All that is left is collecting a prince...

[ithil]

Something told her the smile on her lady's face and the light that flickered in her lord's that her request to travel to the Woodland Realm and collect the young prince intrigued them. Their instant acceptance of the idea along with their supplying a few traveling companions proved to her that perhaps they simply wanted to cause a little trouble for the King of that realm. All knew how protective he was of Legolas, to think he might actually allow him to travel a little had both of the master of the Golden Wood amused.

It also did not surprise her when Rumil insisted on coming even if he had never ventured out of Lorien, not really. Haldir finally gave his consent and she knew even he looked as though he wanted to join them. If not for his work as March Warden, he would have likely gone along if only to see if Ithil could truly pry King Thranduil's clutches off of the prince. She did not support the jokes, neither did Haldir, but all knew that he thought it as much as the other Galadhrim said it. Instead, he waved them away and told them he would enjoy the quiet in their absence.

The entire trip had been Rumil nudging her with questions about the prince and what he was like. And how could he possibly be more fun and entertaining than himself and his brothers. Well, more so Orophin than Haldir. Poor Haldir would forever remain the target of their amusement till he finally either smiled or attempted to throttle the three of them. So when he continued to ask questions even as they engaged in fighting a nest of spiders just within the borders of Mirkwood, she wasn't surprised.

"Now really is not the time, Rumil." Her voice was cool and calm as her fingers released another arrow into the hard exoskeleton that made a sickening crunch on impact. The blonde simply laughed as he dispatched his own with a sword as he landed on top of the grotesquely jointed form. She caught sight of the sticky blood as it stained the elven blade and Rumil's boots as he drove it through the thorax and carapace, severing it from the abdomen.

"You and I both know that you can kill orcs blindfolded and still have a conversation. You like him." The laughter in his voice did not even vanish as he cleaned the blood off the blade by swiping it over the large abdomen of the corpse. She wretched her arrow out of the a spider and grimaced at the black fluid that stained the shaft. Better than answering that remark especially with the other Galadhrim were so obviously listening in on the conversation with great interest.

Glancing over at him, he sat perched on one of his conquests, heels thudding against the hard shell of the creature as though it were no more than a rock. Her forehead furrowed and it only brightened his eyes in amusement. "Tell me, Ithil, are you not a little old for him." Age never mattered to them, but Rumil had been bringing that up every so often just to see if he could get a rise out of her. Secretly, it worked every time.

"Rumil." She started to tell him she would never take him out of Lorien again if he said one more thing, but she stopped as keen ears picked up on more movement. One of the other Galadhrim looked to her and tilted his head toward the direction of the sound. "It might be more of them." Her voice went quieter at that, not wanting to draw them closer. They could not afford to be a small cleaning crew for Mirkwood. Not when they had a ways to go yet. "Which means no more talking for you." She used the arrow to point at Rumil threateningly and he just smiled at her. She knew what that smile meant. He would simply bring it up again in the near future...

Comments

[laegelminil]

While there had been many moons between his meeting with Ithil in Rivendell and his current day, the memories of the laughter and fun that had been shared was not forgotten by Legolas. If anything, he managed to replay them in his mind over and over to the point where they were nearly ingrained into him, something beyond memory and history. He was often so lost in his thoughts that even his father had made a remark about letting him wander beyond the walls of the realm, he was so distracted. The prince dismissed such a notion with a curt reply, but he could tell that his father was not at all taking his words at face value.

The trend continued, the prince taking to memories more than he ever had, and it was almost something that the others in that he would usually hunt with had taken to teasing him for; the worst of all being Tauriel, the captain of their guard.

"She must be something else entirely, to capture you attention so, my lord." The laughter that is hidden in her words, especially with the title, makes Legolas nearly cringe. He had not realized that he was lost in thought yet again. Though he could not be blamed, he was sure. The memories of Ithil and the fun that they had had was... it was nothing like what he was dealing with now. With a huff, Legolas moves to pick up his bow and quiver before giving his life long friend a grin.

"She is. Now, how about we do something worthwhile, and not just mock the poor prince for his wayward thoughts?"He need not say more before Tauriel has her weapons in hand, a few more elves gathered, ready to set out into the twisting roads of Mirkwood to dispatch some foul spiders. It was there, at least, that Legolas found himself spared from wandering thoughts and teasing words. At least, for the most part.

They took their leave with Thranduil's consent, some thing of a pleased look that his son was not completely infatuated beyond reason with this unknown maiden (Legolas had dared not mention to his father, at this point, who it was that send him back to the Woodland Realm with such a smile on his face, only Tauriel knew of her name). He noted that there had been more activity to the west, near the boarders, though the king was not too concerned about the spiders coming closer, it might be a good idea to head them off before they turn their eyes to the east.

So with that, Legolas and his small company set out, light banter between him and Tauriel, as they speed through the forest quickly and quietly. It is not until they hear the echoes of battle in their ears that they slow.

"That is not the sound of a man in combat." Tauriel's eyes narrowed, but her lip quirked upwards, eyes bright as she watched the prince.

"It is not, perhaps we should help our guests?"

That is all they say before the small band of woodland elves speeds up once more, coming up on the source of the noise just beyond the boarders of the woods. It is no surprise to Legolas, speeding perhaps a bit farther beyond his companions, to catch glimpses of the Galadhrim garb between the winding branches of the trees. He had hoped that, sooner rather than later, there might be another meeting with promises of adventures throughout Arda, but this made the grin on his face break wide, to the point where Tauriel, the only one close enough to see, nearly stumbles out of laughter. It was not common to see the prince looking so free, even just between the two of them.

When Legolas nears, he slows his pace, moves up a bit higher in the trees to ensure that there are no more spiders crawling around before he drops himself lightly to the floor, bow slung over his shoulder, but short dagger held loosely in his grasp. He quirks a smile at Ithil, before his gaze travels to her companions. "Had you warned me of your coming, I would have sent a better welcome for you, I assure you."

He does not approach any closer, eyes flitting between Ithil and the elf who looked rather at ease on the corpse of a spider. It made the princes' lips twitch just a little.

[ithil]

"I think we should get your ears checked, your delicate elvish hearing is getting a little poor in your old age." Rumil singsonged the words to her before adding impishly. "Whatever would he say?" She wanted to act like an elfling and tackle him to the ground. But with the Galadhrim trying so hard not to smile at them, she only settled for swinging her bow at him. To which he rolled off the spider and gracefully onto his feet with no effort at all in his motion.

What irritated her more was that she noticed what he meant as the sound clearly was not that of the scurrying of eight legs... but more like the fleeting sounds of elves barely heard above the rustle of the leaves of the trees. Of course, it did not stop all of her company to put their hands on arrow and sword as the soft sound of someone landing in their midst disrupted their talking.

Dark blue eyes moved to Legolas, widened slightly at the sight of the elven prince. It had not been so long since she had last seen him, but it felt like forever. The smile that pulled at her lips had the eyebrows of all those with her rising high with surprise. Rarely did she let such emotion openly flit over her face. "This? It was but a little exercise, my prince."

Rumil let out the softest of snorts at her words from just behind her. "Ignore him. I should have left him in Lorien." This time she was a little surprised to hear one of the other Galadhrim choking back a laugh. Flicking her eyes to them, they looked away just as quickly. "He simply insisted he would follow if I did not allow him or Orophin to come."

As if on cue, he pushed passed her and bowed as was expected of him to Legolas. "Mae govannen, hir nin. I am Rumil." It took a lot of her not to take that moment to hit him with her bow and actually connect the swipe this time. "We were simply escorting Ithil to Mirkwood. But! We would very much appreciate a bit of rest if your king would allow it?"

Ithil felt her fingers twitch against her bow as she carefully put it back on her back. She murmured a low "And be nosey." To his request, that only earned the faintest of smiles to pull at the corners of the lips of her escorts. Technically she out ranked them all. She could send them home. But they did need rest. "I am sorry that we came unannounced..."

And even as she felt the irritation at her companion, she felt it wane as she looked at the young prince of the Woodland Realm and found herself speaking before she could stop herself. "It is good to see you, Legolas."

[laegelminil]

There is some surprise on Legolas' part to find the gathering of Lorien elves in his words; surely he had spoken to Ithil of this, of his want to see the rest of the world beyond the borders, but he had not thought that the day would come so soon. Or so late. It was hard for him to remember, to take time as it flowed and make more note of its passing. For him, it had been too long since he had seen Ithil's fair face, but that was not to say that it had been long. The prince lets his mouth twitch up into a small smile at Ithil's words.

"If that is so, perhaps you could continue southwards, I hear there are more challenging nests that await." It is clear by the look in his eyes that he jests, and it is also clear by the look that crosses Tauriel's features, that he does not often do such a thing. Ignoring his friend, Legolas steps forward, a greeting at the ready before the elf behind Ithil snorts, causing the prince to raise an eyebrow in the image of his father and give Ithil a questioning look.

When she answers, Legolas huffs a laugh, more than sure that this elf was one of the elves she had spoken so fondly of back in Rivendell. There was a camaraderie there that spoke of years, lifetimes together, that of which he and Tauriel could only imagine. They were close, often closer than his father liked, but it seemed to pale in comparison to Ithil and her companion. Legolas tilts his head, blue eyes flickering between Ithil and the other elf, as a smile bloomed on his face.

There was no need for an introduction, as Ithil has spoken so highly of him, but Legolas smiles and inclines his head at the greeting. "Mae govannen, Rumil." His eyes flit to Ithil's, amusement clear in them. " I am pleased to finally put a face to a name, Ithil spoke highly of you. Though she did not mention your boldness." Or perhaps she did, Legolas was simply amused, as was Tauriel if the smile on her face was any indication.

The prince steps towards the group, laughter at Ithil's comment, before he gestures to the elves that were with him. "Come, my father's halls will provided welcomed rest, though there is little we can do to say thanks for helping ride this forest of more of these foul creatures. I am sorry that such things were here to greet you and not I." He was glad for Rumil's request, even if he was sure that his father would be less than impressed at the intrusion.

The Woodland King could be overly opulent with those that stayed as guests, and, provided you were not a dwarf, even as a prisoner. But being imposed upon like this rarely happened. If anything, the king would be annoyed that he did not have a party planned for the evening to welcome the other elves. Or perhaps he would be more distrustful, though Legolas did not think that to be so. He smiled quietly at Ithil. "Do not apologize, this is a great surprise. We came out expecting the spawn of Ungoliant, and yet found you."

He stops, as if weighing something before he shrugs. "I think that you are a far better find in the woods than a spider, do you not agree Tauriel?" There is laughter there, in his face, as there is in Tauriel's. The captain inclines her head, murmuring a greeting before she turns to lead the party towards the guarded walls. Also to give Legolas some time alone, for which the prince is grateful.

When Ithil speaks. freely and without much care, the small smile blooms fully on Legolas' face. He bows his head, happiness lightening his shoulders. "And I am very pleased to see you, Ithil. I had hoped to be graced with your presence soon. This is quite a gift."

[ithil]

She gave a soft laugh as she retrieved another arrow from a carapace and paused to give Rumil's hair a meaningful look that he did not miss. In fact, he made sure to stay out of the reach of the arrow. "Well, had we known that, we might have entered the woods from that direction." Granted no matter how strong the Galadhrim were, they would not seek such trouble out in such a small group. But the conversation amused her.

Meeting Legolas' eyes a moment, she smiled just a moment before looking back at her ridiculous companion. He seemed so smug even as he leaned away from her as the black fluid on the arrow remained close to his flaxen hair. "Does she?" But at the mention of his boldness, he suddenly bowed again and stepped back. "Forgive me."

Ithil blinked at that and knew well that Rumil and any Galadhrim knew better than to insult any nobility or rank no matter the realm in which they stood. It seemed that even with his kind welcome, all of the Galadhrim including Rumil and her self bowed in respect to the invitation. Much of that instilled severity of their kin returned to the faces of her escorts in that moment. "Thank you, hir nin."

Shaking her head, she would not hold him responsible for their less than pleasant welcome. "If we had but sent word, such a welcome would not have occurred." But sending word took time. It would take all the time she could take delivering such word herself by her presence. "But yes, I am certain that finding a small group of Galadhrim is far more pleasant than such grotesque company." She heard Rumil murmur 'far prettier' behind her and she fought the urge to press her palm to her forehead.

She nodded to the Galadhrim and Rumil decided to trot ahead and walk with the Mirkwood elves. He may be old, but he seemed childlike in his first trip to the Woodland Realm. Ithil only managed a quick nod in greeting to the captain of the guard before she moved away with Rumil hard on her heels. He would likely make commentary to his new companion hoping she would let him bury her in questions. The other three waited behind a moment to give Ithil and Legolas room out of respect to her and his status.

Falling into step with Legolas, she fought the urge to walk with too much happiness in her footfalls. Just being in his presence gave her a lightness she could not truly contain or understand. "I could not wait for even a message sent, I fear. As soon as I was given an audience with my Lord and Lady, I requested leave to travel. The Galadhrim accompanied me so I would not make the journey here alone."

She could not help the smile that blossomed over elven fair features as she looked to him. "I hope this does not make me appear too over eager."

[laegelminil]

The response from Ithil, whilst not surprising, still made the prince of the woodland realm laugh lightly. He gives the Galadhrim a crooked smile and motions to the south of the forest. "Well, if you are ever up for a challenge, Tauriel and I would be more than pleased to challenge you." He and his captain of the guard often turned such endeavours into games, had since they were children running through the halls of the palace. It made such horrible things seem just a little bit lighter.

There is a good deal of camaraderie between Ithil and her companions, mainly Rumil, and it cheers Legolas to see such a thing. Not that he had though such a thing would not be possible, but to see that there were still such bonds amongst people despite rank, a thing that was a sore spot in the woodland realm. When Rumil steps back, pulls back down the mask of the stoic Galadhrim, Legolas shakes his head. "You do not have to fulfil a duty here, while severity is pleasant in the eyes of my father, I am not him." He meets Rumil's eyes, small spark of amusement in them. "I have seen the kind of mischief you can get up to, it will do you no good now to try and make it seem otherwise."

Legolas thinks back to the fun that he and Ithil had in Rivendell, the smile on his face breaking again, he could not help it. It was a fond memory for him, and while he knew the rules, they were not yet in his father's court. Those who travelled with Legolas knew of his fondness for kindred spirits and disdain for the sterile setting of court, so they would not think any lesser of those who showed character. He met Ithil's eyes at the thanks, nodding. "I should thank you for taking the journey here. Your presence is most welcomed."

A truth that is reinforced by the lightness that seemed to encompass Legolas, and the fond smile that graced Tauriel's features as she watched the two interact. She knew him more than any other, and the joy that he held for this Galadhrim was boundless, there was no way their presence would not be welcomed, except perhaps for the king, though she knew Legolas was the kind to ignore such things as his father annoyance.

"It might not have been so, these foul creatures do not know courtesy, they still might have aspired to ruin our travel to the kingdom." Though, there would have been more of them to deal with the creatures, not that he believed Ithil and he party needed any help, it was clear that they did not. "Come, let us hope no more cross our path."

Legolas watches with a small grin as Rumil takes off after Taruiel, the captain of the guard more than willing to spill secrets and rumors to the willing listener. She was the best captain that the Woodland Realm could ask for, and the best friend that Legolas had, so he had little to worry about leaving her with Rumil, except perhaps the small fear that they might get along too well and terrorize the rest of the elves. It was always a possibility, Tauriel was more than okay with bending rules when fun was at hand.

Turning to face his companion, Legolas did not try to hide the joy in his eyes. " I am glad, both for you being here and that you are not alone. I had wished to meet your companions." His eyes flicker forward to Rumil and Tauriel. "And I am glad to have met them, though I hope the same can be said once they have left, for Tauriel can also be fond of tricks." He does not seem upset though, just focused on Ithil and he quiet footfalls next to him.

At her words he laughs. "Not at all, it is a show of your character I believe. Willing and more than strong enough to do what you wish." He catches her eyes then looks away, smile lingering."I am glad that you have come."

[ithil]

"You certainly know how to show a visitor a good time." Smirking at that, her eyes glinted with the mischief. The borders of Lorien could be long hours of nothing at all or days of endless fighting. It seemed that just being in Mirkwood was more of a challenge than anything. Not that she wished any realm to endure the taint of Ungoliant. "But if there ever came a need, I would go with you." Whenever he called upon her, she would gladly go.

Especially when Legolas gave Rumil a chance to breathe and even smile a little sheepishly. Even the others in their escort seemed to relax at this. She knew it earned a lot of respect from the middle brother who was sure to tell Orophin when they returned to the Golden Wood. Even still, Rumil gave Legolas an innocent look before chirping back over his shoulder while goign to Tauriel, "What mischief do you speak of, hir nin?"

Ithil had to cover her mouth with a hand to cover the amusement. "Alleged, my prince. We know of no mischief here." It only made the escorts roll their eyes. She had asked them along for a reason. They never spoke a word of the antics of their March Warden's younger siblings or of her helping. But they fully knew of their actions. After all, Haldir full well knew their antics and let them be.

Leaning in her steps just a little, she made sure her shoulder brushed his arm lightly. "I thank you for welcoming us in... I did bring a letter from my lord and lady. They felt it easier to enter should we bring word to your father in respect to his station." Even if they did find this turn of events amusing, they knew how to act appropriately and keep their people safe from the ire of the elven king.

Her head turned, unable to stop stealing glances at his profile and wondering at her own eagerness. To feel so young after so long. Seeing him again sent a shock of life through her that she missed since they parted before. Glancing back at the Galadhrim in her wake, she angled her head a little and they did not hesitate to pick up the pace and stream pass them soundlessly. Nosey as they were, they respected her.

"I hope they do not." Because now that none were looking upon them, she hoped to steal a moment with him. Pushing the arrow into her quiver, she made a mental note to clean everything thoroughly later. Lifting her eyes up to the treetops and canopy over head, she felt a smile pull at her lips. "The trees are beautiful here... artistic."

All her entertained thoughts of pulling him away had been merely that... thoughts. Until his eyes caught her and lit up with the happiness she knew mirrored back in her own. Reaching out, she caught his hand and pulled him closer. Lifting up onto her toes, she stole a quick light kiss before tipping her head to the trees. "If we do not stray far from our companions, will you show me the trees now?"

Letting go of him slowly, his fingers drifted out of hers slowly. "I am more than pleased that I have you in my company again." Giving the rest of the entourage one last look, she suddenly turned to one of the trees arching over them and climbed easily up into the limbs. Perching nimbly on a lower branch she gifted him with a brilliant smile.

"Or shall I go alone?"

[laegelminil]

The prince cannot help the laughter that rises from him at that, his own eyes amused at her words and her boldness. "We do try to ensure that our visitors are well entertained, it would do no good for our reputation otherwise." While he would like it to be that there was no darkness upon these woods, Legolas knows that there is little to be done about it. The fact that Ithil and her company have bourn no ill from the encounter is a blessing, though he is not surprised given their abilities. "Let us hope that you never have to, unless of course such a thing you would enjoy?"

While he was rather fond of hunting vile things when the mood struck him, he was not one to assume that all would also follow his lead. Thankfully, he had Tauriel who was, more often than not, up for such endeavours. Though, if Ithil wished for it, he could not see himself denying her it, nor much of anything for that matter. He does not often think himself to be easily taken by emotions, but since meeting Ithil in Rivendell, he has not been able to let the elven warrior out of his mind. It would be strange, if not for the fondness that would bloom in his chest at the memories.

When Rumil runs off with Tauriel, the prince cannot help but laugh."Ithil has shown me what she is capable of, and spoken highly of your abilities I assure you." He gives the elf in question a quirk of a grin before turning back to Ithil, eyes bright. "I am sure it is merely alleged, though I fear, if that is so, we shall not have nearly as much fun as I had hoped." There was much he wished to show Ithil in his home, and more than some of it would require some element of mischief. Which, for most, would not be surprising. Though the prince had been less mischievous as of late, they might not appreciate the spike in his endeavours.

As the rest move forward, and Ithil thanks him, the prince finds himself caught by the soft touch and way she fell into step so easily. "It is my pleasure, I assure you. I have quite longed to see you again, I must tell you. The letter may soothe any of my father's ire, but I am just pleased to see you again." And it is the truth, completely and whole heartedly at that. Legolas could not see his father being too upset if he was so pleased with the turn of events. Even Tauriel in conversation with Rumil seemed happier, and a king could not argue with pleased subjects.

Legolas notes her gaze on the trees, the way that she lingered behind, and he was more than pleased to linger with her, to spend more time with her now that he was given the chance. His laughter was lighter, more easy, with her here and Legolas could not help but think that he would like it to stay that way a while longer. When she commented on the trees, the prince finds himself making a strange face, amusement clear in his face. "If that is what you wish to call it. They are more artistic when we get farther in, away from the worst of the darker magic that is so common here."

And that is the only thing he does not like, that there is such an evil at work in these woods, unlike Lorien and Rivendell. That they must battle everyday to keep the darkness at bay, and yet he would have it no other way.

Especially with Ithil here, fingers entwined with his own. He has barely been able to fathom that, when she is closer still, lips upon his before she is gone again, leaving him just a little bit wanting. Legolas laughs, quiet but honest at her boldness, knowing that the others of their company would be more than entertained by their endeavours. But that is of no concern to him, not right now. He watches with wonder as she alights to the trees so gracefully. It does not take him long to follow.

"But of course I will show you." He climbs up to meet her, moving swiftly to steal another kiss just as quickly. "Unless you would rather go alone?"

[ithil]

Every fiber of her being wished to reach out and touch him in that moment. But no, too many prying eyes watching her so carefully in that second. So she spoke with certainty, her dark eyes glinting with a promise. "I would enjoy accompanying you. And I would like to help you anyway I can." Perhaps she did not wish to be knee deep in arachnids, but she liked challenges. She liked more being able to be helpful to him.

Ithil had no worry in her mind that his abilities could not keep him safe. In truth, she had faith in his skills. It bled through his every move from the simplest to the quicker motions he made. But when she looked at Legolas Thranduilion, no, even when she thought about him... all she wanted was to be near him like she could not resist even if she wanted to. In a way, the feeling should terrify her. After thousands of years, such a dramatic feeling should shake the ground she stood upon. But she felt more alive than anything else and more so with each smile he gave her.

Ithil laughed at the look of adorable innocence that Rumil sent Legolas before speaking to the young prince in confidence. "Oh, he will own up to it when there are less present. I can tell he already approves." Nodding sagely, she felt her heart beat faster at the look in his eyes. "Do not worry yourself, neither of us will disappoint. But I should warn you, my companion is likely out to see if he can pull something off by means of tricking your father in some way. If so, I pray he does not start some war between the realms." Not that he would, but it was better if they both knew and tempered the damage.

"You know what to say to make a lady feel important." Angling her head, a brow rose slightly in flirtatious jest. She may tease him, but Legolas did seem to know what to say to her to make her feel important and like someone important. "I know that you would have been pleased with simply my visit, but I do not want to set off your father's dislike instantly." Even if the woodland king seemed to prefer her as an emissary, she did not wish to push it for Legolas' sake. She could take the dislike, but it would make the young prince's life far more difficult.

Her lips still seemed to tingle from the swift touch to his as she balanced with ease upon the branch.Both brows rose just a little as she waited for him. "I will explain in detail what I see later when I have your ear and no where to go. For now, I will take you at your word and look forward to the deeper wood." Watching him easily ascend into the branches, she gave a soft gasp as he stole another quick kiss.

Licking at her lips, she blinked her eyes open and smirked at him playfully. How long has she waited to not be alone anymore? She did not even realize how alone she had been until this moment. "Why would I wish to go alone when I have one of the best guides the Woodland Realm has to offer?" It took more concentration than she wanted to admit to get past the heated jolt that came from his kisses. Not that she wished to get over that feeling. No, she needed him close like this and simply knew not how to explain it.

"I would ask you to give chase, but I might be at a grand disadvantage." She never got to wander the realm here as she did in Imladris, so he would have all of the advantage in that case. But in a way, she wanted to just... dally a bit and keep him close. That was why she started to lightly follow across the tree limbs pacing the group on the ground as she scaled a little higher into the canopy. "Unless you have another idea?"

Pulling up into a higher limb, she knelt on the branch facing him reach out and catch one of the braids in his hair and pull softly. "I am ever open to any of your ideas." Stilling just a bit, she allowed herself to just take him in, a brilliant smile on her face. "I do believe my March Warden was ready to string me up as bait on next patrol if I had to stay put a moment longer. After so many years... I cannot say I have ever been so swept away by someone before. If I may be so bold in admitting such..."

[laegelminil]

The prying eyes were not a concern for Legolas nearly as much as it was for Ithil, but that did not mean that he would breech the gap between them. Rather , he was enjoying the banter between them, the lightness in her eyes that came with their exchange of words and the promises of things to come. “Perhaps we can find something that involves fewer legs and webs to amuse ourselves, even orcs are more pleasant than the spiders.” And he does speak the truth, though there is jest in his offer to seek out orcs as a way to pass time. Surely they could find a better way.

There was enough ability between the two of them that, no matter what they came across, there was good chance they could overtake it. That was not licence for them to seek out trouble, but in these woods, trouble was not hard to find unfortunately. Legolas did not have a memory of a time when darkness did not creep along the boarders, though his father tells him that it was once different, before the shadow of Dol Goldur fell on the woods. It should worry him though, that he would leave his home so easily for her, that the thought of going out into the world did no bring him unease as it had once done. Perhaps that told him more than he ever needed to know.

Even his relationship with Tauriel, which was a fast bond indeed, could not match the intensity with which he felt for Ithil. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. He cannot help the laughter that springs from him so readily when she speaks of Rumil’s approval, when she hints at there being greater things, greater amusement to come. “I do not fear disappointment, not with you, Ithil.” Which was the truth indeed. Even the prospect of Rumil attempting something ridiculous with his father is not enough to discourage him. “Perhaps that would not be wisest, though there yet may still be some humour left in him, I do not know.”

Legolas holds a great love for his father, but the loss of so much has taken a toll on the being he once was. His thoughts of his father do not last long however, not with Ithil speaking and looking so radiant. “I only speak the truth, and I hope you would not think that I speak otherwise. As for my father, if you bear good tidings, there shall be little issue.” He pauses a moment, a twitch of his brows. “Though he will probably have much to say about nothing I am sure.” His father’s disdain and distrust of other elves, whilst not as bad as his father, was certainly not something that was going to make this interesting.

Following Ithil up into the trees, Legolas can nearly feel his spirit getting lighter. Soon enough, he thought he should be walking on air if this were to continue. The stolen kiss only adds to his elation, soft laughter escaping as he balances perfectly on a branch. “Is that so, well then I can hardly wait to hear what you might have to say.” He smiles again, eyes darkening slightly at the smile he receives in return.

This game they start, he knows, will only entertain them more. Will only make this feeling that is growing in the pit of his stomach grow bolder, make him grow bolder. It should terrify him that, after all this time, he should feel so much and so strongly about someone that, in all truth of the matter, he knew so little about. Their time in Imladris was brief, but it seemed like all the time he would ever need. The fact that she was here, in his realm, made things even better.

More laughter from him, eyes bright with amusement as he moved gracefully and slowly from branch to branch, working around Ithil rather than away from her. “I fear you would be right, it would be the most unfair as I can run these woods without sight at all.” And it was not a lie or exaggeration. These woods were his and he had made a point, from a young elfling, to know them inside and out. He may never rules these woods, and hoped that he did not, but that did not stop him from wanting to know them as best he could. He would protect them as well, and you cannot protect what you do not know.

“Perhaps we should just—“ He pauses, smile growing even as she tugs on one of his braids. He leans in at that, smile inches from her own, eyes just as bright. “Perhaps we should just wander amongst the trees then? I can show you some of the better views, I assure you.” There is a growing bubble of contentment at her words, the admittance of her being just as swept away as himself. “I enjoy such boldness, and it is nice to know I am not alone in this…”

[ithil]

"Your offer is accepted, fair prince. I am up for such a challenge should it arise. In either case, to bide the time, I offer a challenge of my own of either a sparring match or archery. I do believe you could teach me a thing or two." She had over an age more experience than him in all likelihood, but she knew better than to judge any by their age. In fact, some humans could use a sword with prowess she never imagined.

"Whatever the case may be, I know there is much fun to be had." And she did know it would be as long as he spent the time with her. She felt camaraderie with her fellow Galadhrim. She even enjoyed sparring with Haldir or his brothers. If she even stretched her memories and tried to dig up ones of ancient days, she could recall other Noldor or even lords that crossed blades with her. Never in fun though. Never out of joy and more out of necessity. Ages of blood and war had been gone for a while and she dare not revisit them too closely in her mind. This... this moment here with Legolas, she knew to be a gift.

Her heart told her that the prince himself was a gift... and some part of her gave into poetic notion that Eryn Lasgalen's greenest leaf stood before her this moment. Even the Mellyrn should be jealous. Dol Guldur and Ungoliant could not taint this one precious person, and the thought gave her pause. Even seeing some of the most renowned elves of their kin, she had never found it in her to praise them in such a way. The greatest seemed so small in comparison to her now.

For a moment his words stun her into a sweet profound sort of silence. "To be told I am beyond the capabilities of disappointing you... is a treasured gift indeed." Because she knew and feared that in some way she would be. Even with Noldor in her veins and ages between them, she felt like it would never be enough. "I will try my hardest, however, to keep Rumil from your father's hair. Likely... in a literal sense."

Ithil knew her lady would never send her with ill tidings when she knew what Ithil laid planned for this visit. Do not upset the king if you plan to steal his son away even for a short while. "I would listen to whatever he said and endeavor to give it import even if it be about nothing." Even if she knew that she would likely have something to say after even in jest. Ithil had to break the perfect mask of her station sometimes and hoped that Legolas would not mind. "I do respect your father a great deal." More than she let on...

After all, the brilliant light that now flashed in her deep blue eyes came from his only son. Grinning more, her keen eyes followed his graceful motions as she angled her head. "I will regale you with all my thoughts and fairly portray how I see your realm." But she knew that she loved the trees here. Where she did not see it during its time as Greenwood, she heard such marvelous stories.

"Of course, I may still challenge you, Legolas... only because I do believe I wish to be caught. Eventually." She put that last word in playfully as he came closer, balancing with ease from branch to branch. "You live and breathe these woods..." Her eyes softened as she curled his hair about her fingers. "I wish to know them as you do, one day." If Thranduil would allow it, she would stay here, in a new realm. She would even swear fealty to his father if it let her stay close to him. The Lord and Lady would hate her leaving, but they would never forbid it.

Deep blue, the hue of the night sky held his gaze as she pulled him closer with that hold on his hair. Her mouth opened before she could even stop it in response. "Beautiful views and fragmented light through the leaves... but nothing could rival that which I see right now." Ithil's eyes flicked away to the side, the flush crawling through her pale skin before she dared to meet his gaze again. No apology would chase those words, but she felt silly having fallen so deep into a moment like that. How foolish she must seem...

Her other hand released the branch and rose to cup the side of his face. "Nay, Legolas... you are not alone." Closing that tiny distance between them, the kiss she gave him lingered longer and poured sensuality and adoration into the embrace of lips. For a moment she nearly lost her balance on the branch and had to break away before he ended up having to catch her. It forced a bubbling up of laughter as she ducked her head. "But you may be carrying me if I end up falling rather ungracefully from the trees simply because you demand all of my attention."