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Where Paths Part

"Milady, you need to get ready. Dinner will be served soon," the servant stated as she set out a light blue gown upon the large bed. Walking into the washroom, she noticed the elf stepping out of the water. She handed her a towel and started to dry her long, blonde tresses.

"But Gwendolyn, first I must speak with—" the elf maiden started.

"First you must dress, then you may speak with him," Gwen stated.

"Of course, it would be improper for a lady to appear this way before the court."

"Arianna, your sarcasm is not appreciated young lady. I may be your attendant, but I am your elder and your mother and father placed you under my care many years ago and I will not have you dishonoring them with your tardiness. Now quickly get into your gown," Gwen admonished.

Laughing lightly, Arianna slid the garment over her head and waited for Gwen to tie up the laces. "But Gwen, whatever shall we do next week? We will be out in the wilderness, with no way for a proper lady to bathe, dress, and sleep. Oh dear!" she feigned terror.

"Now I've had just about enough of your mocking as I can stand," Gwen huffed as she placed her hands on her hips.

"What could my lovely Arianna have done to mock you so, dear Gwen?" a masculine voice asked from the doorway.

"And you, my lord, what have I said about knocking before entering a lady's chamber?" Gwen asked raising an eyebrow.

"I believe it is something along the lines of 'Always knock and wait for permission before entering a lady's room. You never know what she may be doing.' Am I correct?" he asked with an impish grin.

"Of course, and where was that knock?"

"There wasn't one," he replied. "Would it be permitted for the lady and I to go for a walk?"

"I will only allow it this time, because she is already dressed for dinner. But I insist that you avoid any mud puddles and any other things which will dirty her dress."

With another grin he said, "Of course, no dress must be dirtied! My lady?" he asked extending his arm for her to take. Arianna threaded her hand through his arm and followed him down the hall.

Shaking her head with a small smile on her lips, Gwen sighed wistfully as she watched the young lovers go on their stroll.

Once they entered the royal gardens, he pulled her to down next to him at the trunk of a large willow. "My Ari," he whispered into her hair.

Sighing, she said, "We should stay right here. Dinner isn't nearly as pleasant as this."

Hugging her tightly to him, he started, "Ari, I must leave at dawn."

"Why? We are going to Rivendell in a week. Why are you leaving tomorrow?" she looked up at him questioningly.

"I must go to Rivendell sooner than expected," he replied as he saw the curiosity in her sapphire blue eyes.

"Then I will go with you."

"I need to travel as fast as possible, my love. I must deliver some news to Mithrandir and Lord Elrond at a council."

"Am I still going to Rivendell next week?" she asked softly.

"Of course, and I cannot wait to welcome you into the city," he said with a slight grin. "But I want you to take extra care on the journey, since I will not be there to protect you along the way."

"I always do, Leggy," she said, smirking as she used her childhood nickname for him.

"Why must you call me that?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Well, you insist on using your nickname for me, so I must do the same for you," she replied with a mischievous grin.

"Then I must allow it, if it makes you so happy. Ari, melamìn (my love), the hour grows late. And we are expected to grace Adar (father) with your presence."

"Why is my presence the only one required?" she asked.

"I believe you have charmed your way into Adar's heart and my presence is nothing in comparison to yours, Ari." He leaned down and tenderly kissed her forehead then the tip of her nose.

"If I did not know any better, I might think you are trying to charm your way into my heart, sweet prince."

"And if I were?"

"I am afraid that your efforts would be wasted for my heart has already been given away."

"Well fair maiden, to whom did you give such a wonderful gift? For, I must make sure that this gift is protected above all other things."

"Why, my heart has always belonged to the greatest archer in all the land…" she said with a sweet grin.

"If that is so, would a lowly prince, such as myself, be able to steal a kiss from a lovely maiden such as yourself?"

Rising to her feet, she smiled. "Why Leggy! You have to catch me first!" she said before dashing off.

Laughing, he sprung up and chased after her. "Ari! I will catch you!" he called as he saw her dart passed a hedge. Jumping over the hedge, he began to catch up to her. Seeing the direction she was running, he turned at the next path and ducked under the low branches of a young tree. Seeing the exit from the garden, he quickly leapt in front of it and caught her in his arms. "What a surprise it is seeing you here, Ari."

Laughing, she tried to squirm away. "Good evening, slow prince," she added with a laugh.

"For that you must be punished, fair maiden."

"And what punishment shall I receive?"

"First I believe you owe a certain archer a kiss," he stated with a wolfish grin.

"When I find that archer, I will be happy to give him a kiss," she said as she slipped out of his arms and started walking down the corridor towards the great hall for the dinner.

Laughing, he followed her to the doors of the hall and as they were opened, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. As he pulled back, he smirked as he saw the blush upon her cheeks. "Now I just have to decide on your punishment," he whispered into her ear.

"Legolas," she warned.

"Shall we?" he asked, extending his arm for her to take. With a slight shake of her head, she allowed him to escort her to her seat.

"There you are! I was about to send out a search party. Arianna, how are you this evening?" King Thranduil asked with a smile.

"I am feeling wonderful, thank you," she said.

"And you, my son?"

"I am in the best of moods, Ari is with me," he said grinning.

"And to think. Once you two return from Rivendell, many things will be changing."

"And for that, I can hardly wait!" Legolas answered.

"But for now, let us eat. Arianna, You are still wanting to journey to Rivendell, are you not?" Thranduil asked.

"Of course, I've wanted to visit with Arwen and the twins for quite some time now."

"In that case, I will be adding a few extra soldiers to your escort," he said. Seeing the questioning look from Legolas, he added, "Just for precaution."

At dawn the palace was awake and seemed to have taken on a gloomy air. "Do not worry, melamìn, all will be fine. And I will see you in two weeks, in fact I will be waiting to greet you the moment you ride into the courtyard," Legolas said with a small smile. "Remember to take at least one weapon as well—"

Raising an eyebrow, she said, "That is where you do not need to worry. I will arrive safe and sound. And when have I not had a weapon with me outside the palace? You have nothing more to worry about, other than the council. Now go, before your horse decides to leave without you," she said and watched as the horse waited impatiently to be on the trail.

Leaning close he whispered, "I love you. Be safe." He tenderly brushed his lips with hers and enveloped her in a hug. He then quickly mounted the horse and with one last look he rode off into the forest.

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