Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own Lord of the Rings, the characters or places- but I do own the O/Cs

A/N: Thank you for everyone asking for updates it has inspired me to actually finish the story I hope that it isn't too disappointing for an ending! And I know it has been a long time, but for a while I didn't think people would be interested in finding out what happened. But here it is please don't hate me if you don't like the ending instead imagine it differently? (I do that sometimes)

Thanks again for all the follows and favourites they make me smile and I hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I've liked writing it x

Legolas Greenleaf, the Prince of Mirkwood, is due to arrive in Lothlorien to the she-elfs delight. Rumours are spreading that he was sent by Thranduil to look for a wife but how will he react when there is one elf who doesn't seem interested? Bad summary I know! Story based on a younger more flirtatious and playful Legolas with buckets of sexual tension. LegolasxOC hopefully not a Mary-Sue but I can't promise anything!

Chapter 10: Alas

Morning light came too soon for Alassë. Upon seeing the shadows appear on the walls of her room she sighed heavily, reluctantly bringing herself from her bed. Dressing slower than necessary Alassë tried in vain to prolong the morning however, before she was ready for it, the sun was steadily climbing to midday and she knew it was time.

Through the night she had often wondered if what had happened hadn't just been a dream brought on by the wine she had consumed. However, by tracing her fingers along her lips Alassë was reminded of the kisses she had shared with the Prince and was convinced that no dream would leave a memory so vivid and real. Seeing him would confirm it, she decided, though she would only have one opportunity.

Dressed in a pale blue dress and with her hair pulled back behind her head Alassë made her way through the woods to the clearing she had entered merely weeks previously. When before she had wanted to arrive quickly to greet Legolas of Mirkwood, the she-elf was now refusing to believe it was time to say goodbye to the Prince and his company. The clearing was soon in sight and Alassë saw that a line similar to the one at the arrival meeting was forming.

Winding her way through the crowd she sighed realising that the onlyreal space was near the one elf she would rather not be near. Vanessë also realised this and proceeded to approach her and pull the she-elf behind her until Alassë and her were standing side by side. She obviously approves of the phrase 'keep your friends close, but your enemies closer' Alassë thought.

"Oh how awful this is" "Oh how I'll miss him" "Will he miss me?" Vanessë gushed upon deaf ears. Alassë simply stared into the forest, lost in thoughts of the night before, until Vanessë interrupted her letting out a load "Hussssshhh" as a group of figures appeared through the trees.

The Prince arrived last. He was dressed in his dark forest green riding clothes which contrasted with the elegant dress clothes Alassë had grown accustomed to seeing him in- she preferred him this way, she mentally noted. A hush fell over the elves gathered as he stood beside Galadriel and Celeborn and cleared his throat softly. Alassë couldn't help but roll her eyes as Vanessë, beside her, started to cry overdramatically.

"Gracious Elves of Lorien, it has been my honour this past month to be a guest in your blooming and hospitable home" Legolas began his voice ringing loudly across the silent clearing. "I deeply regret to say that my visit has now come to an end, though I will remember my stay here for many decades to come. It has been a… surprising visit" the Prince continued smiling at his choice of words, searching for the face that would recognise its meaning.

"I thank you for your hospitality, warmth and generosity towards my men and I, and may the leaves of Lorien ever be golden".

A soft applause sounded as the Prince then stepped forwards towards the end of the line to begin his courteous goodbyes to the elves he had gotten to know. Alassë fidgeted at the opposite end twisting the end of a ringlet in her hair, wondering how he would address her and whether he had been talking about her when he mentioned the 'surprising visit'. Legolas himself found the line of elves ever-going as he smiled politely grasping the hands of then men and bowing politely to the blushing she-elves. When finally out of the corner of his eye he found the blonde elf he had been looking for.

Upon the Prince finally reaching Alassë, the she-elf was in a state of confusion on how to behave. He stood politely in front of her and she found it increasingly hard to hide her smile. Seeing Legolas here in front of her was enough proof that last night had happened; that his hands had grabbed her waist, that her fingers had been wrapped in his hair and that their lips had met in the darkness. No longer holding back her smile Alassë watched as the Prince bowed, his eyes lowered with one hand behind his back. As he moved on to Vanessë he took the maidens hand and lowered himself to his knees and Alassë felt a pang of disappointment and jealousy. However, whilst the Vanessë was crying too much to notice, Alassë caught Legolas's eyes and realised he was looking at her on purpose.

"My Lady," he began, his voice soft and deep, making Alassë's heart rate quicken.

"You have made my stay in these woods…. Enjoyable and entertaining. I thank you for your kindness and humour..". Legolas continued whilst keeping his eye contact with Alassë. "I regret that we may not meet again, my royal duties are put into place on my return to Mirkwood and I worry that I may not visit Lothlorien for a long time to come." Silence fell for a moment except for Vanessë's quiet sobs and Alassë could hear her own heart beating loudly against her chest.

"Alas, this could be the truth but things can change" the Prince added before looking up into Alassë's eyes, kissing Vanessë's knuckles gently and returning to standing smiling.

Alassë understood. He was talking to her, and that kiss, had they been alone, would have been for her.

The Prince joined his company and mounted his horse gracefully as Alassë watched every move. Then, all too soon, the company began to leave the clearing. Legolas led without glancing back at the crowd of elves waving and calling farewells.

Alassë was one of the last elves to leave the clearing as she watched the horses disappear between the thickening golden trees. Walking slowly back to her house alone, not wanting company, she assessed how she felt. Was it sadness? Regret? Anger? Dissapointment? What had he meant by things could change?

Upon reaching her room however, she was surprised to see someone had been there in her absence. On top of her pillow rested a single red apple pierced with a long, silver arrow. Gasping, despite herself, Alassë ran to her bed and picked up the apple. Admiring the arrow she began to laugh before noticing a small roll of parchment which had been balanced against the fruit. Unrolling it slowly, with shaking fingers, she read the note:

"We will meet again"

Smiling, Alassë placed the apple on her desk, and clutching the note in one hand and grabbing her bow with the other she walked out into the golden wood..

-You can be sure of it - she thought.