A/N: Hey all! I hope you are enjoying these updates… A couple of things. This is a story I began on another account like 5 years ago and now I am editing it and changing the story a bit. I hope you enjoy. Also, I had forgotten that I had named Amalynn's mother Arwen. Her name has been changed to Minada. (Min – ah – dah) And finally, Amalynn's name is pronounced: Am – ah – lynn. OK bye!

Chapter 3

Travel

I awoke to loud knocking on the cellar door. I sat up and noticed my mother and papa were gone. Fear stilled my heart, as I stared at the looming door.

I slowly worked my way over to the door, trying to calm my breathing. I grabbed a loaf of bread as a form of distraction or a weapon if I needed it.

I counted to three and threw open the door. There stood Legolas, smiling. His smile turned into an embarrassed cough when he looked me up and down once. I flushed red as I realized that my dress had fallen off of one shoulder, and had become hitched around one leg. I grinned sheepishly at him.

"Just a moment, please." "Of course, take your time."

I closed the door and tried to compose myself. I smoothed my hair down and opened the door again, hoping to appear much more decent.

"Yes, Prince Legolas? Is there any news? Where are my parents?"

"Your parents are with my father, discussing our next move. We are going to be departing to Rivendale this morning, so they asked me to escort you to your room for safety, so you can gather any thing you'll need."

I tried to smile, still reeling from the lowest point of our interactions thus far. I nodded and began to lead him to my chambers.

"How was last night?"

"Quiet. We saw no activity whatsoever. I feel confident that we can get your family to safety this morning."

"Oh… alright." I opened the door to my room and glanced around to see what I might take with me. My eyes landed on my brush. I spun around to Legolas in a panic.

"Have you seen a servant?! Saerwen is her name."

His eyes turned from amusement to grim. "All servants have been moved already. We had a small, safe group escort them to the docks."

"The…docks? Do you mean…?" I knew they must be awaiting the next trip to Valinir. Which meant I would never see Saerwen again. My heart ached to tell her goodbye, how much she has meant to me, how she is like a mother to me. I fought back tears as I looked at Legolas again.

"Thank you, I am glad she is safe." I sighed, allowing myself one more moment of sadness over the loss.

"I am going to change into some traveling clothes. I will only be a moment."

"Take your time, Princess."

I went to close the door, then paused.

"Legolas?"

"Yes?"

"Please simply call me Amalynn."

He chuckled very quietly but stayed silent.

I closed the door, finally able to breathe easily for the first time that morning and set about finding clothes.

We set out soon after, with only a few guards. We only had 3 horses, so mother rode with papa and I rode with King Thranduil. Legolas had offered to share his horse, but after our awkward encounter this morning, I thought it better to ride with his father.

It was wonderful to travel through the forest. I could almost taste the trees, rain, and earth. I loved to listen to the crunch of leaves under boots as they walked. The trip only took us a few days. I mourned when it was finished. It was a relief, however, to see the arched gateway into the beautiful city. I had always loved the scenery, though this time there seemed to be a sad undertone to the lush grass and sparkling waterfall. I wished we had come to visit instead of seeking sanctuary.

We came upon the stable where the horses would stay. He dismounted and lithely came over, offering me his hand. Once he'd assisted me down, he solemnly kissed my hand.

"Lady Amalynn, it has been an honor to escort you."

"My thanks, Sir Legolas, for your generosity. I shall never forget it." I attempted to stress the sincerity of my words, hoping, praying, that perhaps he'd show an inkling of interest or even emotion that we elves hid so well.

"Farewell, Amalynn." His eyes were soft as he turned away.

Though sad, I was also glad for his absence. I was beginning to act like a mutt, my eyes following him wherever he would go. As if I was hoping he would drop a couple of scraps for me from his dinner plate. Honestly, it was embarrassing.

Someone showed my mother, father and I to our rooms. Then I began to wander the grounds, wondering what would happen next.