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Chapter Text

The sun was warm during the months of summer, and Amaris enjoyed having her classes outside in the heart of the forests, or on the banks of a river. She lay on the grass, feeling the warmth of the sun caress her skin. Her mind cleared, focusing on each breath, trying to feel everything, feel the grass growing underneath her, feel the earth, and its creatures, feel-

"You're making this a thousand times harder by staring, you know?" The child spoke, her eyes still closed, but her eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm not staring!" The voice of her friend complained.

"Yes, you are!" She replied. She rose, helping herself with her arms. Her long brown locks spilled on her face. She opened her eyes and was greeted by the anxious look of her friend. Legolas was not as thin as she was, he was 'well sculpted' as the trainers would say. Framed by long blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes. 

"So?" He asked his eyes skimming and skipping. 

"They will be here in a few days," Amaris answered.

"And he's all right?" He asked concerned suddenly washing his face.

Legolas was handsome. Amaris knew this, they might've only been 50, and neither of them gave much thought to such things, but that didn't mean Amaris didn't notice his beauty. Everyone noticed. He had pale, fair skin that seemed like stardust when the moonlight hit him just right. That long blonde hair that was always held back nicely by soft braids they would do to each other just before their lessons began. That was something Amaris liked, waking up before the sun and admiring how his eyes would shine with the glimmering light of the rising sun, as they took turns braiding each other's hair. They would talk about everything and anything, it had been on one of those mornings that Legolas had confessed to her his fear of his father being away in battle after his mother's passing. That day Amaris told him something she had had to build up the courage to tell him for 40 years.

"Yes," She snapped back from her memories and faced him again. Relief washed over his features, his eyebrows undid themselves from the tension they were holding, and his jaw twitched as he rearranged himself, letting his muscles relax under his linen shirt. They had been looking over him, at least, Amaris would look for him every night, making sure that he was safe and sound, she could not bear to see the anguish and hurt in Legolas' eyes again. Thranduil had to come back, as soon as possible.

Their day carried on as usual, Amaris was taken to her lessons, and Legolas to his. They never saw each other during lectures, Amaris had her training sessions alone, and so did he, she had special lectures on her power, and Legolas had lectures on the reign's politics. They didn't know why they had to be apart, but they never asked. When night fell they would meet each other in the gardens and talk about what they had learned. Now Amaris could tell him everything about her power, it was something everyone had told her to keep secret, but she felt much more relieved now that he knew too.

That night, at dinner there was someone Amaris had never seen before. She was tall and 'well built', just like Legolas was. Her hair was copper red and fell to her chest, with simple braiding. She wore no tunic, but pants and a linen shirt. Amaris felt somewhat little with her so near, so close to her, to them. He asked her name and she told them that she had been named Tauriel by her deceased parents. She went on to talk about how they had died at war and she had been admitted into the guard force to train and become someone as important as her parents. Legolas seemed mesmerized, and all Amaris could think of was, "Does he ever look at me that way?" It was silly, she knew it, it didn't matter at all how he looked at anyone, yet something inside her ached, and she could not say what or why.

Legolas didn't show up at the gardens that night, or the night after that. Amaris would go on as her usual day, her lessons and dinners, all the same, but Legolas had changed, and now Tauriel was with them every day. She made it seem as if she didn't care at all, and she believed she didn't. For a while at least.

Just as she had predicted, four days later came Thranduil, packed with gifts from the war, victorious and charming. As soon as he got to his office he made his guards call on Amaris. She was calm, he usually called her in, he had made a deal with her father the day she had been born, but she had never heard more of the matter. Thranduil would ask her about any improvements in her power, her family, her studies, and about Legolas. She had never questioned anything about it, she had always been his very best friend, she knew everything about him, did she not?

Her hand knocked softly on the wooden door and was received by Thranduil's warm voice, allowing her in.

"Amaris, you've grown since I last called on you." He said, she rose from her courtesy and smiled softly, it was something he didn't say often, and it made her happy he had noticed something Legolas hadn't. But she could not blame him, they saw each other every day, not as much lately, but nevertheless, he would not have noticed. "You look, tired child." The girl bowed her head a little, aware of her reddened eyes and greyish eyelids. "Is anything the matter?" He was worried now, she could tell. Even if his tone seemed harsh or cold, it was not like that at all, Thranduil simply showed his love that way. People he did not care for, were few, he simply did not acknowledge or treated them with indifference.

"Everything is quite alright, your majesty," Amaris responded, trying to ease his concern and change the topic. "I have simply stayed up late, reading books the lecturer gave me." There, it was not entirely a lie, she had simply avoided telling him that she had been reading them in the gardens, waiting for his son to come, something he didn't do. he nodded, either getting the sense that I did not wish to continue that conversation or because he had other things to attend to.

"How has it been going? Your lectures, any improvements?" He turned and began pacing around his study, taking note of everything I said.

"I was able to see you, your majesty." She ended, as he rose his head from his parchment, his quill freezing mid-scribble. "At your son's request." She bowed her head very quickly. "I know I was not supposed to let anyone know, but I simply could not keep it from him any longer." After a while, she heard how his quill continued its scribbling. 

"So I would say it has improved greatly," He carried on, scribbled a few last things, and stood. "How is he?" He stood tall and straight, she was reminded of her blood status, and for that moment Tauriel did not matter, the fact that Legolas had forgotten about her didn't hurt as much anymore, she was a noble lady, and she could do anything.

"He misses you terribly." Amaris said truthfully, her heart expanding within her chest, "He asked me to look for you because he was worried," she continued, her chest aching. "He fears you shall not return someday." The king walked over to one of his bookshelves, one that held a collection of healing plants, he stared at them.

"He shall not fret anymore. I do not plan on travelling in the near future." He kept his gaze on the plant. "How is your friendship?" Amaris could feel the threatening wobble of her lip as she spoke again.

"We have been attending our lessons on time and exchanging assigned salutations if it is what you mean." She said rather numbly.

"You know what I meant." He said clearly. Amaris trembled a little and he seemed to notice. When he turned he saw something he did not expect. The girl was trembling, her face a little grey and her gaze low. "What is it, child?" He signaled her to sit down, so she did, her face inexpressive. "You do not look well, should I call a healer?" He inquired.

"No, your majesty." She said in a mid whisper. "I fear my pain cannot be cured by the wise healers." It somehow felt like Thranduil knew what she was on about because he rose and laid his hand on her shoulder.

"I stumbled upon a long friend in my return," he proceeded. "She once was a young elfling with powers such as yours," he went on. "She was too heartbroken once, but she healed." Amaris looked back at him, hope in her eyes. "And she returned stronger." He looked at her, his son had had to do something very terrible to get her looking like this. "You shall work under her care until you have reached maturity, at that point, you shall return and finish your education here." He explained. She rose, about to take her leave. "You will be expected to attend important dinners, which I will announce to you with time." He finished. She was about to reach the door when she thought of something.

"He has tired of me." She said finally, her hand on the door frame, not facing him. "There is a girl in your guard, training." She went on. "Tauriel, they call her," now she faced him, her tears falling. "He seems entranced by her." She murmured. "But I did care for him, deeply. And I fear I might never feel this way again, for an elf can only give their heart but once if it was truthful, and I am certain it was." She ended, Thranduil was frozen in place, he had known her pain, and he could see it in her. "He was my life, now I shall die without him." She then left.

Legolas did not notice Amaris' absence until dinner time, he had been talking to Tauriel and asked Amaris what she thought, but she was not sitting by him like she always did. He worried for the rest of the meal and talked little to nothing. He punished himself for pushing her away, but he could not understand what had been going on with himself when she was near. He would suddenly lose track of time, he would spend hours simply admiring her, his heart aching. He did not understand what was happening to him, so he isolated himself, and when Tauriel showed up he had the perfect excuse. With Tauriel he felt nothing, it was like having a friend that you could talk to without getting nervous or tripping over your words, it was easy. He had hurt Amaris. To what extent?

After dinner, he ran to the gardens, but she was not there. His father was.

"She has left." He said calmly. "What happened, my son."

Legolas cried the whole night and the whole following day. He would not let anyone in, not servants, not his father. He knew he had been absurd and childish, pushing her away. By the Alar, he was 50, not a little ellon anymore! He was supposed to know how to behave, and how to act in situations of deep pressure. And yet...

When he was close to Amaris he couldn't seem to control himself. He had just begun to realize small things about her that made him smile, the way her eyes shone like a thousand stars when she smiled, and how her hair fell and she swept it behind her ears, those pale, pointy ears that heard every single thing he murmured. The way he felt he could tell her everything and anything and she would always have the best advice for him. How she stood by him when his mother died, and how she had helped him feel better by looking for his father, making her reveal an ultimate political secret his father had forbidden her to tell anyone about.

He loved her. Even if he didn't realize that yet.

Chapter Text

The journey to Galadriel's tower was long and rough, but Amaris took it as a challenge, and she always won challenges. She used this time to settle her mind, but every time she found peace, her mind would flash the image of those piercing blue eyes. Her feet would quicken, and suddenly, she had broken into a run. Memories of Legolas and her, running through the gardens, laughing under blankets, and dancing around during parties, she ran as if she was fetching those memories that had flown away. Now it was Legolas and Tauriel.

Once Amaris' pace had settled into a stroll again, she thought of how Tauriel would act around Legolas. Would she ease his pain when his father left? Would she comfort him on his mother's birthday? Dance and sing and run their worries away? Her body came to a halt. She dropped her bags on the floor and scrambled around for paper and quill.

Dearest Father; 

I am on my way to Galadriel's tower, a position that I hear you requested the king to give me, and I am ever so grateful for it. 

I have left much behind, and it has never bothered me to do so, when I left home, to go under the King's wing, you encouraged me and asked me to exploit my opportunities to their full extent. I have done so, Father, but still, my heart ached when I didn't have you near. I know that is because I cherish you, I love you, Father, I truly do, and I hope you're proud of what I am becoming.

The motive of this letter is to ask for your help. That feeling is clinging to me again, not only for you, though I know this isn't goodbye, and I'll visit every opportunity that I get. But I left an Ellon behind, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood and future King of the lands. It seems as if with every step I take toward Galadriel and my destiny, my heart is breaking. I ask you to look into it and tell me what I must do to tear this pain away. If you do not find the answer, do tell Elrond everything I have exposed to you in this letter and ask him for help.

My dearest father and uncle, I beg of you to tell me how to save my soul.

Love, Amaris.

Her frozen hands shook as she tied a string around the paper. A hawk was coming by, and Amaris took her chance. Her eyes closed, and she prayed that with all her might, the letter would arrive to her father and Elrond, and they would know what to do.

It was nightfall when she arrived at Galadriel's door or wall since there was no door. In Amaris's head, it all was clear, another challenge. Thranduil had always told her that to see things too quickly is to not see at all.

"Perspective rules the unseen world to mortals and imbeciles," he would lecture her, "are you either?" 

The words ringing in her head and her legs frozen, she placed her hand on the shimmering stone, then rested her forehead. And in a low melody, she whispered,

Oh, unseen, hidden in perspective.

Let yourself be shown,

Let me see,

the history.

With that, the glimmering of the stone began to take shape, swirling around and opening some kind of portal. Amaris stepped in.

She had to stand for some time in the middle of the plaza. There was a tree there, ever so beautiful. It shone so brightly it seemed it bore the stars themselves.

"Well, I was not expecting you until morning." It was Galadriel, Amaris turned in a fraction of a second and kneeled, touching her forehead to the arm that rested on her knee. "You're quicker than I expected." She hummed, turning in a whole circle around the kneeling girl. "Younger too. Rise." She commanded. Amaris did as she was told and faced Galadriel for the first time. "We shall make the most of this time we've gained. Rest now, but at first light, we begin." And with that, she left.

A guard guided her to her room and study, where she would receive theory lessons and spend her free time. She dropped onto the bed, not bothering about her surroundings and simply drifting to sleep, to make the most of it while she still could.

"She's not coming back?" Legolas pondered. The young prince had spent all day running from room to room, inspecting every spot in the gardens and forests looking for her. Amaris. It had been a decade since she left and he couldn't bear a single day without him. 

"I am not one for riddles, son. I will put it simply, she has gone, someplace no elf can trespass. She will come when it is time for her to come." Thranduil assured. He was sitting at the far end of his study, behind his work desk seemingly invested in some ancient book. He flipped through the pages, his eyes squinting faintly at each piece of information.

"Well?" Legolas repeated, waving his arms trying to capture his father's attention.

"Well, what, son?" Thranduil kept engaged in his reading, every so often scribbling a few notes down on some parchment.

"Why has she gone? Where has she gone? When is she coming back?" He began his face contorted with emotions that not even he could process at this point. Oh, but Thranduil knew them all too well. "I just, have so many questions, Father." The young prince sighed. The king fell silent. It may have been because he had just found out one of the most important pieces of information about his child's life through the astronomy book he had been perusing, or because his child had unknowingly confessed to him.

"I do not think I understand son," Thranduil commented, closing the book after positioning its leather bookmark right on that page. 

"What do you not understand, Father?" The boy asked, straightening and letting his arms fall back at his sides. "Have you not heard me all of this time? Amaris has left and no one knows where!" He stated, his tone firm and powerful.

"And you're upset?" Thranduil continued, he stood from his chair and turned to look out the window.

"Of course I'm upset! Amaris has been my friend since we were born." He said plainly. "I cannot think of a day without her. Neither can I imagine a future without her." 

"And what does that mean?" He questioned, looking through the window and remembering the day his son was born, more specifically, the prophecy that came with his birth.

"What does what mean?" Legolas repeated, getting frustrated at his father's responses.

"Exactly." He walked back to his son. "When you know how to name what this is, to give an excuse for your frustration, that's when you will understand." Thranduil's hand had rested comfortably on Legolas' shoulder. "In the meantime, I would advise you to remind yourself of the prophecy, and focus on its meaning." 

"What does that have to do with anything, Father?" Legolass' eyes still shone with the embers of his passion. 

"Son. Put aside your emotions and think with clarity. If you cannot do so much as imagine a future without her, your prophecy must involve her in some way." He waved a hand dismissively as he went back to his seat behind the elaborate desk.

"Was," Legolas took a deep breath as he faced his father. "Was Mother in your prophecy?" Not many things enerved the king of Mirkwood, he had fought in deadly battles and conquered lands of death, but talk of his beloved always seemed to trigger something within his soul. Still, he saw in his young son a shadow of his past self, once when he was young and hadn't felt the heavy fall of a mate bond caress and strangle him through his choices. Legolas was young, way too young he thought, to feel that way. He could help him, and he would, but it was all up to him to decide, and at such an age, one wrong step could lead him to his doom. Thranduil made a mental note to send word for The Astronomer, a well-known mage that knew the ways of past and future through the stars, the same that had laid the prophecies on his son, himself, and all the rulers before him. He took a deep breath, memories flooding his eyes. 

"I did not yet know of your mother," He could feel his hands shaking on the armrests of his chair. "when I finally understood my prophecy I didn't give it much thought." He sighed. "Yet when I  met her it seemed to me that she had always been there." The king looked at his son, regarding his stand, the way his chest rose and fell quickly but steadily, the messy hair and the robes that had been thrown without care. "I am aware of the difficulties the prophecy withstands, but many have encrypted them before you, son." Their eyes held their stare, and though it was intense, there was love in it, so much love. "You will figure this out." Legolas tore his haze from his father's, resting his head against the wall, his eyes drifting to the ceiling, admiring the towering dome, illustrated with constellations and clouds.

"It is soon to be the Winter solstice," His voice was hoarse as if he'd been calling for her the whole night and morning, he probably had. "Is she to come?"

"Do you wish her to come?" His father inquired. 

"I simply cannot imagine her favorite day without her." He said plainly. "She would pester me around for months in advance, ranting on about decorations and dances and dresses. I never paid her too much attention then." His voice sounded distant as if somehow he had drifted away with the memory.

"For someone who barely paid her attention, you worry for her and know more of her than anyone else, it would seem." The king's eyes drifted from his son to his quill as he began to think of the message he was to write. "Anyhow, it is your choice."

"How is it my choice, it's not my party." He laughed off, his voice not more than a whisper.

"But it is." They held their gaze once more. "It seems to me, Legolas," His son straightened at his tone, the way his name echoed in the room. "That you have left Amaris in the shadows for too long, she was fond of you, so much she knew perfectly well things not even I knew." A new feeling brewed inside of him, squeezing the air out of him. "She knew how you hated planning parties so she took it upon herself to arrange them, ensuring you would both have a good time. She insisted on tutoring you in your lessons when you fell behind because you wanted to train more than anything in the world, and most importantly," He stood his voice lowered but strong. "She lied to me to protect you." The color drained from Legolass' face.

"Amaris would never lie, to anyone." He assured.

"Well, then it seems she has lied to both of us." 

Thranduil led his son out, ensuring him he would send word to Amaris that she was invited to the Winter Solstice ceremony that was to be arranged in a month. He found it necessary that included his son's concerns for her.

My Dearest Amaris;

It has come to my attention that you arrived sooner than expected, I congratulate you. I hope this letter finds you healthy and with enough strength to assimilate what I am about to reveal to you. 

You have been gone for almost a decade now, and though your last visit to my office said otherwise, Legolas hasn't been the same since you left. Most of the time he is quiet, mostly because at night he screams 'till his voice leaves his body. He calls your name. He won't eat much, and won't go to his lessons, and I am unsure how to proceed with his education, as you took care of his progress, which you continuously insisted was in perfect condition. Still, I would much appreciate it if you gave me an overview of where you left off. It is odd most of the time, he spends his days locked in the training ring and in the library, as much to your surprise, I finally talked some sense into him and he is studying his prophecy. 

On other matters, he came into my study the other day, frantic still about your absence. Though I know it will hardly be as the elegant balls you used to prepare, he has begged me to send you an invitation to the Winter Solstice. You may come, as long as it does not interrupt your training and Galadriel accepts to send you. 

As always, take care, Amaris, and pray to the stars that my son finds peace.

Good luck.

T-

"There's mail for you Amaris." Galadriel floated into the room where the young girl scrambled to make room on the table. "What have we here?" She inspected the parchments, picking them up one by one. "These lessons aren't to be taught until next week, what of this week's work?" She inquired over the papers, her eyes undying.

"They're done, Galadriel, The Astronomer came by in the morning and went through the parchments." Amaris closed the books and organized them neatly on the table, making sure to place the thread of bookmark to not lose track of her progress. 

"What has he said?" She pressed on.

"He said he would wait for you to come and discuss it privately," they held their gaze, eyes filled with flame and defiance. "He's in the room next door." Galadriel left, her white dress floating through the marble floors of the palace. Amaris heard the door click shut behind her and launched her hands for the letters. Two of them. One form Elrond, the other-

From Thranduil.

Chapter Text

Amaris' hands trembled as she recognized Thandruil's handwriting. She took a shuddering breath and placed it down. She reached for Elrond's letter and unfolded it carefully.

My dearest niece:

I was astonished when I heard of your position. Though I know it is of no need, I must congratulate you. I met Galadriel, back in my youth, she is a wonder, no doubt, but you are different. I am sure you will become what you need to be.

In other matters, your father came to me the other day, - I do not know when this will reach you, Galadriel's tower is not easy to track - he came to me pale as a spirit. When I read over your letter, it was easy to see what you meant. I believe your father knew too, but he was too shocked and afraid to admit it to himself, and so he came for a second opinion. There is something you must know. Thousands of tears ago, when the first Elves roamed the earth, there was a common ritual that took place when someone felt the symptoms you manifested. Back then, it was known as the mating of elves. After centuries, it became rare for elves to find their soulmate. Most fell in love and married, forgetting all about the strength the mating bond brought upon them.

I am aware of the difficulty this might bring upon you. It is not an easy matter. I know Galadriel and her tower. You might find a book on soulmates in her library, but Amaris, I must warn you. Only read it if you are prepared for the truth. It is good for you, but it may be painful.

Keep well, my beloved niece.

May the stars watch down on you,

Elrond.

Amaris' face had gone pale, no doubt, as her father's might've looked when he read the letter she had sent. Her mouth suddenly dried, and her heart was slowing down. She round the strength to take a shuddering breath and calm herself down. She would prepare herself to venture to Galadriel's library. For a few minutes she stared at Thandruil's letter. Almost a decade had passed. She distracted herself with her studies and books and research so as to not leave a second where she could think of him. Now, he was all over her mind, especially after Elrond's letter. Was he okay? Worse, could he be... married? She shook her head. She was being unreasonable. She would never find out if she didn't open the letter. As she did, her fingers shook. She ripped the envelope, and her eyes read hungrily.

My Dearest Amaris;

It has come to my attention that you arrived sooner than expected, I congratulate you. I hope this letter finds you healthy and with enough strength to assimilate what I am about to reveal to you. 

You have been gone for almost a decade now, and though your last visit to my office said otherwise, Legolas hasn't been the same since you left. Most of the time, he is quiet, mostly because at night, he screams, "till his voice leaves his body. He calls your name. He won't eat much, and won't go to his lessons, and I am unsure how to proceed with his education, as you took care of his progress, which you continuously insisted was in perfect condition. Still, I would much appreciate it if you gave me an overview of where you left off. It is odd most of the time, he spends his days locked in the training ring and in the library, as much to your surprise, I finally talked some sense into him and he is studying his prophecy. 

On other matters, he came into my study the other day, frantic still about your absence. Though I know it will hardly be as the elegant balls you used to prepare, he has begged me to send you an invitation to the Winter Solstice. You may come, as long as it does not interrupt your training and Galadriel accepts to send you. 

As always, take care, Amaris, and pray to the stars that my son finds peace.

Good luck.

T-

She tried to hold back her tears. He did miss her. It was stupid. He probably didn't feel the way she did. He had Tauriel. She had no one. He probably missed his friend. Amaris didn't know why, but her heart broke a little as she thought of it. Anyway, she was excited at having been invited to the solstice. In a decade, she would be of age and hopefully towards the end of her training, which would mean returning home. She whispered silently to the stars that Galadriel would allow it.

Meanwhile, Galadriel and the Astronomer -

"How is she?" Galadriel asked as she closed the door behind her. The old elf raised his gloomy eyes to hers. He had firm skin and pointed ears. If a mortal were to guess his age, he wouldn't have guessed over 30 mortal years, and yet, this elf was centuries old. His eyes glaced with wisdom and his hair almost platinum. 

"She progresses, doubling my expectations. At this rate, she will be trained in another decade, " The Astronomer commented, noting Galadriel's shock. "Her power and strength grow by the minute, but it is not at its maximum level." Galadriel paced.

"She has begun next week's lessons. Maybe I should press her harder, demand more," she continued walking around, the Astronomer followed her with his eyes. "Would that suffice to get her to her maximum level?" She inquired. The astronomer rose from his seat, his face solemn.

"No, Galadriel." He spoke her name with force. Forcing her to pause in her tracks. "She will never reach it," Galadriel paled. Maybe Thandruil had been wrong about her. "Here." The Astronomer finished. Galadriel stared at him.

"What do you mean?" She questioned. "Have you seen her future told by the stars?" 

"I have." He said, almost a whisper. "She is to be great," he begun. "A true soldier, a lover, and a queen." He concluded. "But not here." The Astronomer began to leave.

"What is that supposed to mean, Astronomer?" She asked him, the elf frozen by the door. "How do I help her fulfill her fate?" Those glaced eyes stared deeply into her.

"Do not deny her." He said. "For all she will ask is for her future to be." His eyes sparkled with something Galadriel hadn't seen in centuries, hope. "Let her." Then he vanished.

Galadriel stepped outside the room, the warning and comments The Astronomer had given her fresh in her mind. Do not deny her. She found herself in front of Amaris' door.

Amaris held the letter to her chest, a few tears rolling down her cheeks when a knock sounded on her door. She folded the letter and wiped her tears, just in time when Galadriel came in.

"Everything all right back in Mirkwood?" She inquired. Amaris thought that she looked a little shaken up, but she gave it no attention.

"Oh, yes, everything is quite alright." She nodded, wondering how to proceed.

"And, your family too?" Galadriel took a seat in front of her.

"Yes, they say they miss me." She said, carefully. "But that they know it's what's best." Galadriel nodded, but keep looking at her. Amaris took a breath and straightened. "Thandruil has asked us to join them for the Winter Solstice." She added. Galadriel stared back. Do not deny her. He had said. "Of course, if that does not interfere with my training." She thought of it. The Astronomer had said that if she were to ask for anything it would be to lead her duture, so somehow this had to be done.

"You are a fast learner." Galadriel commented. "So has The Astronomer said, and like you're ahead in your lessons your training will shorten to one more decade." She ended. Amaris felt a bit of joy shooting through her. Home in a decade. She looked at her master, waiting for her response. "We will go. But you know the rules, no talk or use of your powers powers, unless in private and by Thandruil's orders." She commanded severely.

"Thank you, Galadriel." Amaris answered, joy in her eyes.

"Well stay only for the weekend, not a day more." She said standing. Amaris couldn't help herself, she stood and faced her. They were a few steps away and with her look Galadriel understood. She nodded in consent and Amaris hugged her close. Galadriel hugged her back. This was for the future of their race.

Chapter Text

Amaris had learned to control her emotions during her time with Galadriel. It was one of her first lessons, and the hardest to learn, but in the end, she mastered it. Now, alone in her quarters she let her facade drop and smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. She danced happily through her small chamber, holding the letter close to her chest. 

"Alas, the stars have answered my prayers," she hummed sweetly. "I shall be reunited and in ten years' time I shall return stronger than ever!" Amaris descended on her bed, every step was precise and elegant, her clothes and hair flowing magically around her. One of the very first things she had learned was control, not only of her emotions but of every little aspect, as it turned, it was the base of a strong enchantress. She read the letter over and over again. "Winter Solstice, simply the most enchanting date anyone could choose!" She exclaimed, her voice bouncing off the walls. Excitement radiated off her in streams of light, and she sprung to her feet, rushing to her wardrobe to pick out her gowns. 

Galadriel was a light packer, and she wouldn't allow unnecessary weight, so Amaris had to pick carefully. She tried gown after gown, matching shoes and cloaks with each one trying to find the perfect combination. She knew the most important thing was to make a good impression on Thandruil, but the only person on her mind was Legolas, and she couldn't deny that she looked for a dress that would call him. Amaris finally settled on a light blue silk gown that fell to her ankles without frills or excessive ornaments. The elegance of it was unmistakable and it complimented her figure perfectly, hugging her hips and falling freely around her legs, making it comfortable for dancing. Oh, how she missed dancing at parties!  The sleeves widened after they reached her elbows, creating that whimsical effect she had marveled over when she was an elfling. With the dress still on she tried on cloak after cloak and cape after cape, finally settling with a darker blue one, thick and warm, but light and simply adorned by a gold embroidery pattern at the trim of the cape and the hood. It resembled leaves, like many of her other embroidered clothes. Something about them simply entranced her. Amaris changed quickly, folding her clothes neatly in her bag. Now by her vanity, her hand hovered over her belts and jewelry. She didn't own much, being in the Tower caused that, she barely left, and when she did jewelry wasn't something she thought of, still, she had some of the things she had brought with her. With not many options, she packed a gold belt that consisted of hoops that connected between themselves and met at the center with a gold tree, falling into golden leaves that fell from the center of the belt to her knees. Legolas had gifted her that belt, when they were elflings, in one of the winter solstices she had arranged. She remembered how she loved the jingles it made when she danced in it. To match it, she packed gold ear cuffs that fell into gold drops of earrings and a circlet of gold branches and leaves that almost made her look like a queen from an enchanted forest.

With excitement, she packed her bag long before falling asleep. She ensured it was light enough to not lift suspicions, but charmed it just in case. Amaris left it ready by her bed and lay with wide eyes for a long time, thoughts of the party dancing through her head to the rhythm of waltzes she had danced to, before sleep finally took her in.

She was up before the sun, her feet aching to run and dance at the party. Amaris got ready for the trip, brushing through her locks and placing a simple gold ringlet on her head. She picked up her luggage easily and left for the yard, where Galadriel was not found. She had to stand there for some time, waiting for her to appear. The stable hand came before Galabriel did, allowing a distraction from her excitement. She helped the boy prepare the unicorns, both so white and regal they could've been shaped from pure starlight. When Galadriel finally appeared she mounted swiftly her unicorn and began a slow stroll, followed by Amaris, who soon realized this journey was to be used as a lesson. Patience, she thought, had been the first trial. 

"I must say I am impressed by your restraint." The musical whisper of Galadriel's voice made her eyes wander back to hers, curiosity hanging from them. "I thought you would've mounted your unicorn and begun the journey if I had waited one more minute." Though her words were serious, the corner of her mouth quirked upwards in amusement. "But you didn't, you followed the sensible path of channeling your enthusiasm and energy on something else to get it out of your system." A pause, the wind around them listening to their conversation. "It was quite impressive." Galadriel was a wise woman, full of knowledge and experience, she was also a very involved teacher, who loved her student's progress. This, nonetheless, could make her hard to please and very demanding, which meant a single smile or proof of her satisfaction was rare and, therefore, valuable. Even if Amaris had been the best student Galadriel had had in centuries, that only made her standards higher for her, and her display of pride minimal, but that didn't mean she wasn't overwhelmed with her advancements. Never in her decades of teaching had she had a student who had achieved such power and control in the little time Amaris had, and yet The Astronomer had told her this was only the surface of her power. 

"I appreciate that, Galadriel. I do." Amaris replied bowing her head a little in acknowledgment. Her long fingers fidgeted with the hems of her sleeves, folding and unfolding tiny bits of it nervously. Galadriel noted her behavior change, it was not common for Amaris to be so unsettled and fidgety, and though she felt the urge to reprimand her and tell her to take hold of her emotions, she believed she was doing just that, yet, somehow, her feelings were so strong they still rippled through the surface like a dormant lake.

"Say, how does Thandruil usually celebrate the Winter Solstice? I believe I have grown so accustomed to my own solitude I may have forgotten." She wondered, her question raising a soft smile on Amaris' lips, which, as Galadriel had suspected helped her focus on something else and stop her fidgeting completely.

"Oh, it's trully beautiful! Back when I was nothing but an elfling the Solstice used to last for an entire week, all filled with dancing and singing and games..." Her eyes were lost in the memory, as her fingers moved fast, shifting the snow that was falling upon them and giving it shape. Figurines of little elflings dancing in circles and elves playing instruments shifted and morphed together, showing Galadriel the last memories of Amaris' experiences during the solstice. "The palace kitchens would go hard at work for days to prepare enough food for the event, and I would bake the famous moon pie as many times as my hands would allow me to." Galadriel had heard of a famous moon pie that was said to taste as good as life itself, many who ate from it believed they were blessed for the entire year, which brought many elves to the great reign of Mirkwood. Now that Galadriel knew that the pies were made by Amaris, she firmly believed they contained liquid luck within them. "On the last day of solstice the Royal Astronomer would guide the guests through a star tour, it was one of my favorite parts. We would all lie down on the grass by the hills of the gardens, and watch the sun duck away and the moon rise along with the stars. After that there was more partying and I've heard prophecies were told them by the astronomer to any who would ask for them, but Legolass-" She stopped dry and composed herself, her voice quieting down and losing its initial excitement. "The Prince of Mirkwood and I never saw them, we were due at the castle after the star tour." For quite some time during the ride, Amaris remained quiet. Her hands were still hovering over the snow figurines that shifted through all the memories she had. Galadriel noticed that not only were they all containing the Prince of Mirkwood, but in them, she saw something important, something vital for her final steps in her education, a bond. They had been said to be extinct, the memory of something old and lost after the Queen passed. Mating bonds that amplified powers and talents in a way unimaginable. Rare and a source of power, but also used against those who held them. The very last example is Thandruil, whose mate had been viciously murdered during the war as a strategy to take the King down too, when Sauron was most powerful. What the enemy didn't expect, was Thandruil to take his last strengths and powers from the bond to liquidate the intruders from Mirkwood. Since that day, no enemy has been able to break into the reign, and since then, no power as great as the mating bond has been found, nor have any elves found their true mates.

It is said that Soulmates are fated, therefore they are foretold in the elf's prophecy. The winter solstice may just be what Galadriel needed to confirm her suspicions and find out if there was indeed hope for the new beginnings of peace and power for the Elves. After all, they were now in a period of calm safe times, with the defeat of the Dark Lord only nineteen rings remained; three for the elves, seven for the dwarves, and nine for the race of men. And all of them were in good, capable hands.