Chapter 2

Much later everybody gathered around a grand marble table while elves from Elrond's court wandered about playing wind or string instruments. They all played the same song but from different places allowed the guests to hear key parts when it was desired and most smiled as they listened. Other elves stood there at attention for their beck and call ready with beverages, cutlery as well as napkins, if they could be called napkins. What they were given as a useful napkin to stain instead of their clothing was a cloth that seem to change it's hue with the change of the music but all the while it seemed to twinkle. Frodo and Sam found them quite amusing and nearly a shame to use as something to stain or toss later. Aragorn assured them they were supposed to use them despite how they argued it was one of the finest cloths they had seen. When Sam spilled wine over one it absorbed all the red liquid before it ever touched him or his clothing but when he picked it up it never felt or looked wet. He looked to Frodo amazed when it showed no stain and Frodo pushed napkin back down so he did not draw attention to how new they both still were to the Elven things.

Foods they had been introduced to by Arwen or Legolas were present as well as delicacies from the shire. This wondrous feast was what they called dinner but the Hobbits and other newcomers could only take it in with wide eyes. As most guests had eaten the larger portions of the meals they had began to relax back on the pillowed chairs as more wine was shared.

Oh, how the elves did enjoy their wine especially those accustomed to Mirkwood's court but this night some glasses were empty as some of them merely sat and listened with untouched plates. Others did celebrate and hoped it would might be infectious to the downtrodden. Dinner was quiet and evening was lovely but each guest looked at it most differently some solemn and some happy and some toasting with their glassed heavy in the air. Yet, most of the toasts seemed to come from Sam for Frodo who were well accustomed to the very idea of the drink. A few times Sam gave them a lopsided grin and toasted their friends Merry and Pippin that had traveled back to the Shire with Boromir's brother.

When Frodo decided to show the elves how well the Hobbits could drink he hopped to his feet and began to sing lively tune and to dance a spritely step in which he quickly rhymed the fellowships achievements to his son and still holding his drink in hand. Once he finished he hoisted his cup up then seemed to finally allow himself a drink, except when he did the entire thing was gone in just a few swallows with his back bent so far back to get each drop they thought he would fall over but with such an unnatural stance yet he seemed to get every drop thereafter until the mug was dry . Still he popped up into an upright position again as soon as it was drained then turned the tankard upside down for inspection. It was another attempt to light the mood for those that could see not much more than grief and for some it had brought a smile but for others they kept a stoic face.

Frodo returned to his seat next to Sam with a smile on his lips and it was partly due to the effect of the drink but despite it all comical behavior the guests and elves still looked at the lively hobbits with a deep measure of respect. All knew the dangers were far from few for the small hobbits and could only watch the creatures of miracle in awe. Sam knew Merry and Pippin had the courage to do what he and Frodo had not, go home. Yes, they missed their shire but at the same time they wanted to see it all through with their friends. They had a sense of strong obligation to the elves and truly they felt like family to them now, as if to prove it they still had cloaks with the elven leaves adorning them.

Aragorn watched his friends with a smile as Arwen sat near him with mixed emotions that mirrored many an elf there. Some had received their family home as Arwen had but still she did suffer watching her friends going through deep loss and grief. Still, with Sam and Frodo there it was hard not to appreciate their parts in the fellowship and very hard not to laugh at them as Sam began to talk with words that seemed harder and harder for him to form now.

Legolas had an eye upon the seat next to Arwen wondering if that was Arri's seat as Eosin stood from his own place he watched the chair as if it would talk. It was then Legolas realized he had been staring it as well. He shook his head feeling bewitched once more and began again to focus on the joyful nature of the hobbits because they did find the appreciation in everything, as well as mirth. All were fascinated by Frodo's exhibition and quick wit to make a song for the fellowship but when he had taken the drink it was a memory for Legolas being he had watched the Hobbits drinking before among the men. It seemed a lifetime ago now that they had been with Eowyn and Eomir in a small celebration in their King Theoden's halls. It did make him miss the other hobbits and remember the few happy times they had grasped along the way.

"Arri will not be joining us, Arwen?" Eosin asked and his voice snapped Legolas back the now . He looked at the other elf who looked at Arwen with concerned but his eyes seemed to plead. A maiden close to him decided to take him mind from it by getting to her feet and bringing Eosin a full bottle of wine. She stood in silent question with it hovering above his glass but he merely waved both the glass and elf away with a heavy sigh. After dismissed she continued to keep her look on him and then began to bring him fruits in a small basket. Legolas wrinkled his brow at such callous actions from Eosin but gathered the elf really had no idea of the effect he had on this maiden. Rather he seemed very intent on hearing what Arwen said in a voice not much above a whisper over the din of the room.

"No, she still grieves," Arwen said simply with a sigh. She thought of how wrought Arri was with her heavy sobs and how she had sat with her father praying for hours. Praying he was not taken or praying she could go in his stead. "I believe she will for a while." She looked down at the table not to worry them with the memory in her eyes.

Eosin cocked his head, "should I go to her?" He had meant to whisper to Arwen but in his haste it was far more of a normal tone and others heard him too, even Sam and Frodo seemed quite aware.

Arwen shook her head, "If she wants your company she will come to you Eosin." She touched his hand lightly, "give her time."

Legolas took a long sip of his water and cleared his throat, "perhaps, you could bring her a tray Arwen." Arwen offered him a smile at the suggestion and Legolas gave a small exhale making his shoulders slump up and down slightly, "she will talk to you too." Arwen met his eyes knowingly.

Arwen turned fully to face Legolas, "You knew her in Mirkwood did you not?" She had not meant it to sound like an accusation but knew an old friend might be what she needed. Thinking back of how little she seemed to help Arri in comparison to Legolas she had been thinking and older friend might ease her friend's grief, especially after the look they had shared earlier that day

"In our youth," Legolas gave her the slightest blush at the memory, "we were really to competitive to be friends." Verily he really did not wish to tell them how miserably he had treated her when he was younger, not to let them know he had been so cruel. He sighed knowing it was wrong to behave that way to anybody but now that his heart would skip at the mere thought of her name made him feel a fool.

Gandalf sat silently watching people begin to excuse themselves slowly and his hear lurched or wretched for each one that had lost. Death was never something easy to accept and to elves it was harder to cope.

Frodo sat up, "Maybe a new friend would cheer her?" He offered and suddenly everybody seemed to realize how many really listened and cared. "Sam and I could take her something." Frodo looked to Sam who nodded eagerly with a drunken smile playing on his lips but it was easy to see both hobbits would bring her a pure and simple feast. Their smiles were genuine and most could see them dancing to cheer up anybody that felt badly. The hobbits lightened many hearts with great ease.

Arwen smiled at the offer, "she was interested in meeting you, our Frodo, but so are many others and your company will be wanted among many." Arwen touched his hand as she stood, "it is a very generous offer you make to her when you are have such reason to celebrate that would go to her to comfort her sorrow." Her eyes twinkled at her friend and she was nearly blinking back tears with wonder how anybody could have such an unselfish heart. As Gandalf had said, 'hobbits were full of wonder.'

"I don't feel much like celebrating yet," Frodo sighed looking at his missing finger and thinking of all the friends he had seen killed. He knew he danced and acted a fool but his friends seemed to know it was but an act. For each person he cheered he found another that felt the grief and his heart went to them. He knew the elves suffered and he respected them greatly. Did he feel like he was part elf now too? When would he feel like he could celebrate?

When Aragorn stood with Arwen and followed her as they both mumbled 'excuse me' Frodo looked up slightly at his mentor happy for their fortune. He thought what an astounding king he would be and cursed the wait until Aragorn held the crown of Gondor. The young hobbit had a list of things he wished to see done before his journey home and among them was to see Aragorn gain his crown. Why did his heart leap at the idea of his friends happiness. As if to understand him , he found Sam pushed another tankard in front of his face almost a challenge but they both knew it was to help them forget. He knew Sam worried, Sam always worried for his friend. He gave him a smile and took a drink so fast he spilled more around his mouth than he got in it. He heard Sam chuckle, "next time try it without smiling and you might not miss your mouth."

Legolas stared at his own plate feeling almost plagued but wondered why he was so intrigued by Arri and why the whimsical hobbits antics had not kept his mind from roaming to her. Yes she had grown into a beautiful mature elf but he had many others who wanted to sit next to him at dinner, who were equally as beautiful. Yet, they did not keep his attention and he had not even spoke to Arri yet. Without words she had him spellbound and he was helpless to understand it now and almost felt a fool.

'Arri,' her name felt light and sweet as she had been in their youth. She had always tried to be polite to him despite his teasing. She was grown now and and to him a new enigma. He wanted to speak with her and comfort her and he wondered if their old rivalry was still there or if they would even reach on any levels. He looked at her empty place again but thought a good rest would do him wonders as well. Legolas raised slowly and excused himself as he left the others both celebrating and grieving.

Legolas stepped along the rock path with a quick and sure pace as breathed in the aroma of Rivendell and sighed. It was a wonderful scent but not as grand as the Mirkwood. He was taken back thinking of his father and the friends he longed to see. Again his thoughts went to her as he wondered if Arri ever missed Mirkwood. Finally it dawned on him that was why she haunted his mind, they had Mirkwood in common.

Legolas now sighed feeling relieved and at once alive again feeling all his wayward thoughts and curiosity answered. He turned his head up gazing at the trees that beckoned him on. He thought how he would occupy to pass the time in Rivendell by bringing memory of his beloved Mirkwood there and jumped to them moving swiftly and silently. He loved being in the trees because it was as close as he could be to the freedom of flying. His feet slid and along the thicker branches until they began to narrow out. Before the branch's width became too narrow for his weight he shifted his footing with a small step to grab another branch at full speed and continue on. He surfed along the branches the same way the fish and dolphins rode the waves or the birds floated along the air, it was nearly effortless.

Legolas sat back comfortably in a nest branches as an observer rather than having their expectant eyes watching each thing he did and he watched as some were still celebrating below. He smiled at thought good fortune but he caught sight of a figure sitting alone staring at the darkened woods. Slumped down on bench with head in hands and a hood drawn over their head making it difficult to tell at first if it was male or female. Suddenly they drew their hood down and her curls spilled down her back but she drew her eyes up at the stars. He knew it was Arri in a moment and he turned his head around watching her with piqued interest. She seemed to pray to the heavens or perhaps beg for answers then her hands touched her face lightly to rid it of shed tears.

He inched closer to her wondering if he should speak to her. As he came closer to her ear he gave a small but deep tone clearing his throat not to startle her and gave her a tiny smile with the slightest upturn of his lips. Her head turned ever so slowly and she did not looked threatened or hopeful of anything but she did seem curious. She cocked her head to the side much as he had when he noticed her sitting there and his heart lurched realizing they had acquired one another's gestures.

Arri heard a noise and at first she took it for a small animal but in the same place the noise had been stood the very prince of Mirkwood. She looked up at Legolas, usually she would be defensive of his intrusion but they were grown now and she would approach him much as she had been taught by Arwen and her teachers, with calm and polite grace. Her saddened eyes told him she had no will to fight him and no want to pursue any more tears. She looked defeated as if she waited to for her enemy to finish her off and her drive to deal with him began to fall away slowly.

"Arri?" Legolas asked lightly testing the water to see if she even wanted to speak and moving closer little by little to gather a better view of her now. She stood as if she was defeated but she met his eye with the bravery he had seen many times and that brought the first real smile he had known in days.

"You have grown, Legolas." she said simply with a bow of her head in respect for his position and title as prince. "I did not recognize you at first." She exhaled trying to be cordial but still her heart felt it was breaking. She wrapped her arms around one another hoping the silent hug would let her feel a little like her father held her. Thoughts flew but the one that bothered her the most was she felt she was the only one to get her through this, that and the unmistakable feeling her father watched down on her.

Legolas smiled now able to see her so closely he could see the color of her eyes and moved his head as he spoke, "For the better I hope." He could smell her the fragrance of her now and quickly the nostalgia washed over him, all the good, all the bad and mostly the regret. He watched her expectantly but she hardly seemed to notice how she intrigued him.

"Better manners," she teased lightly but made no motion to move closer to him or run from him. She simply stood there looking like a damn of tears would burst any moment. Wringing her hands and with her eyes shining waterfall that threatened to fall from her eyes. Slowly a tear trickled down her cheek and she wiped at it quickly as if in hope to keep it from him, still she showed him no weakness.

He let out a breath very controlled and spoke very slowly so she would know he was not there to just shout it to feel better... he wanted her to know it was meant, heartfelt, "Arri, I was very young and hurtful and I am sorry for what I have done in our youth. I had no right..." he trailed off not sure how to explain the ill manners of a young prince. He looked to the darkened grass beneath their feet that lighted slightly as the shadows danced from the candles of the celebration. He wished he could offer the right words to ease this for her.

"You are mature now, one of the fellowship that brings peace," she smiled but her face fell thinking of her father and what his part in helping the fellowship had led, "Legolas what happened there? How did my father die?" Her tone was nearly that of begging him to know now and her eyes were pleading with him softly. She took her foot as if to step closer with her pleading eyes but brought her foot back to her slowly.

Legolas moved closer so they could speak quietly, "he died at Helm's Keep at the Orc's hands." He had not thought of her wanting to know more of her father's death and frowned to be the bearer of ill tidings. He had been there and had seen him fighting bravely and pushing as hard as he can. Thondas face had been clear as he had been hit from behind and fell to his knees with a hand desperate to stop the pouring blood and pain. It was hard to meet her vivid eyes with such news. Raising his head again their stares locked. Her eyes begged again to show he was correct, eyes glassy with unshed tears stared back and him.

"You fought with him," she asked almost accusingly as she turned her head away sniffling lightly and her eyes began to cloud. Her heart began to ache and not for the first time this day and she could not deny it but she could not show Legolas her weeping. She seemed to think of something and covered her mouth lightly as if to deny the thought.

He took in everything her from small motions to movement that was never made and seeing her up closely his heart was jumping in his chest even though he knew her heart was breaking. He noticed her hair in the moonlight and how it picked up every curl gleam but she seemd to have no idea of how lovely she looked even in grief. He wished she would turn so he could see that blue her eyes closer now and see if they gathered the same reaction as before. He remembered them being radiant and shone with their own private twinkle. He wanted to see her face up close she was a glimpse of his past, a beautiful one.

He sighed remembering her question, "I fought in that battle but many did, Arri. I did not see your father fall." He knew it was a lie, he had fought close to her father after Haldir fell on the wall. He remembered it all too well, he had turned in time to see Haldir fall, taken unaware as the orcs had scaled the wall faster than expected. King Theoden and Aragorn had called them to fall back to the keep and being the leader Haldir was he was leading them back and one of the last to fall back, he paid dearly. Haldir suffered a wound while Legolas had been helping another injured elf back to safety. He remembered hearing Aragorn screaming on top of his lungs seeing Haldir but injured but soon the orcs overcame him and one cleaved him directly in his back. Aragorn raced to his side as Haldir fell to his knees sadly with a look of disbelief taking over his usually regal composure. Legolas watched as Aragorn held Haldir in time to say goodbye and the anger had overcome them both into a violent hate, as it had for many others.

While Aragorn held lowered eyes mumbling to Haldir silently between them he paid no attention to the Orcs that were still taking over that wall. It was Thondas who branded the sword that kept the fallen elf and future king safe, until they outnumbered him as well. Thondas cried out grabbing the sword protruding from his abdomen and another raced behind the elf to take a victory blow on him with axe to behead Arri's father. Legolas felt another pull the injured from him and freed his twin fighting knives racing back to the fray as he slid upon a rail to get there before Aragorn was injured or the final blow could be struck on Thondas. He lost one of his blades in a heavy throw sending it ahead of him and feeling some relief as he found it's sheath in the Orc's head that threatened to take Thondas' Before they could swamp Aragorn Legolas had three arrows at a time clearing the wall for the future king and Legolas landed with effortless ease next to the three but looked down to see he was too late for Haldir and Thondas both looked straight ahead into the nothing before them, the same glassy stare of death. Aragorn's anger over Haldir made sent him running into an oncoming pack of orcs to kill or be killed despite legolas's call to him in elvish "daro!" The battle had claimed many lives and to tell him how her father died was not something he felt he could do. Yes, it was a valiant and loyal way to die but still it claimed the life of somebody who was begged to return.

His memories clouded his thoughts watching her now as she merely let her breath out but he knew she was hiding her tears, "Even now, Arri, you hide any weakness?" Legolas touched her back lightly but even in grief and sorrow the touch seemed as if sparks flew about his fingertips.

She turned very slowly feeling his hand on her back not sure how to react to him so close but suddenly afraid he would touch her hair and began to twist it into a braid as she faced him. With simple deft gestures from braiding her hair day after day he hands had her locks nearly wrapped intricately but had wished it was already done. She bit her lip feeling she had been lulled into a false sense of security after all. Her hair was so curly in texture that she hardly needed anything to bind the ends instead a simple twist of a few strands acted as wrapping.

He stopped short seeing her irrational action of randomly redoing her hair quickly and gave her a curious gaze, "Why are you braiding your hair?" She didn't answer but he understood quickly, "Arri." He touched her hand lightly to stop her from tying off the braid, "that was long ago and we were both other people." His own fingers began to gently unwrap the lovely braid but when it was pulled free he was happy to see even lovelier soft curls.

She sighed a little taken back and still nervous by his touch but remembered he was talking to her as a friend and she placed her hand own on top. She wiped unshed tears with her other hand. "Thank you," Arri whispered and was surprised he made no move to take his hand back instead he let it fall to the bench she sat on and rubbed it lightly. "Was it very scary there?" She knew she asked before but the idea of her father dying at the hand of callous Orcs and alone gave her such a sadness she could hardly bear it

"Arri," he shook his head, "maybe you should not think of the battle, it will only torment you." He would rather not haunt her thoughts with the images that would not let him go. Surely if he did then he might forget them. It was a hard circumstance and he suffered it alone as he did a great many things.

She looked down unable to look in his eyes now knowing he was right but tears took her over as she bent taking her hand from him and placing her head in it.

Legolas closed the distance between them pulling her to him to comfort her. He sighed when he felt her body in his arms resting on him and touched her back lightly, now enjoying the sparks a little. He understood how she felt but he was not as close to most that perished because she had lost all she had when her father died. "I am sorry," he said as she pulled away gently and her eyes looked his face over and over, searching for something. Even in her sorrow she looked lovelier than any other maiden to him.

Arri straightened up reminding herself that he was once the spoiled Prince brat that had given her that horrid name, Curly. Yes, he seemed different but still she felt she must prove herself to him and others and remain steadfast in her vows to herself. She looked at him and realized he was staring at her as he had earlier and once again she lost her thoughts in his glance and once again her resolve seemed gone.

His eyes were two intense pools she could not stop looking at. His fingertips glided to her face and were suddenly lost touching the soft curls by it. "We all suffer for those lost and we forever will remember them, Arri," He said touching her face and the tear that streamed down as if he could help erase her sorrow. "It is not something done in vain but freedom does not come easy," their locked gaze stopped as she began to weep, "your father did know this, Arri and he was a true or heart." He drew her head to his chest and only held her as his heart went out to her. His own thoughts swam as he seemed to fight the feeling he wanted to not let her go or the feeling he wanted to touch her lips with his until they both felt better. He sighed feeling her sobs come to an end and knew he would not bother her with matters of the heart while she mourned. She felt like a comfortable part of his past and when he enveloped her in his arms the feelings that washed over them were hard to deny.

Arri looked at him as if she had felt it too but he pressed his lips in a tiny smile hoping to cheer her some. She felt him touch her hands again and embrace them with his and she could not bear to look into those eyes as her heart pounded. She knew her eyes grew huge with worry and excitement. Hope and grief were but a heartbeat away and she worried this could a second heartbreak in but days. "I had better turn in," she stood slowly trying not to look at him or she might rush back into those arms again

Legolas's heart sank seeing her suddenly avoid him when he was sure she felt the same thing he has when they touched, "would you like to talk tomorrow? If you still have a bow or the interest in one, would you like to practice?"

Arri stopped short of her escape and turned to meet his face She had to admit he did seem different now. She hoped it was true and hoped to feel that spark she had felt briefly, if only a moment. She kept her face as blank as she could with her hear skipping now, "a diversion from sorrow would be nice and I would love to hear of Mirkwood."

He stood with her and kept trained eyes watching her intently as the wind blew passed them and swept a few odd leaves over them, "you miss it too?" They danced around her and she looked magical as they flew around her but not one hindered her.

She nodded but walked faster frightened now of what she was feeling for elf from her youth. Arri had been through so much and they were up and down as a blustery wind. She nearly collided with Eosin in her haste to escape the prince before she could be swept away, another conquest.

Legolas took a deep breath as she made her way from him but she was stopped by Eosin. Legolas stepped forward not sure why it gave him no surprise Eosin had followed her although Arwen suggested he did not then in the darkness it seemed to be Eosin's smile lit up the dimly lit area. Legolas watched them both for an understanding.

Eosin looked between them with eyes darting between Arri and Legolas and inwardly he pray he was wrong, "I heard voices." He gave them a friendly smile, "Am I interrupting?" He asked when he noticed how both seemed to have a hint of red to their faces and as guilty as a youngling after sweets. Something told him he was right and even from the distance he stood from Arri he could hear how fast her heart was pounding now. He had never noticed it with him.

"No." They both said in unison and looked to one another almost with a guilty look but they truly did nothing.

Eosin nodded trying to ignore that nagging feeling, "Arri, would you like an escort." He wanted to usher her as far away from Legolas as he could now. He stood as straight as he could and managed a small smile for her too.

She started to shake her head to deny him but Legolas accepted for her with a nod, "she was going to her room to retire." He cared too much to see her not treated properly, even if it had to be by another male, for a time. Arri turned to Legolas but Eosin was moving her away slowly from there with a sideways glance

"Better not to be alone yet Arri," Legolas said wishing he was the one walking her and felt a pang of jealousy as Eosin wrapped an arm around her and kept his head close to her own as he spoke

"Legolas is correct," he could hear Eosin going on as he nearly pranced away with an arm around Arri, "The main threat is gone to middle earth but other things should not leave even the most skilled elf alone." He hoped to reinforce the reason he was allowed to see her to her door but had a hard time to hide the smile now.

Legolas noticed Arri turn around and look at him and his heart ached but he tried not to show it. He was sure she was worried because they had left him alone after Eosin had said that and it meant she cared, that she would rather be with him.

Legolas appeared to fly back into the trees to search for Aragorn unless he finally stole alone time with Arwen. He sighed thinking perhaps he should take time to mourn himself but again his thoughts turned to Arri and such grief she felt, it was much worse than he imagined. His mind raced to the 'date' they had to practice their archery and wondered how good she was with a bow now. He had to get her out of his thoughts quickly. He felt again in his youth and pursuing his first flirtation

Frodo could not help but to notice Legolas alone in the trees watching the celebration Sam had seemed to start and he walked over to his friend. He smiled as he watched Legolas jumping from tree limb to limb with such accuracy. It was a grace he could only behold and wish to grasp one day.

"Come, join us," he gestured to the elf to move back into the flickering candlelight of all the dancing guests now. A silly smile stayed on his lips as his feet seemed move to a private dance right there. This night Frodo seemed to be his own party.

Legolas sighed and landed without noise on the ground next to Frodo, "Have you seen Aragorn?" He inquired but he was already searching ahead with his thoughtful gaze.

"He was with lady Arwen when I saw him last," Frodo smiled but he looked as if he would laugh any moment. Perhaps that meant they were finally alone and Frodo was too embarrassed to speak on it so he quickly dismissed it

Legolas sighed knowing Aragorn was thinking of a warm bed and good night's rest rather than the store and cold earth he had for beds along the hard roads they had encountered. He knew men needed sleep and that Aragorn could fight with such ill sleep had impressed him. Now he knew he needed comfort and relaxation, as the rest did.

"May I ask you something?" Frodo said quickly breaking Legolas from his thoughts easily.

Legolas cocked his head with a wry grin, "of course."

"That female elf," Frodo sighed wondering if it was too personal because he wasn't sure Legolas did not have a romantic interest in her, "Why is her hair like that?"

Legolas smiled at the thought of her and the description, "You mean Arri?" He knew who he meant when he mentioned her hair but she had been on his mind so often today he need to know for sure it wasn't just a want to speak of her. He turned his head to Frodo very curious what he was getting at.

"Yes, her," he said sitting down and offering Legolas a place to sit next to him but Legolas stood with an amused look on his face. "Her hair how did it come to be like that because I have never seen any of the other elf with hair like that." Legolas hid a smile behind his hand. "Galadriel and even Arwen had curly hair but her hair is nothing but curls is it?"

"Yes it is quite different from most," Legolas reassured him but wondered what Frodo was getting at. It was quite unlike him to be so bold or not speak his mind rather quickly and felt he was to draw it from him.

"Is she part hobbit? Hobbits have very curly hair if it were to grow out like that," Frodo smiled.

"It is rumored she is part human from time further than even she can remember," Legolas explained but he did begin to wonder of the family she might have forgotten suddenly

"Is her hair as soft as a hobbit's?" Frodo laughed with the giggle finally breaking through that carefree smile.

Legolas laughed too realizing his friend's bright eyes shone and his careless grin to be a sure sign was drunk, "Yes, is it Frodo." He smiled back and him feeling his contagious nature