The female elf paused by the clearing, listening to the sounds of the forest as the gentle breeze kissed her hair and skirt. She heard a soft rustle, a sound so quiet only the ears of an elf could've detected it. She sighed in annoyance.

"Legolas, what is it that you want?"

Legolas hopped out of nearby tree and landed nimbly beside her, grinning. "Aeardes, hello. It's a fine spring day, is it not?"

She muttered something like he was ruining her day but she answered politely "Yes, it is. What brings you here?"

Legolas shuffled his feet, glanced at the ground, then glanced back up. "Would you like to join me in a walk?" He blushed a little, and Aeardes could see this.

She chuckled, declined, her reason that she had much to do today. "I have to cook the food, mend some clothes, and go hunting."

Seizing a chance, Legolas offered to be her hunting partner but she declined again with some laughter, a beautiful, melodious laugh that tinkled in Legolas's ears. Her reason this time was that she had promised to go hunting with a friend. Legolas could only wish her good hunting and bid farewell.

He was frustrated. Why did Aeardes continuously reject his advances? He was obviously in love with her, but she seemed to refuse him simply to spite and embarrass him. Legolas wandered slowly through the forest as he thought before eventually winding back to the castle.

The Elven king was finally free of his duties for today and decided to spend his free time wisely. The first thought was to visit his son. He peeked into his room but no Legolas. He peered through the training room while being greeted respectfully by servants and other elves, but still no Legolas. Well that was odd, Thranduil thought, wondering where in the world he could be.

It was only upon chance when he was strolling through the gardens that Thranduil came upon his son at last. But the queerest look was on Legolas's face, somewhat familiar. What could it be?

When the Elven king stepped closer, Legolas lifted his head up at his footsteps. His eyes showed a strange emotion and instantly, the king could see what was the problem. He chuckled a deep laugh and settled down beside Legolas, who glared at his father, wondering whatever could be so funny.

"I do not laugh at you personally, my son," Thranduil said smiling, "It is just I know that look on your face. It is the symptom of love sickeness. Now tell me son, what are the details to this?"

Legolas blushed while he mumbled, "There is an elf that I like, but I don't understand. Why does she keep rebuffing my advances? I'm only trying to be nice to her, but she treats me like I am a joke. Besides, I am the Prince, why wouldn't she like me? Father, why are females so difficult to understand?"

Thranduil could only agree so well but at least he had experience in dealing with this. "Females are more sensitive. She might not like you, even if you are our Prince, my prince. Do not thrust yourself upon her; of course she'll dislike you. Take your time and maybe in time, she'll come to like you."

Legolas stared at his father, wondering how he knew all these things. His father seemed to have an answer for everything. Thranduil seemed to notice this, because he added, "I know this because of your mother."

The Elven king's eyes had softened and Legolas couldn't help but feel jealous that his father had found a soul mate who reciprocated her feelings.

"Ah, but your mother has long been dead and I miss her so. I think she would've been very proud of you, Legolas."

Legolas glanced at the floor again. He watched an ant crawl over his shoes and disappear into a crack.

Thranduil rose, sweeping his long robes. He turned to leave, but wanted to add one more thing.

"When choosing a mate, you must choose carefully with much deliberation. Do not disappoint me, son."

Thranduil left his son to ponder thoughtfully at his words.