A/N:

Yes, I know I haven't updated for SUCH a long time. But I have my own reasons. I've been through a whole lot during the past few months...it's not over yet but it's better...we'll see, that's how life goes! Read on!

Chapter 2 – After long time and a short encounter

Many years have passed, times have changed and the darkness of our time increases. I have been brought up as Ithilwen, daughter of Celeborn, princess of Lothlorien. The Lord and Lady did adopt me. Now they are like Adar and Naneth to me. But I still cannot forget the day that I heard the news of my true parents' passing. I still fear the past for it changed many things. My best friend, my dear sister, Celebrian was almost slain by Orcs. Her two courageous sons, Elladan and Elrohir did rescue her. Unfortunately, there was no cure for her on Arda. She soon sailed to Valinor, leaving behind her husband, Lord Elrond of Imladris, a daughter, Arwen and twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. Arwen has grown up in front of me. She is wise, wiser than many but she is still young and Elrond is still very protective of her. Elladan and Elrohir, the proud twins of Rivendell often join the Rangers in their never ending hunt. It would be wonderful if Celebrian were here to watch her dear children grow up. Ah yes! There is also Estel. Elrond is Estel's foster father. Nay, Estel isn't the child's true name. He is truly Aragorn son of Arathorn, Isildur's heir. The name is merely like a 'shield'. Just so that the child can grow up safely, not knowing who he really is, not knowing how he can change the future of men. I know that he shall be protected until he is ready, until he is ready to embrace his title. I have the love of a family and yet, something seems to be missing. I still do not understand that feeling.

That was a grand day at Caras Galadhon. The city had been prepared for the arrival of King Thranduil and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. But I was not one for feasts and balls. All these celebrations, they were all the same, feasting, dancing, there were way too many people. My real parents, as I remember used to enjoy this merrymaking. I would enjoy merrymaking with only my family and close friends, not with every elf in Lothlorien! Then again, my foster parents were the rulers of Lothlorien; they barely had small celebrations. I knew that our guests would be arriving but I did not wish to stay to greet them. I wanted some peace and quiet, away from the city. The only ways that a feeling of calmness can be restored into my mind is through music or painting.

"Ithilwen, my child will you not stay to welcome our guests?" I heard Naneth's voice in my mind. She was doing that again, talking to me in my mind. I assumed that Naneth already knew my answer so I did not utter a word.

I mounted my mare, Silversnow and rode deeper into the woods. I loved to feel the wind in my hair, blowing against my face. It would feel like the wind was whispering to me, urging me to go faster. I was headed towards my favorite place, close to the brook. I loved to paint there or just lie on the grass and sing to myself. It was a wonderful place. I used to dream that I and my beloved (once I found him) would stay there for hours and hours in each other's embrace or we would frolic in the water and later when it would become dark, we would sit there under the stars and just talk. Those were only my childish dreams but I still loved to think of them.

As soon as I arrived at the brook, the first thing I did as always, was to take a deep breath and inhale the scent of my beautiful surroundings and then listen to the music of the flowing water. It felt good to be there again. I dismounted Silversnow and let her free so that even she could enjoy the grass. Then, I unfolded my canvas and started to paint the beautiful scenery. But in my version of it, there was an Ellon (male elf) and an Elleth (female elf). The Elleth sat on a rock while the Ellon was in front of her, he was down on one knee and they were both looking into each other's eyes. I loved drawing beautiful moments such as those. Some of my other pictures would have an Ellon and an Elleth with an Elfling (elf child)or two. I loved to draw happy families.

Time flew by so fast that soon I found myself sitting in the aduial (evening twilight). It was not too late but it was time to return. Nay, I did not want to leave not just then. I just needed a little more time. I closed my eyes and felt the wind once more. I was not within the borders of Lothlorien; I could be attacked anytime. This was one of the most dangerous places where I could be yet, I felt so safe, safely contained within my own dreams and fantasies with no one to disturb me.

At that moment I felt the presence of another, an Elf. Not very far away, I saw a fair-haired Ellon with his bow and a quiver of arrows. His aura seemed to tell me that he was Royal. A fair-haired, noble Mirkwood elf close to Lothlorien at that time; undoubtedly, that was Prince Legolas. He seemed to have noticed me too. He was walking towards me. I rolled up my canvas and gathered my paints and put them back in my small brown bag. I wanted to try and leave as if I had not even seen him. I got up began to walk towards Silversnow.

"Tampa!" He said, making me halt and look at him. "Mankoi naa lle sinome Arwen en amin?" he asked me (Why are you here, my lady)

I smiled " Mae govannen, Prince Legolas. I can be wherever I want to be, why do ask?" (well met)

Now he had a worried yet puzzled look on his face, "I was merely concerned about your safety. An Elleth like you shouldn't be out here in such troubled times."

I laughed, "I should know better than to be out here for I have seen many more winters than you, Prince."

"Who are you, my lady?" he asked

"I am Ithilwen, daughter of Celeborn," I answered. He looked shocked at my answer. I suppose the prince of Mirkwood was not expecting to find the Princess of Lothlorien in the woods. "I apologize for not being there to greet you and your Father when your company arrived in Caras Galadhon."

"There is no need to apologise, Lady Ithilwen." He smiled and then he seemed to be looking at me intently. "For once rumors have been true. I heard rumors of your beauty. Now, I can see that it is true, your beauty shines bright." He said. I could not help smiling.

"I thank you for your kind words, Prince Legolas. Now, why would a young prince like you be here in the woods at such a time?" I asked

"To escape the crowd of Elleth admirers and my father's wrath." He answered with a smile.

I laughed at his answer. "But it is time for the feast now. Come, you and I cannot be late seeing that you are the guest and I am the hostess."

"Let us leave then, he said and leapt up on his own horse's back as I mounted Silversnow. We rode back together to the stables of Lothlorien.

"Thank you, Prince Legolas for escorting me back here." I said with a slight smile

"It was my pleasure, Lady Ithilwen. Do not look for trouble, my lady, it will come to you." He said

"We will meet at the feast. Farewell until then, Prince. I shall remember your words," I said with a hint of amusement in my voice as I left the stables.

Let me make this quick

Things to say:

Blue Fur and Puffin: I'm glad you like this! here's my update. thanks soooo much! (you're the first reviewer for this story)

Curumarth: Thanks oh so much! There's still loads that I need to know but don't know/don't pay attention to. I'll be more carefull in future!

The Insane Sekhmet: Glad you like it! Here's my update. Keep reviewing.

MEEMYSELFI: I like your pen-name! I'm still not confident about my work though. I'm really happy you like this. Seeing that I started writing the first chapter when I was in the seventh grade, it's getting a pretty good response.

Abernaith: oh my god! you l-like t-this! Thanks! here's the update. I have another story up as well.

Thank you all soooo much!

Namarie for now!

Aeariel of the Sea aka Eleniel of the Stars