Can You Thaw This Heart Of Mine?

Chapter 15

"You want me to what now?" asked Tauriel in disbelief.

"What's wrong with it?" asked Legolas, "we are kind of a couple anyways..."

"Yes but..." hesitated Tauriel, "what if people would lose some of their respect for you because you chose to present me as your...as your beloved?"

"I wouldn't care," replied Legolas, "we both know that you are more than just a common elleth."

Tauriel tried to speak again, but Legolas pressed a finger against her lips and she smiled and stopped.

"I don't see what is wrong with loving you...and I want others to see it as well." he whispered.

Tauriel nodded and decided to give him a chance. Although, this time, she would do something she hasn't done ever since her childhood: wear a dress.

Tauriel felt even more sheepish when the prince ordered some of his helpers to attain the elleth for tonight 's events.

The first choices for what she would wear didn't seem to please the prince, to her annoyance. And so did the other choices...

"Is there something that could actually fit me?" she asked.

"Well..." said one of the elves.

Outside, Legolas took care of some business and were helping out in the preparations when an elf came to him and leaned in, whispering something.

They both looked ahead and saw Tauriel come out, wearing a simple,yet elegant full length green dress. She clasped her hands together and looked down, biting her lip, clearly hoping for a positive answer.

"It suits you." said the prince. The elleth looked up at him and gave a smile.

"This was their last option..." she said quietly.

"I think this is their best option," assured the prince, "you will be stunning tonight."

"You really think so?" she asked.

Legolas chuckled and lifted her chin. "I know so."

Finally, the event came and every elf, both from Mirkwood and the out, arrived, dressed in their most formal outfits.

The prince sat with Tauriel and everybody's curiosity sparked. They looked at the couple with lingering eyes.

"Who is that elleth with the prince?" one said, "she looks beautiful."

Legolas noticed some of the ellons' longing eyes not on them, but on Tauriel alone. He frowned. It seems as if they took a liking to her as well.

In the next moment, one of the minstrels announced that it was time for the elves to bring their partners out and dance.

Tauriel broke into a cold sweat... Legolas noticed this and asked her what's wrong.

"Legolas I," she began, "I do not know how to dance..."

"Is that all?" asked the prince, "don't worry-just follow my lead."

Though reluctant, Tauriel accepted and walked to the middle of the room with him. As they are getting to their positions, Legolas assured Tauriel once more that nothing can go wrong.

Legolas placed her hand on his shoulder and he placed his on her side. His other hand held hers and they were ready. The music began.

Tauriel was grateful that it was a slow dance, because right now, she was having a hard time. She'd step on Legolas' foot or fail to synchronize with him. Legolas knew that she was about to give up when he leaned in and placed his lips close to her ear.

"Just follow my lead..." he whispered once more and Tauriel tried once more. To her surprise, it was that simple. She didn't need to master any special moves-she just had to go with the way he moves. The elleth got the hang of it and was finally comfortable that she didn't notice the other elves thinning out and that they were the only ones left dancing.

When the music ended, Legolas embraced Tauriel in front of many eyes, and she did the same. When they got back to their seats, a guard came and whispered something into the prince's ears.

"Is something wrong?" asked the elleth. Legolas assured her that there was not anything to be worried about.

He stood up. "Excuse me for a while." he said and left.

He went straight to the gardens and found his father sitting there alone.

"You asked for my presence ada?" said Legolas as he went near and sat with him.

"Yes," replied the king, "I want to talk to you about the captain."

Legolas flashed his face a serious look of apprehension. "What about her?"

"Ion-nin, you know that there are many more fine elleths for you to choose from," said the king, "do you not see their longing eyes for you?"

"I do," he said, his tone cold and hard, "unfortunately, that was all that I saw...Tauriel is more than just any fine elleth."

Thranduil gave a chuckle. "You really are head over heels for her aren't you?"

"Yes I am," answered Legolas firmly, "and there is nothing you can do to stop me."