I sighed as I looked in the mirror. The dress, if you could even call it that, was royal blue with silver trimmings. The top piece of the dress slightly resembled a corset but was much shorter as it landed a few inches above my belly button. The bottom part of the dress wasn't as bad as I had originally thought it was. However, it was still rather revealing. Why did I have to make that wager with the twins? I should have listened to Glorfindel, but who knew that they would magically fight perfectly? I tried rearranging my raven hair to cover some of my scars to no avail. I frowned as I traced the scars that were still visible on my body with the pads of my fingers. They weren't the worst scars that ever existed, but, on an elleth, such scars were unexpected and unusual. As I continued to study my reflection, I wished that I had not left my amulet in Elrond's office. I would just have to go retrieve it. I grabbed my silver cloak and wrapped it around my body. I peeked out of my room and into the hallway. The coast was clear, and I quickly headed towards Elrond's office. I nearly knocked over one of the maids that was coming out of the linen closet.

"Forgive me, my lady." She said and lowered her head.

"It's quite alright. It was my fault anyway. Please forgive me." I said and continued down the hallway.

Once I reached Elrond's office, I knocked three times and did not wait for an answer as I hurried into the office. Startled, Elrond looked up from the documents on his desk. "Did you forget your manners within such a short amount of time, Ileana?" He asked dryly.

"Nay, but I am in a hurry." I said as I grabbed my amulet from his desk.

"I thought that we came to the conclusion that you would not rely on that as a crutch."

"Well, that was before I lost a wager with your sons." I scoffed.

"And what was the wager?" He asked now looking amused.

I sat down in the chair in front of his desk. "Did you know that Elladan and Elrohir are not as incompetent with a sword as they seem?"

"I would hope that they could wield a sword. Their father is rather handy with one or so I am told."

"Well, I made the mistake to make a wager that they would be punished if they did not fight well." I said looking away from him as I felt my cheeks heat up.

"And?" He smirked.

"Elrohir called me old, and I said that I should take him over my knee as one would an unruly elfling. Thus, we made a wager that if they made mistakes in their practice that I would do it with the help of Glorfindel. I was foolish enough to let them choose what would happen if they did well, and they chose that I would have to wear the dress that was a gift from the king of Rohan. Let's just say that I am definitely not the same body type as the dancers of Rohan."

"And what is so different, my friend?" Elrond asked as he folded his hands under his chin and looked at me intently.

"Unlike them, I am…curvier." I said blushing. "Like in the bust and bottom area. I mean, it doesn't look bad per say, but there is definitely more skin exposed than I am accustomed to."

To my dismay, Elrond had the nerve to laugh. I shot him a glare, but that did not hinder him. "I do not know what you find so funny." I said crossing my arms.

"This is a sight that I have not seen for a very long time. It has been centuries since I have seen you blush." He said smiling at me.

"Any self-respecting warrior does not blush." I stated firmly. "Or at least it takes a lot to make them do so."

"You could have told them that you would not do it." He said.

"I suppose that was a possibility, but I have my pride. I will not back down from a challenge or a deal that I made."

"Yes, as an elleth or ellon should." He said. "Now, let's see what your punishment was, my dear."

I sighed loudly. "Promise me that you will not laugh."

Elrond smiled softly at me and put his hand over his heart. "I promise."

I stood up from the chair and tossed off the cloak in one quick movement. Elrond's eyes widen as they flicked over my body. Oddly enough, I found that I was not uncomfortable. As elves, we were, for the most part, comfortable with our bodies. After a few agonizing seconds, I cleared my throat, and Elrond's eyes flicked up to my face. I saw a corner of his mouth turn up ever so slightly, and I furrowed my brows at him.

"Go ahead, Elrond. Say whatever it is you want to." I said.

"Do you really think that you need the amulet?" He asked. "It would be a very unusual occurrence if an ellon did not find you attractive."

I frowned slightly. "Of course they would not care when I am wearing this."

Elrond sighed. "Why must you always jump to conclusions, Ileana? I did not mean that an ellon would only find you attractive if you showed this much skin. From my perspective and from most others', your scars are a testament to what you have endured. They are nothing to be ashamed of, and you should not worry about what others think. All that matters is that you are comfortable."

"We have already had this conversation, Elrond, and I do not wish to do it again." I said. "Are my scars a testament to what I have been through? Yes. Am I comfortable with them? For the most part, yes. Am I comfortable enough to parade around showing everyone? The answer is no."

I brushed my hair out of the way and placed the amulet around my neck. Immediately, I felt the ancient magic wash over my body like a cleansing rain as I closed my eyes. Once I opened them, Elrond was frowning at me and shaking his head.

"There is a reason that very few know of the ancient magic." He said. "Because it is powerful beyond measure, it is more likely to be abused. You are dependent upon it."

I chuckled at him and sat down in the chair again. "A Dorian elf dependent on the magic that runs through her bloodline? How shocking, my friend. If I had known, I would have never started using it."

"It is not something that should be taken lightly." He insisted.

"No, I suppose it is not. However, it was the Valar themselves that gave my people their power, and I do not think they would have done so had they not thought that we could control it. Besides, the amulet is just a simple little spell. My mother taught it to me before she died. I do not think that she would have taught a child a dangerous spell, do you?"

"Your mother was a fine woman. I do not doubt that her intentions were good, but, perhaps, she did not understand the effects that such ancient magic could have on someone."

"My people have used it since long before I was born. I do not think they would have survived until they did if they were dependent upon their magic in the way that you are suggesting. As you said, Elrond, we have been feared since the Valar bestowed these powers on the first Dorians. Therefore, I would venture to say that your opinion is biased, as you have never experienced them. How often do I make use of my elemental powers? I rarely use them because I have no need for them. That was the way of my people. A Dorian warrior would fight with their sword until they could hold it no longer and only then would they use their magic. You use your healing often. Would it be fair to say that you are dependent upon it when you know that you only use it when it is necessary?"

"The magic in that amulet is that of witchcraft." Elrond said looking at me.

"It is as you say, Elrond. When my people were flourishing, is that not the name that was given to us? We were called the elven witches, and no matter how derogatory the other elf bloodlines thought the term was, it was what the Dorians were—it is what I am." I said. "Our magic has saved many lives over the years, and, still, they shunned us for it. It was not the origin or the nature of our magic that frightened them. It was the unknown that sent them cowering. Believe it or not, my friend, the magic is no different than that of an elf with healing powers or Galadriel's ability to see into the future. Elemental magic does not make one dangerous. One from the race of man can be dangerous yet he holds no magic. In order for something to be dangerous, that thing or person must have the will and desire to do so. That was something that my people lacked."

A knock sounded throughout the room, and I looked to the door as Elrond gave the person on the other side permission to enter. In a rush of dark brown hair, Elladan and Elrohir pushed into the room. Elrond frowned at them.

"Have I not told you both to act with a little more grace no matter the company that you are in?" Elrond asked.

"Aye, you have, Ada." Elladan said before he turned to look at me. "Are you hiding away, princess?"

"If I were hiding, I do not think that you would have found me quite so easily, elfling." I said with a smirk.

Elladan rolled his eyes at me. "We had thought that you were going to back out on our wager."

"You do not question the word of a Dorian especially when that Dorian is royalty." Elrond said. "Sit, my children, I want to know the story of how you both tricked Ileana into this wager."

The twins brought mischievous smiles to their faces as Elladan sat upon the windowsill and Elrohir upon the edge of his father's desk.

"T'was a very simple task if I say so myself. We knew that Ileana would be in your office right before our training so we convinced a maid to inform us when she left. At first, we thought that there would be no way that the maid would reach us in time to tell us the news, but she had decided to stay at the end of the corridor where she could see Ileana the moment she started to leave your office. When the maid had informed us of her imminent arrival, we started fighting as we did when we were younger. I am sure you remember that, Ada. However, the only way for that plan to work would be if we had demonstrated the same fighting style for some time prior to today. If Ileana had not mentioned a wager, we would have. Although, I think that she would have been suspicious if we had done so. Glorfindel had known that something that amiss and tried to warn her, but she just didn't listen. She's quite quick in her decision making which means that she doesn't think too much on the consequences." Elladan said. "Had she counted my beginning stance as a mistake, we would have lost the wager. I am quite sure that she underestimated us in our ability to fight which led to her downfall."

"I will remember this the next time, my little elflings. As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold." I said smiling wryly at them.

Elrohir's eyes widened. "It was mostly Elladan's idea. You do not need to freeze me."

I threw my head back and laughed. "I did not realize how that sounded. Indeed, I am quite sure you do not want me to freeze you. It would be painful or, at least, I assume it would. Never fear, elflings, I have no intentions of freezing you, giving you frostbite or anything else related to it."

"That is good." Elrohir said releasing a breath.

"I am actually hurt that you would think that I would be capable of such a thing." I said pouting. "I guess that I will just have to go for a ride since my presence is not needed or wanted here."

"Oh, Ileana, you know that we love you." Elladan said.

"Would either of you like to join me?" I asked.

Elladan and Elrohir both opened their mouths, but Elrond raised his hand to stop them. "You both promised that you would help Glorfindel prepare for the departure in the morning, didn't you?"

The twins groaned, and I smirked at them. "Think of me while you are ensuring that we have enough supplies to make it to Mirkwood."

I stood up and headed for the door. "Will you not help us?" Elladan asked.

I tapped my bottom lip as I put on a show of thinking it over. "No. You see, this really isn't the type of dress that you want to be moving many supplies in. I do hope you both enjoy your tedious labor for I will be relaxing upon my mare as we take a comfortable ride."

Elrohir groaned while Elladan clasped his hands together. "Please, princess! Will you offer your assistance to two lowly lords?"

Elrond rolled his eyes, but Elladan was unaware as his father was seated in front of him. I tilted my head slightly at the twins and smiled. "I do not think that would be a very good idea. I am afraid that you both will slack off in your work and let me do most of it."

"Do not try to convince her to assist you, my sons. You promised Glorfindel that you would help him. Now, keep to your word as Ileana has kept hers to your wager."

"If you both finish early, you can join me if you like." I said.

"We would like that, but I fear that we will be working until dinner at least."

"That is only an hour away. Do not act as if you will be working for an eternity." Elrond scolded them.

I nodded to all of them and made my way to the stables. The elves I passed bowed their heads in respect. It was something that I was accustomed to, but it was unnecessary. I thought it was unnecessary even when I was a princess. I suppose there are those that would argue that I am still a princess and that the title couldn't been taken away as it was my birthright, but how can there be a princess who rules over no people? What good is a princess that couldn't protect her own people? I shook those thoughts from my head as the stable hand, Lyaam, greeted me as I reached the stables.

"Good evening, Lady Ileana." He said smiling brightly at me.

"Good evening." I said.

"What can I do for you? Would you like me to saddle your mare?" He asked.

"I am planning on going riding, but I can saddle her myself." I said and smiled. "How is Nym?"

His eyes lit up and he smiled. "She is due in the next couple of weeks. We both cannot wait until she gives birth."

"I am sure. How do you think your little one will get along with her new little brother or sister?"

"She is excited. She is always asking her mother when the stork will be bringing her new baby brother. She wants a baby brother and nothing else."

"If it is not a boy this time, you and Nym can always try for another. I am sure that your little one will not mind if she gets a baby sister instead." I said as I saddled my black mare.

"Given how Nym has been acting lately, I doubt that she will want another child." He said looking downcast.

"I'm sure that she is just tired." I said smiling softly at him. "Would you not be tired as well if you had been carrying a child for close to a year?"

He chuckled. "I am quite sure that I would be."

"Do not worry. I think she will want another fairly soon." I said as I mounted my horse. "Give her my good wishes, Lyaam. I am afraid that I have plans elsewhere and will not be returned in time to give them myself. I have been requested to accompany Lord Elrond to Mirkwood."

"Thank you. I will tell her." He said smiling. "Do enjoy your ride, Lady Ileana."

I smiled at him and tapped my heels against Aribelle's sides. She took off out of the stable in an instant. I laughed as she continued her gallop. "My darling, tis not necessary to go so fast."

She merely snorted at me and kept up her pace. I let out a breath and decided to let her have her way. Before long, Aribelle had taken me to the river. As she placed one hoof into the water, I pulled on her reigns. I scanned the tree line on the other side of the river and noticed movement. My ears pricked up at the sound of metal crashing. I nudged and she took off across the river. The sounds of battle grew louder as I rode closer to the source.

"Protect the Lord and Lady!" A familiar voice sounded through the trees.

Once I entered a clearing, the whole situation came into view. The three wardens from Lorien as well as Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel were surrounded by a legion of orcs. Why are orcs this close to Imlardis? I disregarded the question and dismounted my horse. I locked eyes with the Marchwarden and smiled at him reassuringly. I flicked my cloak off my shoulders and drew my blades. This would be interesting given my attire at the moment. I quickly glanced at the number of orcs. We were greatly outnumbered, but it was nothing that couldn't be handled. I gave Aribelle a smack and sent her back to Imlardis. The sound of her galloping away drew the attention of the orcs.

"A woman? An elven whore at that!" The orc leader spat.

I merely smirked at him and focused my energy on the orc to his left. On cue, the orc screamed as the flames engulfed him. "Dorian scum!" The leader snarled. "I had thought Azog had killed you."

At the mention of the Defiler, I flinched slightly. "He tried and failed." I said keeping my voice strong and even. "You will leave, or you will suffer the flames."

The orc leader and some of the other orcs laughed. I sheathed my blades and held my hands out in front of me. "I warned you, orc." I said calmly as I gathered the energy that would be necessary for such a large-scale assault.

I closed my eyes for a short while and opened them. The flames were licking at my skin as they materialized. Some of the orcs had turned their attention to the wardens, Galadriel and Celeborn. I raised my left hand and created a thick wall of ice around them.

"Don't you know that it is fatal to turn your back on a Dorian?" I asked as I incinerated those that were trying but failing to get through the wall.

I brought my hands together in what could only be described as a praying gesture and opened them quickly. A wave of energy shot from my hands and morphed into a wall of fire as it made contact with the orcs' bodies. My magic was close to being depleted, and I drew my blades to finish off the very few that managed to escape the flames. I made quick work of the remaining orcs, and I forced the wall of ice to melt with a wave of my hand. The sound of running feet drew my attention, and off in the distance, a lone orc was fleeing. I grabbed one of the orc bows and notched an arrow. I looked down the bow and lined up the shot. Raising the bow high in the air so that it would hit the target, I released. I followed the arrow until it hit the orc in the back of its head, and it fell to the ground. I dropped the bow and wiped the black blood from my face with the back of my hand. I turned to look at the others, and to say that they were in shock would have been an understatement.

"You are welcome." I said and smiled.

Lord Celeborn looked at me with furrowed brows. "You could have killed yourself."

I nodded. "I could have, but it seems that I am far luckier than most."

"That is not the point, you reckless elleth." Celeborn said and embraced me.

"I know, but it is the truth." I said smiling. "It has been a while."

"That it has." He said pulling back and holding me at arm's length so he could look at me.

"What are these clothes?" He asked arching an eyebrow at me.

"I lost a wager with Elladan and Elrohir." I replied. "Though I may consider wearing something like this into battle as movements are unhindered."

"It's good to see you, Ileana." Galadriel said smiling softly at me.

"It is good to see you as well. I suppose it is good to see you all as well." I smiled to her and looked to Haldir, Rumil and Orophin.

They nodded to me. I watched as Rumil and Orophin gathered the horses. Once everyone was mounted, Haldir offered me his hand.

"I suppose the lady will need a ride." He said smirking.

"That would be wonderful." I replied as I took his proffered hand and he pulled me up behind him.

The ride to Imlardis was a fairly short one. Once we reached the city, a number of guards were saddling their horses with Elrond at the front. One of the guards mentioned something to Elrond, and he looked to see us coming towards him. I saw him release a breath, and I chuckled softly to myself. "He was worried, Lea." Haldir said quietly.

"There was no need for him to be worried. I can take care of myself." I whispered in his ear.

I felt Haldir stiffen in front of me, and I smirked to myself. "Ah, I had forgotten that your ears were sensitive." I said as I let my lips lightly graze the tip of his left ear.

"If you do not stop, you will not like the consequences." He growled.

Everyone pulled their horses to a stop and began dismounting. "From past experiences, Haldir, I would say that I would quite like the consequences." I said as he helped me down from the horse.

"Ileana, we were worried when Aribelle came back without you." Elladan said.

"I can see that. Your worries were unfounded as usual. I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

"Come. Let's go have dinner and relax." Elrond said glancing at me.

Dinner was quite uneventful to say the least. For the most part, I was forced to tell Celeborn and Galadriel all that I had being doing since the last time that I saw them. Rumil and Orophin had let it slip that I had used magic on the orcs, and that earned me a scolding and another lecture from Elrond. Galadriel and Celeborn told us of the happenings in Lorien and about the decrease in orcs on the borders.

The next morning, we all set out on our journey. After we had been riding on and off for more than a week, I had discerned that we were close. My suspicions were confirmed when we reached a clearing a few days and large gates blocked our way forward. I stared up at the gates and grimaced. Welcome back to Mirkwood, I thought.