Title : Hidden Darkness
Author : Sketch
Rating : PG 13 for swearing and sum sexual situations
Feedback : Ginal32@hotmail.com
Summary: Legolas escorts Emerwen back to her realm , but for some 
reason 
Emerwen is dreading to go back and Legolas has a bad feeling about it 
all.

~Hiding Darkness~  
COMPLETE
Characters : Legolas Greenleaf,Emerwen Serenwa,Mavoinë Evandune,Ravion Serenwa & Kalena Ancilar . 
Rating : PG 13 for sexual situations & swearing. (sorry if that bugs you)
Genre : Romance , qausai humour and suspence (not really , i just don't have a word for that) 
Some elvish (Quenya) is written in this story , after each elvish sentence there's the english translation so don't get confused like : what was she trying to write her ? lle? is that a name? Huh? If there is no elvish behind a word or sentence , you know that that word in elvish has been repeaten in past chapters.
If you have any comments on my story please email me on : Ginal32@hotmail.com. 
Hope you enjoy ! :D ! 
 

 

 

 
~Chapter 1~ 
The sun was setting under the hills in the Realm of Mirkwood , Legolas was riding his steed , Aredhen , along the leaf littered path of the forest. 
"How long do we still have to carry on riding for?" murmered the fair elven maiden riding beside him . 
"I told you for the last ten minutes already that it will still take two more days to get there." said Legolas , obviously agitated by all the commands and questions the elven maiden was throwing at him. 
"Well, sorry. " she murmered sarcastically as she noticed how annoyed she had made Legolas throughout the whole journey.
After an hour of riding the elven maiden stopped her horse , Legolas stopped too . 
"What's wrong this time?" sighed Legolas , knowing it would probably be something stupid , like she needed to fix her hair or something.
"I need a rest." she whinged .
"Not now, let's just carry on for another two hours." Legolas said as he turned to look at her pale blue eyes. 
"No." she said , "I'm the princess of Rúnäwood and you were sent by the order of your father to bring me safely back to my realm.You aren't exactly bringing me back safely to my realm if I die of exhaustion!" she said angrily, keeping her horse , Nenduin , in one place. 
Legolas sighed , she was right , he had to bring her back to her realm safely . 
"Fine Emerwen,but we're only stopping for a few hours." said Legolas as he mounted off his horse , afterwards helping the princess off. 
Emerwen took off her cloak , revealing her pale skin, dark silver hair and her river blue eyes.Legolas couldn't helping staring at her for a moment , Emerwen turned to face him , "What?" she said looking curiously at Legolas who snapped out of his trance and looked away "Nothing ." he said as he clicked two flints together and started a small fire.
They both sat quietly at the fire , "So.." said Emerwen breaking the silence,"You don't like me that much, do you?" said Emerwen quietly, 
Legolas sighed "Why do you say that?".
"I can see it , you're really annoyed that you had to travel with me to bring me back to my realm safely." she replied . 
Legolas gave a small smile which immediately lighted up Emerwen's face "No , it isn't that." he replied back "I just had some other errands to fulfill but my father never gives me any choices." 
"Oh , I see." Emerwen sighed , as if she knew what he meant, 
"Well I just wanted to thank you for coming anyway." Emerwen said with an awkward smile . "It is my pleasure to travel with such a beautiful princess." said Legolas with a teasing tone and a laugh . 
Emerwen blushed slightly and then began to laugh but stopped when she stared into Legolas' eyes , suddenly there was a moment of silence , 
Legolas broke the silence "Well we should be going ." 
"Yes , let's go then." Emerwen said as she stood up and clipped her cloak around her .
They both mounted back on their horses and rode on into the forest , still in the Mirkwood realm, but this time they were both smiling and in better moods. 

 
~Chapter 2~ 
They carried on riding throughout the night , they had not yet gotten tired because the elves only need little rest and then can carry on travelling for hours after that.It was late afternoon when they arrived at the great Anduin waterfall , which ended the border of the Mirkwood realm and carried on to Lothlorien, into Rúnäwood.
"Shall we rest here for the afternoon?" Legolas suggested as they came closer to the waterfall, 
"Let us do so , this is too of a beautiful waterfall to walk by on." Emerwen replied , bringing her horse , Nenduin , under a shaded area. 
Legolas followed and both of them dismounted and made camp under a large mallorn tree.They both sat down talking and laughing , eating away on the Lembas they had recieved in Mirkwood.
"When we were still in Mirkwood , I heard that you didn't want to go back to your realm, Rúnäwood and complained and begged to my father asking if you could stay longer in Mirkwood , why don't you want to go back to your realm?" said Legolas as he took another peice of lembas . 
Emerwen looked away suddenly "Uum well , It's nothing." she said as she avoided looking into Legolas' eyes , then she stood up quickly "Please , excuse me." she said sounding alittle upset and ran into the forest . 
"Hey!Emerwen!Wait , What's wrong?!" Legolas called after her very puzzled , "Emerwen ! Come back!" he called as he saw her disappear into the woods .
Legolas ran after her , even though Emerwen was at a distance Legolas could catch up to her for his speed excelled most of his royal family. In the midst of his running he lost sight of her , Legolas suddenly stopped when he heard a noise by a nearby bush.He looked over the bush and saw Emerwen sitting there with tears in her eyes , Emerwen looked up and saw Legolas and her face went red with embarrasment . She stood up and wiped her tears away, jumping up on a high oak tree .
"What are you doing here?" she said with irratation. Legolas walked to where she was , "Because I care , Emerwen. Come on, Please get down.In a few more hours it will be dark ." Legolas said as he looked up at her.
"Please leave me alone for a while,I'll collect some wood for the fire , I'll come to the camp soon." she said as she walked higher up the tree. 
Legolas didn't want to start a fight with her, "Ok , but you promise you'll be back soon?". "Yes , I will come back soon." she said and walked up higher on the Oak , out of sight. Legolas sighed and returned back to camp. 

 
~Chapter 3~ 
Legolas waited at the camp for already an hour , "Where is she?" he said restlessly as he looked around. 
Suddenly a bundle of twigs dropped from above him , Emerwen jumped down from the tree above him , onto Legolas' shoulders 
"Ha ! I caught you off gaurd !" she laughed and wrestled Legolas playfully onto his back,it looked as though she had never been crying , "How embarrasing is that?That a women beat you in the element of surprise!" Emerwen said teasingly with a laugh as she sat on Legolas' stomach. 
Legolas laughed at her playful _expression "Not if I can help it!" he said with a menacing grin and wrestled Emerwen over onto her back , with him leaning over her. 
Emerwen gave Legolas a sweet smile , distracting him for a second and then without warning she pushed him onto his back and sat laughing on his stomach again "Fool." she sighed in a teasing tone.Suddenly they were both silent. 
Legolas looked up at Emerwen "A maiden from heaven." he whispered to her as he looked into her deep blue eyes. 
"What did you say?" replied Emerwen back to him. 
"Oh ..Umm , Nothing." said Legolas quietly as he pulled himself out from under Emerwen and leaned on his arms. 
Emerwen looked at him , "No, you said..I'm a maiden..from..heaven.." she said searching his eyes. 
Legolas gave a small smile , "It is only true." he said looking away.
Emerwen leaned onto Legolas and kissed him softly on the lips "Thank you." she whispered and began to pull away and get up . 
Legolas pulled her back and returned the kiss , pulling her into him and running his hand across her slender waist.Emerwen kissed him back and then smiled as Legolas slumped to the leaf littered ground again , with Emerwen falling asleep on his chest. Legolas smiled while Emerwen had her head on his chest , 
"Fúmë ethele."<sleep well> Legolas whispered to Emerwen , but she was already fast asleep.Legolas smiled by the sight of her asleep , like there was not a single thing in Middle earth to worry about. 

 
~Chapter 4~ 
Emerwen awoke the next morning , finding herself lying on a spread of linen on the leaf littered ground , Legolas was no where to be found . Emerwen gazed around , 
"Legolas , where are you?" she called sleepily . 
He didn't answer back , Emerwen got up and started walking towards the river , as she came to the river she saw Legolas in the water , 
"Emerwen , come swim!The water is great." Legolas called to her with a smile .
Emerwen turned immensely red by the sight of Legolas with his wet tunic and breeches as she saw the muscles rippling under the wet tunic . 
"Um , Well no thanks ,I think I'll skip for today." she called back to him , trying to make her voice sound as normal as possible. 
"Aw , Come on.It's not like I'll bite , and besides..you need a bath anyway!" he called back to her teasingly. 
As soon as Emerwen heard the word 'bath' she realized she hadn't had one in a few days , "That's it! I'm coming in!But I'm warning you !I make a big splash!" she called with a laugh back to Legolas and jumped in the river making a huge wave . 
When Emerwen came up from the water , she burst out in a giggling fit by what she saw , Legolas was covered in mud from the riverbank . As he began to laugh at the sight of himself he slipped into the water again . 
Emerwen swam to help him up , "Are you okay?" she asked through all her laughing , 
"I'm fine." he replied to Emerwen who was now laughing at his muddy face , 
"That mud actually looks good on you." she said in a moking tone through her laughing fit.Legolas gave a small smile to her as she wiped a glob of mud off his cheek.As soon as Emerwen wiped the last of the mud off Legolas' cheek he pulled her slowly toward him and kissed her lips softly.Emerwen slid her hands across Legolas' back , sighing by his touch. A soon as she started kissing him she immediately stopped and backed away , 
"No. Please , stop." Emerwen mumbled sadly. 
Legolas stopped kissing her but looked at her with puzzlement , "Why?What's wrong?" he asked with confusion . 
Emerwen looked down at the water ,avoiding Legolas' eyes , "Well , you see , err.." she mumbled nervously .
Legolas waited for her to finish her sentence but she didn't go further than 'err' . Legolas lifted his hand to Emerwen's chin and lifted her face to him , looking into her eyes "Are you okay?" he said softly to her . 
A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked up at him , she took a deep breath then continued with her unfinished sentence , "..The reason I don't want to go back to Rúnäwood is because my father has an arranged marraige for me to Mavoinë Evandune, the prince of Gjáveldor. My father has arranged it because then our realm has allies, but I do not love Mavoinë ." she stammered , looking back at the water then looking up at Legolas again , "I don't love him , I love you." she mumbled softly , "Please, we have to make a plan to stop this marraige,Mavoinë is cruel and treats me terribly.Please , can't you come wi-" Legolas cut her sentence off , putting his finger on her lips , "Shh , we will think of a plan." he said reassuringly to Emerwen as he hugged her closely. "Let's get out of this water now , before more mud gets on us." joked Legolas as he pulled her up out of the water and walked to their camp. 

 
~Chapter 5~ 
After they both got dressed in warmer clothing they sat down to think of ideas of how to break off the marriage. 
"I got it!" said Emerwen with an enthusiastic smile , Legolas raised his eyebrows waiting for her reply. Emerwen stood up and started pacing around , 
"Okay , this is how it goes.We arrive in Rúnäwood , I tell my father that you are a masterskillsman in archery , which you are." said Emerwen smiling and continued ,"And ask him then if you could teach me archery for a few months , he'll notice the relationship we have for eachother and he will be bound to rethink the arranged marriage. I'm sure he will be sure to agree." 
Legolas sat thinking it out , after a few minutes he agreed "Let us go with that plan , it will save us more time , but we must let no one know of our true doings." . 
Emerwen gave a knowing look "Then it is settled , I am sure we will be in Rúnäwood soon , let us ride now and be there before sunset." Emerwen said as they both started packing their belongings into their rucksacks . 
Just before they were about to ride off Legolas called to Emerwen , "Emerwen." 
"Yes." she replied looking at him. 
Legolas gave a smile , "Everything will be alright." . 
The tenseness in Emerwens body vanished alittle , "With you , everything will be alright." she said with a grin . 
The two of them then rode of into the woods again , ready to travel to Rúnäwood.It was late afternoon when they came to a large pathway , as they rode on they saw lights ahead , 
"Is that your land?" he said staring up at amazement at the beautiful city . 
Emerwen simply smiled "Impressive, is it not?" she sighed looking up in the distance at the beautiful land . 
"Who built it?" Legolas asked as he glared at the land , 
"Oh , My great grandfather's grandfather happed these lands.That was a long time ago ." Emerwen replied as they came out of the forest into a clearing. 
Emerwen came to two large and tall stone walls , suddenly she drew back , 
" I can't go back , I don't want to be with Mavoinë." she urged as she tensed up nervously . "Don't worry . I'll be with you by your side." Legolas replied reassuringly . 
Emerwen thought about it for a second , then straightened herself and prepared to come into her land. 
She knocked two times on the stone walls , a voice from inside the walls replied "Man ner ta?"<who is it?>. 
Emerwen then spoke again, "Sina ner aranel , Emerwen .Lav nin na mitul."<this is the princess , emerwen, let me come in> . 
The stone walls opened heavily, and two soldiers came out,"Aranel , haryalle tulaldamo . "<princess.you are back again.> one of the soldiers said with a smile and both of them bowed . 
"Let's go ." Emerwen whispered to Legolas as she walked into the entrance , Legolas followed her , riding calmly beside her. 

 
~Chapter 6~ 
They stopped just ouside a tall and beautiful fortress . 
"Don't forget , you are a companion warrior of Legolas , my father has never seen you, so he has no idea of how Legolas looks so it will be fine to give yourself another identity." whispered Emerwen quietly to Legolas , going over their plans , "And I will ask if you could stay a while and teach me to master the sport of the arrow .I am sure my father will agree because he's always wanted me to learn." Emerwen continued as they both walked up the decorated steps of the fortess.They reached the top of the great fortress and were now standing at the large decorated doors. Emerwen halted and took a deep breath.
"Ready?" said Legolas as he saw the nervousness in Emerwen's face , 
"Ready." she replied back and they both walked into a great hall , decorated royally around the walls. 
As Emerwen entered she saw her father sitting on the throne with Mavoinë sitting beside him , both in deep conversation . Emerwen grew more nervous when she saw Mavoinë.He was tall and well built with black hair that fell just below the shoulders, high cheek bones, dark eyes and handsome, sullen features .The man she was going to marry but hated so much.The king and Mavoinë turned to the sound of foot steps and saw Emerwen and Legolas , all the servants in the hall bowed as they saw Emerwen come in and applause erupted from around the hall.
"Ah.My daughter !You are back!" chuckled the king happily and walked towards Emerwen , giving her a hug . 
Mavoinë came from behind the king and laid a kiss on Emerwen's cheek , "You are back , I see." he said with a glint in his eye. 
Emerwen went frigid at his touch and nodded her head with reply. She then moved back alittle to Legolas, trying to avoid his touch without any one noticing. Mavoinë stared arrogantly at Legolas , "And..Who are you?" he said with a mock tone to Legolas . 
Legolas did not bow to Mavoinë for he did not like him already , "I am a warrior of Mirkwood , companion of the prince of Mirkwood." replied Legolas. 
"Ahh , yes . A friend of Legolas , I see." said the young prince , still inspecting Legolas with curious looks , "So , what is your name?" Mavoinë said looking at Legolas. 
Legolas went blank and looked at Emerwen who gave a nervous shrug to him .A name , a name , he forgot to give himself a name. 
Mavoinë looked at him with curious mockery "You have a name ,don't you?" . 
Legolas thought hastily 'a name , a name , what name can I give myself??Ah!That's it . My horse's name.' he thought quickly to himself as Mavoinë waited for a reply . 
"Well.." said Mavoinë waiting. Legolas stood straight stance , 
"My name is Aredhen." he said as he tried to look convincing . 
Emerwen gave a little giggle , suprised by the name Legolas gave himself , she quickly hid the giggle with a cough. 
Mavoinë looked back at Legolas , "Aredhen, hmm..Is that a sindarin name?".
Legolas nodded . 
The king shook Legolas' hand , "I am pleased to meet you Aredhen.Thank you for bringing my daughter back safely." he smiled . 
"It is my pleasure your heighness." Legolas said as he shook his hand . 
"Well I too must thank you too for bringing my wife-to-be back safely." interrupted Mavoinë vainly , not shaking Legolas' hand. 
Legolas looked quickly at Emerwen and saw in her eyes how saddened she was . 
Emerwen quickly spoke again , "Father , Le-.. I mean Aredhen is an excellent archer , and I would love to learn the skills of archery , would it be fine if he could stay a few months and teach me how to weild a bow?" Emerwen said looking at her father and then back at Legolas. The king chuckled "Certainly my daughter.". 
Mavoinë looked sternly at Emerwen "Do you really think tha-" but he was interrupted by the king who began to speak to Legolas , 
"I would be welcome to have you, Aredhen.Which bedchamber would you like to stay in during your stay?" .
"Well if you do not mind , I would like to stay in a room that is close to Emerwen's , so when I have to teach her , I can just go to her room and don't have to waste hours finding her." said Legolas politely. 
The king smiled ."Then it is settled." . 
Mavoinë gave a ignorant grunt when he heard the king agree to it.
Legolas bowed , "Thank you , your heighness." . 
The king gave Legolas a clap on the back , "Just call me by my name , King Almären.Now let us go and feast." said King Almären as they went to the great feasting room .  

 
~Chapter 7~ 
Legolas and Emerwen trailed a little behind , "What kind of name is Aredhen??You named yourself after your horse?!" whispered Emerwen with a giggle then burst into a laugh to Legolas as she walked beside him .
Mavoinë was infront of them walking with Emerwen's father.They were too deep in a conversation to hear what Legolas and Emerwen were talking about. 
"Could you have come up with a better name in such a short time?" said Legolas with a laugh. 
"Of course." teased Emerwen playfully as she gave Legolas a soft nudge. 
Legolas laughed with her but then stopped as he saw Mavoinë walk towards Emerwen. Emerwen turned to see what Legolas was looking at and saw that Mavoinë was walking towards her,suddenly she stopped laughing with Legolas. 
"Hello Mavionë." she said quietly , 
Mavionë looked at Legolas "Excuse me for a minute Aredhen.I have to talk to Emerwen about something." Mavoinë said slyly ,looking at Legolas then looking at Emerwen ,grabbing Emerwen fiercely to his side , 
"ouch." Emerwen murmered softly by his hard grip.
Mavoinë ignored what Emerwen murmered and lead her to the entrance , out of Legolas' sight. Legolas tried to walk back and see where Mavoinë was taking Emerwen but King Almären called for Legolas to sit down . Having lost sight of Emerwen and having but no other choice he sat down on at the big feasting table.Legolas looked around hastily to see where Emerwen was but could not see her now that everyone was moving around the hall.
* * * *
"Mavoinë,what's going on?" Emerwen said to him as he dragged her to the entrance of the fortress by the wall. 
"What did you tell him?" Mavoinë said angrily as he trapped Emerwen against the wall , his body pinning hers. 
"What are you talking about?" Emerwen replied looking puzzled back at Mavoinë who was just inches away from her .
Mavoinë stared intensely at Emerwen , "You said something to Aredhen.I know it , I can see the way he acts and the way you talk to him." he said quietly .
Emerwen looked silently at Mavoinë then replied "Look Mavoinë , I don't know what you're talking about.Let's go and feast with the others,there is no need for this talk." she said back to him . 
Mavoinë stared quietly at her and then leaned closer to her ,"I'm not sure if I trust you." he said as he was about to kiss her. 
Emerwen turned her face away "Please,don't." she muttered softly.
Mavoinë stared with silent rage at Emerwen "I will be your husband soon.Show some damn respect." Mavoinë whispered darkly as he gripped her chin and turned Emerwen's trembling face towards him , pressing his lips against hers and giving her lips a light seductive kiss. Emerwen just stared with fear into his eyes , not kissing him back.
"Do not play games with me." he said with anger , this time kissing her harder . 
Emerwen kissed him back softly , afraid of what he would do to her if she didn't. 
Mavoinë gave a smug smile "That's better." he replied bitterly . 
Emerwen closed her eyes stopping herself from letting tears come down her face.
"Now let us go , we do not want to be late for the feast." Mavoinë said to her as he lifted her chin to him with a harsh jerk.
Emerwen opened her eyes by the harsh jerk , Mavoinë gave a sly smile and instantly grabbed Emerwen's arm painfully making her yelp in pain and then he spoke again 
"And remember what I said.Do not talk about me behind my back with Aredhen , or I will have his head on a platter.I can see the way he acts around you." and with that he walked off into the fortress to the feasting hall . 
Emerwen leaned against the wall , frozen and with tears going down her face .
"Why am I here?" she muttered as she slumped to the ground cradling her bruised arm through her tears, ten minutes past when Emerwen realized she had to get to the feast.
"Pull yourself together Emerwen.You need to go to the feast." she said sternly to herself and got up wiping her tears away but she still didn't feel any better even though she had stopped crying.After she got some hold of herself she straightened her stand and walked into the fortress again , trying not to take heed of what had happened earlier.
* * * *
Legolas didn't pay attention to what was going on around him, he looked around hastily looking for Emerwen. We saw the large wooden doors of the hall open .Legolas was about to get up as he thought it was Emerwen but saw Mavoinë come in . Mavoinë walked arrogantly past Legolas and sat next to the king , a few chairs away from him.A few minutes later Emerwen came into the hall,her face was as pale as porcelain and Legolas noticed she had been crying.Emerwen quickly sweeped across the hall and sat in the open chair next to Legolas.
"Are you okay?"Legolas asked as he looked worriedly into her eyes. 
Emerwen looked pleadingly into Legolas' eyes "I can't do this." she whispered "Mavoinë threathen's me on the first day I'm back,how will it be in a couple of weeks then?" she sighed ,trying to keep her tears back. 
"I am sorry , my love.We will sort this out soon." Legolas said with apolegetic eyes,putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Mavoinë turned and saw Emerwen and Legolas and was overcome with jealousy.Just when Legolas and Emerwen were about to get out of the hall Mavoinë stood up , drawing everyone's attention "Aredhen." he called making Legolas turn towards him , "You say you are an exellent archer ,I hear." Mavoinë said casually , taking a sip of wine from his mug "Well prove it." he spoke again , taking another sip. 
Emerwen looked nervously at Legolas , 
"How shall I prove it?" said Legolas simply. 
Mavoinë gave a sly smile, "Shoot down that leaf." he said pointing to a tiny leaf that was falling lightly down from one of the trees growing from the roof. 
Legolas took out his bow and an arrow at a flash of a second , too quick for the eye to follow .Everyone in the room went silent."Watch out." said Legolas , looking Mavoinë in the eye as he let go of the arrow.
*Thwip!* . 
Mavoinë dropped his mug in suprise and anger as the arrow landed on the table right in front of him ,the leaf shaking on the arrow with impact. The hall erupted in applause , Legolas bowing with every clap , Emerwen was clapping wildly at Legolas' side "Go Le- , umm , I mean Aredhen !!Yeah!!" she cheered to a smiling Legolas. 
Finally the applause stopped . Mavoinë's face was red with rage . 
"I wouldn't get that angry Mavoinë , you'll scare away all the animals of the forest." joked Legolas with a tone of sarcasm . 
"You'll never be able to teach Emerwen to weild a bow like that ." smirked Mavoinë . 
"Wait and see." grinned Legolas "But for now I and Emerwen have had a long day of journey , We will see you all tomorrow." Legolas replied charismatically then turned to Emerwen "Let us go now ,M'lady .We have a long day of archery training tomorrow." said Legolas , Emerwen took his arm greatfully and the two walked out swiftly , leaving Mavoinë in the hall , humilated and enraged. 

 
~Chapter 8~ 
"That was awsome Legolas !!You so kicked his butt !" giggled Emerwen , bursting into a laughing fit with Legolas as they ran down the corridors to their chambers happy to get out of the feasting hall.
"It was all for you!" he smiled as they got closer to their chambers , still in a laughing fit.
Finally when they got to their chambers their laughing had died down. 
"Well,This is my chamber." Emerwen motioned to her room , "And this is yours." she smiled walking into the room and pulling Legolas with her."Lock the door , the servants will think you're asleep and won't disturb ."she said with a mischevious grin on her face as she dragged him to the balcony.
"Come , jump on my balcony , you can stay there with me." she smiled as she walked to the edge of the balcony. Legolas stood on the railing and jumped to Emerwen's balcony , 
"I already got the hang of it.Here ." he said offering his hand to her as she jumped to her balcony.
She led him inside her room and locked her door. Before she could turn around she felt Legolas' arms around her waist."I don't know how long I've been waiting to hold you like this for." he replied as he kissed her slowly down the neck sending shudders down Emerwen's spine.Emerwen lifted her hands to bring around Legolas' neck but Legolas stopped as soon as she lifted her right hand .
"What?" she said giving Legolas a puzzled look , he motioned to her right arm "What happened there?" .
Emerwen turned to face him and looked down to quickly cover it "Oh , er...Well when I was coming in the hall , by accident I hit my arm against the door." she said , trying to sound convincing.
Legolas took her arm before she could move it away , studying it carefully "This is not a scratch mark. This bruise is the mark of a hand ." he said casting his eyes back to her face. Emerwen stared at the floor and didn't answer . 
She felt Legolas's hand lift her face gently "It was Mavoinë who did this , didn't he?" Legolas said quietly to her ,
Emerwen nodded her head , a tear going down her face. Legolas opened his arms and instinctively Emerwen fell into them,burying her face into his neck .
"This is wrong , Emerwen.Let us leave now.We can't stay here longer and I can't watch you suffer like this." Legolas said as he held her tight.
Emerwen looked up at Legolas while another tear came down her face "No.We can't leave now.Everyone will suspect something and there will be a search party for us , and believe me .They will find us.I've had my own experience of that." she mumbled to Legolas through her tears. 
Legolas looked down at her face and held her closer , both now lying on the bed , "How did we get ourselves into this mess?" he laughed plausibly , wiping Emerwen's tears away with a stroke of his hand. 
"I have no idea." Emerwen sighed with a laugh. 
"Look on the bright side,at least I can teach you archery." Legolas joked with a laugh , Emerwen giggled but was overcome with exhaustion from the long journey and fell asleep in Legolas' arms. 

 
~Chapter 9~ 
Emerwen looked up sleepily as she felt the sun shine down on her face , 
"Did you sleep well?" Legolas yawned as he woke up by her movement. 
"Mmhmm." Emerwen murmed with a nod while she huddled closer to Legolas , his arms wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
"And you , did you sleep well?" Emerwen mumbled with a yawn , 
"With you here.Definetely." Legolas grinned as Emerwen began to giggle. 
Suddenly a large tower bell rang outside, 
"What was that?" Legolas asked with confusion , 
Emerwen jumped up in a rush "Oh no!" she exclaimed "We're late!It's the royal breakfast!We have to be there." She said in urgency as she stumbled over to her bag , taking out a orange dyed long-sleeved dress with beaded embroideries. 
"And I take it that we have to dress in something formal." Legolas said as he looked at the beautiful dress. 
"Yes.It's like an ocassion thing after a person has come back from their travels , so we can't be late.Hurry , go get a fromal suit on.There's a couple of tunics in your cupboard." she said as she tried to figure out how to get the dress on. 
"Hold on , I'll be right back." he replied just before he jumped out of the bed and over to his balcony into his room. 
Legolas ran over to the cupboard and pulled out a white tunic with silver patterns on the sleeves.
"That should be okay." he mumbled as he slipped the tunic on and got some forest green trousers , he jumped into those and got his suede boots on.
He jumped back onto Emerwen's balcony but froze as he saw her , the dress fitted her beautifully showing off all her curves, only her corset had to be tied. 
"Help me with this corset." she said with her back turned to him as she tried clumsyly to tie it on her own. 
Legolas clicked back to reality and walked over to her.He moved her dark silver hair away from her back and took the strings of the corset and pulled tightly on them , Emerwen gave a small gasp as the corset tightened around her chest.
"Are you okay?" Legolas asked by her reaction.
"Yeh.I'm fine.These corsets have to be tight ,It's a rule." she said , the last sentence with a tone of sarcasm.
Emerwen shuddered at the touch of his hand on her bare back.Legolas tied down the corset but kept his hand on her back and for a moment . 
"What's wrong ? Does it look bad?" she asked as he stood behind her silently , 
"No , it looks beautiful." Legolas said quietly with enchantment , looking at her image in the mirror infront of them. 
Emerwen blushed by his reply , "How beautiful?" she grinned in a teasing tone. 
"Very beautiful." Legolas whispered with a smile as he kissed Emerwen's back and slowly going up her neck.
Emerwen moaned softly at his touch and turned around to kiss him.Legolas pulled Emerwen closer into him , his one hand around her waist and the other caressing her hair . Suddenly the tower bell rang for the second time. Emerwen moved away but kept her weight against Legolas , 
"We're late." she sighed , her lips brushing against his . 
"Mmhhmm." he nodded slowly and gave a seductive slow kiss against her lips.
"Come , we better go.Go unlock your chamber door and then come back around " she grinned and moved away reluctantly. 
Legolas jumped back to his balcony and unlocked his chamber door and entered the corridors from his room , Emerwen was already outside. 
"Shall we go then." Legolas bowed courteousaly offering her his hand , 
"Yes, we don't want to be late.Although we already are." she grinned whispering the last sentence. And they both walked happily down the corridor to the courtyard together. 

 
~Chapter 10~ 
In the courtyard everyone was feasting merrily and chatting away , most of Emerwen's relatives were there and as usual Mavoinë was having a conversation with King Almären. Emerwen and Legolas unhooped their arms when they came outside , 
"Ahh!My daughter!Aredhen!You're finally up!Come ! Sit down!" King Almären chuckled joyously as he saw them enter the courtyard. 
Mavoinë looked up, his face twisted with bitterness to see Legolas next to Emerwen. 
"Come sit next to me , my love.I have missed your company." called Mavoinë to Emerwen before she could find a seat of her own.
Emerwen stifled a groan when she heard him call her but walked on , 
"Don't worry , It will be fine." Legolas whispered quickly to Emerwen as she passed . Legolas found a seat opposite of Emerwen , beside the king. Mavoinë stood up as Emerwen came towards him and gave her a small kiss, 
"You look beautiful today.Please,sit down." he gestured to Emerwen to the chair next to him. Emerwen sat down quietly , Legolas sat down opposite of her. When they sat down everyone continued again with their breakfast. 
"So , how did you sleep?" Mavoinë asked Emerwen as he took a bite of an apple. 
Emerwen gave a wide grin "Actually!I slept very well!Thank you." she smiled that wide grin again , looking quickly at Legolas who had the same smile on his face , 
"Too bad I was not there to join you." Mavoinë said with a glint in his eyes.
Emerwen's grin went even wider as she heard what he said , the thought of that he had no idea that Legolas was with her the whole night. Mavoinë gave a sly grin , thinking that Emerwen's smile was meant for him. 
"And you , how did you sleep?" Mavoinë asked Legolas with a distasteful gaze. 
"I slept wonderfully.Thank you." Legolas said trying to hide his smile , but failed. 
King Almären was amused by their huge smiles , "Well , you know ,in Rúnäwood , we only sleep on the finest matresses and wool." he said with pride and continued "So , How was your journey travelling back to Rúnäwood, Emerwen?" he said looking at his daughter . 
"Oh, it was exrtaodinary.I had alot of fun with Aredhen by my side." she said looking at Legolas , 
the king chuckled "That is good to hear." then he turned to Legolas "So , Aredhen .When will you be teaching my daughter archery?" 
Legolas thought for a second then looked back at the king "Well , I was thinking of starting very soon.I need to teach Emerwen the basics so I think we'll start after breakfast." replied Legolas.
The king nodded "That is good then.Will it be fine if you practice in the southern courtyard?" the king asked inquisetively.
"Well the main rules of archery are that you have to learn without any disturbance so I think I will take Emerwen to the forest where no one can disturb us." Legolas said with pretend seriousness .
The king pondered what he said for a few moments then replied "If that is how the training of Mirkwood elves are made I shall allow you to do that for I want my daughter to grow up to be an exellent archer." the king smiled. 
"Well we better go now then , Emerwen.If you want to be an exellent archer." Legolas said , still keeping a pretend serious tone. 
"That is well , let us leave now then." she replied to Legolas and both stood up to leave .
Just then Mavoinë spoke "But tomorrow would it be possible if I could see how you teach Emerwen." Mavoinë requested which sounded more like a demand . 
Legolas had no choice but to agree "Certainly ,I will be teaching Emerwen in the southern courtyard tomorrow.If you want to watch you may come." and then left swiftly with Emerwen by his side. 

 
~Chapter 11~ 
Emerwen and Legolas quickly packed their weaponry , saddled up their horses and trotted off into the forest . 
"I want to show you something." said Emerwen as they trotted through the forest. "Come on!" she called as she trotted ahead of him . "We're almost there." she called to Legolas "Close your eyes.It's a surprise!" she dismounted from her horse and led Legolas' horse to the clearing. "Open your eyes." Emerwen told Legolas excitedly.
Legolas opened his eyes , his jaw dropped open with intrigue , finally after a few minutes he closed his mouth and spoke still looking at the peaceful waterfall in front of him 
"How did you find this place?" . 
Emerwen smiled "I found out about it when I was younger , since then I've been going here to get away from life and everything else that comes with it." she said as she walked over to the quiet river running from the waterfall. 
Legolas dismounted from Aredhen and followed Emerwen to the still and calming river.
"You know what?" Legolas said to Emerwen as he stopped beside her. 
Emerwen looked curiously back at Legolas "What?" . 
Legolas gave a cheeky smile "I feel like a swim." he grinned with enthusiasm as he grabbed Emerwen into the river with him. 
They both emerged from the water , Legolas and Emerwen laughing . 
"Ohhh , I am so going to get back at you." Emerwen sneered with a laugh as water came dripping down her hair.
Legolas grinned "And how may that be ?" . 
Emerwen slightly leaned up , water dripping from her sleek , now wet dress 
"Hmm, we could sword fight! I've always wanted to fight with a guy , but my father said it was too dangerous!" she said enthusiastically , trying to jump around in her dress but failing. "That's fair." Legolas smiled and jumped up on a rock where he had all his baggage and weaponry, taking out his twin blades and an extra pair. 
"You better get that dress off , it's going to be too heavy to move swiftly in." Legolas said as he stripped his his chain mail and shoulder sheaths off. 
Emerwen blushed to her toes , "But.. I'm only wearing a gown underneath." she protested , Legolas gave a teasing sigh "You want to fight or not?" .
Emerwen sighed but then grinned , "Fine, but you better not look." . 
Legolas nodded and turned around as Emerwen slipped her dress off."Done." 
Emerwen called to Legolas , Legolas turned around , his jaw dropped as he saw Emerwen only standing in a thin almost transparent dress , he quickly closed his mouth and jumped in the water before Emerwen noticed how he stared at her. Legolas tossed the twin blades at Emerwen who grabbed both of them in midair. 
"I must warn you , I'm a good fighter.I've been taught well by my tutors.So for sure , I know that I'll beat you." Emerwen grinned as she held the two blades in her hands , Legolas holding another two.
Legolas smiled "Not as well as me." Legolas said in a teasing tone. 
Emerwen smirked "Bring it on." she edged . 
"Ready." Legolas said , 
"Ready." Emerwen repeated.
Legolas ran through the water and hit a blade into Emerwen's , Emerwen deflected the blow making Legolas' blades fall into the water as he stumbled back , she sliced the blades through the air making Legolas walk back to avoid her strike,
"Told you I was good." she smiled as she came closer to him.
"Not that good." Legolas grinned and grabbed her leg from under her , making her fall back. "Woaahh!" Emerwen yelped as she she hit the water.
As Emerwen fell back the water's force brought Legolas hurling back too. 
"Impressed?" Emerwen spluttered with a mouthful of water as she jumped back up in the blink of an eye , the same time as Legolas. 
She striked a blade at Legolas but Legolas was too quick and grabbed her wrist before she could pull back 
"Maybe.." he replied , spinning her into his chest and gripping both her hands , making her unable to move. 
~Chapter 12~ 
Emerwen tried to turn to face him but Legolas had her in a hand lock holding both his hands on her opposite hands. 
"Who beat who now?" Legolas grinned with mock sarcasm from behind her , still holding Emerwen against him.
Emerwen giggled but fell silent as she felt Legolas' heartbeat and breathing against her , realizing how intensely he was holding her.Emerwen relaxed in his touch , feeling more than safe with his strong arms wrapped around her. Legolas noticed how relaxed she was for the first time in days. 
"Do I have such an effect on you that I make all your troubles go away?" Legolas smiled inquisetively. 
"You don't know how much of an effect you have on me." Emerwen sighed happily , 
Legolas smiling with her and giving her a bear hug at the same time . 
"Don't kill me." Emerwen giggled through a fit of laughter as he lifted her off the ground with a massive bear hug , carrying her out of the water.
Legolas finally set Emerwen down after alot of laughible struggling. "Is there going to be any more special occasions that we will be having today?" Legolas said as he looked up at the sun , noting that it was midday. 
"Well , tonight we have a ball.It's in honour of the royal family.So we have to be back before dusk to prepare." Emerwen spoke as she tried balancing on an old log with Legolas. 
"I'll steal you away from everyone who wants to dance with you.They'll have to get past me to dance with you." Legolas joked , jumping on the log , making Emerwen loose her balance and fall to the leaf littered ground. 
"Hey!That wasn't nice!" Emerwen scorned as she still lay on the floor , 
"Help me up." she said holding out her hand. 
Legolas jumped off the log and grabbed Emerwen's hand to help her up , just then Emerwen pulled Legolas down to the ground with a playful pull.Legolas fell on his back with a thud , "You're going to get it now." Legolas sneered as he tickled Emerwen's sides , making her burst out into a fit of giggles.
Finally the laguhter died down as it came later into the day . Dusk was near and they had to begin to pack up. 
"Come on , I think we have to go now." Emerwen sighed as she sat up , stiff from lying and talking on the ground for those hours. 
"Yes , I think we should." Legolas said as he got up and started packing the weaponry and baggage onto the horses.
Legolas helped Emerwen onto her horse and mounted then onto his , 
"Legolas.." Emerwen peeped in a small voice . 
"Yes?" Legolas replied , 
Emerwen continued nervously , sounding like a four year old , "Well , err. Do you , umm.well, would you.." 
Legolas waited quietly for her to finish her question . 
Finally she spoke "Well , if Mavoinë ever does anything to me , would you protect me from him?" . 
Legolas gave a reassuring smile "I always will." . 
Emerwen needed to hear those words for herself before she really believed it. "Thanks." she sighed. 
Legolas gave a happy nod . Emerwen nodded back , feeling more than assured .Time was wasting and they had to get back. They galloped rapidly back to Rúnäwood. 

 
~Chapter 13~ 
Emerwen stopped dead in her tracks as they got to Rúnäwood, she realized she had forgotten her dress by the river and was only wearing her thin gown.
Legolas stopped as she did "What's wrong?". 
Emerwen went pale at her own foolishness and panic , "I forgot my dress by the river." she said with a pale blush. 
"Mhhmm , I see." Legolas said trying to hide his grin. 
"Legolas,It's not funny.I'm going to get in soo much trouble if anyone sees me like this." Emerwen whined , trying not to laugh at her own idiocy. 
Legolas gave a sympathetic apology , "Forgive me , I did not mean it with insult. Here, take my cloak." he said as he tossed it to her , she grabbed it in midair and wrapped it all aorund her making sure that not an inch of the gown was seen. 
"That's better." Emerwen purred by the warmth of the cloak , "Come on , Let's go now." she said as they entered the great walls of Rúnäwood.
Rúnäwood looked like a deserted ghost town , everybody was in their chambers , getting their greatest clothing on to look beautiful for the ball.Emerwen gave a sigh of relief when she realized everyone was away , she didn't want anyone questioning her about the great cloak she had wrapped around her. Emerwen and Legolas quickly dismounted from their horses and put them in their stables and afterwards running to their chambers , hoping that no one would see them.
"Oh no.Mavoinë.He's at my chamber." Emerwen squeaked quietly to Legolas as she turned the corner to her chamber and saw Mavoinë waiting by her chamber , dressed in royal suiting.
Mavoinë turned at the sound of their footsteps , "Ah , finally you are back , I have been waiting for you ." Mavoinë said as he stalked casually towards Emerwen. 
"Mae Goavnnen."<Hello> Emerwen said quietly to Mavoinë as she held the cloak tighter around her.
"What are you wearing?" Mavoinë said looking disgustedly at the cloak around Emerwen.
He drew out his hands to pull the cloak off Emerwen but she clutched onto it with all her might .
"No!" she shrieked , realizing how high her voice sounded.
Mavoinë drew back his hands in puzzlement, "Why?" he questioned , alittle agitated.
"Well , err..because.." Emerwen stumbled for the right words. 
Mavoinë looked inquiringly at Emerwen , waiting for her to finish.
Legolas quickly finished Emerwen's sentence for her "..Because , her dress for the ball is under the cloak , and she.. wants to surprise everyone." Legolas said , sounding convincing. Mavoinë nodded slowly , "So you have seen her in her dress then?" Mavoinë asked a tint of jealousy in his voice. 
"Well , I have seen it because Emerwen was asking me if you would likeit." Legolas said , trying to make his words sound compelling. 
Emerwen backed Legolas up almost immediatly "Yes. And I'm sure you will like it Mavoinë,but now I have to do my hair.So if you would excuse me." Emerwen said , her tone full of diligence.
Mavoinë gave a small nod , "I will see you in the great feasting hall then." he said as he walked down the long corridors , out of sight.
"That was close." Emerwen whispered in a sigh.
Legolas began to laugh under his breath. 
"What?" Emerwen whined , 
"Nothing, you're just so cute when you get nervous." Legolas chuckled as he scruffed his hand through Emerwen's hair playfully. 
Emerwen gave Legolas a nudge in his ribs, "You're cute all the time." Emerwen joked with a grin.
Suddenly there was a chattering coming from around the corner of the corridors. 
"The servants!They're coming to help us choose an outfit , quick!Get in your chamber!" Emerwen screeched hastily , without a word they both ran into their chambers. Emerwen grabbed a dress lying on the floor and quickly threw that on, hiding her damp gown out of sight.Suddenly a hoarde of servants came in all hastily taking dresses, hair pins, corsets , slippers , and every item of clothing possible.
"Woaah!Wait a second!" Emerwen yelled through all the scurry of the servants.
All of the servants stopped dead in their tracks and looked at Emerwen inquisitively , 
"What are you all doing here?" Emerwen asked , alittle annoyed by all twelve servants barging in without a knock. 
One of the servants, an older elf with red hair replied ,alittle taken aback, " King Almären said that we must prepare you for the ball.". 
Another servant chattered in "Come princess, time is running out , we must get you ready." Emerwen just nodded her head , having no other choice but to listen to their orders as the servants gathered around Emerwen , pulling her in to corsets, dresses, heels and doing her hair.Emerwen sighed,she knew her father would be up to this, trying to make her a worthy bride for Mavoinë. 

 
~Chapter 14~ 
Legolas waited in the feasting hall which was now quite full with many guests of the royal family of Rúnäwood.Legolas wore dark suede boots , a white tunic with silver patterns, dark green, almost black trousers and a dark blue cloak , similiar to what he wore at the breakfast feast.Legolas silently cursed under his breath as he heard Mavoinë coming towards him, he was dressed in a black tunic, showing off the deep azure of his eyes, and dark blue trousers with a dark cloak and boots. 
"Hello Aredhen, And how was your archery lesson with Emerwen?" Mavoinë spoke with self-abandoned pride as he came to stand beside Legolas, 
Legolas gave a fake smile "It went very well . Emerwen's terribly talented and full of life." Legolas said, still staring around the hall.
Mavoinë nodded , "We still have our arrangement to watch Emerwen at the southern court yard , yes?" Mavoinë said , making it sound more like a demand. 
"Certainly." Legolas said,hating being so polite to him.
Horns sounded from behind by the doors.
"Emerwen is coming." Mavoinë muttered as they all turned towards the door.
Emerwen came in , wearing a long red dress , the corset beaded with black patterns, and her black silver hair done in long braids going down to the small of her back. Legolas' breath caught in his throat as he saw Emerwen walking gracefully into the hall, greeting and thanking all the guests for coming.Legolas noticed that Mavoinë was gawping at Emerwen too .
"She is beautiful.isn't she?" Mavoinë murmered , 
Legolas nodded "She is beautiful in her heart too." Legolas mumbled , but Mavoinë heard what he said. 
"I don't really care about that." Mavoinë mumbled, Legolas frowned at his remark .
"What do you mean?" , Mavoinë look indecisively at Legolas then back at Emerwen,
"Her beauty is the only thing that brought me to her.All I need for her is to bear my child and then I can become king." Mavoinë said arrogantly. 
Legolas looked digustedly at Mavoinë , "You can't be serious ?" Legolas said , trying to hide his anger and succeeding. 
"Oh, believe me, my friend.I will have it no other way." Mavoinë said darkly . 
Legolas kept quiet , afraid that his rage would spill out of his mouth or his fists would be in Mavoinë's face if he moved. 
"If you will excuse me , Aredhen." Mavoinë said turning to Legolas "I am going to dance with the princess." Mavoine said with an arrogant smile and walked off to Emerwen as the music began to play .
Legolas stayed at the wall , to angry and shocked to move. 
"Ahh , Emerwen , you look dazzling." Mavoinë said joyously as he placed his hand at the small of her back and his other in her left hand, dancing slowly around.
Emerwen reluctantly took his hand, "Hantllë."<thank you.> Mavoinë noticed her nervousness as he she danced with him , 
"ahw, Emerwen.Do not be so scared." Mavoinë said darkly, pulling Emerwen closer to him.
Emerwen gave a small sound of protest but Mavoinë spoke before she could , 
"Everybody knows we are to be wed, you can't protest." Mavoine whispered.
Emerwen fought the urge to scream , she wanted to get out of this man's grip but so far , she was failing. Mavoinë placed a kiss on Emerwen's shoulder , Emerwen tried to back away but Mavoinë had her too tight to move out of his grip. 
"What..Don't you love me?" Mavoinë whispered with mockery as he carried on kissing her , going up her neck. 
"Damn it Mavoinë. Just stop it." Emerwen hissed , hating to have him around her , even though most women would die to have Mavoinë around them.
Legolas saw how tormented Emerwen was around Mavoinë and couldn't take it anymore, he walked straight to Emerwen and Mavoinë and interuppted them profoundly .
"Excuse me , Mavoinë, but may I please have a dance with the princess?" Legolas said as he bowed to Emerwen who mouthed thank you.
Mavoinë backed away reluctantly , letting them dance. 
"Oh gods, Legolas.Thank you , thank you ,thank you." Emerwen whispered gratefully as she danced with him , 
Legolas smiled "Any thing for a princess." 
Emerwen started to blush "Yeh , right." 
Both of them now grinning. 

 
~Chapter 15~ 
Everybody sat down for to feast , 
"Welcome , ladies & gentlemen.I am glad to have you all here for this celebration in honour of my dauhter's arrival back in Rúnäwood.Let us all feast." King Almären's voice boomed over the hall , everybody applauded and then clattering of forks , knives, spoons, and glasses filled the hall.
Legolas sat opposite of Emerwen who sat next to Mavoinë , much to her disliking. Suddenly the hall doors opened an elf in battle armour came in, he had scruffed brown, blond hair with silver streaks (silver streaks are part of Rúnäwood heritage) ,slender, well-built body and wild lively and rebellious features.
Emerwen jumped up from her chair and ran screeching to the tall elf , "Ravion!" she chirped as she embraced him. 
Emerwen ran to the front of the table dragging the other elf behind her , "Aredhen, I would like you to meet Ravion, my brother." Emerwen said merrily as Legolas shook Ravion's hand. 
Ravion gave a rueful smile , "I am pleased to meet you , Aredhen.Where is your realm." Legolas replied , "I come from the realm of Mirkwood , I am a companion warrior of Legolas." he made sure he said it right this time.
Emerwen sat reluctantly back next to Mavoinë who looked very bitter since Ravion came in.
Ravion sat beside Legolas , evrybody started feasting again as soon as they all sat down.
"Hello Mavoinë , I haven't heard you greet me." Ravion said with humour . 
Mavoinë grunted but didn't answer. Ravion smirked, not caring if he'd get in trouble from his father later . Emerwen grinned at her brother's rebellious and care-free attitude , he was the only one in her family who had enough guts to say what they thought . Emerwen , Legolas and Ravion talked merrily throughout the feast , 
"So how was your assignment in the western lands , my brother?" Emerwen chirped.
Ravion gave a weary laugh and pointed to himself "As you can see, very messy and tiring." he pointed to his battle armour which had all lashes on it.
Emerwen poked her finger into his side , "I'm sure you can live with it." she teased. 
After long discussions and festive feast most of the guests started to leave.King Almären got up from his throne heavily, 
"Maie fuin <good night>. I am going to bed , sleep well.And I will see you all tomorrow." King Almären boomed happily to the few remaining people and walked out of the hall.
Mavoinë got up too "Farewell my princess. I am going too, I will see you tomorrow, when are you going to rest?" Mavoinë said to Emerwen as he gave her a light kiss making her tense.
"Ohh. I still want to talk to Ravion , we have much to catch up on, so we will be talking in my room a little." Emerwen said getting up and silently pleading Ravion to do the same.
Ravion caught the signal and got up immediatly , standing by his sister's side 
"Yes.Let us go Emerwen." Ravion said with a grin. 
Emerwen looked at Legolas "And you Aredhen?Are you going to bed?If you're not you can join us , we are only going to talk for an hour or so , we will not be that long." Emerwen said to Legolas with a smile. 
Legolas grinned "I'd love to join." The troublesome trio walked out the hall together chattering merrily. 

 
~Chapter 16~ 
They finally arrived at Emerwen's chamber . Legolas quickly stopped at his chamber next to Emerwen's.
"If you will excuse me , I need to get something." Legolas said and walked into his chamber as Emerwen and Ravion walked into the other. 
Legolas went ot the balcony and gave a high pitched whistle , in a few minutes a falcon stooped on Legolas' hand , Legolas took out a peice of paper and tied it to the bird's foot.In the letter Legolas made up an excuse why he couldn't come back to Mirkwood yet. "Nuinde,give this letter to King Thranduil." Legolas whispered quietly and the bird flew off into the night again. 
Legolas went out of his chamber , into Emerwen's to join the cheerful conversation.
"Come sit." Ravion said to Legolas as he sat on a chair opposite Emerwen , gesturing to the couch where Emerwen was sitting.
Legolas sat down."So , Aredhen.How is life in Mirkwood." Ravion said enthusiastically to Legolas. 
Legolas gave a sigh "Tough and too much work." he laughed , Ravion and Emerwen joining. 
"Ahh, you share the same veiws as I.I hate warrior life too.What ranking are you in the armies?" Ravion asked . 
"High commander in rank." Legolas said simply. 
Ravion looked stunned "Woah,such high ranking.I'm amazed the royal family make you escort my sister back to Rúnäwood." 
Legolas grinned "You'll be amazed what they make me do."
Emerwen began to giggle with Legolas following in on the laughter. Ravion looked silently at the two laughing. Emerwen and Legolas finally quieted down , 
"What?" Emerwen said , looking at Ravion. 
Ravion grinned a playful smile "You two love each other." , 
Emerwen and Legolas protested simutaniousely "No, we don't!." 
But Ravion interrupted them both , "Emerwen , I know you well enough.I know when you like someone and how you react to them." Ravion said statedly still looking amused . 
Emerwen and Legolas went pale , Emerwen spoke "Nno , that-that's not true." . 
Ravion gave a sigh and a laugh at the same time "Just admit it." he said looking at the two. Emerwen took a deep breath and then confessed "Ok , fine , you're right.But please!Ravion , you cannot tell father , Mavoinë or anyone." Emerwen mumbled in a begging tone. 
Ravion smiled "Well , isn't it obvious I will never tell!I mean , I hate Mavoinë's living guts.I swear that I will not tell anyone.And besides , you two look good together."Ravion said.
Legolas and Emerwen let out a deep sigh of relief but before they could finish Ravion spoke again "And you are not really a companion of Legolas.." Ravion said looking cautiously to Legolas .
Legolas tried to hold a blank face, but ended up looking like a shocked dodo, stunned at how Ravion could read their every move , 
"You are Legolas." Ravion continued.
Legolas and Emerwen both started talking simotaneously "Don't tell anyone!Please do not tell a soul." , 
Ravion gave a bemused laugh , "I've already said I won't tell.Though I am surprised , Emerwen, why haven't you already left with Legolas?" 
Emerwen looked knowingly at her brother "You know why Ravion.Last time I tried to run away,the trackers found me in 2 days." . 
Ravion gave a sympathetic sigh , "I am sorry , sister." 
Emerwen looked down "And I'll never be able to get away from Mavoinë.". 
Legolas lifted Emerwen's chin to him "That is not true Emerwen , we will sort this out somehow." 
Then he turned to Ravion "But you need to help." 
Ravion raised his eyebrows at that "How?" , 
"You have to convince your father somehow that the marriage must be stopped." Legolas replied. 
A mischevious grin tugged at Ravion's lips "I can only help you if you help me." Ravion said. Emerwen looked confusedly at her brother "Well ,, what can we help you with then?" . Ravion smiled as he began to speak again "Well , you see.umm.. I really like Kalena , the nobleman's daughter.And I need one of you to sort of lure her to me." Ravion said in a hopeful tone , 
Emerwen smiled "Oh my , brother.It's the first time I see your eyes twinkle when you talk about a girl, do not worry . Legolas and I will do something." Emerwen smiled , 
Ravion smiled back "Then it is settled , but for now I am going to bed.i have had a long battle.You two enjoy yourselves." Ravion said as he got up , saying the last sentence in a teasing tone and then he walked out shutting the door behind him.
Emerwen instictively curled up to Legolas , his strong arms wrapping around her as they lay down . 
"All will be well soon." Legolas said with a smile , 
Emerwen grinned "Yeh,it will be." she smiled and they both fell asleep before they could say goodnight. 

 
~Chapter 17~ 
Legolas and Emerwen both woke up early in the morning , everybody was still asleep from the big feast last night.They went down to the dining court and got some breakfast , talking merrily away in the silent, empty sun-filled hall. 
"So , I guess I'll be learning some archery today." Emerwen said she took a gulp of orange juice. 
"Yeh,I guess so.I'll first go over it all with you, and remember , think that no one's there,it helps your concentration." Legolas said taking a bite of some cream-filled eclair.
Emerwen smiled and put her hand to her head in a salute "I will do so sir!" she said in a military command voice, afterwards making her and Legolas burst out in laughter. 
"What is all this laughter about?" a voice from behind them came, 
Emerwen looked up and saw Kalena, she had red black hair which was cut in a wild bob making her look as rebellious as Ravion , "Oh!Hi Kalena!..I was just making a joke of something." Emerwen said as she swallowed a bite of waffer. 
Kalena sat beside Legolas , "So , what are your plans for today?" Kalena said looking at Emerwen. 
"Oh , well Aredhen and I are busy for the whole day, but my brother is back from his battles, he might need some company." Emerwen said profoundly , giving a quick glance at Legolas who spoke right after her "Yes , Ravion is great company ." Legolas chimed in, 
Kalena smiled "Hmm, I haven't talked to your brother in ages,Do you know where he is then?" . 
"Here I am." Ravion said as he walked into the hall , he smiled as he saw Kalena , 
"Hi Kalena.How are you?" Ravion said , still standing a 2 metres behind her. 
Kalena jumped up and gave Ravion a quick hug , "It's been what ?10 months since I've seen you, I mean , woah,You've... grown." Kalena chirped as she gestured his muscular battle worked arms.
Ravion gave an easy shrug with a grin "So have you." he mumbled , 
Kalena blushed "oh , uhh , Thanks." . "So , do you want to hang out with me today, I'm not doing anything ." Ravion said , smiling a huge grin. 
"Okay." Kalena said, fidgeting around and picking at Ravion's tunic , happy to see him.
Legolas smiled to Emerwen as he saw how Kalena and Ravion were getting on, 
"I think we should go get our bows and arrows." Legolas said quietly not trying to disturb Kalena and Ravion . 
"Yeh,I think so too." Emerwen replied , then they both got up from the great table. 
"Okay!I think Aredhen and I will be going." Emerwen said as she walked past Ravion and Kalena , 
"Okay." Ravion said still keeping his gaze on Kalena . 
"They like eachother."Legolas whispered quietly to Emerwen as they walked out of the door. "They look adorable together." Emerwen cooed with a giggle , "Come on , let's leave them at peace." Legolas said as he offered his arm to Emerwen , 
"Yeh.Let's go now , before we're too late for the archery." Emerwen said as she hooped her arm in Legolas' and walked quietly through the silent-filled fortress to the southern courtyard. 
"Close your eyes and rely on your senses , your heart." Legolas whispered to Emerwen as he stood behind her , placing his hand on hers .
Emerwen closed her eyes and concentrated only on her senses , 
"Aim .." Legolas whispered in her ear. 
Emerwen pulled the string back,"Fire." Legolas whispered and Emerwen let go of the string . **Thwip...thud** Emerwen opened her eyes and saw the arrow hit the bullseye. 
"Ahh!!! I did it ! " Emerwen screeched and gave Legolas a huge hug , forgetting that Mavoine and her father were watching her practice , she quickly let go of Legolas and grabbed another arrow. 
"My daughter ! You are doing well!" King Almären chuckled , Emerwen grinned but stopped as Mavoinë spoke "Good , but not good enough." he drudged.
Emerwen kept quiet at his insulting remark and carried on practising , King Almären gazed silently at Emerwen and Legolas "They make a good team." he stated to Mavoinë who frowned as he said it. 
"What an asshole." Emerwen whispered angrily to Legolas as she aimed the arrow. 
"Yeh .I know." Legolas whispered frustratedly . 
"He can't shoot half as good as me." Emerwen giggled silently as she let go of the string , the arrow landing in the bullseye again , 
"If he even shot an arrow , he'd probably aim it the wrong side, killing himself in the process." Legolas said , making him and Emerwen burst out into a fit of laughter , Emerwen almost rolling on the ground in hysterics. 
Mavoinë and King Almären gave a puzzled look at their laughing , finally Emerwen and Legolas calmed down "Forgive us for our behaviour , Legolas just said something really funny." Emerwen said through a fit of giggles then finally stopped . 
Legolas finally calmed down enough to speak again "King Almären , would you mind if we could take a break?" Legolas asked . 
King Almären nodded bemusedly "I think that was enough archry for today , we are having a feast tonight so you can prepare yourselves and get ready.It will be starting in a few more hours ." 
Emerwen and Legolas looked confusedly at the King , "What is the feast for?" Emerwen asked , 
King Almären smiled "You will know soon enough , but for now , get ready for the feast.I will see you later." King Almären smiled and then walked with Mavoinë out of the southern courtyard into the fortress.
"I wonder what that was about." Emerwen said curiously to Legolas , 
"I got no idea." Legaolas replied , 
"ok. I am going to prepare for the feast , I'll see you later!" Emerwen grinned and they both walked back into the fortress to get ready for the feast.
* * * *
Ravion walked quietly with Kalena in the woods , they were both talking casually about unimportant stuff , like the colour of leaves and the age of elven cities.Finally they both sat down on an old log near a quiet river, 
"What was it like when you were in battle these last 8 months?" Kalena suddenly blurted out an eager but anxious voice.Ravion gave a sigh , a sigh that held all the dread he had in the last 10 months. 
"Not the best time I have ever had." Ravion said looking quietly at the river .
"What do you mean?" Kalena asked with a confused look. 
"Well..How do I say this..I loved to be free like those 10 months , no one controlling you around, you're there finally on your own but the suffering I saw those 10 months were bad , half of my troop died and villages were destroyed.My father said it was meant ot be , but.. how can all those people suffer , with no one helping them but us.But still when I was there I felt happy , I wish I could still stay there on the plains of the west but my father commanded me to come back.Now I wonder why I'm back here , no one seems to care that I'm back or acknowledge the fact that I have went to battle risking my own life , and nobody seems to have missed me while I was gone , like I am not there." Ravion said , an _expression of hurt crossing his eyes. 
"I missed you." Kalena said quietly as she sat closely to Ravion , Ravion gave a confused look to Kalena .
"You have?" Ravion whispered as he was so close to her.
Kalena nodded as her lips touched his and she kissed him gently , Ravion kissed her back , leaning over her in a passionate kiss.After the breath taking kiss Kalena hugged Ravion , sinking into his warm touch. 
"Everyday you were gone , I never knew if you would come back alive or not.I missed you so much." Kalena murmered. 
Ravion held her closer , "And I you." he replied back . 
"Leave with me." Ravion said , 
Kalena gave a bemused look , "What?" . 
Ravion looked at her with a smile "I want to leave this place , there is no fun in life if I stay here , I am leaving in a few days.Will you come with me?" Ravion asked. 
Kalena smiled "I'm always up for an adventure." she gave a small laugh , Ravion following in.
"But come , let us now go back to the fortess, there is a feast tonight , I heard." Ravion said as he picked her up gently and put her to the ground. 
"What is the feast for.?" Kalena said as they walked back , 
"I have no idea.Let us just hope it's good news." Ravion said as they walked back to the fortess to get ready for the feast. 

 
~Chapter 18~ 
Emerwen came into the great dining courts , she had to stop as she saw how many people were already there. 
"What on Middle earth is gong on?" Emerwen said to Legolas as he escorted her inside , 
"I have no idea , but whatever this feast is for , it must be important." Legolas replied . 
The was filled with guests , more than yesterday and the great dining table in the centre was filled with gold and silver cutlery with beautiful decorations . 
"This is weird." Emerwen managed to utter as she saw how the courts looked.
Legolas just nodded , too razzled to speak .
Suddenly the trumpets sounded for the meals to start . Emerwen sat at her usual place with Legolas opposite of her. Mavoinë and King Almären came in at the same time , Mavoinë sitting next to Emerwen and King Almäran at the centre of the table , seeing over all the guests. King Almären cleared his throat and then stood up to make an announcement "Thank you , everyone for coming.I'm sure all of you wondering why you're here.The good news is that I'm not announcing bad news." The king chuckled , everyone still looked blankly at him not amused by his strange humour .
King Almären quickly carried on "Yes , ummhm , well , I am here to announce.." . 
Emerwen waited anxiously for him to carry on , what was soo important that almost half the elven kingdom had to hear about?? 
The king carried on "That.. In one more day, in the evening , Emerwen and Mavoinë will be wed!" . 
Everybody burst out in a great applause , Emerwen felt her stomache flip around , her throat become tight , What??!! I'm marrying Mavoinë.. tomorrow ?!!! she thought panicly trying to hide her shock.
Legolas looked anxiously at Emerwen who looked sadily back at him.Ravion and Kalena were sitting close to Emerwen and knew how she felt about Mavoinë ,
"How can they get married?!" Ravion said steamily to Kalena who was too shocked to speak.
Suddenly Emerwen felt a strong grip on her shoulder , it was Mavoinë hand .Emerwen didn't react , all she felt was all her happiness crashing away in tiny pieces. Everyone was still applauding and chattering away with excitement. 
"Emerwen, What is wrong?" King Almären's voice boomed to her , 
Emerwen jumped in fright as she heard everyone turn to her for an answer "Father , I am just feeling , err.. alittle ill , and I am hoping that I won't be ill on my wedding day." Emerwen said hastily , hesitating to say the last three words. 
The King looked sympathetically to Emerwen "Then you need some bedrest , we do not want you sick on your wedding night." King Almären spoke in a fatherly tone. 
Emerwen nodded , giving Mavoinë a good bye kiss and walked swiftly out of the courts.
Legolas stood up to follow her but was stopped by Mavoinë's voice "Where are you going , Aredhen?" , 
Legolas turned to Mavoinë , thinking of an excuse "I .. have to pack my weaponry for Emerwen's archery lesson.I forgot them in the southern courtyards today when we were practicing." Legolas said in a rush . 
Mavoinë looked thoughtfully at Legolas then spoke again "Okay , Aredhen.But then you must know that it will be your last archery lesson with Emerwen tomorrow.She will not need any more tutors after the marriage." Mavionë said , with a smirk only Legolas coud read. Legolas nodded and bowed , then walked in a rush to find Emerwen. 

 
~Chapter 19~ 
When Legolas came to his chamber he heard Emerwen in her room , Legolas opened the door quietly and saw Emerwen slumped against the bed , crying in quiet sobs. Legolas sat down quietly beside her , 
"I am sorry , melamin."<my love> Legolas whispered quietly to her as she leaned against him , her legs curled up to her chest .
Emerwen leaned closer to him. Legolas wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer to him and cradling her lovingly. Emerwen's quiet sobs came in ragged miserable breaths as she realized she wouldn't be with Legolas anymore as he held her closer . "This can't be happening." she murmered through sad sobs . After five tries finally Legolas replied "We'll think of some thing , but right now you need some rest." Legolas crooned softly as he scooped her in his arms and laid her gently on the bed , covering her with a down blanket. 
"I need to talk to your brother and think of an idea , Fuin ethele <sleep well>." Legolas said giving her a kiss on the forehead and a reassuring hug . 
Emerwen calmed down a bit , enough to speak again."Meldallë."<love you> Emerwen whispered softly , 
"I love you too." Legolas replied back but Emerwen was asleep of exhaustion and misery before he could finish his sentence. 
Legolas let out a miserable sigh as he saw Emerwen sleeping quietly , the thought of not having her next to him made his heart ache with pain. Legolas walked out reluctantly , as soon as he came out of her chamber , 
Ravion was standing there. "Is she okay?" Ravion asked immediately as he saw Legolas , Legolas turned to him relieved he was there "No, but fortunately she is getting some rest." Legolas replied , then continued "We have to sort this out ." 
Ravion gave sad look "I don't think there's any way we can sort it out." , 
Legolas shook his head , "No , there must be some way." Legolas said as he paced around with determination. 
Ravion stood quietly then spoke again , "Right now we need some rest , sleep well Legolas." Ravion said quietly and walked down the corridor to his bed chamber. 
Legolas went into his chamber and closed the door , leaning on it as he as a whimper of pain and sadness escaped his mouth. He slumped to the ground and leaned against the door , "What am I to do." he mumbled miserably as sobs of as he finally fell asleep against the door. 

 
~Chapter 20~ 
Legolas woke up with a newfound idea and was suddenly full of energy , ha stampeded out of his room and knocked hastily on Emerwen's door.Emerwen woke up from the knock and opened the door hesitantly , when she saw Legolas she flew in his arms . Legolas began to talk as Emerwen let go of him and let him inside , closing the door behind them.
Legolas paced around energetically , "You hate what's happening, right?" Legolas said looking at Emerwen , 
Emerwen nodded bemusedly. 
Legolas spoke again "Let's leave this place." 
"But , they'll find us." Emerwen said giving a hopeful and worried look at the same time. Legolas shook his head "Ravion told me of a place he had visited during his battle , I know of the place, no one in Rúnäwood has heard of it .We can go there and no one will find us." Legolas said with a smile , Emerwen squeeled and hugged Legolas in delight , 
"Why didn't I think of that?" Emerwen whispered , her face just inches away from his. Legolas grinned and was about to speak but selected a kiss instead as he leaned closer to her and claimed her lips to his , swooning over her as he held her close.
"We're ...leaving after.... breakfast ... so..I ..think ..you.. should.. pack.. your.. bag." Legolas said as he kissed Emerwen slowly on her neck still holding her in a delicate tango pose . Emerwen nooded with a giggle , 
"Come on , grab all the clothes that's lying around , I don't care what." Emerwen said reluctantly , not wanting to ruin the moment as Legolas brought her back up from the position he leaned over her in.
Emerwen and Legolas snatched some clothes that were lying on the bed and stuffed it into a bag , 
"There , all done!" Emerwen smiled as they both looked at the overstuffed bag , 
"And you?Have you packed?" Emerwen said , still looking at the bag . 
Legolas nodded "Yup.Now let's go have breakfast , then we'll leave , it's still early so only few people know of our where abouts.We''ll send word to Ravion once we have arrived." Legolas said and put Emerwen's stuffed bag behind the door , Emerwen grinned and nodded to his decision , 
"Come on! Let's get some breakfast." she chirped as she walked out the door , with Legolas following. 
They both walked quietly down the great corridors and came to the food courts , a buffet of fruits and food was already laid down on the tables nearby the long hall table , a few servants and remaining guests were sitting at the further end of the table talking merrily while having breakfast too busy to notice Emerwen and Legolas sit down at the opposite end. Legolas grabbed some Lembas while Emerwen munched on a bunch of grapes . 
"Are the horses tacked up?" Emerwen asked as she swallowed a grape , 
Legolas nodded to a smiling Emerwen , 
"I'm sorry , it's just , woah! I'm leaving this place for good!" Emerwen whispered trying to not shout from pure joy. 
Legolas scruffed his hand in Emerwen's hair , making it all tangled "Free at last." Legolas said with a grin. 
Emerwen smiled "But not free from your torture." Emerwen replied teasingly as she smoothed her sleek hair down again. 
Legolas and Emerwen were still laughing when a servant came up to them , and bowed as Emerwen turned to her , 
"My lady , Lord Mavoinë wishes to speak to you in his chamber." the servant said nervously , Emerwen gave a small smirk "Well , which one?He has so many quarters in this palace." Emerwen said sarcastically making Legolas choke on his Lembas with laughter. 
"He would like to speak to you in his bed chamber." the servant replied quietly. 
Emerwen and Legolas gave eachother confused looks , "Why would he want me there?" Emerwen said puzzled as she looked at Legolas who had the same puzzled look on his face. 
"He only told me that he wants to see you there now , and nothing more." the servant said hastily lifting from her kneeling position. 
Emerwen sat in silence for a moment then got up to follow the servant , "Be quick." Legolas said to Emerwen. 
Emerwen nodded "Will do." she grinned and walked off quickly with the servant in front of her. 

 
~Chapter 21~ 
'He probably just wants to know the arrangements for the marriage.' Emerwen assured herself as she followed the servant to Mavoinë's bed chamber , still very puzzled why she was called to his bed chamber . 
Every time Mavoinë wanted to speak to her , he called her to one of his headquarters , not his bed chamber .. ever. The servant stopped infront of a wooden door and ushered Emerwen inside , afterwards rushing off . Emerwen wished she hadn't left , she at least wanted some one with her when she was around Mavoinë.Emerwen looked around the room , although she didn't want to admit it , it was quite a beautiful room. She saw Mavoinë sitting by a desk writing something , 
"Sit." Mavoinë said gesturing to the burgundy couch which looked more like a bed , almost in the center of the room. 
She sat down quietly in Mavoinë's direction . Mavoinë turned in his chair , now facing Emerwen and looking directly at her, then stood up and walked slowly towards Emerwen, who tried not to look scared.He stopped infront of Emerwen and sat on the small but strong tea table opposite of her. Only centimetres away from her , his knees touching hers ,Mavoinë put his hands on either side of him on the edge of the small table and looked quietly at Emerwen with a small smile on his face.Emerwen gave a small smile back . Mavoinë suddenly leaned closer and held Emerwen's chin with one of his hands , 
"Do you love me?"Mavoinë said , looking at Emerwen . 
Emerwen looked confusedly to Mavoinë trying to hide her fear "Yes.." she replied uneasily. "Then why did you kiss Aredhen?" Mavoinë said in a low voice. 
Emerwen turned pale "Wh-What ?" she stammered and tried to get away from his grip but Mavoinë didn't let go off her , 
"Awh , Emerwen . Don't lie to me , I saw you kiss him this morning , I saw the two of you together." Mavoine said quietly moving forward to Emerwen . 
Emerwen had no choice but to move back as Mavoinë pushed Emerwen lightly down on the couch , his hand now moving down to her neck. Mavoinë began kissing Emerwen as he kept his grip on her , now almost lying on top of her. 
"Mavoinë , Get off me." Emerwen hissed as she tried to push him off her but he won the battle , still keeping her down , his one heand now holding her two wrists above her head ."please." Emerwen begged hoping it would help but Mavoinë didn't react. 
Tears began stinging Emerwen's eyes as she realized that she wouldn't be able to save herself. 
"Mavoinë , please leave me alone." Emerwen begged , suddenly she thought of an idea "I'm going to scream if you don't get off me , 1..2..thre-."
but she didn't get to finish her count down as Mavoinë covered his hand over her mouth , "Scream , I dare you . No one will hear you , this chamber is miles away from the courtyards or the halls.You'll only be hurting yourself." Mavoinë whispered in a challenging tone and slipped his hand off Emerwen's mouth slowly , and bringing it back to her neck where he tightened his grip. 
Emerwen tried to scream but was paralyzed with fear . 
"Kiss me like you kiss him." Mavoinë said and pressed his lips against hers , as much as she hated him , Emerwen had no choice but to kiss him back. 
Mavoinë kissed Emerwen harder but Emerwen moved her face away from him , "Stop it." Emerwen begged helplessly as Mavoinë kept on kissing her.
Mavoinë's one hand that was holding Emerwen's wrists went down to the small of her back and up her leg . Emerwen yelled as she struggled to get away from his hands , 
"Stop struggling , it's not going to help." Mavoinë growled as he pushed Emerwen down again. 
*Smack!* Emerwen took her free hand punched Mavoinë dead centre in the face , he stumbled back from the impact , knocking over the tea table. Emerwen got up quickly and backed away to the end of the couch but before she had time to get away , Mavoinë was already up from the ground and grabbed Emerwen by the arm of her dress pulling her towards him , off the couch. 
"No.." Emerwen murmered as she felt herself being dragged off the couch. 
"That's it.I've had enough of your games." Mavoine hissed as he suddenly grabbed the collar of her dress and held Emerwen up , making her gasp for air. 
"Tell Aredhen to pack himself out of Rúnäwood , and that you're staying with me .If he doesn't get out of here in 2 more hours I will see to it that he doesn't see another living day." Mavoinë said watching Emerwen try to pry his hands off her neck. 
"Understand?" Mavoinë said , waiting for her to answer , Emerwen tried to speak but his grip around her neck was stopping her from speaking , 
"Undersatnd?!" Mavoinë asked again , this time more sternly . 
"Y-ye-..yes." Emerwen uttered through her choking. 
Mavoinë nodded with a smirk "Good." he said letting go off Emerwen . 
Emerwen fell on the floor in a thud , she quickly scrabbled away as far as she could from Mavoinë but stayed to the floor , not having the energy and will to stand. 
"It's simple , do what I told you and nothing will happen." Mavoinë said pacing around the room . 
As soon as he got close to Emerwen she stumbled back. Mavoinë looked amusedly at her reaction and crouched down infront of her,wiping a tear away from her cheek. 
"Oh , Emerwen Adel Serenwa . You better get used to my company because I'll be around for a Very long time." Mavoinë said with mock sympathy , moving a strand of hair out of her face. 
Emerwen couldn't take it anymore. Mavoinë was about to reach out to Emerwen but she scrambled up and rushed to the door before he could do anything . Mavoinë stood up to go to her but Emerwen opened the door and was about to walk out . 
"Don't forget what I said." Mavoinë smirked .  

 
~Chapter 22~ 
Emerwen rushed out of the room, down the long corridors. Finally she got to her chamber , she burst into a flurry of miserable sobs , 
"How can I tell Legolas to go away?" Emerwen mumbled through her ragged sobs.
Emerwen looked outside and saw it was midday ,she was supposed to be out of Rúnäwood by now.She quickly wiped her tears away and put on a fake face of happiness as she heard a knock on the door.She opened the door, Legolas was standing infront of her.As she saw him her heart broke into a million peices, How was she going to tell the guy she loved to be out of her life?Emerwen gave a weak smile.
"Where have you been ? I was looking all over for you. Come on, let's go." Legolas said , taking Emerwen's hand but Emerwen spoke before he could move , "Legolas ," .
"Yes." he replied , about to walk out of the door.
"I need to tell you something." Emerwen said trying to keep her face neuteral. 
Legolas stopped and looked inquisetively at Emerwen and could see something wasn't quite right , "What's wrong?" . 
"I'm staying here with Mavoinë , We've talked it over and I , love him." Emerwen said , trying to not burst out crying. 
Legolas looked with disbelief to Emerwen "What?" he said quietly , still looking at Emerwen . 
Emerwen turned her face away from him , knowing that if she looked into his eyes , she'd give it all away. 
"I love Mavoinë , Legolas , you may go back to your realm." she said , her voice cracking alittle .
Legolas stood still in shock, giving a disbelieving laugh "You have to be kidding." 
"No Legolas , I'm serious. Please , just go." Emerwen said fighting back the tears. 
Legolas turned Emerwen around and kept a tight grip on her shoulders "Tell me this isn't true." he said looking intensley to Emerwen , she just shook her head to afraid to speak. "Legolas , just please go away . I've decided I'm staying." Emerwen said her voice in a small murmer.
"Go." Emerwen said again but Legolas stayed where he was , 
"Tell me you don't love me." Legolas said still looking at her . 
"I -I.." Emerwen stammered , trying to keep herself calm. "I don't love you." Emerwen finally said , keeping a straight face. 
Legolas still kept his grip on her "Emerwen.." but Emerwen couldn't take it any longer , 
"Get out!" Emerwen yelled , her voice cracking in sorrow but she tried to conceal it best as possible. 
Legolas stepped back a little but stayed in the room.
"Get out!!" Emerwen yelled this time making her voice sound full of hatred . 
Legolas looked back one more time at Emerwen , an _expression of anger , hurt and disbelief crossed his eyes and then he walked out of the room , slamming the door in a careless thud behind him.
As the door slammed shut Emerwen slumped to the groung in tears , crying in ragged sobs "Legolas.. Forgive me.Come back." Emerwen whimpered as she heard the stable gates opening .
* * * * * 
'How did this happen.Why did Emerwen do this?' Legolas thought as he took his steed Aredhen out of the royal stables.
No one was there , beside the other royal horses who were standing silently in their stable , Aredhen nickered happily when Legolas came into sight. 
"Come on Aredhen.We have no bussiness here ,it seems ." Legolas said quieltly as he took Aredhen out of the stables . 
Aredhen stood in a quiet stance . 
"My princess has found another heart.Let us go home." Legolas whispered as he mounted onto Aredhen. 
Aredhen skittered gracefully as Legolas led him out of the manor. Legolas looked back to where he heard chattering and saw the servants preparing an alter in the eastern courtyards for the wedding tonight, he never thought it would come to this but some how it happened and nothing could be done. 
"Namarie , Melamin."<farewell my love> Legolas murmered as a single tear rolled down his cheek . He quickly wiped it away with the swipe of his hand . 
"Lelya si." <Go now.> Legolas said fluently in Elvish to Aredhen and then galloped off , out of Rúnäwood , back to Mirkwood . 
Legolas rode faster trying to forget about all that happened but he couldn't , he couldn't forget about Emerwen , his life was gone without her. But Legolas was determined to get it out of his head , he was succeeding but he couldn't get anything out of his heart . It stayed there , a cold broken,aching part wishing he could turn back to Emerwen .Legolas stopped Aredhen for a second , thinking quietly , he was about to turn back to Rúnäwood , but stopped and thought again 'Emerwen told me her heart is with another , I can't make her think differently.' Legolas thought and turned back to the direction of Mirkwood , determined to stay that way, he galloped faster to Mirkwood. 
* * * * *
~Chapter 23~ 
Kalena skipped cheerfully down the corridors .Ravion told her that Legolas and Emerwen left together and that she must tell no one. Kalena was so happy for them 
'Finally they are together and that is how it should be! I can't wait till I and Ravion leave this place!' Kalena thought gleefully too happy to hide excitement, she walked happily down to Emerwen's bed chamber to see if Emerwen had maybe left a goodbye note for them. 
As Kalena came nearer to Emerwen's bed chamber she heard someone crying inside the room , Kalena walked in quickly wondering who it was . Emerwen was lying on the floor crying , her face was pale with stained tears . 
"Emerwen,what are you doing here?" Kalena said in confusing panic as she ran swiftly to Emerwen and came beside her. 
"Oh.Kalena.Something terrible has happened." Emerwen sobbed miserably . 
Kalena frowned still puzzled , waiting for her to explain. 
"I told Legolas to leave." Emerwen sobbed , still holding her knees to her chest. 
Kalena frowned with puzzlement at Emerwen but , "But why?I thought you two loved eachother so much?" 
Emerwen burst out in howling sobs "B-But I.. I do lo-love Legolas." Emerwen whimpered through tears.
"Oh,Emerwen.What had happened then?" Kalena said , giving Emerwen a comforting hug . Emerwen hesitated before she spoke again "M-.. M-.. Mavoinë said I must tell him to leave Rúnäwood, or he would kill him." Emerwen stammered , breaking into a fit of sobs as she said the last sentence, 
"This is terrible." Kalena said in a shock. 
Emerwen just shook her head , too miserable to say anything. 
"Emerwen listen to me carefully," Kalena said looking at Emerwen in urgency , "We will do something about it, don't give up hope for anything yet, and be calm. But I have to leave you for now.Farewell." Kalena said hastily and gave Emerwen a quick hug and helped her into a chair. Emerwen shook her head to what Kalena said and gave a meek smile "I'll try." Emerwen said , calming down a little. Kalena nodded and ran out the door , she had to do something before it was too late. 
"Ravion ! Ravion!" Kalena called as she stampeded into his chamber. 
Ravion looked up from the papers he was writing on , he raised his eyebrows as he saw Kalena run in. 
"Ravion.Go find and tell him to come back!" Kalena stammered . 
"Wait.Wait . What are you talking about ?" Ravion said as he stood up from the chair he was relaxing in.
Kalena took a deep breath and explained all that had happened . 
Ravion thought for a few minutes , then spoke again "I will go find Legolas and explain what happened." . 
Kalena nodded gratefully , "Do so and do so quickly.The wedding is in 3 more hours." Kalena said in a rush. "Farewell." he said giving her a quick kiss and ran out of his chamber to the stables and out of Rúnäwood to find Legolas.
* * * * 
Ravion rode on his steed in wind turning speeds , after all he had a reputation for winning races against the hardest of champions , he galloped faster and faster and noticed some thing in the distance. 
"Legolas!Legolas!" Rabion called as he rode faster toward the figure.
Legolas turned around and looked behind him as Ravion came galloping towards him . "Legolas!Where are you going?!" Ravion said as he came beside Legolas . 
"Back to Mirkwood.Your sister has no need for me anymore." Legolas said bitterly , a thread of jealousy weaving in his voice. 
Legolas began to trot away . 
"Wait, Legolas!" Ravion called but Legolas kept on riding forward, ignoring Ravion's calls. "She still loves you!" Ravion called . 
As Ravion finished the sentence Legolas halted in his steps "What?" . 
Ravion spoke hastily again , trying not to muddle anything up "Mavoinë threatened that he would kill you if she didn't tell you to leave ." 
Legolas eyebrows stitched together as he led Aredhen back to Ravion "Huh?" . 
"You heard what I said. SHE STILL LOVES YOU!AND SHE ALWAYS WILL!" Ravion said , spelling out all his words. 
Before Ravion could say anything else Legolas had already whooshed past him back to Rúnäwood. 
"Hey!Wait!" Ravion called to Legolas again as he caught swiftly up to him . Legolas still rode at the same speed but turned his head to Ravion who spoke again 
"The wedding is in 1 more hour . We better hurry." . 
Legolas nodded and gallopped faster back to Rúnäwood. 

 
~Chapter 24~ 
Emerwen stood silenlty in her chamber with Kalena , looking at her reflection.She was dressed in a beautiful white flowing gown with complex beaded patterns, a corset clung tightly to her chest and her black silver flowing hair was crotheted in an elegant loose fishtail plait. Emerwen gave a nervous smile to Kalena who smiled back but they both didn't feel as happy as they looked . The two bells outside rang in a loud *Dong!* . 
"Time to go." Kalena said quietly , 
"I can't ." Emerwen choked back her tears. 
"Everything will be fine." Kalena said , knowing her voice was seering with uncertainty. "Come on let's go." Kalena said as they walked quietly to the courtyards where all the guests were waiting anxiously for the couple.
As Emerwen walked trembling outside the musice began to play, "Go on.You can do this." Kalena whispered to her and let go of her. 
Emerwen swallowed hard , nodding and walked down the carpet to the alter. Emerwen was too nervous to hear the preist say his speech but snapped t reality as the preist spoke again " Do you , Mavoinë Evandune of Gjavaldor , take Emerwen to be your lawfully wedded wife , through sickness and health , till death do you part?" . 
Mavoinë answered yes and looked at Emerwen , only she noticed the cruel glint in his eyes. The presit turned to Emerwen "Do you , Emerwen Serenwa of Rúnäwood , take Mavoinë to be your lawfully wedded husband , through sickness and in health , till death do you part?" . Emerwen looked nervously around 'Oh Lords and ladies of high , what should I do.' Emerwen thought in panic as she looked around . 
Everyone looked at her with anxious faces waiting expectantly . 
'Here goes.' . "I-..." But stopped as Legolas burst out onto the carpet "..-Object" he said as he stood bravely in front of all the gasping guests. 
"What is the meaning of this?!" Mavoinë said furiously looking at Legolas and then to Emerwen. 
"I object." Legolas said again .
Emerwen stepped down the aisle and was about to run to Legolas but Mavoinë grabbed her wrists and pulled her towards him before she had time to run to Legolas. 
"Ouwhh." Emerwen yelped as she jerked back into Mavoinë's grip . 
"You have no right to stampede in like this. You are not even a prince." Mavoinë possessively as he held tight to Emerwen . 
"Ohh.But there you are mistaken Mavoinë." Legolas said calmly and drew his cloak off , revealing an emblem of his status. 
"What.Prince of Mirkwood?!" Mavoinë stammered holding Emerwen tighter against him. 
"I will not let you do this." Mavoine said , his anger running through his words , and grabbed a dagger out of his belt , holding it to Emerwen's neck. 
Emerwen shreiked as Mavoinë held her tighter to him , the dagger just below her neck. Everybody scattered out of the courtyards and only the gaurds and high kings remained , the preist fainted from all the action. 
Legolas stepped forward but Mavoinë spoke before Legolas could move any further. "Get away now , Legolas. I need her ." Mavoinë said hastily and continued "She needs to be with me , the dark king will punish me for my negligance if you take her .Now go away before I do something you will not like." Mavoinë said stumbling over the same sentences again and again . 
"What are you talking about?The dark king?" Legolas asked in a puzzled confusion as he stepped closer. 
"Don't come any closer .Or you will see this pale beauty scarred with death." Mavoinë said with a menacing grin as he traced a finger down her neck and layed a light kiss on her shoulder. 
Emerwen tryed to squirm away but it was useless. 
She looked beggingly at Legolas "I call,you kick." Legolas whispered quickly to Emerwen. Emerwen nodded knowingly and waited for his signal. 
"Mavoinë.I heard some very bad news." Legolas said calmy to Mavoinë. 
Mavoinë looked confusingly at Legolas "What?!" he said being taken off guard. 
"Now." Legolas said to Emerwen with a glance . 
*Shook* Emerwen kicked Mavoinë in the knee , making him fall to the ground in a howl of pain dropping his knife to the ground as she ran swiftly out of his grip. Legolas scrummed into Mavoine holding his hands behind his back keeping Mavoinë pinned face down to the ground .  
~Chapter 25~ 
"That's the bad news." Legolas said as he kept Mavoinë pinned to the ground, suddenly Mavoinë spun round and brought a fist into Legolas' stomache . 
Legolas stumbled back from the impact , as Mavoinë was about to ram into him. *Crussh* Legolas felt the impact as he was scrummed into the wall with a such a poweful force that it must've been made by darkened magic.
" I told you the consequences." Mavoinë growled as he held Legolas by the neck up against the wall , lifting his fist for his face.
Out the corner of his eye , Legolas spotted a malorn knife from one of the guests lying a few centimetres away from him , he kicked it up grabbing it in his one hand .
"There won't be any consequences." Legolas said as Mavoinë gripped his throat tighter , and with all his strength he smacked the knife into Mavoinë's shoulder making him skid to the ground , Legolas fell to the ground as he was overcome with dizziness from suffocation. He got up quickly but swayed with imbalance . 
"Take that , you arrogant bore." Legolas sputtered as he stood , still swaying with dizziness , his vision a little blurry. 
Before Legolas had time to notice anything Mavoinë snatched the dagger he dropped earlier and plunged it into Legolas stomach , Legolas fell to his knees in an icy pain as Mavoinë pulled him down to the ground and pulled out the dagger and plunged the dagger into Legolas's shoulder .
Mavoinë smirked as Legolas struggled to stay up , swaying forward , making the dagger go deeper into his side "Feel double the pain" Mavoinë hissed with a laugh.
"Bastard." Legolas muttered heavily and took all his strength punching dead centre into Mavoinë's face , knocking him out, a troop of Rúnäwood guards dragged Mavoinë away. Excrutiating pain hurled Legolas onto his back as he breathed heavily for more air .
"Legolas.." Emerwen wailed and ran to him with a troop of healers following her.
Legolas looked up dizzily to Emerwen "Help." he wailed as he spasmed in pain.
One of the healers came to his side and studied the wound expertly "It seems that magical poison was threaded on the dagger and it's now infecting the wound." the healer said quickly "We should get him to the healing rooms." the healer continued as they place a weaved stretcher under Legolas and hualing him away hastily.
As the Rúnäwood soldiers finally came and dragged Mavoinë away King Almären spoke to a half concious Mavoinë "You are charged to the isolation dungeons for attempted murder." King Almären said furiously as Mavoinë was dragged away , 
Mavoinë groaned as one of the guards pulled the knife out of his shoulder and tossed it away .The guards beagan to drag Mavoinë away to the dugeons.
"I'll get you back Legolas!And I'll come for Emerwen , that beauty of yours!" Mavoinë yelled but the rest of his yelling was muffled as he went downinto the quiet dark dungeons. 
King Almären turned to Emerwen who watched nervously as Legolas was taken to the healing rooms . "I'm sure he will be fine Emerwen ," King Almären said and continued "But for now you need some rest and I am terribly sorry for all that happened . I had no idea that Mavoinë was like that." King Almären said quietly.
Emerwen nodded and walked away quickly . She went immediately to the healing rooms but the door was closed which meant it was very serious. Emerwen waited nervously and finally a healer came out of the room . 
"Lady Emerwen. Lord Legolas is in better state , but 'e is in 'ealing . I suggest you see him tomorrow , for he needs rest." The healer , Andais , said in a contempt tone.
Emerwen let out a sigh of relief and joy "Thank you Andais." Emerwen chirped and hugged the short plump woman with bone crushing strength.
Andais gave a warm chuckle "Anything for 'ye , my lady . And besides , 'e is very charming . Tellin' me how kind I was to help 'im.You 'ave a fine lad who loves 'ye , my lady!" Andais said with a hearted laugh , giving Emerwen a nudge in the ribs. 
Emerwen blushed and grinned as Andais began jabbering to her about what a good couple they make. 
"Ok, I think that's enough Andais." Emerwen finally interrupted through Andais' cheerful jabbering .
Andais gave a abashed smile "Ohh.Forgive me lady , I did not mean t' make 'ye uncomfortable , and I think you need your rest." Andais said as she ushered Emerwen out of the healing quarters to her bed chamber. 

 
~Chapter 26~ 
Emerwen walked quietly to the heealing quarters , only a few people were walking around in the fortress this early in the morning , most of the other royal family were either resting or out in the forests. Emerwen walked silently to the room where Legolas was , she opened the door quietly and saw Legolas sitting on the side of the bed , with his back facing towards her. Emerwen quietly walked around and sat down beside Legolas .
"Maie arin."<good morning> Emerwen smiled .
Legolas gave a relaxed smile as he saw Emerwen "Maie arin." he replied back.
"Legolas , I'm really sorry for what happened yesterday I didn't mean it and I really do still love you -.." but Emerwen stopped short and suddenly gave Legolas a bone-crushing hug like she gave Andais . 
"Ouwh." Legolas groaned as Emerwen almost crushed him.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot , that you were hurt .Are your wounds healing." Emerwen said with a hint of embarrasment in her voice because of carelessness.
"At the rate I'm being hugged by so many people , I think I'll never heal." Legolas said with a rueful laugh.
Emerwen grinned "Well come on , my father has asked for us in the hall , let us go now."
Emerwen said as she dragged Legolas out of the quiet healing rooms down to the big noisy hall.
Emerwen and Legolas entered the hall and King Almären greeted them happily ,
"Ahh.There you two are." He said in his usual booming voice to Legolas and Emerwen.
"I have seen what has happened and I know the love you two have for eachother.Legolas , I am sure you would like to go to Mirkwood and tell your parents of everything." King Almären said expectantly .
"Yes, I would like to do so , your heighness. But I ask permission if Emerwen may come with , I know that my parents will acknowledge seeing her." Legolas said in straight stance (a habit he grew accustomed to after serving so many high courts)
King Almären first frowned with uncertainty then spoke again "You will keep care of my daughter , will you not ?"King Almären said , eyeing Legolas suspiciously.
Legolas miled "With all my life."
"Then it is settled .I shall see you two when you come back." King Almären boomed happily.
King Almären kissed his daughter goodbye and with a big hug to them both , Legolas and Emerwen mounted on their steeds gracefully and departed to Mirkwood.Ravion and Kalena left too , deciding to go the opposite direction of Mirkwood. 
Emerwen grinned at Legolas as they rode quietly through the forests to Mirkwood, "This is too good to be true." , Legolas smiled back "I know.". Emerwen grinned a huge bright smile "Come on.I want to see Mirkwood , let's go faster." Emerwen said as she began to gallop ahead . Legolas shot forward "Emerwen!We still have a long way to go , be a lttle patient!" Legolas called smiling at himself and laughing under his breath . 

 
The End 
.... or is it a new beginning ? <to be continued>