Playing with Fire [Legolas/Tauriel]

5: Not One for Romance

Chapter 5

Tauriel paced the bridge. Not only had Legolas saved her life, but also he hadn't even uttered a word about it after. He said he had "an elf to meet". Which, she was guessing, meant the
Princesses Arwen and Eyela of Rivendell who were coming to visit.

She wondered what they were doing in the Woodland Realm. Feya had always told her that Rivendell elves were prettier, gentler creatures. They were not used to war, invasions, and ruin, as Rivendell had been peaceful for many years. She wondered if the darkness they could feel would change Rivendell forever.

"Oh, hello!"

A voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Two dark haired elves were walking towards her. They wore gowns of the finest silk, and, Tauriel guessed, they weren't from Mirkwood.

She bowed politely. "Greetings. I am Tauriel, Captain of the Woodland Guard. Welcome."

The elf who had spoken curtsied. "I am Princess Arwen of Rivendell, and this is Lady Eyela of Rivendell."

So these are the elves Legolas is to meet today. Out loud, she said, "Pleasure to meet you at last."

"Tell me, where is Legolas?" Eyela spoke breathlessly from Arwen's right.

Tauriel's eyes widened. "I have not seen him, your High-"

"Your hair," she felt Lady Arwen fingering her braids and fought the urge to smack her away. "It is like fire. Or perhaps, it reflects the autumn leaves?"

"You are too kind, your Grace." Are all Rivendell she-elves this touchy?

"I see you've met our Tauriel," A voice she knew very well echoed across the bridge, and she saw Lady Eyela's eyes light up.

Legolas walked in regally, his long green tunic dusting the ground ever so slightly. She had to admit, he looked more royal than she had ever seen him, with his hair neatly brushed and lying across his shoulders and his bow, quiver, and swords gone. It was like she did not know him at all. He had suddenly transformed into the Woodland Prince, Legolas Greenleaf Thranduillion.

She found it impossible to speak, as if a stone had been lodged in her throat, which was good, because Legolas seemed completely intent on not speaking to her. He did not give her a second glance as he welcomed Lady Arwen and Lady Eyela.

Arwen greeted him with a warm hug, and introduced her guest. "I'm sure you remember Lady Eyela. She is my father's niece."

Tauriel's eyes widened as Legolas bowed and kissed Princess Eyela's hand. The rest of the words he said seemed to blur together and not register in her brain. Since when did Legolas start making romantic gestures?

He turned to leave, and was leading the princesses towards the dining hall, when she remembered the afternoon's battle. But she did not expect him to look back.

As she was watching them go, he seemed to think of the afternoon as well, and stole a glace backwards. She took the opportunity the moment it came:

"Hannon lle," she mouthed, and his eyes widened before he smiled gently, and she knew that all was forgiven.

They picked up a conversation and were out of sight before she could turn away from his blue gaze. But Tauriel could not place Legolas's behavior. She suspected that the king had something to do with how oddly he was acting.

It was not like Legolas to display princely, or amorous feelings towards any elf. It had been that way ever since she could remember...

[Flashback]