that made butterflies dance around in my stomach? The night he had tackled me on the ground, I swear I thought he was going to kiss me. I saw it in his eyes. And God only knew how I had wanted him to. But he hesitated too long and I lost my nerve. As I looked into his eyes now, I could see that desire again. "Good night." I turned and quickly walked away before he could read it on my face that I wanted him to drag me down into the hay and fuck the ever-living shit out of me. I was certain the real Ariedel didn't quite have the experience to handle it.

Anfalas
(Legolas's POV)

Marriage to a woman…

This was something I had never contemplated before. I assumed I would eventually wed an Elf. Yet no elleth had the ability to keep my interest for very long. They were far too dependent of me, had no other interests in their lives except to be with me and do all that I bid them to do. None stirred my emotions, not even a spark of anger to make me think I felt something for them. (elf maiden)

My father was constantly trying to peak my interest in one maiden or another. Did he not know me by now? I was rebellious by nature and cared nothing for a complacent mate. I needed someone with spirit, maybe a bit of aggression to match my own. I needed someone who wanted to share in my adventures and not sit idly at home, waiting with bated breath for my return.

Ariedel…everything she said, everything she did…I felt as if I hung on her every word when she spoke, curious to hear what she had to say. She rebelled against me at every chance and it ignited me into a frenzy.

When she tried to convince me that I should ask for her hand, I knew it was a plot to run away again. She had no desire to wed Yardell and I blamed her not for that. Yardell was a despicable man, a waste of human flesh. I had no desire to see Ariedel wed him. I had no desire to see her wed any man for that matter.

I glanced around and found that I had walked myself into a corner of the garden. As I started to walk back, I realized that Ariedel's balcony was directly above me. There was no light coming from her room. Was she asleep? Another quick glance around and I found no guards standing about.

Flowered vines grew along the walls of the castle near the garden. I tested their strength and began to climb. When I reached the balcony, I hopped over the balustrade and silently moved toward the door. My keen ears heard no sounds coming from inside, except for the steady rhythm of Ariedel's breathing. I tiptoed into the room and moved to the side of her bed.

Ariedel was sound asleep beneath the covers. Her wavy dark blonde hair lay spread across the white pillow. She appeared so vulnerable in this state that I wanted to wake her and hear her speak. I crouched beside the bed and continued to study her face.

What was it about this woman that stirred me so? I could not quite grasp it, yet something was there. The feeling was intense and demanded my awareness. Before I could stop myself, I reached out and brushed my fingertips across her cheek. She stirred briefly and moaned softly in her sleep, almost in pleasure. The sound was erotic to my ears and I fought the urge to lean in and kiss her slightly parted lips.

Ariedel stirred again and I quickly pulled my hand away. She turned and moaned again. "Legolas…yes…" she said softly. I stood up and retreated into the shadows of the room, watching as she moved her hands beneath the covers. She called my name yet again and moaned.

It was clear to me that she was dreaming and I happened to be the subject. Her dream was heated and she kicked the covers aside. Unable to look away, I watched as her hands moved beneath her sleeping gown and she moaned in pleasure again. The sight of her hands between her legs made me nearly gasp for air. I had never witnessed a female pleasuring herself and my own desire was suddenly running out of control.

"Legolas…please…" she moaned outloud and writhed in the bed, grinding against her hands. "Yes!"

I lost my wits and fought the urge to respond to her. She wanted me. I closed my eyes, trying to fight the desire that was consuming me, seeking its own release.

And then she cried out and sat up, wide awake and gasping for breath.

I dared not breathe for fear that she would see me in the shadows.

Ariedel fell back into her pillow and curled herself into a ball, rolling onto her side with her back to me. "Legolas, please don't abandon me…please…" She was weeping.

The sounds of her soft sobs tugged at my heart. I needed to get away before I made it known that I was there. She may have been seeking comfort from me, but I knew that if she had known I was in her room, she would have been angry. I slipped out the balcony door without a sound and crawled back down the vines of the castle wall.

Anfalas
(Ariedel's POV)

In the morning I headed down to the dining hall, hoping to find the king around. The sound of voices coming from one of the other rooms drew my attention. As I moved closer to the slightly open door, I recognized both voices. Legolas and the king. Was he telling the king about my plan to fool him?

"I understand if you are not in agreement with this union," said Legolas.

"Legolas," replied the king with a sigh. "Ariedel is young and naïve, not to mention the fact that she has forgotten how to behave like a proper woman. She rebels against me at every opportunity. I fear that the accident has caused great trauma to her head."

"And for this you believe her to be mad?"

"Exactly."

My jaw dropped. So the king thought I lost my marbles.

"The princess is not mad, my lord. As you say, she is young and naïve and perhaps a bit spirited. But I find these qualities…appealing."

I shifted to sneak a peak inside the room. Legolas was standing near the fireplace, while the king was seated near the window. It looked like Legolas was going along with my plan afterall.

"And how does Ariedel feel about this?" asked the king.

I decided this was my cue to step in before it all fell apart. "I'll tell you how I feel," I said as I stepped inside. Both Legolas and the king turned to me. I moved toward Legolas and much to his surprise, I put my arms around him. "I'm in love with Legolas, father."

The king raised his eyebrows. "I see."

"What say you, my lord?" asked Legolas, brushing his hand down my back.

The king stood up and at first it looked like he was going to blow his top. But then a smile crept up on his face. "I say let the wedding commence."

I turned to Legolas and conveyed my gratitude through my eyes, hoping that he would understand what this meant to me. But seeing his face only reminded me of the wet dream I had the night before. He had been all over me, driving into me so hard in the dream that my thighs actually hurt in the morning. I felt my cheeks heat up at the memory of the dream and my heart started racing. He looked into my eyes and I had a feeling that he knew something. Maybe he could sense the sweltering heat I suddenly found myself feeling everytime he was anywhere near me.