Can You Thaw This Heart Of Mine?

Chapter 12

Tauriel knew that the elves' attention was not on both of them, but on her. Thranduil didn't seem surprised, apparently having been informed beforehand by Legolas.

Some whispers flooded in as Tauriel sat along side Legolas. The elleth quickly grew uncomfortable, regretting her decision earlier.

"Tell us, Prince Legolas," said one of them, "how are things in the kingdom going? I heard that you were able to defeat Bolg, son of Azog."

"It was not just me, my lord," replied the prince, "the captain helped me...if it weren't for her, I would've been dead by now."

The others nodded. "So you feel indebted to her?"

"Actually-"

"That is about it, my lord." said Tauriel, cutting Legolas out.

He nodded one more time. "Charming," he muttered quietly, "maybe next time, you could think twice before bringing a peasant in."

The prince heard it tight, and so did the captain. But before Legolas had a chance to open his mouth and protest, Tauriel gently stepped on his foot, telling the ellon to abandon whatever he was planning to do.

"So," said another elf, "have you got plans of getting an elleth, ernil-nin?"

"I..." began the prince, "Actually, I do have plans of courting an elleth."

"Have you got your eye for one of them?" asked the elf.

"There is one that has caught my eye for some time now." said Legolas and the other elves smiled broadly.

Tauriel forced her smile. Now she knew how the prince really feels...he probably likes that elleth that he was paired up with in the training session. She felt her stomach tying knots. She felt awful.

"Captain," said the elf,"would you mind telling us why the prince brought you here with us I,stead of another elleth?"

"Well," said Tauriel, her palms sweating, "the prince might have felt that he is indeed indebted to me for saving his life back there."

"Thank goodness," said the elf, letting out a harsh laugh. "for a moment, I thought the prince has fallen for you."

"Would there be a problem if he did?" asked the captain boldly.

They laughed again. "Would there be a problem?" he repeated, "oh captain, as much as your presence makes my stomach hurt, you were able to make us laugh." he paused. "You're so naïve."

Legolas clenched his fists and opened his mouth to speak when Tauriel kicked his leg. He looked in her eyes, demanding an explanation when he saw tears that were about to fall. She gently shook her head, sending one clear message.

"Don't do it."

The laughter died out. "Honestly captain," added another elf, "I don't mean to be rude but...someone like you doesn't fit here, more less the throne. It would be catastrophic if the prince loved you...he deserves a more eligible lady by his side."

Tauriel knew she had enough. She stood up and gave a pained smile. "Excuse me." she said and walked quietly, but quickly towards the door and went out.

"Thank Eru she's gone..." said the elf. Legolas stood up and fixed glares on each and every single one of them, then hr dashed off after her.

When he was in the courtyard, Legolas saw here there; standing straight, but bitterly crying.

The prince went to her and held her shoulders. "Why didn't you let me defend you?" he asked firmly, "Why won't you let me talk back to them."

She pulled away from his touch and looked at him from a distance.

"Legolas, I didn't want you to look bad in front of them-this is a special night for you!" she replied, "So even if they call me any name they want,I'll resist, I'll-"

But she didn't get to finish. Legolas hurriedly went towards her and kissed her hard. He held her face firmly, but he was careful not to hurt her. Tauriel was still in shock when Legolas pulled away.

"I love you..." he whispered, pressing his brow against hers, "I love you so much."

Tauriel didn't seem too sure that she believed him, so he brought her lips to his and kissed her one more time.

Tauriel sensed that this kiss was real...she knew that there was love in there, and so she wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tip toes. Pretty soon, they would violently kiss each other, but Legolas knew that he had done it. He finally professed his feelings for his elleth.

"I love you..." he kept saying and Tauriel would say the same thing. At last, they embraced each other and the ellon knew that she was his, and he was hers.