A/N Again, many thanks to Celridel for taking the time to beta this chapter

The following day showed it would be beautiful. Legolas decided to get up extra early as he had a special surprise planned for Estella. The previous day, Estella had shown great improvement with her depression, and he noticed she seemed to shine and feel so free when she was riding.

Legolas had gone to the stables as several new horses had been brought in for the king. Legolas asked his father if perhaps he could give one of the mares to Estella since she loved to ride and he felt it would be a pleasant surprise to her if she had her own horse. Her father after thinking about it agreed with Legolas under the condition she was to not leave the safety of his realm without the protection of an escort.

Elated, Legolas went to the stables and looked over the horses and came upon a beautiful brown and white mare who seemed to have a very gentle nature. "You are perfect for Estella, mellon. I think you two will get along perfectly," Legolas said as he patted her side. The mare seeming to agree, whinnied softly, nudging his arm.

Turning to Cabrion, Legolas handed over the horse he had chosen for Estella. "Put this mare aside away from the others. She is going to be a gift to Estella. I am off to go and bring her here."

Cabrion smiled and walked the mare to the side and placed her with the other royal horses. "A fine choice, my lord. I think Estella will love this gift."

Legolas laughed. "I certainly hope so Cabrion." And with that, he turned and walked back to the palace to bring Estella down.

Estella was still fast asleep when she heard a knock on her doors. Not wanting to be bothered quite yet as she was having a marvelous dream of riding and shooting she pulled the pillow over her head and tried to go back to sleep, however, the Elf continued to knock. Estella knew who it was. Only one Elf she knew of would continue to pester her like this at this hour: Legolas.

"Go away Legolas; I am sleeping!"

Not deterred from getting her out of bed he opened her doors and walked over to the curtains pulling them open allowing the bright light to fill her room. "Estella, rise, it is a beautiful day, and I thought we would go for another horse ride this time to the river."

As he was looking around her room, he noticed several drawings and sketches hanging up on her walls. Legolas knew these were not here before, so he was very curious as to where they came from. As he took a closer look at a sketch of a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to Estella, he saw the signature on the bottom had Estella's name. So, she is also into drawing, Legolas thought to himself. He made a mental note to himself to grab some parchment and quills before they left as he was very curious to find out more.

Legolas turned his attention back toward Estella who started to snore softly, and Legolas shook his golden head laughing softly to himself. Taking one of her spare pillows, he playfully smacked her with it, and Estella sat upright. "The heck! What did you smack me for?"

"You need to get up. Today you have more training, and…I also have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" This, of course, got her attention, and she stared at Legolas with unkempt hair. "What is it?"

Legolas smirked and tossed the pillow at her. "Well, you will just have to get up and find out."

Estella threw her pillow back at Legolas who caught it. "Hurry up and get dressed in your riding clothes, and then meet me at the front gates."

Estella waited for Legolas to leave and then quickly got out of bed. When she had washed her face, and got dressed, she then brushed her hair. Looking into the mirror, she smiled feeling happier than she had in a long time. "Well, time to find out what new surprise Legolas has waiting for me this time." And with a skip, she left her room and headed towards the front gates.

Legolas was down by the front gates waiting for Estella. He was so excited to show her the surprise he had not noticed he was pacing the floors. He only stopped when he saw several passersby's looking at him with mild concern. He smiled apologetically at them and stood to wait patiently for Estella to show up.

While he was waiting, Galion happened to pass by. Noticing the prince's nervous look, he walked up to him concerned something might be wrong. "My Lord Legolas," Galion asked with a small bow. "Is everything well? You seem nervous."

Startled, Legolas looked up at Galion and then shook his head. "Oh, Galion, everything is very well. I am just waiting for Estella. I am taking her to the stables as I am giving her, her very own horse. I guess I am just nervous she might not like it."

Galion chuckled and patted Legolas' shoulder. "Legolas, I am sure Lady Estella will more than love the horse. I would not worry too much about it."

As they were talking, both heard the soft footsteps of someone approaching and turned to see Estella walking towards them a huge smile on her face. "Speaking of Estella, here she comes now, and if I might say so, she seems especially happier as of late."

Legolas had noticed the change in Estella as well. Indeed, it seemed as if these past few weeks a change had come over her. Perhaps Haerelion was right after all and allowing her to train, was what she needed. "Yes, Galion, it would seem that way."

Galion nodded. "Good morning, my lady. Did you rest well last night?" Galion asked bowing slightly.

"Good morning Galion. I did rest well, thank you." Estella nodded back.

"I am glad to hear that. Now if you two will excuse me, I need to get back to work, or the king will not be pleased."

Legolas and Estella said goodbye to Galion, and then Legolas offered his arm to Estella. "Are you ready for your surprise?"

Estella took his arm and smiled warmly. "I am Legolas. I must say I am very curious as to what it is."

"Well then let us go and find out, shall we?" With that, he picked up a pack which was by the front gates and led her out of the palace towards the stables.

When they arrived at the stables, Estella began to feel her heart pound in her chest. She could not understand why they were here, but when they entered the stables, and Legolas led her towards the back to where the royal horses were kept, she saw Cabrion smiling holding the reigns of a brown and white mare.

"Legolas, is this what I think it is?" Estella asked hardly daring to believe what she was thinking.

"Good morning, my lady. I see Legolas managed to drag you here after all."

Estella looked at Legolas and then at Cabrion. "Is this horse mine?"

"Do you like her?" Legolas asked rubbing the side of the mare who was happy to see him again.

"I love her. Is she really for me?" Estella asked walking slowly towards the horse who finally noticed Estella and began to nudge her gently.

"Yes, she is for you. I thought you should have your own horse and I managed to convince my father to give you one of the new horses he just acquired recently."

Overjoyed, Estella hugged both Cabrion and Legolas. "Thank you so much! Can I ride her?"

Legolas laughed. "Well, that is the reason you have a horse, is it not?" He turned to Cabrion and took the reins from him. "Thank you, Cabrion."

Cabrion bowed. "You are welcome my lord, and I am glad you love your surprise, my lady. May you enjoy her for many years to come."

"I will Cabrion and thank you."

Cabrion bowed and walked away to finish his work for the day leaving Legolas and Estella to prepare for their ride.

"Well Estella, I say we test her out. Do you have a name in mind for her?" Legolas asked saddling his horse.

"I think I will name her Lúthril," Estella replied eagerly now mounting her horse.

"That is a beautiful name. Let us see how she rides." With that, he led his horse out and broke into a run.

It did not take long for Estella to feel free as she always did when she rode. Riding always made her forget her past, and she seemed to feel one with nature when she was riding. That and when she was practicing her shooting skills.

After about an hour they came to a river which was surrounded by many tall beech trees. There was a pasture nearby and was the perfect place to sit and watch the many deer and birds which would wander around the river. When they dismounted, and let their horses run free, they sat down, and Legolas laid out some food and drink for the two to eat. As they were enjoying the various meats, cheeses, and bread, Estella noticed another sack next to Legolas.

"What is in that sack Legolas?"

Legolas pointed towards the bag. "This? It is my second surprise for you. Here open it."

Curious as to what else Legolas could give her she opened the sack to find parchment and quills inside. Giving Legolas a look she took them out.

"I noticed in your room earlier; you had several drawings and sketches. I was hoping you could draw me something?"

Estella felt her cheeks warm. It was true she was very artistic, but she had never shown anyone aside from her mother any of her work. "What would you like me to draw?"

Legolas shrugged. "Surprise me."

Raising an eye at him, she smirked, and after thinking for a few minutes, she began to draw. Legolas watched her ever so often trying to sneak a peek at what she was drawing, but Estella would laugh and tell him he had to wait. After a while, she told him to close his eyes. When Legolas closed them, she handed him the drawing and told him to look.

Legolas opened his eyes and gasped softly. There on the parchment was a portrait of him on his horse. "Estella, this is by far some of the most skilled work I have seen in my life, and I have seen a lot. You are exceptionally talented. Have you ever thought of using your talents as a means to target your sadness?"

Estella blushed even more and looked away toward the river and started picking blades of grass. "I used to, but ever since arriving I have found it difficult to acquire the supplies needed to draw."

Legolas looked back at the drawing, and then he got an idea in his mind. "This is beautiful Estella, thank you."

"You are welcome Legolas."

After they had spent most of the day at the river and riding, the sun began to set on the horizon, and the two rode back to the stables. When Estella and Legolas rubbed down their horses and arrived back at the palace, Legolas told Estella he had something he needed to do, and he would meet her at her room later to escort her to dinner.

After she had arrived at her room and she cleaned up and dressed for the evening meal with the help of Raiwen. After her friend had left, she sat on the edge of her bed and awaited the arrival of Legolas. She was beginning to wonder where he was when he knocked on the door. "May I come in?"

Estella nodded, and Legolas came in with a huge parcel in his hands. "What is that?"

Legolas grinned and handed her the parcel which was heavy to her surprise. With a puzzled look on her face, she unwrapped the package and let out a gasp. With tears in her eyes, she looked at Legolas at a loss for words, for there in front of her, were assortments of parchment paper, canvases, paints, pens, and pencils of different types.

"I figured you could use these to help you channel your sadness. A gift like yours deserves to be noticed, Estella. It should not go to waste."

Estella tried to hold back her tears but found she could not and flung herself into his arms. "Thank you, Legolas. I do not even know what to say to this."

Legolas hugged her back. "You do not have to say anything Estella. Just seeing you happy is enough. Now let us go to supper before there is no food left."

Estella laughed, and the two of them walked down to the dining halls. However, Estella made a promise to herself she would put the gift Legolas gave her to good use.