NOTES: Sorry for the long absence. Things have gotten crazy here, and I am still trying to get back on my feet and not let my depression swallow me up. I want to change the title of this story to "Of Love and Loss" soon, since it seems better sounding to me. Anyway, as usual, enjoy, and please tell me your thoughts. I am not pleased with this, but it's the best I could do. So forgive me if falls short of your expectations. Also, Imrahil did really have four children, and those really are their names, and Éomer did really marry Lothíriel. Lastly, my sincerest apologies for the length! Really I am sorry!

Many Councils

Legolas could not rest that night after the dream he had. He could not understand how he could put his wife at harm when it was the furthest thing from his mind. Everything he did was for her protection and to further prove his love for her. What did Lady Galadriel mean when she said that if he trusted his heart it would betray him? Is not one supposed to follow one's heart? Legolas felt his head reeling with all his unanswered questions. How he wanted to steal away to the Golden Wood and confront the Lady, but he knew that was not possible. He would have to find out what she meant on his own.

Legolas observed Síriel as she slept within his arms. There was a slight look of fear on her face, and twice she cried out in the night. He pretended to be resting when she rose to nurse their daughters, and he noticed how her fingers trembled slightly as she stroked them. Something was clearly troubling her, but he did not know what. He knew it was of no use to ask her; she would tell him if it was something she deemed important.

When morning came, Legolas managed to push the dream to the back of his mind. He had more pressing matters to think of, for today he was going to speak with Prince Imrahil concerning the Men he would be bringing into his realm. He had also made up his mind to speak to his sire afterwards and share with him his troubling dream. Perhaps the elder Elf would provide him with valuable insight.

"So, is today the day of the council with Prince Imrahil?" Síriel asked him as he rose.

He nodded his golden head as he helped her out of bed.

"It is. The Men have been kept here all this time. Well, the ones that are to be given to Rohan and us have been kept here. Elessar already his own charge." he told her.

"I see." she commented.

They bathed and dressed together in almost complete and utter silence. Each felt that the other was troubled, but neither could bring themselves to comfort the other or see what was the problem. It was a highly uncomfortable situation for the pair.

"What will you be doing while I am away in council?" Legolas spoke at last in a desperate attempt to break the silence. "I am not sure for how long I will be gone."

"Most likely I will be with Celebrindal, though I may end up with our sires as well. I want to explore the gardens; I saw some trees that prove to be good for climbing." she answered him. "Avo 'osto (worry not) about me, I will be fine."

Legolas smiled at her.

"But it will not do for the princess of Eryn Lasgalen, and the Lady of my realm, to be climbing trees amidst the public eye." he jested. "Then all will think, 'What has he wedded? A wild being, an untamed spirit!'"

"Would I shame you, then?" she asked, and her voice sounded hurt.

Legolas looked at her, shocked. He knew then that she was truly troubled, for she was always a good sport when it came to jests. He saw her eyes shining with tears.

"Síriel, cuil nín (my life), what is bothering you?" he asked softly.

But she shook her head and bit her lip.

"I apologize for what I said, I only meant it playfully." he whispered, wiping her face.

She smiled weakly up at him.

"I know, and I apologize for my reaction." she replied.

They linked arms as they made their way to the dining hall, each carrying a daughter in their free hand. Celebrindal was already present; Imrahil was speaking to her. Thranduil and Gil-celeb were seated at the far end of the table, and Gimli was next to them.

"Ah, there you are, Legolas. A pleasant night, I hope?" he asked by way of greeting.

"It was." Legolas said smoothly, nodding at his sire at the far end of the table.

None in the dining hall could tell that the Lord and Lady of edhellen-Ithilien were troubled with their own thoughts, for their faces suggested utter content and happiness, and no other feelings did they betray. So they appeared, and so it was assumed. Only a select few knew they truly felt otherwise: Celebrindal, Thranduil, and Gil-celeb. But the three said nothing, nor did they make it apparent that they knew the truth.

"Well, I shall be off now with Imrahil and Gimli." Legolas said, rising from the table.

Síriel nodded to him as she fed their daughters. She felt Legolas' lips brush the top of her head in a parting kiss, and she flushed slightly. Grasping his forearm, she said to him:

"Gerich veleth nín (you have my love), Legolas."

Legolas took her hands and kissed them, looking into her emerald eyes deeply. He knew she was saying this to him because she was afraid of something. He only wished he knew what it is that frightened her so, so that he may protect her. Legolas felt helpless with the knowledge that he did not know what troubled his beloved.

"Come, Legolas." Gimli said, pulling at his friend's tunic.

Legolas nodded at him before turning away from his wife, allowing the Dwarf to lead him. They met up with Imrahil outside the dining hall, who led them deep into the castle, past many great rooms, some with heavily armored guards standing at the closed doors. Legolas wondered slightly what was in those rooms, to require such guarding. After going straight down the hall, Imrahil made a series of left and right turns until they came at last to a corridor with twenty knights standing guard. They bowed low to the prince as he, Gimli, and Legolas passed. They entered the second door at their left.

"Here we are." Imrahil said cheerfully. "We are now in the royal quarters of the castle, as you may have most likely surmised from the fact that those knights are guarding here."

Both the Dwarf and Elf nodded.

"Please, sit." Imrahil motioned as two pretty servant girls entered carrying trays. "I am waiting for a few of my courtiers to join us, if you do not mind."

"Not at all. How can we mind, after all?" Legolas said.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and several Men entered. They bowed respectfully before the three lords before seating themselves beside Imrahil.

"Good, we all are gathered here, so let us begin, shall we?" Imrahil asked.

After introductions were made, Imrahil took the lead role of directing the council. He began with a history of the Men who served the first Dark Lord, Morgoth. Legolas was quite impressed with Imrahil's knowledge and seemingly love of history. It was because of the Men who listened to Morgoth that Númenor fell. Much destruction Morgoth did by corrupting the first Men. After Morgoth there came Sauron, and Men continued to follow him. Easterlings and Haradrim it was mostly, who took him as their master. Though Sauron relied heavily on his fell Orcs and other dark creatures, Men he still needed in his service. Great lies he told them, feeding on their greatest dreams and desires, until he managed to ensnare them; they had no choice but to follow him, out of fear of his wrath, for they were weak. In a very small way, Legolas pitied them.

"The choice remains up to you, Legolas, and up to Gimli, on behalf of Éomer, if you still wish to bring them into your realms. I warn you again that they have been fighting us for many years now, and may still harbor some hatred against us, naturally." Imrahil said. "I myself have taken some into my City, but I watch them carefully. There may be those amongst them who truly repent, I am sure there are, but we must take our guard."

Gimli looked at Legolas, who appeared uncertain.

"Legolas?" Imrahil said. "What is your decision?"

The elven Prince did not speak for a few moments, trying to think of what he should say.

"And Elessar has accepted some?" he asked.

Imrahil nodded fervently.

"Believe me, if he had not, then I would not have either. But look at the great example he set in doing so: they were attacking his kingdom and his people, and he could have had them all slaughtered, in fact, he should have. But he did not, he chose to be merciful towards them and give them another chance, their last chance." he told Legolas.

The blond-haired prince sighed before saying:

"Then I will accept them into my realm, as agreed with King Elessar. I gave him my word, and the word of Elves, mine especially, is never broken."

Imrahil smiled.

"And so I thought it would be so." he said.

All eyes turned immediately upon Gimli.

"Well, I speak for Lord Éomer. He sent me here in his place to say that he, like his friend Legolas, will take any of those who wish to repent of their doings. He only wishes that, before doing so, they may be warned that any wrongdoing will not be tolerated." he said.

Imrahil nodded.

"I planned to do just that before they are sent off with you." he said. "Very well, then, it is agreed that both Legolas and Éomer are taking the remainder of the Easterlings and Haradrim into their realms." Imrahil said, looking at the note-taker. "Please be sure that all who are present sign it, as it will be sent to Elessar, as he ordered."

The man nodded, then rose and personally made sure that all those who were present signed the parchment that he had drawn up, indicating the terms upon which the Men would be taken, into which realms, and who ruled over the realms. When the man was satisfied, he rolled up the parchment, bowed his way out of the room and disappeared.

"Well, at least that is out of the way." Imrahil said as the door closed behind the man.

Gimli, who had a curious expression on his face, cleared his throat.

"Prince Imrahil, if I may, there is another matter." he said.

Imrahil motioned for him to continue.

"I do not know why it has to be me to break this news, especially that I am a Dwarf, and know nothing of these matters, but so it is my fate that I do so." Gimli began, pacing the room uncomfortably. "But Éomer wishes to discuss with you your daughter, Lothíriel, for he wishes greatly that she accept his hand in marriage."

Legolas looked up from his goblet of wine in amazement. The courtiers were whispering excitedly amongst themselves. Imrahil alone remained calm, and a small smile graced his fair face. Gimli stood rooted to the spot, as if awaiting a terrible doom.

"Ah, yes, my daughter. He has made small mention of her before in prior letters. I would be very honored if he wedded her, but the choice remains hers. At the moment, she is with her handmaidens in the White City for a visit." Imrahil said.

Gimli nodded.

"I will let them know as soon as they return." Imrahil added.

"If you would be so kind as to inform Éomer when an answer is given." Gimli said.

"I will."

Legolas sat back in his chair, thinking about what he just heard. So Éomer was in love with Lothíriel, how interesting! The elven prince had seen her once, at Elessar's coronation, and he had to admit she was very lovely.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." Imrahil said promptly. And turning to Gimli and Legolas, he told them, "Well, here is your charge. Tell them the terms of their admittance into your realms."

Legolas and Gimli looked at each other quickly, anxiously, before the door opened.

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Síriel and Celebrindal had spent their time outside in the gardens after they finished feeding Selena and Selina the morning meal. The two daughters were left in the grass lying on their backs as their mother climbed various trees. Of course, Celebrindal was watching the girls, though she kept her eyes on their mother as well. The handmaiden knew that whenever her friend was greatly troubled, she fled to the trees in a desperate attempt to relieve her mind and think of a resolution to the problem that plagued her at the given moment. Now, it was the dream involving Lady Galadriel that bothered her.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught the attention of Celebrindal. They were very

light, much like that of Elves, and sure enough, Thranduil and Gil-celeb came into view.

"Arad vaer (good day)." Gil-celeb told her.

She rose hastily to her feet and bowed to Thranduil, and returned the greeting to Gil-celeb. The two older elven men sat beside their granddaughters.

"Where is Síriel?" Gil-celeb asked.

There was a crash, and all three Elves turned their heads to see Síriel falling to the ground. Luckily, she landed in a mound of soft dirt. Celebrindal hurried over to her.

"Are you alright?" she asked her friend anxiously.

Síriel nodded, though wincing slightly.

"It was that damned branch, it broke under my weight!" she cried, and Celebrindal saw that her eyes were red. She must have been weeping high up in the trees alone.

"Come, your father and aran (king) Thranduil are here." Celebrindal said, hastily brushing the dirt off her friend's tunic and leggings.

Síriel managed to compose a calm face when she approached the two men. She bowed low to her king and kissed the top of her sire's head. Her eyes checked her daughters.

"May I have a word with you, sell nín (my daughter)?" Gil-celeb asked her.

They went off to a deserted place in the gardens.

"Síriel, I am your sire. I know you very well. Your fall from that tree was no mere accident; it betrayed your feelings. I know you are hiding behind a false smiling face. Tell me, what is troubling you? It pains me that you suffer silently." he told her.

He stared at the back of her copper-red head, hoping she would tell him what troubled her. He could see her shaking uncontrollably, like a leaf in the wind.

"Síriel, I beg of you, tell me." he told her softly.

With her back towards her sire, Síriel proceeded to tell him everything from the beginning: her encounter with the Lady Galadriel in the blessed Golden Woods, the Lady's words to her, and the dream that she had the previous night. She tried to keep her voice even, but it faltered at times. Not a word did Gil-celeb as she spoke.

"What can it mean?" she asked imploringly when she finished, turning to him.

Gil-celeb was silent. He knew when the Lady was involved in dreams it was to come to

pass, whether for ill or good. What exactly was to come to pass Gil-celeb did not know, but he felt it was grave. He wished to comfort his daughter, but found no such words.

"Perhaps it is not grave, Síriel." he said at last.

"Oh, do you think so, adar (father/sire)?" she asked, and there was hope in her eyes.

"I cannot say for sure; all we can do is trust in the Valar."

She nodded somberly.

"Henion (I understand)." she told him.

She smiled wanly at him before turning and heading back to Celebrindal and Thranduil, leaving Gil-celeb to ponder worriedly over her dream.

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It was late at night when Legolas finally emerged from Imrahil's council. He was weary from all the talks, but what had occurred between him and Imrahil at the end surprised him the most. After all he had believed, and Síriel and even Celebrindal herself, their assumptions were wrong. But the way the Dol Amroth prince had acted—how was one to think otherwise? It did not matter now, for Legolas knew the reality of his actions.

'But still," he thought to himself as he made his way to his room.

Halfway down the corridor he met his sire.

"Up late?" he asked.

"I was waiting for you." Thranduil answered.

The pair went into Thranduil's chambers, where Gil-celeb was seated. He looked somewhat tired, Legolas noticed, but he greeted the Prince with a warm smile.

"I am going to rest, I shall you in the morning." he said, and left soon afterwards.

Once Gil-celeb was gone, Legolas told his sire all that occurred in the council earlier that day with Imrahil and Gimli. However, he left out the private exchange between Imrahil and himself. That was a matter did not have to know about, not now anyway.

"So you are relieved then? All your worries gone?" Thranduil pressed.

Legolas looked at him intently.

"Actually, there is one small thing…"

And before Legolas knew it, he had told his sire everything about the Lady: their encounter and his dream. Thranduil listened intently, his gray eyes narrowed.

"And you told Síriel about this?" the elven-king said when his son finished.

Legolas shook his head.

"I have not the heart to tell her. How can I? She will be worried sick." he said.

"But she is worried nonetheless. She perhaps senses your worry." Thranduil said.

"Perhaps she does, but I think something else troubles her. I tried asking her, but I know she will not tell me unless she deems it important enough."

Thranduil looked at his son critically for a few moments.

"Or unless she is so afraid herself that she does not want you to know." he pointed out.

"…unless she is so afraid herself that she does want me to know…" Legolas faltered.