AN: Wow! It has been so long since I updated this. I am hoping to update every other week. I wish to thank MistressofImladris for her review and to everyone who has read this so far.

Legolas POV

As I finished clasping the last button on my shirt, I pulled back the curtains in my chambers and grinned. The pure blue sky and the plentiful sun showed it would be beautiful. I had decided to get up extra early as I had a special surprise planned for Estella. Yesterday, Estella had shown significant improvement with her depression, and I noticed she seemed to shine and appear free when she was riding.

Before most of the realm was even up, I went to the stables with my father to inspect the new horses which had been brought in for the king. While my father was busy speaking to Cabrion, I smiled as an idea came to mind. "Excuse me, Father?"

Pausing mid-sentence, he turned to look at me disapprovingly. "What is it, Legolas? You know I dislike it when you interrupt me."

Blushing in slight embarrassment, I apologized. "Forgive me, Father, it shall not happen again." My father nodded for me to continue. "I could not help but notice we have several extra horses, and I was hoping maybe I could give one to Estella since she loves to ride?" Both Cabrion and my father both glanced at me curiously, probably wondering the real reason behind my request. My eyes must have looked twice as wide for my father, stifled a laugh. "I assure you, Ada, I have no secret motive behind my gesture. I merely want to give her a horse of her own. I think she would enjoy it."

Placing a finger under his chin as he tapped his foot thinking—a habit my father developed long before I was born—he eventually stopped and put his hand on one of the stable doors. "Very well, Legolas. But I have one condition. Estella is not to leave the safety of my realm without the protection of an escort."

"Thank you, Ada!" I said elatedly. "I promise, I will make sure she understands the importance of not leaving unescorted."

"Make sure she does. Now, I have to leave and discuss important matters with Feren. Cabrion, make sure the new steeds are thoroughly inspected, fed, and watered, and put them in their proper stalls."

Cabrion bowed. "It will be done, my lord."

As soon as my father left, I went over to the stalls where all the spare horses were kept and looked over each one several times before stopping upon a beautiful brown and white mare who seemed to have a very gentle nature. "You are perfect for Estella, mellon. I think you two will get along perfectly," I said, patting her side. The mare seeming to agree, whinnied softly, nudging my arm.

Turning to Cabrion, I handed over the horse I had chosen for Estella. "Put this mare aside away from the others. I am off to go and bring Estella here."

Cabrion smiled and walked the mare to the side and placed her with the other royal horses. "A fine choice, my prince. I think Estella will love her."

I laughed. "I certainly hope so, Cabrion." And with that, I turned and walked back to the palace to bring Estella down.

Estella's POV

I was in the middle of a beautiful dream, riding and shooting when I heard a knock, no more like pounding, on my doors. Not wanting to be bothered quite yet, I pulled the pillow over my head and tried to go back to sleep; however, the Elf continued to knock, and I knew they would not cease until I was up. I knew who it was. Only one Elf I knew of would continue to annoy me like this at this hour: Legolas.

Lifting my head from under my pillow, I shouted, "Go away, Legolas; I am sleeping!"

Not one to be deterred from getting me out of bed, I heard him open my doors. Before I could say anything, I heard him pull my curtains wide open, allowing the bright light to fill my room. "Estella, rise, it is a beautiful day, and I thought we would go for another horse ride this time to the river."

I feigned sleeping and softly snored in hopes he would leave. Just as I thought he had left, I felt a pillow smack me in the head, causing me to sit upright. "What the heck! Legolas, do you have a death wish!"

Legolas only laughed. "You need to get up. Today you have more training, and… I also have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" This, of course, got my attention, and I stared at Legolas, all thoughts of his previous assault forgotten. "What is it?"

Legolas smirked and tossed the pillow at me. "Well, you will just have to get up and find out."

I threw my pillow back at Legolas, who caught it. "Hurry up and get dressed in your riding clothes, and then meet me at the front gates."

I waited for Legolas to leave and then quickly got out of bed. When I had washed my face and got dressed, I then brushed my hair, tying it back. Looking into the mirror, I smiled, feeling happier than I had in a long time. "Well, time to find out what new surprise Legolas has waiting for me this time." And with a skip, I left my room and headed towards the front gates.

Legolas POV

As soon as I left Estella to get dressed, I hurried to the front gates to await her. I waited as patiently as I could for her to show all the while pacing the floors in nervous anticipation. I must have caused a scene, for I had not noticed that several passersby's looking at me with mild concern. I smiled apologetically at them and stood to wait for Estella to show up.

While I was waiting, Galion happened to pass by. He must have noticed my nervous look, for he walked up to me concerned. "My Lord Legolas," Galion asked me with a small bow. "Is everything well? You seem nervous."

I smiled slightly at Galion and then shook my head. "Everything is well, Galion. I am just waiting for Estella. I am taking her to the stables to gift her with her very own horse. I guess I am just nervous she might not like it."

Galion chuckled and patted my shoulder. "Legolas, I am sure Lady Estella will more than love the horse. I would not worry too much about it."

Suddenly I heard the soft footsteps of someone approaching and turned to see Estella walking towards me a huge smile on her face. "Speaking of Estella, here she comes now, and if I might say so, she seems especially happier as of late."

I, too, noticed the change in Estella. Indeed, it seemed as if these past few weeks, a change had come over her. Perhaps Haerelion was right after all, and allowing her to train, was what she needed. "Yes, Galion, it would seem that way."

Galion nodded. "Good morning, my lady. Did you rest well last night?" Galion asked, bowing slightly.

"Good morning Galion. I did rest well, thank you." Estella nodded back.

"I am glad to hear that. Now, if you two will excuse me, I need to get back to work, or the king will not be pleased."

Estella and I said goodbye to Galion, and then I offered my arm to Estella. "Are you ready for your surprise?"

Estella took my arm and smiled warmly. "I am Legolas. I must say I am curious as to what it is."

"Well then, let us go and find out, shall we?" I picked up a pack that was by the front gates and led her out of the palace towards the stables.

When we arrived at the stables, I looked at Estella from the corner of my eyes, and I could see the excitement and curiosity building up in her. When we entered the stables, I led her to the back where the royal horses were kept. We were met by Cabrion, who was smiling as he held the reigns of a brown and white mare.

"Legolas, is this what I think it is?" Estella asked her dark green eyes growing wide with excitement.

"Good morning, my lady. I see Legolas managed to drag you here after all."

Estella looked at me and then at Cabrion. "Is this horse mine?"

"Do you like her?" I asked, rubbing the side of the mare who was happy to see me again.

"I love her. Is she really for me?" Estella asked, strolling towards the horse, who finally noticed her and began to nudge her gently.

"Yes, she is for you. I thought you should have your own horse, and I managed to convince my father to give you one of the new horses he just acquired recently."

Overjoyed, Estella hugged both Cabrion and me. "Thank you so much! Can I ride her?"

I laughed. "Well, that is the reason you have a horse, is it not?" I turned to Cabrion and took the reins from him. "Thank you, Cabrion."

Cabrion bowed. "You are welcome my lord, and I am glad you love your surprise, my lady. May you enjoy her for many years to come."

"I will Cabrion, and thank you."

Cabrion bowed and left, leaving Estella and me to prepare for our ride.

"Well, Estella, I say we test her out. Do you have a name in mind for her?" I asked as I saddled my horse.

"I think I will name her Lúthril," Estella replied eagerly, now mounting her horse.

"That is a beautiful name. Let us see how she rides." With that, I led my horse out and broke into a run and was quickly pursued by Estella.

After about an hour we came to a river which was surrounded by many tall beech trees. There was a pasture nearby and was the perfect place to sit and watch the many deer and birds which would wander around the river. As our horses ran free, I laid a blanket on the green grass, and we sat down before I laid out some food and drink for us to eat. I was in the middle of swallowing a slice of pie when I noticed Estella's eyes looking at a sack next to me.

"What is in that sack, Legolas?"

I pointed towards the bag. "This? It is my second surprise for you. Here open it."

"Another gift? You sure are full of surprises."

I watched her eagerly open the sack and heard a small gasp as she took the contents out.

"I noticed in your room earlier; you had several drawings and sketches. I was hoping you could draw me something?"

Her cheeks flushed a soft red. "What would you like me to draw?"

I shrugged. "Surprise me."

Raising an eye at me, she smirked, and after a few minutes, she began to draw. I watched her ever so often trying to sneak a peek at what she was drawing, but Estella would laugh and tell me I had to wait. After a while, she stopped and told me to close my eyes. Closing them tightly, she handed me the drawing and told me to look.

I opened my eyes and gasped softly. There on the parchment was a portrait of me on my horse. "Estella, this is by far some of the most skilled work I have seen in my life, and I have seen a lot. You are exceptionally talented. Have you ever thought of using your talents as a means to target your sadness?"

Estella blushed even more and looked away toward the river and started picking blades of grass. "I used to, but ever since arriving, I have found it difficult to acquire the supplies needed to draw."

I looked back at the drawing, and then an idea formed in my mind. "This is beautiful Estella, thank you."

"You are welcome, Legolas."

After spending most of the day at the river and riding, the sun began to set on the horizon, and we rode back to the stables. After rubbing down our horses and arriving back at the palace, I told Estella I had something I needed to do, and I would meet her at her room later to escort her to dinner.

Estella's POV

After arriving at my room, I cleaned up and dressed for the evening meal with the help of Raiwen. After my friend left, I sat on the edge of my bed and awaited the arrival of Legolas. I was beginning to wonder where he was when I heard a knock on the door. "May I come in?"

"Yes, you may," I replied, and Legolas came in with a huge parcel in his hands. "What is that?"

Legolas grinned and handed me the parcel, which was heavy to my surprise. Uncertain what he could have possibly got me this time, I unwrapped the package and let out a gasp. Tears brimmed my eyes, and I looked at Legolas at a loss for words. Inside the large box were assortments of parchment paper, canvases, paints, pens, and pencils of different types.

"I figured you could use these to help you channel your sadness. A gift like yours deserves to be noticed, Estella. It should not go to waste."

I tried to hold back my tears but found I could not and flung myself into his arms. "Thank you, Legolas. I do not even know what to say to this."

Legolas hugged me back. "You do not have to say anything, Estella. Just seeing you happy is enough. Now let us go to supper before there is no food left."

Laughing, I followed Legolas down to the dining halls. However, I made a promise to myself I would put the gift Legolas gave me to good use.