I woke as Thranduil did, his breathing changing and alerting my mind in its waking dreams. I was stiff; my rear end was numb from the harsh bark of the tree. I peeled my face from Thranduil's tunic. He smiled as realization dawned on me of our compromising night.

"Your face has a beautiful pattern this morning," he teased.

"Your wit is astounding," I retorted, standing and stretching before I began descending the tree. It was day, the fires had burned out, the horses had not been eaten in the night, and we could go home. Thranduil followed me through the branches.

"You snore," he commented.

"You smell," I said.

"You are a grouch in the mornings!" he mocked surprise.

I snapped, whirling on him. "Give it up! Must you continue this needless banter? We may still be in danger!"

We saddled our horses and set off in a dour silence. Thranduil seemed thoroughly reprimanded by my outburst, and he goaded me no further.

We encountered no problems as we navigated cautiously to Amon Lanc, the capital city. I was jittery enough to fall off my saddle with nerves, but thankfully my fears were unfounded. We were in the stables brushing down our horses when the storming form of Oropher arrived.

"Where have you two been?" he asked.

Thranduil and I both began speaking at once, trying to explain what had happened.

"There were goblins –"

"We got lost –"

"Silence!" the king thundered, and we obliged. Thranduil was as intimidated by his father as I was, and I did not look forward to the punishment he would surely inflict on us. "The goblins have been disposed of – surely you know that so close to the city it would only be a matter of time until safety was restored?" he began pacing, not faltering in his admonishing words. "Varandil returned and is being tended by healers – he alerted us to your predicament and riders were sent to locate you immediately. Surely you would have thought that you would be searched for before running off wildly into the forest?"

"But Father, we –"

"You, boy," Oropher stopped to glare down at his son. "You know better than to trapeze off in the wilderness with an unmarried girl."

I bristled at his slight, but said nothing.

"I want you to have this stable mucked out by nightfall," Oropher commanded. "If you finish early, you may attend the coming of age for Tervic tonight."

"Yes, sir," Thranduil muttered, and the king swept out of view in a flurry of golden robes.

"Rotten luck," I said sympathetically. "I suppose I do like being invisible to the king, at least for today." I smirked and winked at Thranduil's dark face, and made an exit of my own.

I wished I could stay angry at Thranduil, angry for being stuck out the whole night and angry for being responsible of us sleeping at such close quarters, but I could not. I did enjoy his company, most of the time, and he was my friend.

He was already breathless and covered in muck by the time I returned with toast and an apple. "Here," I said, brandishing the food at him. "I will take a turn."

"This is not your punishment," Thranduil replied, but he did not protest. He munched hungrily as I picked up the shovel he had discarded and went to work.

"No," I agreed. "But I was equally responsible for last night as well. And perhaps you will learn that helping the low is not such a waste of effort." I winked at him, cheeky now that my hunger was sated.

"Your spirits have improved," Thranduil said, tossing the core of the apple to his stallion.

"I look forward to a night of dancing," I replied. "Also – we are safe, Valandil is well, and I spoke to Celeon about our research on the War of Wrath. He agreed that we do not have to complete it for one more moon."

"Thank you," he said, leaning on a post. "I am exhausted – if you insist on helping, I will turn in for a bit."

"Certainly not!" I stood straight to look him in the eye. "There are more shovels over there," I pointed a finger. "The sooner we get done, the sooner you may rest."

We worked back to back, fast as we could to complete the task. It was mid-afternoon when Varandil limped into the stables to inspect our work.

"Not bad for two spoiled royals," he remarked.

Thranduil glared at him.

"You may go," Varandil said, waving his good arm. "You have been tortured enough – mayhap the festivities tonight will be supplementary to your suffering."

"This day has not been pleasant," Thranduil said as we made our way through the palace – those we passed turning their noses from our stench.

"I do believe it will be a wonderful evening," I said. "Tervic is very handsome. He has to dance will all the young ladies – I must wear my most fetching gown."

"Oh, spare me," Thranduil scoffed. "You are absurd."

"You'll save a dance for me, won't you?" I asked as I was about to climb up a marble staircase. His rooms were on the other side of the palace.

"Only to drag you back into reality," he said. "I swear – if you say one more thing about clothes or hair, or who is in love with whom –"

I stuck my tongue out in defiance and darted up the stairs.

Once I was bathed, clothed, and properly beautified for the evening, I took the opportunity to write to my cousin, Celebrîan of the exciting events of the past days. We corresponded often, as she was only a few years older than myself and living in Imladris. I loved her as a sister – before I had been sent to Oropher's care, we had been children under the golden leaves of Lórien. I hastily sealed the envelope to be sent out on the morrow. I could hear music floating upwards from the great Hall, and I tried to contain my excitement as I hurried down. There had been a few coming-of-age parties thus far, but this was easily the most attended, as Tervic was the son of a noble. I admired his handsome form as he greeted guests on a raised dais. He was a skilled warrior as well – a fine match for any woman.

I partook of the light, clear wine that turned out to be surprisingly strong. I gasped at the burn, and elected instead for water.

I wandered the room, greeting Tervic and his proud parents and other elves that I knew. Thranduil was nowhere in sight. Leave it to him to be late, I thought, allowing my mind to contemplate just how I could reprimand him when he arrived.

The feast was served casually and we ate standing and socializing. As soon as the moon rose the dancing began. Young males lined up for my hand – I was giddy and overwhelmed with the attention. I had not expected to be kept so busy dancing. The room grew hot, and I begged for release from the awaiting males, curtsying before making a dash for refreshments.

I gulped water greedily, gasping for breath. The previous number had been quite spirited and I was getting worn out. I had not even danced with Tervic yet! He was the only one with more partners than I. I choose to sit on a cushioned chair for a few moments, watching the elegant dancers. I sighed with happiness. This summer would be marvelous with such parties every week.

I had begun to cool down by the time Thranduil strode through the entrance. I saw him immediately – he looked splendid, cleanly groomed and dressed in a golden tunic. He glanced through the room awkwardly. His eyes rested on me, widening in surprise. He smiled and made his way through the crowds.

"You're late," I said as he sat by me.

"I was at the receiving end of more parenting," he said. "Now this blasted party seems like heaven."

"It is heaven," I insisted. "Isn't Tervic looking grand?"

"Bother Tervic," Thranduil said. "Dance with me."

I was surprised at his abruptness but I agreed. He held me close as we were swept along with the other dancers.

"You seem to have a following," he remarked, and as we twirled I saw that the men that had been waiting for a turn to dance with me were looking daggers at the prince.

"Aye," I replied. "Perhaps by midsummer they will have noticed that I am not as perfect as they see me to be."

"One would hope," Thranduil said. "Once I came to that realization of your value, the quality of my life much improved."

"Oh, don't be mean," I begged. "'Tis a beautiful night – let's not ruin it."

"If you insist." He was silent for a moment. "I swear, those boys are looking at you as if they have already lost their hearts."

"Truly?" I caught another glimpse of their forlorn faces. I groaned. "I take it back about wanting suitors."

Thranduil laughed as the song ended. He bowed over my hand, kissing it. I was perplexed - this affection was very unlike him, but I supposed that his show of good etiquette was merely a show.

"I am sure that you will accumulate such a devoted following," I told him as he escorted towards an airy balcony. "As the prince, you are far more desirable than I." I was hoping that my teasing would jibe him into a more normal mood. I began fanning myself as we escaped into the cool night air.

"I suppose," he said thoughtfully. "It will be much to my distaste." He turned to look at me then, leaning over the railing into the twinkling lights of wandering elves in the courtyard. "You look lovely tonight, Caradel."

"Hantanyel," I said softly, slipping into the language that only Oropher, Thranduil and I spoke. "You are generous." I rested my head on my hands, feeling tiredness from the previous night and hard work during the day, followed my extensive dancing catching up to me. Suddenly I felt Thranduil's fingers weave through my hair. I started at this unexpected intimacy, and turned to stare at him. He saw my discomfort, and dropped his hand.*

"Ánin apsenë," he murmured. "Forgive me. I have had too much wine."

"You had none at the party," I pointed out. He shrugged off the argument.

"I am too tired for more dancing," he said, straightening abruptly. "I will take my leave."

"As will I," I said, yawning. "It has been a long day." Thranduil took my arm and escorted me through the still energetic party to my rooms, where we parted. "Do not forget –" I warned him before he left. "We have archery lessons tomorrow morning. Prepare to lose," I beamed and he nodded and turned, but not before returning the smile.

*"All the Eldar [...] were especially attracted by hair of exceptional loveliness". (The History of Middle Earth vol. 12. "The Shibboleth of Feanor".)