Legolas felt numb, and he hadn’t even touched his wine yet. Haldir was alive! This filled him with a strange joy that almost tasted like terror. He stared up at his old friend, his old rival. His mind wheeled with memories. Loving Haldir long ago, when they were young. Fumbling with him on a forest floor filled with leaves just outside Mirkwood, not sure if he wanted what Haldir offered. Giving in and loving him desperately. Watching him leave for Galadriel’s service in Lorien, his true homeland.

And then there was Aragorn. Aragorn, whom Legolas had loved best of all, only to find out that he, too, had been with Haldir. How awkward that time in Lothlorien had been. He and Aragorn had been there for a higher purpose, and Haldir had made that time a hell. Legolas had refused Haldir, then, and when Aragorn refused him as well, he had taken revenge on Legolas.

Forced him, against his will. Made him enjoy it. Made him hate and loathe Haldir all at once, made him question how he had felt for Aragorn. And it had worked. He and Aragorn had slowly drifted apart, emotionally. They remained lovers, but there was no love between them... and then Legolas had eventually left, with Gimli.

The last time he had seen Haldir had been at the battle of Helm’s Deep, when the Elves came to fight along side the Men in a show against the forces of Saruman. Both he and Aragorn had been glad to see Haldir, not just for the troops he brought with him. Legolas had forgiven him then, for his machinations. When he saw Haldir fall in battle, he had grieved sincerely.

Yes, he was glad that Haldir was alive! But he did not, could not, would not trust him. He was not blind to the possessive eyes that looked at him...and then at Ciendriel. Haldir would try to come between them. He would try to crush out the small flower that had begun to bloom between them. He would want that bloom for himself.

Legolas clutched Ciendriel’s arm as Haldir led them to the high table. Luckily, it seemed Elrond had arranged the seating, for he found himself between Gimli and Ciendriel. However, Haldir was on the other side of her, followed by his two brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, then Elrond and his sons. Angelica sat to the right of Gimli next to Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin.

“Are you all right?” Ciendriel whispered to him, once they were seated. He nodded slowly.

“It’s just a bit of a shock...”

“I can imagine.”

The food was served, but Legolas tasted very little of it...which was a shame, because Rivendell had the best cuisine he was likely to taste on this journey (aside from Ciendriel’s lembas bread.) The wine was excellent, and he drank more of it than he meant to. He had wanted this night to be special, but he felt a lack of words. Perhaps Ciendriel felt it too, for she said very little to him, either. Haldir had drawn her into a conversation in a purposely low voice, making it difficult to Legolas to either listen or participate, and he had nearly choked on his wine when she laughed at something Haldir said... but then she put her hand on his thigh under the table, squeezing it gently, and Legolas felt reassured. Tonight they would share a bed. Tonight they would be alone.

It couldn’t come too soon. He wondered how soon they could leave without seeming rude to Elrond. The hall grew noisier and noisier as more and more of the cherry wine was consumed. Singing broke out, then Elrond stood up and announced that there would be dancing. Legolas groaned and rested his head upon his hand.

“Oh, but shall we dance, Legolas?” Ciendriel turned to him with excitement. “We know this dance in Ingra, and I excel at it!”

“Uh...” Legolas had never been much of a dancer.

“If Legolas is so rude as to decline, I would certainly be happy to escort you,” Haldir said, rising from his chair and offering her his hand. She looked at Legolas desperately, but when he didn’t move, she took Haldir’s hand and stood up. Jealousy flooded him, but still he didn’t move.

Lord Elrond moved forward and clapped an arm around Haldir. “Nonsense!” he said in a jovial tone. “Legolas will dance with her. Won’t you?”

“Uh...” said Legolas, “I’m not very...”

“Come, it will be fun,” Ciendriel pleaded.

“I don’t think...” But then he felt another hand on his knee under the table. He looked over at Gimli, who grinned at him, his eyes as red as the cherry wine. Legolas jumped up from his seat. “As you wish, Lord Elrond!”

He grabbed Ciendriel’s hand...but she snatched it back from him. “I think I would rather dance with Haldir after all,” she said, then she turned and stomped towards the dancing area.

Haldir smirked at Legolas and patted his shoulder. “You’re a fool, Legolas Greenleaf. A pretty one.” He bent and kissed Legolas on the cheek, then swiftly moved to take Ciendriel into the dance.

Lord Elrond moved close to Legolas, shaking his head. “Legolas,” he sighed. “Why would you not dance with her? Are you too drunk?”

“No... I just... I...”

“Haldir is right, then. You are a fool.”

“Lord Elrond...why did you not tell me Haldir was alive?”

“He asked me not to. I saw no reason why the knowledge would not keep until the banquet. Are you not pleased? I know you and he...were close.”

“Once we were close, yes. And yes, I am certainly glad to see him alive, but...”

“But what?”

“I do not trust him.”

“As well you should not. Not, at the very least, where your heart is concerned. Ciendriel is a far better match for you. I knew her mother well, long ago. She was the wisest and fairest of her kind. The daughter is fairer still. But the Elves of Ingra have been a dying breed for centuries. Soon they will choose to leave Middle Earth, just as my people have, and just as I, too, will soon. I have no doubt that her mother sent Ciendriel to Mirkwood for a reason. Perhaps you are that reason, Legolas.”

“I don’t understand.”

“All things will be made clear in time,” Elrond said. He stroked Legolas’ hair with one long-fingered hand. Legolas shivered under his touch. Elrond bent to his ear, his breath hot against Legolas’ sensitive flesh. “Would you come with me if I asked, to my chamber tonight?”

Legolas froze. He hadn’t expected this at all. Elrond was king here. Was he expected to obey?

“My lord, I am flattered, but...”

“You wish to go to Ciendriel, don’t you?”

“Yes...”

“You would choose a virgin maid over one who could give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams?” Elrond licked Legolas’ ear, then bit the pointed tip of it. Legolas nearly screamed.

“I... I am sorry...but yes... it is Ciendriel I desire to be with tonight. If... if she will have me.”

Maybe she had changed her mind. After all, she was dancing with Haldir. They moved together as if they had been lifelong partners. In fact, many other Elves had moved aside just to watch them. Legolas glanced at Gimli, who had now passed out on the table as usual. Frodo and Sam were arguing over which of them should take him back to their chamber. Merry, Pippin, and Angelica were singing a rousing rendition of Gimli’s poem, and Legolas hoped no one else was listening to them. He took a step away from Elrond and the king’s hands fell away from him. Elrond smiled at him, and Legolas was relieved that he was not angry.

“I have always admired your loyalty, Legolas,” he said. “And envied those to whom you offer it.”

“You know, Lord Elrond, that you have my loyalty,” Legolas said. “And that you always will.”

“I suppose that is so. Now, go out there and cut in on Haldir before he tosses her over his shoulder and carts her off.”

Legolas took a deep breath and marched out to the dance floor.

***

“More handsome Elf I have never see’d
My lovely, stinking rose weed!”

Angelica sang out the words at the top of her lungs, along with Merry and Pippin. It really was a wonderful banquet, and she was indulging heartily in the cherry wine. She hoped it would erase her memory of what had happened that afternoon. It had been a mistake to follow Haldir. A big one. And now she watched helplessly as the wicked Elf did his best to maneuver his way between Legolas and Ciendriel.

Before she had known nothing about herself. Now she knew too much. More than she wanted to. She should have kissed Haldir rather than letting him speak. Yet now, it was too late. She wished she had someone she could confide this in. Angelica looked over at Sam and Frodo, who were busily getting Gimli to his feet.

“Do you need some help?”

“Yes,” said Frodo.

“No, we’re fine,” said Sam.

Gimli let out a snore, for he was not completely awake, if at all, and staggered backwards, nearly knocking Sam down. Frodo and Angelica ran to help support his weight.

“We’re taking him back to our room,” Frodo said firmly. “And yes, we could use the assistance.”

“Perhaps you could open the doors for us,” Sam conceded at last, and so she followed them out...or rather proceeded them, as she ran to help with the heavy door to the banquet hall.

“Wait, Angelica! Where are you going?” Pippin called after her.

“I’ll be right back!” she cried over her shoulder.

“Hurry!” Merry urged her, and then the two of them started singing again.

“Frodo,” Angelica hissed at him as they half-marched, half-dragged Gimli down the hallway, “Can I talk to you?”

“This isn’t really the best time,” Frodo said as he and Sam nearly dropped Gimli.

“All right. Later, then...”

It seemed to take forever before they got to the huge room that had been prepared for the Hobbits. Sam and Frodo rolled Gimli into the huge bed, then sat down, panting. Angelica sat down next to them. She looked at Frodo, trying to catch his eye. She trusted him, and felt somehow that he was the best choice for keeping her secret. But Frodo’s eyes were locked on Gimli.

“He’ll be more comfortable if I take off some of his clothes,” Frodo said, getting up and heading towards the bed.

Sam sighed. He stood up, and offered a hand to Angelica. “Come on. Let’s leave him be. He’s used to looking after drunk Dwarves.”

Inside, Angelica cursed, but she took Sam’s hand and got up. He led her out of the room, which opened onto a long terrace. It was a beautiful night, she noticed. She also noticed that Sam opened the door for her and offered her his arm. He was so sweet... she wondered if she could trust him with...this.

“Isn’t Rivendell beautiful, Miss Angelica?” Sam said softly as they paused at the top of a staircase which led out back down into Lord Elrond’s gardens. “I cannot imagine why the Elves are leaving it, now.”

“Yes, it is beautiful,” she agreed softly. She noticed, suddenly, how good Sam smelled. Angelica leaned closer to him, inhaling.

“It’s too bad they don’t grow Elfinwort here. The soil is too thick. It only grows in Mirkwood, and Ingra, I suppose.”

“And Lothlorien,” Angelica said. Sam looked at her, and she looked away.

“Does it now? I admit I didn’t have much time to inspect the grounds the last time I was there, but I do know that it is much closer than Mirkwood. Perhaps we should go there first, so you can have your memories restored!” Sam said excitedly.

“Oh, no, not on my account. We have to go to Mirkwood, anyway, so--”

“I’m sure it’s no trouble!”

“Sam--”

“Aren’t you eager to know who you are, Miss Angelica?” Sam asked sincerely, taking her hand.

Angelica only knew one way to change the subject. She put her arms around Sam and kissed him. His mouth was delicious, and after a moment of surprised struggle, Sam put his arms around her and kissed her back. Masterfully. He wasn’t as delicate as Frodo nor as playful as Merry and Pippin. Sam kissed like a man. When she pulled back, he gave her only one breath before he took the second kiss. He kissed her like all that mattered in the world was kissing her. He kissed her like he meant it.

And after a moment, she was convinced that he did mean it.

“Take me in the gardens, Sam,” she whispered against his mouth.

Sam didn’t reply. He simply took her hand firmly in his and led her down the stairs into the darkness.

***

Ciendriel forgot her irritation with Legolas while dancing with Haldir. She couldn’t believe that Legolas would only dance with her at Elrond’s command. Haldir was a masterful dancer, though at first she nearly tripped over his feet.

“You’re trying to lead, my dear,” he said in an amused tone. “Fall back. Follow me.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve never done this backwards...” but it was easy, and quickly they were moving in synch. “I have only danced it with another girl, and always did I lead.”

“That I should like to see,” Haldir said amiably. “But for now...I am in command. Relax. Enjoy it.”

She did. She was still suspicious of him, but he seemed to lose some of his irritating arrogance as he partnered her. She longed to ask him about his friendship with Legolas, but it took all of her concentration to figure out how to do the dance from this direction. After a few rounds, she had it, and they moved as if they had always danced together. The other Elves formed a circle around them to watch, and she felt a flare of pride.

“We are the best dancers here!” she told Haldir.

He grinned. “We are the most sober dancers here.”

“Speak for yourself. The cherry wine has made me dizzy.”

“Perhaps it is not only the wine.” He tightened his grip on her waist, stroked her back, and she felt a tingle of excitement shudder through her.

“What else could it be?”

“The company. I know I feel it. Don’t you?” he looked into her eyes.

“Feel...what?”

“Desire.”

“I do feel desire...” she said, smiling at him... but then she turned her eyes to Legolas, who was standing with Elrond, staring helplessly at them.

Haldir laughed amiably. “Yes, he is a pretty one, isn’t he?”

“I have never met anyone like him,” Ciendriel said.

“Nor have I,” Haldir replied. “There is a sincerity in Legolas Greenleaf that I envy.”

“Surely you carry within you some sincerity as well, Haldir,” Ciendriel said. Her heart began to pound as she saw Legolas stalking towards the dancing area.

“Oh, undoubtedly there is some, but it is a very small amount. Now, our young gallant has worked up his courage, so perhaps you will get your chance to lead in the dance after all.” Haldir stopped, whirling her around so they faced Legolas who had just come upon them. He bowed to his friend. “Legolas, Ciendriel. I will see you both later...”

Haldir took each of their hands in his own, then joined them together. He walked away, returning to Elrond’s table. Ciendriel looked at Legolas, who looked a bit bewildered, as if he had been ready for a confrontation that never came.

“Shall we dance?” Ciendriel asked him.

Legolas nodded. As nonchalantly as she could, she positioned his hands upon her waist, then steered him into the steps. She supposed she had Haldir to thank for the fact that she could now do the dance backwards, and guide Legolas in it as well. They went slowly, not at the rollicking pace she had achieved with Haldir. Legolas was graceful and light on his feet, but unsure of himself.

“I was jealous, watching you with him,” Legolas admitted. “I do not wish to see you in anyone’s arms but my own.”

“I do not wish to be in anyone’s arms but yours.”

She could have danced all night. Time seemed to slow as they moved together. Soon enough Elves began to leave the party, in pairs, in trios, alone... Ciendriel glanced over at Elrond’s table and saw that Only Elrond, Haldir, and his brothers were left... then Elrond nodded to Haldir and left with Rúmil and Orophin in tow. Legolas followed her glance.

“We should say good night,” he said. “Then...will you still have me to your chamber?”

“Yes,” she said. Her heart pounded inside her like a roaring river.

Legolas led her to Lord Elrond and they thanked him for his hospitality. He simply smiled at them and departed with Haldir’s brothers.

“Good night, Haldir,” Ciendriel said, smiling at the remaining Elf.

“Are you leaving, too, then? Perhaps the both of you will have a drink with me, first...” Haldir said. He indicated three goblets of wine, already poured and waiting.

“We really should be--”

“Come now, Legolas. For the sake of old times. Sit a few moments and recover your breath before you go off to lose it again...”

“Well,” Legolas said, “I suppose one more couldn’t hurt.”