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Disclaimer: ya'll know this already. i dont own anything cept lint and dust bunnies who ckeep me company! go away!

Chapter 1

Legolas smiled as he watched the boy from the top of his mount's back. He was slightly dirty and tousled due to his rough play with his friends, but his cheeks were pink with the bite of the crisp air and there was a certain healthiness to him that was appealing. He was getting big, no doubt. The boy frolicked through the city streets, laughing and giggling as he led his friends on a merry chase between trees and buildings. His hair was blond and his features pointed, while blue eyes danced cheerfully in amusement. If Legolas squinted hard enough, he could almost picture the boy as his own – minus the pointed ears and Elven grace that would come naturally.

Trohenian was, however, a human child and not Legolas's at all. He was merely acquainted with the youngster of Esgaroth. The boy seemed to always be present when the Elves came to barter for wine and butter, as well as other goods, and Legolas had grown attached to him.

"My lord?"

Legolas blinked and turned his head, the voice of one of his guards calling him out of his reverie.

"We are finished here, my lord. The goods have been attained and are set to be sent up by the middle of next week."

Legolas nodded. "Good. Let us be off, then."

It was unusual for one of such stature as his to be among those attending such menial tasks, but Legolas felt he needed to get away. The short trips to Lake Town afforded the prince respite from the duties that had so recently been thrown upon him. Life in Mirkwood hadn't gotten any easier in the past couple centuries. The Shadow grew each passing day. Winters were harder and colder, and game became challenging to find. It was a grueling task to simply hunt and not become the hunted in his beloved forest.

Not to mention, word had been sent, and Mithrandir was on his way with a human friend of his and a charge for the Wood Elves of the Great Greenwood. What this charge was, he would not say, only that it was of dire importance it fall to the Elven King and his trustworthy people. Elenayave had narrowed her eyes and huffed at this. If it was so important, she said, then why not tell the people of Mirkwood so that they may prepare?

Legolas sighed. Elenayave had been somewhat distant of late. But perhaps the new load of responsibility was bearing down on her too. After all, a princess had things to do as well. But he hadn't really expected it to utterly exhaust her. Two painful miscarriages and years of trying for a baby had put her on the down and out for quite a while, and he found it was getting harder and harder to bring her back up. Eventually, it would all work out for them, he knew. It just had to. The Valar couldn't have planned for it to be this way. Unless this was some weird punishment for sending her back in the first place.

"Legolas?"

"Hmm?"

"Where are you today, mellon? I have asked you the same question three times," Armereth said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Just thinking, Armereth. Don't concern yourself with it."

"You keep drifting off, Legolas. It's dangerous these days, you know." Armereth gripped Legolas to make his point, then let go and trotted off to the front of the line on his horse.

Legolas brushed down his horse in the stable before closing the gate to the stall and offering the stallion some oats to nibble on. He absently stroked the animal's nose while he thought. But a woman's laughter drew his attention immediately. He knew that voice – the same one he hadn't heard in over a week.

She walked through the stable door, her cheeks flushed and her hair tousled, as if she had run down from their rooms to welcome him back. She paused a moment, taking him in, then rushed at him. He swung her easily into his arms, briefly surprised at her display of affection.

"I missed you," she whispered when he set her down at last.

"Come now, Lena. I was only gone for a week."

"And a half," she added before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "And I still missed you. It's cold in that bedroom without you."

Legolas's lips curved into a smile. "Are you still cold? Because I think I know a way to warm you up."

"Your father is expecting you in his office in ten minutes," she said with a frown."

"That's all I need," he whispered, and then swept her into a breathtaking kiss.

But she pushed him away playfully and then jumped on him, knocking him down into the hay on the floor. She cuddled up against his chest and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "Stay with me. Stop leaving every month or so."

"I have to, melethin. Someone has to delegate. It's my responsibility."

"Well, at least promise to never go on one of those long trips without me, okay? I can't stand being away from you that long. Besides, we need to keep trying…" she trailed off.

"I know," he said. "We'll get there. Eventually. But we will get there. I swear it to you."

sorry for the 1 day delay. i kno i said it would be on the weekend but it didn't work out. and its kinda short. but hopefully 2nd chappie will be this weekend too. thanks!