Just wanted to say thanx for the reviews...they make me feel warm inside

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Disc: if you recognize anyone...they're not mine.

"Tonight…stars

Tonight I'm seeing stars

Tonight…stars

Tonight I'm seeing stars"

-Paul Oakenfold/Shifty Shellshock(Starry-Eyed Surprise)

Stars burst into my vision as I found myself suddenly on the floor. "Are you alright?" A melodic voice asked; it was male, but it wasn't Legolas. This voice was much richer, almost musical in tone. As the stars cleared from my vision I saw exactly what, or rather who, I had collided with. He was extremely attractive, with long blond hair, and deep blue eyes that spoke volumes. A long proud nose and a seductively sculpted mouth completed his features which were strong, unlike of Legolas. As my eyes traveled down, I realized he just got better. I was in the process of taking in his legs when his voice intercepted my thoughts.

"Would you like me to help you up, or would you rather sit there and gawk?" He raised his eyebrows, offering a hand. A hot flush rose in my cheeks, and I blinked, realizing how I must have looked to him. He was strong, for he pulled me to my feet with ease, and his hand was warm.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Apparently," he smirked, and this annoyed me from some reason…until I realized I had yet to release his hand.

"Oh, um, sorry," I dropped his hand like it was on fire.

"Are you really?" The truth was, I wasn't entirely sure.

"Haldir," a female voice called. So that was his name. He turned in the direction of the sound, as did I. A slender young woman came into view, also an elf, I discovered. Her long brown hair was pulled away from her pale face, revealing a startling pare of grey eyes. "And who might this be?" She asked, placing a pale hand on his shoulder, she sported a large diamond ring; I connected the dots. They were either married or dating, but either way Haldir was unavailable. Wait a minute…So was I.

Mentally I chastised myself. Legolas and I had a small argument, and already my eyes were wandering. What kind of wife would I turn out to be? I blinked, realizing Haldir was studying me.

"I believe," he said slowly," That she is the long lost Princess Linwe of Mirkwood."

"You are correct," I said, hoping my tone hid my embarrassment.

"So this is Princess Linwe," the elf maiden said slowly.

"I am honored to be in your presence," Haldir bowed his head in what was supposed to be a respectful gesture, but his tone had hidden meaning. "I am Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlorien, and this is Crysyne, handmaiden to the Lady of Light."

"What?" Greek would have made more sense.

"Linwe," Legolas' voice rang out. He advanced quickly, a worried look on his face. "Linwe I-" He stopped in mid sentence, a look of joy eclipsing the worry. At once he began speaking in fluent elvish to Haldir of Lothlorien, who greeted him respectfully. I silently promised myself I'd learn elvish, for I understood nothing that was said.

"I don't mean to interrupt but, I can't understand a word of what you're saying."

"The princess of Mirkwood speaks no elvish?" Haldir raised his eyebrows.

"It is only until her memory returns," said Legolas. He looked at me, the softness of his eyes an apology. I smiled in acceptance, and he slipped his hand into mine.

"So the legend is true?" Crysyne asked.

"Oh how rude of me, Legolas, this is the Lady Crysyne, handmaiden to Galadriel." Crysyne bowed her head in respect, her eyes downcast.

"It is love to have met you, Lady Crysyne," Legolas said.

"Please, just Crysyne," she said, blushing.

"But you are a lady, I cannot."

"Then you should not," Haldir interjected, "by all means Legolas."

There was a silence that followed, in which I recovered my pride. Something electric was in the air, although I couldn't quite pinpoint what the something was.

"Well, should we not show them to their rooms Legolas?" I broke the silence.

"You are absolutely right melamin, we should." Holding my hand, Legolas led Haldir and Crysyne to their rooms. When Crysyne had shut her door, he turned to me. "All is-well between us then?" His eyes held repressed hope.

"Yes Legolas, all is well."

"Good. Now if you will forgive me, I must leave you," he tried to release my hand but I held tight. He looked up at me in surprise, "Linwe?"

"Where are you going?"

"There are some matters that I must discuss with my father," he smiled, "we have many years together to make up for lost time." He kissed my cheek and ran down the hall, taking the scent of rosewood with him.

I wandered the halls of Mirkwood palace, lost in my thoughts, still shaken by everything that had occurred. So much in one day…I had expected nothing when I awoke this morning, nothing but my loneliness to greet my twenty years, and now, all was changed. In one day I had met my father, discovered I was married, entered Middle Earth-discovered Middle Earth. I sight, entering one of Mirkwood's gardens. Strange, colorful flowers adorned the statues and walls. A fountain was center, stone cared intricately with flowers and symbols, remind me of the Celts. I settled myself on the soft grass near the fountain, and leaned my head against the stone. Closing my eyes, I listened to water flowing from the fountain, my mind drifting into the lazy thoughts of slumber.

"Starry-eyed surprise," I whispered, drifting into sleep.