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Thanks to my reviewers, I enjoyed reading them. I promise the next chapter will be longer.

Friends and Wise Council

As he looked down into the valley, he watched the people of Rivendell as they wandered about their daily business. "We made the journey a day earlier than last time, old friend," he spoke to his horse. "Care to have some fresh oats, ole' boy? The sooner we get down to the stables, the sooner you'll get some extra carrots," he coaxed before the horse sped down the path and into Rivendell.

"Legolas, I was told you would be arriving tomorrow," a voice stated from the door of the stables.

Turning, he replied, "Aragorn, it is good to see you. How is Arwen?" he added with a smirk.

"She is glad that I am back from the north. How is your Arianna? When will I finally get to meet this lady of yours?" Aragorn asked grinning.

"She leaves the palace tomorrow at dawn, unless the plan has changed," Legolas replied with a wistful look in his eyes.

"I see that you continue to fall deeper in love with her every time we meet."

"As do you my friend, as do you," Legolas replied as he saw Arwen walking towards them.

"I trust you had a pleasant journey, Legolas?" she asked.

"Yes, I never tire of the path to Rivendell." His horse gave his shoulder a nudge. "Aragorn, where might I get a few carrots?" he asked to appease the steed.

Raising an eyebrow, Aragorn retrieved a couple carrots and replied, "It seems as though you've grown soft in your old age, princeling."

With a laugh Legolas retorted, "Not nearly as soft as you, ranger of the north."

"Children," Arwen started, "Now Legolas, how is my cousin?"

"Tomorrow she will be leaving Adar's palace, and she should be here next week."

"That is not what I meant," she said.

"I know," he said after giving his horse the last carrot and a gentle rub on his nose. "Shall we find your father?" he asked as he left the stables.

"He can hardly wait," Arwen said with a cheery smile.

"I cannot blame him, soon he will be a married elf, with what I have heard is one of the most beautiful elf maidens as his bride. The excitement is easily seen in his eyes."

"And just think, you will finally meet said maiden in little over a week."

"How long do you think until he notices that we are not following?" Aragorn asked mischievously.

"If he is thinking of Arianna, he may never notice," Arwen replied.

The following day, the secret council to decide the fate of the one ring was held.

"The news that I must give is not pleasant," Legolas started. "The creature Gollum has escaped…" he said and retold the tale.

"…you shall be the Fellowship of the Ring," Lord Elrond announced. After most of the guests had left the area he said, "Legolas, I feel that we need to speak about some matters of importance."

Legolas nodded and excused himself from the Fellowship. "Yes, Lord Elrond?"

"How long have you known me? You are as family to me, Lord is not required." To this Legolas nodded again. "I would like to explain why I have chosen you to accompany the Fellowship. I have foreseen that you will do great things on this quest and that is why I have decided this way. Although it pains me to interfere with your plans with Arianna, I see no other way."

"I understand. It will not be the first time we have been apart."

"Now I believe you should get back to the Fellowship. You will need to get acquainted with them all before your departure."

"Of course," Legolas replied and walked back the way they had come. With a frustrated sigh, he set his jaw and wiped all emotion from his face.

"Is all well?" Gandalf asked him as he and Aragorn watched him return.

"Yes, everything is fine."

"Gandalf, I feel that he is not very excited about leaving now," Aragorn stated.

"I would be surprised if he acted any other way about being chosen to go on a perilous quest right before his wedding. Though I must admit, he will be focused none-the-less," Gandalf contemplated and received a nod from Aragorn.

'How will I tell Ari?' Legolas thought. 'I will have to find a way before she arrives,' he thought ruefully.

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