A/N: Okay, little is known about the Elves of Mirkwood. So from here on I will attempt to maintain trueness to Tolkien and his style; while taking a few creative licenses. But, if you see anything inconsistent with the book, please tell me.

There was a rap on my door; waking me from my slumber.

Carefully rising, trying not to wake Ithilwen, I opened the door.

Legolas, garbed in a brown tunic and breeches, stood in the doorway. He smiled; he looked like he hadn't rested much. Another reminder of how hard it would be for the Elves of Mirkwood to become accustomed to our marriage...and our child.

"You look lovely," Legolas said with a smile. "Are you and Ithilwen ready?"

I laughed at his compliment, "I just need to wake her up."

Ithilwen was very unhappy at being woken. Very. Though I couldn't blame her, she'd had a very rough transition.

"Mommy, leave me alone!" Ithilwen moaned and buried her face into the cover.

Normally Ithilwen is the most well-behaved, even-tempered child one could ever wish to meet. But when she had her bad days, she was impossible.

I withstood a groan, "Baby, this is not the time, please, you need to wake up."

I nearly had to physically pull her away from the bed.

We left Ithilwen and my apartment; Ithilwen sulking and stomping her feet. At that point Legolas stopped her and gave her a stern reprimand. She hung her head and her behavior lessened slightly, but it was still apparent she was angry.

I sighed; I had a feeling this lunch wasn't going to end well.

Legolas linked arms with me, Ithilwen at his side.

Elves passed us, most heading in the same direction as us; some of the bolder ones stared at Ithilwen and I rudely.

I mulled over all information Cecilia had ever stuffed down my throat about proper etiquette. I was so nervous I remembered little, but I was a Southern girl and when in doubt, as Mom used to say, turn on the charm.

Though I am normally gruff and indelicate, I can be charming when need be. Amazing what growing up can do to you.

You just let yourself think that, Nicky, that voice in the back of my mind said.

No. I simply refuse to allow myself to doubt. I'd break if I did. I know I would. I have to be strong for Ithilwen.

The breath caught in my throat as we rounded the bend and entered the Great Hall.

The room must have been a little over one hundred yards in length and seventy-five in width. A long mahogany table low to the ground was nearly as long as the room.

Cushions lined parallel to the table served as seats.

The room was half-filled, and according to Legolas, ever since the One Ring lost it's power, so did the Elven Rings. And thus most Elves lost all love for Middle-Earth and left for the Grey Havens.

I noticed only five Elven children. That was not surprising; but saddening.

King Thranduil and Queen Alya were seated at the head of the table. Queen Alya had a silver circlet entwined in her hair, King Thranduil his standard garland of leaves.

They stood, and so did the others attending the lunch. They stared at us expectantly.

Alya was very pale, but her head was held strong, she smiled at Ithilwen and I complacently.

Legolas inclined his head, I followed his example, and Ithilwen stared at us confusedly.

We seated ourselves at the right hand of Thranduil.

Well-groomed Elleths stared at me, a few, beneath their coquettish smiles; I could detect deep-seated disgust for me. Others seemed too surprised to form an opinion.

Alya clapped her hands and servants, appearing from behind curtains that I had not noticed before, trays laden with food in their arms. They laid it out on the table.

Thranduil said a prayer of thanks to Eru and the Valar, all bowed their heads. It reminded me of one large family.

We began to eat, the food was wonderful, though almost all of the dishes were vegetarian in base. Though there was meat, there was very little.

Legolas explained it had to do with respect for Yavanna and all creatures under her protection.

"Lady Nicolette," Alya said, interrupting my thoughts, "Do you play any instruments?"

I shook my head, "I sing a little, but my skills are sadly lacking."
Alya nodded, "What a pity. Do you have any siblings?"

I nodded, "I have a sister, Anna, she is married to a Rohirrim warrior."

She looked horrified, but recovered herself quickly, "Do you draw?"

I nodded again, "Avidly."

"I see. My son mentioned you were an Elementalist, and yet, you are not adorned in the style of Elementalists."

"My gifts were...taken from me by force," I replied quietly.

I imagine she was repressing a smile of triumph as she said, "Taken?"

"During my captivity in Saruman's tower my gifts were taken," I said, maintaining the utmost civility.

"How horrible; I have heard of such things; my son also mentioned you were linked with a dragon, where is it now?"

"She. And Jade is a guardian of Minas Tirith, or so I have been told," I answered.

Alya's brow knitted, "You mean to say you do not know where the creature you are mentally linked to is?"

Legolas choked on his wine.

Now I was in a predicament. If I told her 'Oh, I forgot to mention to you, I'm from another world!' I'd be labeled a lunatic. So with ease a lie formed on my lips.

"During my stay in Saruman's tower I contracted a severe illness. I fell deathly ill and my sickness, makes one appear to be dead, it is one of the magical diseases formed by Morgoth in the days of old, I believe," A weak lie, perhaps. But it was better than the truth.

"How dreadful. The Valar must favor you," Alya said.

I smiled thinking that Alya was silently wondering on the mental capabilities of the Valar. With that, I resumed my meal.

"Mommy, do I have to eat this?" Ithilwen whispered in my ear, poking a strange vegetable.

I nodded, "They're good for you; you have to."

Legolas heard the discussion between us and smiled.

Alya seemed to hear as well, though she said nothing.

Ithilwen pouted and refused to eat anymore. I resisted a heavy sigh as I whispered punishments into her ear.

With a huff, Ithilwen threw her fork down and crossed her arms across her chest. Her brow wrinkled in anger.

Thranduil looked over, surprised at the clatter of the fork, "What is the problem, little one?"

A deep blush stained both Legolas's and my cheeks.

Ithilwen looked up at Thranduil's question, she began to say something.

"She's had little sleep and food these past few days and is a bit...uncooperative," I said quickly, "Forgive her."

Alya seemed pleased, a small smile played across her proud features.

I heard several comments from Elleths about the lack of discipline. I clenched my fists under the table.

Thranduil nodded, "Yes, I remember that stage well, Legolas, when he was but a small child would do the exact same thing." He smiled at me. "Perhaps you should put Ithilwen...that is her name, no? Perhaps you should put her down for a nap. Tomorrow we must find a governess for her."

My opinion of Thranduil improved a great deal that day as I nodded and picked Ithilwen up and carried her out of the room.

Ithilwen remained in sullen silence as I futilely tried to remember which way to turn to get to our quarters.

"Ithilwen, do you remember if we should turn left or go straight?" I asked her, desperately. I would've turned back, but I wasn't sure about the way back either.

At that moment a male Elf carrying an infant rounded the corner.

He noticed me and seemed surprised.

"Mae govannen," I said, "I hate to say this but I am terribly lost, do you happen to know the way to...oh dear, I don't even know what room it is!"

The man smiled, "Pardon, but may I ask who you are? My people are small and we know almost everyone by name, and I haven't seen a mortal here in a very long time."

I smiled, "I am Lady Nicolette, Prince Legolas's wife--"

"Legolas has a wife?" The man asked with obvious surprise, "Apparently I have not been paying as much attention to current events as I thought! My wife has just had a child, you see, so we've been a bit..."

I laughed, "I understand perfectly, and I have just arrived today."

The man bowed, "I am Turin, the apothecary."

I nodded, "A pleasure to meet you, Belegthor. Do you know where Prince Legolas's room is? I have forgotten my own and Ithilwen is in desperate need of a nap."

Belegthor stared at the child, realization dawning on his features.

I understood what he was thinking and stopped him, "No! No! I was not Legolas's mistress, we were married several years ago but were separated by the War of the Ring."

"Ah," Belegthor said a tinge of disbelief in his voice, "I see. Well, Prince Legolas's room is twenty paces to your right. You will know when you see it. As you can see, I have my hands full," He tickled the baby, "I hope to meet you again."

"And you as well, farewell," With that, the apothecary and I parted.

Once reaching Legolas room, I opened the door, his was much finer than my own, but I will not go into detail.

I laid a kicking and screaming Ithilwen in the middle of the bed and laid a blanket over her.

"I don't want to go to bed!" She screeched.

Grabbing her legs, forcing her to quit most of her kicking, I said with the most anger I have ever held towards her, "Stop. Ithilwen I am sick and tired of this fit! You embarrassed Legolas and I out there very deeply. I don't know what I'm going to do to punish you the next time that happens, but Ithilwen. It will NOT be pretty."

Ithilwen stared at me in surprise, I almost never shout at her but by the end I finished that I was shouting. Her eyes welled with tears and she began to cry.

I softened, "Wait, no, I'm sorry, Mommy is just very nervous. But you shouldn't have done that." I scooped her into my arms and rocked her back and forth, singing softly.

Ithilwen sniffled and curled into my chest, she hiccupped quietly, "I'm sorry, Mommy."

"Shhh...its okay...Shhh..."

In about thirty minutes, Legolas opened the door, he smiled, "Well, hello," He smiled, "May I enquire as to your unexpected, but welcome presence?"

Ithilwen stirred in her sleep, she turned over onto her side and pulled the blanket I had found in a wardrobe tighter about her.

"I'm sorry about what happened earlier, I--" I started but Legolas quieted me.

"It was not your fault. It was mine; I should've known that Ithilwen would be tired..." He sat down on the bed beside me; he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. "So how was your first morning in the great Elvenking's castle?"

I laughed, "Beautiful. I'm not quite sure what to make of Alya, I doubt she likes me."

Legolas tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, "You must forgive her, this all comes as a great shock. I never really had an interest in marriage, so whenever I leave for (by Middle-Earth time, mind you) three days, and return with a wife and child..." He smiled haplessly.

Stroking his slightly-bristled cheek, I kissed him, "I suppose that we were a bit foolish when we got married."

Legolas shook his head violently, "Perhaps, but I was intoxicated by you." He kissed my neck, "Everything about you is..." His teeth grazed my collarbone, saying more than words could.

"Mmm..."I threw my head back and allowed my hands to wander up and down his chest, my hand slipped in between the robe-like tunic and rubbed his chest.

And that was the beginning of a very nice afternoon. Though, taking pity on Ithilwen should she wake up, we did not make love.

"What are we going to do?" I mused quietly, leaning back onto Legolas's chest.

Legolas heaved a great sigh, "Well...I suppose you're going to need tutelage."

I withstood a moan, "Like an etiquette coach?"

"Yes, though Mother would have a fit if she knew I married a fiery, impertinent, Saxon goddess. My old governess shall teach you," He kissed me on the forehead.

I blushed at his compliments and nodded, "What's she like?"

Legolas chuckled, "Let's just say that Lady Eruwaedhiel is the daintiest demon Morgoth ever brought into existence."

A/N: OK, and thus the torture begins! Reviews are appreciated, loves!