As I emerged from the tent and looked around, I could see a few structures of buildings, made of the same white blocks we had seen scattered among the forest floor. One of them, a graceful series of high arched roofs and soaring peaked doorways, was the most imposing structure there, and seemed fully built.

"Which building is it?" Faewyn asked, as we walked next to it.

"This is the main study and library," Legolas said. "It is the first building completed here and took several years to raise. Housed inside are several relevant works as well as many areas for studying."

"Is it completely finished?" I asked, gazing with awe at the structure.

"Yes," Legolas replied. "Although at the moment several rooms are used as storehouses while the city continues to be built."

Looking around, I noticed a few men as well, interspersed throughout their elven comrades, discussing building plans or leaning against trees in the shade and talking with their companions.

We continued on, with occasional commentary from Legolas on buildings, but although it was fascinated to see the progress of the city, I could not help but think back to Legolas's quiet affirmation that he had been asked to accept the leadership of his people for a time, something I knew he might never had considered.

For some reason, I had a sudden image in my mind of myself bowing, firelight flickering on the walls. "My Prince..." "Not to me, Gianna. Never to me."

I breathed in deeply, trying to clear my head, but could not shake off the sudden rush of feeling.

"Gianna."

I almost tripped over a rock in my haste to turn around.

Faewyn raised an eyebrow. "I've been talking to you for five minutes."

"You have not," I said indignantly, hoping fervently I was right.

"Very well, at least a minute, then," she conceded. "I asked if you had ever heard of Isildur."

"'I didn't destroy the Ring of Power when I had a chance' Isildur?" I frowned. To my surprise, Legolas tried to suppress a laugh.

"Yes, that one," he said from over his shoulder.

"What of him?" It came out as more of an accusation. Though I knew that Numenor's heirs had been noble and just, Isildur had fallen from that title when his heart was bent by the One Ring in the second age.

"In the days of old, he ruled Ithilien," Faewyn replied. "Before the first War of the Ring, after he and his kindred escaped Númenor for Middle-earth."

"It is a pity that Númenor fell to such folly," I replied. "Was it not true that they became too proud for peace?"

"That is true," Legolas said from the front, pausing and looking back. "They had everything. Númenor was fierce and wealthy, and many men who had grown up there were just as noble as any of the Noldor. Under Elros, the first king of Númenor, they flourished for hundreds of years, and under the next few kings as well. But though they had the reach of the far seas and wealth overflowing form their coffers, the men became restless, for there was one condition to their continued residence on the island, so close to Valinor--they must never sail further West.

"But folly they were, they doubted the Valar's words and power, and dissent among them grew, beginning with Númenor's thirteenth king, Tar-Atanamir. This sentiment gradually increased over centuries of enforcement. Elves became hated rather than esteemed, elf-friends were killed--the Elendili, they were called. Sauron, taken as prisoner from the mainland of Middle-earth by Ar-Pharazôn, more than a thousand years later, was brought to Númenor, but though many disagreed, he became the advisor to the king and then established himself as a High Priest of Morgoth, sacrificing any who opposed him or his ideas... twisted further by the lies of Sauron, bloodshed reigned, and the men pressed West, in search of the Undying Lands. The Fall of Númenor happened just 100 years thereafter, and the world was remade in a way that has not been seen since and most likely will never be seen again."

Legolas looked around the forest. "Isildur and his family, alone of the Númenorians, escaped to Middle-earth by the grace of the Valar and their continued dedication to truth, justice, and the equality of Men and Elves. They were, at their descent into Middle-earth, the most noble and fair men that had stepped foot onto these shores. But the hearts of Men can be corrupted..." He finished speaking and gazed up at many larger trees which had remained for so long. "These trees speak of sadness, deep loss, but hope clearer than morning, which remains in us all."

I looked around the forest with new appreciation, struck deeply by the place in which I now stood, the old tales filling me with a sense of deep sadness which I knew ran through the earth in deep currents. But Legolas was right, I realized, for there was also hope, a pure and steadfast flame which did not falter. Nothing would take away hope, not even the grief that had torn the earth in the days of old, for hope is not yet happiness or joy, but the promise of it.

The sun was warm through the trees as we continued to step over the gentle leaves on the ancient earth which spoke to us in whispers of what was, what is, and what would be.

*************

Afternoon turned to evening and soon the lengthening spring days turned to dusk. The moon could be seen rising in a shining orb which slowly turned the sun's golden rays silver. Legolas mentioned to us that he hoped all of us would dine with him.

"Of course we will," Faewyn said, "Was that not implied?"

Legolas laughed shortly, "If it were just me asking, it certainly would be. But I fear that given the present circumstances, I must dine with the rest of the advisors that are present here, which will most likely be utterly boring and full of empty chatter. It would be greatly more enjoyable if you were to join me."

"It cannot possibly be that dull," I reasoned. "Besides, we hardly could let you deal with it alone."

"That is much appreciated," Legolas replied.

One of the elves with us spoke up as well. "My Prince, myself and a few other of our comrades have been asked to attend another meal by one of our kinsmen who we are well acquainted with," he said. "Of course, if needed, we can refuse--"

"Do not be ridiculous," Legolas began, raising a hand to interrupt. "You hardly need my permission. Go now, and send my very best regards to the others."

"Thank you," he said, bowing slightly. Gwithor, Railos, and a few other elves followed him towards another part of the forest. Faewyn, myself, Maldor, and another elf who I did not know accompanied Legolas towards a clearing lit by torchlight and a laden table at which many people were gathering. Legolas politely attended to many who approached him, but did not prolong conversation. He motioned for us to follow him to the end of the table, where there were several seats. I made to sit next to Faewyn a few seats from the end, but Legolas stopped me.

"Would you sit on my right?" he asked.

"That suggests I am a person of importance," I replied. I did not continue, but I also knew that the right hand to the head of the table was usually reserved for the queen, if there was one.

"You are," replied Legolas calmly.

I tried to say something but was unable to think coherently, so I mutely nodded and allowed him to pull out my chair for me. Faewyn was seated diagonal from me, next to Maldor, who sat at Legolas' left hand.

As the meal began, the attention turned to Legolas, so he took the many questions in stride and then silenced the table with a movement of his hand. "Many of you inquire as to the presence of my companions as well as my premature return to Ithilien, which I will recount. Outside of the elven realms of Middle-earth there still dwelt fragments of the traitor Sauron, bound to earth by the darkened souls of his followers... they were called the Remnants. In another world, Gianna was called to vanquish them, brought here by fate to fulfill the Valar's blessing and end this evil."

He went on to explain why it had to be me, how I had traveled with them to seek the scroll of the Gifts of the Valar to try and discern which weapon was the one prophesied to end the Remnants. Legolas did not hide the fact that I was kidnapped and tortured several times (at which there were many dark looks and gasps around the table), first to try and steal my blessing's potency in an effort to corrupt it and use it to further the Remnant's dark purpose and then to end the hope that I would destroy them. When at last he finished, commenting that only a few days prior there had been a battle on the plains of Mordor once more and the Remnants had been destroyed, the others gathered sat still in a rapt silence.

Many eyes glanced at me with newfound respect, and I found myself humbled that Legolas had spoken of me with such pride and respect in his voice. I smiled down at my plate. The evening continued, and gradually as the topic of our arrival was exhausted, a few elves spoke of politics or of dealings of trade in smaller groups.

"They think highly of you, Gianna," Faewyn commented from across the table, taking a sip of honey wine.

"Do they?" I mused, not wanting to agree but also aware of the impact of the recounting of our exploits.

Faewyn didn't answer, but only glanced around to the others, her grey eyes sparkling over the rim of her goblet.

As if on cue, one elf seated a few seats down the table addressed me directly. "Lady Gianna, we are very fortunate that you have sat with us tonight at our table. It seems you also have the favor of our king."

"So it seems," I said, bowing my head lightly. "Thranduil has shown me great kindness, even when I was but a stranger wandering through his lands."

"Have you yet tasted the sweet draught of the King's vineyards?" commented another elf, "The First Age Dorwinion is especially potent."

"Goodness, I doubt I could drink a sole drop without losing my head," I replied with a smile. "I have heard tell that elves hold their liquor very well."

"Better than many of the dwarves," snickered a dark-haired elf from across Faewyn. Light laughter filled the table.

"Tell us, Lady Gianna," started another elf, now that attention had been drawn to me. "How did you come across this rogue Falcon?"

"He approached me in Minas Tirith," I replied. "Though at the time I was not aware of his affiliations."

"The King of Gondor should have a better hold on his security," said a stately elven lady from farther down. I realised it was the same--Lady Gwileth--who had spoken to Legolas earlier. Legolas shifted in a way that made it seem like he was about to say something, but I also felt in me a deep discomfort with the way they spoke of Aragorn.

"The King of Gondor has many ways to ensure the safety of all who enter his realm," I said, trying to maintain an even tone. "It was through no fault of his own he did not realise that Falcon was a threat at the time--as I said, even I and the Prince were ignorant of this matter until later. Even then, King Aragorn had much more of an idea of the Remnants than we did."

Gwileth bowed her head in acknowledgment and withdrew from the conversation, though her eyes flashed as she looked away.

Gradually the talking began again after a brief silence, and Legolas looked at me.

"Do you wish to see Ithilien by night?" he asked, his eyes solemn.

"It would be a pleasure," I said lightly, nodding.

Legolas leaned over to Maldor and said something quietly to him, Maldor nodded and I faintly heard him say, "Of course, that is no trouble."

Legolas looked around the table and stood decisively. Immediately, all other conversations ceased and the others assembled looked at him expectantly.

"Thank you to all gathered here, it has been my pleasure dining with you all this evening. Now I must excuse myself and Lady Gianna, as we have other matters to attend to."

There were murmured words of respect around the table, and gradually their conversations returned.

Legolas turned to me and offered his hand. "Shall we go?" he asked quietly. The torchlight flickered in his eyes, making it look like fire blazed behind his gaze.

Together we set off toward the trees.

************

"The trees smell like--" I searched for the right word. "--vanilla," I said in awe, as we walked through a glade thick with pine trees. In the approaching moonlight, the sap still shone.

"Yes, they do that," Legolas laughed lightly. "Their scent is well known, these pines tend to grow only in mountainous regions."

"I am glad that you and the others are making such strides in the rebuilding of Ithilien," I commented. "It is a worthy land."

Legolas was silent, but then turned to me, almost hesitatingly. "Do you think I am right to accept the position of leadership that my people wish for me to have?"

"I do not think there is anyone better."

"Do you not?" he pressed, and for the first time I had known him I actually detected an anxious tone behind his words. "I am not one for politics."

"You do not have to be one for politics to understand the principles of leadership, Legolas," I said gently. "Nor do you have to be your father."

He smiled. "Though he wants me to be."

"Does he?"

His words were measured when he replied. "When my mother... she..." he paused before continuing. "I was his only heir," he finished quietly. "When I was younger, he would push me into political discussions and meetings, insisting I acted the part of my lineage. I resisted, preferring to scout with the Royal Guard, among other things. We never got along quite as well after that began-- he desperately wanted a prince for a son."

"You are a prince," I said, immensely sad at his revelation. "Legolas, your father's idea of a prince does not define who you are or who you are not."

"I know," he said heavily. "But even so..." He trailed off. "Enough of this, you are right." He turned to look at me, his eyes alone saying a thousand words. "Take my hand, Gianna."

I did, and he led me through the trees, which whispered softly in the twilight breeze as we passed.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curious.

"Do you recall that Gwileth remarked that it was a full moon?" he asked, turning to me.

"Yes, but I cannot particularly say I enjoy recalling what she says," I replied, remembering her snide remarks about Aragorn.

"Nor do I, most of the time," Legolas conceded, laughing, "But she spoke true then."

We continued walking forward into the descending dusk and then, far in the distance, I heard a melody weaving through the trees and lending the night a mystical and unearthly air of magic.

"What is it?" I asked, a thrill in my very muscles and bones. The sweet music wove through my blood, vibrant energy turned to sound, the very incarnation of excitement and exultation. Every cell in my body was alive and aware, humming through my body like a million points of light at once.

"Liltha An-elenath," said Legolas, "To dance with the stars."

I walked closer, quickly now, fascinated by the lithe forms of many elves dancing by the light of the night, though it seemed bright as day. The music, achingly beautiful, pulled me ever closer.

Legolas pulled gently on my hand, and I turned to him. "Not too close, your heart cannot resist the call of the music," he said, and though he spoke softly, his blue eyes were like fire, and in his face seemed to shine light so achingly beautiful I hardly heard him.

"It is because I am not an elf," I said without question, still yearning towards the lilting music which threaded through the forest.

"You are tonight," he said, at which I turned to him suddenly. The music was but a backdrop for this, for him, awash with starlight in the trees.

"Gianna," he said, his voice low. "Dance with me under the stars."

There was a deep longing in his voice, a feeling I shared, given kindling by the fiery melody which filled our hearts. We became one, intertwined as two vines grown together, whirling and floating through the trees with a song in our hearts in concert with the divine music around us. My eyes never left his face, memorising every angle, every way in which his lips bowed and his dark eyelashes fluttered, holding on to everything about him.

And the stars watched on, as we danced as if our hearts would break.