Mending a Heart

A/N #1: In this chapter a fictional town, Tierney, will be introduced. Please note that this town is purely a figment of my imagination and was not in any of Tolkien’s books. It was created to suit the purposes of my alternate universe.

A/N #2: In this chapter a new character named Ulan makes a reference to the difference between Rivendell elves and the other elves in Middle-earth. The Rivendell elves are described as being exotic and darker than the elves of Mirkwood and Lothlorien. Please note that I took some creative license here to enhance my alternate universe.

A/N #3: A league is approximately three miles.


Chapter 16: The Trouble with Tialise


Elladan and Elrohir had been gone for thirty-seven days. Although the prince longed to see his lover, he tried desperately to deny his feelings. His desire only made him angrier with each passing day, and made him ponder what would happen if he and Elladan had to face one another again.

To keep himself occupied, Legolas spent each morning with Elrond. He discovered that learning how to concoct herbal remedies was an exacting yet fascinating science. But he found that it was comforting to be able to do something valuable with his time.

Aside from his fondness of herbal remedies, the prince’s most interesting discovery was his growing admiration for the lord. Legolas and Elrond became fast friends and he learned that not only was the lord a benevolent leader and a skilled healer, but he was also quite amusing at times. He wanted to ask Elrond about Elladan and when he would return, but held his tongue and allowed his anger to guide him back to reality. He had also considered asking Arwen about her brother’s behavior, but decided that he did not want to make either of them to feel uncomfortable.

Elrond found that he greatly enjoyed the prince’s company and looked forward to his arrival each morning. He was amazed at the similarities between Legolas and Thranduil and often stared at the prince in awe. Even though Legolas was typically very serious, Elrond found that the prince could be very comical, especially when he was embarrassed.

The lord nearly exploded with laughter when Tialise suddenly regained her previous interest in the study of elvish healing techniques.

Legolas pretended not to know what Tialise’s intentions were. But he could see the laughter behind the lord’s eyes when the young maiden began to come to Elrond’s study each morning for a lesson.

Legolas had been certain that Tialise would give up her desire to be a warrior but was surprised when the young she-elf came to weapons practice each day.

Tialise claimed that she wanted to be versed in many different elvish techniques and that she did not want to limit herself in any way.

However, despite her claim, Ellaria and Arwen teased Legolas mercilessly behind Tialise’s back, as she seemed to be interested in anything and everything that concerned the prince.

In the past weeks, Legolas’ condition improved so much that he had almost completely changed. He laughed freely and no longer tried to suppress his emotions. Although he was still not fond of crying, the prince shed more than a few tears in front of Elrond on occasion.

Although Elrond didn’t provide as much comfort as Elladan, Legolas understood why he was one of the greatest healers to ever live. The lord was wise, patient and very compassionate.

In time, the prince became so at ease around Elrond that he began to talk about his mother’s death and the guilt that he often felt. He was amazed when the lord did not try to advise him; he simply listened and comforted him when necessary.

Because Elrond did not act as though he had all of the answers to the prince’s problems nor did he try to solve them, Legolas did not feel judged or patronized.

At first, the prince had much difficulty when talking about the events that occurred the fateful day of his mother’s death. Eventually, however, he was able to share more and more of his feelings, and discovered it to be a relief.

Legolas could see why Elrond and his father had been such good friends and couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to end their friendship. The prince didn’t ask, however, as Elrond tended to be very private and lonely.

Once, when Legolas was talking about his mother, the lord spoke about something amusing that she had done many years before. Legolas watched Elrond in amazement when he saw that way the lord’s eyes sparkled and the way he smiled when he spoke about her. After a few more conversations, the prince very quickly deduced the root of the problems between Elrond and his father – his mother, Areen. Legolas now knew why the hatred between the two of them was so great and wondered what the details were that led to their eventual parting.

Despite the prince’s curiosity, however, he managed to stifle his tongue and continued to keep busy spending each morning with Elrond, each afternoon with his female companions and each evening in his bedchamber. When he wasn’t rereading one of the two notes that was sent by his father or beholding his mother’s little stone, he was dreaming about Elladan kissing, sucking and licking every inch of his body. One dream was so intense that Legolas was awakened by Elrond, who informed him that he had been moaning very loudly in his sleep. Embarrassed, Legolas quickly explained that he had had a horrible nightmare about being tortured by a hoard of orcs and thanked the lord profusely for awakening him.

In actuality though, the prince’s nightmares had almost completely subsided. And although the death of his mother was still close to the surface of his heart, the wound was finally beginning to heal.

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“Legolas!” Zera called, running over to where the prince was standing. “May I have a word with you?”

“Of course,” Legolas replied, smiling brightly.

“Have you heard about the upcoming journey to Tierney?” Zera asked, looking at the prince earnestly.

“Aye,” Legolas replied. “I have been there before. Tierney is very beautiful.”

“Aye,” Zera agreed. “Well, some of the guards from the border patrol have been selected to go on this important assignment, and I have been one of the lucky few to have been chosen for this opportunity.”

“’Tis a great honor, Zera,” Legolas said approvingly.

“It is,” Zera said smiling. “Anyway, I was wondering. . .” she broke off suddenly.

“Wondering what?” Legolas asked, becoming curious.

“While I am gone, would you watch over Tialise for me?” Zera asked.

Legolas looked at Zera in disbelief. “Tialise is fully grown. She does not require my assistance.”

“She is very young and impressionable, Legolas,” Zera said seriously, “and I have no mother or father. . . as you know.”

“Aye,” Legolas said sympathetically, remembering the day when he had been told about the fate of Zera and Tialise’s parents.

“They died when Tialise was only five years of age, and I have raised her myself,” Zera said slowly. “She is my sister and I love her dearly. I just want someone to make sure that she is not a nuisance while I am away.”

“But Zera,” Legolas said, looking at her in incredulity, “why have you chosen me? Certainly there is someone else who would be better suited than I for a task such as this. Perhaps you should ask Arwen or Ellaria or even Lord Elrond.”

“Nay,” Zera said firmly, “Tialise likes you. She respects you and will listen to whatever you say. She sometimes needs a firm hand as she can be a bit of trouble at times.”

“Alright,” Legolas said finally. “I will watch over her for you.”

“Thank you,” Zera said, smiling. “Well, if you will excuse me, I must away to prepare for our departure. We leave tomorrow morn.”

Legolas nodded and watched as Zera walked away. Shaking his head in dismay, he wondered. . . *How much trouble could one little she-elf cause?*

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It had been three days since Zera’s departure and Legolas was glad that Tialise had not needed his assistance.

“Legolas, over here!” Arwen called to the prince.

Legolas ran over to where Arwen, Ellaria, Tialise and another she-elf were standing in the south garden.

“Where have you been?” Arwen asked reproachfully.

“In the stable,” Legolas answered earnestly. “I apologize for my tardiness. Elrond had visitors this morn and our lesson was cancelled. I went to the stable and lost track of time.”

Tialise cleared her throat and stepped forward. “Prince Legolas, I would like you to meet Meaira. She is a dear friend of mine.”

Legolas smiled and bowed politely, “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, Meaira.”

“And you,” Meaira responded, curtseying courteously.

Legolas looked at the young, sandy haired she-elf with interest. He had never seen Meaira before.

“So Tialise,” Meaira said, prying her eyes away from Legolas, “what did Ulan say?”

“He wants to dine alone with me this night,” Tialise said dreamily.

“You’re so lucky, Tialise,” Meaira remarked excitedly, “Ulan is so handsome.”

“Aye,” Tialise said, looking up at the sky.

“Who is Ulan?” Legolas asked.

“He is a handsome, wonderful elf from Lothlorien,” Tialise stated in adoration. “I met him this morn and have been taken with him ever since. He arrived here only a few hours ago with a small band of elves. He said that I am the most beautiful elf he has ever seen. I think I’m in love.”

“I see,” Legolas couldn’t help but smile when he saw the lovesick look on Tialise’s face.

“Oh no!” Tialise exclaimed. “It is already late midday! I must away at once so that I can prepare for my engagement.”

“I shall assist you,” Meaira said enthusiastically.

“Arwen, Ellaria, Legolas,” Tialise said giddily, “you are also welcome to aid me, if you wish.”

“I appreciate the offer Tialise,” Legolas said cordially, “but I will journey back to the stable instead. I wish to spend some time with the steeds.” He smiled politely at Tialise, even though he had absolutely no desire to help her prepare for a romantic encounter.

“Very well,” Tialise said, grinning wickedly. “Arwen? Ellaria?”

“We are going to do some needlecraft,” Ellaria said kindly as Arwen nodded in agreement. “Thus, we will not be able to assist you. I do, however, wish you the best of luck.”

“Thank you,” Tialise said, smiling. “Come Meaira! We have much to do!”

Legolas, Arwen and Ellaria watched as Tialise and Meaira walked away.

“Legolas,” Arwen said seriously, “we must discuss this now.”

“Discuss what?” Legolas asked, eyeing Arwen and Ellaria in confusion.

“It’s. . . it’s about Tialise,” Ellaria managed to say.

“Tialise?” Legolas asked surprised. “What about her?”

Well,” Ellaria said slowly, looking at Arwen for support, “we are concerned about her engagement with Ulan tonight.”

“Why?” Legolas asked, dismayed.

“I don’t like Ulan,” Arwen said flatly. “He is very crude, and I don’t feel that a lady such as Tialise should associate herself with the likes of him.”

“Arwen?” Legolas said in surprise. “I have never heard you speak ill of anyone.”

“’Tis true,” Arwen said thoughtfully, “I try to see the good in everyone, but I can find nothing respectable about Ulan. Thus, we have come to ask you for help.”

“What would you have me do?” Legolas asked as he stared at Arwen and Ellaria in dismay.

“Would you speak to Ulan?” Ellaria asked.

“Speak to him?” Legolas asked, bewildered. “But Ellaria, I don’t even know Ulan.”

“I know,” Ellaria admitted. “That is why we want you to talk to him. Perhaps, we are wrong about him. We trust your judgment, as does Zera, and believe that if you met him, you would know whether or not he is worthy of Tialise.”

“Why do you distrust Ulan?” Legolas asked curiously. “Has he spoken ill of Tialise?”

“He has only just met her and he wants to court her!” Arwen shouted. “I have met Ulan before and he is quite the courtesan.”

“Arwen!” Legolas exclaimed in shock.

“’Tis true,” Ellaria said, nodding. “Perhaps he has changed, but I fear for the worst.”

“But why are you asking this of me, Ellaria?” Legolas asked. “Both of you are friends with Tialise. Why don’t you tell her how you feel about Ulan?”

“Nay!” Ellaria exclaimed. “I do not think that Tialise would listen to my opinion. And anyway, Zera asked you to watch over her.”

Legolas sighed heavily. “Alright then, I will speak to this. . . to this Ulan. But I do not know what you want me to do. Are you so concerned because you fear for Tialise’s safety?”

“Aye,” Ellaria said earnestly. “However, I do not fear for her physical safety. I fear for the safety of her heart. I do not believe that Ulan has worthy intentions where Tialise is concerned. I do not know what you should do, in all honesty. After you have met Ulan, if he seems to be honorable, then leave him be. But, if he seems unworthy of her affection, then do what you will to ensure her safety. I do not have any siblings and I have grown to love Tialise as my own sister. I do not want to see her get hurt.”

“Nor do I,” Arwen agreed.

“I will see what I can do,” Legolas said.

“Thank you, Legolas,” Ellaria said, turning to leave.

“Aye, thanks for your help, Legolas,” Arwen said as she walked away.

“You are welcome,” Legolas said as he watched them leave. *How bad could Ulan possibly be?*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas heard someone whistle loudly as he entered the manor. He turned to see where the noise had come from, and was surprised to see a tall, attractive male elf smiling wryly at him. The elf looked a bit older than him, but had the same golden blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Hello, handsome,” the male said, smiling seductively.

“Hello,” Legolas replied, feeling uneasy under the male’s piercing stare.

“I am Ulan,” he remarked, looking Legolas up and down hungrily, “and who are you?”

“I am Legolas Greenleaf,” the prince stated, deciding not to use his title. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, Ulan.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Ulan said, smirking, “or it could be yours, if you are lucky.”

Legolas’ eyes widened. He did not like Ulan.

Ulan laughed at Legolas’ astonished expression. “There is much reason for you to fret as I cannot give you physical pleasure while I am here. Unfortunately, I have more pressing matters at hand. But do not worry,” he moved close to Legolas’ face, “perhaps I will journey here again and teach you the ways of Lothlorien gratification.”

Legolas eyed Ulan dangerously. * He is no different than Elladan. All he wants is to indulge himself by bedding Tialise. . . or me, for that matter. I want to break this elf in half! No, be calm Legolas; you must think of Tialise. I want to kill him! No, no, think of Tialise.*

“Prince Legolas,” a servant said politely, entering the parlor, “the evening meal shall be served soon.”

“Thank you,” Legolas replied, trying hard not to cringe when the attendant used his title in front of Ulan.

“Prince?” Ulan said in fascination. “You are a prince?”

“Aye,” Legolas said, trying not to sound annoyed.

“I did not think that you were from Rivendell,” Ulan remarked, looking at the prince in admiration. “Of course, of course, I should have recognized your hairstyle right away. You are from Mirkwood and therefore, you are one of King Thranduil’s sons.”

“Aye,” Legolas admitted.

“Ah, Thrandy’s son,” Ulan remarked, smiling. “No wonder you are so fair of face. The king is quite handsome himself. So tell me, Prince Legolas,” he asked quietly, “has your title helped you to gain favor in the eyes of the elves here in Rivendell?”

“What do you mean?” Legolas asked, becoming irritated. *Thrandy?*

“Have you fed your carnal desires?” Ulan asked simply. “How many elves have you bedded? Surely one as handsome as you could bed a thousand of these Rivendell elves.”

“I. . . uh. . . ” Legolas began, trying to hide his dislike for Ulan.

“These Rivendell elves are so. . . exotic, don’t you agree?” Ulan asked.

“Well, they are. . . ” Legolas began.

“They are darker than Lothlorien and Mirkwood elves,” Ulan commented, interrupting Legolas. “Most elves have blonde hair and blue or green eyes. The elves of Rivendell, on the other hand, usually have brown or red hair and their eyes are blue, green, grey and sometimes even brown!” Ulan exclaimed eagerly. “I believe that the darker elves are striking. If I could, I would bed all of them!”

Legolas sighed and shook his head. He did not like Ulan at all. *Perhaps Elladan found me to be exotic. Perhaps that is why he used me. Well, I will use him when he returns. I will use him for target practice!*

“Who have you taken as a lover here, Legolas?” Ulan asked nosily. “May I call you Legolas?”

“Nay,” Legolas said curtly.

“Good then,” Ulan replied, ignoring the prince, “Legolas it is. So, who is your lover? Although I will not have the time to bed you properly, perhaps I can experience a **taste** of Mirkwood during my visit.”

“I am in a relationship with no one,” Legolas said abruptly, hoping to rid himself of Ulan and warn Tialise at once. The prince paused for a moment, realizing that he believed the words that he had just spoken. His relationship with Elladan was over.

“Well, if I had my way, I would conquer one of Elrond’s sons. Do you know them?” Ulan asked curiously.

“Aye,” Legolas replied between clenched teeth.

“The first time I met the twins was last spring. They are very handsome indeed. I cannot tell them apart, but I am sure their loins house the same amount of fire. I tried to speak to the eldest one and he drew his sword on me! Humph! They are a bit too warrior-like for me anyway,” Ulan said, shrugging. “I know the art of elvish fighting, but prefer to be a pacifist instead of a warrior. I like dainty elves such as yourself.”

“I am **not** dainty! I am one of the finest warrior’s in Mirkwood,” Legolas protested, unable to hide his annoyance any longer.

“Oh, little Legolas,” Ulan chuckled, “you are such a kidder. I would bed you at once if I did not have other plans.”

“And what are your plans?” Legolas asked, trying to still his hands so that they would not find their way around Ulan’s neck.

“I desire Lady Tialise,” Ulan said, smiling seductively. “I am to have dinner with her tonight, and then I shall have her as dessert.”

Legolas felt his face flush with anger.

“Did you know that Tialise is pure. . . untouched. . . a virgin?” Ulan asked, smiling deviously.

“I assumed as much,” Legolas said flatly, trying to refrain from attacking Ulan right then and there. “Tialise is very young; she is worthy of the best companions, Ulan.”

“I agree,” Ulan said, slapping Legolas on the back. “Tonight, she shall have the best. . . the best lover in all of Lothlorien.”

“She is a flower, Ulan,” Legolas said, balling his fists. “Flowers, like all nature, should be treated with respect.”

“Yes, little Leggy,” Ulan said grinning, “and flowers need to be pruned, too. I shall pluck each one of Tialise’s satiny petals this night. She will love every minute of what I have to offer.”

“Ulan!” Legolas hissed angrily.

“Oh,” Ulan remarked patronizingly, “do not be jealous, little Leggy. If Tialise does not beg me to please her every night, I shall journey to your bedchamber and teach you what the elves of Mirkwood cannot.” Ulan smiled seductively and left the room.

Legolas stood, rooted to the spot for a moment. He detested the way Ulan had given him a nickname, and even more importantly, he would not allow him to mistreat Tialise. *Arwen and Ellaria were correct in their judgment of Ulan.* The prince decided to go to Tialise’s home at once.

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“You may enter,” Tialise said when she heard someone knock on her door.

Legolas entered Tialise’s bedchamber and nodded politely at Meaira.

“How do I look?” Tialise asked the prince, standing up.

“You look beautiful,” Legolas said slowly.

Tialise beamed.

“But I’m afraid that I cannot permit you to dine with Ulan tonight,” Legolas said gently.

“What?” Tialise asked, dismayed. “Has my beloved been hurt?”

“Not yet,” Legolas remarked, “although pain may definitely be in his future.”

“What do you mean, Legolas?” Tialise asked with concern.

“I do not want you to see him, Tialise,” Legolas said firmly.

“Are you forbidding me?” Tialise asked, grinning.

“Aye,” Legolas said sternly, looking at Tialise in confusion. He was unsure of her reactions. He was certain that she would be angered by what he was saying and yet she seemed happy. “I have met Ulan, and I do not approve of him.”

“Legolas, I appreciate your concern, but I like Ulan,” Tialise said, smiling brightly. “He is kind, wise and handsome.”

“Ulan is handsome,” Legolas agreed, “but his kindness and his wisdom are questionable. I am sorry, Tialise, but you do not have my permission to see him tonight.”

“I do not need your permission, Legolas,” Tialise stated, pretending that she was trying to stay calm. “I am fully-grown, and I may spend time with whomever I choose.”

“Aye,” Legolas said simply, “but your judgment has been impaired by Ulan’s lies and thus, I must make your decision for you.”

“Legolas,” Tialise said in mock anger, “you cannot tell me what to do!”

“I just did,” Legolas replied coolly. “You will not see him. My decision is final.”

“I shall see Ulan tonight and you cannot stop me.” Tialise spun around indignantly and left the bedchamber.

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Later that evening, Tialise and Ulan had already finished their dinner and were taking a walk through the gardens of Rivendell. Legolas followed them from the trees above. The prince was fully armed, just in case he needed to assault Ulan. The couple was so entranced with one another that they did not sense Legolas’ presence above.

“’Tis a beautiful night, is it not, Ulan?” Tialise asked shyly.

“The night is a mirror of you, Milady,” Ulan said.

Legolas thought that he would be sick.

“Oh, Ulan,” Tialise said, blushing, “you are so kind.”

“It is easy to be kind to you, Lady Tialise,” Ulan remarked cordially. “I believe that your good nature has inspired me.”

“Ulan,” Tialise protested girlishly, “you are jesting with me.”

“Nay Milady,” Ulan said poetically, “I could never jest with a female such as you. One whose eyes are like the stars and face is like the moon. You are as radiant as the everlasting sky, Tialise.”

“Oh, Ulan,” Tialise said, enchanted.

The couple stopped by a large tree and stared at one another longingly. Legolas positioned himself right above the elves, ready to strike if necessary.

“Milady?” Ulan asked sweetly.

“Yes, Ulan?” Tialise asked dotingly.

“May I kiss you this night?” Ulan asked, pretending to be shy.

“Well. . . ” Tialise remarked slowly, “alright.”

Legolas shook his head in dismay. He decided that he no longer disliked Ulan. He hated him.

Ulan leaned forward and kissed Tialise gently.

Tialise fumbled about a bit awkwardly, and Legolas could tell that she had never been kissed before. *She is **so** innocent.*

Ulan’s kiss deepened and Tialise moaned softly.

Legolas could feel his stomach lurch. Listening to Tialise enjoying being kissed was disgusting, as the prince loathed Ulan and regarded Tialise as a younger sister.

“Ulan!” Tialise exclaimed in shock when the male placed one of his hands on her hip.

“Do not fight it, Tialise,” Ulan said coercively, “I shall pleasure you beyond belief this night, if you will have me.”

“Remove your hand this instant!” Tialise demanded, shoving Ulan roughly.

“Milady, I mean no disrespect,” Ulan stated, grabbing Tialise’s arm a bit roughly, “I only wanted to get to know you a bit better. I am completely enchanted by you.”

“I wish to return to my home,” Tialise said flatly, shaking loose from Ulan’s grasp.

“But Tialise,” Ulan protested.

“Now!” Tialise demanded curtly and turned to leave.

“Tialise,” Ulan said in exasperation, grabbing for the female once again.

Legolas acted quickly and jumped out of the tree. With grace, he landed softly on the ground behind Ulan.

“Ulan!” the prince shouted, causing him to jump with fright.

Ulan turned around and looked at Legolas, smiling.

Tialise also turned around to look at the prince.

“’Tis little Legolas!” Ulan said brightly. “Flower pruning is proving to be a difficult task. . . if you know what I mean,” he said, trying to speak in code.

“I know exactly what you mean,” Legolas said icily. “That is why I’m here in fact. I wish to pluck your petals, Ulan.”

“Legolas, you will not regret your decision,” Ulan said, forgetting completely about Tialise’s presence. “I shall allow you to sample my fruit this night. . . the fruit of Lothlorien.” He leaned forward to kiss Legolas.

Tialise’s mouth fell open in shock.

Legolas took a step back and smiled mischievously, “Nay, Ulan. I wish for you to taste of my fruit. . . the fruit of Mirkwood. . . the fruit of elven steel!” He unsheathed one of his knives and held it out in front of himself.

“You are a feisty one, little Leggy,” Ulan said in admiration.

“To be sure,” Legolas said scathingly. “The next thing you will see are my little leggys chasing you out of Rivendell!”

“Uh. . . ” Ulan said nervously, realizing that Legolas was not inviting him to bed.

“Where shall I start to pluck?” Legolas asked, eyeing Ulan dangerously.

“Prince Legolas,” Ulan said quickly, making sure to call Legolas by his title. “I was only jesting.”

“You shall admit your malice to Tialise at once,” Legolas stated flatly, “or I shall prune you like a flower. I will pretend that your body is the stem and your arms and head are the petals!” He flashed his knife menacingly at Ulan and lunged forward to frighten him.

“Alright, alright,” Ulan said quickly. “Tialise, I wanted to court you in a kindly manner, but your beauty enchanted my senses.”

“Ulan,” Legolas threatened.

“I wanted to bed you, alright? You are a silly, little she-elf and I thought that I would instruct you in the ways of pleasure!” Ulan shouted.

Tialise looked at Legolas in dismay. She looked down at the ground silently, and Legolas became enraged.

The prince was tired of being used and didn’t want Tialise to feel the way that he had when Elladan left. *I shall use Ulan as practice for my rage. If Elladan returns while I am still in Rivendell, I will be ready for him!*

“Ulan,” Legolas said calmly. “I shall count to ten. In that time, I suggest that you use your little leggys to run away from me. I have yet to show you what being warrior-like is all about. If I catch you, I will have no choice but to demonstrate it to you.”

“But. . . ” Ulan protested.

“One,” Legolas began to count.

“But why do you. . . ” Ulan tried to ask.

“Two,” Legolas continued.

“Why do you care what I do with Tialise?” Ulan managed to ask.

“Because I care for her,” Legolas stated frankly. “Ten!” He unsheathed his other knife and smiled evilly.

“Ahhhhhhhh!” Ulan screamed like a female as he began to run.

Legolas chased Ulan laughing hysterically, asking the fleeing elf what kind of flower he was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas went to Tialise’s home and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Tialise said politely.

Legolas entered and was not surprised to see Arwen and Ellaria there.

“Are you alright?” Legolas asked Tialise gently.

“I am fine,” Tialise said quietly.

“Legolas,” Arwen said slowly, “Tialise has something to say to you.”

Legolas looked at the maiden carefully and sat down beside of her. “What is it, Tialise?”

“I did not like Ulan,” Tialise said softly. “I only wanted to court him so that you may grow to like me.”

“What?” Legolas asked in incredulity.

“I thought that if I could. . . if I could make you see me as more than a young, little she-elf, then you would realize that I am fully-grown. . . and that I. . . care very much for you.”

“Oh, Tialise,” Legolas said in exasperation. “You know how I feel about you. I do not think that you are just a little she-elf. You are very intelligent and. . . very foolish. Please do not do anything like that again. You could have put yourself in danger.”

“Do you think that Ulan would have. . . would have forced himself on me?” Tialise asked as her eyes widened.

“I do not think that he would have harmed you,” Legolas said, sitting beside Tialise and putting his arm around her affectionately. “I do believe, however, that Ulan does not care about you, and that he is selfish, self centered and spiteful. But you know how to fight. I taught you myself. You could have defended yourself."

“I know,” Tialise said, grinning, “but I wanted you to come and rescue me.”

“Tialise,” Legolas said in frustration, shaking his head.

“So, where is Ulan? You did not. . . kill him, did you?” Tialise asked, concerned.

“Nay,” Legolas said, smiling deviously. “I only chased him for a little while.”

“You chased him?” Arwen asked in shock. “How far did you chase Ulan?”

“Only about a league,” Legolas said, grinning mischievously. “It was great fun.”

“I am sorry for the trouble that I’ve caused,” Tialise said quietly. “Zera will be quite cross when she returns.”

“I accept your apology,” Legolas said gently. “And I hope that you will accept mine.”

“Why should you apologize?” Tialise asked, confused.

“I ordered you around earlier, and I am sorry for that. I should not have told you what to do. It shan’t happen again,” Legolas stated.

“I should have listened to you, though. I am sorry that I did not heed your words,” Tialise said softly.

“The trouble with you, Tialise,” Legolas looking at her and smiling, “is that you and I are just alike. We are both stubborn.”

“’Tis true,” Tialise said, smiling.

“Aye, it is,” Arwen and Ellaria agreed in unison.

All four elves burst into laughter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that evening, Legolas entered the manor. Even though he liked Tialise, the prince couldn’t wait until Zera returned so he no longer had to watch over her. He yawned and walked toward the stairway that led up to the second floor of the manor and his bedchamber.

“Legolas?”

The prince turned around slowly and met Elladan’s gaze.


---

TBC. . .