Author's Note: Unfortunately, I don't own any of the characters, they all belong to the lovely JRR Tolkien and Peter Jackson/Newline Cinema…I'm just borrowing them to play with! *evil laughter* hehehe reviews would be much appreciated!! And on that note, THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL MY REVIEWERS!!! I am sooooo totally sorry that it took me so long to update and that this chapter is so short…but I'm working on another one as we speak!!! I have had all kinds of turmoil in my personal life but I promise that I will have another one up by the end of the week! *mwah*!

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The next morning dawned too early for the prince of Greenwood. Drifting into a state of consciousness, he became aware of a pair of green eyes boring into his from across the room, where Galadhor was seated casually in a high-backed lounge chair. A lazy, predatory smile slid across his sharp features as he greeted Legolas, "Suilad, my liege." (*greetings)

Legolas swallowed and tried to smile. "Good morrow, Galadhor. How was your journey?" The smile quickly dropped off of his guard's face and he crossed the room and jerked the prince out of his bed. "Avo pedo, amada! Lle cael-tyar-amin sai-rashwe…ar'lle onsint-ten'ta, a'amin ar'lle ada." (*Silence, fool! You have caused me much trouble…and you will answer for it, to me and your father.)

Legolas cast his head down in shame, realizing now the full extent of the stress that his disappearance had caused in the traveling party. "I am truly sorry, Galadhor. Lady Celebrian made me have some revelations during my stay here and I realized how selfish I was to not consider others' feelings before my own."

Galadhor put Legolas back down on the floor, sweeping his jet-colored hair behind his ears and replied sharply, "You do not consider your own safety, Prince Legolas. There are foul creatures that would not give a second thought to slaying you, Heir of Greenwood or not." The prince responded, "Aye, naneth made that very point to me not a night ago, my lord. I apologize, but I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions."

Galadhor frowned at him and commanded him to dress. "Your father awaits you in his chambers. He desires to speak with you." Legolas sighed and dressed himself quickly, wanting to get the lecture he was sure to receive over with as fast as possible. Smiling sideways at Galadhor, the prince spoke softly, "Celebrian said that you were going to fillet me for your dinner when you arrived. Perhaps it will be breakfast, hir nin?" (*my lord)

Galadhor laughed and said, "Ah, I should fillet you and wash you down with some of the Arabellan Dry wine that your father brought along from Greenwood, but you don't have enough meat on your bones for my preference, little Prince." Legolas laughed and said, "Well, I suppose that the day has started in my favor then."

Galadhor shook his head and said, "Come, Legolas, it is time to go see your father. We shall see if your outlook on the day changes after you speak with him." Legolas frowned and said, "He is that upset then?" The guard simply nodded and took up a flanking position to the prince, escorting him to Thranduil's chambers.

Knocking lightly, Galadhor opened the doors and said, "My Lord, your son is here to speak with you." Legolas could tell by the tone of his father's voice that he was in for quite a tongue-lashing, if not a lash across his breeches. "Good, have him enter and leave us. Let no one enter, Galadhor. The maidservant has already brought up breakfast," the Woodland King spoke with an icy edge to his voice.

"Uma, hir nin. Vee'lle irma," Galadhor said, squeezing Legolas' shoulder in silent sympathy. Squaring his shoulders and mustering all his princely dignity, Legolas entered his father's quarters. Thranduil was sitting next to the fire and did not look up as he entered. Gesturing to the chair sitting opposite him across a table laden with food, the King ordered, "Ham-ndu, amin amad-ion." (*Yes, my lord. As you wish…Sit down, my foolish son.)

Legolas sat with his head held high and looked at his father. Thranduil slowly turned his head to meet his son's eyes, his lips thin and his eyes blazing. "Eat something, Legolas. You must be hungry after enjoying the hospitality of Imladris for three days. Surely the food here is better than lembas bread," his father's voice grew more and more wintry with every word.

"Perhaps you should break your fast first, ada," Legolas replied evenly. "I'm sure you're tired from the road. Maybe I could prepare a bath for you while you eat?" The king stood suddenly, knocking his glass of mead onto the floor. "Do not mock me, child. For the past 3 days, I have been troubled by whether my only son was living or dead, slain by yrch or some other distasteful creature. What were you thinking, Legolas?!" Thranduil's voice had risen to the degree that Legolas was sure he would wake everyone in the House. (*father)

"Ada, I may be young, but I can defend myself somewhat. I just wanted to have some time in Imladris to visit before all of Greenwood arrived! I did not think, you are right, but I did not have ill intent. It has been long since I have seen Lady Celebrian and Arwen…but I should not have slipped off in the night," Legolas replied.

Thranduil leaned down and grasped the arms on the chair his son was sitting in. "You will not do something like this again, Legolas, or I will thrash you with a willow switch until you cannot sit down for a week. Do I make myself clear?" His father's green eyes were blazing so brightly with anger and fear that Legolas could see the yellow flecks in them and he nodded. "I am truly sorry, Ada. It will not happen again."

Thranduil stalked back to his chair and began eating, wondering if he would ever understand his son. "Legolas, if I was an Edan, I would be long in my grave by now, worried to death over your well-being," he said in a strained voice. Legolas bowed his head once again in shame. "While I was here, before you arrived, the Lady Celebrian and I went for one of our morning rides and we spoke of this. She made me realize the error of my ways…" Legolas trailed off to eat a piece of fruit. (*man)

"Continue," Thranduil said. "She made me see that I did not consider the feelings of others above my own and that I could easily have fallen without another's aid on my reckless journey to Imladris. And I promised her that I would not be so foolish to do something like this again," Legolas said quietly. "I am glad that she can somehow speak sense into your thick head," Thranduil laughed.

Legolas smiled and said, "I will go begin preparing your bath, Ada, and then I will take my leave, for I promised Arwen that I would break my fast with her in the main dining hall." The Woodland King smiled at his young son and shook his head, "You do not have to prepare me a bath, nin ion." The prince stood and put his hand on his father's shoulder. "I insist…it is the least I can do, and perhaps a warm bath will improve your mood somewhat," Legolas laughed and ducked a swat aimed at his head. (*my son)

As Legolas stepped out of the room, Thranduil could hear him speaking to the servants and Galadhor. "Could you get hot water to fill the tub? Thank you," he said to the servants, then began speaking to Galadhor. "That wasn't too bad; not nearly as bad as I thought. But I'm preparing him a bath to clean the road grime off him and perhaps improve his moods…do you think I should ask one of the maidservants to bathe him?" Galadhor laughed merrily and replied, "I can just imagine that, Legolas…word would spread through Imladris like wildfire. King Thranduil just arrived and already keeping the company of the maids."

"Legolas!!!" Thranduil yelled. "Do not even think of it or I shall thrash you now!" He heard his son laugh, followed by Galadhor and then several maidens came into his chambers. "Suilad, hir nin. We will be your maidservants for the duration of your stay in Imladris. Are you done with your breakfast or shall we wait for you in the bathing chambers?" one of the three identical triplets asked him. The Woodland King recoiled and then smiled politely. (*Greetings, my lord)

"Suilad, amin essa Thranduil…mani hiril nin's?" They all laughed in unison and replied one by one. "Amin essa Cerelin…amin essa Rhien…ar'amin essa Firiel. Ta lye seasa tu-lle ten'i'coiasira lle est-sinome, hir nin." Thranduil nodded and finished the piece of spiced bread he was eating and allowed the three beautiful elf-maidens to escort him into his bathing chambers, where much laughter and singing could be heard for the next few hours. (*Greetings, my name is Thranduil…what is my lady's? My name is Cerelin, my name is Rhien, and my name is Firiel. It's our pleasure to serve you for the time you stay here, my lord.)

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The festivities planned for Elrohir and Elladan's coming-of-age ceremony began quite early and it seemed that the Lord of Imladris had spared no expense. Legolas had received a summons from Celebrian directing him to dress in his finest and escort Arwen to the ball, which would start a bit before sundown and continue long into the night, he presumed. He was bathing when he heard the door of his chambers open.

"Galadhor?" he called, not really expecting an answer. His guard came and went as he pleased, having been Thranduil's First Guard as well, and there was really no reason for him to protect Legolas every second in an elven home. Shrugging it off, Legolas ducked under the water and closed his eyes, relishing the feel of the torrid water soaking into his skin and hair. There was nothing that the Prince of Greenwood loved more than a steaming hot bath with scented oil and flowers in it to relax in.

Coming up out of the water slowly, Legolas ran his hands through his hair to get the excess water out and opened his eyes to find himself staring Aerin in the face. "Elbereth!!! What are you doing here?!" he fairly screamed as her ducked back into the water up to his neck. "Shh, shh!! Be quiet, stupid edhel!!" Aerin snapped. "I asked you a question, you insolent elleth!" Legolas retorted. (*elf, she-elf)

"Celebrian sent me to get you ready for the ball, if you must know, your royal Highness," Aerin glared at him. Legolas snapped his mouth shut and managed to look disgraced as he sat in the water. "Well, are you getting out of the bath or not?" Aerin demanded, holding out a towel. The prince looked at her, mortified. "You can't be serious?" he asked, blushing furiously.

"Don't presume that I haven't seen an elf naked before, Legolas Greenleaf. I've waited on Elladan and Elrohir enough to know what one looks like," she smirked. He cringed and turned crimson all the way to the point of his ears. Finally, Aerin turned her head away and Legolas stepped out of the bath and snatched the towel from her, wrapping himself in it as he grumbled.

"You sound like a naug," Aerin laughed. "Come on, we must get you looking gorgeous for this ball tonight, Prince Legolas." Legolas shook his head again and blushed. "I can't believe Naneth sent a woman to wait on me," he said mournfully. Aerin turned her head to look at him as she went through all of his clothes to find his finest breeches and tunic. "Most elves would be ecstatic to have a maiden wait on them. What's wrong with you?" she asked. (*dwarf)

Legolas cocked an eyebrow and said defensively, "Nothing is wrong with me! I just have not found a lady that I favor…and I do not believe it is honorable to take a bedmate without loving them." Aerin contemplated this for a moment and nodded in approval. "That is very admirable, hir nin. There are not many edhel that I can speak for that share your views on elleth in that same way." (*my lord, elves, she-elves)

Aerin finally emerged from the wardrobe with a pair of dark blue breeches and an elaborate silver tunic that accentuated his sapphire eyes quite nicely. The sleeves flared out slightly at the wrists and had hook eye closures with a high collar. It reached nearly to his knees and had intricate designs woven through it with silver thread that would be set off in the light.

She pulled out his dressier boots and laid them all out on the bed. Legolas waited patiently for her to leave and she sighed. "Are we going through this again, then? Get dressed, Greenleaf! I don't have time for this," Aerin demanded. "At least turn around until I have my breeches on, you demanding female! Unlike you, I'm not used to having elleth see me unclothed every day," Legolas snapped. He quickly laced up his breeches and let Aerin help him fasten the closures on the tunic.

"I hate wearing these," Legolas complained. "They itch and they're uncomfortable." Aerin laughed and said, "You should try wearing one of the dresses if you think these are bad." The prince frowned and said, "I don't think I would look very nice in a dress, Aerin." The maiden laughed and finished fastening his tunic, then proceeded on to lacing his boots for him. "It's no wonder Undomiel fancies you; when you come-of-age, you're going to be a sight for sore eyes, young Prince. I may have to see about finding a serving job in Greenwood…"

Legolas started and Aerin grabbed his leg and cursed in Elvish, "Stand still, before I go disturb your father's revelries. He'll lash you for sure then…you're lucky to have escaped unscathed earlier. What is wrong with you?" She looked up at the prince's seemingly far-off eyes and pinched his leg. "Ow!!" he exclaimed and frowned down at her. "What?" he asked. She just raised an eyebrow and said, "What is wrong with you? Ever since I mentioned Arwen, you've been in a stupor."

"Have I?" Legolas said distantly. "You said that Undomiel fancies me…surely you must be mistaken. Why would she ever be attracted to me?" Aerin smiled and said, "Have you taken a look in the mirror lately, Legolas? You're becoming a striking edhel. Any elleth with eyes would want you. Perhaps I am too bold, but I would venture to say that you may have a desire for the Evenstar as well."

Legolas frowned and grabbed Aerin's shoulders. "If you breathe a word of this to Arwen, I will--I will…I don't know, but I'll do something vile and disgusting. Perhaps I will hand you over to Galadhor for the rest of our stay here," Legolas said. Aerin thought about it and decided that being handed over to Galadhor would not be such a bad punishment. 'He is much, much older than me but that just means he has centuries of experience…' she grinned inwardly.

"Relax, I won't tell Arwen anything. I swear it," Aerin said calmly. "Now sit down. I have to braid your hair because you have to be ready to accompany your lady to the ball in less than 10 minutes." Legolas sat down and hissed, "She is not my lady." Aerin let herself grin outwardly this time and started braiding the prince's hair into intricate plaits.

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Arwen was in a nervous state as her mother finished preparing her for the ball. "Naneth, what if Ellahir and Elrodan don't like their gifts? What if Legolas does not want to dance with me? What if I spill something on myself? What if--?" Celebrian smoothly cut her daughter off in mid-sentence. "Arwen, stop troubling yourself. It will all proceed effortlessly. Just relax and have a good time."

The gown that Arwen was wearing was stunning. Her father had gotten it made for her just for this occasion, as he often did, and it fit perfectly. It was all white, which always made Arwen nervous that she was going to spill something on herself at dinner. The bodice was curve-hugging and laced up the front, then the translucent sleeves slithered over her shoulders and down her back to blend with the skirt that hugged her legs and flowed around her legs when she walked.

The shoes that she was wearing were flat silver slippers, along with a delicate ankle bracelet, and her hair was piled up on top of her head in curls, with some strands hanging down around her face and collarbone, where her Evenstar jewel was clasped. Her mother was currently in the process of crushing red flowers to color her lips a bit. "Naneth, hurry…Legolas will be here in a few minutes," Arwen said.

Celebrian smiled slyly. "Legolas has grown up quite a bit since the last time he visited, has he not, amin iell?" Arwen scowled at her and said, "I don't know what you're talking about. He is still the same to me." Celebrian laughed and spoke again, "Arwen, do not feign indifference. He is beautiful, even to me. I can see it on your face every time you're near him, iell. You care for him, do not deny it." (*my daughter)

The Lady of Imladris got no answer but continued on anyway. "He is young yet, but when he reaches maturity, he will be as striking as any edhel that now walks these shores, Undomiel. And he has a good heart…he cares for you as well. I can see that as clearly as I can see the sunrise every day." Arwen turned and looked at her mother and snapped, "You lie. Why would Legolas care for me? I am just a childhood friend that runs with the boys and he would never look at me that way."

Celebrian frowned at Arwen and said sharply, "Do not ever call me a liar again, elle'er. I will not let you off so lightly next time. You both are stubborn and prideful and loathe to admit that another would care for you so. Pray do not let it be your downfall, Arwen. Your prince is here…I will take my leave of you now, hiril nin." (*little one, my lady)

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Legolas swallowed nervously as he knocked on the doors to Arwen's chambers. When Celebrian opened them, he stood tall and proud, looking every bit the part of the prince that he was. "You look lovely, nin ion. Undomiel is awaiting you," she said and disappeared with a swish of skirts. He walked hesitantly into the room and called out, "Arwen? Are you ready for the ball, my lady?" (*my son)

When she appeared, Legolas had to catch his breath. He stood silently in awe of her beauty. Arwen frowned at him and said, "Legolas, is something wrong?" He shook his head and said, "No, Undomiel, you look breathtaking. I have just never seen you so elegantly dressed before. I admit that it comes as rather a surprise." She blushed a little and replied, "You look magnificent as well, my prince, though I must admit that I feel rather out of place in these clothes."

Legolas grinned and said, "Ah, so we are together on this issue. I do not like dressing in such stylish attire either." Arwen laughed and took his arm when he offered it to her. "No, I would much prefer a simpler dress or our usual breeches and tunic, hir nin. I do not know how our parents abide wearing such clothes every day." They walked down the corridor to the Hall of Fire, where the celebration would begin feeling much more at ease with one another. (*my lord)

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Entering the Hall of Fire arm-in-arm, the two young elves were immediately taken aback by the enormity of the gala. "I do not believe Ada spared any expense in this, nin mellon. I do not think that I have ever seen such grandeur at a banquet, Legolas," Arwen whispered. Legolas agreed wholeheartedly. Elrond seemed to have outdone himself this time.

As soon as they entered, they were escorted to their seats and found themselves sitting across from each other and feeling quite alone and separated. Elrohir and Elladan looked as uneasy as the two younger elfings did, sitting on either side of their father and mother at the head of the table. Before long, Arwen found herself with a despicable elfing seated next to her and tried to make polite conversation.

Ammalas had been chasing her around, making unwanted advances towards her since she had since she had begun looking even somewhat female. Arwen could not stand him and her brothers were no more tolerant of him, but they weren't near enough to come to her rescue tonight. "Undomiel, you look stunning tonight," he said, as he took the seat next to her, smiling cunningly.

Forcing a tight smile, Arwen caught Legolas' eye and spoke. "Ammalas, it has been quite some time since I have seen you. Are you enjoying the festivities?" she asked in the most gracious tone she could muster. "Of course, my lady. Even more so now that I have been graced to be by your side for the duration of the merriment," he said smoothly, taking her hand and kissing it.

Legolas' eyes widened and he felt a twinge of jealousy shoot up through his stomach. He watched with amusement as Arwen pulled her hand away from the vile elfling's grasp and eloquently dismissed his unseemly advances. "Ammalas, I don't believe that you have met Prince Legolas. He is a guest from Greenwood and one of my dearest friends from childhood. I'm afraid that my company has already been promised to him tonight," she said with an apologetic smile.

"It is a pleasure, Master Ammalas, I'm sure. Hiril nin, perhaps we could go for a breath of fresh air in the gardens before Lord Elrond officially starts the festivities?" Legolas said coolly, keeping the regal tone in his voice, as he watched the other male's face darken considerably. Arwen smiled delightedly at this idea and turned to Ammalas. "If you'll excuse us, I'm sure we will see you later on in the evening," she said and nodded her head courteously as she stood. (*my lady)

Legolas stood as well and they met at the end of the table, taking each others' arm and walking out into the garden. Arwen heaved a huge sigh of relief and Legolas gave her a slightly puzzled look. "What was that all about?" the prince asked curiously. "Oh, Ammalas has been chasing me around for years making advances towards me--very unwanted advances, mind you. They keep getting bolder as the decades go on and he knew that neither Elladan nor Elrohir were near enough to be a threat tonight. I cannot abide him; thank you so very much for your rescue," she grinned at him.

Legolas grinned back and laughed slightly. "You are too much sometimes, my Undomiel. He was not happy about that brush off. He shall return before the night's end, I fear." Arwen waved her hand dismissively and replied, "He has been trying for years and he can continue trying until the end of time for all I care. He shall never fall into my favor! You would think he'd figure it out by now." The two laughed and then strode back inside when they heard Elrond ringing his goblet to announce the start of the feast. It would prove to be an interesting night, indeed.