I rose early the next morn, before even the sun itself, and breakfasted in my own chamber, eating slowly as I dressed simultaneously. The events on yesterday were still playing on my mind as I took my time lacing up the bodice of my top and wrapping my sash around my waist before buckling the thick belt over the top. It was now occurring to me, that in all my own thoughts and guilts, I had not even stopped to consider how Legolas might be feeling.

Embarrassed? Angry? I would have to face him and find out sometime. And apologise, I knew I had to apologise.

But not now. Now I had another task to undertake. I needed all my attention and concentration this morning. I thrust my lhang blades into the scabbards at my back, pushed knives into my belts and thigh straps, and swiftly plaited my hair into a long loose intricate fishtail braid.

Alrohar was in a frisky mood. He danced about while I attempted to tack him up, nipping at my hair teasingly as I tried to get the bit into his mouth. I couldn't help but laugh at him as he leapt away when I tried to tighten his girth.

"Come on, Alrohar! We have a task to do!"

Alrohar nosed the ground and I eyed him suspiciously. He began to paw at the earth.

"Oh no…! Alrohar, don't you dare!"

The stallion was beginning to bend his knees. He knew he was not allowed to roll in his saddle. Which gave him precisely enough reason to do it.

"Alrohar, no!" I laughed aloud, crossing to him swiftly and vaulting into the saddle, nudging him forwards. He snorted and trotted forwards, satisfied that he had made me laugh. I rode him to meet the rest of our small ranging party. There were but thirteen of us, led by Daugion and myself. All of us wardens; these were but rumours of orcs, not enough for us to draw out all the wardens, nor indeed the Galadhrim.

"You are ready, my lady?" Daugion asked, as the last two elves mounted their houses.

I nodded. "I am Warden this morning. Shall we ride out?"

"Indeed," Daugion agreed. He turned to our wardens. "We ride west! You know what it is that we seach for; orc traces. A small party are rum oured to be in those parts, coming very close to our borders. Should you find evidence, call for either Warden Arnuríel or myself. Be thorough. Let us go."

Daugion nudged his great black stallion forwards and pushed him into a canter out of the city. Alrohar threw in an enthusiastic buck before bolting after him. I let him throw himself about for a few strides, and then he settled into an easy pace, following Daugion's Asrillan through the woods.

We rode steadily for some time, crossing the river Nimrodel and finally breaking out of the trees at our borders just as the sun fully broke over the horizon. As soon as we were out into the open, the wardens spread out, keeping each other within visible distance but covering as much ground as we could.

I pulled Alrohar back to a slow walk, letting the reins go long as he stretched out his neck and I scanned the ground for traces or tracks. There was nothing. The ground was smooth…

"There's no signs, Alro…" I murmured to the stallion as we paced across the landscape. Alrohar nickered to me and I smiled. "I know, it is a good thing."

"My lady Warden! Arnuríel!"

The call came from the left flank and I glanced about, Alrohar's head raising with pricked ears. We were several hundred yards from the Lorien borders now, though the trees were still visible. Daugion was on my right and he nodded to me as he caught my eye.

I gathered up Alrohar's reins and pulled him about, pushing him into a canter towards the warden who had called.

"Farad, what is it?" I asked, pulling Alrohar up sharply.

Farad wheeled his mare around, nodding towards the ground. I followed his eyes, and swung myself down from Alrohar, keeping a hold of his reins in one hand, I knelt, touching the soft earth with my other hand.

Tracks. Unmistakable tracks; years ranging the lands had taught me as such. For a moment I wondered what Celebrían would make of these tracks. She would make nothing of them, I knew, she knew not how to read signs such as these.

"Call Daugion," I instructed Farad swiftly.

Daugion gave his call, while my fingers continued to test the earth. I felt the steady hoofbeats as Daugion rode Asrillan to us.

"Arnuríel, what is it?"

"An orc, these tracks are unmistakeable," I replied. I pointed. "Just one, here. It comes this way, stops here, then turns and retreats." I glanced back to our borders. "It dared venture no closer to our city, it would seem."

"But just one?"

I rose from the ground. "Just one."

Daugion nodded. "Alright. Arnuríel, ride ahead. Follow these tracks, see what you come across. We will continue to scan the landscape. Farad, go with Arnuríel."

I swiftly mounted back up, throwing Farad a smile. "Very well. Come, Farad." Now that we had a heading, I dared increase the pace. I squeezed Alrohar's flanks and pushed him into a canter, Farad at my heels as I raced away from the wardens. I let Alrohar check the path ahead of us, sitting deep in the saddle, while my eyes remained fixed upon the ground, following the tracks that Farad had found.

For a long while they ran alone; still the tracks of a single orc who had run first towards the city and then retreated. And then, I suddenly pulled up sharply on Alrohar's reins and he squealed in surprise.

"I am sorry, my friend," I whispered swiftly, instantly relaxing the reins and patting his neck gently, before I looked back to the ground. "Farad, look here!"

The young new Warden trotted forwards and stared down. "By the stars… the rumours were true."

The tracks had multiplied. They were many hundred yards from our borders, but our borders were still in sight even from here. The tracks were a milling mass, footprints stamped deep into the earth.

"How many would you say, lady Warden?"

I sighed, as I wheeled Alrohar about again, the stallion rising into a half rear as he turned sharply on his haunches. "I could not say for sure, twenty at least. Nearer thirty, I would guess."

"That is no reassuring number," Farad warned.

"No," I agreed. "No, it is not…"

"How long ago were they here, do you think?"

I raised my eyes from the earth with a small smile. "How many do you think, young Warden?"

Farad frowned and regarded the ground closely. "Two days?"

I nodded. "Good. Two at minimum, three at most. They have moved on from here, but that does not mean to say that they are not still close, nor that they shall not return."

Farad reeled his stallion a little further away. "Here, my lady, the tracks, they lead away further west. I pushed Alrohar to him, and looked further across the landscape. Even my elven eyes could see nothing.

"There is no sign now… But we must be watchful. Come, let us return to the wardens."

It was a swift gallop back to Daugion, and an even swifter tale relating of what we had discovered. Daugion called the wardens back to him, and we spoke quickly as they returned to us.

"What do you suggest we do?" I asked.

"There is no evidence that they will return but we will take no chance of not knowing should they do so," Daugion replied. "What would you suggest, little lady Warden?"

"Double the wardens in these parts," I replied easily.

"Agreed," Daugion nodded.

We chose to take a leisurely walk in our return to the city and it was far gone midday when at least we reached Calas Galadhon. As soon as the horses were untacked and leapt away, Daugion went his own way to make his report and suggestion to Haldir, and I went my own. To my father, to make my report.

As I strode into his small private council chamber, removing my gloves as I did so, I found him there, bent over a small table with a few pieces of parchment and just the lord Thranduil himself for company.

"My lords," I nodded politely as I entered, surprised to find Thranduil there, but keeping my silence on the matter.

"Arnuríel, tinu," my father nodded. "Come, see here."

"Ada," I smiled, approaching the table. I could feel Thranduil regarding me closely, as though curious as to my attire, his eyes taking in the lhang blades at my back, my long boots, my practical braid.

"Here are the beginnings of our peace treaty," Celeborn gestured down at the parchments, the documents and maps. "What do you think?"

I regarded them for a moment with a small sigh and a smile. "I think they would be better understood by my lady sister!"

Celeborn laughed. "Indeed, I think they would! Thranduil, Arnuríel has just returned with her warden party, uncovering rumours in the west."

"I see," Thranduil nodded. "Now the clothes fit the heart." I glanced at him, my head cocked a little. "I was most impressed at your display of yesterday, little lady. I would never have expected such a thing to come from you. Your father should be most proud."

I swallowed and glanced at my father. He gave the slightest inclination of his head, and I took a deep breath. "My lord, I would actually like to apologise for my actions yesterday, if I may."

Thranduil looked bemused. "Why?"

"Because they were rash and uncalled for," I replied. "I should not have been so easily persuaded to fight your lord son, nor taken so much pleasure in duelling him."

"Your daughter is every inch an honourable warrior, Celeborn," Thranduil smiled approvingly. "Arnuríel, I do not expect such apologies from you. You are young and you are learning, as is my son, and such actions between the pair of you is but of curious interest to me. Every loss is a lesson, as is every victory. However your apology is appreciated and accepted. Thank you."

I glanced back to my father. He smiled. "Now Arnuríel. Your report?"

I straightened up, confident and professional once again. "Yes, my lord. We find the rumours to be true. Orc tracks were found some two miles from the western borders. We would guess at thirty orcs at most, two to three days ago. One braved venturing closer, a scout we presume but he did not come more than a mile close. We cannot guess if nor when they should return, so we are doubling the wardens on the western stretch for the present. It is unnecessary to bring out the Galadhrim yet."

Celeborn nodded, pleased. "Very well. Thank you. Go on now, there is still much to be done before tonight."

I smiled. "My lords." I bowed my head respectfully once again before retreating from the chamber. I almost bumped into my mother in the doorway and she raised her eyebrows smoothly at me as I leapt around.

"Naneth, I am sorry!"

"It's alright, tinu," she smiled bemusedly. "I think your sister has something for you. I would find her, if I were you."

I frowned. "Why does she want me?"

My mother smiled one of her mysterious smiles. "You shall see."

I looked at her suspiciously as she gracefully floated past me and into the chamber I had retreated from.

I decided to first return to my own chambers to change, and as I entered my rooms something immediately caught my eye. I pulled my weapons from my person and, laying them aside, approached my bed. Lying on the silk coverlet lay a gown of such breathtaking beauty, I almost could not comprehend it.

A turquoise silk blue gown with a wide neck, and long sweeping sleeves that fell away at the elbow to the floor, the entire fabric detailed with a golden leafy pattern. And over it, a thin lace sky blue dress, that fell from just two thin straps at the shoulder, and fastened with a intricate gold clasp at the chest, and similar clasp at the loose belt of woven silver rope hung loosely about the hips.

I picked it up carefully, and strode out of my chambers and threw the drawn curtain into Celebrían's silver rooms.

"What is this?" I demanded with a smiling frown, holding up the gown to my sister.

"A gift," Celebrían replied lightly, not looking up from where she was lounged on a chaise with her book.

"What on earth for? I asked disbelievingly. "Where did it come from?"

"I made it of course. I spent all day on it. What do you think of it?"

I laid it over my arm, lightly touching the fabric, running like silk, like water, through my fingers. "It's beautiful, of course it's beautiful. But why?"

"Well," Celebrían began, standing and crossing to me, taking the dress and examining the stitching. "Firstly, because you will look rather stunning in it tonight at the feast, and I want you to look stunning."

I laughed. "And second?"

"Secondly, because I spoke with Ada. He told me of what you spoke of last night. So this is by way of an apology and a congratulations. I pushed you to challenge the young prince and for that I am sorry. But you were rather spectacularly victorious against him and for that I am proud."

I smiled softly and took my dear sister's hand. "Then thank you. I shall be glad to wear it tonight, it is wonderful."

"Well of course it is, I made it!"

Celebrían did indeed wrestle me into the gown, though it took very little protest on my part. I sat quietly, allowing her to play with my hair, nestling my crown among my locks, adjusting the belt to just where she thought was right. She herself looked just as lovely as always, in a silvery green gown, with an intricate braided bodice, and sweeping skirt that trailed with the hem of her sleeves in the earth. All in all it was with pride and grace that we later descended that evening to the great hollow where the trestle tables had been set up, the cushions plumped and the food laid, on the forest floor, beneath the great trees, the lights glowing above our heads.

The hollow was already busy with our own elves, many seated, waiting to eat, some playing soft music upon delicate instruments… We had not had such an event here in Lorien for some years.

"My lady!"

I turned suddenly at the calling and my face broke out instantly into a welcoming smile as I saw who was approaching me. My smile faltered slightly as I remembered why I had hoped to see him to begin with. I was never very good at apologies.

"I'll see you in a moment," Celebrían whispered into my ear, and before I could protest she had vanished from my side in a whirl of silver green silks and blonde hair. I turned back to Legolas quickly. He looked unquestionably handsome, his own blonde hair smoothed back in neat braids and loose down his back, in a smart silver and blue tunic.

"Your highness, I had hoped to see you this night," I greeted politely.

Legolas gave me a look; a mixture of pleasant and hopeful curiosity. "You did? May I ask why?"

I swallowed. "I wished to apologise for my behaviour of yesterday," I replied.

"Apologise?" Legolas looked taken aback. "Whatever for?"

"I sometimes become a little too competitive," I explained. "I should not have been so bold with you, nor so open in trying to humiliate you, especially in front of your people, not to mention your father. It was neither ladylike nor warrior-like of me." I did truly feel awful, especially now that I had said it and I knew what I spoke was true.

"My lady," Legolas said, "there is no need for an apology. Not from you."

"I did not mean to embarrass you," I protested adamantly, desperate to make sure he understood how I felt.

"You did embarrass me, or rather I embarrassed myself and it was a good thing. It transpired I needed a little lesson in humiliation; I did in fact come here to apologise to you."

I frowned. "But-"

"I presumed that I was the better warrior, despite knowing your reputation and never having seen you fight," Legolas told me. "It was not an honourable thing to do, not for a warrior and certainly not a prince. I should never have assumed anything of you, nor made it so plain. And for that I am truly sorry." He gave me a low bow, and I raised him up with one hand.

"There is nothing to forgive, your highness," I smiled. "Perhaps we may call ourselves even?"

Legolas grinned. "That I can agree to."

We smiled at each other for a moment, our consciences at peace.

"Are you looking forward to the festivities?" I asked politely.

"I can honestly say that I am," Legolas replied with a grin. He glanced down at my gown nthen back to my eyes for a moment. "You look wonderful, this evening my lady. Perhaps I should say so before the elderflower wine is presented!"

I blushed and laughed. "Thank you, my lord! You look rather dashing yourself."

Legolas grinned at me, until I heard another call of my name.

"Lady Arnuríel!" It was Rochestel. "The Lady Galadríel is requesting your presence!"

"Thank you Rochestel, I will be there in a moment," I nodded. Rochestel bowed her head to us and hurried away. She seemed in quite a fluster this night, in her attempts to ensure all ran smoothly. I smiled fondly after her, before I turned back to the prince. "I must see to my mother, but I hope I shall see you again this evening?"

"It would be my honour," Legolas smiled. He took my hand and raised it to his lips, planting a feather light kiss upon my fingertips as he stepped away. "My lady."

He was only a few steps away, when I called him back suddenly. "Wait!"

The prince turned back to me with hopeful yet curious eyes.

"Arnuríel," I told him with a firm smile. "To friends, I am Arnuríel."

Legolas nodded with a grin and another light bow. "Until later then, Arnuríel."

"Your highness," I nodded, and with a faint curtsey I turned away.

"Legolas!"

I glanced over my shoulder, my hair whipping about my shoulders.

"My friends call me Legolas," the prince grinned at me.

My smile widened momentarily before I laughed. "Legolas."

"Arnuríel!" Rochestel sounded deeply distressed now, and so with a last smile I turned away from her, still laughing to myself. Legolas had begun as an acquaintance, was briefly a foe, returned to an acquaintance, but now… Now, I felt I had a made a true friend.

It transpired my mother merely wished for me join Celebrían in my place at our own dais, seated a little above all our people at our own bench. I seated myself in my place, on my father's left, Celebrían on Galadríel's right. Thranduil himself was between them, and before long, Legolas appeared on Celebrían's other side with Tauríel while Haldir joined me on mine.

A mutual attentive silence fell as my father rose from his seat.

"Tonight and this time is a special one for our beloved people," he announced grandly. "It is with great love and honour that we welcome the lord Thranduil and his son Legolas to our city." I leant forward slightly and Legolas caught my eye with a grin. "We hope that in their time here they will be happy and content, and that by the end of their stay, we will have forged between us a peace to be remembered for many years and ages to come. Not just a peace written in a treaty but a peace in friendship between us all."

I smiled and applauded as elves all about cheered and clapped enthusiastically.

"And now," my father continued, "let us drink and eat and be merry together!"

It turned into the loveliest of evenings. I did not remember smiling so much in a long time. I dined and drank until I was full to bursting, and then I was up, and dancing to my heart's content. Celebrían and I were called upon to lend our voices to a song or two. During one such song, in which every young elf leapt up to join in the dance, I ran to the dais and pulled Legolas down to join us. He politely protested at first, but was soon caught up in the reel just as we all were.

It was with sorry hearts that we finally all retreated to our chambers in the early hours of the morn, elflings sleeping in their mothers' laps. Celebrían, who had consumed perhaps a little too much wine than necessary, linked arms with I on her right and Legolas on her left. There she led us back to Legolas' chambers where she bid him goodnight, before promptly falling asleep on her feet and I exchanged a ruthful grin with Legolas before he bid me a goodnight and I led the sleeping Celebrían back to her own chambers. There I left her, lying flat on her back, her hair splayed across the pillow, snoring gently.