Legolas

Three days after the very last celebratory feast, I find myself in Eilonwy's room, watching her pack up her things for our trip to Rivendell. Her hair is tucked carelessly behind her ear, the rest falling down her shoulders and back in pretty curls. Her eyes glance at me every once in awhile, and she blushes when she catches me staring. I grin as she turns her back to me, her green dress swishing behind her as she does so.

"How long do you think the trip to Rivendell will be?" she asks softly.

I pause to think for a moment. "A week? Maybe two. I am not exactly sure. I have not traveled from Minas Tirith to Rivendell in a very long while."

She nods her head, her curls bouncing around her as if they are dancing, fire flickering in an invisible wind, and I smile in amusement as she turns to look at me, one curl hanging down in her face. I stand and approach her, tucking the strand behind her pointed ear, and she smiles up at me. "I cannot wait," she says with a grin, her eyes shining in excitement.

"I will enjoy seeing your reaction," I tell her, kissing her nose, and she laughs at the action.

"Knock, knock," comes a cheery voice from the door, and Eilonwy and I turn to see Glosseth entering the room, a wide smile on her face as she watches us.

"Glosseth!" Eilonwy exclaims with an excited smile, pulling away from me and hugging my sister as she nears us, "I have not seen you in a few days."

Glosseth hugs her back happily, grinning up at me slyly. "I am happy to hear that you will be accompanying us to Rivendell, Eilonwy. I cannot wait to show you around!"

"Actually," I cut in with a small smile, placing my arm around Eilonwy and drawing her close to me when she pulls away from Glosseth, "I will be the one to show her around."

"Hmm," my sister replies with a teasing smile, "I should have known."
"How is packing coming along, girls?" I hear my mother's voice before she enters the room. Her eyes travel from Glosseth to Eilonwy, and when they land on me, she smirks slightly, "And Legolas."

Her snowy hair is braided back beautifully upon her head, the rest falling like a snow slide down her shoulders in waves. Her icy colored eyes watch me with silent amusement as they seem to always do these days. Her dark purple gown sweeps to the floor dramatically, the color matching the purple jewel resting in the center of her silver circlet that resembles icicles dripping down her head. My mother is everything a queen should be: kind, considerate, loving, and gentle. Eilonwy will do well in her place someday. I just hope that I can be half of the king my father is.

"I am almost finished, my Queen," Eilonwy replies, turning back to her bags to pack a few more dresses.

"Wonderful," my mother says softly, her hands clasping together in front of her, "I shall escort you all to breakfast, and afterwards we will all say our goodbyes. Thranduil and I will be traveling back to the Woodland Realm, and the rest of you will be on your way to Rivendell."

I nod once to her, showing that I am listening, and I turn to watch as Glosseth begins speaking. "Oh, how I will miss you, Naneth!" she exclaims, crossing the room to embrace her.

My mother laughs softly, wrapping her arms around her daughter in return and stroking her hair tenderly. "I will miss you as well, my daughter, but you can always come home at any time," she says before her voice dips into a teasing whisper, "But you are not allowed to come home unless you have Elwin with you."

"Mother!" Glosseth gasps in embarrassment, pulling away from her embrace.

I laugh loudly at her face, which is now the color of Eilonwy's hair, and my mother laughs along with me.

"Legolas has found Eilonwy, so now it is your turn, Glosseth," she chides amusedly.

Glosseth turns to stare at Eilonwy and I with wide eyes. "I-I will just go down to breakfast now," she mumbles, fleeing from the room quickly.

I grin at my mother as she comes closer to Eilonwy and me. "I will watch over her," I say, making a promise I intend to keep. Elwin is not as skilled of a warrior as one would think, and if he hurts my sister I will have no problem taking him down.

My mother nods in approval. "I expect nothing less," she says, placing her hand on my shoulder softly, "And please, if you are not too preoccupied whilst staying in Rivendell, try to push Elwin and Glosseth to each other." She smiles, showing her pearly white teeth, and her eyes crinkle in their corners. Her eyes shine with happiness as she looks between Eilonwy and me.

I glance down at Eilonwy as she looks up at me, and my lips lift at the corners. "I will try, but no promises. There are many things to distract me in Imladris."

My mother smirks at me before stepping toward Eilonwy and placing her hands on her shoulders. "Now, Eilonwy," she starts, "If Legolas mistreats you in any way, send me a letter, and I will come and straighten him out. He tends to act like an elfling sometimes, especially when he does not get his way. You know you are in trouble when he pokes his bottom lip out. Just like an elfling! Do not fall for his cute-,"

"Naneth!" I exclaim, groaning in annoyance.

She laughs cheerily along with Eilonwy, and she pats her shoulder once. "I will miss you as much as I will miss my sons and daughter. You have become like a daughter to me, so, please, be careful. You know more than anyone that danger is lurking once again."

Eilonwy nods and smiles beautifully. "Thank you for your kindness, my lady. I will miss you dearly, for you have become like a mother to me. And do not worry, I will be sure to keep Legolas in line," she jests, glancing at me with a smirk.

My mother laughs and kisses Eilonwy on the forehead before kissing mine as well. "That promise puts my mind at ease. Now, I will see you both at breakfast," she says, and she leaves, sending one last smile at us before disappearing out of the door.

I turn to Eilonwy to see her smirking at me alluringly. I raise my eyebrow at her. "What?"

"I am a distraction?" she questions.

I step closer to her, but she backs away with a grin. I stare at her in surprise

before grinning mischievously. I lunge toward her, expecting to grab her, but she shrieks, jumping out of the way. Her laugh fills the room, and mine joins her. I raise my eyebrow at her as she stands beside her bed, watching me carefully. I lunge toward her again, and she jumps onto her bed, trying to crawl away. I quickly follow, surprised at how fast she is. By the time I am on her bed, she is halfway across the room. I groan in faux frustration, falling onto my back upon the bed.

"I surrender," I tell her, closing my eyes, and her laughs fills the room, warmth flooding through my veins at the sound.

I hear her soft footsteps approach the bed, but I keep my eyes closed. "You gave up very quickly," she says, and I feel her poke my cheek teasingly.

Catching her off guard, I grab her arm and pull her toward me with a force that sends her toppling over me, and she lands beside me on the bed with a surprised shriek. I turn my head to look at her, grinning in triumph. Her hair is tousled, and her eyes are bright and beautiful as she looks at me. The smile on her lips is breathtaking, and I turn over, brushing my fingers across her jaw.

"I cannot wait to travel to Rivendell," she whispers to me, her eyes searching mine.

"I cannot wait until the day I bring you to Mirkwood," I reply, wishing she knew how much I truly would love to have her in my home. I can imagine her so clearly walking the hallways or the gardens. I long to take her back with me soon, but I also wish to enjoy our time in Rivendell.

She grins at me, running a strand of my hair through her fingers. "I also long for that day," she says, and my heartbeat picks up speed in my chest as I look at her, "But before any of those things happen, we must first make it down to breakfast before your mother comes searching."

She sits up and climbs off the bed, and I follow her reluctantly, wishing we could just stay in our own little world for a while. I take her hand and kiss her lips once before leading her out of the room and down to the dining hall for the very last time before we leave Minas Tirith.

---

"I am sad to leave," Eilonwy says quietly as everyone stands around the courtyard saying their goodbyes.

I look over at her. "Parting with one's friends is always difficult," I respond softly, "But we will see them again."

She smiles at me, but it does not quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Legolas."

"Lady Eilonwy!" comes Estrith's cry, and I turn just in time to see her jumping into Eilonwy's arms.

Eilonwy laughs beautifully. "Oh, Estrith, I am going to miss you so much, my little friend," she says to her as she holds the child in her arms.

"I will miss you, too!" Estrith exclaims, wrapping her arms around Eilonwy tightly.

Eilonwy lowers her head to where her lips are at Estrith's ear. "You have brought a light into my soul that will be always remain there. Though we will be apart, I will keep you in my heart and in my thoughts," she whispers, and Estrith pulls back to smile widely at her, "I expect to see you again someday, and hopefully soon."

Estrith nods excitedly. "I can come with you!"

Aragorn chuckles as he walks over to us, and he places his hand on my shoulder, staring at his child. "Not this time, Estrith. Maybe one day when you are older."

Estrith turns to look at him, pouting. "Okay, daddy," she says pitifully, and my lips lift at the corners.

Aragorn looks at me and smiles. "It was good to see you again, mellon nin (my friend). I hope that you will come again and not wait so many years to do so," he says, and I see the genuine sadness in his eyes.

I nod. "I will do so," I say, and I glance over to see Arwen speaking with Eilonwy as Estrith tugs at her mother's dress, "And maybe next time, I will have great news to share."

Aragorn chuckles, his eyes crinkling with pure happiness. "Aye, I would think so. We will await your return-and hopefully the news of your betrothal-most anxiously."

"Legolas," Eilonwy says, coming to stand beside me, "We are about to depart."

I watch as she walks forward and embraces Aragorn, and he holds her tightly, the way a father would embrace his child. When they pull away, he places his hands on her shoulders strongly, staring at her with a proud smile. "I will miss you, Eilonwy," he says, and if I am not mistaken, I see a faint glimmer of suppressed tears in his silver eyes.

She smiles at him sadly. "I will miss you as well. You are one of the kindest people I have ever met, my king. I will forever remember the kindness you have bestowed upon me."

He bows his head in farewell, thanking her for her words, and Galadriel calls to him. I watch as he leaves before glancing at Eilonwy who is looking at the castle sadly.

I nudge her softly. "Do not be sad, Eilonwy. We can return whenever you wish," I say to her, knowing that my words are true. I would go wherever she wanted, and I would be happy.

She looks up at me and smiles, but her eyes are still sad. "I know," she says quietly.

I wrap my arm around her, pulling her body close to mine. "Are you ready to depart?"

She nods, and I lead her over to our horse and begin strapping our things to him. Eilonwy stands dutifully beside me and says her farewells to Lady Galadriel and Celeborn as they approach us.

"You are always welcome in Lothlorien," Galadriel says as she kisses Eilonwy's forehead.

"Yes, we would be more than happy to have your company again, Eilonwy," Celeborn says with a smile as he bows to her, and she curtsies in return. Celeborn's gaze travels to me, and he smirks, "Of course, we would love for you to also bring Legolas whenever you decide to visit again."

Eilonwy laughs and places her hand on my arm. "Of course, my lord," she says with a breathtaking smile, "Farewell."

The two walk away as my parents and siblings surround us. Glosseth's eyes are wide, and her cheeks are flushed with excitement. She smiles cheerily to Eilonwy. "We are going to have so much fun, Eilonwy!" she exclaims, brushing her hair away from her eyes, "I know I have already told you that, but I am just so excited."

Eilonwy laughs and places her hand on my sister's for a moment. "Me, too," she replies.

Gwilithon watches them with amused eyes before turning to look at me. He rolls his eyes jokingly. "Eru, save us," he says sarcastically. I punch his shoulder lightly, chuckling at his words.

We all fall silent when my father clears his throat, and I turn to look at him. His expression is serious and kingly, something I have become accustomed to over the years, and his icy blue eyes travel over us all. "I expect you all to act as a royal should whilst you are gone. I will not tolerate any of you bringing shame to our realm or this family," he says sternly, and he falls silent for a moment before the right corner of his lips lift into a small smile, "But I do wish you all to have fun."

Gwilithon and I bow to him, but Glosseth just smiles and laughs. "Oh, Ada, we will not disappoint you. I will miss you," she says, and she walks up to him and embraces him. He returns the gesture warmly.

Gwilithon glances at Eilonwy. "She has always been the favorite," he remarks jokingly, and Eilonwy laughs melodically.

Adar releases Glosseth and narrows his eyes at Gwilithon. "Would you like a hug as well, ion nin (my son)?"

He moves forward to grab him, but Gwilithon jerks away and howls with laughter. "No, thank you, Ada!"

My father tips his head back and laughs, his eyes shining with amusement. He turns to look at Eilonwy, and he takes her hand, kissing it softly. "Be careful, dear Eilonwy, and please keep my children in line. Unfortunately, they are all very immature, and Elladan and Elrohir tend to talk them into mischief."

Eilonwy smiles and nods. "Of course, King Thranduil. I hope your trip home is safe and comfortable," she says, and I wonder briefly about how she and my father have suddenly become close. Did I miss something?

Father releases her hand, and she curtsies. "Rise," he states, "And, please, call me Thranduil."

She nods once again, fighting a smirk. "Farewell, Thranduil," she says.

I glance over at my brother and sister to see that they also look confused as to why my father is being so kind to someone that is not family. My sister gives me a questioning look, but I just shrug cluelessly.

"Oi! We are leaving now," Elrohir exclaims from his place atop a black stallion several feet away from us, "Unless you would like to stay?"

I roll my eyes, and I take Eilonwy's hand in mine, leading her to our horse. "Goodbye, Naneth, Ada," I call to my parents, and they both wave. I help Eilonwy onto the horse before mounting behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist to reach the reigns. Everyone else mounts their horses, and Lord Elrond and his wife enter into their carriage. The guards around us call out, and we begin our journey to Rivendell. I turn to look at Aragorn and the others, and my heart sinks slightly when I see Estrith standing in front of her father, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. I wave at her, and her eyes brighten. She waves back, glancing up at her father in happiness. He wipes away the tears on her cheeks, and I turn away, knowing that we will journey here again soon. This is not goodbye.

Eilonwy turns slightly and glances up at me, giving me the look she always does when she wants to kiss me but knows she cannot since we are in front of others. I smile. When we reach Imladris, I intend to give her just that.

______

A/N: So sorry for the wait!! I have exams next week, and my teachers are throwing in last minute tests and quizzes to boost our grades (Pretty sure I just failed a Pre Calculus test), and I am up to my eyeballs in stress. Please forgive me for this chapter; it's just a filler! More fun is coming when we reach Imladris. ;) I love y'all so much, and please continue to comment! I am soo in the Christmas spirit, so in case I am not able to tell y'all before Christmas... Merry Christmas <3 <3 <3 !!!!

Love,

Josie <3