Hi everyone! Sorry I've been gone forever! I'm busy studying for my nursing boards which are quickly approaching next week. But when I'm not doing that I have been trying to get my butt working on this thanks to theUniverseisthelimit inquiring.

The new Hobbit Trailer came out and I about screamed when I saw Legolas! I knew he was going to be in the movie, but it looks like he will have a decent amount of screen time!

But anyways, here is the next chapter. Forewarning, it's bipolar...

Chapter 2: Announcement

The two weeks after the wedding were too short for my liking. I wanted to hide our engagement to give Arwen and Aragorn their time in the light of happiness. Legolas and I had all eternity to celebrate. The courts had finally settled down and the Queen now took her rightful place next to Aragorn and I'm sure soon, they will have a child to share this time with.

Two days, before our departure for Mirkwood, Arwen caught me in the gardens as I was reading.

"Mae?" Arwen asked as I looked up from my book to see the smiling woman.

"Yes Arwen?"

"What is that?" she asked putting her hands on her hip with a mischievous smirk on her face.

"What is what?" I asked confused. She reached forward and grabbed my hand.

"This!" She said pointing to my betrothal ring.

"Ummm… my betrothal ring"

"I am hoping it's from Legolas"

"Perhaps." I said trying not to smile at her finally figuring it out.

"Why have you two not told anyone? This is amazing news! I have waited months to see this ring!"

"We did not want to intrude on you and Aragorn's time to celebrate your wedding. It will be at least a year before we wed, if not longer"

"Our time is over! It's been almost two weeks! Life here is settling back to normal, you should have said something by now."

"Don't tell Aragorn. Legolas needs to tell him, we owe him that discussion as his best friend."

"I will not, but you two best make a formal announcement soon.." she said with a determined look.

"Now, about this ring…" she said pulling my hand up to look closer and I just rolled my eyes.

I was not ashamed of the ring, but I have never really been one for flashy jewelry, and this ring definitely fit the category.

I saw Legolas after dinner and he pulled me into a quick hug. I rested my head on his shoulder and smiled as I took in his scent that I loved so much.

"Legolas, Arwen saw my ring."

"I figured she'd be the first to notice. She's always been too observant. I will tell Aragorn and Gimili now, if you'd be kind as to excuse me. They needed to be the first to know before we make an announcement,"

"Of course, she threatened to tell him if we didn't soon." He left and I made my way to my chambers.

After reading a book on my balcony , I watched the sun set. I was readying for bed when I heard a knock on the door. I turned and opened it to see my fiancé standing before me, all smiles.

"He is insisting on a feast before our departure." He said rolling his eyes. We both were not the feast going types, ironic for being royalty.

"I figured as much." I said not surprised at all.

"Will we make a formal announcement then?" he asked.

"If you wish; the world will know sooner or later." I said. I kind of wished the higher court maidens would quit drooling over him.

"Sooner is better, to prevent rumors…" he whispered just past my ear.

"What rumors would that be my lord?" he asked placing a kiss on my neck. I was surprised myself as I moaned softly and pulled him into my room, shutting the door quietly behind us. He continued his kisses up and down my neck before tracing my jaw line and finding my lips. This was new territory for us and I welcomed it as I ran my hand through his hair.

"I wish I could have you now. Mae, I love you so much" he said resting his head in the crook of my neck. His words shocked me slightly. There has always been a physical attraction between us but tonight he is definitely acting on it.

"A year Legolas, you once said we have to follow tradition. As much as I would love to be your wife, tomorrow, we have to wait." I said pulling him closer.

"I know." He said placing one last kiss on my shoulder before pulling away.

"You are perfect, and I will wait because you are worth it." He said kissing my forehead.

"You could stay if you want. It's been a while since you spent the night with me."

"Someone could have seen me…"

"Legolas please" I said pulling him towards my bed.

He didn't say anything he simply sat on the edge of my bed and pulled off his boots and outer tunic. He pulled me into my bed next to him and I laid my head on his chest. I ran my hands through his hair and twirled it between my fingers as he traced circles on my back through the night gown.

"How long has it been since we've been like this?" I asked.

"Too long" he said pulling my chin up to kiss me gently.

"I can't wait to spend every night like this." I said snuggling closer to my fiancé. He just tightened his arm around me and I fell asleep to soft rhythm of his heartbeat.

I woke the next morning to find him gone. It did not upset me because he was right; we didn't need the rumors spreading especially once the announcement was revealed tonight.

I am sad to be leaving but I cannot wait to go to Mirkwood and be introduced to his world. We would stop in Lorien to visit for a week or two before continuing on North. I stood from my bed and went to bath before picking out what dress I would wear tonight. Arwen and the court had bestowed many upon me but sadly, only about half would make the journey with me to my new home. I chose a dark purple dress, one of Legolas' favorites, for tonight. It was long and had the typical bell sleeves of Gondor, a swooping neckline, and only a silver chord to accent my waist. I smiled as I sat it aside so I could finish packing. I took tunics, leggings, belts, dresses and both pairs of boots. I was about finished when my gaze found my weapons. It seems as though it has been months since I touched them. I took up my bow and quiver first. I pulled the string taunt then released hearing the perfect snap. I fingered an arrow from tip to feathers. I sat them down before picking up my mother's sword still light but mighty. I swirled twice before placing it back in its sheath. I smiled placing them on top of the bags. I would gather food and other survival supplies in the morning before we leave. It is hard to imagine leaving this place, my friends after spending so much among them.

I went to meet with Aragorn and his council of advisors one last time, confirming my departure tomorrow and the temporary relinquishment of duties, until I return.

"Be your return in weeks, or centuries, you will always hold a place in this court" Aragorn said after concluding official business, while smiling.

"I hope it is weeks, for I would miss my cousin far too much for it to be centuries." I said hugging.

"Plus, I want to be part of your children's lives" I added with a wink.

"I wouldn't want it any other way" he said laughing.

"Go, it is getting near time for the feast and your announcement." He said with a smirk.

"I believe Arwen is awaiting you in your chambers to help you get ready." He continued.

"Valar bless me, she always goes overboard." I said rolling my eyes so the king could see.

"You are a lady of the court and soon to be princess, you should be used to such pampering." He said pushing me towards to the personal quarters.

"Not in millennia will I be used to things I do not deem necessary." I said sticking my tongue out before entering my chamber.

True to his word, Arwen sat at my vanity arranging my doom, I'd assume. She was quick to do my hair and makeup before helping me into the dress.

"A beautiful elleth for such a wonderful ellon; I wish you both nothing but happiness." She said kissing my cheek and hugging me.

I entered the hall and the crowd was silent as they looked at me, some with smiles others scowls. Their lady was leaving them. As I reached the bottom of the stairs Legolas met me and I weaved my arm through his as we rose to meet Arwen and Aragorn for our official announcement. Normally the parents of the couple would make such an announcement, but since neither is present, Aragorn volunteered to do so.

"My people, citizens of Gondor and surrounding lands, it brings me great joy to announce the betrothal of my dearest cousin Maethriel, daughter of Lileth, to Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood. I had the unique honor of seeing these two grow from an instant friendship to deep and true love. It pains me to see them go, as they are two of my closest companions, but I wish them nothing but happiness in the years to come. I only ask that they return to share the blessings they share with us." With his words, I smiled and the music began to play signaling our first dance as an engaged couple.

I went on to dance with Aragorn, Gimili, and the Hobbits. Merry and Pippin were always the most fun to be around. It killed me inside to see how unhappy Frodo seemed sitting in the corner by himself twirling a mug of ale. Even Sam got up occasionally and danced. The light from his eyes was gone, his journey to Mordor and back had to be a hardship unbearable to the young hobbit. It brought sadness to my own heart that I am hear celebrating while he sits in misery, away from his home.

"Mae?" Legolas asked from beside me.

"Legolas, do you think we could take the hobbits back to the Shire, before we journey to your home."

"I do not know Mae. My father expects me back…"

"It destroys me to see Frodo so lifeless when he was so full of life when I first met him."

"He has been through much."

"More than any hobbit should have to go through."

"I will think about it for a few minutes. Go dance with Pippin he has been asking for another dance for some time." I could see on Legolas' face that he was determined to go to Mirkwood tomorrow, and stopping in Lorien was already pushing my luck. It wasn't that he didn't want to make me happy, he was under orders from his father at this point. But how could he not care about the people we swore to protect with our lives? I will see the hobbits to the Shire with or without him.

After I danced with the happy hobbit, I made my way to Frodo.

"Master Baggins, may I have this dance?" I asked bowing at the waist.

"Yes you may, My lady." He said taking my hand.

"Frodo, do you miss the Shire?" I asked as we swayed to the music.

"More than anything; I wish we would return, but the others seem so happy here. I cannot take that away from them." He said looking down.

"What if I offered to ride with you back to your home? I see you are not happy hear among men"

"I could not ask such a thing Mae! You are to return to Mirkwood with Legolas tomorrow! You guys just got betrothed and…"

"Mirkwood will still be there in a few weeks. My friend comes first right now. As I see it, all of Middle Earth owes you a whole lot including Thranduil of Mirkwood."

"I would not want to come between you and Legolas"

"He will understand in time. We have an eternity together." I said smiling before ruffling the hobbits hair softly.

"I would love the opportunity then, my lady." He said with the brightest smile I have seen in some time.

"Then I will make the appropriate arrangements. Do you think you four could be ready to leave tomorrow morning with me, so that Legolas could at least make part of the journey with us"

"Legolas will not be the only one wishing to accompany you , lass"

"Gimili, I could see it no other way"

"Gandalf too!" I heard Merry yell from behind me.

"It's settled then. I just have to hear my fiancé's opinion on the matter.

I turned to see a fuming Legolas. He had heard every word. Oh boy…

I went to speak to him but he just shook his head and walked outside.

"Why would you not wait to hear my choice Mae? I cannot ignore my father for eternity! The war may be over but Mirkwood has just as much repair to be completed as Gondor! I need to go home!" He started to raise his voice towards the end, something he didn't do often. I heard it only once before…the night he found out I was only half elf.

For some reason, I felt his anger coursing through my veins and responded without thought.

"Then go home Legolas! I am not keeping you here! I am seeing the hobbits to the Shire with or without you!" His eyes widened at my words and I put my hands to my mouth. I felt pain sear through me.

"Legolas…I…" He put his hand up to stop me, then started to walk away.

Duh Duh Duh, what will happen?

Legolas wouldn't leave her behind would he? I warned you guys that it wasn't all butterflies and rainbows ahead.

What do you guys think will happen? I like hearing you r ideas and theories… they aren't as twisted as mine can me sometimes haha. I did try to give y'all some fluff before I dropped the bomb.

Please remember to Follow, Gavorite, and Review!

Until next time!

-B