Thank you all who reviewed the last chapter: The Real Floranocturna, Lady Lindariel, Thrndlwood, Autumn Sparkle, enchanted stream, Emilia Lozano, Charming Ever after, Katia0203, Adalinexc, Golden Haired Ravenclaw, elvenprincesscher, guest, silverwires, RainAstiel, Mistress of Imladris.

Legolas hugs for everyone! And now it's time for...Questions with Legolas! - the part of our show where the elf in question answers questions from the audience...

From LadyLindariel: Legolas, what is your fondest memory of your mother?

Probably those quiet moments when it was just the two of us—her singing to me at night when she tucked me in or telling me stories while she brushed my hair. She could tell the most fantastic stories, often making me the hero in her adventures. Never did I imagine that one day I would go on such an adventure myself. I like to think she'd be proud.

Chapter Ten: I Behave Badly

I suppose you remember that I lost the archery competition.

Ran out of arrows like a fool.

Did not win a kiss from fair maiden.

Instead, I slouched against the side of a tree and watched from a distance as Eledhel won the race, pulling ahead of Miredhel in the final stretch. When all the competitors rode past, I straightened as was becoming of my station. I politely attended Lady Galadriel's award ceremony in which she gifted Eledhel some mithril arrows. Probably enchanted. Like I need anything like that. And then I trudged back to my room, intent on changing into more appropriate attire for the night's feast and celebration. By the time I reached my door I was in a spectacularly foul mood. If I thought my absence would go unnoticed, I would have skipped dinner altogether, but I knew I would be missed, and I couldn't very well have people saying that I was sulking in my room because I lost.

But all I really wanted to do was sulk in my room.

Because I lost.

Like an idiot.

Now here is a part of my tale in which I hope not to be judged too harshly. Please remember I was in a terrible mood. I know people spread rumors about my father's horrible temper. Well, there's good reason for those rumors, and I might have inherited that unfavorable part of his disposition. I am not saying this to make excuses for what I did next. I only want to prepare anyone listening to this tale, so they understand I am not perfect.

The moment my hand touched the door handle, I stilled. I heard a giggle and then light steps across the floor.

I flung the door open with a loud crack and stormed into the room. There was Lady Limaer, posed on the edge of my bed, her eyes wide and unblinking. Her mouth fell open a bit, and I'm not sure exactly what she saw in my face in that moment when I charged through the door. She paled and straightened, fidgeted with her dress.

"Prince Legolas?" she squeaked.

"Not now," I hissed and narrowed my eyes at her. "Not ever."

She blinked. "Do you mean—"

I slapped my ridiculously empty quiver down on the desk. "Get out of my room."

Instead, she came closer. "I am sorry you lost, Prince Legolas. And I was hoping I could…" she blushed, "I don't know...kiss and make it better?"

Here comes the really shameful part. I should have politely declined and then shown her the door. But I did not do any of those things. Rather an angry red haze descended over my vision and clouded any rational thought. I am sorry to say I did not act very princely.

I snapped my head up from staring at my quiver on the desk. "You want to kiss me?" I asked her in a low voice.

"Yes?" her voice rose a note.

"I thought you told your friends at the contest that you would be waiting for me in my bed...naked?" I said, taking a deliberate step toward her.

"I didn't mean—"

"For me to hear? Everyone heard, my lady," I told her and crossed my arms. "And I am waiting."

"Waiting?" she repeated, her face mottling pink and white. "Oh!" She fumbled with the laces at the top of her dress while I stood there watching. And my temper only grew more irrational and ugly as I stood there and watched her untie the top to her gown. Because she actually thought I wanted her like this. Because apparently this was my reputation. A prince who slept around, and here I was acting exactly how she thought I would.

And I didn't stop her.

I didn't stop her from untying the laces on her dress, from parting the silky fabric of her décolletage.

I didn't stop her when she came close enough to wrap her arms around my rigid shoulders.

I didn't stop her when she parted her lips and pressed them to mine. I crushed my mouth to hers in a punishing, bruising kiss. I wasn't gentle.

She looked up at me in wide eyes when I broke away. But instead of sweeping her into my arms and then into my bed, I took her firmly by the arm and none too kindly led her to the door. "This was a mistake," I told her flatly and shut the door in her face.

Then I picked up a glass I'd left on the desk and sent it hurtling across the room toward the fireplace just for the satisfaction of hearing it smash into smithereens.

Not surprisingly, it didn't make me feel better.

I was a horrible person.

I stayed in my room until the last possible second, knowing I would arrive only in enough time to slip into my seat as the first course was served. Fortunately, I spied a seat next to Eledhel. Valar be praised I could at least be more of myself around him.

"Good evening, my lord," Eledhel greeted me cheerfully, motioning for me to take one of the seats at his table..

"Congratulations, Eledhel," I said warmly and shook his hand.

"You know you would have won, had you not the misfortune of running out of arrows," Eledhel hedged.

"Perhaps," I agreed. "When we reach Ithilien, we will have a rematch that will be the talk of the forest and Gondor combined."

"Well, I am more happy about winning the bet against my sister. Truly the best prize is knowing she will join us in Ithilien," said Eledhel.

"Where is she?" I asked, my eyes sweeping down the length of the table.

"Fussing with her hair or dress, I am sure," Eledhel said and looked curiously at me. "You know usually she cares not about such things, but tonight…" he stopped himself. "Why do you want to know? And what is this secret bet you made with her?" he asked.

"She is the one who did not wish to tell you of the condition," I pointed out.

"I demand you tell me," he said and frowned. "As her brother and guardian, I have the right to know. What are your intentions?"

"Only the most honorable," I assured him.

Eledhel's eyes darkened a shade. "Upon our friendship, tread lightly where my sister is concerned." He breathed deeply and his eyes lightened. "At least I have not heard too many lurid stories about your pursuits! Belegil, on the other hand..."

"Do not be jealous, Eledhel," Belegil joked, hoping to lighten the mood. "Perhaps, the Mirkwood maidens will be more gracious to you."

The bantering would have continued indefinitely if not for two reasons, the first being that dinner was served, and the latter having to do with the sudden appearance of Miredhel. The elven company assembled at the table, and I was pleased to find myself in the presence of more companionable dinner-mates than the very dull Lord Gilgafier. The events of the archery contest dominated the dinner conversation, and all present possessed fine theories about why he or she had not won the competition. I ate quietly, hardly wanting to join the discussion. My thoughts drifted toward how abominably I acted toward Limaer; even if she had acted in poor judgment, now that my temper had cooled, I knew my own actions were rash and unchivalrous to say the least. But I did not want to linger on thoughts of Limaer tonight; I would save those recriminations for the deep watches of the night when I could indulge in plenty of self-loathing.

Instead, I trained my eyes on Lady Miredhel who sat across the table next to her brother. She carefully avoided making eye contact with me since she sat down, I noticed. She was a vision tonight, lovely—those green eyes!—and did I mention she had a light dusting of freckles across her nose? If only she knew me better, saw me as a possible friend, not an enemy…

Eledhel, ever observant, noted my consternation. "Why so silent, Prince?"

"Really, Eledhel," I said, looking up from my plate, "please dispense with the title."

"I will try, but I feel intimidated by your ornament there," he baited me, pointing to the silver circlet that I now wore. Miredhel turned her attention toward me and waited for my reaction.

I really did not appreciate Eledhel's drawing attention to my crown. I would have left it off altogether, but royal protocol at official functions must be upheld. I carefully removed the circlet from my head, rolled it in my hands, and favored my table companions with a small smile. "It is both an honor and a burden, a constant reminder of my duty and the people I must serve," I said carefully. "So small a thing, and yet it weighs so heavily in my hands and in my mind." I handed the crown to Miredhel. She took it reluctantly.

"It feels so light, Prince Legolas," she said and quickly passed it to Eledhel.

"So it does, to all who do not have to wear it," I said. Eledhel returned the circlet to my hand. I could only hope I made my point.

"You have friends who would help you, Legolas," Eledhel pledged.

"And so you shall!" I said brightly, adjusting the circlet on my brow once more. "I would not expect anything less from you, my friend." I turned my attention to Miredhel. "Your performance in the tournament today was impressive, my lady."

"Not nearly impressive enough, my lord. I was not able to beat my brother."

"But you still placed ahead of me," I ventured, keeping my tone light.

"Does that bother you?" she asked archly.

"Of course not!" I laughed, hoping inwardly not to sound too fake. "I half considered throwing the competition, just to avoid the attention."

She looked at me curiously, as if this statement was not in keeping with her sketch of my character. "Did you lose the target round on purpose?"

"No," I said and met her eyes across the table, "I desperately wanted to win this competition. You know why…"

Miredhel colored slightly at the suggestion but had little to say, and only minutes later, she rose from her seat, begging Eledhel and the others to excuse her.

Her brother eyed me strangely after she left so hastily but said nothing. Thankfully.

I excused myself not long after her departure. I had half a mind to return to my room for some intense self-flagellation over my earlier despicable life choices regarding Limaer, and the other half of me—the more adventurous, free spirited side, compelled my feet to take the long way back on the off chance I might see Miredhel.

The evening air felt cool, and the stars hung low and bright above the trees. I half suspected that she would rather roam the woodland paths than return home. I hoped she might be in one of the gardens along the main path, and my elvish intuition rarely failed me. The soft moonlight illuminated the statuary and dewy white star-flowers climbing over the garden walls.

I made sure she heard my approach, but as I entered through the gate, she hastily wiped any trace of tears from her eyes.

"Lady Miredhel," I hesitated. "What troubles you?"

"Just saying goodbye," she replied, her voice strained.

"I know it may seem a poor substitute now, but I promise there will be gardens in Ithilien."

She nodded, casting her eyes wistfully around the garden. "It probably seems quite silly to you, my lord."

"Not at all," I quickly said. "Not when this garden clearly means much to you...and please, call me Legolas."

She brushed her fingertips along the tops of several violet and blue flowers and favored me with an unsure glance.

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked gently, crossing the garden to be near her.

"No, prince," she steadied her voice, "unless you plan on cancelling your trip to Ithilien."

"Ah," I said with mock regret. "If only it were so simple."

"If only…" she echoed.

"Well," I said, "I've imposed on your solitude for too long. I will leave you now." I gave her a princely bow and turned to leave.

"Prince Legolas, wait—" she called behind me. I paused and turned.

"Why did you want to make that bet with me?" she asked quietly. "Out of all the ladies you could have asked…" she hesitated. "It's just that I know I'm no Lady Limaer."

I actually laughed out loud. "Thank the Valar for that!" And then seeing the serious set to her lips and the uncertainty in her eyes, I softened my tone. "I might have a thing for green eyes, Lady Miredhel."

Pink tinged her cheeks. "I was hardly even nice to you."

I angled my head. "I know. But it probably had the opposite effect than what you intended." And then I gave her a knowing wink and quit the garden, content to leave her thinking about what I said.

I guess in a perfect world, I would have sweet-talked her into my arms, but I hardly thought that Lady Miredhel was one to fall for a few honeyed phrases. And I liked her all better for it! But on my way back to my room, I couldn't help but wonder how our meeting could have ended differently—if I had been able to draw her into my arms, felt her soft curves against me. I desperately wanted to feel the soft waves of her hair in my hand. I wanted to feel the petal softness of her lips against mine, her breath warm against my neck.

Ai! These were all the wrong sorts of things to think. I stopped in the path and glanced over my shoulder.

What if I went back to the garden right now?

What if I swung open the gate, strode right toward her, pulled her into my arms and gave her a world-melting kiss?

I took a step toward where I had just come from. And then another. And another. And before I knew it my traitorous feet took me right back to the Lover's Ring garden where I found Miredhel earlier.

Only—she wasn't there.

My eyes darted toward the path leading away in the opposite direction, and there, nearly out of sight as it curved around the trees, was Miredhel.

My breath caught and then—

I watched her golden head retreat out of sight.

I returned to my room, saw the remains of the broken glass I'd thrown glittering on the hearth.

So I ended up kissing Limaer, not Miredhel that evening.

For half a second, I wished I had caught up with Miredhel and kissed her.

But it was better this way, I thought, as I knelt down to clear away the shattered glass before housekeeping came. I didn't want to have my first kiss with Miredhel in the same night as the ugly scene with Limaer. At least that's the lie I told myself for the rest of the evening.

Author's note: Well, the evening did not turn out how Legolas planned AT ALL. So if you've read the original version, you know there's some significant changes in this chapter. What do you think about those changes?

Anybody feeling TeamLadyLimaer? Because she's ready to pick out matching sweaters for her and Legolas, I think...