THE FORGOTTEN

Enderi

Midyear

Author's note: The chapter in which - Lothril has her first right proper elvish holiday and the pair of them continue to flout certain traditions. …I started this chapter and about six pages in decided I wanted it to be a Legolas POV chapter. So I started over. I got 17 pages into rewriting this chapter and decided I really thought it was just dull so I scrapped it and started over again. For a third time. The working title for this chapter was "Who the heck knows" because who the heck knows why I decided to go with a Legolas POV. Who the heck knows why I decided to do a whole chapter on midyear. The who the heck knows what the $%^& is going on with this chapter or why it %$ exists. I sure don't! But, this was the chapter that wanted to come next, so here the heck it is. Why? Who the heck knows! Also, trying to sync calendars between Rivendell reckoning and Gregorian are tricky at best, and depending at where you look, your dates for "enderi" may vary. For example, this calendar year, enderi would be somewhere in the vicinity of Frodo's birthday. However, Tolkien gateway has the date set at October4-6. Well, I added up how long it's been since the Fellowship parted at Isengard and I'm about to fly by that date too, so I'm going to fudge time a little, as since she's gotten back things have been approximate anyway. Oh, and I've played a few games of pool, but I'm hardly Minnesota Fats, so I don't remember which colored pool balls have which numbers and I've decided it doesn't really matter because in my version of Middle-earth the balls aren't numbered, they're differentiated by their colors and stripes/solids. Because I can. Also of note: fluff! Sugar sprinkled throughout.

His betrothed could be the most amusing thing in the world sometimes. When they had announced to Ada during their pool game that she wanted to redecorate her rooms, she looked nervous… even though just a few days ago she had proven to be able to hold her own in battle against him and that she could possibly turn him to dust if she so wished. He might have been tempted to think more of her nervousness towards his father, except she had demonstrated it with her own flesh and blood father and mother. Then when Ada had told her she could do anything she liked to her rooms except tear down walls she looked, in a word, stunned.

And that was the moment he knew he would have to try very hard to convince her that yes, she could get the rich fabric she liked and no, the lamp with the gems in it was not too much money. Perhaps he should tell her that pretty lamp in her chambers with the sparkling beads hanging off it were actually little diamonds… No, best not. Not until he knew whether or not she actually liked it. Otherwise she'd feel like she had to keep it.

That was when his father's mind brushed against his own and said, "Please make sure she gets what she wants and does not make me look miserly."

"I will do my best. Fortunately, she does not know how our money works yet, so if anything happens to be priced, it will mean nothing to her," he answered. "Lothril, what do you say we go out shopping first thing after breakfast tomorrow?

"Tomorrow?!" Thranduil repeated as he paused lining up for his shot. "Legolas, goodness! I give you time off to be with your betrothed and you lose all track of time. Tomorrow begins enderi (midyear)."

"Enderi? Oh! Midyear!" Lothril said excitedly. "This will be my first enderi!"

"It shall be at that," Legolas said, a little embarrassed he actually forgot about enderi and it being her first one.

"Your first? You ought to have been in Rivendell a couple weeks by enderi last year," Thranduil said just before he sunk his ball into the corner pocket.

"She was a bit preoccupied with lessons with Elrond," Legolas said.

"Goodness! He could not even give you a few days off for midyear?" Thranduil asked, sounding disapproving.

"It was a little more like our lessons followed by me taking advantage of having some extra time to myself to let everything sink in. I did manage to learn elven history, healing, how to read, write, and speak Sindarin, master swordplay, and fighting with a long knife in the span of three months," Lothril said. All of which was perfectly true, and technically her long conversations with Elrond about her past doubled as biology and anatomy lessons.

Thranduil took his next shot and the ball stopped just on the edge of the side pocket. "I can see why then you would choose to rest verses celebrate. That is no small amount study for such a short amount of time, and if I know Elrond at all, it was all very thorough."

"Very," Lothril agreed. "So, what do I need to know for enderi?"

Thranduil answered as Legolas was preoccupied trying to figure out which ball he wanted to sink first. "There is not too much to know. Court is not held for those days and most shops and businesses are closed. Some of the towns will have large feasts where the whole village gathers and everyone brings something to share and there is music and dancing. Some of the larger towns will see friends and family gathering instead of the whole town. For occasions like this, we take advantage of the large space we have and celebrate with the palace. Therefore, we shall be celebrating with our family, nobles, and even servants as they rotate on and off."

"Even the servants?" she repeated, looking impressed.

"Of course. Just because they are servants, does not mean they should not get to celebrate. That said, and you plainly had no way of knowing this, Estelneth generally did not attend my wife on such holidays like this. However, she will be there to help you in the morning, and if you think you will need her in the evening, tell her as much. She has agreed to make herself available to you as much as you need her for your first few months here. And housekeeping staff will be minimal so they can attend celebrations, so bear that in mind also," Thranduil said.

"Oh, that is fine. I think I can mostly manage my own room for a couple of days," Lothril replied.

"Your turn Ada," Legolas said.

Thranduil finally turned his attention back to the game and saw that Legolas was two balls away from winning and now he was going to have to play catch up. Fortunately, those two balls that were left were in a dreadful position and it was almost certain he would sink the black ball before the other.

"At least I know I have a suitable dress," Lothril said. "Filegon sent one up yesterday morning and said it was for enderi and when Estelneth saw it she got all excited and started going on about flowers for my hair."

"She always did enjoy making crowns, wreaths, and flowery veils for Lauríel," Thranduil said before cleanly knocking two of his balls into a side pocket.

"That reminds me," Lothril said. "How do you want me to refer to you tomorrow?"

"Thranduil will be sufficient," he answered before leaning practically across of the table to get at a very awkward shot.

"Stop! You moved that ball!" Legolas said.

"Which ball?" Thranduil, asked, still leaning at an awkward angle trying to line up the awkward shot.

"Your green stripe," Legolas replied.

"I did not!" Thranduil argued, still threatening to shoot.

"Lothril, did he move it?" Legolas asked.

"I was not paying attention," she answered.

Thranduil rolled his eyes. "Oh, let it go!" There was a sharp crack as the yellow striped ball struck the red stripe hard enough that they went off in opposite directions, both sinking into opposite corner pockets. "Haha! Prepare to fall, Legolas!"

Legolas was skeptical and let it be known with a raised brow and a smirk. The next shot was going to make or break his father's game. If he didn't hit his ball just right, the cue ball would tap into his last ball and the black ball and then it would all be over. "I am sure you realize the predicament you are in."

"I shall manage," Thranduil smirked. With a soft clack the cue ball hit his last ball and sent it leisurely into the opposite corner pocket from the black ball. Without a word or even a glance at the other two in the room, he went around to the other side of the table, lined up the shot he wished to take and declared, "Black ball, corner pocket" before sending it exactly there with a gentle clack and leaving Legolas' last ball still on the table. He didn't say anything, but he did give his son a self-satisfied grin.

"You only won because I had an impossibly bad shot," Legolas said dismissively in response. "I am now down five games of pool but I am still miles ahead of you in darts."

"For now," Thranduil replied as he turned to a chalk board up on the wall. Both their names were at the top with room for one or two more, and there were two rows of numbers. One for pool and one for darts. Thranduil carefully erased the last number to update his number of games won.

"That's a lot of games of pool and darts," Lothril said as she stared at the chalk board.

"This only represents the last three years," Legolas said. "We erase it and start over once one of us reaches a thousand games won."

Her eyes went wide but she only replied, "Oh. Well, I suppose one must draw the line somewhere."

Legolas smiled. She was still grappling with time on an elven scale. It was hard to remember sometimes that this full grown elleth who had seen Valar and fought in war had still only seen a handful of years beneath the sun. He wondered briefly if Arwen felt the same way with Aragorn sometimes. "If you would like to join us, we can start over at any time and add your name," he offered.

"Let me get in a little practice first so I can actually have a chance at making it on the board," she replied with a grin.

"Fair enough."

"Then I will let you two get a little 'practice' in now as I go finish making my pies for tomorrow," Thranduil said with the tiniest little sly grin.

If Lothril noticed, she did not let on as her reply was, "Pies?"

"Yes, I always make about a dozen pies for enderi and I need to make the last few. I find making my pumpkin, plum custard, and cinnamon custard more than the night ahead leaves the bottom crust too soggy," Thranduil answered as he put away his cue stick.

"I can see that. Does everyone bring something?"

He nodded. "Lauríel used to make the most exquisite venison stew and Legolas usually makes a variety of pastries, but I told him not to bother this year. And I do not want you fretting that you have made nothing. I expect that this tradition is mostly ours and you need not worry about it this year or next. You only need to focus on enjoying yourself. After you are married you can start worrying about making things for enderi, Turuhalmë, and anything else. Now, if you both will excuse me, I am going to go enjoy some of that delightful cinnamon you gave to me."

And with that he swept out of the room and left Legolas and Lothril alone to 'practice' and he hoped it wasn't going to be pool. Or at least, not just pool…

The next morning Legolas awoke with a feeling of excitement. This was going to be Lothril's first full and proper elvish holiday. So far as he knew, no one else in Middle-earth really celebrated enderi, and this year she would (hopefully) be able to relax and enjoy it. He had gone to some lengths the night before to reassure her that midyear was a celebration and was closer to Midsummer than anything else she had known. No special solemn ceremonies or remembrances, a few seasonal songs, but nothing formal.

Being a holiday morning, his attendant Alphon had the day off, but had set out everything the night before for his convenience. Legolas did not mind though. It was always nice to have a quiet and peaceful morning to himself. He stretched a little and got out of bed and went about his morning routine, dressing last. He had asked Estelneth to make a wreath for him to match Lothril, which seemed to make her happy, and this morning it was to be found with his things. He became a little excited as he saw it because it was full of autumn colors and leaves and he couldn't wait to see how the mate looked on Lothril. He had opted for his hair mostly down with just enough pulled back to keep it in check while dancing – which he planned to do quite a bit of with his melethril. She seemed to love dancing as much as he did he was more than happy to oblige. The autumn leaves and small blossoms perfectly completed the outfit and he was even gladder than before he had asked Filegon to make an outfit for Lothril that matched his. His copper and green outfit had been made for him last year, though he obviously had not had a chance to wear it. The robe was copper trimmed in silver and green, the tunic a forest green trimmed in silver and copper. He couldn't wait to see what Filegon did for Lothril. He well remembered the beautiful matching outfits his father and mother would wear for these occasions and he was certain when he sent word ahead before they left Lothlórien to have a matching dress made that Filegon would happily rise to the occasion.

Things were not set to start until noon, per usual, which meant that they would have breakfast with his father as usual, and in an effort to spare kitchen staff for more important things like the roast venison, this was one of the few mornings a year where they would make their own. He enjoyed what the kitchen made, but he did very much enjoy cooking for himself and cooking with his father. Speaking of which, if he did not hurry up to collect Lothril, his father was liable to make everything without him.

He left his room and knocked on Lothril's door to be greeted by her.

"Good morning, melethron," she greeted cheerily.

"Good morning, melethril," he returned. "You look stunning this morning!"

She gave his outfit a once over and with a crooked grin and a raised brow asked, "You would not be saying that because we match, would you?"

"I say it because you look stunning," he smiled and gave her a quick little kiss.

"So, do we match because of some scheme of Filegon's or yours?" she asked, trying to look suspicious, but looking adorable to his mind.

"The scheme was mine, and I am glad of it. I wish to show you off a bit today, and you look elegant in copper and green," he answered and gave her another kiss. Given the way he heard her inhale sharply through her nose when he kissed her, he knew she felt all the things he was feeling right then and he was more than happy to let her know how he thought her ro-vain, rau-irui, ro-melui, ad ro-maer (most beautiful, most sexually desirable, loveliest, and best) elleth in the whole of elvendom, both with his kisses and in so many words. Though, the words would have to wait until later, for they were many and he did not want to break tradition by not helping with breakfast this morning. "Let us go now to breakfast and perhaps later when there is much dancing we can steal away for a little while. Would you like that?"

"Oh most certainly," she replied. "And by the by, I do love how you look in that," she added with a smile he was coming to love more and more each day. Mostly because it became a little more unguarded each day as she began letting hints and peeks of her desire show through with it.

They entered the little dining room to find his father who was standing at the raised fireplace working away on breakfast and singing quietly to himself and looking quite relaxed. As soon as they entered he looked up and the small hint of a smile turned into a full one as he said, "Good morning, you two!"

"Good morning, Ada," Legolas replied as she shed his outer robe and even his outer tunic and left them both carefully draped over the back of a chair then joined his father.

"Good morning, Thranduil," Lothril added. "Do you need any help?"

"Thank you for offering, but Legolas will help me," he replied, turning a little so he could talk to her and still keep an eye on the bacon. "You need only sit and enjoy your tea and some bread and jam while we finish things."

"Alright," Lothril said as she sat down and poured some tea.

Legolas got a strange feeling all the sudden as he worked on frying the eggs and checking on the biscuits and it wasn't his. He just got this odd feeling something was off with Lothril. He got these feelings from time to time, but usually he was looking at her when he did. This was the first time he had gotten one of these feelings while he wasn't looking at her and it puzzled and startled him a little.

His feelings must have played across his face because Thranduil turned to ask him a question but then switched to ósanwe to ask, "Is there something wrong?"

"I do not know," Legolas replied in kind. "A moment ago I suddenly got a strange feeling from Lothril. That she is perhaps unhappy or a little sad."

Thranduil looked at his son, drawing his son's attention. "You are not married yet, are you?" he asked, though it felt more like a statement.

"No, we are not."

"How close have you gotten?" Thranduil asked, sounding very much like a concerned father.

"Not close at all. We are not ready yet," Legolas answered.

"That is strange. I have heard rumors over the years there are those who drew very close to joining but did not and were not yet wed that began forming a bond that very strong feelings could pass through, but the way you put things and how your thoughts felt, you do not think her feelings that strong," Thranduil replied. "Everyone, including myself, agrees you two look like a matched set, and Elrond mentioned something about a strange bond between you two that was apparent from the day he met her, but the way he spoke of it, it sounded more like a bond of friendship then affection rather than this." He said aloud, "Would you please hand me those tongs, son?"

"Certainly," Legolas replied, also aloud as he handed them to his father, both of them acting very casual and not letting on in the slightest that they were actually having a very serious conversation, as was their long, long habit. "So it was and so it seemed. Though for a long while I have had an easy time reading her feelings, but attributed it to being able to see her face. This is the first time I have felt it when not looking at her or using ósanwe with her."

"There will be a little time between breakfast and festivities – see if your feelings are right or not. If they are, then that is proof you two were made for each other if anything is! Since it is clear to my eyes and ears you are not married and you confess as much, the fact you two seem to be forming a bond early is peculiar but not alarming, so I say take advantage of it and enjoy it as you may. And do mention this to Elrond when he arrives. I am sure this will give him something to muse and puzzle over for centuries," Thranduil returned as he flipped the bacon over. "However, I would not mention it too freely even to the rest of our kin."

"Certainly not," Legolas agreed.

"Pull out the biscuits, please, Legolas," Thranduil said aloud as he plated the bacon. "Then why do you not go join Lothril at table? The bacon is done and I can finish up the rest." Then he added with ósanwe, "If your feelings are correct, then you need to attend to her. Your beloved comes first."

"Very well," Legolas said aloud and pulled the biscuits out and left them to cool off to the side and then sat down beside Lothril who was sitting quietly sipping tea. The feeling of her unhappiness faded a little with Thranduil telling him to join her at table. Was she just that lonely by herself? "What is the tea today?" Legolas asked.

"Hmm… I am not sure. It's a very pleasant herbal something," she answered, seeming very normal and not at all unhappy or out of balance to him. The unhappy feeling fading a little more.

Legolas poured himself a cup and recognized it immediately as one of his father's favorite blends. "I could not tell you what is in it, but we refer to it as Salap na Iavas."

"I like that – Sip of Autumn! It is most certainly that," she said.

Now he felt nothing. Very well…

"Here we are," Thranduil said with a warm smile as he set down everything on the table. It was a very nice and simple breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and roasted tomatoes with bread and jam.

Before he sat, Legolas noticed his father gave her an evaluating look, but he only noticed because he knew him so well. It was doubtful anyone else besides his mother would have noticed. Indeed, Lothril seemed quite happy though he couldn't feel anything in particular. Though, as the feeling came out of seemingly nowhere, he really had no idea how or if he could seek out her feelings deliberately without doing so directly by asking.

In any event, everyone served themselves and breakfast was uneventful though very pleasant, and afterwards Legolas bothered to resume his outer tunic and robe and Thranduil excused himself saying he needed to go dress and that he would see them outside in a little while.

"Lothril, how are you feeling?" Legolas asked as soon as they were alone.

She looked at him with knit brows and slight confusion. "I'm fine," she said slowly. "Are you well?"

"I am a bit puzzled," he answered.

"Puzzled? About what?" she asked, her face shifting from slightly confused to slightly concerned.

"Earlier when I was helping Ada, I suddenly had the feeling you were unhappy or sad," he admitted, taking her hands in his. "Were you?"

"I wouldn't say unhappy or sad, but I did feel a bit useless and left out," she said.

"Melethel, you need not feel like that! Ada and I have been making holiday breakfasts together most of my life, and Nane always sat and enjoyed her tea," Legolas explained.

"I'm just not used to doing nothing for holidays," she said.

"I well imagine you are not. Your mother and I talked at some length about all the things you have helped her with at your church and school. It sounds like every holiday or special occasion was nothing but a flurry of activity and work for the two of you," he said.

Lothril nodded with a very faraway look in her eyes. "So much stuff. And I have to tell you Legolas, the last year or so before I came here, I really started to hate Sundays and resent holidays because they meant nothing but stress and chaos. I put a hard stop on everything when we returned because after a year without running all day every Sunday and a year without really any holidays – it felt like such a relief. But now I'm realizing I don't have a clue what to do with myself if a holiday rolls around and I'm not setting up, tearing down, and working in between; especially when I see others around me doing things. I feel like I have to help or I'm not pulling my weight and I'm being a slouch."

He leaned over and wrapped his arms around her as they both still sat at table. "Melethenin (my love), you are not a slouch. You have been running for over a year now and now is the time to rest from your work. You have earned a bit of leisure, and no that month we had at Grandma Sue's house was not enough. The only work you have to do between now and our wedding in a year is learn our particular ways of things here – and no one expects you to have them mastered by our wedding, by the way, and draw closer to me. That is all. And both you will learn easily enough if you are not distracted by other unnecessary things. Our customs here are different than in other parts of elvendom, so even if I had married someone like Arwen, she would have had to take time to learn our particular ways of things too. So this is not one of those unique to you things, this is something that would be perfectly normal and expected for any bride I took who was not from our kingdom."

She got up and sat on his lap and buried her face in his neck. "Thank you for telling me that. I truly needed to hear that."

He rubbed her back comfortingly. "You are welcome, melethel," he replied.

"That honestly takes a lot of the pressure of me. I've been so anxious about that dinner next week with the lords and looking like a lost elfling at every feast… If no one reasonably expects me to have your – our customs and things mastered… that really does take off a lot of pressure."

"No one in their right mind would expect you to know the ins and outs of our particular customs right away. Especially as we all know we have traditions that are unique to ourselves, many of which originated with one or more of the tribes that Adar-adar united," Legolas said.

"That is also comforting," she said, face still buried squarely in his neck, and he very much did not mind at all. He was fairly certain he could be very happy with her curled up on him and nuzzling him all day.

"Would you like to go somewhere else and be alone with me for a little while or would you like to go see the lay of things before the festivities get underway?" he asked.

"Let's go see the lay of things," Lothril said.

He thought she would go for that option.

The clearing was a riot of color as the trees were now almost completely turned and all around the edge of the clearing was lined in autumn flowers that were bright reds, oranges, and yellows. The tables were laden with them also and above their heads were ropes strung between the branches over the clearing with autumn colored lights hanging down and catching the sunlight and adding yellows and oranges and bright reds to the rust red oak leaves. From the central one where they were, one could also see two more clearings both to the left and right which were connected by wide paths lined with garlands and with truly only a couple of trees separating them.

Servants were rushing about here and there setting tables and laying out things in preparation for the festivities that were set to begin in just a couple hours. Legolas was proud of Lothril though, for as they stood and watched the scene, he did not feel her so much as twitch to help them. Perhaps she simply needed to hear what was expected of her. The more he turned it over briefly in his mind, the more convinced he became that was probably it. She was so used to having clear-cut expectations laid upon her that anything less left her adrift and floundering to find something to anchor her.

It was a very reasonable conclusion given everything he knew about her former life. Suddenly what his father said about the bed came back to his mind. Yes, she would stay within whatever confines she was given; and if she was given none, she would try to go back to what she knew, even if she didn't like it. Worse, what would she force herself to do to meet an expectation? Indeed, they were definitely going to be having one, if not several very, very long and detailed talks before they got married. Quickly though, he tucked those thoughts away for later as the look on her face was one of excitement.

"I do love the rush of people getting ready for a big event!" she said with that small little grin of hers that spoke volumes to her excitement. "There's always such anticipation of the fun to come, the pending relief of being done setting up and enjoying what you've worked on… I certainly have no wish to do it all the time, but do you suppose I could help out on occasion?"

"After we are wed you are free to help as much or little as you desire," Legolas answered. "And you need not do it for every holiday or feast either unless you desire it."

She nodded. "Well, I am sure I don't want to get in the way, but I have no desire to back inside on such a fine day. Can we go to one of the gardens?"

"We certainly can! Any garden in particular?"

"Whichever one we were in the other day that looked like a riot of autumn."

"Ah, that is Ada's," Legolas said. "And he is more than happy to share it with us."

The gardens were not particularly far from the clearing, but were sundered from it by a tall, thick hedge. There were multiple gardens, one very large one and two smaller ones which were open to anyone and then Thranduil and Legolas' gardens. For many long years the gardens were one of the very few places one could stray in outside without fear. Now that the forest was clean though, the options for places to safely wander, or reasonably safely wander, were nearly limitless. Even though the large garden was open to all, it was still designed to grant a measure of privacy from the rest of the world. Then there were the private royal gardens which were a little ways off from the big one and designed to give the royal family as much privacy as possible. No one outside the gardeners who helped out in them occasionally really knew the size of them and the number of people outside the gardeners who were allowed to enter them at all were few and by personal invitation only.

Lothril, of course, was one of those lucky few, and even though Legolas knew his father approved of her prior to it, his granting her free reign of his garden proved he actually liked her quite a bit and viewed her very much as a soon-to-be daughter to his son. He had supposed his father would like her once he got to know her, but he was really starting to think he loved her and that made him unspeakably happy.

As soon as the gate latched behind them, Lothril danced off towards a grove of bright colored trees of various kinds that were turned vibrant red, bright yellow, and flaming orange. The breeze was light today and very gently swayed the branches of the trees, causing the riot of colors overhead to dance and look like a living fire. She practically ran towards it, leaf and flower laden dark hair streaming behind her like a banner as her copper and green dress followed after.

In the distance he could hear the musicians practicing a new song that seemed to be keeping perfect time with the swaying tree branches and seemed full of light and joy. Lothril seemed to hear it too because she started to sway and slowly began dancing as if she was working out a new one for the music. After a while though, it all seemed to fall into place and her movements seemed to flow with the music as naturally as water in a river. He watched his beloved dance and felt spell bound as she seemed to be an embodiment of the garden and the music moving gracefully together. Could such an enchanting being truly be his?

She did not say a word, or even gesture his way, but her eyes met his as she danced and invited him to herself. How could he refuse such an invitation? He drew towards her and held out his hands and she seamlessly pulled him into her dance.

Thranduil's excuse to leave breakfast was a rather flimsy one. Even with his most elaborate robes and everything else getting dressed only took a few minutes, and this one wasn't even particularly fussy. He dressed, summoned a servant to tell Galion he would be out in his garden if he was needed for some reason, and took the book he was reading from his nightstand and headed out to read in his garden. He had been out there a little while on the near end to the palace and was reading in his favorite wooden garden chair when he heard the musicians practicing a new song. He slipped the bookmark back in his book and listened to the music for a little while before becoming gradually aware of something… he hadn't felt anything like this in a very, very long time… almost like a spell but not quite… Well regardless, if someone or something was working spells in his realm, he wanted to know about it. He set down his book and stood to go find the source of it. Such things were tricky work and one had to be on their guard. He wasn't armed except for a small little dagger he always kept on himself just for general use. He reached under his robe and loosened it just to be safe; though… he couldn't shake the feeling he wouldn't need it, but perhaps that was the spell working… it certainly seemed to be a disarming one.

The music continued, the spell still seemed to be there and tied to the music. Surely, this wasn't the work of the minstrels, was it? No, for they were off to his left on the far side of the large garden and this seemed ahead and off to the right. He rounded the curve in the path that went round his large rose bush and saw the source of it. Not twenty feet ahead in the grove of trees that looked like fire atop brown pillars danced a dark haired elleth crowned in autumn and shadow, sending up leafy sparks with her feet that shot up and fluttered back down and she herself flashing with copper and green as she danced with a blond haired ellon similarly crowned in autumn and sunlight, shimmering in copper and green also as he sent up his own spray of flame colored leaves. Whether he willed it or not, he stood watching them for a few minutes, his mind vaguely recalling seeing another dark haired elf-woman long ago who danced in the forest and also had the blood of maiar in her veins…

Watching them dance was like seeing the music itself embodied as they moved and twirled together. Yes, they were made for each other, as if the Name himself had crafted each of them by hand for the other. Thranduil watched them as the song reached its crescendo, as did their dance, and gently lilted to its end which was the gradual drawing of the two of them close together until they kissed.

Suddenly the spell broke and Thranduil almost blushed and quickly ducked back around the corner. For the life of him he felt like he had just watched them wed, which was utterly absurd because it was just a kiss. Not even a particularly lascivious or intimate one as Legolas still had her hand in his and his other was still on the small of her back. Even so, the feeling persisted and he almost wondered if he ought to apologize for watching them. Though, he still wasn't sure he had a choice in the matter, and that feeling was compounded as he noticed two of his garden's year round residents had been watching also and suddenly they seemed to rouse and trilled like they had been startled before they ruffled and smoothed their feathers and carried on about their business.

No, he decidedly did not have a choice in the matter. He had to investigate someone weaving spells in his realm, that was his job, and the fact that her spell drew him in and held him was also not his fault. It simply was what it was, and now he knew and – he would not say a word. If his son was fortunate enough to have a melethril who could manage this kind of spell just by dancing – good for him! And may all her other movements work stronger spells!

The musicians started another song and Thranduil decided he ought to hurry away. He had not gone more than a few steps when he heard Legolas speak.

"Ada! I thought you were here. Come and join us!"

Thranduil turned to face his son with raised brows. "Are you certain you would not rather be alone?"

"As the musicians are practicing Lilthol Naur Iavas (Dancing Autumn Fire), Lothril wants to learn it and you know it needs at least three people," Legolas explained.

Thranduil nodded. "Very well."

They went over to the grove where Lothril was waiting, all smiles and excitement. "Oh good! He was there! I am sure I will have several dances to learn during enderi and if I can practice one or two now, all the better!"

"Would you like to explain how it goes, or shall I?" Thranduil asked.

"I can," Legolas answered then turned to Lothril. "Now, this is usually a dance for groups of three or more, but no matter the size, we start in a circle and join hands."

They started in a circle and Legolas walked her through the steps. This was the sort of dance where what you do with your hands is almost as important as what you do with your feet as your movements paint the picture of what is going on as well as keeping your partners from spinning off into the next group or falling down.

The musicians only played through it once, so that was all the practice Lothril got, but she grateful she had had even that much.

"Thank you, Thranduil, for joining us," Lothril said. "That is certainly a complicated dance!"

"It is a bit complicated, but you seemed to pick up on," Thranduil smiled.

"You know, I think this might be one of the most elven dances I have tried yet," she said. "I really cannot imagine humans trying to do this casually. Maybe professional dancers, but I think even they would want some practice first."

"Professional dancers?" Thranduil repeated.

"Oh yes, Ada! There are people who make a living and become famous for dancing like we do. Apparently most Men are not so talented and it takes many years to reach that level of ability," Legolas answered.

"What a pity," Thranduil said, sounding genuinely piteous of the state of mortals.

Just then they heard a voice calling for the king.

"I am over here," Thranduil called back casually.

Galion appeared and said he was needed for a few last minute opinions. Thranduil excused himself, leaving Legolas and Lothril alone again.

"I think I am excited," Lothril said with a grin.

"Yes, I believe you are. And you should be," he smiled and kissed her forehead. "This is a party to celebrate midyear. That is all. We eat, drink, dance, sing, and throw gravity to the wind and enjoy ourselves. No sermons, no standing stock still while singing serious songs, no worrying about whether or not it is approved or allowed because it is."

"What if I overdo it?" she asked, only half joking.

"If you somehow manage to overdo anything I will tend to you myself until you have made a full recovery," he replied. And there was absolutely no world in which he could imagine her overdoing it on anything. A more temperate soul one would be hard pressed to find.

They arrived in the clearing just a little before midday to find a gathering crowd and in all parts of the clearing. Some were standing and chatting, some were finding seats, and Thranduil standing in front of the largest central table chatting with Cîlwen and Gwilithon and their respective spouses sitting at the table and talking to other relations. Legolas had a funny feeling they were talking about them and the belated betrothal celebration. As soon as they noticed them approaching though, they all turned to them and welcomed them over.

"Oh good, you are here!" Thranduil said. "Now we may begin!"

Lothril glanced up at Legolas with a wide eyed questioning look. He just smiled and squeezed her hand. He led her around the table and Ada sat down first, then Legolas sat and gently pulled Lothril down with himself, and with that the servants uncovered dishes and everyone sat and began to eat as they noticed the king sitting and eating.

"That's it?" she whispered quietly to Legolas.

He nodded. "That is all. This is a party to celebrate midyear. No one can eat before the king, but that is about the extent of the formalities," he whispered back.

The tables had people sitting on both sides, which well facilitated conversation. Across from them sat family and Legolas was pleased that Lothril struck up conversation with his cousin's wife which was quickly absorbed into other conversations a little further down the table. Though he was not exactly sure just how comfortable or close she was feeling with any of kin, it warmed his heart to see her at ease with them and happily conversing.

Music was prevalent from the start, and it did not take terribly long for elves to start getting up and dance. Lothril did not seem to be in a rush to dance, in fact, she seemed very happy to be in conversation, so he stayed at table with her, holding her hand and gently massaging it as they talked with his kin. After a time the rest of his kin decided it was time to dance and all left the table.

Lothril looked at him and said, "I suppose it is time to dance after all. I think everyone else has been for a while."

"They have, but you were deep in conversation and I was not about to draw you away from one of your pleasures," Legolas replied, smiling. "Shall we?"

"Let's!" she returned enthusiastically.

He led her around the table and bowed to her and she to him and as soon as the song started they danced. As the afternoon wore on, they danced, played games, and Legolas was able to introduce her to a few of his friends. He was happy that she seemed to like and get along with his friends, so far as she had gotten to know them. They had met a wide enough array of people by now that he was starting to get a feel for when she liked someone right away and when she disliked them.

The merrymaking had been going on for a few hours before he realized she had not had a quiet moment away once. With some concern that she may be pushing herself further than she ought and be bordering on exhaustion, he used ósanwe and asked, "Lothril, do you need to get away for a little while? We have been merrymaking for hours and dinner shall more or less be in an hour."

"I was just about to ask if we could," Lothril replied.

"Of course we can! This is a party, not a church sermon. We can come and go as we please for as long as we please," he answered. He held out his hand to her and she took it and he led her away from the music and dancing. "Where do you need to go, melethel? To the gardens or perhaps back to your room for some solitude? Or elsewhere?"

"The thought of going indoors on such a lovely day is impossible. We can go to the gardens or any quiet place we can be alone for a little while," she answered.

"Ah, so you do not want true solitude?"

"I do not. Perhaps I have had too much wine and mead, but all I want is you and me alone," she answered with a grin. "I have been dying to kiss you for hours! In fact," she pulled him to a stop and gave him a quick kiss then said, "Ah, much better! Now I can make it to wherever we are going."

"And now I cannot get there fast enough!" He led her on at a very brisk walk and straight to the royal gardens and off to a far corner that was past the grove of trees they had been in earlier. There was a wide open grassy space surrounded by shrubs that flower splendidly in spring.

Thranduil did not notice his son and his son's betrothed were missing until it was nearly time for dinner. Not that it mattered, but everyone was naturally returning to the table and now that the dancers were fewer, it was easier to see they were missing. He was very much of the opinion that if they found something more enjoyable than merrymaking and eating to do – have fun and take your time! Just then though, they reappeared hand in hand and all smiles, both of them sporting more leaves in their hair than he recalled them having earlier, but looking otherwise put together. Thranduil said not a word but couldn't help but smirk a little as Legolas resumed his seat beside him.

"It has been a lovely afternoon, has it not?" Thranduil commented casually to Legolas.

"Quite," Legolas replied with an easy smile, guessing rightly his father had seen them returning.

"Are you making sure Lothril is enjoying herself also?" Thranduil asked.

"I am certainly putting forth every effort," Legolas answered.

"Oh good! I would hate for her to have a dull or miserable first enderi with us," Thranduil replied.

Lothril leaned forward and said to Thranduil, "I am most definitely enjoying my first enderi."

Something in the way she smiled as she said it told Legolas she had picked up on their conversation. How he loved her! Dinner was lovely, of course, and Lothril went out of her way to make sure she tried his father's custard and pumpkin pies and ask him all about which cinnamon he used and what he thought of it.

Legolas was truly delighted with how she seemed to be getting along so well with his father. She talked to him easily and he had told him directly several times how much he enjoyed talking to her and how she always had such interesting and amusing things to say. She had not given much of an opinion on his father one way or the other, but it seemed to him she must be enjoying his company as well as she always seemed happy to eat or play games or talk to him. He had been worried about her feeling alone and isolated here without any of her kin, human or elven but it seemed she was doing well and forging relationships with his kin, as evidenced by her chatting with his Aunt Cîlwen and bursting into laughter at a joke.

Being midyear, golden afternoon started early, evening settled in while they ate, and by the time most of the elves felt dessert sufficiently digested enough and diluted enough by wine or mead to start dancing, night was upon them and the lights were lit, the fires made bigger and brighter, and the music turned in a different direction from the playful bouncy songs of the afternoon and the quieter more subdued songs of the meal. Now that evening was nigh, the younger elflings began disappearing after dessert and some of the older ones who were reaching full maturity were allowed to stay up a little later. The majority that did though were generally the ones of more courting age who had someone they were courting presently or someone they were looking to court. Once the young elflings were mostly herded off to bed, the songs turned a bit more romantic and sentimental as couples took to dancing.

The young courting elves dancing together for the first few songs was not a tradition or custom, per say, because there were always plenty enough married ones that did also, but if the younger elves were going to, it was going to be now before they were either sent to bed themselves or start sneaking off together to talk privately.

Legolas gave a very quiet sigh and smile as he watched his youngest cousin Colfinneth be asked to dance by a certain young ellon she had been friends with for seventy-five or more years and the two of them start dancing with that smile that betrays they are in fact, in love to everyone but each other. He wondered vaguely how many times he wore that smile in Rivendell and if that is what tipped Arwen off… He had danced how many times with how many elf maids over the years during these first few songs? Most of the time it was with the understanding that it was only to make her father or mother happy. Once or twice she was genuinely interested in him and asked him or he was actually interested her and asked, but it was always short lived.

Lothril suddenly snaked her arm into his and rested her head briefly on his shoulder, causing him to grab the fork out of his right hand with his left. She repositioned a little so she was simply leaning against him and said, "I am very glad we are betrothed, but I almost wish we had not skipped this part."

"We did not skip it completely," Legolas replied, setting his fork down so he could take one of the hands on his arm. "We danced together in Imladris during the Hunter's Moon festivities. And we also spent how many nights with our friends singing and dancing together? We may not have had the years of friendship and mutual interest before declaring ourselves as several of those elves have had, but not all couples do."

"If I may interject," Thranduil said, leaning in a little to see Lothril, "Lauríel and I knew each other only six or seven weeks before we declared our intentions to each other, and we were betrothed within a year of our meeting. And my father and mother were the same, now that I think about it."

"Well, there's something to be said for family traditions," Lothril grinned. "I was born because of two blind dates. My grandma had a friend set up her and my grandfather and they met on a date, and my mother was set up by my aunt and met my father on their first date."

"Date?" Thranduil asked.

"Human custom," Legolas answered. "As a part of their courting customs, they agree to meet in different places and do things together like go to a coffee shop or play games."

"What sorts of games?" Thranduil asked.

"We have a game or sport called bowling where we take heavy balls and roll them down narrow wooden lanes with shallow ditches on either side and the goal is to knock down as many of these funny shaped objects called pins as we can with one ball," Lothril answered. "My parents met bowling. There are other games too, but I truly do not know how to explain some of them to you."

"It would truly be difficult to do briefly," Legolas agreed.

Thranduil nodded. "Did your grandmother and grandfather also meet bowling?"

"No, they met at a movie," Lothril answered.

"A movie?" Thranduil repeated. Odd word…

"Remember how I explained photographs?" Lothril asked. Thranduil nodded. "Well, they figured out if they took that film and put it on a large narrow spool, they could take lots and lots of pictures of movement. And then if they took that film strip and shone a light through it as it quickly passed in front of the light, it would look like the pictures were moving. Sort of like a flip book. Later on they figured out how to put sound to it so you could see and hear what was going on."

"Interesting," Thranduil said. "Did you see any of those movies while you were there?"

Legolas nodded. "A few of her favorites. They are truly a marvel!"

"Hold, what are you two doing sitting here and talking? Go dance you two and make merry! The night is young, the younger elves will start to clear out now, and it is clear to me you both need to catch up a little on our courting customs before you marry. Go!" Thranduil said, teased.

"Yes sir!" Lothril teased back and they got up to go dance.

Thranduil watched them for a little while until Cîlwen popped up in front of him and said, "Istelion and Elior are neck deep in planning out an autumn hunt and are liable to stay that for a while and I want to dance. Will you do your sister by marriage a favor and do me the honors?"

"I shall," Thranduil smiled, knowing full well Istelion and Elior were sure to tackle him soon if he did not. He was definitely interested in a smaller hunt, but not planning one for two days which was highly likely if they got to him now. Besides, Cîlwen was an excellent dancer and he always enjoyed her company.

Several hours of dancing later and quite late into the night, Lothril declared she was done for the day and Legolas happily escorted her back to her room.

"Are you going to go back after you drop me off at the door?" she asked.

"Who said I am dropping you off at the door?" he asked with an impish grin.

"Well, I would be grateful at that if you did follow me in. I am going to need a little help getting out of this dress and getting these flowers and leaves out of my hair," she replied. There was a brief pause before she added, "How wildly far off of social convention are we by me having you help me undress?"

Legolas laughed. "Very, but I would not change things! Besides," he leaned down and whispered in her ear as they walked, "I have seen you in less."

They reached her room and he helped her take out all the flowers and leaves Estelneth had all but woven into her hair and then he helped her undo the closures on her dress then left. He truly had no desire to return without her, but he was not quite ready to sleep yet, so he decided to do a little kitchen raiding and fetched for himself a hot cup of tea and bread and cheese on a small tray. As he did though, to his surprise, he saw Lothril walking out of her room casual as you please wearing her traveling clothes and a thick cloak.

"Where are you going?" he asked, quite befuddled at the sight.

She shrugged. "I don't really know. I just know it is a lovely night and I want to sleep outside. I miss it honestly. I think maybe your father's garden or something."

"Come wait in my room for a minute and I will join you," he said, hastily making up his mind that if she was going to sleep outside, he was going to sleep beside her again. She followed him into his room and he left her in the antechamber as he hastily changed into something more outdoor sleeping friendly and then poured his hot tea into a flask designed for hot drinks and then wrapped the bread and cheese and hastily shoved them into a small picnic basket sort of thing he would bring fishing sometimes. As he changed he also thought. He truly was not sure sometimes how he was going to go a full year without feeling her beside him as he slept. Maybe… It was not unheard of for him to tell the servants not to pester him in the morning… oh, but his room renovations! She would doubtless want to explore and everywhere besides his bedchamber was in the middle of being packed and moved or renovated. He would figure something out. As he was about to leave the room, he detoured briefly to his fishing closet and pulled out two blankets and shoved them into the picnic basket.

He left the room, flask in the basket, basket slung over his shoulder, and led her out into his garden, but the edge of the orchard that was very far away from where he was radically rearranging things to give her a lilac grove. The sickle moon was visible through the thinning leaves, and it only gave off about as much light as the stars, leaving things in the orchard fairly dim, but they did not mind. He led her to a particular little spot where the ground was a little higher and he pulled one of the blankets out and laid it down on the grass for them.

"Goodness, even impromptu you're organized," Lothril commented sounding quite impressed.

Reflexively he smiled a little and said, "I have been known to run away on fishing trips at a moment's notice."

"So you weren't kidding when you said you run away from nobles?"

"Not in the slightest," he admitted as he pulled out the second blanket and then the bread and cheese. "Come sit."

She settled down beside him cross legged and looked up at the sky. "Not much moon tonight."

"It shall be a new moon in six nights," he commented. "You know, our calendar is a bit odd compared to the one you grew up with. It may be easier if you reckon things in moons for a while until you get used to ours. We all reckon by the moon anyway as it is a common means of reckoning between Elves and Men and Dwarves. We each have our own calendars but when dealing with each other we use the moon."

"Hmm… I might at that. Our calendar was based on the sun, but I still sort of knew about the different moons like the hunter's moon, strawberry moon, and so forth," she replied. "That will at least help me keep of track of things at least somewhat."

"Then we will work on that, but later," he said.

"What, no astronomy lessons tonight?"

"It is a holiday! No business, no lessons, no work. Just fun and play and games," he answered before giving her a quick little kiss. "Tea?"

"What kind?" she asked.

"Same as this morning," he answered as he took the top off the flask.

"Ooh! Yes please!" she said, reaching for the proffered flask.

"Bread and cheese?" he asked.

"What kind of bread?"

"That herb one you like so well," he answered.

"You weren't planning on taking me out here all along, were you?" she asked, somewhat suspicious.

"Nay, not at all. I was very surprised to see you in the hallway. It just so happens though, this is one of my favorite breads also. And so is this cheese," he answered as he cut off a slice of cheese with a knife that lived in the basket.

He handed her a slice and as soon as she took a bite she said, "I still prefer something a little sharper with it, but this is still nice."

"In truth, my favorite way to have this cheese with this bread is with a particular spiced wine, but I did not feel like that much effort. The tea was much faster."

"Legolas?"

"Yes?"

"I love you." She leaned in and kissed him.

"I love you too," he answered, giving another kiss in return.

She scooched closer to him so their shoulders were touching and he reflexively put an arm around her. Silence fell between them as they shared bread, cheese, and tea. Legolas loved the fact they could be that way together. He had always loved that about their relationship from the very beginning. They could talk all day or be in peaceful silence.

The merrymaking was still going on and they could just hear the music. Lothril started to hum along and after a little while paused and asked, "What is this song? Does this song have any words?"

"No, but it is called Lind na Yavanna. We play it often during harvest," he answered.

She did not say anything, but she did nod.

"Would you like anymore bread, cheese, or tea?" he offered.

"Just a sip of tea," she answered.

"Here you are," he said, handing her the flask again.

She took a sip. "Thank you," she said as she handed it back. With a sigh she flopped back onto the blanket and stared up at the stars peeking through the branches.

He finished the tea and put the remainder of the loaf and cheese back in the basket before lying on his side beside her. She looked so peaceful and content as she stared up at the stars which reflected in her dark eyes like they were the sky themselves. Truly, he could stare at her for ages and he was looking forward to it. What is more, she often let him look as long as he wished. "Lothril," he ventured quietly.

She turned her dark eyes towards him and her whole face changed and was filled with love and joy. "Yes, Legolas?"

"May I sleep beside you here tonight?" he petitioned, taking her hand in his and giving it a soft kiss.

"Please do!" she answered with a smile. "I really have no idea how I am going to make it a whole year without you sleeping beside me at night."

"Neither do I," he confessed as he pulled out the second blanket. He spread it over the both of them as he settled down beside her on his back. "That is why I am trying to figure out a way we can do this over winter and spring."

"Are you really?" she asked, half laughing.

"I am. And I am almost ashamed to admit it, but after waiting over five thousand years for you, I find I am now very nearly impatient. A year is nothing, a year is a blink, and yet waiting until this time next year to sleep beside you again feels like an age," he admitted. He rolled onto his side again and rested his head on his arm. "But still I wait a year to marry you or as long as you need."

"I do appreciate that, but seriously – we are getting married this time next year," she said very definitively, turning to look him in the eyes. She looked back up at the stars and added thoughtfully, "Really though, between the two of us I think we are sneaky enough and careful enough to manage something."

"Well we certainly are right now," Legolas grinned.

"You know, I was thinking of having Estelneth take a day off each week. Or at least most mornings. As family breakfast is a pretty casual affair, there really isn't much need for her to be there first thing to get me in formal dresses," she said.

Legolas smiled.

"What are you smiling about?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow at him.

"Family breakfast. I love the fact you are calling it that because that is exactly what it is. Does this mean you are starting to feel like family?" he replied.

She did not answer right away but stared up at the stars again. "I suppose I am a little. I mean, I sort of fell in love with Elrond as a father and it was always very plain and fatherly feelings I had towards him, but Thranduil… I have no idea how to classify what we have going. I certainly feel comfortable with him and I like him very much, but I cannot categorize it all. I do think he's some sort of family to me but I cannot imagine what." She paused a moment then said, "Intense older brother dad friend who will totally get you into trouble, but then talk his way out of it."

Legolas laughed. "That about sums it up! Though, he never needs to talk his way out of trouble, he simply declares himself out of it. There are certain benefits to being a king."

Lothril gave a quiet chuckle. "I suppose there would be at that." Silence fell for only a moment before she asked, "Do you suppose there will be a frost tonight?"

"No, not tonight. If we get too cold though, we can always go back inside," he answered.

"I did tell Estelneth not to bother helping me out tomorrow… So I suppose if we do go inside, we could spend the night in my room…"

He studied her face in the dim silver light. "You almost sound like you want to go inside."

"It is growing chill and there is no fire," she said, half musing. "And I do love a fire… and my blankets are so gloriously warm and my pillows so soft…"

"We can go in, and now would be a good time to do it before the dew falls and we get cold and damp."

"Let's go back inside."

They quickly shook out and folded up the blankets and headed back inside to a very quiet palace that was either still merrymaking or asleep. He told her to dress for bed while he put his things back in his room and quickly grabbed something to sleep in along with a particular robe he had that would well cover whatever he was wearing underneath, so if someone did just so happen to see him in the hallway, he would look dressed. He left his room and casually went into Lothril's and knocked before entering her bed chamber in case she was not changed yet. She opened the door for him and found her in a pair of leggings and a slightly oversized tunic that were a nice warm material.

"Like my elven pajamas?" she asked as she stood aside to let him in.

He came inside and looked over her outfit and smiled. "Very you. They look cozy."

"Oh, but they are. Really, Filegon is a wizard with clothes! But I did have to argue with him a bit to convince him to make the sleeves this long," she said.

"I see you started a fire."

"Of course! It was getting pretty chill in here," she replied. "Shall we?" she asked as she gestured to the bed.

"Milady first. It is your bed," he answered.

She half skipped over and he realized she was very excited and giddy about this. For being such a rule follower, when she flouted the rules, she certainly did it enthusiastically! She crawled in on one side and he went around and took the other. As soon as he was settled in she was pressed against him with her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest and he could not imagine a better way to spend that night. He smiled and he felt her sigh contentedly as she settled in beside him before she roused herself and gave him a goodnight kiss.

"Goodnight, meleth nin," she said, sounding quite excited still.

"Goodnight, melethel," he replied.

The next morning he awoke to find Lothril was still against him but with her arm draped over his chest and with one of her legs draped over his. He was not about to complain. He let her sleep a few minute more before he took her hand draped over his chest and brought her finger to his lips and kissed them to wake her up. She blinked and sat up a little and looked at him slightly confused but it cleared very quickly and she smiled.

"Oh good! Yesterday and last night weren't a dream! Good morning, melethron!" she greeted.

"Good morning, Lothril. And no, yesterday and last night were not a dream. They were very pleasant waking. And today shall be more of the same. Today is day two of enderi, after all," he returned.

"It is, isn't it? Ah, but I almost want to stay in bed with you like this all day!" she said.

"So do I, but then we would miss out on all the dancing and games."

"True… and I suppose staying in bed all day wouldn't be very much fun quite yet," she said.

A wicked little grin crossed his face. "Oh, it could be very, very fun! However, we would be missed and questions would be asked. As it is… Ada will probably have a late breakfast this morning, so we may have a little fun before breakfast if you wish."

"I wish! I wish! We have not had time for this in days!" She shifted a little so she could crawl up the last couple of inches to reach his lips and kiss him eagerly a few times before asking, "What do we even call 'this'?"

"Mîbed nûr (deep kissing). Or making out if you want to use your term for it. Same difference," he answered, sounding half distracted between kisses. She always picked the strangest times for language inquiries.

"I like mîbed nûr," she replied before giving him a string of soft little teasing kisses as she began burying her fingers in his hair.

She was beginning to prove to be quite a little tease. She would give him these light little kisses then crush her mouth to his and kiss him like she was about to tear his clothes off but with the next kiss go back to these light little innocent things that almost seemed shy except for the wicked grin she'd have on her face when she'd pull away and look at him. Then she would do something so innocent like kiss his forehead or cheek but then run her fingers up and down his arms or neck or in his hair and cause tingles to go shooting through him before she'd do something like kiss his neck or ears and then resume these chaste little kisses while running her hands across his chest. He loved it, he absolutely loved it, but she was such a horrid tease! If this was a preview of their marriage bed… suddenly a bed the size of a small pond made sense…

He let her have her way for a little while, but then it was his turn. He gently turned her so they were both lying on their sides then slowly he pushed her down onto her back as he kissed her. If she was going to tease him, he was going to make her melt. He began kissing her neck and murmuring sweet verses in her ear that spoke of his desires and sent thrills through her even as his hands were cradling her head and the other around her waist, but nothing more.

They both knew they did not have a terribly long time before breakfast, so after a few minutes more and a parting kiss from Legolas, they got out of bed and retreated to his room to dress, absolutely no one the wiser to their night and morning.

The second day of midyear celebrations was a full one, and even though they had breakfast in their usual manner, almost immediately afterwards they headed back outside to find many an elf already out and about playing games and casually eating between turns at lawn darts or something like. There was still music in the air, but everyone seemed a bit more focused on talking and relaxing than dancing at the moment. Thranduil and Legolas pointed out various nobles to Lothril as they saw them, and then Legolas found several of his friends and so he and Lothril split off from Thranduil and went to go spend time with them.

Lothril thought the whole day felt like a day at a camping with friends. Lots and lots of friends. No one was in a rush to do anything, everyone was relaxing and enjoying themselves, food was everywhere as were games if you wanted them, and somewhere late morning some elves started up dancing again, though most were content to talk or sing along to the music at that hour.

The afternoon was more dancing and games and talking and then by evening the games largely stopped, but the singing became more prevalent and some the dances more complicated and intense. And of course, the entire time there was nothing but food, wine, mead, and beer for whoever wanted whatever and most of them were merry as could be. Lothril was finding she could handle the crowds and such alright if she sat at table while others danced and then sneaked away every so often for a few minutes here and there.

Then the musicians began playing the new song that Legolas and Lothril had heard them practicing in the garden yesterday. Thranduil recognized it at once and half wondered if he should stop them from going out, but… perhaps it was only because they were alone…

They danced together and though they drew the attention of other dancers and onlookers alike, no one seemed particularly spell bound like they couldn't look away, only that… they were so entrancing to watch together… What in nature moved so gracefully and naturally together as they? He so fair and light and she so lovely and shadow… they moved as two halves of a whole. The song reached its end with the two of them close, but they did not kiss and somehow him simply holding her seemed almost privately intimate and personal, and some of the onlookers who had stopped what they were doing to watch them almost felt embarrassed for a moment like they had been spying on the lovers… but no, that was silly! The prince was as proper and courteous as ever and the lady the soul of modesty. That was plain with how he was very properly escorting her off towards the head table.

They were not at table again long though before she was sneaking away for a few minutes. Legolas saw her slip out and joined her.

"And just where do you think you are going?" he whispered in her ear as he came up behind her.

"I just need a few minutes, I will be back soon," she answered simply.

"Nay, I think not," he said before he came in front of her and kissed her.

Her eyes went wide. Well, if that was what he wanted, she was not about to argue. She let him lead her away back into the palace and her room and as soon as the bedroom door was closed he began kissing her in earnest.

"You looked so comfortable and happy today," he said quietly and paused his kisses so he could unclasp her cloak. "Do you know how happy it makes me, seeing you happy? And falling in so easily with my kin and my people?"

"I am guessing very happy," she replied.

"Very, very happy," he said as he pulled the cloak off of her and draped it over the nearest chair.