The next day, you did what you normally did every morning. You got up early to meet with your mentor and then headed to the library. You now sat outdoors near the beautiful cascade you had grown to love. You rested your arms and your head atop your knees as you looked away in the distance.

You were hurt-hurt because Thranduil hated you, for one, and secondly, he didn't want you near his son. You didn't care much about the latter, but the former pained you the most. The elf you still had deep feelings for had talked to you in a way you had never expected, and you felt like an idiot for continuing to hold the same feelings towards him.

You were determined to change that deciding you would make your bond with Legolas stronger. After all, it gave you the impression he felt something for you.

You raised your head as your pointed ears picked up the sound of snapping twigs and faint talk.

You saw as Legolas and Tauriel made their way towards your direction though they hadn't seen you yet. You looked at Legolas with a smile on your face, but it was short-lived as you noticed the way he looked at Tauriel.

His eyes shined very brightly, and you noticed something Tauriel didn't. He stared at her in awe as his head tilted slightly to the side. He looked very enamored, and it made you feel even more hurt than you already were. Did he love Tauriel? But why did he behave the same way towards you?

Or did he?

You shook your head in an attempt to clear your mind before standing up.

You noticed Tauriel nod and head back the way they had come.

Legolas smiled and continued towards the training ground. As soon as he saw you, he smiled and waved at you.

"Good afternoon, Y/N."

"Good afternoon."

You noticed his smile falter as he got closer.

"Listen, I am very sorry about my father. I have not the mere idea as to why he behaved like that." He sighed, looking anywhere but your eyes.

"Do not apologize, Legolas. I understand. Besides, I was distracting you from your duties." You smiled, rousing a gentle laugh from him.

"It was inappropriate, nevertheless." He insisted.

"Very well. I grant my forgiveness, albeit unnecessary." You made an offering gesture with your hands, making him laugh more.

"Y/N, I have a question you might be able to answer."

"Yes?"

"Has Tauriel mentioned anything regarding me? I know the both of you have spent some time together, that is why I ask." He looked at you with hopeful eyes.

"What about?"

Tauriel hadn't talked to you about him other than asking where he was or when she would tell you about their patrolling duties.

"Well,-"

You immediately thought back to how he was looking at Tauriel, making it obvious what he was asking.

"You mean if she fancies you?"

Legolas' face brightened up at the question but didn't say anything; however, his facial expressions gave it away.

He felt something for her, and he was trying to find out if it was mutual. Almost immediately, a burning sensation made its way to your stomach. All this time, you thought he felt something for you and your deep desire to fall for him had probably made you see things. It hurt even more to know he just saw you as a friend.

Aelinor was right about how you would end up hurt.

After a while, you forced yourself to speak, "Sorry, but she has not said anything. Uh, I have important matters to tend to." You excused yourself. Legolas just smiled and nodded at you.

Tears left your eyes as soon as you turned around. You made your way to the place that consoled you during tough times, and with luck, you would find Aelinor.

You cried, not only because you were beginning to feel something towards Legolas but because now you were back to where you had started. And with what had happened with the king, you found yourself in an even bigger turmoil than before.

Arriving at the library, you went to find your favorite book and opened it up where you had left off. You couldn't read, for your tears blurred your vision. You simply sat there, allowing the tears to stream down your face as soft whimpers left your throat, not caring who saw you.

"What is the matter?" A deep voice interrupted your reading--or lack thereof.

You turned, immediately recognizing the voice.

Thranduil.

You quickly wiped your tears and stared in silence.

He came closer to you and reached for your book, closing it slightly to look at the cover before placing it back on the table.

He scoffed softly, "Their love was pure madness."

You couldn't believe what he had said. But he was the cold and stern Elvenking, what were you expecting?

"It was not." You retorted, frowning at him. At this point, you didn't care, and if he put you in his dungeons for responding, then so be it.

He raised an eyebrow. "Love between an elf and a mortal human sounds rather idiotic, does it not? After all, the latter perishes so much faster."

"Yes, but their love persevered. She chose a mortal life just to be with him, and both remained together until their death." You smiled softly. "Tell me, is that not beautiful?"

He rolled his eyes.

"You really should read it." You spoke with confidence, going back to your book.

"Why were you crying?" He asked sternly.

"For no reason." Came your quiet response, looking down at your book.

How could you say he was part of the reason? Or his son, for that matter.

"Very well. Since I assume the reason for your crying is that book you are so passionate about; and since you believe I should read it, please, by all means, enlighten me." He spoke gently as he took a seat on the chair adjacent to you.

You stared at him with wide eyes as he simply stared at you, arms crossed over his chest.

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Thanks for reading and for all the votes! It means a lot to me.

Now that I got my finals out of the way (phew!) I will have more time to finish writing and editing since I do plan to finish this story! ❤️