Chapter 18: Oops.

His name was Eodred. He was the son of an old general for Theoden's father. He enlisted in the military when he was 13 years old and had turned out to be a very good guard. All these things he told her as they took a walk through the city. He had taken her to his family's shop and had introduced her to many of his friends. She found that a simple man, with more than simple looks, could be more fascinating than any royal she could ever meet.

They sat down after a while on a parapet near the city wall and watched as the sun began to set. It was probably around six-thirty. Lothiriel would need to go inside soon or they would begin to worry about her.

"My lady," he said from beside her. She almost fell over as she came out of her thoughts. He put an arm out to balance her. "Are you tired?"

"I've just never been outside in this city this long. The altitude is intense." She smiled at him as he put his arm around her with protectiveness. She knew it was only because he was a guard of the city, and therefore her life was in his hands, but she liked to pretend it was something more. "I had a very good time today. I must admit when it started I was not in the best mood."

"Well, anything I can do to help just let me know."

Oh how she wanted to say 'kiss me'. But that would be inappropriate. It was even worse because she realized that the feeling that washed over her was not want or need of him, but want of revenge on Éomer. Saying his name now even gave her the chills. She didn't know what she felt for Éomer, but she knew that nothing would ever make her happy if it didn't include him. And as much as she enjoyed the company of this young man, he was no Éomer.

"MY LADY!" came a shocked soothing voice from behind her. She turned abruptly as did Eodred. What greeted their eyes was a beautiful man with long blonde hair. He was lovely and young looking but his eyes betrayed him. Legolas. It was Legolas.

"My lord?" she whispered.

"We have been looking for you everywhere, and you are here with a man and no chaperone?" he seemed angry but his voice was steady as a drum.

"The people of this city do not need chaperones, besides we were just conversing, nothing shameful; I assure you." But Legolas seemed unconvinced.

"Excuse us, sir. I must take her back to her room where she will stay until she learns how to respect others enough to tell them where she is going."

Then he took her arm and ushered her away from the blushing Eodred.

"What was that all about?" Legolas asked through a whisper, but Lothiriel wasn't blushing or whispering. She wasn't embarrassed at all.

"Am I not allowed to enjoy the company of a young man?"

"But what about you and Éomer?" He seemed so confused by her behavior.

"There is no me and Éomer."

His eyes softened, he understood now. "What happened, my lady?"

"Nothing, that is just the point."

Legolas, true to his elvish nature, thought hard on the advice to give. Elves did not give it often for they found it too consequential. But he sucked up his childhood teachings and told her what he would do. "Patience, young one. I know the heat of passion in your heart and his, though neither of you would ever vocalize it. You have had a rough couple years with this man, but I believe he will come around. Just be patient. Meanwhile, don't take your anger out on a young man who may actually believe you want to be his friend."

"But I do want to be his friend. And honestly I see more promise in him courting me than Éomer."

"Now, Lady you know that would be inappropriate. He is a soldier, you are a princess."

She sighed and looked him straight in the eyes. "Well I wish the commoners knew how lucky they were to have the simplest of pleasures—the right to choose their destiny."

Legolas looked at his feet and felt embarrassed. "My lady, you know how this system is…"

"I will marry for love or not at all," she huffed. "And pardon me for my words, but you are not my father, Legolas."

"Well, you are a fiery one, Miss Lothiriel." For a second all was tension, and then Lothiriel laughed out loud. "Just promise me one thing," Legolas said bringing her back to the ground.

"What?" she said as she calmed down.

"Don't lead on the soldier."

"He's a guard, Legolas," she said, but he knew it was an answer.

A/N: Yay! I love Legolas, he's so fatherly. Hope this holds you guys off for a while. I've been really busy and I work a lot, which sucks. I'll try to get the next chapter submitted on wednesday, that's my only day off this week. Thanks and enjoy.

oh and Ps. I realized that I, for some weird reason, have two chapter 18s, so I actually have a 22 chaptered story, not 21. opps! lol. Well, like I said, enjoy!