Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 3.

~*~

The sound of approaching horses gains my attention as I pass the entrance to Imladris. Slowing my pace, I watch as four Elves enter through the gate on horse-back and smile, pleasantly surprised and recognising them instantly.

Lindir and a few other stewards who prepare to take their horses to the stables come to my side as we walk down the few steps towards them.

"Prince Legolas." I greet. The Elf Prince swiftly dismantles from his horse, his companions following suit.

"Lady Amariel." He returns, and we both bow our heads in respect, small smiles on both our faces as we regard each other. "It has been a long time."

"Indeed, it has." I tell him, trying my best to hide my wide smile. "Although you do not seem to have changed in all those years."

Legolas' blue eyes flicker across my body, so fast I might have imagined it if I did not have the same visual ability as him. He stands only slightly taller than me, and his hair is a pale blond—whilst mine nears silver—and he has thin braids keeping it out of his face, the length flowing down to the middle of his chest and back.

And his eyes...they have always seemed so captivating.

"Yet you seem to have changed greatly." He replies. "I do recall your choice in clothing used to be much better suited to your status." He gestures to my outfit used for training in comparison to nice, formal clothes like he is wearing.

"Perhaps it is just your memory of me, but such clothing is not my preferred liking." I tilt my head, my smile falling.

"My memory of you is as it has always been, do not worry." He says quietly, my heightened hearing picking it up and finally allowing myself to grin fully.

It has been many years since I had last seen Legolas, and we have been friends for so long, but seeing him today seems...different.

I open my mouth to ask what the nature of his visit is, when someone cuts me off.

"Ah, Legolas. This is a pleasant surprise."

My father gracefully descends the steps to the courtyard, and Legolas kneels before him.

"Lord Elrond."

"Come child." Father places his hands on Legolas' arms and brings him up to his feet. "You are my guest here." His gaze falls in me and he raises an eyebrow quizzically. "Amariel."

"Ada." I reply as he glances down at my attire. Before he can comment on how I should have changed into nicer clothing to greet a guest, I say, "You did not say Legolas would be arriving today."

"I was not aware." He tells me, then looks to Legolas. "You are most welcome, I...hope all is well with King Thranduil?"

Legolas nods with a grave expression. "He is well, my Lord. I apologise for not sending prior word of our arrival, but I come on his behalf. This is...urgent business. He did not want it delivered by a messenger." He hands over a sealed scroll.

"I see," Father says slowly as he accepts it and nods, "Thank you." Legolas nods in response and I glance between them with a small frown. "You are welcome to stay a while, we will soon be conducting urgent business of our own." Father hesitates and glances to me, "We will discuss the details later."

Legolas nods, and I take the opportunity to jump in. "I would be happy to show you to your chambers Legolas, as it seems you will be staying in Imladris for a while."

"I would like that," Legolas smiles, "thank you, Amariel."

"Excellent." Father looks between us. "Just be sure to stop by your own chambers, Amariel, as I believe a change in clothing is in order before dinner." He gives me a look before walking away, and I turn to Legolas and chuckle.