Dear readers,

I dedicate this chapter to p8rfectStorM, flynallen, xXxLegTaur4Evr and Guest if they are still following my story.

Jessie Rae Baby - Do you mean you wish me to put more elvish language? I am working with the limited dictionary I picked out when reading other fictions, but if you give me a site or something where I can find a translator; I'll do my best to oblige you.

I apologize for the long wait; I planned on posting this 2 days ago, but I couldn't upload it before for some reason.

Thank you for your reviews and your patience.

Love,

M.E.

CHAPTER 14

Rest of the day passed in complete delirium for the little elleth. Her spirits rose and her confidence was restored. King's generosity warmed up her heart. She was going to have a birthday party, in the palace, at the gardens, with the king's permission and was allowed to invite anyone she wanted. Like that wasn't enough for one day, her friend would spend the whole day by her side. By the time it took them to venture outside, she was already lining names on her guest list; and the most special one was at her side. Laeorn and Beleorn soon came to her mind, and then she remembered a few other names that introduced themselves to her; and Ninenath of course.

The plants soon occupied her mind as she gazed curiously when the prince guided her through the forest. He knew little of medicine or generally about the use of herbs so he learned about them while he showed the plants to his curious friend who never stopped asking questions. His heart warmed up as he saw her mood improve; by now every grudge for his father's words from this morning vanished into thin air as he watched Tauriel's radiant face in contentment. He didn't remember seing her this happy since they met.

Next morning promised sun and strong wind so the little elleth prepared warm clothes just in case. Her blonde friend would have to fulfill his duties, so she probably wouldn't see him for the majority of day; but her need to stay near him at all times seemed to loosen a grip after yesterday's day.

Soft knock interrupted her in her musings. "Enter." she called finishing with putting on her second boot and jumping up eagerly. It was no surprise to see Legolas before breakfast; he came in with a small wooden box in his hands.

"Good morning tinu nin. Did you sleep well?" he greeted her light spirited.

"Good morning ernil nin. Yes I did thank you. What is that?" she replied in one breath eyeing the box from the very start of her speech.

He crouched down to her height. "A small gift for you." he replied opening the box and showing her its content.

A long white horn stared back at her. Her eyes widened flashing with fear like the harmless little object would attack her at any moment. Shock crossed every line of her dumbfounded face. "I am honored ernil nin, but I cannot take this." she replied looking wary.

Legolas grinned at her evasiveness; she would confront a pack of murdering orcs for defending an innocent child yet his little harmless gift seemed to scare her. "Why not my little mellon?" he simply asked drawing the mentioned object from its box.

"Because that is the horn of Greenwood; I mean Mirkwood. Only royal family and guards are allowed to carry it." she replied eyeing the horn in discomfort.

He only stroked her hair in response. "Av-'osto, I want you to carry this with you when you go outside at all times." he replied smiling, but she still looked in disbelief.

"I can't. What will people and the king say when they see a horn of Mirkwood hung around my neck?" she replied trying to ease her anxiety at the prospect.

"They will know not to mess around with you. Tauriel, as much as I would want to, I can't be around all the time. An ngell nin, I want you to wear this. It would give me some peace of mind." he pleaded looking straight into her eyes. She looked back at him ready to protest, but something in his eyes stopped her from doing so.

The prince had no idea what expression was on his face, but Tauriel's gaze softened. His sincere worry for her safety disarmed her faster than any other weapon. She took her gift and placed it around her neck on top of her jacket while he placed the box on the floor grateful. Her little arms wrapped around his neck and she placed a long kiss on his cheek.

Legolas was taken aback, but her presence always brought warmness and light to his heart. He hugged her tight and kissed her cheek in return with such emotion that Tauriel had a strong urge to cry again, but refrained from doing so. "Hannon le." he said placing another on her other cheek as he lifted her up. "Le nathlam." she replied tightening her hold on his neck. "Tolo tinu nin, it's time for breakfast." he said carrying her out of her room and down to the dinning parlor.

Upon their arrival, Tauriel warmly greeted the king while he eyed her new adornment with something that appeared to be disapproval. He caught his son's gaze in a silent question, but he just looked back evenly so Thranduil just sighed silently and pretended not to see a horn of Mirkwood hung around a small elfling's neck.

Celebration day finally came. Little restless Tauriel fell asleep just before dawn not being able to close her eyes while thinking about preparations. She had spent an entire day in the kitchens watching as they made her little feast; only now realizing the gap between her notion and king's notion of small. Little elleth made sure to include all available fruits in the menu; the choice wasn't wide, but at least decent. When she heard that the king would accompany her, she almost burst from joy.

Her hunt for guests was successful in the large part. Only one guard was on duty, but he too promised to drop by later for a bite. Legolas was the first one on her list; and he of course wouldn't miss this occasion for anything. Laeorn and Beleorn were both off duty. A few more guards she met during her lone walks were added to the list. Among her guests were a couple of farmers; she had wandered to the village to invite them. There was also a lonely lady who was kind to her when she visited them. Tauriel felt sad that she was by herself all of the time and often offered her services when she went to visit her. In return, she was always invited for tea and a bite.

When the farmers showed the little elleth kindness, they never imagined to end up here; in the king's halls; seated at a table with king Thranduil himself.

Legolas, of course, had to be the one to wish his friend a happy birthday before anyone. His friend was already awake and excited though still in her bed. No matter how little she slept, she always had energy to spare. "Rise and shine sleeping beauty. Echulo." his carefree voice came from the door, she jumped from her bed and on it eagerly.

"Happy birthday tinu nin. May the stars shine upon you always." he replied lifting her into his arms and kissing her cheek for a brief minute. "Hannon le." she replied hugging him back.

"Tolo mellon nin. The sooner you get dressed, the sooner I get to give you your present." he urged as he walked out letting her change her clothes.

He smiled at the hustle inside as she swiftly went about her business trying to put on three things at once. If someone thought that today they would see Tauriel in a dress, they were greatly mistaken. In ten minutes, she was done dressing and fixing her hair. She didn't appear any different from any day apart from the fact that she was additionally excited about her little feast.

The prince tried hard not to laugh at her enthusiasm as she ran out the door and stopped before his feet eyeing his hands in disappointment. "Av-'osto mellon nin. Your gift awaits outside." he chuckled placing a bandage over her eyes. Tauriel, however, was too excited to be annoyed so she let him lead her. When she breathed clean air, she knew they were outside.

Once her eyes were free once again, she looked around trying to find her present. She gazed around stopping her eyes at two horses who were chewing grass ten feet away. One was usual shade of brown and almost as tall as the prince's steed. The smaller one looked for her mother's breast so Tauriel came to the conclusion that this was the mare's foal; her little auburn furred foal with a gift wrap on its back. Little elleth stared in shock as she approached slowly.

Horses generally weren't afraid of children. Little filly looked at her curiously as she accepted her attention. "You are giving me a horse?" little elleth asked with a lot diverse emotions surging through her heart. Her mother's mare was pregnant when the village burned, her father promised that the little foal would be hers when it was born; but neither the mare nor her father lived to see that day. That memory almost brought tears to her eyes, but she blinked them back not wishing to ruin her friend's surprise like this.

"A mare to be more precise. She is barely a couple of weeks old so she will have to stay with her mother for a while longer. She is a handful, do you think you can bear it?" he replied from a small distance with a knowing look on his face.

Tauriel's grin spread all over her face. Her little feet raced back to him after she released a squeal of delight. She jumped into his open arms eagerly trying to find the right words to express herself. He held her in the air laughing loudly at her spontaneous, yet very endearing action. "Hannon le mellon nin. Guren glassui." she replied while being twirled around in the air. She laughed and squealed, but he was enjoying himself too much to stop for a couple of minutes.

"Le nathlam. I 'ell nin." he replied finally squeezing her one last time and placing her back on the ground. She was slightly out of breath, but too thrilled to care. He helped her take both horses to the stables in order to show her their whereabouts.

"Little one is staying with her mother until she is old enough. When she is fully grown, she will get her own space and you will ride her. She will be fit for riding before your next birthday." he explained to his little elleth who hugged her gift around the neck and didn't seem willing to let go.

She sighed for her foolishness and joined her friend after a minute. "Mellon. Can we not stop to greet your father's elk for a moment?" she asked hopeful as they made their way back inside. He led her to the elk's compartment without objection.

"We can, if my father hasn't taken him out for his ride yet." he replied smiling as they arrived to the creature in question. Elk looked only mildly curious before continuing his meal like they were not here.

"Here again Tauriel?" came a familiar cold voice before its owner causally walked into view.

"Good morning ada." Legolas said with a huge grin while his father eyed him in surprise. "Good morning Hir nin. We were passing through and I wanted to see the elk again. You said I could visit any time I wish." Tauriel added with the equally thrilled grin on her own face.

Thranduil almost grinned himself, but detained himself in time. "So I did. I also promised you a ride did I not? You waited patiently like an educated little elleth. Would you like to join me now?" the cold king replied watching an impossibly bigger grin appear on her face.

"Thand?" she asked shifting from feet to feet in newly inflicted excitement.

"I am not known for my sense of humor." the king replied watching the little elleth let go of his son's hand and coming before him impatiently.

Legolas smiled a bit at how quick she sold him for a ride with his father. His little friend was a handful and he would never be bored with her around. Thranduil lifted the little elleth while her eyes shone with anticipation.

She had expected his strength, but it still surprised her how he lifted her up like she was no more than a feather. Soon she felt his firm grip behind her and they took off quickly. The king said it was similar, but it was so different from riding a horse. His horns made her a little nervous at first, but soon enough she was used to it. He was swift and faster than an average horse.

King handled him with such skill that it seemed like he was riding him for a millennium rather than a few years. His guards trudged a little behind, but Tauriel was too occupied in pouring all in to notice anything. Thranduil made a sharp turn when they reached the stream and positioned the elk to ride in the opposite direction; back to his halls. Tauriel wished for a longer ride, but even this half hour would stay in her memory forever along with her first gift from her best friend who patiently fed his own stallion while waiting for their return.

His father received another hug for letting the little elleth ride his elk. This time he was a bit more prepared, he patted her back and stroke her hair for a moment before excusing himself. Legolas had no need to ask if the ride met his friend's expectations. Her glowing face was the only indicator he needed of her joy.

When they walked through the entrance hall, they were met by a grinning captain who couldn't help, but respond to their joy with a smile. "Savo 'lass a lalaith mellon nin." he said in greeting as she approached him excitedly. "Hannon le." she said jumping into his arms. Laeorn was the only person apart from Legolas whom she ever let carry her. The captain hugged her for a short while before letting her back down.

"You're still as restless as ever. We need to put that energy to good use." he added stroking her hair while he greeted his prince.

"Goheno nin mellon nin, but I had to greet the birthday girl first." he said while Tauriel stood between the two in contentment. They were both the ones that spoiled her the most.

"Laeorn, Legolas gave me a filly for my birthday. Would you like to see?" elleth said in excitement not giving them space to converse without including her in the exchange.

Captain held her shoulders trying to stop her from jumping, but she was too excited to stay calm. "Oh I already saw her little one. She is spirited like her new owner. I suppose you won't be needing my gift anymore?" he replied teasing her.

"Where is it?" she asked eagerly walking around him like she expected her gift to be hidden on his back, but he only grinned in return. "You will have to wait for the feast to see it." he replied watching her childlike disappointment in amusement.

"Anyway I should attend to my duties so I can be on time for your party. Try not to break anything before then." Laeorn excused himself noticing Tauriel waving behind him. How could someone so little have such energy and make such a radical change to one's everyday routine. Captain wondered what it would be like to have little elflings of his own one day.

Afternoon couldn't come quick enough, but after what seemed like a century it arrived. While Legolas went to attend to his daily duties, Tauriel overlooked the preparations. A large table with at least twenty chairs was placed in the gardens. Little elleth wondered if she had that many guests. First one to arrive was Ninenath with her present; a shiny belt with little flowers. It looked like it would go well with a dress. Tauriel controlled her expression and expressed her gratitude warmly; after all it was the thought that counted.

Next ones to arrive were the three villagers she invited. The couple gifted her with a dark red long sleeved tunic; that was something which would be often worn and the lonely elleth gave her dark brown pair of boots. Legolas was most eagerly expected and sure enough he arrived as soon as he was able to watching his friend spread a wide grin upon seeing him. Villagers were surprised to see him join them, but he treated them like old friends so they lost every discomfort by the time the king arrived to astonish them even more.

He only looked mildly surprised at Tauriel's choice of guests, but greeted them in cold propriety. Silence was not the issue because little elleth was restless and amusing as well. Nobody could feel discomfort while she radiated such excitement. Not long after, six guards entered the gardens with their captain and Beleorn two steps in front. He was carrying a wooden box with a gift wrap on it.

Tauriel was out of her seat before Legolas had time to blink twice. "There you are little warrior. I wish you a happy birthday." Beleorn greeted her hugging her with one hand. Four others greeted her warmly and gave her their best wishes; she hugged them all. They seemed surprised at first, but were soon delighted.

Laeorn was the last one to approach her; she hugged him as well. He tapped her back affectionately while Beleorn placed a package on the table. "Would you like to see your gift now?" he asked fakely curious; like he didn't know an answer to that.

Tauriel jumped kneeling on the chair while Beleorn unwrapped the bindings. "The gift was Beleorn's idea, but it's from all of us." he said while she watched in anticipation. Others displayed a polite interest and looked amused. Legolas also watched; it didn't occur to him to ask the guards what they prepared for his little friend so he was curious. Even the king displayed a small interest. As the box opened before her eyes and she stared with wide impossibly more excited eyes.

Tauriel fought against the sudden burst of emotions trying not to shed tears of joy. Little wooden bow rested inside with a load of arrows in the same size. She stared mesmerized afraid to even touch it like it would disappear if she did. She hesitantly closed her little fingers around the bow and took it out of the box examining it with interest. "For me?" she asked as if wanting to make sure that this was not a dream.

"Who else restless one?" one of the guards chuckled from behind. The three elleths looked at them in disapproval, Legolas just grinned with a mixture of emotions, but he couldn't help to feel warm at her undisguised joy.

Tauriel laid the bow down carefully and jumped from her chair. Every guard received another hug only this one was far tighter. They were all equally surprised to find out how strong she really was. Beleorn took out the load of arrows from the box and called her over when she was done expressing her gratitude. "Let's try it little one and stop moving unless you want to end up with a bruise." he said placing it over her shoulder while she stayed completely still.

"Lasto tir, pinmaethril!" he ordered once he made sure everything was in place. Watching her freeze in place was amusing. "You are not allowed to practice shooting without supervision. By supervision I mean an experienced archer to watch over you. You are not allowed to carry these around the palace under any circumstance. Lastly, you are not allowed to carry them anywhere if there is not someone with you. That especially applies to hunting orcs, goblins and spiders. If you disobey these simple rules, I will make sure that you don't hold a weapon or see the insides of the training grounds for a full century. Am I understood?" he lined up the protocol like he was talking to a recruit rather than an eight year old elfling.

Legolas would have scolded him later if it wasn't for the fact that he was enumerating restrictions to her in this way for her own safety. "As ordered sir!" she replied taking him by surprise. How did she know the right response? Beleorn shook his head remembering who her father was; if he were present he would have advised him against placing a weapon in her hands so early, but then again; precisely because he did, she was still alive. The table erupted in loud laughter when they watched a little elfling acting like a true solider.

"May we go try it now?" she asked hopeful, but the answer didn't come from Beleorn this time.

"No you may not Tauriel. This is your party and it would seem incredibly rude if you left your guests after some of them came a long way to see you and more are on their way. It is your duty to welcome them." the king replied from the other side of the table.

Tauriel knew his words to be true, but couldn't help feel disappointed a little. "Yes Hir nin." she said resigned; one more day wouldn't make much difference. She looked around before the rest of his sentence registered in his mind. "More? But I don't remember inviting anyone else." she asked trying to remember if she forgot anyone, but there was no one. She lowered her new precious possession back into the box before walking over to Legolas.

Thranduil just looked expressionless. "I have taken the liberty of inviting little Elethan and his parents when they were here." the king replied evenly gazing at her reaction. Legolas could almost feel her tension even though she was standing a foot away from him. She controlled her features before Legolas could read them on her face after taking a sharp silent breath and said nothing. The prince watched her face fall in worry, but she fought to keep up the appearances and mostly finished successful. She still appeared cheerful, but not as lighthearted and carefree as before. The prince was annoyed at his father, but didn't wish to speak to him while there were people present. Tauriel sat back on her chair placing the box in her lap while Laeorn sat on her other side. He too sensed the change of her spirits. Tauriel lead internal struggle; her face remained calm enough. Elethan would be fun to play with, but she desired not to see Elgrion and Ilithiel. Why did the king impose their presence to her? Was he intending to send her away? Is that why he was so kind with her these last few days; because soon she would be leaving them? Was he simply trying to appease his conscience. No, Legolas promised that he wouldn't send her away. She weighed her desire to see Elethan and her wish never to see his parents again. The latter desire won, but she was expected to bid them welcome so that was what she would be doing.

Only a few hours and then she would be free of their tormenting presence. She could handle that much. Little elleth knew how to be firm when she thought to be right. How she kept her emotions in control was hard to tell, but she had no desire to inflict more guilt to her friend so she pretended like there was nothing wrong at all; and the prince wasn't fooled.

No more than few minutes have passed from her resolution to the appearance of object of it. Tauriel stood up reluctantly to greet them. She was awarded by another hug from Ilithiel which she barely acknowledged; only out of politeness. Fortunately, her husband didn't think it necessary to do the same so once her duty was over she slightly relaxed. Elethan climbed into her open arms with confidence and tried to pull her hair. The pair gifted her with a dark green leather jacket and the matching belt, Tauriel received the gift and said everything that was appropriate. Legolas was polite, but only in appearance. He watched Tauriel with one eye noticing her mood shift. His father could have at least warned him of their coming; not that it would have made much difference.

Tauriel tried to talk as usual, but wasn't aware of her success. Fortunately, she had enough guests to keep herself occupied and Elethan to distract her and keep her hands full. Elgrion looked at her bow in interest so she found it polite to show him her gift; she even found herself mildly curious to hear his opinion on it. She exchanged a few words with Ilithiel as well, but apart from that avoided talking to either of them. Elethan still had problems with his balance so Tauriel found herself holding him by his hands and walking with him up and down the lawn. He was tireless and looked at all of the new faces with interest. Sometimes he would let out a few words which weren't recognizable and they would laugh. Elflings made one's life to be never dull.

Little Elethan seemed to eat everything Tauriel offered from the table once she was seated in her chair and he was planted in her lap. He opened his mouth widely to try the chestnuts, the early apples and everything that was new. Little elleth couldn't help, but grin at his adorable face. No matter how amusing he was, she still felt dread hidden in her heart. Thranduil talked to Elgrion who was seated on his other side. She could only hope that they weren't talking about her, but was fearful of it so she tried not to look at them and use little Elethan as an excuse to keep away from the table.

She kept Elethan in firm grasp while they walked together around the gardens. Sometimes, she would let him attempt to stand on his own. He would make two or three hesitant steps before losing his balance. Her arms would close around him securely when that happened. Neither his mother nor his father didn't seem to have trouble letting him out of their sight when Tauriel was with him. They couldn't imagine any harm coming to him from the elleth who saved his life.

Four guards excused themselves for it was time for their shift. Laeorn and Beleorn stayed much to Tauriel's delight and the one who was now off duty came as promised. He greeted the little elleth warmly and sat next to Beleorn who was on Laeorn's other side. Thranduil insisted that all guests that came from afar stay the night, but the farmers had to rise early so they politely declined the king's offer. The other elleth decided to go with them and Ninenath soon excused herself to go to sleep as well. Little ellon was drifting off to sleep in Tauriel's comforting embrace when Elgrion and Ilithiel tried to excuse themselves as well.

King put his foot down. "That is out of the question. I forbid an elfling to travel this late in the night under any circumstance. You shall stay in the guest chamber." Thranduil said with such authority that left no room for objections.

Tauriel felt even more dreadful when she realized they would be staying the night. Legolas was not pleased either, but he too saw the reason behind his father's words. It was too dangerous out there even in broad daylight let alone in the dark. One of the servants led them to the guest chambers and soon enough Beleorn and Laeorn excused themselves as well. Tauriel rose and caught the first before he could walk away.

He raised his brown eyebrow. "Tommorrow after the afternoon session and be punctual. I do not abide tardiness." Beleorn said fakely strict, but he got another response worthy of a real solider. They chuckled as they walked away to the guard wing.

Little elleth started packing her daily acquisitions as her last two guests rose from their seats. Tauriel was beyond surprised to see that the always busy king sat throughout her entire celebration without objection. "Ionneg I am off to sleep as well. Why don't you help your little friend?" he said about to excuse himself, but was stopped short when little arms wrapped around his waist yet again. "Hannon le for the wonderful celebration Hir nin." she said when he petted her head absently. "Good night to you as well." he simply stated before she released him and he walked away.

Legolas helped his friend with her packages wishing to speak to her, but she was completely silent. He hoped that it was just her exhaustion, but knew that wasn't the case. He left her box with bow and arrows on her vanity table and felt little arms wrap around his waist. He knelt and squeezed her in reassurance, but didn't know what to say. "Sleep well Tinu nin and throw all your troubling thoughts out of your pretty little head." he finally said looking at her significantly. She dared not look into his eyes as she kissed him on the cheek. He frowned, but kissed her back before excusing himself leaving her to her thoughts and reproaching himself for it at the same time.

Translations:

Hir nin – My lord

Ernil nin – My prince

Mellon nin – My friend

Hannon le – Thank you

Guren glassui – Thank you from my heart

Lasto tir, pinmaethril – Listen carefully little (female) solider

Tinu nin – My little star

Av'-Osto – Don't be afraid

An ngell nin – Please

Le nathlam – You are welcome

Tolo – Come

Ionneg – Son

Ada – Father

I 'ell nin – It is my pleasure

Thand - Truly?

Echulo – Wake up/Awake

Savo 'lass a lalaith – Have joy and laghter