CHAPTER ONE

Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, and neither are the locations. They all belong to J.R.R Tolkein and various affiliated companies. There is no intention of plagiarism or copyright infringement. Everyone will be returned safe and sound, with food in their bellies and smiles on their faces (:D).

A/N: I know, it's only short, but it's the best I could come up with. I have issues with getting ideas from my head onto paper (or, uh…a computer screen), but I hope this suffices. Please R&R!

The serenity of Rivendell greeted the sleepless elf as he walked into the courtyard, the cool night air embracing him tenderly. He sighed wearily as a gentle wind lifted a lock of his silvery-blonde hair, and he tucked it back behind his ear automatically. Legolas…what are you doing? He whispered to himself. He had been the last of his companions to arrive at Rivendell; politics at Mirkwood had delayed him. The entire group – the Fellowship – had convened to mourn the passing of Elrond. The elderly elf had been ill when he gave them their quest all those years ago, struck with a mysterious illness that even the most potent of elvish magic could not cure. And now he was gone. Legolas couldn't believe that he would never hear his sage advice again. So lost in his reverie was he that he didn't hear the footfalls of the one creeping up behind him. He jumped as a husky voice rang in the clear night.

'Mellon nin (my friend), what troubles you so that a mortal can sneak up on you?' Aragorn asked, grinning.

Legolas smiled, hoping to hide his thoughts; some he couldn't share, even with Estel. Aragorn frowned.

'Legolas…are you alright?' he asked.

Legolas nodded and went to move past the ranger. His presence caused feelings he did not want to acknowledge to rise to the surface. He froze as Aragorn grabbed his arm.

'Please Estel…I just…I need some time…'

Aragorn frowned again but nodded and let the elf go. As he watched him vanish into the surrounding forest, something stirred in the pit of his stomach, something strange but not altogether unpleasant. A familiar scent filled the air and Aragorn turned and took his beloved Arwen into his arms.

'Do you know what plagues the Prince of Mirkwood?' he asked her softly.

A frown caused her pale forehead to wrinkle as she shook her head. He kissed her gently.

'It matters not.' he whispered.

'Come dear; let us return to our chambers.' Arwen responded, pulling him inside.

Aragorn couldn't resist a final glance at the place Legolas had vanished, and Arwen sighed inwardly. She would speak to the prince in the morning; for now she had to exorcise some of her husbands' demons and save him from himself.

--

Morning arose and with it came no change in Legolas' mood. He was pacing the forest floor, his head in turmoil. If only Elrond was still alive he could go to him in confidence, he could help. There was no one else; his family wouldn't understand, he couldn't speak to Estel…hell, he could barely even look at him. He spun around and saw Arwen staring at him.

'Your eyes are clouded, brother.' She said.

'I am mourning Elrond's passing.' He responded.

Arwen tilted her head to one side.

'That is not all, I can tell. Will you not tell me?'

Legolas shook his head, and then suddenly collapsed in a pile on the ground.