Thorn among the Roses

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Lord of the Rings characters, the only original thing in this story is my own character Phoenix Star and any other characters not LOTR related.

Chapter One: The Prince's Farwell

The Prince leaned against a tree savoring the last rays of sunshine through the canopy of the forest. The warmth of summer was fading, the nights growing cooler as the seasons changed. The Elvin warrior recalled the recent events and smirked at the thought that in a few hours he would be leaving his beloved home. The peace of the forest soothed his soul yet he was not content. He longed for adventure and freedom. The sound of an approaching rider drew him back to reality. He turned sharply and had his bow and arrow aimed and ready when the rider came to view.

"Do not shoot me my lord," the rider called, "I have a message from the king, he wishes you to attend a banquet this evening as a way to say farewell."

"If my father wishes it than I must go," Legolas nodded as he put his arrow in its quiver and slung his bow onto his back, "tell him I will be there."

"Very well my lord," the messenger said, "'I will tell him presently."

Legolas sighed and whistled for his own mount as the messenger rode off. He mounted the horse and rode down to the palace wondering what his father was up to. 'I hope this is not another one of his attempts to find me a bride' he said to himself. He shook his head and galloped into the courtyard. After handing his reign to a groom and dismounting he headed towards his chamber hoping to get an hours worth of peace before the banquet. But to no avail he ran into his father right outside his chamber.

"Ah my son, I was delighted to hear that you will be attending the banquet, I know you have a lot to do before your departure in the morning." King Thranduil smiled, "mayhap you will find your bride tonight."

"Father, I have no desire to marry any of the maidens in Mirkwood," Legolas shook his head, "I have no desire to marry at all."

"It is your duty to marry and have an heir," the king looked into his sons eyes, "you are my only child and heir, I wish to see you wed and happy."

"I know this, it is just that the ladies here are vapid and shallow," Legolas sighed, "they have nothing better to do all day but gossip and groom themselves it is repulsive."

"Well, you may say that now but time might change that, someday you will understand," Thranduil nodded, "I will leave you now to prepare for tonight's festivities."

With that said the king went on his way, preparing for the night. Legolas shook his head and sighed as he entered his chamber and drew a hot bath. The water released the tension that was built up in his shoulders. He knew that marriage was the right thing but he wanted to marry for love and not for convenience. Legolas washed his hair and then dried himself off. He brushed his shoulder length blonde hair and secured half of it behind his head with a braid. Two smaller braids, one on each side went behind his ears to keep his hair out of his face. His attire for the evening would be simple but tasteful, a blue silk tunic with black leggings and black leather boots that climbed to his knees.

His father beamed with approval as he entered the hall that evening. Sitting beside the king was the Lady Natalia, one of the most annoying and shallow maidens in the kingdom, it looked like his father was going to play matchmaker after all. Of course it would not work, Legolas vowed never to settle for anything short of true love. Natalia was beautiful but she only wanted the crown, not the elf. Legolas knew it was going to be a long and unpleasant night. He was right. Natalia spent the entire evening gossiping about this lord or that lady, Legolas just smiled and nodded while he screamed inside.

The hour grew late and Legolas saw his chance to escape, rising he looked to his father and bowed. "The hour grows late my lord, I must leave early to travel to Rivendell," Legolas said, "I shall miss you father, be well while I am gone."

"Fare thee well my son," King Thranduil nodded, "and tell Estel that he must visit us sometime soon."

"I will, until we meet again," Legolas bowed, left the room and went to his chambers.

After seeing his bags secured he laid down for some sleep before he had to depart, unfortunately a scant hour later he was awoken by a sound at his chamber door. He waited in the darkness clutching his knives waiting for the person to attack with bated breath.

"My Lord, I have come to say farewell to thee in a more private way," with that said Natalia undid her robe and let it fall to the stone floor, "I wish to give you something to remember me by while you are gone."

"My lady, I have no desire to remember thee at all," he said as he sheathed his knife and walked to her, "now kindly leave my chambers at once and do not return."

"You do not desire me my lord?" Natalia was puzzled, "you would refuse me?"

"Yes Natalia, I would refuse you," Legolas nodded, "I find you to be one of the lowest elves, shallow and vapid and not capable of showing true emotion."

"You dare accuse me of not having any emotions," she cried in outrage, "well, maybe you should take a glance in a mirror your highness."

With that said she snatched her robe and ran from the chamber. Legolas shook his head and returned to bed and slept for the remainder of the night. When he rose at dawn to leave he noticed a letter on his floor by the door to his chamber. He picked it up and read the contents.

Legolas,

You will regret turning me down, no other woman in Mirkwood will marry you after I am done with you. Maybe that will change your feelings towards me, know this Your Highness, I will make your life unbearable, and we live for a very long time. Remember that, remember well and mark my words sire; you will regret it.

Natalia

He crumbled the note and left the chamber ready to depart. Upon reaching the stable he found his guard waiting on him. They mounted their horses and rode off into the forest towards Rivendell, never looking back.

Authors Note: I know it's still short but I only edited this chapter.