Greenwood the Great, Rhovanion

"Telin, telin!" Legolas called back to the voices that were calling their names, hastily gathering his clothing and effects that were now strewn over the tree roots, rocks, and mossy growths.

"The voice sounds urgent, I wonder what is so dire?" Asked Adlanniel a little concerned, as she too collected her things and dressed again.

"They returned without us...Ada will not be pleased, I imagine." Replied Legolas quickly. Adlanniel sensed the nervousness in his voice.

"Greenwood the Great has seen peace and tranquillity for the best part of this age. Regardless, dangers still lurk in these woods from those bygone days of turmoil. Dangers that neither you nor I together could overcome alone, despite skill or experience. My father will not be at all impressed that his only heir, and the daughter of the Great Lord Elrond of Imladris, were allowed to delve this deeply into the woods unaccompanied."

A great sense of concern and guilt overcame Adlanniel. Legolas had shrewdly convinced the rest of their party to depart from them, and she knew that they would undoubtedly feel the Elvenking's wrath. She knew that he, the great Elvenking Thranduil, had every reason to worry for their safety, despite the peace within the forest that Legolas spoke of. Greenwood the Great had not always seen tranquillity.

Many centuries ago, Arda had been thrown into turmoil, the evil powers of Sauron engulfing all. It was with the Last Alliance of Elves and Men during the eve of the Second Age that Sauron and his minions were defeated and expelled; peace and rejuvenation returning to the land after it had been torn and ravaged by war. The Elvenking had lost his beloved father, Oropher and a great many of his kinsmen during that great war. He still feared that in some time to come, the black evil would find a way to return to destroy everything the free-peoples had arduously rebuilt.

The voices calling their names became closer, and ever more so desperate.

"We must make haste Adlanniel." Without giving either of them the chance to straighten themselves out, Legolas took her by the hand and pulled her with much urgency and swiftness through the entanglement of the forest.

Legolas continued to grip Adlanniel's hand tightly as they bound through the forest towards where the party was searching for them.

"Legolas! Lady Adlanniel!" Idhrenion called out to them as the two finally appeared through the thickness of greens and browns.

"Legolas, we should never have allowed you two tather alone out here in the Great forest. Your father is furious! He threatens to have our heads on spikes if we do not return with you both before the sun wanes!"

Legolas peered up to the sky through a break in the canopy, the sky had already begun to turn a pinkish hue from the sun's descent.

"Alas, we do not have much time then, do we? Come, let us not tarry, for we shall all then surely meet the king's ire."

Without another word, he set off before the others with Adlanniel still in hand.

Idhrenion sighed and looked over the others, who, a little irritated, in one great heave of breath, continued after their brash prince.

The Woodland Halls: Entrance

It wasn't until they reached the gates of the Great Halls that Legolas stopped and turned to the following group; his face contrite and apologetic.

"My brothers, please forgive me for my deception which has caused you all to fall into trouble. None of you are responsible for my disobedience, as it was I who pressured you to return without us. I'll take full responsibility for my actions."

"As will I." Adlanniel added as she stepped forward, dipping her head in guilt.

Idhrenion sighed, smiling at the couple who were as remorseful as a couple of pups that had been reprimanded for their bad behaviour.

"Worry yourselves not." He placed a reassuring hand on Legolas's shoulder. A cheeky grin then crossed his face, his violet eyes glistening with mischievousness.

"We waited until you were finished before calling name."

Legolas's eyes widened, both struck at the words that came from his companion's mouth and truly embarrassed. Adlanniel too, covered her mouth with her hands to prevent the gasp from escaping her lips.

Through the snickering of the others in the party, Idhrenion continued, "The wind and the trees carry sound well..."

With that, Legolas gave a swift punch, connecting with Idhrenion's shoulder. Idhrenion cringed slightly from the dull pain but continued to enjoy the amusement of the couple's embarrassment.

Adlanniel stepped forward, and proudly taking the Woodland prince by the arm, smirked, "He who gives to his love, receives Idhrenion. Shame, for it will not be so for you once I've spoken to your wife." And without another word she led her fiancée to the Great Hall to meet their fate, Idhrenion's pride a little wounded.

Elvish - English translations

Telin! = We're coming (to there)

Ada = Father

Arda = The world of Middle-Earth

Imladris = The Elven name of Rivendell