CHAPTER 1: Arrival of the Prince

"Keep it well, My Lord Elrond. Keep it secret until a worthy bearer is revealed to you." The words echoed through Elrond's head, a constant reminder of the terrible power that the Elf Lord kept locked away in a box sealed with countless elven spells, and hidden under his bed.

It had been what? 4,000 years since he had been given the ring? Since he was entrusted with the task of protecting Dae, the Shadow Ring? And still he had found no one that even remotely appeared to be a worthy bearer.

"Elladan! He has come at last!!" Elrohir's voice drifted up through Elrond's window, knocking him from his thoughts. Elrond got to his feet and walked swiftly to his large balcony, leaning over the rail, and looking down to see his twin sons racing over to a beautiful white horse, and it's cloaked rider. Even through the cloak, Elrond could see the natural glow of the elf, as he jumped from his horse and greeted the twins with a smile.

"Legolas! You had us worried that your father had changed his mind, when you did not arrive on the promised date." Elrohir exclaimed as the Prince of Mirkwood turned to greet him.

"Forgive me, mellon nin," Legolas said, reaching up and pulling down his hood. The Prince's long, golden hair shimmered in the red and orange light of the setting sun and his piercing blue eyes sparkled. "I was delayed by an attack on the southern boarder on my way out of Mirkwood."

"Was anyone hurt?" Elladan asked, his eyes wide with worry.

"No," Legolas said with a smile. "Luckily, it was only a small party of Uruk-hai. But still, the attack proved correct my father's predictions of the enemy getting stronger and braver. Never before have the Uruks come so close to the city."

The twins frowned. They both knew full well of the war that was being fought in Mirkwood. And through all of the many years that it has lasted they feared for the saftey of their friend.

"What of your father, Legolas?" Elrohir asked, wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, "Did he not accompany you?"

Legolas sighed, slight disappointment in his striking, blue eyes. "No, he was...busy."

"He's always busy!" Elladan grumbled. "You think he'd want to spend more time with his own son. I mean to say, he should be grateful that you survived your journeys with the fellowship. Shouldn't he be more concerned with your well being, having lost so many children already? Owch!" Elladan winced and glared ar his younger twin, who had just elbowed his in the ribs.

Elrohir tilted his head toward Legolas and gave his brother a warning look. Elladan looked at Legolas, a confused expression on his own face. The blonde elf's icy, blue eyes were fixed upon the ground at his feet, his fists clenched at his sides.

"L-legolas...I-I'm sorry, I..." Elladan stammered. Legolas looked up at the Noldor elf with glassy eyes. "I forgot."

Legolas sighed quietly and turned on his heel to lead his horse to the stables. As soon as their friend was out of sight, Elrohir slapped his brother across the face. "You are as foolish as a dwarf!" he shouted.