Ria the brown-hooded, round eared Elf. Yes! Elf. She was different from the others and it made other people make fun of her but Ria didn't care because she knew one day she will be somebody, her name will be remembered, her long dark brown wavy hair cascaded around her shoulders as her brown hood was clipped there. Her deep blue eyes matched the color of the ocean, she wore a dark blue long shirt with brown leather bandages all over it like a corset, brown leggings and brown boots. She was mounted on her horse making her way hastily towards Rivendell. Her home, Ria's parents already sailed to Valinor leaving only Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen her closest friends to be called as family.

Ria smirked as she saw Gandalf waiting at the gates of Rivendell as soon as Ria reached Gandalf she dismounted her horse spreading her arms out saying "Present!" Ria expected a hug but instead Gandalf hit her head with his staff and said "You're late." Ria rubbed her head and said "I got caught up with some mountain trolls. Annoying big things." as Ria and Gandalf made their way to the secret council.

Once Ria and Gandalf entered the secret council, Ria was shock to see different races from different realms. She made sure her face was hidden with her hood, trying her best not to make eye contact. Ria always made sure that she doesn't make any commitments with other people except Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Lady Arwen because it would only distract her from her mission in life.

To destroy the one ring.

The council went on and eventually people started volunteering to join, Ria contemplated on the idea. The quest that they were to face, the journey that they were to take was perfect for her. She was born to fight and protect the land she loves. Her home, Middle Earth. "Ria." Lord Elrond murmured under his breath as he send a look of expectation towards her. Ria stood up with everyone's eyes on her especially Legolas who was curious who was the brown hooded figure. "I shall join you Frodo, I shall protect your life with my own." Ria said as she slowly pulled her hood back.

A few gasps escaped mouths but then Boromir burst out arguing "This is madness!! We cannot let a mere woman in the fellowship." "It's elleth." Ria hissed, already not liking this human. Boromir stepped forward to get a better look at Ria's rounded ears, he then burst out laughing and this made Ria's temper rise. "Did you hear that she said Elf... *clears throat* It is absurd to let a woman join the fellowship, you will die easily. Woman are weak Gandalf you can't--" but before he could finish his sentence, Ria snapped and jumped on his back to do a front flip but she still grabbed his head and threw him over her across the room making him hit the wall hard. As he started getting up, Ria grabbed Legolas' two daggers and threw them at Boromir, everyone's breath was cut short scared that Ria would actually kill Boromir but instead, one dagger was near Boromir's hip and the other cut his hair.

Boromir was proven wrong, everyone who witnessed was amazed, shocked, surprise but Legolas was breathless. A strange mysterious Elleth with moves and skills like that and not only did she had skills but her beauty was amazing maybe not as Lady Arwen but enough to make Legolas stare in wonder and steal his breath away. Once the council was finish Legolas went to retrieve his daggers and as he turned around to approach the brown hooded Elleth, she was gone. Out of sight. Lady Arwen then grabbed Legolas' shoulder and whispered in his ear "Try the gardens." she was talking about the Elleth he was trying to find. Lady Arwen then winked at him and walked away.

Legolas then started making his towards the garden but his only problem was that, Elrond's garden was enormous, it would too late before he could find her. He desperately search for her because for some reason he could feel a connection, an indescribable feeling, all he knew was that something about her drew him. As he searched the garden he saw her staring out at the horizon with eyes filled with hope and determination. What is the story behind this beautiful Elleth? The story about her strange round ears? Or the story about why she is so determined to journey with them on possibly the most dangerous quest ever and not having thoughts if she would die or not?

"Nervous are you?" She asked suddenly, not even turning her head to look at the elven prince. "Surprisingly no... I just can't wait till it's over." Legolas said as he stood beside her. Ria turned to the elven prince and said "Well, I can't wait till it starts." as she started walking away but Legolas stopped her by grabbing her arm. Ria's eyes narrowed to the elven prince wondering why on morgoth's balls did he stop her? Ria raised her eyebrows at Legolas but as Legolas looked into the beautiful pools of her blue eyes. He was lost for words. "My apologies." he coughed out as he sowly released her.

Ria knew she felt the butterflies as his eyes mirrored that he was looking deep into her eyes, but she ignored she even forbid it. She can't fall in love. Especially to an elven prince with great titles and great expectations, he was way out of her league. And besides she now had a mission and she can't have distractions.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The journey began, and it was Legolas and Ria in the back since both of them are elves with keen eyesight and hearing they both are a very good advantage to the fellowship. "So where are you from?" Legolas asked trying to strike up a conversation with the mysterious and quiet elleth. Why is he even talking to me? Ria thought to herself. "Everywhere," she said not wanting to continue the conversation.

Legolas chuckled to himself awkwardly. He wondered why on earth was he acting like this, strange and awkward flamingo like. He wasn't usually like this, was it the mysterious elleth or his-- no! He shall say the L word. The word he was afraid to say, everyone back home in Mirkwood was counting on him. He cannot have distractions.

The fellowship then decided to rest while Legolas and Ria were on watch. Ria looked outwards trying to find anything that seems out of place and keeping watch making sure no harm comes to the fellowship while Legolas beside her was cursing inside of his head. He couldn't focus while he was beside Ria, he kept stealing glances towards her wondering if he would ever get to know her. "You know staring at me for too long is creepy." Ria said as she didn't look at Legolas and even though Ria was flattered that he kept on looking at her. She didn't allow herself to be succumbed to the butterflies that now swarmed her stomach. "Sorry, it's is just that you are so mysterious it makes me wonder..." Legolas trailed off.

"Makes you wonder what?" Ria asked, "What goes inside that little pretty head of yours." he said in a soft voice. Ria's head snapped towards back to keep watch and she tried her best to hide the blush that was creeping its way to her cheeks, but then she looked back at Legolas and saw him looking right at her but their moment was interrupted by "What's that!?" one of the hobbits asked as he pointed at the sky. Legolas and Ria's head snapped towards the direction the hobbit pointed. "Nothing it's just a wisp of cloud." Gimli said as he continued smoking his pipe clearly not paying close attention. "It's moving fast... against the wind." Boromir said but Legolas and Ria's eyes grew wide as they finally saw what it was and both of them shouted together

"Crebain from Dunland."

Everyone started scramming, but before Ria could move Legolas quickly threw her over his shoulder and jumped into a bush. "What are you--" Ria hiss was cut off as Legolas covered her mouth with his hand, but Ria tried shouting above his hand clearly not thinking about the situation they are in or what was flying above them. Ria was mad on why was Legolas being this way. When there was no way to shut Ria up Legolas did the one thing he was afraid to do, he pushed his lips upon hers.

At first Ria was shocked and surprised, but the most shocking thing would be was she kissed him back. Legolas tangled his fingers into her dark brown hair getting lost in the kiss. Her lips feel amazing, I never felt something like this Legolas thought to himself. This kiss is soo... soo... WRONG! Ria then snapped into reality, it finally processed in her head of what was happening. She then pushed Legolas away from her and hissed "What do you think you are doing!?" once the crebain disappeared, Legolas looked over at Ria who was now red and pissed off but deep down inside she was blushing and giggling, but she couldn't let them see that.

She then threw Legolas out of the bush making all eyes on them, "WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A THING!?" Ria shouted, "What is the matter Ria?" Gandalf asked, as everyone's eyes was on Ria waiting for her answer. She felt shy the attention that they were giving her. She then blurted out "He kissed me." everyone tried hiding their smile especially Aragorn and Gandalf. Gimli rolled his eyes in frustration. "Elves." he mumbled as he walked away. "It's not funny!" Ria complained at all their attempt of hiding their smiles which was failing by the second. "Let's go." Gandalf said as the fellowship carried on.

Ever since that moment Ria have been hanging out more often with Aragorn. Talking and getting to know each other. Legolas who was in front was jealous and kept looking back at Ria. He couldn't help it, but when the time came in Lothlorien where they were grieving for Gandalf's fall, Legolas was there for Ria. He kept her company and rubbed her back but what he didn't expect was that Ria fell into his arms crying her eyes out. Legolas patted her back, he couldn't say anything because everything was not okay. He knew how close she was to Gandalf. And it broke his heart to see her hurt like this.

"I.. I am.. I'm sorry Legolas." Ria's voice cracked as she pulled away from Legolas' embrace to face him. Not caring if her eyes were red and puffy. Ria couldn't deny the feelings that have been growing more and more for Legolas. It was obvious for Aragorn and Gimli to see that both of them are madly in love with each other but it's just that Ria was scared. "Ria, there is nothing to be sorry about... I just want you to know that I love you." Legolas admitted, he could no longer hide it away from Ria. He was madly in love with her, he loved the way her eyes sparkled in the sun and moon he even loved the dangerous look in her eyes every time when she would be in battle mode.

He loved the way she would run her hand through her dark brown wavy hair whenever she is thinking, he loved how she was abnormally strong even without her weapons. He loved how she was kind and sweet around people especially the hobbits but she would be distant at times.

Ria's eyes widen, she was afraid that this would happen. She was afraid that her wild guess was true that Legolas was in love with her. She was jumping inside because she knew she wasn't crazy that she wasn't imagining Legolas being in love with her, but she was scared. She was scared that if she fell in love one of them will die leading to a heart break but what made her scared even more was the fact that he was an elven prince, royalty, son of a King-- and not just any king but it just had to be King Thranduil. She knew King Thranduil, a man who values treasures and gems, who enjoys parties and feasts. How could she live up to their standards? And Legolas is a bloody prince what made him fall for a simple and strange elf like me? Was it real love that he felt or just a thing that passes by? All Ria knows was she didn't want to stay longer to find out herself.

She pushed Legolas out of her arms, "I.. I-- I am s-sorry Legolas. But I can't return... I can't give you what you seek." Ria stuttered, it wasn't a lie at all. She couldn't give what Legolas seeks but she didn't say that she did not love him, but she wasn't even sure herself. "You don't have to give me anything Ria, just tell me what you truly feel for me." Ria looked down to her feet. She didn't want to tell him, she just couldn't. "I-- I'm sorry Legolas... there is someone else." Ria lied as she looked at Legolas. And right on time Aragorn appeared behind Legolas making Ria look behind him and as Legolas followed her gaze.

He took the wrong idea.

Legolas looked back at Ria with an expression that can make you flinch, an expression where you could tell an Elf has truly been in pain. "Le-- Legolas." she stuttered but it was too late. Legolas stormed out, Aragorn scratched his head, utterly confused. "Did I interrupt something?" he asked, Ria couldn't hold it back in. She burst out into tears. She hurt the one she truly loved, but that was how Ria was. She lies to people about how she truly feels, she distance herself so she wouldn't get too attached, but here she was crying her eyes out for the one elf that she felt different with, the only person she has ever kissed.

As the journey continues Legolas has been giving her the cold shoulder. And then Ria's worst nightmare happened. She became distracted in her fighting. Her nerves and her very own heart won't let it go, won't let Legolas go. What made it even worse was that when Ria was distracted in battle Legolas would have to come to save her. Every time she is in danger, he was there. Every time she was close to death or surrounded by Orcs, he was there. And each single time Ria's feelings grew stronger and so did her guilt.

Now Ria and everyone were making their way towards the gates of Mordor. The last and possibly final battle that Ria would ever encounter. She was surprised that she had made it this far-- Thanks to Legolas for that. If it wasn't for him she would be a goner. "Why don't you tell him?" Aragorn asked, Ria shot a look at him. Aragorn knew Ria's feelings for Legolas but no matter how many times Aragorn would confront Ria she would always deny it. "Who knows might happen during this battle, it is better for him to know than to die not knowing." Aragorn said. Ria hung her head and said "I don't love him."

Aragorn smiled and put his hand on her shoulder and said "Stop lying to him and most of all stop lying to yourself." Ria turned her head to see Legolas looking at them with envy. Legolas thought Aragorn and Ria were together even though Aragorn was with Arwen. "Laddie, you should go talk to her." Gimli said to Legolas. "Why should I talk to a person who doesn't even want to talk to me?" Legolas shot back. "Because you love her." Gimli replied.

"But she doesn't love me Gimli, she loves someone else." Legolas said as he stared at how Ria was riding beside Aragorn. Gimli snorted and said "Lies! I can smell lies anywhere Lad." Legolas chuckled and murmured "I wish she was lying." as the battle begun all that was in Ria's mind was Legolas. There was another battle inside of her head happening. She was torn between keeping the lies as a lie or telling the truth. Right as her mind was pondering on Aragorn's words she didn't notice a troll was about to squash her. When Ria snapped out of her bubble it was too late to move. She saw everything around her moving in slow motion, events of her life flashing in her head like a slideshow.

This was the end and Legolas would never know.

Right as the troll's hammer was gonna squash her Legolas quickly appeared right in front of her blocking the blow before it could end her precious life. Legolas than easily killed the troll. Legolas turned around and asked her with concerned eyes "Are you okay Ria?" Ria nodded without speaking. Legolas turned around and as he was about to run away, Ria finally made her decision. Ria quickly grabbed his-- she missed. Legolas slipped away before she could grab his arms.

Ria then tried catching up to him slaying and stabbing any Orc that stood in her way and as her sword was kicked out of her hand. She then used her fists, effortlessly killing the Orcs with ease. "Legolas!" Ria called out making Legolas turn to look at her while he was shooting with his bow. "Are you hurt?" he asked, scared that Ria might be calling out for help or aid. "No, I have to tell you something." Ria said as she bit her lip while punching and fighting Orcs which was hard since they wore armor but Ria was strong. "Are you sure this is a good time?" Legolas asked as his back was now against Rias'.

"It's the best time." Ria cheered trying to sound happy instead of nervous. "What?" Legolas asked, "First I want to say that..." Ria said as she punched an Orc in the face, "Thank you for rescuing me and helping me in the battle." punches another Orc "Duck!" Legolas shouted, Ria duck then Legolas shot a huge Orc that was approaching them. "My pleasure." Legolas said to Ria showing off his dashing smile. "But my main point is... The thing I told you about may or may not be totally true leading it to be a lie but seriously it is..." she ranted not clearly thinking what she is saying. Legolas faced her and asked "What? Stop ranting Ria."

Ria rolled her eyes, she cannot easily say this. "Lying is something I usually do especially when it is something I truly feel." she said again not making sense.... again. Legolas blocked another blow that was about to hit Ria and said "Just say it Ria because I can't really understand you." Legolas thought she was saying something related to Aragorn.

Ria rolled her eyes again and she shouted "Legolas! I love you!" making Legolas stop just as he cut an Orc's head off. He turned towards her and asked "What did you say?" not believing she was actually saying it. Thinking it might be his own imagination. Ria sighed and said "I said I lov--" before Ria could finish her own sentence Legolas pulled her in for a kiss.

The kiss was sweet and tender, Ria kissed back loving the feeling on her lips, the feeling that Legolas could only make her feel. Ria pulled back and said breathless "I love you." that's when all the Orcs started running away. Ria and Legolas looked towards Mordor to see the eye falling. Legolas sighed happily and said "I love you too Ria, always have and forever will." they pulled in for another kiss but this time it was different it was a desperate kiss, wanting to be near each other and never apart.

A kiss that Ria will forever know and cherish for the rest of eternity.

Ten years later Ria lived in Mirkwood she had a job there and that was to teach the Silvan Elves her fighting moves and skills without weapons. And years have Legolas secretly trying to persuade his father to accept Ria so he could marry her. Years and years of begging, King Thranduil finally agreed. Legolas proposed to her as they traveled together with Gimli in the glittering caves where Legolas forged a diamond ring for Ria. As they returned to Mirkwood they got married and had a few children.

It's all Love and Lies.

When one might regret for the rest of his or her life hiding in the shadows of the truth;

and the other will fall in love.

The End.