Chapter 1: In Anticipation Part I

Legolas inhaled the cold, clean, pine-scented air of the giant forest. It was a familiar smell, one that the golden haired elf felt much comforted by. The elf moved forward gently, smoothly, as one accustomed stealth. The snow would never be able to tell its story of a beautiful trespasser, as Legolas's boots made no imprint on the virgin crystal. A smile played over Legolas's face and his eyes were bright, like the brightness of the moon when it is bathed with the radiant glow of the sun, its lover. Legolas could hear the far off snorts and faint neighs of horses and his chest tightened with anticipation. Finally he would be able to see them; finally he would be able to see her.
The winter celebration of the elves would soon begin. It was a celebration of the Winter Solstice. All of the elves of each kingdom would gather to a hosting kingdom; this year it was Lasgalen's turn to host. Legolas could hardly contain his excitement as his quick walk melted into a run and his heart pounded against his chest. The sound of horses and the even fainter sound of the elven host became louder to Legolas's sharp ears as he drew closer.
Legolas drew close to the path and pulled up short. He peered around the tree toward the massive host of the elves of Imladris. Legolas's eyes scanned the group, he saw Lasgalen's chief commander at the front, conversing with the Lord of Imladris, Elrond. Upon seeing Elrond, Legolas immediately looked over the surrounding area in attempt to see his dear friend. His eyes fell upon her and his heart skipped a beat. A faint glow surrounded the daughter of Elrond like the suns embrace over the mountains as it sets. Her eyes, two focused orbs of blue, seemed to dance with merriment and innocence.
Legolas's heart sighed. With a laugh and a bow the Chief Commander, Valin, motioned for Elrond and his company to follow him. Guided by Valin and a few other elves that had stepped from the trees, the host of Imladris slowly made their way into the kingdom of Thranduil. Legolas knew his father would be waiting for him, knew he had to fulfill his duty as prince of Greenwood. With that thought in his head but not in his heart, Legolas ran swiftly beside the path and soon outdistanced the large assembly.

Thranduil inaudibly sighed with relief when he saw his eldest son walking towards him. Preparations were made, everything was in its place, and Thranduil would have been a relaxed king….had he not children to worry over. Legolas was his and Alorial's eldest. He was his father in looks; tall, pale grey-blue eyes, strong features; all his fathers, excepting his hair, which was more of a silver-gold like his grandfather, Oropher. He was much more like his mother in personality, quiet, reflective, but capable of spontaneous jokes, laughter, and oddities that set one reeling back on his heels when they were displayed. It was especially a shock to those who didn't know the prince very well.
Thranduil hurried over to his son and brushed some pine needles that had fallen on his clothing. "I love trees, you love trees, we all love trees, but can you refrain from climbing them for an hour until our guests arrive?!" The king's voice started as a whisper and ended in frustrated tones that were tense from the want to scream. Thranduil turned his son around brushing off his back and smoothing his hair, mumbling and grumbling as he did so.
"You had me worried…didn't know where you were…what would I have done if Elrond arrived…neither of my children to greet him…." Such was the grumbling and Legolas rolled his eyes, but something caught his attention.
"You can't find Tarath? Where is Tarath? Legolas questioned. Tarath was his younger brother. The two were inseparable, and though complete opposites, they adored each other.
Thranduil's eyes met Legolas's and a grin spread across his face. Thranduil had a temper, but it was akin to those passing, sporadic storms that sounded bad but passed quickly and innocently. It was best for one to just sit and wait for the storm to clear and the sun to shine. "Well where could I expect my two opposites to be? My eldest, more serious one is of course wondering around, keeping to himself, climbing trees and such. Then of course my younger, more mischievous and too-much-like-his-father is out causing more trouble than he can handle."
"Ahh, so that explains your frustration?" Legolas quirked a brow at his father.
Thranduil's eyes laughed and he smiled at his son's perceptiveness. "Yes, that is why. Tarath decided he was bored and too clean so he decided to go help with the cooking. Of course you know the mess that Tarath makes of things that he lays his hands on. I think more food ended up on him than on the plates…. flirtatious son of mine." Thranduil muttered.
Legolas laughed and nodded as he could easily see his much more playful brother doing such a thing. He figured that the wearing of food had something to do with pretty elf maids.
"I always thought, as you two were growing up together", Thranduil continued as they walked forward "that you would balance each other out. But when you are separate you still act the same, and when you are together, Tarath bring out the worst in you and you the best in him. Ah, well, I suppose you are still both young and have many years to cultivate those qualities."
Legolas nodded but thought quietly to himself. Tarath always brought out the fun-loving and silly side of him, and Legolas brought the more responsible and serious side out of his brother. Unfortunately, what his father said was true. Tarath got him into trouble and Legolas kept Tarath out of trouble. Kind of an unfair trade. However, with his charm, Tarath was able to weasel them both out of trouble enough times to make Legolas happy.
"See Ada I'm all clean and handsome, and guess what? The sky is still blue and we can all breath easy." It was Tarath. Indeed he was all clean and handsome, wearing a big, sarcastic, and charismatic grin.
"Yes we can all breath easy because I saved you just in time." Thranduil replied tugging lightly on his sons chestnut hair.
Just then an elven messenger ran up to them, bowing low he announced that the Rivendell company would be there any moment. Thranduil thanked him and led his sons to the entrance of the settlement of Greenwood. Legolas could only think of one thing…her.