THE FORGOTTEN

In A Peaceful Minas Tirith

Authors note: The chapter in which – Elladan and Elrohir give Lothril a makeover and Legolas goes shopping. …This chapter is incredibly long and includes Elvish flirting, the results of Legolas going on a shopping spree, and a bit of freeform 'elvish poetry' that we're all going to pretend has a structured meter and strong rhyme scheme in elvish. Also, the "The Tale of Photogen and Nycteris" is a gorgeous short story by George MacDonald who heavily influenced both Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. If you haven't read him, go read him.

"Lothril! Lothril! Awake!"

Lothril blinked and searched for the voice that dared wake her and found Elladan crouching beside her and a lamp lit on the little table behind him. "What do you want?"

"To get you ready for the coronation. Your plain braids and way of dressing shall not do today and it is Elrohir's and my duty to make sure you well represent your position as a daughter of Elrond, emissary of the West, and Elvendom in general."

By now Legolas was awoken by the conversation and sat up. "I do not recall you asking permission to enter our tent. Nor do I appreciate being woken up this early, or the implication that you think I would let her be anything less than properly presentable today."

"This is a family matter."

Legolas looked royally peeved. "I beg your pardon, but-"

"You are pardoned, now shush! Come Lothril," he said, standing and then he bent over and hoisted her up and out of bed and threw a robe around her shoulders and then quickly grabbed the three dresses that weren't crammed together and were being considered, and threw them over his arm and took Lothril's arm with his other hand and whisked her out of the tent.

"Really Elladan! This is ridiculous! I have a circlet and necklace I was going to wear, and I am perfectly capable of brushing and braiding my own hair! And the two of you have more of it to mind than I do, so I am really not sure why you are both so eager to play with mine!" Lothril protested as he dragged her along to his tent.

"Shush. This is our foster brother's coronation day and our adopted sister must look her best for it. And I have seen your braiding skills," he replied.

"I am getting better!"

"Shh! Everyone is still sleeping," he said, with barely a glance at her and a smile teasing his mouth.

"So was I until a minute ago!" she protested in a very loud whisper.

He flung back the tent flap to reveal Elrohir standing beside a chair with a brush in hand and a smirk on his face. "Good morning!" he greeted cheerily.

She scowled at him in reply.

"I made you tea," Elrohir said, gesturing to a steaming tea pot on the corner of a small table that was otherwise covered in ribbons, and lots of things that sparkled and glittered dimly in the lamp light. She eyed the table suspiciously.

"You two are going to make look like a rhinestone cowboy, aren't you?" she said with a frown.

"A what?" Elrohir asked, thoroughly confused.

She started singing, "Like a rhinestone cowboy riding out on a star-spangled rodeo!" she paused then said, "Oh never mind. Too much to explain."

"Enough of this. Sit," Elladan said.

She took a deep breath and sat down and said, "Do your worst."

The twins laughed and Elrohir began undoing the braid she had slept in as Elladan poured her a cup of tea. Handing it to her he asked, "Have you decided on a dress?"

"I had narrowed it down to the three you grabbed," she answered.

"Glad I guessed rightly. What one were you leaning towards?" Elladan asked.

"I was going to ask you two what you are wearing, but Legolas thought the pink or the green as they seemed to fit better," she answered.

"We shall judge," Elrohir said from behind her.

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of tea. This morning was ridiculous. Once Elrohir had finished brushing out her hair, they had her try on all three dresses and determined the reason the blue and white dress looked less fitted yesterday was mostly because she hadn't been able to tie it closed properly. They told her they were wearing silver and dark blue and that this would match them so that's what she should wear. She honestly didn't care, so if it made her ridiculous brothers happy, she would go along with it. Once dressed and properly tied into her dress, Elrohir brushed her hair again and began braiding it as Elladan handed him either ties or accessories for her hair. The three chit-chatted a little and after a short while, Elrohir declared himself done with her hair, which meant both of them started putting jewelry on her and the next thing she knew, she was standing in front of a mirror trying to figure out who she was looking at. The blue and white dress made her look tall and queenly. She was wearing a star upon her brow, a sparkling necklace, a glittering belt of silver and pearl, and a ring with a star set upon it that they told her was a symbol of their father's house. Her hair, at least what she could see of it, had some complicated braids with little stars peaking out from them.

"What do you think?"

"I think I have never seen myself glittering so much. How do I look?" she asked.

"You look as lovely as you are," Elladan said sweetly.

"And you best get used to glittering," Elrohir added. "Legolas is liable to have you draped in jewels."

"Really? But why?" she asked.

"Without question," Elladan said.

"Because he is a prince and both he and his father have a deep and abiding love for stars and white gems," Elrohir added.

"He is probably going crazy because he has not been able to shower you with ropes of diamonds and nets of opals," Elladan teased.

"Is he really that ostentatious?" she asked.

"Surely you noticed what he wore when you were in Mirkwood!" Elrohir said.

"Well, during the days when I saw him he was wearing his hunting garb because we were practicing archery, but at dinners he did wear rich clothes and jewels, but I assumed it was because they were trying to impress me," she answered.

"No, it is because it was dinner," Elladan said. "He usually brings more jewels to wear when he comes to Rivendell, but you all were traveling light and speedily, so he packed light accordingly, I think."

"Oh." She wasn't sure what she thought about this, but then realized the sun would be rising soon and said, "I should leave so you two may get ready yourselves."

"Yes, go present yourself to Legolas and watch his eyes shine. We will come fetch you when we are ready," Elrohir said.

She left the tent and found the camp was now stirring and in earnest. It felt weird to not be involved in the getting ready chaos and she had that distinct feeling of being an actor in a play and watching the stage hands rush around. She was maybe ten feet from the tent when Legolas came out dressed in silver and green with a circlet of silver and jewels on his collar. He went a couple paces before he looked up and saw her and stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide and shining.

"Ai Elbereth Gilthoniel! You have blessed your humble servant beyond hope and desire!" he cried. He proceeded towards her slowly, almost reverently, and took her hands in his. "Never in all my life have I seen an elleth as beautiful as you. You look magnificent!"

She couldn't get past how wonderstruck his face looked and how brightly his eyes shone in the early light. "Thank you," she said quietly. "You look beautiful yourself."

"To be given such a compliment by one more beautiful than the stars is an honor," he replied.

"We have done better than we thought, Elladan," Elrohir said as they strode up, both of them clad in silver and blue and wearing stars on their brows that matched Lothril's as well as matching rings on their fingers. Their hair was not so elaborated braided as hers, just a single braid holding the top layer of their hair back and a single star sitting at the top of each braid.

"You do look beautiful," Elladan said to Lothril.

"And I thank you both for your efforts. We ought to get going though, shouldn't we?"

They made their way towards the city facing side of the camp and Gandalf told them where to fall in line, Lothril between Elladan and Elrohir, and Legolas immediately behind. The procession assembled quickly and within fifteen minutes they were heading towards the city.

It almost looked like a completely different place from the smoke streaked, blood soaked, chaotic mess that had been Minas Tirith when they all had sailed up in the ships of the corsairs. People were gathered outside the city, the city walls were festooned in flowers. In fact, flowers were everywhere! Flowers, garlands, and bright colors were everywhere. The entire city looked ready to burst into celebration.

Being with the twins, Lothril had a wonderful view of the proceedings and watched with feelings of pride, happiness, and joy for Aragorn. She had been wondering how long the crowning and such would last, but it seemed to go by very quickly. The next thing she knew, the gates were being opened and the whole procession was making its way up the city through flower laden streets up to the citadel where there was a huge feast. Lothril had never heard of a breakfast feast before, but why not?

For a good long while there was feasting and merry making and Lothril was happy because she was seated between the twins and Legolas and near the rest of the Fellowship. To make the newly crowned King Elessar happy, she made sure to be a little frivolous and tiny bit impulsive and do her best to relax and enjoy herself. It was hard though because many of the people present kept staring at her like they were bewitched. She supposed people who had never seen an Elf before made some sense. She had certainly been a bit overwhelmed when she first showed up, but what confused her were her friends and soldiers she knew by name.

Somewhere right around noon, maybe a little later, the festivities took a break with promises to reconvene at supper with more feasting and dancing. There was apparently some sort of tour of things Aragorn was supposed to go on to places like the treasury, Rath Dinen, the armories, and so forth, but the city was looking to celebrate, and celebrate they would. As the Fellowship was led to the house they were going to be staying in, she walked beside Legolas, who kept glancing at her like she was a vision gifted to him. When they got inside, a servant showed them where each of their rooms were, and as soon as they were left alone, Lothril went into Legolas' room and asked, "Why has everyone been staring at me all day?"

He blinked and looked at her confused, "Are you truly asking me that? Did Elrohir and Elladan not show you yourself in a mirror?"

"Well yes, and I confess, it took me a moment to realize that was really me, but I have seen myself so little in mirrors since I was changed in Lothlórien, I am still getting used to my own face. But really – even Elladan and Elrohir were staring a bit and they did this to me!"

A look of understanding came over his features and he said, "It was still dim when they finished with you. Let me show you yourself in broad daylight." He went to the window and opened the curtains wide and told her stand in the sunlight, then he grabbed the tall mirror and brought it over and set it in front of her.

"Oh my!" she gasped.

Legolas nodded at her from behind the mirror. "See? You look like a star come to earth."

He wasn't wrong or even exaggerating. The white of the dress glowed in the sunlight, and the blue was laced with fine silver threads she hadn't seen before in the dim tents, and the thread caught the light and made her glitter and shine. Then all the jewelry of course was polished to a high shine and was throwing light off of her fantastically, especially the star on her brows. Then her hair, she still couldn't see it very well, but she could see a riot of sparkling rainbows bouncing off the walls behind her as she turned her head and the gems in her hair caught the light. She imagined sitting near the wall in the dining hall where they had been with the sun shining her, she probably looked like a star enthroned in glitter.

"Perhaps I should change into something plainer for this evening," she said.

"Absolutely not! If anything, you should always be so clothed so the world can see you as I do," he replied.

"Oh really," she said, smiling and shaking her head. "No wonder you seem so besotted with me. Your imagination has been running away with you."

He came out from behind the mirror and took her hands and said, "Nay, my imagination has nothing to do with it. My eyes have seen through your veils and smokescreens to perceive you as you are. Elladan and Elrohir have simply stripped you of them."

"By draping me in silver and gems and fine clothes?" she said with a raised brow.

"By not allowing you to hide as you usually do," he replied. "You are more confident than you used to be, but you still do your best to blend into the scenery. Excellent for being a hunter or scout, but not very befitting for a lady of Imladris, nor the betrothed of a prince." Before she could protest he kissed her.

She looked in the mirror and turned Legolas so she could see themselves side by side. If she looked like a star come to earth, he looked like sunlight in summer leaves. "Photogen and Nycteris," she half said to herself. "Though I doubt I could teach you to love the night more than you already do."

"Oh, I think you may yet. But what is Photogen and Nycteris?"

She let the comment pass as it sent a thrill through her that she wasn't ready to reconcile with and instead answered his question. "Photogen and Nycteris is a story about two children who are kept by a witch. The boy Photogen is never allowed to go near shadows and only ever sees bright sunlight his whole life even until he is a young man full grown. He never is out past sunset, he never sees the stars. Nycteris on the other hand is kept in the dark in a dungeon made cozy in the castle and the only light she ever sees is from her alabaster lamp, and well, I honestly cannot remember all the story."

"Is that story written down in your old world?" he asked.

"It is," she answered.

"I would like to read it and see why you think we are Photogen and Nycteris. Would you bring it back to me?" he asked.

She was a bit surprised at the request. "I will if I can. If not, I will read it and try to remember it to tell you. I do not really think we are Photogen and Nycteris though. You have seen the night for one thing and love the stars, and I have no problem with the sun, but how we look right now reminds me of them."

"Aah, well all the same, I would love to read stories from your world," he replied.

"I may bring back with me that set of books. They are very small books and full of short stories. I have many books I would love to bring back with me, but those are the only ones that would easily fit in my pack, I think," she replied.

The next morning she awoke a few hours after sunrise. For a while she stared up at the ceiling taking inventory on how she felt. That was undoubtedly the most she had ever drunk at once. Secretly, she had to confess she had acted more ridiculously than that back home stone sober while spending the night with friends, but she'd have to get a darn sight more alcohol in her than she had last night before she'd admit to it. She still couldn't believe she had let the twins and Legolas and Aragorn talk her into that ridiculous game…

She had taken Legolas' advice though and was pleased to discover she didn't have so much as a headache. In fact, she felt very rested. Lazily she got out of bed and opened the curtains. It was another lovely day. She wandered over to the wardrobe and saw that Gondorian servants were just as efficient as Elven ones, as her pack was empty and her two own outfits hanging up next to three other dresses she assumed were on loan and courtesy of the king. She decided to grab the dress on the left which was a smoky blue and the fabric thin and gauzy. It had a thin and silky narrow strapped under dress that came with it made of a leafy, ferny patterned damask fabric with a handkerchief hem, the shortest parts of which were about knee length and the longest parts lower mid-calf. With the semitransparent smoky blue dress over it that fell to her feet, she looked like she was wearing a foggy morning in the forest. She spun around a couple times in it and watched as the gauzy fabric on her skirt and full sleeves floated out and then down again like strands of gossamer on a gentle breeze. She moved around a little and nearly giggled with glee at how the filmy layers trailed along behind her movements. Misty was the word that kept coming to mind. With a grin at the dress in the mirror, she reckoned she had just found a new favorite that she may beg Aragorn to let her keep. She was sitting down in front of the vanity brushing her hair and trying to decide what to do with it when there was a knock at her door.

"Come in," she called, setting down her hairbrush.

Legolas strode in and asked, "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Well rested, melethron."

"I am glad to hear it. Breakfast is late this morning as we all had a late night, so if you are nearly ready, you may actually get something before the hobbits awake," Legolas said.

"If that is not a reason to hasten downstairs, nothing is," she joked as she stood up.

Legolas stared at her a moment then said, "Ai Lothril! Yesterday you were a star come to earth and today you are a summer minuial (morning twilight) wrapped in mist. Are you trying to drive me mad? Or are you perhaps daring me to speak my heart in full?"

"What? I am not trying to do either of those things. Though this dress is all kinds of fun! Watch!" She spun around and the gauzy layers all splayed out and then drifted back down again. "This is the sort of dress I would love to run in too, because I well imagine it would float behind me like shreds of mist."

She looked and sounded so giddy he wasn't sure if he was going to burst with joy or love or laughter. He closed thesmall distance between them and took her hands in his and said, "Daughter of twilight, morning and evening!
How can I keep silent when you clothe yourself in morning light and mist?
Hair dark as shadow under forest eaves,
eyes that shine with starlight, lips as soft as rose petals.
You move like the soft breeze that stirs the leaves,
but are as quiet as the swirling mist and twice as enchanting!
I am the green leaf stirred by your movement,
son of spring and golden light,
who has fallen in love with uial."
(twilight- morning or evening)

For a moment she stared at him with shining eyes and a soft smile. He had never spoken to her that way before. It was beautiful, but she didn't know how to respond. Merely saying thank you or even that she loved it seemed too thin a reply for the rich depth of feeling he had stirred in her. She felt like dancing and playing music in reply, but she didn't know the right song. Hadn't he begged her the other day for her to tell him her feelings? She decided to go for broke. "Son of spring, prince of green leaves, how can my feeble words compare with your song?
You are fair as sun and starlight! You are crowned in gold with eyes that reflect the sky,
mouth as sweet as honey, arms as strong as iron, hands as gentle as a summer night.
You dance as light upon the summer leaves, your voice is the song in the trees.
You are as strong and sure as the oak tree, and I am the flower that grows beneath and finds shelter under your boughs."

For a moment he stared at her wide eyed as he realized she was replying in kind. He honestly hadn't expected it. The other day when he asked her to tell him how she felt, he knew he was asking his darling clam to pry herself open, and expected little more than, 'I really love you." He certainly hadn't expected her first foray into Elvish poetry, nor for her to actually pay him compliments.

"Oh minuialwen, sing to me with your sweet tongue the songs that stir the leaves.
With your soft lips whisper them so none other hear your secrets.
With your dance stir the mist that surrounds me and draw me deep into your charms.
Oh aduialwen, clothe yourself in starlight and turn your glittering eyes upon me and entwine me in your arms. Teach me your night song and shroud me in your shadows so only I may see the starlight in your eyes."
He couldn't help himself, the song of his desire flowed from his lips as freely as a mountain stream and for a moment he feared he said too much, given her prior reactions to his flirting.

Something inside of her was stirred at his words and she realized all at once she wanted to do the very things he said and she could find no impropriety in them. No, in fact the opposite. She didn't fully understand it all yet, but she started to see dimly that he needed her to open up to him, not just for his own sake, but for hers. How could he pour out his love for her if she was closed up? She didn't have a response figured out yet, but the way his beautiful blue eyes were shining at her… she couldn't make him wait while she composed. She had to speak and so blurted out, "Oh Greenleaf warm as sunlight and fairer than the stars, let my shadows mingle with your golden light. Show me the warmth of your hands and the desires of your heart. I will show you the hidden pools I keep shrouded in mist and with your light I will illuminate the depths." As soon as she said it she couldn't believe she had actually said it out loud, and meant it, and wanted it, and said it out loud; and so grew wide eyed and bright pink.

Legolas stared at her shocked and thrilled. "Oh Lothril," he breathed, "That was beautiful! I am overjoyed that you have opened your heart to me like this. I am ecstatic and elated beyond words that you have done this with me. Your verse was lovely and I am thrilled that you replied to me in kind, especially since you do not know our customs. That your heart was stirred-" Words weren't enough. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her with long, slow kisses until her arms were wound around him and he could feel her relax in his arms.

What kisses! Lothril could feel a myriad of happy emotions as he kissed her, all of them flowing freely from him to her, as if he could pour his own joy into her. Maybe he could. There wasn't one base or improper feeling in the lot. Not one shred of desire that could be construed as anything less than honorable and right, even when brought under the scrutiny of her ridiculously strict scruples. How did she think him inappropriate before? "I owe you an apology, Legolas," she said when they broke apart.

"You are forgiven. What are you apologizing for?" he replied with a smile.

"For thinking you were inappropriate the other day. I see you were not and I was wrong," she replied.

He gave her a swift kiss and replied, "You explained yourself and I understood, so there is no need to apologize. It was a misunderstanding that is all. I imagine we shall have many more as we discover all the differences between our worlds. As long as we keep talking things through, we shall be fine, I have little doubt. We only need to be patient and open with each other."

"You are better than I deserve," she said, resting her head against his chest.

He gave a playfully exasperated sigh. "One day I am going to sit you down and explain to you in painstaking detail everything I love about you and all that makes you wonderful and lovely and more than worthy of me. Then if you still do not believe me and continue with these silly thoughts, I shall stand you in front of a mirror and show you how beautiful you are from the crown of your head to the sole of your foot and in meticulous and gratuitous detail."

She pulled back so she could look at him like she was evaluating him and said, "You wouldn't do that."

"Oh I certainly would, and if you continue to insist you are less than worthy, lovely, and wonderful, I will spend our wedding night doing it again but with you naked," he replied, looking equal parts impish and serious. "So if you do not wish to stare at your magnificent self unveiled in a mirror for hours on our wedding night as I lavish you with my praises, you will need to start believing me."

She turned bright pink, "Goodness Legolas!"

"Have I offended your sensibilities again?"

She took a deep breath and replied, "I will let you know when my heart stops pounding."

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "You are allowed to desire me, you know."

"Allowed or not, I certainly do," she replied, while trying to marshal herself and bring her mind back into order. One of these days she would need to figure out what to do with those feelings, but not right now. "Let's go to breakfast."

Legolas took a deep breath as he stood up straight. "As you wish."

As it turned out, living in a house with seven male companions of various races was almost as interesting and peculiar as living on the road with them. She was still 'one of the guys' in many respects, but now that they were in a house and in civilization, they all seemed to be remembering their manners and wanting to give her preference and treat her like a proper lady by being very polite at dinner and things. This first morning, their manners manifested themselves by standing when she entered the dining room and in the purview of preferences. It seemed there were two bathrooms, one downstairs and one upstairs, and there was some discussion of bathing schedules. As the hobbits bickered over order and seeing who would go first (in an argument that greatly tested Lothril's ability to keep a straight face and not laugh), Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, and Lothril were left discussing who preferred what times."

"Well really Lothril you ought to get whatever times you want first," Gandalf said.

"Actually, I almost hate to tell you all this, but I think I have the master bedroom because I have my own private bath. I almost feel bad the rest of you must share. Almost," she replied.

"You ought not," Gimli said.

"Goodness no!" Gandalf seconded. "You have more than earned it."

"I appreciate that," she said. "Well, now that my end of things is sorted out, I am going to go take a bath, in case anyone wants me. In fact, I may take three to make up for the serious lack of them for the last few months. And afterwards I plan on sitting on my balcony in a chair and enjoying a little solitude and privacy, the likes of which I have not enjoyed since my sister was born. I shall come down for lunch maybe. Good morning all." With that she got up and went upstairs. What novelties! Indoors, hot bath, chairs, curtains, privacy…If she could manage to both keep Legolas out of her room and keep herself from going to find him, she might even enjoy some solitude!

Legolas watched as his bright flower clothed in minuial (morning twilight) gracefully swept out of the room and down the hall. As soon as bathing schedules were all figured out he excused himself and headed upstairs to dress to go out. If she was going to take three baths, sun, and solitude then he was going to see about catching up on some well-deserved melethril (female lover) spoiling. It had been what? End of Rhiw (winter), beginning of Echuir (stirring) when they confessed their feelings and came to an understanding. It was now the end of Ethuil (spring)! Back home he would have had her buried up to her knees in dresses, gems, and gifts. So far he had given her nothing but compliments. He knew there was still a journey back home to consider, but now that they were in civilization proper he could send things home separately. It's not like there weren't already well established trade routes between Gondor and the Woodland Realm. He summoned a servant and asked where to find certain shops and as soon as he was looking fully like Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm, complete with jeweled collar, circlet, and ring, he headed downstairs.

"Where are you heading out to looking like a princeling?" Gimli asked as Legolas strode by the sitting room where everyone was playing cards.

Legolas stopped in the doorway and said, "I am going to the shops. Would you like to come with me, Gimli?" He hadn't planned on taking him, but it suddenly occurred to him that taking the Dwarf would kill several birds with one stone. He wouldn't need to give an accounting of his morning out to everyone five times because Gimli would doubtless gab to the hobbits. As well, Gimli did have good eye for jewelry and shopping alone is always dull.

Gimli readily agreed and as the hand had just started, he simply handed his cards back to Sam who was dealing and got up and left.

As Legolas was out making several merchants very happy, Lothril was sitting in a steaming hot bath that smelled like a flower garden in a tub big enough to be mistaken for a swimming pool. Well, maybe that was a slight exaggeration. She had certainly seen smaller hot tubs though. Lothril had figured out it was long enough that she could actually stretch out and float in it. After several long and happy minutes floating in her steaming hot tub, she leisurely drifted the two or three inches back over towards the edge and sat down and began leisurely scrubbing while thinking things over.

The last thing she wanted was to have Legolas walking on egg shells around her, worried he was going to offend her. Judging by Aragorn's comment and what Legolas told her about that book of poetry (which she believed even before reflecting on attitudes displayed by Elrond on various topics), he was speaking and acting well within acceptable elven social norms, which meant the issue lied with her. Okay, very well. So, now the question was – was she in error altogether or was this merely a matter of cultural differences? She mulled it over for a while and began to wonder if she wasn't in error, but she couldn't figure out exactly where her thinking went catawampus. Regardless though, she decided that she would roll with whatever customs and things elves held to and sort out her issues as she rolled along.

She huffed a little at herself as leaned back in the tub to rinse out her hair. She was feeling high-maintenancey. She hated the idea that anyone might feel the need to change around her. It just seemed selfish. She loved Legolas. She was astounded sometimes with how comfortable and natural she felt with him, and the absolute last thing she wanted was him to feel like he couldn't be himself around her, especially when he was one of the precious few people in two worlds she felt she could fully and freely be herself with. Which was odd… she was so used to being a chameleon that she struggled to let her own personality breathe fully. Legolas and Elrond were legitimately as close as she got to being fully and freely herself, and she still knew she was playing the chameleon at least a little bit. Not to be deceptive or anything, just to blend in and not be weird. She let herself sink into the bottom of the tub and enjoyed the silence of the water and gave herself a few second break from her own thoughts.

The silence was nice. Being fully submerged in the hot water felt glorious. She always loved how it felt when her long hair was floating and pushed around by whatever currents in the water. Especially now as it was longer than it had ever been before and ridiculously heavy. On this point, she didn't care what Elven customs might be on this subject, she had to either get it cut shorter or put it in layers. It was starting to give her headaches even when it was dry. She popped back to the surface and gathered up her wet hair in a gentle twist before trying to raise her head out of the water. The wet hair even felt heavy in her hand.

"Definitely need a haircut," she said to herself as she sat back against the edge of the tub and gently untwisted her hair. The words Legolas said earlier drifted through her mind "…shroud me in your shadows so only I may see the starlight in your eyes." She shuddered and smiled involuntarily. She certainly had enough shadowy hair to shroud both of them. Her hair had started out only two or three inches above her waist, and it always grew fast and now at least six inches past it and nearly to her rear end. Oh yes, she could certainly shroud them both! And then 'You are allowed to desire me, you know…' Clearly she needed to start being more open in her affections towards him if he even sorta thinks for a moment that she is anything but crazy for him. She frowned a little. How many years had she spent burying her feelings for one reason or another? Because she did not understand them… To not be mocked, to not have them used against her, to bury things she didn't want to think about… Was it any wonder she kept her feelings buried?

She thought about all the celebratory things she had been a part of since the Ring was destroyed. She had fairly well buried her enjoyment too, hadn't she? Aragorn had all but said as much. So she's also a stick in the mud and no fun at parties. What did Legolas see in her again? Legolas' promise of standing her in front of a mirror and lavishing her with praises rang in her head. Mercy she'd die if he did even with herself fully dressed… good heavens how she wanted him to… Oh terrific… now she's vain… Still, listening to him earlier pour out his feelings and compliments and her sharing her own! It felt so loving and intimate and close. Almost closer than it did when they kissed. It was so sweet and, and… thrilling. Heaven help her, she liked it! Since when did she go in for thrills? Since she met Legolas. Why did it scare her that this all came so naturally and she liked it? In the back of her mind she had dark memories flicker along with a few others. Well, that may explain a few things. Now how to proceed?

She reached out and grabbed her tea cup and took a sip and then set it back on the table. How she wished Elrond was here already. But he wasn't and wouldn't be for a while. She'd have to muddle through on her own for the time being. Maybe if she could get her thoughts in some sort of sensible order she might bring herself to at least bring it up with Legolas. Not that she didn't trust him or anything like that, but well, she wanted to talk to Elrond.

But really, she did like writing poetry with him, or whatever it was they were doing earlier. Maybe they'd do it again. She hoped so… her thoughts wandered into happier places, all of them involving Legolas. Good sweet mercy how she loved him!

She finished her tea and her bath in a significantly better mood even though she probably only made an inch or two of headway in resolving her quandary, but an inch was further than where she started, so she ran with it. She climbed out of the tub and dried off then wrapped herself in the long soft robe the servants laid out and went into her bedroom.

"What in the world?!" Every flat raised surface in the room was covered in flowers, and there were even flowers arranged neatly along the wall on either side of her bed. She had never seen such a variety of flowers! She didn't even know what half of them were. Her room now smelled fantastic though, so there was that. On her bed was a single red rose and a note. She picked up the note and read: Though lovely and fair it pales compared to you.

"That elf," she muttered, grinning wide. He was ridiculous and she adored him. She quickly resumed her dress from earlier and surveyed the flowers a little more closely. She examined a couple of the flowers a bit more closely as they caught her eye, and rearranged a couple of the vases so they were on her nightstand or close to the bed so she might smell them in her sleep, and then went out onto the balcony closing the curtains that hid the door behind her. She moved the chair so she could get full sunlight and rest her feet on the table. Slouching low in the chair she inadvertently realized it reclined, so she laid it back and pulled up the skirts on her dress until her legs were mostly exposed so she could work on a tan.

Eyes closed and soaking up the sun, she hummed to herself for a while and thought about what sort of crazy romantic Legolas must be to go out and get an entire florist shop of flowers for her. Maybe he was just trying to figure out her favorite and decided to get the florists' sampler pack, sort of like a chocolate sampler. She laughed quietly at her own notion – flower sampler! And what might he do to figure out her favorite gem? Buy her one of each? She had visions of heart shaped box and inside a bunch of different colored and cut gems laid out like black velvet like Valentine's chocolate. Well, the twins had warned her he was ostentatious… But surely such a silly thing didn't exist!

She figured it had been at least twenty minutes and she ought to roll over if she didn't want a lopsided tan, but then the chair didn't lie back flat. That bath towel was long and thick… she got up and went back into the bathroom and grabbed the towel from the peg she had put it on and rang the bell so they could clean up after the bath. She had done a fairly good job, but the tub still needed to be drained and she hadn't noticed a plug and they might want to scrub out the tub too and she had no idea where any cleaning supplied would be. She went back out onto the balcony and laid out the towel and then laid face down, carefully making sure her dress wasn't bunched, and then pulled up the skirts again so her legs were mostly exposed. The warm sun felt so good!

She dozed off, only waking up vaguely when she heard the tub draining, and then again sometime later when she heard her bedroom door open. Eh, they could leave the flowers wherever. She rolled over and would have dozed off again except she felt Legolas' presence nearby. Maybe he had finally exhausted every flower shop in the city and returned. She grinned to herself.

"I apologize for interrupting your nap, but the hobbits grew concerned that you missed lunch and wish you join them for tea in half an hour," Legolas said. "They elected me to find you and bring you downstairs."

She sat up and pulled her skirt down. "Oh, I guess I fell asleep and lost track of time while working on my tan."

"Lying in the sun is a wonderful place to take a nap," he said, extending his hand to help her up. "And your tan is coming along nicely."

She took his hand and as she stood she thanked him and said, "I am probably burnt."

"Not at all. Just sun-kissed," he replied and laid a soft little peck on her lips.

"I prefer being kissed by you, I think," she said flirtatiously.

"So your sensibilities remain unoffended from my promises earlier?" he asked, the tiniest hint of teasing in his voice.

"Quite unoffended. I decided I may even insist I am unworthy of you. Worthy or not though, I am certain I have no idea what I have done to deserve all those flowers you sent me," she replied.

"I do love it when you make up your mind," he teased. Decided I may insist… really! "As you have no idea why you deserve all those flowers, not that you are unworthy them, I shall simply tell you what you have done – you exist and you love me. More than enough reason to send you flowers. I have other things for you too, but you are getting them for different reasons."

"Things? As in, more than one? My word, Legolas! You needn't have gotten me anything," she replied shaking her head disapprovingly, but her face betraying her with a smile.

"Oh but I simply had to! After the wonderful gift of your words this morning, I must reciprocate," he said.

"But you did! You gave me two verses that I have been thinking about all day and reveling in. I am sure I have no idea what I shall do with whatever else you have gotten for me," she said.

"Wear it, I hope," Legolas said as he pulled out a box from his robe and handed it to her.

She took it and opened it up to find a bracelet that looked like tiny white flowers strung together by silver. "Oh Legolas! This is lovely! Can you help me put it on?"

He beamed. "Certainly." He took back the box and gingerly took out the bracelet and set box on her vanity and then put the bracelet on her outstretched wrist. "There you are," he said after getting it latched.

"Thank you," she replied. "Oh, I have a question – do Elven women ever put layers in their hair? Because mine is getting prodigiously heavy and giving me headaches and I desperately need to cut it and lighten it a bit."

Legolas laughed. "I love your random questions. We do whatever we want with our hair. In fact, mine is getting a bit long and was starting to get caught in my quiver. If you are getting headaches though, it must be getting very heavy indeed and you should get it cut as soon as possible."

"You have no idea. My hair has never been this long. I usually have to cut it much sooner than this," she replied. "Here, feel how heavy it is!" She gathered her hair up like she was going to put it in a pony tail and gave it a quick twist as she turned around and held the coil.

"My word, that is heavy. I will go get my scissors," he said.

"Wait, scissors? Why do you have scissors?" she asked.

"To cut my hair if it gets too long, of course," he replied.

"You cut hair?" she asked, surprised.

"Of course! Most of us do. Do people not cut hair where you are from?"

"Well obviously we do, but we have professional hair cutters do it."

"Most of us just do it ourselves or for our friends and family. As most of us keep our hair long, we do not cut it often. I imagine someone would be hard pressed making a living as an elvish hair cutter," he said.

"Do you ever cut anyone else's hair?" she asked.

"My cousin has me cut hers usually. She claims my aunt does not do it how she wants and always makes it too long or too short. I also do my father's time to time," he replied.

"Well if you are good enough for your father, you are certainly good enough for me. Go get your scissors," she replied.

"Put on your robe and put the chair from your vanity outside on your balcony while I am gone."

Not two minutes later she was sitting on her balcony in the sunshine wearing her robe over her dress and Legolas was cutting her hair. She could feel the weight dropping with each snip of the scissors and the pain her head fading.

"How is that? Does your head still ache?" he asked.

"No, that is much better, thank you," she said. "How much did you take off?"

"A few inches and as you already had layers in your hair, I simply shortened them and evened them up," he replied.

"How long is it now?" she asked.

"Down to here," he answered, brushing a finger across her back just an inch or two above her waist.

She nodded slightly and felt him start playing with her hair. She smiled and closed her eyes. Boy, did that feel nice! He was clearly doing something beyond idly playing with it, but she honestly didn't care. His touch was gentle and it felt so nice and sent tingles running up and down her back and all over her scalp. She was just shy of purring by the time he finished with her hair.

"There, I am done. Would you like to see your hair?" he asked her, lightly brushing a finger across the back of her neck.

She barely suppressed a shudder. "Sure," she said quietly. He smiled and offered her a hand then helped her shrug out of her robe before she went in her room and grabbed the hand mirror from the vanity and then stood with her back to the tall mirror in the room. "Legolas! You sneaky thing! Jewels in my hair to match my bracelet. Really! You do too much." She glanced back into the mirror and noticed a chain around her neck. "And a necklace?!" He must have snuck that around her neck while her eyes were shut while he was playing with her hair. The sneak.

He came in with a big grin on his face and her robe draped over her vanity chair that he was carrying inside. "Nay, I have not done enough. This is long, long overdue, but I couldn't very well laden you down with gifts in Lothlórien knowing we would be leaving the place in secret. Now though, I can send things home directly as we have long established trade with Gondor."

The next day after supper and dessert and spending some time with the others they left the others in the garden to smoke their fill and stole upstairs to the balcony that connected their rooms and looked over the back garden. They sat down with a bottle of wine and a pair of cups.

"Alright Legolas, what are elven courting customs," Lothril said once they were settled.

"Our courting customs are much like our betrothal customs, not terribly specific or rigid but a general idea and practice," Legolas said. "If the elves were friends prior, like we were, then their courting generally begins like ours did – with a declaration of love and intent to each other with the betrothal usually following soon after. Occasionally things end before they reach betrothal and if so, then depending on why things ended, they may remain friends or else part company. Between declaration and betrothal the couple usually spend that time exploring their relationship and feelings for each other and expressing them to each other by various means – writing poems or songs together like we did yesterday," he said smiling wide, "or separately and sharing them with each other, giving gifts, doing things together, or just spending time together."

"What about physical expression?" she asked, really hating how she worded that, but she seriously doubted terms like 'making out' and 'second base' were going to mean much here.

"Oh, you mean scandalous things like kissing and holding hands and each other?" he teased.

"And then some," she added.

He looked at her with a raised brow and asked, "Oh? And what are the customs back where you are from?"

Her mouth twitched into a half frown and said, "I cannot say there is a rigid universal set of guidelines back home either, and I have no experience with any of them. However, the general pattern seems to be boy meets girl, boy asks girl out on a date to go do something together, and if they had fun, they do it again. After a few dates if things seem to be going well they kiss and keep dating and then depending on how their views about such things they might start making out and…"

"What is making out?" he asked.

She cringed internally. She knew that term couldn't exist here, and then she slipped and used it and he asked about it because Elves are bigger word nerds than she is and of course he would want to know! She frowned slightly and said, "I, uh… I am not entirely sure how to explain it well without it sounding, well… either extraordinarily awkward or fairly inappropriate."

"Now I must know. You are the most delicate shade of pink but only on your cheeks and the tips of your ears. It cannot be too scandalous or you would be red as a rose," Legolas said, half teasing.

She huffed a little and stared out blankly past the edge of the balcony, "Oh very well. There is some variance and preference involved, but mostly it is holding, feeling each other, and kissing each other for a prolonged period of time and not just on the lips but also the neck and ears and such."

Legolas stared at her and said, "Your talent for making something that ought to be thrilling sound painfully dull is unparalleled. Truly."

"Well, it was either that or a demonstration."

He shook his head. Such sweet poetry yesterday that threatened to make his heart burst and today an explanation of romance so dull it could put one off of kissing forever. "We indulge in the same, but we wait until we are betrothed and close to the wedding. As it is part of… hmm… I only know the elvish words for these things," he said sounding a bit amused at his own ignorance. Then again, prior to this he had no need, cause, or opportunity to hear these things discussed in Westron. He broke off his musing and continued in elvish. "We consider it a precursor to love making and therefore a part of it. However, given our nature is to take our time with these things and most of us wish to consummate our marriages the same day as the celebration with our family and saying our vows, we have taken to doing these things within the last few weeks or so leading up to our weddings. Before then though, we usually start giving voice to our desires and become more intimate with our compliments."

"More… then how, what was yesterday…?"

"I would repeat what I said yesterday in front of anyone, and readily if asked. Though clearly you would not," he said, noting the somewhat sobered expression her face took on. "Worry not, my love, I will keep your sweet words to myself and I give you mine to keep as you see fit."

"I do appreciate that, thank you," she said. "Wait, if you consider it a precursor to love making, but allow it for a few weeks leading up to our weddings… how many days should I reasonably expect our wedding night to last?!"

The look of wide eyed disbelief at her own half drawn conclusion almost made Legolas lose his composure and laugh. "The general rumor is that most of us manage to wed on the same day as the celebration. And I said we consider it a precursor, not foreplay. There's a difference. As we generally are very slow and methodical, even when enthusiastic, about learning and studying new things, we have found allowing a few weeks of shall we say preliminary exploration helps expedite things later. That and we believe going from chaste kisses to love making in a single night is a bit much."

She got that thoughtful little frown and furrowed brow. "I suppose. As someone who has been taken further down that road I fear my perspective may be a little skewed."

It sounded like one of her off handed comments. Her face and manner certainly seemed relaxed. Legolas tensed a little though and felt jarred by the sudden reminder. After she had told him about it in Lothlórien she immediately moved on as if the discussion hadn't even taken place.

"Lothril," he said very quietly, "How much does that affect you?"

She frowned a little and fidgeted in her chair. "To be perfectly honest, I am still sorting that out."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

She hesitated a second before replying. "Not yet. My thoughts are still are very vague and scrambled and I have a few things I need to consider still and… I want to talk a few things over with Elrond first. I will talk them over with you too, but right now, Elrond and I have had more conversations about our respective ideas and philosophies and I think he will be able to help me disentangle things a bit more easily."

"I understand. If you need or want to talk with me sooner though, I am here," he replied.

She reached over and grabbed his hand and held it tightly. "I know. Thank you."

"Have I been too forward with you?"

"Despite my accusations of you being inappropriate, no. You have not."

"I have not made you uncomfortable, have I?"

"Not at all," she answered. "Sometimes I marvel at how comfortable I am with you."

"I want to understand and I want to help you. You are not alone in this. Would you permit me to be there when you speak with Elrond?" he asked.

"I had not thought about you being there too, but it would probably be best if you were. I almost feel bad that this is not something we have discussed more or sooner, but we have not had a chance," she said.

"No, we have not had a chance. If you are not ready to speak about certain things this evening though, I understand. I only ask that if there is something you want or need to talk about that you will not hesitate to come to me," he said earnestly.

"I will. And I will make sure you are there when I speak with Elrond," she replied.

Lothril had never lived in a city, but she had visited it a few times. She didn't care for it, Caras Galadhon notwithstanding. Minas Tirith was beautiful; the architecture stunning. But it was stone and people were everywhere and the only place in the whole city she felt like she could escape to was her room. Well, and Legolas'. Desperately, she wanted to walk barefoot in the summer grass and sit under a tree. Maybe in one. But instead she was stuck in a stone city wearing a gorgeous dress of blue and pale grey that Legolas had bought for her, and sitting on a chair on the nice little balcony and wondering how much this was going to mirror life in the Woodland Realm? After the first week of relaxing, she and Legolas had decided to do a level a day touring the city and thinking of ways they could make it more green and inviting, but as there were only seven levels, that lasted only seven days. Of course she had joined in her fair share of card games and board games with the others, but there were still many hours in the day where she found herself in want in something to do.

She felt Legolas and heard a knock on her door. Mentally she bade him enter.

"Please tell me life in your kingdom is not like this," she said by way of greeting.

"More greenery. I take it a life of leisure does not suit you," he replied as he joined her sitting on the balcony.

"Now that we are in civilization and I have no training to do or skill to master in a matter of weeks, I find myself at a loss. I think I am finally starting to realize how woefully unprepared I am to live in this world. What do you do with your free time?"

Legolas shook his head. "I wager it more like you have nothing with you that you can do on your own. That said, we must find you a hobby or two at once. What did you do in your old world?"

"Well, I would read, write, practice calligraphy, doodle-"

"Doodle?" he asked.

"I would hardly call it drawing; they were such poor drawings. I would just sketch out simple little pictures on my notes or on scrap paper or in a sketch book."

"Well, so far in any event, you seem to like pen and paper related hobbies. Anything else?"

"I do a little sewing, though we have a machine that helps with it. I have not done much sewing by hand. I do play an instrument, but I do not think it exists here," she answered.

"What is it called?"

"The piano."

"Hmm, I know of no instrument by that name, but maybe it goes by another name. Any other hobbies or interests?" he asked.

"Well, besides archery, horseback riding, and studying, there is boating. It has never been a hugely favorite hobby, but going down the Anduin reminded me of how much I enjoy it. Really though, there are more than a few things I would like to explore if I get a chance. Back home what I was able to do or not was limited to what I could either do alone, or what my parents wanted to do or had time to do. So perhaps later I will discover a few things. Otherwise, I do not do very much."

This surprised him. "How do you spend your time then?"

"School eats up a lot of it. That is seven hours every day, then I sleep eight or nine, so that's fourteen hours of a day, then the hour before school is spent getting ready, so that is fifteen, and then after school there is homework which is frequently an hour, so that is sixteen, and then with chores and everything else, I really probably only have four or five hours to myself every day, and that is only on days I do not have something else going on like practice for sports or plays or music performances or going anywhere."

"Like where?"

"Oh, my grandmother's house, the market, and other places," she answered.

He frowned, "Mercy, are you ever home? I shall be honest with you Lothril, your days sound dreary," he commented.

"I would not say dreary, but I admit it sounds rather dull just laid out like that," she said a little defensively. "Very well, it is rather dull. What do your days look like that make mine sound so dreary?"

"Were I home now, I imagine my days would look like the remnants of war and the reordering of things after. However, before I fetched you, my days were varied. Some days are a bit tedious and spent in review of various reports that range from military to trade to various things within the kingdom. However, those days are usually once a season. I am a commander of soldiers, so I often am involved in overseeing training, drills, inspections, and then leading various missions or movement of soldiers when the occasion arises."

"Were you at the Battle of Five Armies?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes, I am one of the head commanders."

"Was it as chaotic as it read?" she asked.

"I cannot say as I have not read it," he answered with a grin, "though I imagine it would be hard to write about. It was certainly a test of adaptability and how well trained our soldiers were, and I am pleased to say they pivoted very quickly with almost no confusion. As enemies and allies unexpected kept appearing out of nowhere, it was certainly a test of all our wits to not panic or react poorly."

She nodded. "What else do you do?"

"Practice my fighting skills, but aside from my military duties I also have various more administrative duties. Then of course, whatever my father asks me to do," he answered.

"Sounds like mountains of paperwork," she replied.

He laughed, "Actually, it is very little for me. My poor secretary has a fair amount of it, I dare say, but frequently my administrative work involves me observing and talking to whomever is doing whatever it is, and then me making decisions. My secretary follows and takes notes and then if any paperwork is needed, draws it up."

"I know little of monarchies, but that sounds very hands on," she commented.

"My grandfather did not believe in royal privilege and made both my father and myself work our way up through the ranks, and a few other positions. Grandfather was very hands on and at some point or another worked alongside those under him in almost everything and he saw to it father and I did as well. I am glad he did because it was often humbling and hard work. I have worked the loading docks, I have worked up and down the river, I have been a common soldier, I have done in one capacity or another many of the jobs around the palace. I would not say I have mastered any or all of those jobs, but I worked them long enough to understand them well. It has certainly given me a better perspective about what is required for various work, and it taught both my father and myself that the best leader is one that understands what is going on from all sides. Therefore, when I must make a decision about any given area I oversee, I go and observe the problem for a while and talk to the ones dealing it with and then make any suggestions or changes after speaking with the ones affected. Over all, I think it has led to things running more smoothly and it is worth the effort," he answered.

"That is very practical, and I must agree. I have seen on a small scale the frustration that can occur when a leader with no idea of what is going on starts handing out orders arbitrarily," she replied. "But this does make it sound like you are very busy all day with little leisure time."

"Quite the contrary," Legolas replied. "I have a good amount of it. Problems do not arise every day, and most Elves stay at a given job for decades if not centuries at a time, so it is not as if there are always new workers learning the job."

"Then what do you do?" Lothril asked, fishing for ideas.

"I am sure you know and have guessed some of them. I play several instruments, I fish, whittle, some wood working, swim, horse riding, hunting, drawing, I paint a little but I do not have nearly the talent for it that my grandfather and mother have. I bake and cook, I enjoy being in the forest, boating, gardening, reading… There are other things too but I think those are amongst my favorite solitary activities. And of course some of things
I like doing with others also. But I have no end of things I want to do or try. We are focusing on you. Why do we not start with drawing?" he suggested.

"Because I do not have paper or pencil?"

"Do you not?" he asked as he stood up and went into her room only to return a moment later with a beautiful tooled leather book and a set of very pretty pencils. "For you," he said as he handed it to her.

The green cover was tooled with a scrolling leaf and flower motif around the edges and in the center was a decorative "L" Tengwar rune. "Legolas, this is gorgeous!"

He smiled wide. "I was hoping you would like it. I did notice in Rivendell you seemed to enjoy writing and drawing little pictures on your notes, so I thought this might be appreciated."

"Very much. Thank you!" she said and motioned for him to come closer so she could kiss him.

"You are most welcome," he replied.

"It almost seems a shame to fill such a beautiful book with my lousy drawings," she joked.

"They are not too bad, but if you like I could always teach you how to draw," he replied.

"Are you serious?"

"Very."

"Alright. Teach me," she said with a smile.

He gave a little nod and said, "I would love to. Now, let us see just how well you can draw."

He had her sketch out a few random objects and then they picked one and began working on one together. As before, he proved to be a very good teacher and very patient and by the end of the afternoon there was a noticeable improvement. Unlike before though, her reward for doing well in a lesson was him drawing her onto his lap and then kissing her until her head was spinning. She definitely preferred it over a 'good work' and a clap on the back. Well, at least from him.

It was early afternoon and the Fellowship members were scattered around the city. Gimli and Gandalf were out and about studying the stonework of the city with an architectural historian, the hobbits were getting ready for afternoon tea, and Legolas and Lothril were out shopping for ingredients for a fruit tart.

The Elves returned to the house right in the middle of afternoon tea, so that the house itself was empty and the hobbit voices were coming from the back garden was expected. What was unexpected was the lower melodic voice that gave a reply.

"Ada?!" Legolas said as his head snapped up towards the open back door. He hastily set down the packages he was carrying on the kitchen table and almost jogged to the back door.

"Ah, Legolas! We were not expecting you back so soon my son," Thranduil said as casually as you please. There he sat at table with the four hobbits, smiles and relaxed faces all around. Thranduil was wearing a perfectly understated outfit that clearly conveyed his rank while still being practical for travel. He was wearing a green close tailored robe that was clearly split for riding and only came down to mid-calf over a silver tunic, and darker green pants with tall boots. And of course, he also wore his customary crown of summer leaves. He looked immaculate, as always, and it was hardly to be guessed that he had ridden seven miles that morning to arrive there before noon so he could meet with the king and arrange a time to conduct business and then surprise his son.

"Greetings father. I am very glad to see you as I did not expect to see you here at all, so I am all the more glad we found what we sought as quickly as we did," Legolas replied. "What has brought you hither?"

"I have come here to see you and Lothril, of course, and to meet with King Elessar and congratulate him on his reclaiming of the throne and his successes in the war. After a meeting with the king, I came here and found you absent, but I have been well enjoying the company of these hobbits as I waited for you. Where is Lothril?" Thranduil answered.

Lothril, who had also heard Thranduil's voice and bits of the conversation had quickly found the nearest mirror and made sure she was presentable before quickly hurrying out to the back door just in time to hear Thranduil ask where she was. "I am here, King Thranduil," she said as she came outside. "And I am honored that you wish to see me." Actually, she was nervous and had that nasty principal's office feeling again, but she had made sure her face was serene before reaching the door.

"Greetings Lothril," Thranduil said with a courteous nod. "If you good hobbits will excuse us, I would like to speak with my son and Lothril now."

"Oh, certainly," Frodo said, and everyone stood and bowed and the king returned a polite bow of his head.

He led Legolas and Lothril inside and into the library he had noticed earlier and once they entered he shut the door behind them. He turned around and for the brief seconds it took to walk over to them he studied them. Galadriel hadn't been exaggerating. They were two halves of the same whole. It was plain as day they were not married, but it was also plain as day they might as well be for how attuned they were to each other. It was nearly palpable. Her face was calm, her stance fairly relaxed, and Legolas stood close by, close enough to easily take her hand or slip an arm around her without moving. They looked natural next to each other.

He came to a halt in front of them, his face inscrutable as he looked at both of them in turn. "On the twenty-fifth of February a messenger came to me bearing two letters," he said as he reached into his robe and pulled out two sets of folded paper and held them up before the pair. "I had not been expecting any correspondence from the Golden Wood, yet here was a messenger from that very place. He gave me the letters and waited in the palace as I read them, which took some time given how thick one of them was," he tucked the thinner one back in his robe, "and they contained some extremely fascinating reading. Would you like to hear some of it?" He didn't wait for a reply, but instead flicked open the thick letter and began reading. "Father, I write to you concerning some strange events that have occurred since I sent word ere I departed Rivendell. As you recall, I wrote you last explaining what I could about the human girl Jennifer, whom we have renamed Lothril, and her seeming to be half elf and half maia." The elven king paused and gave Lothril a critical, examining stare then slid his eyes back to the page and continued, "'I can now tell you this has been confirmed.' You, Legolas, go on to narrate an exceedingly strange tale about a fever, Lothril's spirit going to Valinor and speaking with the Valar, and her seemingly to die and then return to life. But that is hardly the most interesting part of this letter," he said, shuffling through the pages and scanning for a particular paragraph.

Lothril seemed like she wanted to say something, but Legolas gave her a glance and a very small shake of his head.

"Aha! Here it is," Thranduil said, "It seems that over the course of things that I have grown very attached to Lothril, indeed very fond of her. Her wit, her spirit, her mind and heart have captivated my own heart. The way her usual quiet thoughtfulness and reserve can turn into exuberant delight and passion for things that excite her has entranced me. She is compassionate and kind, stalwart and courageous, loyal, trustworthy, and – I am in love with her." Thranduil folded the letter back up and looked at the pair, his face inscrutable. "Is this true, Legolas? Are you in love with her? Captivated by her? Entranced?"

"I am," Legolas said simply.

Thranduil looked long into his son's face then turned his gaze upon Lothril who at this point wasn't entirely sure what to think. The elven king did not seem particularly approving or condemning. Having only known him briefly, she had no means of knowing how to read his moods.

"What about you, Lothril?" Thranduil said at length. "You wrote the other letter I received that day and it held some very similar sentiments towards my son. Do you still feel that way towards him?"

"More so than when I wrote," she answered truthfully.

Thranduil nodded. The faintest trace of a smile teased at the edge of his mouth. "Then you both have my blessing," he said and then turned and started walking away. He hadn't gone more than a few steps when he paused, turned around and said, "Unless you wish otherwise, I shall make all the arrangements for the betrothal. In light of the circumstances I think a small affair with all of your friends here in Minas Tirith is in order, and most likely within a fortnight." With that her turned back around and continued out the library door.

The moment his father left the room, Legolas grabbed Lothril, pressed his mouth to hers and spun her around. He couldn't imagine being any happier than he was in that moment. He had supposed his father would consent merely because Legolas was more than old enough to make up his mind in these matters, but he had craved his father's approval regardless. To have his blessing washed away the last remnants of anything that could hope to spoil is complete and utter joy. There was still the hitch of her having to return for a time, but that didn't trouble him. He knew she would be fine, for she had proved to be a great warrior, and the Valar had promised to send her help. He would certainly miss her, but this would afford him an opportunity to make some arrangements before they were wed. But he could not focus long that far into the future. His mind was consumed with that moment with her and nothing could cloud his joy.

"Is your father always so theatrical?" Lothril asked.

Legolas laughed, "Not always, but he does enjoy being unreadable and unpredictable to see how people will respond."

"How did I do?" she asked.

"You seemed composed and unintimidated, so I dare to guess father was impressed," Legolas replied.

"Good, because I was feeling quite nervous, to be perfectly honest," she said.

He gave her hug and said, "Well you needn't be nervous now. Father gave us his blessing and I have every confidence Lord Elrond shall bestow his also."

"I dare say, Legolas, you are absolutely glowing with happiness," Lothril smiled.

"And why should I not be? The shadow is gone, I am with the one I love most, and my father seems as happy about our being together as are friends are! Lothril, Lothril, Lothril! I do not know if I could be any happier! Oh Lothril! I could not be any happier! The only cloud on the horizon is your heading back to your old world for a time, but I know you shall be fine. You have been promised aid and I know you shall return to me safe and sound." He gave her another kiss then added, "Let us go out and see if Father is still here and where he is staying and then afterwards, if you so desire it, I shall aid you with your fruit tart."

"If you wish to spend time with your father you should. You have not seen him in months, I can manage baking a tart on my own, I think," she said. "And if I get really stuck, I am sure at least one of the hobbits will be able to help."

Legolas laughed, "Unless he has some urgent business to discuss with me, there is naught that can keep me away from you until you must depart. You are stuck with me until the Valar take you away, but I will go see him to the door." He kissed her again and then headed out of the library to see his father was still there.

Lothril tarried in the library a moment. Well, Thranduil approved and gave his blessing, so that was a relief. And he did look pleased. So that was something. She knew Elrond would be arriving soon with Arwen and she was sure that was going to be a rough time for him. Hadn't the books called it a bitter parting when he left – or would leave? Well, Thranduil had said he would make all the arrangements, and she had a sneaking suspicion he had already spoken with Elrond about it, so at least she wouldn't be springing this on him. Though – now that she thought about it, Elrond was the one who seemed to notice her bond with Legolas first. He probably saw it coming before either of them did. Possibly literally.

She took a deep breath and left the library and heard the hobbits still out in the garden talking and melodic elvish voices towards the front of the house. She debated for a moment just heading into the kitchen and working on her tart, but then she felt Legolas' mind brushing against hers, summoning her to the sitting room in the front of the house.

She went up to the front of the house and as soon as she entered the doorway both of them turned to her. Legolas beamed and held out his hand to her as Thranduil had a small smile tease his lips as he beheld his son and his beloved. Lothril went over to Legolas and took his hand. He pulled her close and slipped his hand around her waist.

"Adar has something he wishes to ask you," Legolas said.

"Oh?"

"I would like to have you and Legolas over for supper tonight so we may catch up on all that has happened since you left," Thranduil said. "Unless of course you have other plans."

"We have no other plans," Lothril replied.

"Very good. As most of my entourage shall not arrive for a few days, tonight shall be simple and informal," Thranduil said.

"Informal?" Legolas repeated with a grin and an arched brow.

"I know you prefer the trappings of formality, but tonight you shall be required to condescend to familiarity with your father and beloved. I hope you can manage," Thranduil replied. Turning his gaze to Lothril who was admirably keeping her amusement at the king's wicked sarcasm restricted to a smile. "King Elessar has offered me lodging here in the city, and so for the time being we shall be neighbors. I shall be next door in fact."

"Convenient," Lothril commented.

"Terribly," Thranduil replied. "Well, I shall leave you both now until this evening. Good afternoon." With that he gave a slight nod and swept out of the room and out of the house.

"Any urgent business?" Lothril asked.

"None. He said he is here mostly for us and our betrothal. There is some business he wishes to conduct with Aragorn, but they have an appointment tomorrow and then he is at our disposal," he answered. "I am excited for you to know Ada better. I know he cannot replace your o

}1wn good father, but he shall be your kin when we are wed and I would have you surrounded by as much family as you can be," Legolas said. He turned towards her and put both his hands on her waist. "I know how much you love your own family, and I wish you could have them here but unless they are permitted to return with you, I want, that is, I hope you can find some sense of family with my kin also. I know you love Elrond and his family, but you shall be far away from them whether we are living in my father's realm or in Ithilien. I do not want you feeling lonely."

"I am grateful he came this whole way for us, and I am sure I shall not feel lonely," she replied.

That evening, after Lothril had taken her tart making as far as it could go for one day, she changed into a clean dress of soft blue that had little adornment save some trim and a belt and put her hair into a single loose braid and headed downstairs to meet Legolas. As she descended the staircase, she briefly mused at how 'summer casual' here was her wearing a light ankle length dress with fluttery elbow length sleeves and back home summer casual was shorts and a t-shirt. She came downstairs to find Legolas waiting for her near the door in a loose light green tunic with sleeves that came about halfway down his forearm, leggings, and a belt. This was definitively the most casual she had seen him dress yet. Well, for anything besides bed. He even had his hair down without braid or ribbon or circlet.

"Shall we go?" he asked, as she took his outstretched hand.

"Yes," she replied simply.

As soon as they were outside and the door shut behind them Legolas said, "Your hand is trembling."

"That is because I am nervous," she replied.

"I promise, Father does not bite."

"I know," she said sounding a cross between self-deprecating and annoyed.

"Relax, melethril. I do not think you were this nervous when you first met him."

She gave a nervous chuckle, "Probably not. But then I was still overwhelmed by being in Middle-earth at all and I was not planning on marrying you."

He opened the gate at the end of the path that let them out onto the street. "I am sure both those things are quite true, but why should your planning on marrying me make you nervous with my father?" He gently clanged the gate shut behind them.

"It is not that so much as I am not sure what 'simple and informal' is going to look like with an elven king," she replied.

He nodded . It made sense now. Well, it made sense in relation to how her mind seemed to work. "We are having dinner with my father, not King Thranduil. To be perfectly honest, you have not really met my father yet as he was entertaining you as a guest of the kingdom and so as king. And this afternoon he was King Thranduil to a spectacular degree. Tonight however, he shall be nothing more than my father, I promise." He stopped walking and pulled her gently to a stop. "As such, I ought to warn you of another elven custom, a more Silvan custom – they often kiss family in greeting, particularly if they have not seen each other in a while."

"Your grandparents did not kiss you," she said, sounding a little confused.

"They are Galadhrim, and they did after you went to bed. It is rude to kiss someone you just met, and it is also rude to kiss one person and not the other. So they simply waited until we were alone," he explained.

"Why are you warning me of this custom now? I do not care one way or the other if your father kisses you or not. You are his son. He is free to kiss you as much as he wants." she asked.

"Because you are my intended and Mirkwood elves tend to be a little more open in their affections in these matters," he answered.

"Are you saying your father will kiss me?"

"I am saying he might and it would not be strange if he did," he replied.

"You do not know?" she asked, looking amused.

"I never brought home an elleth I intended to marry before," he answered.

"Well, to be honest, that is the last thing I am nervous about this evening. My mother's side of the family all kisses family in greeting and parting. I have been kissed by more great aunts, great uncles, and cousins I barely know than I can name. I am fairly used to it. Do Mirkwood elves kiss on the lips or the cheek?" she asked.

He was pretty surprised at this revelation and his voice reflected it as he answered, "Both, it is somewhat preferential."

She didn't say anything, but gave a nod.

The gate leading to Thranduil's yard was open and a single guard was standing in it. As soon as Legolas and Lothril approached, he stepped aside and saluted them. As they approached the door of the house, they heard the gate softly shut behind them. Before Legolas could even pull the bell, the door opened and they were greeted by Thranduil who was only wearing a light tunic and leggings and belt. No shoes, no crown, no circlet, braid, or anything else. The only adornment was a simple gold wedding band on the first finger of his right hand.

"Good evening son, Lothril. Come in!" he greeted and stood aside to let them in. He looked relaxed, affable even. They entered and Thranduil shut the door behind them then hugged Legolas and then gave him a short little kiss on the lips that definitely looked exactly like the same sort of kiss that was everywhere at every family reunion she had ever been to. Thranduil then turned to Lothril and gave her a hug and a brief little kiss on the lips also. The kiss didn't surprise her. She hadn't been lying when she said she was used to the custom. What did surprise her though was the string of emotions she felt with it. Thranduil was excited - he was darn near giddy, there was a hint of relief, but the most surprising thing was nervousness.

"Oh thank heavens, you are nearly as nervous as I am!" she blurted out.

Thranduil looked at her, brows knit, head tilted, and terribly confused.

"I probably should have warned you earlier, Ada," Legolas said. "Lothril has a very peculiar gift."

"Which would be?" Thranduil asked.

"I can feel whatever others are feeling if they kiss me on the lips," Lothril said. "And I apologize, I certainly did not mean to just blurt that out."

Thranduil stared at her a moment with a very blank face that broke into laughter. "If you were not correct, I would have never believed you. That is certainly a strange gift, but I am glad to know it. Any other odd gifts or talents I should be made aware of?"

She and Legolas both chuckled and she replied, "I can use ósanwe, but nothing else so singularly strange."

"That is also good to know," Thranduil said as he offered her his arm and led them towards the dining room he said, "I know I mentioned I arrived with my guard, but I have given most of them the night off, which I am even more glad of now after such an introduction, so we may be quite ourselves without pretense. I would like to know you, Lothril, without pretense. I am afraid my position demands a certain amount of posturing most of the time, but it would not do for us to begin our relationship with a false understanding. Tonight I am only Thranduil. And I am a little nervous, but I am also excited. It is not often I get to take off my crown around someone who is not family. At least not yet. I am excited to get to know you, though I suppose you know that already?"

"Only that you are, but I did not know why," she replied.

Legolas, who was walking on the other side of her, looked at the two of them with a mix of amusement and wide eyed wonderment. He had never known his father to be so open with someone he barely knew. He hadn't known him to be that forthright about how he felt with most of the family they lived with. Then again… she already knew…

She gave Legolas a mildly surprised look and he took her hand and squeezed it briefly.

They sat down at the table which had a very nice supper laid out on it and Thranduil said, "I am sorry to say I did not make supper myself and it is courtesy of King Elessar, but I did make dessert this evening."

Legolas smiled, "That is fine, Ada. I am surprised you were able to make anything given what time you left us this afternoon."

"I barely had enough time, to be honest. I only pulled it out of the oven a minute before you walked up," Thranduil replied.

"What is it, if I may ask?" Lothril queried.

"Strawberry pie," he replied.

Her eyes lit up. "I love strawberry pie! I pick that over cake for my birthdays most years."

Thranduil smiled. "I am glad to learn it." They sat down and ate for a little while and conversation was restricted to comments on the meal and queries about how Thranduil's journey down had been before Thranduil said, "The hobbits Meriadoc and Peregrin told me a very interesting tale about you this afternoon, Lothril."

"Oh dear," she replied, half joking, half serious.

"It was some wild tale about you wielding a sword of fire and summoning lightening," Thranduil said.

She burst into laughter, "Oh, I am afraid they were telling you tales they heard from the Rohirrim. Elrond gifted me an ancient blade that glows blue when orcs are near, and I am afraid the Rohirrim mistook it for fire. As for the lightening, I imagine I threw up some sparks, on occasion, but nothing so grand as the songs I have heard sung."

"What of the tales that I have heard of you both being inseparable since Lothlórien?" he asked, a lightly teasing smile on his lips.

"That is true enough," she answered with a smile.

Legolas raised a brow at Lothril for her easy and open answer. As soon as his father asked it, he readied himself to jump in and answer, but then her answer came quickly and easily. He felt her mind brush against his.

"You are being very open," he said with a very approving tone to his thoughts.

"Well, you know," she answered vaguely. Even her thoughts seemed unsure of why she was being so free.

Thranduil allowed a silence to fall for a few moments and he used it to take a drink of wine before saying, "Tell me of yourself Lothril."

She blinked and looked at him like a startled owl. "What about me?"

"I have heard about you from others, I would know what you have to say about yourself," Thranduil replied.

Legolas suddenly snorted a laugh into his wine cup which caused Thranduil to toss him a confused glance before turning his attention back to his soon to be daughter by marriage.

"Not much, to be perfectly honest. I find myself a rather a dull topic of conversation," she replied.

"And why is that?" Thranduil asked, starting to feel a bit amused by this strange elleth. Everyone around her can't say enough about her, her skills, her deeds, her nature – and she finds herself dull. Legolas is entranced, but she finds herself dull.

"I am a simple elleth of simple tastes. Many of my hobbies and interests either do not exist here or are not the sort of things that invite much discussion. Take books. I have read and loved many books, but none of them exist here so I cannot discuss them. And given what my tastes in literature are, I often struggle to find others who like the same books or authors. As far as this world goes, I have not been here long enough to curate much beyond a few skills which are now basically useless as I have no aspirations for a military career, and I have not had opportunity to find any new interests or hobbies suitable for a quieter life," she answered.

"Fair enough. So then tell me of your preferences. What sorts of things do you like?" Thranduil asked.

"Hmm… can you be slightly more specific?" she asked.

Thranduil swirled the wine in his cup a moment before answering her. "No, I think not. There is no wrong answer to be had, and I would like to know what sorts of things you prefer."

She took a bite of roasted carrot to give herself a moment to think and as soon as she swallowed she answered, "Earthy colors. If it can be found in the woods or a garden or the sky then I love like it. Except certain shades of pink, but I have yet to see anything dyed such a horrendous bubblegum pink here. And I know what I told you Legolas, but really that dress rather sold me on the color." She took a small sip of wine then continued on. "I like music. Here, I have not heard one song that I do not care for. Back home there are certain styles of music I dislike, but here, at least so far, I have liked it all, but elvish music most of all. I like things that remind me of the woods and prefer wood to field. I prefer comfortable clothes and walking barefoot. I prefer more savory things to sweet swings – at least back home. Back home things can be too sweet. Here they seem less so and I much prefer it. I prefer sweet wines and meads and beer where I cannot taste the hops very much. I prefer solitude or being with a few people than being in a large crowd – I am sorry to say. Oh, I am sure there are other things, but I cannot think of them. Legolas probably knows better than myself."

"You have been silent too long at that, come Legolas – tell us what your beloved likes and we shall see if she agrees," Thranduil said, teasing him slightly.

Legolas looked at her and smiled. "She loves all the seasons but autumn most for the colors and how it blends together the thoughtfulness of winter and the ease of doing things outdoors of summer, but without the heat. She loves fires and singing and smelling like campfire smoke. She likes to dance and sing by herself in the fallen leaves, especially when the wind picks up and sends a shower of them swirling around her."

She stared at him wide eyed with a smile teasing her lips. He had seen that?

"She likes eating fish baked, broiled, or fried. She prefers meat roasted on a spit and seasoned and eating the charred outer layer," he continued.

She desperately fought a blush. What hadn't he noticed?!

"She loves fruit of all kinds and she likes to sing to herself when she is alone and doing things," he said, noticing the blush that was slowly tinting her ears pink, "and in cold weather she likes sitting with her feet propped up and blanket tucked under her feet and up to her shoulders. She prefers herbal teas, she likes puns and clever word play but she hates riddles. And she would rather die than to continue talking about herself because she esteems others better than herself," Legolas said with a smile.

As Legolas spoke Thranduil's gaze had darted back and forth between his son and Lothril. Judging by the look on her face, every last thing he said was absolutely true and she had no idea he knew those things about her, and she was suddenly even more in love with him for noticing. Not that the afternoon had left him with any doubts of their mutual affections, but it was charming to see the love that was between them and how Legolas showed his love for her by what he said. None of it was anything embarrassing or the sort of personal thing someone might be upset to have said of them but all of it was the sort of thing you had to be paying careful attention and over time to notice.

"Now what of you, Thranduil," Lothril said. "You have now gotten a sketch of me, I would make one of you. What sorts of things do you prefer? What seasons? What foods? What colors? Do you really like wearing nine yards of brocaded and jaquard fabric or do you prefer this simple garb?"

He had to chuckle a little. She was certainly direct. "I prefer woods to fields, like you. I like late spring when flowering trees are in bloom and other trees are putting forth their green leaves. I like both sweet and savory things equally, but I am far fussier with wines. As for colors – I like wearing whatever colors are in season, for stones I prefer white gems and clear gems that shine like stars, for décor, given my palace, I like to have warm colors for hangings and bedding and things, though I suppose at the end of the day, I am a little partial to green. And as a matter of fact, I do like wearing nine yards of brocaded fabric, but also enjoy simple garb such as this if there is some subtlety to it," he answered.

She suddenly paid attention to his tunic. Oh there was a subtlety to it, alright! It had the most subtle leaf pattern woven into it that she could barely see it. She imagined were it daytime it would be plainer, and even though the room wasn't lacking for lights, it was just dim enough to hide the pattern unless you were paying strict attention.

Thranduil grinned. So she did notice. "Is there anything else you would like to know?"

"How did you meet your wife?"

He couldn't say that was the sort of question he was expecting, but he couldn't say he was displeased by it. "I met Lauríel in Lothlórien where she lived. We were passing through in early summer and decided to stay a couple weeks. We had only been there two or three days when I saw her one morning across a small rivulet some distance away. She was singing and dancing in the early morning light and was heading back towards her house from a little garden she kept where she had picked strawberries to have with her breakfast. I saw her and she saw me and came over towards me, so I crossed the rivulet and greeted her when she drew near. We spoke for a while and she invited me to breakfast with her and her family. By the time we reached her house in the trees, I knew I wished to marry her, and by the end of the week we had reached an understanding."

"One more question for the moment," Lothril said.

"Ask it," Thranduil said, almost daring her.

"When Thorin and his company stumbled onto your people merry making, were you more upset at them trespassing or them crashing your party?"

Thranduil stared at her wide eyed for a moment, being taken completely off guard. Even Legolas stared at her for a moment surprised by the question. For a split second she thought she crossed a line as his face was completely blank and she thought he might be angry, but then he burst into laughter and it took him a moment to master himself enough to answer. "To be perfectly honest, I was shocked. He looked a fright and like some wild thing. He is lucky we were not armed or he would have been shot. After the first time though I was mostly upset that the sentries did not spot them sooner. To answer your question directly, after the initial shock I was mostly irked at them ruining our festivities three times. Then when I questioned Thorin, I was suspicious, though the longer I looked at him, the more painfully obvious it was he was lost as could be and half starved. Indeed, his beard was so bedraggled and unkempt it was plain he had had a hard time of it and I almost felt sorry for him. If that stubborn Dwarf would have told me Gandalf sent him guideless to stumble through Mirkwood so he could reclaim his kingdom, I probably would have fed him, found his companions, and then sent them on their way to get roasted by Smaug. I had long supposed sooner or later I would have to deal with that dragon anyway, so it waking sooner or later was of little difference." He paused a moment then queried, "You do not happen to know why he refused to tell me anything, do you?"

She thought a minute then answered, "As I recall, and I will check this when I return to see if I remember rightly, but as I recall he was afraid you would make some claim on his treasure if you aided him."

Thranduil shook his head and chuckled, "I may have asked for some compensation, but I could have asked for a king's ransom for all thirteen dwarves and the hobbit and that still would have barely made a dent in that hoard. As it was, I probably wound up with more than I would have asked for anyway. Bilbo certainly overcompensated me for my hospitality unawares."

"Going back a little, what were you celebrating anyway? The books were very, very vague about when they stumbled upon you. I just know it was after June and before Durin's Day," she asked.

"It was Friday. We always party on Friday," Thranduil answered with a straight face.

"You're kidding," she said.

"You are right," Thranduil admitted with a laugh. "We were celebrating the fruit harvest on the full moon. It is the only time of year where such a large number of fruits are ripe."

"Do you party every full moon?" Lothril teased.

"Yes, especially on blue moons, unless the full moon falls on or near another celebration," Thranduil replied.

Legolas looked at his father feeling impressed. That was certainly more detail and openness than he expected from him, even after the events earlier in the evening. Thranduil saw the look on Legolas' face and gave the barest little shrug.

"Goodness! Back home, well, you know what I mean, my family really only does big celebrations four times a year, three of which are within six or so weeks of each other. We gather with family for one holiday in summer, one at the end of the November, one at the end of December, and then we gather with friends for a celebration a week later of our new year. Otherwise, our holidays are mostly a day off work and camping or a cook out. Maybe a parade, but that is all hit or miss depending on the weather and such," Lothril commented.

"So little? How dull," Thranduil commented. "Celebrating full moons and such are generally smaller celebrations where we gather with family and friends. The fruit harvest though is a touch more ostentatious and more communal, and it is one that the Men of Dale also celebrate. In fact, they will invite us to join them every so many years on certain anniversaries significant to them."

"How do you celebrate fruit harvest?" Lothril asked.

"Lots of feasting and merry making and things made of or made with fruit, mostly. You will see for yourself when you join us," Thranduil said with a smile.

"I am looking forward to it," she replied.

Thranduil smiled a little wider and said, "Speaking of fruit, are we ready for dessert?"

"I am always ready for strawberry pie," Lothril said, very matter of fact, which amused Thranduil greatly.

"I am ready I suppose. What wine do you have planned for dessert?" Legolas asked.

"On my way down here I stopped by Lothlórien and procured a few bottles from a particular wine maker who makes the most wonderful fruit wines. It may be a bit on the nose, but I am planning on serving strawberry wine with the strawberry pie. Some may claim it is too much of the same, but I fancy it," Thranduil answered he stood up and went into the kitchen and came back out with the pie in one hand, and the bottle of wine under his arm and three more plates and forks in his other hand.

"My word, Thranduil! That is one of the prettiest looking pies I have ever seen!" Lothril exclaimed. The top crust looked like it was made of golden brown leaves. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

"Better, I think," Thranduil replied with a smile as he began carefully slicing into the pie. "This is an excellent year for strawberries." He plated the first piece and handed it to her. "Here, try it and tell me what you think. Legolas, please pour her a glass of wine for me. Thank you."

He nodded and pulled over her glass and emptied the last of what was in it and then poured her some strawberry wine and set it back in front of her. While he was doing that, she cut off a little piece with her fork and took a bite. Now this was a pie. The crust was even tastier than it looked and the strawberries! Goodness, those strawberries! She wondered briefly if there were any left just for eating. They were so sweet and juicy and delicious!

"Oh Thranduil! This is the best pie I have ever had," she said. "Absolutely lovely! And the crust!"

"I am very glad you like it," he said with a smile as he handed Legolas a plate.

Legolas took a bite and said, "Really Ada, this is one of your best crusts, and these strawberries are lovely."

Thranduil took a bite. "I knew the strawberries would be perfect, but I think you are right. This is one of my better crusts, to be sure."

"I take it you bake regularly?" Lothril asked Thranduil.

"Fairly regularly. Baking is a long time hobby of mine," he answered. "I find it relaxing."

"I may need you to teach me your secrets," Lothril said. "I struggle greatly with baking."

"Gladly," Thranduil replied with a smile.

After dessert and the three of them were working on finishing off the strawberry wine, they adjourned to the sitting room where the two love birds shared the couch and Thranduil assumed the large plush armchair. He took a letter off the table beside him and handed her a sealed letter. "I was asked to give you this, Lothril. It is a note from Elrond. If you like you may read it now."

She broke the seal and quickly read through it. "What is this word?" she asked, tilting the letter towards Legolas and pointing at the word that was giving her trouble.

"Arduil – morning. His ink splattered a little I think," Legolas replied.

"Oooh, yes, I think you must be right. Otherwise, that is… unpronounceable. Thank you," she replied and returned to her letter. "It seems he and Arwen want me in the wedding on Midsummer's Day. It sounds like they plan on reaching the city on Midsummer's Eve and then the wedding take place on the day. He says I should join the procession as it goes through the city and stay with them that night," she said. "Oh no. Do you suppose I shall endure a repeat of Aragorn's coronation?"

"I would count on it," Legolas said.

"What happened at Aragorn's coronation?" Thranduil asked.

"Elladan barged in before minuial and stole Lothril out of her bed and took her over to his and Elrohir's tent where they proceeded to braid her hair and strew it with gems and drape her in stars and make her look as radiant as she is, despite her protests. She looked like a star come to earth and was clothed in white and blue and she shone and glittered in the sun," Legolas answered.

"If they did all that for their foster brother's coronation, I cannot imagine what they'll do to me for their sister's wedding," she said wide eyed and shaking her head slightly as she folded up the letter.

"And on top of them, you shall have had Arwen plotting against you also for months now. I am certain if Elrond is writing, it is by her request and she has some dress either picked out or made for you; to say nothing of jewelry," Legolas added.

"She did say something about having things for you," Thranduil said, "and there was a rather large trunk that had your name on it."

"Oh dear. Between her and your son, I am going to need to a large wagon and a team of draft horses to take everything to the Woodland Realm," she said, slowly shaking her head.

"I take it then he has been throwing my money around," Thranduil wryly said.

"Of course not, Ada. I would never dream of using the royal purse for my romantic pursuits. I have been throwing my money around," Legolas replied.

Thranduil, leaning back in his chair, one ankle crossed over the other knee, casually holding a wine cup with one hand as his other draped lazily over the armrest of the chair said, "The crown officially acknowledges Ernil Legolas ion od Thranduil, Aran od Eryn Lasgalan entertaining Híril Lothril iell od Elrond, Hîr od Imladris for the purposes of securing his own good happiness, the future good of the kingdom, and the economic benefit of the host city of Minas Tirith. There, now may throw my money around."

Lothril had no idea how to react to that. "As someone who comes from common folk who must mind their budgets, I must ask – do you even pay attention to the cost of things?"

Legolas and Thranduil both chuckled. "I can quote you going prices of everything from gold to millet," Legolas said. "And I could tell you down to the last copper how much I have spent on you, but that is a figure you need not ever worry about."

"It is an obscene figure it isn't it?" Lothril said.

Legolas leaned over and kissed her. "Do not worry about it."

The rest of the evening was spent talking, finishing off the pie, finishing off the bottle of strawberry wine, finishing off a third bottle of wine, playing card games, and eating a prodigious amount of strawberries. Thranduil had not just bought some strawberries on his way down, he bought a bushel of strawberries and had it divided up and each guard and himself carried some so he didn't have strawberry jam by the time he arrived. Thranduil told them to eat as much as they wanted because after some strawberry turnovers he had planned for breakfast (which they were invited to also) his only other plan for them was to eat them. They were certainly some of the finest strawberries Lothril had ever tasted and after eating her fill, there was still a ridiculous amount left. Lothril did inform Thranduil if he truly wanted to get rid of some strawberries, he ought to give them to the hobbits and he said he might at that.

It was quite late when they finally said goodnight and Thranduil told them both they were welcome and ought to come over as much as they wished, as they were neighbors, and bade them goodnight. On the short walk back to the house Legolas asked, "Did you have a good evening?"

"I did."

"And now that you have properly met Ada, what do you think of him?" he asked.

"I think…I think I am going to have a very interesting time getting to know him better. I certainly never thought I would see him so laid back. I think I like him," she answered.

Legolas laughed. "I am glad to hear it."

Author's note: The back and forth song writing flirty thing and pretty much any subsequent betrothal/dating things are my idea. FYI. However, can you not just see elves doing something just like that? Writing cheeky double entendre love songs back and forth? Eh, maybe not. But they do in my head and now they do in yours too. And I will say, just for the record, I'm going to go ahead and indulge in several of these little back and forth poetry things in full knowledge that a lot of people skip the poetry in the books… because this is my fic and this is how I do 'self indulgent'. Also, some of these will be true double entendre and exactly what you're thinking and some are going to be more metaphorical and in relation to things like her past or ongoing struggles. Some will be all three so whichever way you look at it, you're right! Why do I mention this? Because sometimes the tree being struck by lightning and splitting in half is metaphorical and sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. By the way, the song referenced was "Rhinestone Cowboy" by Glenn Campbell. Honestly, not my favorite song of his. I definitely recommend "Witchita Lineman" over "Rhinestone Cowboy". Alright, this chapter I decided to throw in a cultural curve ball to those who are either three or more generations removed from their immigrant forebears or younger than a Baby Boomer. Rolling with my theory that Elves are not these insanely uptight, over-starched, formal Victorians nor are they wild hedonistic slaves to Bacchus and Eros, I've decided that certain segments of elvendom are warmer in their greetings and farewells than much of the modern western English speaking world. In short – I've decided elves will kiss family (or even very close friends) upon greeting and/or parting. My rationale: if you read much in the way of ye olden literature, take even a basic cultural anthropology class, or travel to any degree, you will learn right quick that many a culture has expressed many a feeling of familial love, friendship, kinship, fealty, or even just polite friendliness with a kiss. Even Tolkien has kisses of friendship/kinship shared between characters, so I reckoned having Silvan Elves who are generally considered a little less polished than say, their Noldor counterparts, be a little more friendly and huggy/kissy with their greetings apropos. If there are any other culture nerds out there, I think you're going to find my version of Mirkwood elves interesting…. But you are gonna have to wait a little while before we really dive into that.

A brief note on melethril/melethron – so the words are reconstructions (meaning Tolkien didn't create them), however they seem pretty logical and were in the online Sindarin-Elvish dictionary I have been consulting, so I'm treating them as totally legit.