Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me - all belongs to the master, Tolkien.

Warnings: AU and Slash - don't like then please don't read.

"And so it begins" Chapter One

How he hated these events. Not only did he have to dress up but he had to converse with boring people that he would normally never give the time of day. He took his drink and tucked himself into a secluded corner. He had a view of the room and the entry but someone would have to be looking specifically for him to really notice him. He sighed as he realized he could not stay here for long. His father had certain expectations of his son and heir and he would be missed soon, but for now he would relax and observe.

This was a special night of sorts. The long standing animosity between his realm and Rivendell was finally being breached. His father had actually invited Lord Elrond and his family to come to Greenwood or Mirkwood as it was now being called, to discuss the rising darkness and what could be done. No one had been more surprised then Legolas and he had been quite disappointed when he had learned they would arrive while he was on patrol.

This was to be his first opportunity to meet the legendary twins. Their escapades were known throughout the elven kingdoms and Lothlorien was said to literally batten down its hatches whenever the brothers went to visit their grandparents. The stories did not make them out to be mean or cruel, just mischievous and perhaps even a bit lustful.

Many an elven maiden had lost her heart to one or both of the twins and it was rumored that few had bested them in sword play or word play. They were reputed to be experts in both. Their pranks were renowned as well and Thranduil had considered extending the invitation to Elrond and Celebrian alone but he did not want to start off on the wrong foot by excluding their children. Their sister Arwen had a reputation but it was for beauty rather than trouble. Her comliness and grace were legendary even at her young age, but what could one expect from the granddaughter of Galadriel.

"Elrond had certainly married well." thought Legolas and then shook his head in disbelief. That thought was directly from his father and he silently admonished himself for his rudeness. He had been raised by a parent that held much anger and resentment towards Rivendell and especially Elrond. It had taken centuries for Thranduil to even agree to talk and had it not been for the ever growing shadow of Dol Guldur Legolas doubted very much this event would be taking place.

Lost in his own musings he almost missed the entrance of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. The lord of Imladris was impressive as he appeared at the entrance in his official robes while his lady fairly glowed in a stunning black gown with silver and gold accents. She matched and complimented her lord's regal robes. Her golden hair was bound up in loose waves that were held on top of her head with sparkling pins that caught the light and sparkled magnificently.

They were announced and gracefully descended the stairs followed closely by who could only have been their young daughter Arwen. Her coloring was her fathers but she was resplendant in a simple red gown that accentuated her lovely curves without being inappropriate. She had dark flowing hair that streamed down her back to her waist. Her skin was pale and her features were delicate. She could be no more than 50 or 60 years old so she had barely passed her maturity, but every elf in the room had turned to look at her.

He watched as they made their way to his parents where they greeted them politely. At this point Thranduil began to look discreetly around for his wayward son and Legolas knew his break was over. Just as he was about to leave his hiding place a flash of ebony and purple caught his eye. He glanced back to the entrance and caught his breath. There was the most glorious creature he had ever set eyes on. His hair was dark and hung in a shiny river down his back. He had strong features with full sensuous lips and shoulders that were broader than most elven men but he still had the ethereal quality of elven kind. He was wearing a stunning dark purple tunic over black leggings complimented by soft purple boots that accentuated his muscular legs. He had silver moons and stars embroidered on his tunic and wore a simple silver belt around his slim waist. A silver circlet held his hair back from his face and his eyes...Legolas had never seen eyes that color. They were the dark purple of his outfit. He stood at the top of the stairs as if waiting for someone and the room grew silent as if all were holding their breath. A look of slight embarrassment passed over his handsome face as he realized all eyes were on him and he glanced back almost self consciously. "How could someone that stunning not realize he would cause a stir upon his arrival?" Legolas thought as he studied him, stepping out from his alcove to attend to his impatiently waiting father.

Just then, the stunning ellon's mirror image hurried in to join his brother. "Of course, how could he not have realized that these were the infamous Imladris twins? The second ellon was as breath taking as the first but had chosen a tunic of black with purple leggings and black boots. The embroidery and accents matched his brother but where the first wore purple the second wore black, a perfect compliment to each other. "Elrohir and Elladan Elrondion" the Stewart announced and they both swept down the stairs, their very presence a force to be dealt with. Legolas found he could not move. Although identical, he found himself drawn to the twin called Elrohir. Maybe it had been his slight hesitation or maybe it was the way the purple tunic brought out his eyes. Whatever the cause, he could not take his eyes off the raven haired royal.

"Where is he? He was right behind me a moment ago." Elrohir thought as he entered the ballroom. The muted noise of a large gathering assailed his ears as he caught his first sight of the grandure of Mirkwoods Royalty. His parents were already greeting the King and Queen who they had met a few times since their arrival two days ago and he was certain they were probably wondering what was delaying their sons. "Do not make me go get you brother." he thought as the room quieted and all eyes seemed to swivel his way. He glanced back, uncomfortable with such pointed curiousity when his brother finally stepped to his side. "It is about time!" Elrohir thought his brother smiling as he caught that thought. "Sorry!" was heard in his own head as they began their descent together. Suddenly Elrohir's amethyst eyes fell upon a set of sapphire blue eyes and the world seemed to stop. Elladan felt his brother falter and turned to look questioningly at him. He saw his expression and followed his brother's gaze until his own eyes met a fair sight indeed. A tall young elf stood as if pinned in place. He did not openly gape but he had stopped his movement and stood staring at Elrohir.

Elladan smiled and took his brother's arm to continue their trek down the stairs to the Greenwood royalty. Elrohir reluctantly tore his eyes away from the blonde vision that had so enraptured him and greeted the King and Queen. Thranduil graciously bowed slightly and murmured the traditional elven greeting which Elrohir absent mindedly replied to before turning back to find the object of his interest, only to be disappointed. Try as he might, he could not find the breath taking ellon. Thranduil's voice interrupted his thoughts as he heard him start to introduce someone from his family. His eyes swiveled reluctantly back to the throne and he could not stop the look of surprise that passed over his face when he beheld who was being presented.

"And this is my son and only heir, Legolas Thrandulion." the king announced, pride apparent in his voice.

Legolas had had time to compose himself and he smiled at the twins, secretly enjoying the one's discomfort.

"Hannon le" he said softly as he placed his hand upon his heart and bowed.

Elrohir thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard and started when his brother elbowed him slightly. He quickly returned the greeting, flushing brightly in embarrassment.

The exchange was not lost on both sets of parents. Elrond and Celebrian seemed amused while Thranduil seemed none too pleased.

"Legolas, take lady Arwen out on the dance floor and introduce her to some of your friends." the king said smoothly. He then gestured for one of his stewards. "Please make sure the twins have refreshments and introduce them to some of the eligible elleths present."

"Yes your majesty." a handsome elf said from the side.

Legolas looked at Elrohir one last time and extended his arm to Arwen. "If you please my lady." he said melodically and she took his arm as they swept onto the dance floor. Elrohir still watched them as a twinge of jealously touched his heart. He quickly squelched it and followed his brother to the refreshment area.

Legolas struggled to keep focused on Arwen but his mind was a whirl. He had never had such a strong reaction to anyone before, especially an ellon. His thoughts went unbidden to Elrohir's sensual lips and he silently chastised himself for his unseemly thoughts.

From the far end of the ball room, a pair of violet eyes watched the fair haired prince. His brother took him by the arm and led him toward a group of attractive elleth. "Come Elrohir, there are new horizons to explore..."

"And conquer." Elrohir replied with a grin as he followed his brother glancing once more at the new object of his desire.