Chapter 3 When Legolas awoke, he heard singing, the same song that was in his dreams. Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear O Queen beyond the Western Sea! O Light to us that wander here Amid the world of woven trees! Gilthoniel! O Elbereth! Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath Snow-white! Snow-white! In a far land beyond the Sea. O stars that in the Sunless Year With shining hand by her were sown, In windy fields now bright and clear We see your silver blossom blow O Elbereth! Gilthoniel! We still remember, we who dwell In this far land beneath the trees, Thy starlight on the Western Sea. (This was taken from the LOTR books) He opened his eyes and sat up with a start. The singing stopped. He looked around there was Estelbain sitting by the fire. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she said in the same beautiful voice. A strange almost heavenly light seemed to glow from her face. "No, no it's quite all right. What time is it?" Legolas asked. "I think it's around nine, I only just awoke myself," Estelbain answered. "We'd best be on our way then," Legolas said gently. He picked up his pack and gingerly took Estelbain's hand and walked out of the cave. Outside it was a wonderful day. The sun shone so bright that even in the dense forest an Orc would have to hide from it. As the couple walked along they talked as if no time had passed between them. It was as they walked and talked that they went from being friends to something more. They reached home around midday. As they walked in they heard the voice of young Arwen, "I want to see my mommy! Estely!" The little child ran to Estelbain. Estelbain bent down and swept her up in her arms. "Its okay Arwen, you'll see mommy as soon as I go try and make her better. Okay?" "Okay." Arwen said between sniffles. "Why don't you stay here with me, Arwen?" Legolas offered. Estelbain handed little Arwen to Legolas and entered into her mother's room. Inside she found the chief healer of Greenwood. "Mistress I did the best I could for her," the man stammered nervously. "I know, and I can't think of no more able hands to look after my mother than you." Estelbain said gently. Then she approached the bed and began to look at her mother wounds. The one on her shoulder, where the orc arrow had hit her, was black and festering profusely. "Do you know of the athelas plant?" She asked the healer. "Yes Milady, but I don't see what good it would do." "Just bring it here anyway, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve yet. Oh, and bring some boiling water," The princess said determinedly. She motioned for Legolas to bring Arwen in. Arwen looked from Lady Celebrian to Estelbain and back, and then she looked like she was going to cry. Arwen asked, "Why won't mommy wake up?" "Well, mommy was hurt badly and the best way for her to get better is while she is sleeping," Estelbain said. "She's not going to go to sleep forever in Mandos's halls like Lady Beruthiel is she?" Arwen asked with tears in her eyes. "No, of course not," Estelbain said bravely, yet inside she quaked with doubt. Just then, the healer returned with the athelas plant. "Here is what you asked for Milady," he said breathlessly. "Thank you, good sir." Then she placed some of the plant in the water, and immediately a cleansing aroma was released. She took the rest of the plant and made a poultice for the arrow wound. Then Arwen started to scream, "Why won't she wake up. I want her to wake up now!" As if on cue, Oivorondaer walked in and swiftly, but gently, took the now screaming and kicking Arwen saying, "The poor thing is exhausted, I'll take her to bed and things will look better afterwards" "But I don't want to go to bed, I want mommy to wake upppp!" She wailed. "Shh, Arwen, I'll come and wake you up as soon as mommy wakes up, okay?" Estelbain said gently. But little Arwen just screamed as she was carried out of the room. As Estelbain watched them go, she broke down, no longer able to take it. She threw her arms around Legolas' neck and began to weep for her poor mother. "Oh Legolas, I just don't know what to do. What should I do?" Legolas answered her by placing his chin on the top of her head. Placing one arm firmly around her waist, he began stroking her long, flowing, blond hair with the other. Just then, Lady Celebrian awoke and weakly looked up. Seeing what was going on, she said," Estelbain, are we in Mandos' halls?" "No dearest mother, we are in the halls of Greenwood," Estelbain answered gleefully. "But how? The Orcs came and took you and I thought it was all over," The Lady answered in a puzzled tone. "Legolas rescued me," Estelbain answered somewhat proudly. "Estelbain my dear, leave us, I wish to congratulate this young hero alone." Lady Celebrian answered a matter-of-factly. "Of course mother," Estelbain said, wondering why on earth her mother would want this. After Estelbain left, the lady beckoned Legolas to come close. Then she spoke in a grave tone. "Legolas, in my sleep I have seen many things and most of them are not good. Many unseen things will come and test all of Middle Earth, things so great, and powers so awesome that not even the wise will see the end. I will give you this advice look for help in the most unlikely places, big or small size will not matter when the doom of Middle Earth is at hand. Now I am appointing an old nickname to you. You shall be Estelbain's protector. For many unseen things will yet come to pass, some good and some not so good. But through all of it, I want you to be there with Estelbain, draw strength from each other and enjoy this peace while you can." And with that, Lady Celebrian yawned. "Oh," she added, " tell Estelbain and the others that I just need to sleep, and for them to enjoy the festivities I know that your father will be planning." With that, she went back to sleep, leaving Legolas to think of many things. Legolas went outside and was greeted by Estelbain, "Well what did she have to say?" "Umm… I'll tell you some other time," Legolas said. There was something in his piercing blue eyes that quieted and sobered Estelbain. Seeing this, Legolas took her in his arms and said 'come' here, it's nothing big." Then he gently tickled her. Araukapilin, a childhood friend of Estelbain, and long-time friend of Legolas, interrupted them. "I see, protector, that you are living up to your namesake," Araukapilin said with a bit of mirth. (He was referring to when they were all children and how Legolas would always watch out for Estelbain and get her out of any trouble Araukapilin, himself, and Estelbain's brothers, managed to get her into.) "My protector, I like the ring of that," Estelbain said, nuzzling Legolas' neck. Araukapilin just made a face sour face. Then she looked up at him and said, "As much as I would love to stay, I had better go and check in on Arwen. Do you want to come with me?" she asked Legolas. "You don't keep him on that short of chain do you?" Araukapilin asked rather obnoxiously. Estelbain cast an inward look of sheer disgust towards the Elf and sighed. "I think I'll stay here with Araukapilin." Legolas said with a bit of mirth in his bright blue eyes. "All right," Estelbain said, then added, "Knowing Oivorondaer, I probably won't see you till dinner." "Tell you what, I'll come get you right before, okay?" Legolas said with smile on his fair face, for he was already planning something special. "Okay," Estelbain said. Then with one final kiss, Legolas released her from his grasp. When Estelbain was down the hallway and out of earshot, Araukapilin said, "What happened to you. I've never seen you like this! If I didn't know better I'd say you were in love!" "Yeah, I guess I am," Legolas said, rubbing his neck and blushing slightly. "Oh my, if you are gone there isn't much hope for the rest of us! What's say we walk and get something to drink? It will be like old times," Araukapilin said, slapping Legolas on the back. "Sure, why not" Legolas said. As they walked, they talked. "So, how was your adventure? Did you kill lots of Orcs?" Araukapilin asked pushily. "Uh, I killed a few," Legolas said. Then they stopped to get a drink. Araukapilin asked, "So, how was Estelbain. I mean it’s a known fact she's a virgin. If anything happens, Lord Elrond will have your head on golden platter!" Araukapilin said smiling. Legolas coughed and spit out his drink. "What are you talking about?" Legolas asked. He was rather taken aback by the whole idea of what Araukapilin had said. "I… I would never do that to Estelbain, she is sixteen for Valinor's sake." Legolas smiled, thinking about how Estelbain would have loved to smart mouth Araukapilin for all this. "Right, and I'm supposed to believe that." Araukapilin said, looking down at the puddle of mead now on the floor and the stain on his shirt from the same mead. "Uh, yeah, and honestly I care what you believe, you’re the one that made a move on Oivorondaer!" Legolas started to laugh at the memory. "Hey, hey it was a dare," Araukapilin said desperately, trying to defend himself, yet doing a rather weak job of it. * * * * * * As Estelbain walked down one of the many halls of King Thranduil, she observed the unusual hustle and bustle of the servants. "That’s odd," she thought. "It's hardly ever this busy, I wonder what the King has up his sleeve?" Then she turned a corner and entered into the guest wings of the halls of Great Greenwood. As she entered little Arwen's rooms, Estelbain was greeted by Oivorondaer, her maid since birth. "The poor thing was completely exhausted. The moment her head hit the pillow she was sound asleep," Oivorondaer said lovingly, as Estelbain approached Arwen's bed and gently kissed her forehead. "Has she had any nightmares?" Estelbain asked with a look of concern in her eyes. "None, thanks be. But come now my dear, you have been through much and there is much to do. Come now," Oivorondaer said in a motherly way. "Oh, but I hate to…" Estelbain started, but was cut off. "There will be no more questions," Oivorondaer said firmly, then more gently, "Besides, there is a surprise for you and I know you will want to look your best!" And with that Estelbain allowed herself for the first time in awhile to act like a child and be led away by Oivorondaer. As they walked to Estelbain's apartments, Oivorondaer turned to a couple of the many maids left at Estelbain's disposal and said, "If you two would be so kind, the princess would like to take a bath after her long ordeal. Could you please fetch enough hot water to fill the tub." She was quickly answered by a "Yes Milady,' and "At once Milady." Then Oivorondaer and Estelbain entered Estelbain's chambers. Next, Oivorondaer sat Estelbain down and began to brush Estelbain's hair. All the while, Oivorondaer talked about what had happened while Estelbain was gone. Estelbain just sat, happily to just be able to listen and nod. When the water had been poured, Oivorondaer added jasmine, rose, and elanor oil to the water ,and brought lavender soap. She helped Estelbain into the tub and said, "So mistress, will you tell me what happened?" She had already counted Estelbain's fingers, toes, and limbs, and then searched for cuts and bruises. Finding a few, she applied the appropriate ointment and said no more about how Estelbain had acquired them. (Estelbain had mainly acquired them when the Orc had tripped her and then sought sport.) "Well," Estelbain said, not really wanting to even think back to what would have become of her had Legolas not… "I wonder what he is doing at this moment?" Estelbain wondered. "Aye, merciful heavens! I know that look! You are thinking of him! Oh, Estelbain, you're such a levelheaded girl! Tell me nothing happened! Oh, your father! I don’t even want to think about your father!" Oivorondaer wailed on. " Oivorondaer, Oivorondaer nothing happened," Estelbain said. "Right, that look is nothing! I saw you two together! I say this only because your dear mother is incapacitated at the moment." " Oivorondaer please, he only consoled, nothing happened," Estelbain said rather innocently. "Oh, and how did he console you?" Oivorondaer said, a little less suspicious. "He held me and whispered sweet nothings to me. He never once motioned what you are implying," said Estelbain then, seeing the look on Oivorondaer face, she added, "But I thank you for caring so." Oivorondaer half smiled and gave Estelbain a hug around the neck and said, "I'm sorry I ever doubted you. Finish up in there, I'm going to go pick out your dress and jewels for tonight." "Tonight?" Estelbain asked. Oivorondaer chuckled. "Tonight the King is holding a feast in honor of your safe return and the heroic deed his son, Prince Legolas, performed saving you." "Oh!" commented Estelbain with a sigh. Then she closed her eyes and dunked her head under the sweet-smelling water. After a few minutes, Estelbain emerged from the bath and dried off. She put on her silken bathrobe and stepped out from behind the curtain. Next, Oivorondaer helped her to put on her dress. The dress was white and it had a full, graceful skirt and long, billowy sleeves. The neck was simple, and in a graceful square that was incrusted with jewels. The dress also had a small train that came gracefully around the back, falling perfectly into place when Estelbain walked. Estelbain wore a belt of white lace. The lace had pearls and other white gemstones woven in to it. Then Oivorondaer fastened her long white cape with a small train around Estelbain's shoulders. Her neck was bare for she couldn't find a necklace that she wanted to wear. Then Oivorondaer did her hair. First, she dried it and then she brushed it until it shone like polished gold, with bits of darker and lighter gold highlighting it. Then Oivorondaer wove gold strands into Estelbain's hair. Next, she began two small braids, one on each side of Estelbain's head. Oivorondaer plaited them until they were long enough to touch and then plaited them together as one. When Oivorondaer stopped, Estelbain looked up questioningly. Oivorondaer answered her by saying, "It looks so much better down." Estelbain nodded. Then Oivorondaer added only a hint of lip rouge and commented, "Your checks are rosy enough, and your face is as pale as the new moon. I wonder if your sister is awake?" She then turned to one of the maids and said, "Please go to Princess Arwen's room and see if she is awake. If she is, make sure she is getting ready for the feast." "At once Milady," the girl answered. The servant returned moments later say the princess was ready, and exited! A few minutes later, Prince Legolas arrived. As he did, Oivorondaer looked him over approvingly. The prince wore a gray tunic and gray breeches. Around his waist, was a belt made of sliver and wrought in the shape of leaves, inlaid with emeralds. Around his neck was a sliver-plate necklace that had been twisted to form a design. Now Estelbain was sitting front of her mirror, engaging in one of her favorite pastimes, reading. Legolas produced something from his pocket as he walked silently across the room. He stretched out the thing he was holding, placing it around Estelbain's neck, and then did up the clasp. Estelbain quickly looked up. "Legolas! You… oh my, it's beautiful." Legolas had been holding a necklace. The necklace was a simple gold chain, with a gold pendant on it. In the center of the pendant was a hole, perfectly shaped to hold the silver angel charm that symbolized her parentage. Surrounding the angel were little diamonds and sapphires. " Nay, it only adds to your beauty my dear," Legolas said, as he gently caressed Estelbain's check. "But come now, I have else something I want to show you before the feast," he said, with a gleam in his eye. "All right," Estelbain said, wondering what it could be. Legolas took Estelbain's hand and led her just outside the hall door where there was a little clearing. The sun was just setting over the trees. "Remember when we were kids, how we would play out here and then, just around this time, our nannies would come and call us in. We would always say 'just a minute', so we could watch the sunset. They were always so afraid that some band of Orcs would come and snatch us if it got even a little bit dark," Legolas said, smiling at the memory of days gone by. "Remember the stories that your nanny would tell us about what happened to little Elf children that wandered off?" Estelbain said, rather enjoying this stroll down memory lane. "Oh yes, I remember the one about Queen of the Spiders? Shelob? How she loved to eat the flesh of young Elves. You believed it! You wouldn't go in the forest unless you were with me and I had my bow and quiver of arrows!" Legolas said, chuckling. Estelbain blushed and hid her head in Legolas chest. "I was six," she said, looking up. "I know," Legolas said. He looked up at the setting sun and began to stroke Estelbain's back. "But it's still funny." He looked down at her. As the sun completely set behind the trees, Legolas and Estelbain kissed passionately. When they finally broke apart, Legolas said, "We better go get Arwen and go to the feast. I stopped in to see her and she was pretty excited." "She's taken a real shine to you," Estelbain commented. Legolas chuckled, "Yeah, she has." "Well, I can certainly see why," Estelbain said, batting her eyelashes and still managing to keep a straight face. "Come here," Legolas said, as he grabbed her and lightly tickled her. Just then, a bell was heard that sounded through all the halls. "Well I guess we better go then," Legolas said. "I guess we better," Estelbain sighed. Then Legolas took Estelbain's hand and they went back inside. They laughed and joked as they walked to little Arwen's room. When they got there, they found little Arwen standing with her hands on her hips. "What took you guys?" she greeted them. They both chuckled and Legolas said, "Well we're here now, so lets not waste any more time! Come, Estelbain," he said, linking arms with her. "And you too, Arwen!" and with that they set off. When they arrived at the feast, they saw Oivorondaer waiting for them at the high table, right behind where they were to sit. As Legolas and Estelbain walked to the high table, the King himself announced them. "Ah, the fair Estelbain, and my brave Legolas. Oh, and of course littlest Arwen. Come and sit!" King Thranduil boomed. Legolas squeezed Estelbain's hand and whispered, "Here we go!" Estelbain just smiled, while Arwen was in bliss at all the attention being paid to her. As they sat down, King Thranduil boomed once more." Let the music commence!" And it did. A lively jig began to play and Legolas jumped up grabbing Estelbain's hand. "Come on!" "Oh… I don't know," Estelbain started. "Oh, it will be fun, come on. People will think something is wrong if we don't!" Legolas said with a big grin on his bright face. "Yeah, Estely!" Arwen chimed in. "All right, all right, you convinced me," Estelbain said, as she threw her hands up in the air as a sign of defeat. King Thranduil laughed and just muttered, "young ones." With that, Legolas pulled Estelbain onto the dance floor, and they both perfectly danced the little jig, laughing as they did. Next was a trot, which the couple danced with such perfection, the other couples stopped to watch. * * * * * The couples were not the only ones watching. Only this pair of eyes was not watching with happiness like everyone else, this pair watched and as they did a feeling of sheer jealousy went strait to the owner's heart. A bitter and black heart it was. A heart that had long ago forgot how to love another. Now it loved noting save itself but lusted everything and it hated everything including itself. * * * * * The tune had changed to a slow waltz. To which everyone joined in. Estelbain rested her head on Legolas chest and they waltz around the room. Everything felt comfortably spinney for her. It was a feeling she never wanted to let go of. For the first time in a long while Estelbain was perfectly happy, in the arms of Legolas dancing around the room, in the warm and friendly halls of King Thranduil, her mother and little Arwen safe and it was begging to look looking like her mother would pull through. She smiled and put and extra bounce in her step. "What are you thinking about?" Legolas asked. "Oh just how perfect this moment is." Estelbain said. "Hold on to it forever then." Legolas said and held her a little closer. In the back of his mind he played Lady Celebrian's warning though he didn’t show it on his face and he hid his it in eyes so well that only Estelbain saw the small flash that passed through them, and then she saw it only for second. This perplexed her greatly but decided not let it ruin the night and to asked Legolas about it later. Then the song ended and Estelbain said that she needed to sit down, knowing that Arwen would want to dance with Legolas. Legolas walked with Estelbain to sit down and saw the look on Arwen's face and he knew why Estelbain wanted to sit down. "Will you please dance with me fair maiden." Legolas said trying to hide the mirth in his face. Arwen just giggled and nodded. Estelbain watched as Legolas seeing that Arwen didn't know how dance; let her stand on his feet. They moved gracefully across the floor. "How cute, he always seems so good with children." Estelbain thought and then began to think back to her own childhood with Legolas and soon was lost in her own thoughts. "Hey" Araukapilin said to Estelbain as he sat down next to her. "Oh hey, you startled me Araukapilin." Estelbain said as she raised her hand to her throat. As she did this she felt the gift Legolas had bestowed upon her and immediately smiled. Just then the music changed into a waltz. To at which Legolas began to show Arwen some simple steps to it. "Where did you get that?" Araukapilin asked suspiciously. "Oh Legolas gave it to me tonight," Estelbain said her face still glowing from the thought. "Oh well it looks like he knows how to take care of you," Araukapilin said. "Ya he does but then I guess he always has." Estelbain said not really seeing where this was going. Luckily the music changed and Legolas rescued her. He came over and grabbed her hand and said "Come on lets show them how its done." Legolas joked, his face still flushed from laughing. "Ok, lets" Estelbain's said with as much enthusiasm as Legolas. Estelbain just plain glad to leave Araukapilin for there was just something not right with him. Legolas and Estelbain danced till the food was brought out then they took they're rightful place next to the king at the high table with Arwen. * * * * * "They seem so happy, so peaceful they know nothing of what's to come. Well when the trials come we will see what will befall this pair. We will see who is the smart one and if beauty and grace is all its cracked up to be!" the eyes thought smugly. * * * * * All the elves at the party dined on many delicious dishes and drank fine but well watered mead and wine. When the meal was complete they went to a room lit with a roaring fire and filled with many large silk cushions. A small stage was set up and on it stood many mistrals and one storyteller. Legolas and Estelbain sat in the front row, Legolas' arm around Estelbain's shoulder and little Arwen sitting comfortable in her sister's lap. Then the storyteller began his tale. It was a love story, which seemed rather appropriate in this case. Only this was a tale of woe. Of a beautiful elf princess who by chance fell in love with a mortal prince. At the first the prince begged the princess to stay with her people and to not end the grace given to her. But in the end he saw that her love for him was too strong and they could neither deny nor hide they're love any longer. In the end the prince and the princess married and ruled the prince's kingdom. They were loved by all their subjects and know forever as fair and just rulers. Then the king grew old and they're son took the throne. The old king and still beautiful queen took one last journey. It is said that they found a forest where they tress took pity on them and gave them shelter and food so they could live out their days in peace. There they happily stayed till the king died in the arms of his immortal wife. The queen was so struck, that after the king's death that she simply lay down in his arms for the last time. Then as if asleep her soul departed her body following her husband's. Together they stayed in the great halls of Mandos. Then when it came time for the king's soul to leave the queen's followed him. No one, god, nor mortal nor elf could have stopped her from going, for there love was simply too strong. Also it is said if you go to that forest you can see the queen still warped in the king's arms under the trees, which are bowed over their bodies forever sheltering them. For it seems that their bodies never faded they stayed untouched and that is how they will stay till the world is changed. Everyone in the room sat silent wrapped in the storyteller's web and warmed by the blazing fire. Then when he had finished and his musical accompaniment had played they're final note some in the crowd said " Oh fair Princess Estelbain sing to us for it shall warm our hearts as much as the fire on this cold fall night. "Yes princess sing for us," Another seconded. "Yes Estely," Encouraged little Arwen "Go on Estelbain it will be fun" Legolas added. Estelbain smiled, placed Arwen on to Legolas lap and answered them all "Alright just this one song." Then she stood up and strode up the stage whispering to the mistrals. Then she began her voice was crystal clear and as beautiful to behold as all the jewels that middle earth possesses or has ever possessed. Yet it was warm and as inviting as a bright fire dancing in the hearth on a cold winter night. Earendil was a mariner that tarried in the Arvernien; he built a boat of timber felled in Nimbrethil to journey in; her sails he wove of silver fair, of silver were her lanterns made, her prow was fashioned like a swan, and light upon her banners laid, In panoply of ancient kings, in chained rings he armored him; his shining shield was scored with runes to ward all wounds and harm from him' his bow was made of dragon-horn, his arrows shorn of ebony, of silver was his habergeon, his scabbard of chalcedony his sword of steel was valiant, an eagle-plume upon his crest, upon his breast an emerald. Beneath the Moon and under star, he wandered far from northern strands, bewildered on enchanted ways beyond the days of mortal lands. From gnashing of the Narrow Ice Where shadow lies on frozen fills, from nether heats and burning waste he turned in haste, and roving still on starless waters far astray at last he came to Night of Naught and passed, and sight he saw of shining shore nor light he sought. The winds of wrath came driving him, and blindly in the foam he fled from west to east and errandless, unheralded he homeward sped. There flying Elwing came to him, and flame was in the darkness lit; more bright than light of diamond the fire upon her carcanet. The Silmaril she bound on him and crowned him with the living light and dauntless then with burning brow he turned his prow; and in the night from Otherworld beyond the Sea there strong and free a storm arose, a wind of power in Tarmenel; by paths that seldom mortals goes his boat it bore with biting breath as might of death across the gray and long-forsaken seas distressed: from east to west he passed away. Through Evernight he back was borne on black and roaring wanes that ran o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores that drowned before the Days began, until he heard on strands of pearl when ends the world the music long, where ever foaming billows roll the yellow gold and jewels wan. he saw the Mountain silent rise where twilight lies upon the knees of Valinor, and Eldamar beheld afar beyond the seas. A wanderer escaped from night to haven white he came at last, to Elvenhome the green and fair where keen the air, where pale as glass beneath the Hill of Tirion are mirrored on the Shadowmere. He tarried there from errantry, And melodies they taught to him, And sages old him marvels told, And harps of gold they brought to him. They clothed him then on elven-white, And seven light before him sent, And through the Calacirian To hidden land forlorn he went. He came unto the timeless halls where shining fall the countless years, and endless reigns the Elder King in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer; and words unheard were spoken then of folk of Men and Elven-kin, beyond the world were visions showed forbid to those that dwell therein. A ship then new they built for him of mithril and of elven-glass with shining prow; no shaven oar nor sail she bore on silver mast: the Silmaril as lantern light and banner bright with living flame to gleam thereon by Elbereth herself was set, who thither came and wings immortal make for him, and laid on him undying doom, to sail the shoreless skies and come behind the Sun and light on the Moon. From Evereven's lofty hills where softly silver fountains fall his wings him bore, a wandering light, beyond the might Mountain Wall. From World's End then he turned away and yearned again to find afar his home through shadows journeying, and burning as an island star on high above the mist he came, a distant flame before the Sun, a wonder ere the waking dawn where gray the Norland water run. And over Middle-earth he passed and heard at last the weeping sore of women and of elven-maids in Elder Days, in years of yore. Gut on home mighty doom was laid, till Moon should fade, an orbed star to pass and tarry never more on Hither Shores where mortals are; Forever still a herald on an errand that should never rest to bear his shining lamp afar, the Flammifer of Westernesse. As Estelbain sang little Arwen began to yawn for the hour was late for the little mistress, but she fought valiantly against sleep. As Estelbain continued Arwen finally gave in with one last yawn. Then surrounded by her sister voice, a warm fire and full belly she floated in to dreamland on her own special cloud. As Estelbain sang it enter the mind of all there that she rivaled the beauty of even Luthien wearing the Silmarillion. When Estelbain finished she sat back down next to Legolas, smiling at the soundly sleeping Arwen. "I hope you all enjoyed tonight! But I fear that the hour is late and we must now end this wonderful evening. Goodnight to all." King Thranduil said and then he yawned too. Legolas rose with Arwen still in his arms. He and Estelbain walked to Arwen's apartments. Where they placed her in the care of her nanny. Then Legolas walked Estelbain back to her own apartments where they shared one last kiss for the night. "Sweet dreams my love," Legolas said caressing Estelbain's pale check. "And you my love," Estelbain answered not really wanting this night to end. Legolas read her face and said, "Tomorrow is another day," And drew her into a warm embrace, kissing her one more then said, "You better get inside before Oivorondaer is no longer content with just listening at the door!" Legolas said. Estelbain nodded and with one final kiss went inside. Later when she lay down in her nice warm, soft bed, she found no rest there. She lay awake listening to Oivorondaer's soft snoring till she could take no longer. She rose and put on her dressing gown and slippers. Then she made her way to her mother's chambers with all the grace granted to her race. When she got there she found little Arwen already curled up next to her mother, Lady Celebrian. Yet her mother must have anticipated her coming for she was awake and waiting. When she saw Estelbain she smiled and greeted her "I was wondering when you would come daughter? What seems to rob you of your sleep dear?" "Oh mother I know naught. It seems that the moment I lay my head upon my pillow I feel simply exhilarated, and my mind is abuzz. Nothing will calm it!" Estelbain said breathlessly. "This wouldn't have to do with any male elves, say the one standing in the doorway?" The Lady asked with a small chuckle. With that Legolas, who had been standing in the doorway, bowed to the Lady and then went and stood behind Estelbain placing his arms around her stomach and lightly kissing her cheek. Estelbain smiled and squeezed his hand. Lady Celebrian smiled fondly remembering her own youth. Then said "You two best get back to your chambers, Estelbain, you especially. Who knows what Oivorondaer may do! And I can only vouch for the time you spent here and about 10 minuets of leeway," The Lady said with a smile. With that Legolas bowed and Estelbain curtseyed then backed out of the room. When they were outside Legolas asked, "What say we get some warm milk to calm that head of yours." "Sounds wonderful to me," Estelbain replied. So they make their way down to the kitchens were they were a couple of cooks there for just that purpose. When they had received their milk they settled by the fire sitting on silk cushions. As they drank their milk they laughed and talked about the day. Then Legolas grew serious and asked "Are you sure you are alright? Doing anything other than fighting an orc is not good for an elf. Especial what that one tried to do to you!" A look of great concern was in his eyes. She nodded; lately she had been putting off thinking what could have happened if Legolas had not been there. "I know but you saved me, and for that I am ever grateful," She said smiling at him then pressed on, " So lets not dwell on this dreadful thought any longer." Suddenly her head felt dreadfully heavy and she laid it upon Legolas's strong chest. Legolas wrapped his arms around her and said, "Your right I'm sorry I brought it up again." Then he looked down at Estelbain smiled, and added "Its late you best get to bed." She nodded but she was so comfy she loath the very thought of getting up. But knowing she had to she did. Legolas walked her to her door then left with a final kiss. Then he began to walk to his own familiar apartments. A happy light seemed to glow from his face. He entered and was greeted by Lalantilalasse. A ward of the king who had come to the place when Lalantilalasse was only 9 and Legolas was already 14. They had become fast friends. Legolas always treated him as a little brother and Lalantilalasse idolized Legolas like an older brother. "Well where have you been?" Lalantilalasse asked sleepily "Well let see, Lady Celebrain's rooms and the kitchen and I just walked Lady Estelbain back to her apartments. I'm surprised you're still up." Legolas said the light still radiating from his face. "You have all the real fun I just get to hear about it," Lalantilalasse said also smiling sleepily. "Well there will be plenty of time to talk tomorrow." With that Legolas got ready for bed and then he lay his golden head upon his pillow and slept peacefully.