A/N: Thanks to ElflingImp and Don Juanita Triumphant for their wonderful reviews! Hugs to you!

Chapter 3

Girithfen watched the dawn break, her eyes fixed on the pale pinkish-orange line on the horizon. She still felt no trace of weariness, and had stood perfectly still there for hours, not even moving her eyes, but only blinking every few minutes. She was deep in thought. Elves that passed by would not have realized that Girithfen was indeed not looking at the sea in front of her, but something else they themselves could not see.

In her mind she was far away in Mirkwood, years ago…

Girithfen strolled down one of the many paths of Mirkwood Forest, gazing around her. The wedding of her family's friend was just over, and Girithfen had left the banquet to get some fresh air and be by herself for a few minutes.

She sat down on a rock and continued to gaze around. The sun was setting, and the trees around her looked like they were on fire. She took a deep breath, smelling the air that was scented with the smell of trees and foliage. It was her favorite fragrance in the world.

Girithfen jumped, startled, when there was a rustling behind her. She spun around and almost slid off of the rock in shock when she saw it was Prince Legolas. Her eyes opened wide and she quickly tried to regain her composure. Legolas simply smiled, and stood there, their eyes fixed on each other. Girithfen felt something flutter in her stomach…she had never felt anything like that before. She felt her cheeks flush as she smiled back.

"I do not believe I have ever seen you in Mirkwood before," Legolas said, his voice smooth and soft. It was like music to Girithfen's ears. She was still so startled that she could only nod in agreement. Legolas's smile widened. "Are you from Rivendell?" he asked. Girithfen nodded again, angry at her voice for not working. Legolas gave a laugh of delight at her silence, and his eyes twinkled like the stars that were beyond mortal sight. Girithfen wondered if he was laughing at her. Legolas must have seen this in her eyes because his laughing ceased, and he just continued to grin. "I am not laughing at you, dear maiden," he said, "I only adore your modesty." Girithfen smiled at this, her cheeks burning even more. "I will let you get back to the wedding banquet," Legolas said then. Girithfen, realizing that she had been gone for far too long, abruptly stood up, brushing off her gown. She then met Legolas's eyes again, and their brightness sent shockwaves through her. She wouldn't have been able to speak even if she wanted to.

Legolas gave her a wink before turning back and gliding back into the trees. Girithfen watched him until he disappeared into the forest. She took a deep breath, commanding her heart to slow down. She then walked back to the wedding banquet, still a little flustered.

Girithfen didn't see Legolas again after that for many months. She had returned to Rivendell the next day, and she knew she would not be visiting Mirkwood again for a while. But Legolas never ceased to be in her memory every day. She was always seeing his face in a crowd, or out of the corner of her eye, but of course it wasn't him. She found herself waiting anxiously for the next opportunity to go to Mirkwood.

Girithfen smiled, the ocean reappearing before her eyes. She realized that she had been standing there for a very long time, and she turned and walked back below deck. Legolas's words still rung in her ears, and his voice gave her peace.

She felt excitement bubble up inside her when she realized that by the time she reached the shores, Legolas would already be there. She wondered if he would recognize her. Would he still be the same after all that had happened?

Girithfen lay down on her bed, and pondered this question. This made her reminisce about the next time she saw Legolas after the wedding…

Girithfen looked around anxiously for any sign of Legolas. She was back in Mirkwood finally, to visit the family friend. News of the friend's pregnancy had reached them and they had immediately come to congratulate her.

The next day, Girithfen was out in the friend's garden, watering the flowers for the day. It was still early morning, and the sun cast golden-yellow light on the plants.

Girithfen bent down to water the flowers, when she heard rustling behind her. Standing up, she spun around, only to see a flash of blonde hair disappear behind a tree. Smiling, Girithfen felt her heart speed up as she stepped over to the tree.

Legolas suddenly jumped out, startling her slightly. Her grin widened, and Legolas smiled back playfully. He reached up and ran a lock of her hair through his fingers. Then, he put his other hand behind him, and whipped out a violet. Handing it to her, he smiled. Girithfen took it and smelled it, and returned his smile.

"I must go," he said. Before Girithfen could reply (she was confident that her voice would work now), he gave her a playful wink and turned, running back into the woods. Girithfen watched him, half-delighted that he had visited her, half-disappointed he had to leave so soon. She smiled blissfully as she turned and went back to watering the flowers, tucking the violet into her hair.

That's so cuuuuttteeee! I hope you liked it, and thanks for reading!

AbbeyMalfoy87