Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my own creations which isn't half bad.

A/N: There shall be several chapters in the Golden Wood as I have a lot of ground to cover. Hopefully you enjoy them. I am back to writing and hope to keep this streak going. Junior year of college has been owning me so far but I am taking my life back! Take that college. On to the next installment!

Chapter 22-Lovefool

I grabbed the cloak that had come with my dress, a beautiful crushed organza cloak in olive green, which was one of the green tones in my dress. I do not know how the elves did what they did with colors and fabrics but I suspected there was magic involved somewhere along the line. We entered the sitting room to see everyone waiting on us, however there was one extra person.

"Glorfindel?" I cried in happy disbelief, flinging myself at him. He caught me and deftly spun me around.

"I take it you missed me," he stated with a smirk, setting me on my feet once again.

"More than you can guess," I said. "It's been a rough couple of days," I added in an undertone and he gave my shoulders a squeeze.

"I think that is an understatement," Eruanna said from his side. I stepped back quickly, feeling slightly weird at my affectionate greeting. But Eruanna just shook her head and looped my arm through hers. "Come," she said. "If anyone is in need of a diversion, it's you." Glorfindel came to my other side, and thus my courage bolstered, we set off for the gathering.

Most of the Company was already there when we arrived. I will admit to being rather nastily satisfied that Legolas looked to be in poor spirits and was clutching his goblet like a lifeline.

Shortly after we arrived Celeborn escorted Galadriel to the dais where she said a few words but I was not really listening. I was fidgeting uncomfortably because Legolas was staring at me unblinkingly. While he could eat his heart out, for all I care, I am single and free to enjoy I thought savagely. But my traitorous eyes kept drifting to him then darting nervously away which infuriated me. Where was my pride? We took our seats at the table and so began the worst meal I had ever experienced to date. But misery loves company and I was pleased to see that Legolas had ended up next to what looked to be a Mary Sue.

I pushed another vegetable to one side of my plate. So far the majority of a sad face was in place.

"Not very hungry I see," observed Glorfindel who was seated by my side. As one of the few people who could claim even Ringwraiths feared him, he often delivered messages between Lórien and Rivendell when time allowed in order to visit his wife.

"Would you be?" I queried morosely.

"No," he stated with a rueful laugh and he looked across the table and met the gaze of his wife, some memory seeming to pass between them and I realized I was not completely alone. There were others that knew what I was experiencing. I speared a couple of vegetables resolutely. It had been a rough couple of weeks and I was going to try and enjoy this evening come Hell or high water. Of course, that was easier said than done I admitted to myself but a few moments later. Legolas' gaze weighed heavily upon me and I was fighting the urge to fidget. And while the majority of me was extremely uncomfortable bordering on miserable, the female part of me was darkly satisfied. The rest of the courses went by so slowly that when it was finally time to adjourn to the pavilion in the Lady's garden for entertainment, I gave up a silent prayer of thanks.

"Allow me to escort you milady," a familiar masculine voice said from behind me. I started and turned to see Trevadir behind me.

I hesitated for only a moment. "That is most kind of you." I linked my arm with his and we joined the mass exodus from the dining area. We walked in awkward silence.

"Is it just me, or have you also noticed his highness seems to be glaring at me rather harshly?" Trevadir asked eventually.

"I am sorry," I gushed then fumblingly continued, "It's just he, well I-and…" I trailed off, blushing.

"I see," he said. "Do you mind that I offered to escort you?" I shook my head no and he continued, "Would it offend you if I stated I would like the opportunity to get to know you better?"

I paused a moment before answering. "No, but you should know my heart is not free."

"I know," he answered softly.

I blushed again. "I am sorry. I did not mean to presume that you had any romantic intentions." This was so awkward. I squashed the impulse to run away, but only just barely.

He gave me a soft, shy smile. "You were not entirely incorrect." My surprised gaze connected with his. "However," he continued, "It is obvious you are not seeking love. I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice the love you still bear for his highness. I offer only to be your friend and companion for your time here."

I nodded and returned his smile. "I would like that."

"So I can count on a dance, fair lady?" The teasing gleam had returned to his eyes and he had a roguish grin on his face.

"Of course, good sir," I replied. And with those words I found myself in the center of the clearing being whirled around amidst the other dancers. After our dance, Trevadir and I made our way to where Almira was standing.

"I could do with some refreshment. Would you care for one as well?" Trevadir asked.

"Indeed, I would greatly appreciate it," I replied. He nodded and moved off towards a table at the side of the clearing. Directly in my new line of sight was Legolas asking an elleth to dance. My teeth clenched. The nerve, I seethed, pointedly ignoring my own dance.

"You're glaring."

"What?" I asked, tearing my gaze from Legolas and the lovely elleth he was now dancing with and turning towards Almira.

She rolled her eyes. "I said you are glaring."

"Oh." We were sitting at one of the low tables surrounding the dance floor and now I was awkwardly looking anywhere but the dance floor; which was quite the feat since it was directly in front of us. "Oh, this is miserable," I stated glumly, putting my elbow on the table and placing my chin in the palm of my hand.

"I am sorry to hear that," a soft masculine voice stated from above me. I looked up to see an amused Lord Celeborn looking right back at me. "I was wondering if I may have the next dance."

I was stunned and pretty sure my mouth was hanging open when I felt Almira poke me. "Of course, my lord. It would be a great honor." He nodded and walked a few paces away to wait out the end of the song with his wife who was giving me an odd smile.

I turned back to Almira. "You could not have warned me he was standing right behind me?"

"What was I supposed to say? He came out of nowhere," she replied defensively.

"Winks and nods work wonders you know." She directed her gaze heavenwards clearly exasperated. It was then the song ended and I rose and approached Lord Celeborn. He smiled and offered me his arm, thus followed the most awkward dance in the history of my short life. I could feel the curious gaze of several elves and when the dance ended I was ready to run. Of course, my luck ran out.

"Would you care for refreshment?" Lord Celeborn asked kindly, and I just nodded not wanting to refuse even though I probably had one waiting for me. He led me off the dance floor and over to the refreshments table. As he handed me a glass, I muttered a soft 'thank you.'

"I promise I am not dangerous." I froze at his words. Had I offended him? I tentatively met his gaze and saw he was rather amused.

I smiled sheepishly, rather relieved he called me out. "I know, you are just intimidating beyond belief."

He laughed. "I have been told it is because I say exactly what is on my mind." I nodded fervently and he laughed again, and I relaxed some. Of course, that feeling experienced a quick death with his next words. "I assume it is my kinsman's behavior that has depleted your enjoyment of this occasion?"

I dropped my gaze to the glass of nectar I was holding. Legolas had been dancing and flirting with every female that was unmarried and available. It stung. "Got it in one," I said bitterly.

Lord Celeborn seemed to understand what I meant despite my odd turn of phrase. "I would apologize but it is not my place to do so." I nodded still avoiding his gaze, and he sighed. "It is because of his love for you he ended it. He never stopped loving you. I do not know if it helps for you to know that or if it makes it worse. I am inclined to think it makes it worse," he stated softly, probably because he noticed I was blinking rapidly.

"It does," I agreed with a rueful laugh. Summoning my courage, I looked him in the eye. "But it was kindly meant and that mitigates the pain slightly. At least I know now some reason as to why he did it or a truer reason at least." I paused and he tilted his head inquisitively. I continued softly, looking at Legolas steadily for the first time that night. "I knew he was lying to me, I just could not fathom why. Your revelation at least answered that question." I once again met his gaze an ironic smile on my face. "I assume it was the 'If you love someone you will let them go' defense?"

He nodded his eyes full of sympathy. "Why doesn't that surprise me?" I asked bitterly once again gazing towards Legolas and his latest dancing partner, who was none other than Nimmir, Lorien's resident Sue. That stung even more, especially since she seemed to have a bad case of wandering hands.

"What will you do now?" Lord Celeborn's soft question caught me by surprise.

"Honestly?" He nodded with a half smile. "Well then, I am thinking about sneaking away from this gathering and licking my wounds in private."

He smiled a little wider. "While I cannot condone such an action, I can say my Lady and I will be as far from your table as possible, most likely not looking in your direction."

"Thank you," I stated softly.

He just waved a hand. "Come allow me to escort you back to your table." I inclined my head and he offered me his arm. We returned to my table to find it empty.

"It appears your companion has disappeared," Lord Celeborn stated and I noted the amusement in his voice. Following his gaze I turned to look at the sea of dancers. I noticed a flash of red hair and found Almira dancing with none other than Rumil. I felt my eyebrows wing upwards.

"So it would seem," I replied with a small smile.

"How unexpected," Lord Celeborn said and at my curious gaze, elaborated. "Rumil is very wary of foreigners ever since Nimmir came to this wood."

"Oh dear," I murmured feeling an instant surge of sympathy for said ellon.

"Indeed. Until we meet again," Lord Celeborn stated with a bow. I curtseyed and then I was alone. Giving my surroundings a surreptitious glance, I turned and quickly exited the clearing.

But I did not get far before I stopped. I had no idea where to go. I was not tired and so did not want to return to Malthenwen's but I did not want to have anything to do with anyone and therefore did not want to go somewhere too public. While I was debating my options, someone cleared their throat. I turned to see Trevadir standing there. Irrationally annoyed, I said imperiously with a lift of one brow, "Well?"

"Forgive me for following you. I simply wanted to ascertain that you were well and did not need any help finding your way back to Haldir's talan," he replied gently.

Great, now I could feel guilty too. I sighed heavily, casting him an apologetic glance. "I am sorry. I am well, just..." I paused, unable to put my feelings into words. There were too many and they were too convoluted.

"I see," Trevadir said, a slight twinkle in his eye. "Then I shall leave you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," I said softly, relieved to be alone again. I hurried deeper into the Lady's gardens and took a seat in a secluded bower.

All of a sudden, I heard a loud snap. The ensuing sound resounded throughout the small clearing. I stood and my gaze alighted on Legolas.

"You followed me?" I asked surprised and something tugged at my heart.

"I saw someone following you," Legolas stated shortly.

"You mean Trevadir?"

"He was the one following you?" Legolas asked harshly.

The warm feeling I had gotten from what I thought was obvious concern disappeared. I looked at him coolly. "Yes, he wanted to ascertain that I was alright and if I would need any assistance in finding my way back to Malthenwen's talan."

"Of course he did," Legolas spat.

"So what if he did? What is it to you now?" I challenged. I had no idea why I was taunting him so, especially when I just wanted to touch, to beg him to talk with me and see if we couldn't come to understanding.

"Nothing," he stated coldly.

"As it should be," I stated firmly. If he was going to be so petty and childish, I could be as angry as I wanted. Resolutely, I turned my back on him and walked away. I did not have to take this.

I stalked back to Malthenwen's talan. How dare he imply there was less than anything platonic between Trevadir and me? And even if there was, he had no right to take me to task for it. He was the one who ended it, not me. But as angry as I was it could not overwhelm my sorrow. How could he think that of me? Was my love obvious to everyone except him? Wiping away a few errant tears, I ascended the stairs of Malthenwen's flet and entered the talan. And then I froze.

"You should know I cannot be so easily left behind," Glorfindel stated, beckoning me to sit beside him at the sitting area. "I have sensed a deep sorrow within you ever since I arrived. I know you and Legolas have parted but I would hear the whole tale."

"Eruanna did not tell you?" I asked cravenly. I was not sure I could endure reliving it again.

"It is not her tale to tell," he stated mildly reproachful. His gaze softened. "Do you feel you can no longer confide in me?"

"That is not it, I just…I am tired of crying," I whispered as my eyes once again filled with tears.

"There is no shame in crying. Come," he once again beckoned me to sit next to him and I complied. And in a moment the words, as well as the tears, came pouring out of me. And through it all Glorfindel was there, murmuring soft words and rubbing my back soothingly.

"I do not like it," he finally stated with a sigh, "but I understand it."

"I don't," I replied a bit irritably.

"How could you? Your experience is not his, just as his is not yours and therefore he cannot understand your position either."

"But is it really too much to ask that he not be so drastic?" I cried. "It's not like I saw this coming and just surprised him with it. I was just as shocked as he was."

"He is a warrior prince, Kate, a guardian. He has been trained to protect people all his life, to sacrifice his good for that of others. It is not illogical he would weigh the circumstances and exchange his happiness for yours. Surely you noticed how miserable he was?"

"I am afraid I was distracted by the number of ellith he engaged," I replied stiffly.

"Fair enough. However I will tell you he did not smile at any of them once the way he does when he looks upon you."

"Why are you telling me this? Am I not miserable enough?" I begged.

"Because I would not have you lose hope," He amended. "Do you not still love him?" I nodded. "Then I will tell you that yours is not an easy road. You must have hope he will see the error of his ways. He has a long way to go in making amends and healing the hurt he inflicted, but he has ever been one to rise to a challenge and overcome it spectacularly."

"And you have the right to make it one Hell of a challenge," Eruanna said from the window behind us. I jumped and whirled. She was standing on the outdoor patio and leaning against the window frame.

"Jeez Louise, you about gave me a heart attack," I cried.

"My apologies," she said. "I came to collect my husband and make sure you were alright."

"Thanks, I'm…o.k."

She studied me a moment before giving me a decisive nod. "Good, then we shall see you in the morning." Glorfindel nodded his assent and rising placed a kiss on my forehead. I watched them go with a lump in my throat before entering my room and collapsing upon my bed.