This chapter needs a slight bit of explanation. Elenlor will have a bit of a flashback, so when you see this / that is her flashback, and when you see it again, flashback is over. Enjoy!

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Elalkar's gaze swept anxiously over the heads of the crowd, searching in vain for his daughter.

"Where did she go?" Hirilor stood on tiptoe, trying to search as well; though the added inches only placed the top of her head level with her husband's chin. "Did you see her dance again?"

"No," Elalkar spared a moment to glance down at his wife. "Not after the first. Then I saw the king lead her toward the gardens…" he stopped for a moment, an idea plucking at the corner of his mind. "You don't suppose they are still out there do you?"

"That is hardly likely," Hirilor dropped back onto the flat of her feet as she pondered the notion. "Elenlor has never met the king before, and you know how shy she is."

Elalkar was about to reply when he felt the light touch of a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he beheld his king. For a moment, the dark haired elf could only stare blankly. Recovering, he forced his tongue to move. "Sire."

"Elalkar." The king's mouth tipped slightly at the elf's surprise. "I thought it best to let you know that I escorted your daughter to your home."

"Home!" Hirilor echoed blankly.

"Yes," Thranduil smiled bemusedly. "She said she did not wish to stay for the rest of the ball, and insisted on returning home, so I escorted her there."

"Thank you, sire," Elalkar said gratefully. "We were just wondering what had become of her."

As Thranduil disappeared into the crowd, Hirilor sighed. "I knew she would do something like this."

"She is shy, meleth nin…"

"No, she is a recluse. Elalkar, she does not know anyone because she hides herself away! The only time she stirs from the inside of the house is to walk in our own gardens or to dance in the woods. I almost think that she fears others." Hirilor sighed softly. The one child that resembled her in looks certainly did not inherit her personality traits. She worried that her daughter had no one outside her family to talk to.

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Elenlor sat curled on the foot of her bed, her long, delicate fingers combing through her hair. It was late, and she knew that her family would be returning soon. She sighed dismally at the prospect.

Her mother would wish to speak to her about her hasty departure.

Though the elf maiden loved and respected her mother, there were times when she wished the woman were a little more like herself. Hirilor was outgoing and talkative, her manner bright and cheerful.

Elenlor barely knew how to pronounce outgoing and talkative. In truth, she was so shy she might be described as timid. To those who she knew, she was as merry as her mother. Unfortunately, she only knew her family. While her sisters had made friends with other elf maids from families within the court, Elenlor had remained at home. She always had an excuse not to go, but that's all it really was. As the years went by, her siblings grew to accept her withdrawn behavior, but her parents worried.

Elenlor sighed softly. She knew that her mother and father were concerned about her lack of companionship. Recently, they had begun to insist that she accompany them when they visited or attended small gatherings.

That was how she had come to encounter Saurna.

Shuddering, Elenlor drew her hand over her face, as if brushing away an unclean touch. She did not want to think of him.

Tonight was the first ball that she had attended. Her parents had 'requested' her presence despite numerous protestations on her part. She desperately hoped that they would realize how much she did not wish join in such gatherings and let her remain at home.

"Elenlor."

The elf maiden lifted her golden head to see her mother standing in the doorway. Hirilor's eyebrows were drawn together in a frown, her blue eyes piercing her daughter.

Elenlor felt her hope waning.

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The wood elves' celebration was slowly drawing to a close. Gradually the fair folk took their leave of the king and trickled out of the hall, their soft songs echoing in the cool night air. Lady Anguirel stood in one of the last groups of stragglers as they merrily chatted and gossiped, but her eyes had a sad, far away look and she didn't seem to even notice when her companions moved off and she remained almost alone. She would very likely have stayed were she was, lost in thought of times long past and another ball were she had danced as a happy new bride, until morning came, or the hall collapsed, or Sauron repented of his evil ways and threw a grand 'I've reformed' celebration, but a soft voice behind her jerked her ruthlessly back to the present.

"Naneth."

Anguirel turned to see her eldest son standing near, his face grim. She sighed, guessing what was about to come. Recently, it seemed that Dirion wished to talk of nothing else.

"Ion nin. Man na den anirlye?"

Dirion sighed softly. "It is Saurna."

Instantly Anguirel felt her defenses rise. Was it not enough that she had already been rebuked once this evening? And now she must endure more from one of her own children? "I do not see why you would concern yourself with matters that are not your affair."

"Naneth! I concern myself because it has to be someone's affair…and you are not making it your own!" Dirion kept his voice low, but his dark eyes flared as he spoke. Before his mother could utter a word, he continued. "I have tried to speak to you before, as have most of my brothers and sisters, but you would not listen to us."

"Nor will I now." Anguirel's voice was cold. "I raised you, I think I know how to raise your brother as well."

Dirion sighed in frustration. "You are not treating him as you treated us. When we were small, you made sure we had discipline. You let him have whatever he wants! And apparently, he wants some of the maidens in the court."

The icy silence that followed Dirion's exclamation made him wish he had worded it more gently.

"You speak nonsense." The elderly elf turned away from her son, her spine rigid with rage. "He is young. He will change."

Dirion sighed again. He could hear the pleading note entering his mother's voice. She knew that she had not raised Saurna as she should have; yet she was asking everyone in Mirkwood to look the other way for him. It could not go on! "Naneth, how long will you let this continue?" He saw the way his mother's shoulders stiffened, but pressed onward. "He is bringing down disgrace on you and all of our family. He is still in your home. You are the head. It is your right as much as your obligation to chastise him." The dark haired elf rubbed his hand across his forehead as he gazed at the back of Anguirel's head. A swift pang of guilt hit him as he looked on the black flowers woven through her hair. If his father had not died this would not have happened. He knew that his mother's inattention to Saurna sprung from her grief. However, it did not change what was. As much as he loved his mother, he could not deny that she had not done her duty to Saurna by raising him correctly. He did not wish to cause her pain…but what else could he do? Someone had to tell her the truth, and keep telling her until she listened. With a monumental effort, Dirion resisted the urge to sigh again. He and his siblings had been trying for years.

The elf opened his mouth to continue, but he saw his mother's once proud shoulders shake slightly, as though she were restraining tears. He could not speak. Dirion stretched out a hand, intending to embrace her. "Nana…"

At the sound of the word, Anguirel stiffened. She turned and fixed her son with a cold glance. "I will speak to him."

Dirion could have wept. He let his hand fall limply back to his side and watched his mother stalk away. Her coldness hurt him, but what hurt him more was her eyes. He remembered as an elfling that a glare from his nana was enough to send him into meek obedience. When nearing his adolescent years he had told his friends that he believed his mother capable of literally pinning someone to the wall with her eyes. His wife, on meeting Anguirel for the first time later told him she was sure the elf woman had been able to see right through her.

But now, Anguirel's eyes were changed.

The strength had left them.

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"Elenlor, how could you?" Hirilor paced her daughter's room in agitation. "You promised us…"

"I promised I would go, Nana, but I did not promise I would stay for the entirety of the evening." Elenlor looked down at her hands as she spoke, her voice nearly a mumble.

Elalkar sighed from his position by the door. He did not pace as his wife did, but he looked disappointed. "It was understood. Besides, when you wished to come home you should have told us. If the king had not mentioned that he had escorted you, we would not have known where you were."

Elenlor kept her blue eyes fixed on her hands as they twisted themselves together in her lap. She winced slightly at her father's reproachful tone. "I am sorry, Ada. I did not think."

"Obviously." Hirilor sat beside her daughter, fixing her eyes on the young elleth. "Elenlor, tell us. Why did you leave?"

Elenlor looked up sharply at her mother's words. Did she know something? But no. Hirilor was merely concerned. She could not know of Saurna. The elf maiden wrestled inwardly, trying to bring herself to tell her parents of the uneasiness that crept into her mind whenever Saurna drew near. She had experienced this feeling the first time she had met Lady Anguirel's youngest son, and now it was actually passing 'uneasiness'. Now, whenever she saw him, her initial instinct was to run.

As she had when she first saw the king. It had been such a shock to realize that she was not alone, her body took over. She had fled, a very real fear giving wings to her feet.

"Elenlor?" Elalkar's eyebrows drew together in concern as he saw the haunted expression lurking in his daughter's eyes. The dark haired elf crossed the room and sat by Elenlor's other side. "What is it?"

How could she explain it? How could she? He had not done anything, yet she could not control her initial reaction towards him.

Her mother had taken her to visit a friend, and the Lady Anguirel had been there. Saurna was with her. Not long into the visit, Elenlor managed to escape to the gardens…but she was followed.

/ Elenlor drew a deep breath of the flower-scented air, relieved to have escaped the crush of elves within the house for the moment. Her mother had insisted she come, though the elf maiden had tried to refuse multiple times. She did not like to be surrounded by other people, and Lady Galiel always invited so many guests.

A soft breeze stirred her hair around her and she felt herself begin to relax. At least Lady Galiel had some very fine gardens. The golden-headed maiden sighed in appreciation as she bent to smell one of the rose bushes.

"Hello there."

Elenlor jerked upright and whirled, her heart slamming in her chest. She was shocked to discover that she was not alone, and even more disturbed to see that it was Lady Anguirel's son that lounged against a tree, his eyes fastened on her slim form. She had never met the elf, but her sisters had brought tales from the court, and she eyed him warily. He was handsome, she decided. The green eyes and unusual golden hair came together very nicely on a well-muscled frame. But there was something…wrong. His eyes were cold, and arrogance seemed to seep from his very being.

"I do not think that I have seen you before," Saurna pushed himself away from the tree, a leer pulling at the corners of his mouth. His gaze flickered over her from head to toe. "Pity. I see that I have been missing something." If he noticed her look of distaste, he did not comment on it. "My name is Saurna. And you are…?"

"Elenlor. Daughter of Elalkar." Elenlor started to edge away. "It was nice to meet you." With that, she turned and began to walk down one of the garden paths. The manner and bearing of the elf had unnerved her considerably, and she could only feel relief that she had left him.

A creeping sensation seemed to crawl into the back of her mind as she walked. Elenlor tried to shake it off, but it persisted. She felt as though she was being watched by unfriendly eyes. As she rounded a corner, Elenlor glanced behind her. An unpleasant shock made the hair on the back of her neck prickle. She was being watched. More importantly, she was being followed. Saurna was a mere twenty feet behind her.

She sped up as she rounded the corner, thanking the Valar for the large flowering hedges Lady Galiel had seen fit to plant, turning her garden into almost a maze. Hopefully she would be able to lose Saurna somewhere along the way…

"Elenlor."

The fair elf stopped, dread curling around in her stomach. Saurna had increased his speed as well. She turned to see him standing only a few feet away. A superior, arrogant smile was curling his lips. "Don't you know that it is rude to walk away when someone wants to talk to you?" His tone was condescending. He stepped closer and lifted a hand to stroke her cheek. "Or perhaps do something besides talk…"

Before his hand could make contact with her skin, Elenlor stepped back. "I am sorry. I do not think that I would be a very good conversationalist tonight. I came out to escape the people, you see." She turned to go, only to gasp in surprise as she felt a hand close on her shoulder, the fingers gripping tightly. Saurna spun her back to face him and for a split second, she was afraid.

Green eyes gazed down at her coldly. "I was not finished talking to you." Again, his gaze swept over her form. She shuddered in disgust, wishing only to be free of him.

"Elenlor! Elenlor where are you?"

Elenlor nearly choked as relief poured through her. "My mother is calling me." Before Saurna could react, she pulled free of his grip and all but fled. She could feel his eyes on her as she left. It was not a comfortable sensation./

Hirilor sighed in exasperation and pushed herself to her feet. "I do no know what to do, dear one. Your father and I are worried."

Elalkar placed a gentle hand on his daughter's shoulder, brushing her long hair back. "You do not know anyone."

Elenlor kept her eyes down. "I know my sisters and my brothers and you. Why do I need to know anyone else?"

"I am going to propose a deal," Hirilor said quietly. "For one year, you attend the balls and any other gathering that we do."

"Nana, I do not want to go…"

"And after that time period, if you still do not wish to go, we will not force you." The elf woman saw her daughter's frown and sighed. "At least consider it. Please?" She waited until she saw Elenlor's head nod fractionally. "Thank you." Stooping, she kissed the elleth's forehead, then straightened and left the room.

As soon as she was gone, Elenlor turned to her father with pleading eyes. "Ada, I do not want to do this."

Elalkar surveyed his daughter with sympathy. He knew how she felt, having gifted her with his personality if not his physical looks. He understood her shyness better than his wife, though both loved their child equally. However, they were both, as Hirilor had said, worried. They had believed that Elenlor would eventually come forth on her own as she grew older and overcome the tendency to withdraw from people. If anything, she had shrunk farther away.

"Child, I fear that you will not find sanctuary with me. I agree with your mother."

Elenlor looked betrayed.

"Elenlor," Elalkar took one of his daughter's hands in his own and stroked it gently. "I know that you are not comfortable around those you do not know, but unless you make an effort, you will never know anyone. You have to be able to live with people, and not just around them." He smiled gently, but his words were firm. "And I am afraid that you do not have that skill as of this moment. I would like to see it cultivated."

Elenlor rose, agitated. She strode to her window and gazed out at the night sky, her brow furrowed. "It is not that I do not like people, Ada. I just…" Her words failed her for a moment. An image of Saurna rose in her mind. She shuddered. "Sometimes they make me uncomfortable." Or afraid. Were it not for Saurna, she would gladly agree to her mother's plan, but she knew that Lady Anguirel's son would be present at most social gatherings.

"You did not seem uncomfortable around the king." Elalkar noted, a little too casually.

"Ada!" Elenlor blushed hotly "I am not going to discuss that." As she spoke the words, she sighed just a little. She was not fool enough to think that the king would ever look twice at her. He was the king. She was only a lord's daughter who found it hard to speak to people without turning bright red. Though she had to admit, she hadn't been uncomfortable around him at all.

Elalkar rose with a chuckle, his robes swirling around him softly. He embraced his daughter and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I just want you to be happy, Silme."

Elenlor smiled at her father's nickname for her and relaxed into his arms. "I will think about Nana's idea, Ada."

"Good." The dark haired elf released her and tucked a few golden strands behind her pointed ears. "Losto mae, Elenlor."

"Losto mae, Ada."

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Hirilor sighed as she gazed through the window. She could see Elenlor's slender form, clad in a light blue gown, disappearing rapidly into the trees. She knew where her daughter was going, and though she tried to dissuade her, the elleth uncharacteristically refused to heed her parent's advice.

The elf woman shook her golden head. She feared for her daughter when she went wandering into the woods. Lasgalen was not safe anymore. 'Mirkwood,' the men from the lake called it. The younger elves were picking up the name as well.

One last gleam of sunlight shimmered in Elenlor's fair hair, and then the shadows of the wood swallowed her up as though she had never been. Hirilor chewed her lip. She wondered if she should send for one of Elenlor's brothers and have them go after her, just to make sure she would be safe.

A tapping at her door interrupted the Lady's thoughts. Swiftly, she strode away from the window and towards the door. It was most likely Lady Galiel…she had not seen her friend for over a week…

Hirilor pulled the door open, expecting to find the diminutive, chattery, elf woman. She was therefore quite surprised to find herself staring not at the top of Galiel's head, but a male elf's broad chest. Her eyes quickly traveled up…and widened as she recognized her king. "Hir nin!" She stepped back and opened the door wide. "Please, come in."

Curiosity seized her as she watched the Elvenking enter her home. "I am afraid that my husband is gone to visit one of my sons. I do not expect him back until this evening."

"Actually," Thranduil's smile was half embarrassed. "I did not come to see your husband…I…I came to inquire after your daughter, Elenlor."

Just in time, Hirilor stopped her jaw from dropping open. Elenlor! What on Arda…? But then realization hit her. Oh the rotten bad luck! Why did he pick now of all times? If he had come twenty minutes sooner…!

"Alas, Elenlor is not here either," Hirilor said regretfully. Very regretfully. It was not every day the king came to call on one's daughter! "She went into the woods and I do not know when she will return."

Thranduil's reaction was surprising. His green eyes widened, and an alarmed look crossed his face. "She went into the woods? Did anyone go with her?"

"No," Hirilor replied. "She always goes alone." A brief shadow flickered across the mother's face before she went on. " We have asked her not to, but she insists. I only know she went because I happened to catch sight of her through the window, and I was wondering whether or not I should send one of her brothers after her to make sure she is safe."

The fair king was already striding towards the door. "Do not bother, hiril nin. I will go after her myself."

Hirilor sighed softly in relief. It was a great worry off her mind, yet she did not wish to inconvenience her king… "Please, do not feel obligated, hir nin, I am sure one of my sons will be happy to go…"

"It is no obligation." Before she could say another word, Thranduil was out the door and moving swiftly into the trees.

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Elenlor paused a moment before entering the small clearing. She smiled slightly as she remembered the day before. It had been so surprising to realize she was not alone! Especially when the king resembled Saurna so greatly. She shuddered slightly and pushed the thought away. She did not want to think of Saurna right now.

She always came here when she needed to think. It was peaceful. It was one of the few places besides the palace where sunlight could be seen on a regular basis. She loved it.

Slowly, she stepped into the center of the clearing and raised her arms, allowing the sun's rays to pour over her skin. Her feet moved of their own volition, stepping into the contours of a dance as if they were made for that sole purpose. Her heart lifted as she spun gracefully, her hair flying around her like a golden cocoon.

It was easier to think when she was dancing. When there was peace and quite around her. She did not need music. The trees sang for her. She could hear their whispers even now. A smile curled her lips. Perhaps she would accept her mother's proposal. How bad could one year be for an immortal?

Something tugged at the corner of her mind. She felt as though someone was watching her…yet she was not frightened. Curious at her own feelings, she started to slow her steps.

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Thranduil paused. He stood on the outskirts of the clearing, hesitant to enter. He remembered how Elenlor had reacted the day before, and he had no wish to frighten her once again.

As he watched, her dance slowed. She stopped, her back towards him. Before he could say anything, she turned. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, but she did not turn and flee. Swiftly, she sank into a graceful curtsy. "Hir nin."

"Hiril Elenlor." Thranduil smiled softly. "Your mother worries when you wander into the woods on your own." He clasped his hands behind his back. "I offered to accompany you, and she seemed very relieved."

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Elenlor felt her face start to turn a very delicate shade of red. So her mother had seen her leave…and seen fit to mention it at court. Now the king felt it was his duty to watch over an elleth to make sure she did not get hurt. He probably felt obligated because of her father. "I…that is…that is very kind of you, sire, but I would not wish to impose on you…"

The fair king waved a hand, cutting of her protestations. "It is no imposition. Rather, it is my pleasure." His green eyes traveled around the clearing curiously. "Do you come out here very often?"

"Nearly every day," Elenlor stated, hoping desperately that he would be put off by her answer and decide not to accompany her. If anything, he looked even more pleased. She sighed in frustration. Gathering her skirts in one hand, she quickly left the clearing, and heard, rather than saw, him fall into step by her side.

Oh if only he would not do this! She knew that her feelings for him were bad enough with the one evening she had spent in his company. If she were to spend time with him every day, it was very likely she would find herself in love. Rather than rejoicing as most maidens would, she despaired. He would never look at her that way, and she did not relish losing her heart only to have it broken. Why did he have to be so noble? "Would it not be more convenient for your majesty to send a guard, if you are concerned? I know you are very busy…"

"I would entrust this task to none but myself." The Elvenking's mild eyes smiled down at her, and she felt herself smile back automatically. She could not help it. He had been so kind to her already. With a sigh, she resigned herself mentally. She supposed there were worse things that could happen.

She could end up falling in love with him, and then he would marry someone else.

With a sniff of disgust, she shook such thoughts away. They would not help.

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"Hannon le, hir nin," Elenlor managed as she opened the door to her home.

Thranduil gazed at her, his green eyes sparkling. "I will see you tomorrow, hiril Elenlor?"

The maiden hesitated, her mind telling her to say no, though she desperately wanted to spend time with the fair Elvenking.

"Yes," she said quietly, and slipped through her door before he could say another word. She leaned against the carved wood and listened to his footsteps fade away, a curious smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. For the first time in her life, she was looking forward to spending time with someone outside of her family. In fact, she could hardly wait.

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Thranduil looked back over his shoulder at Elalkar's home. He couldn't resist. To his surprise, he saw a pair of lovely blue eyes gazing at him through one of the windows. He smiled, and lifted a hand in a good-bye salute.

The owner of the eyes waved as well, her cheeks turning pink. With a swift move, she pulled the curtain shut.

There was no way he could have known, but that small wave was to become a habit. And it would continue for many years to come…

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Meleth nin- My love

Naneth- Mother

Ion nin. Man na den anirlye?- My son. What is it you desire?

Nana- Mother(mommy)

Ada- Father(daddy)

Silme- Starlight

Losto mae, Elenlor- Sleep well, Elenlor

Hannon le, hir hin- Thank you, my lord.

Hiril nin- my lady

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