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16 Stripped

*Elvish translation Melldanya - My dear 

Legolas and Aerlinniel did not tarry long, knowing that their presence would be missed and that their absence would be the topic of much speculation. Upon their return, Legolas was struck by the shift in atmosphere. Had he not known better, he could have led Aerlinniel to a Woodland celebration in his own homeland.

The air beneath the glowing tree boughs had turned lively and the mood of the elves, larkish. Lindir's musicians played a variety of tunes, some of which were uniquely Silvan. Stringed instruments carried a playful melody whilst the rhythmic drumbeats resounded through the clearing; rustic and raw – the fervent beat, skittering like wildlife through the wood. Much to his surprise, the elves of the Hidden Valley made a right spectacle with their flirtatious dancing.

"I did not expect the Noldor to be the flamboyant type." Legolas leaned in close, enjoying the benefit of proximity to Aerlinniel's ear.

Smiling whilst surveying the spectacle upon the dancefloor, Aerlinniel nodded. "We Noldor do not always take ourselves seriously, despite what you may think." She turned to face him – her enlivened eyes full of jest, "we like to have our fun as much as any elf."

He could kiss her right then, the way she countered him with her sparkling green eyes that flickered with silver starlight. Now that he had made the breach, her lips were a most compelling preoccupation. Keeping himself tightly reined, he merely grasped her arm a little tighter and beheld her gaze with an unabashed smile.

"There you two are!" Elladan broke through a cluster of elves with haste. "Sister, you know it is frowned upon to disappear with the guest of honor, do you not?" He grasped her arm firmly as he chastised her.

"I needed some fresh air and Legolas was kind enough to take a turn with me in the garden." She sighed, shrugging him off.

"Have a care, you know as well as I, that there are many eyes upon the pair of you this night – to disappear so early in the evening does not go unnoticed." He cautioned under his breath.

Legolas observed Elladan's inauspicious tone. Had he heard some of the inane drivel they had?

"Well as you can see Elladan, we are clearly present, no need to fret." She shook her head, attempting to stay mirthful.

Legolas eyed the pair of them warily. He hoped Elladan wasn't sore with him for having slipped away with his sister. He could imagine how unsavory that might seem to an older brother – had the tables been turned, he'd might not be so forgiving either. Legolas gave Elladan an apologetic look and was surprised when Elladan flashed him an easy smile.

"We must get you out on the dance floor, for it is the arrival of the Woodland Prince that we celebrate this night," he bellowed sidling up to Legolas. "Come, I have some maidens who have been anticipating meeting you." He smirked back at Aerlinniel, who rolled her eyes looking mildly peeved.

Reluctantly, Legolas began loosening his grip from Aerlinniel's arm and turned to her to excuse himself. "Shall we do our duty and appease the crowd for a time?"

"Of course." She nodded pensively, her eyes scarcely meeting his. The shift in her spirits seemed rather abrupt.

Legolas stepped close to Aerlinniel so that he faced only her. Garnering her pensive gaze, he raised her right hand slowly to his lips, and pressed a tender kiss on the back of her palm. "I shall yearn a swift return to you, Melldanya."

Aerlinniel smiled but her eyes betrayed her - something troubled her, leaving him unsettled. Had her brother planted a seed of worry for their reputations or perhaps she simply did not want to part?