DISCLAIMER: All characters, places and situations in this piece of fiction would not be in existence without the genius of J.R.R Tolkien. There is no money being made of this piece of imagination

TIMELINE: A long time ago...

SPOILERS: None

SYNOPSIS: Legolas' first visit to a kingdom ruled by men

AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is technically supposed to be a one chapter story with about 9 scenes. But since I'm a review whore I'm going to put it into 9 chapters.

This story is a character study, focusing mainly on Legolas and Thranduil. So I picked the Kingdom of Men that I was most comfortable to write about which was Rohan! I just picked a King from the ruling line of Kings of Rohan (Not Helm Hammerhand!) and ran with it. So if people believe that this king is incorrectly characterised or whatever; Sorry! I was just playing!

Anyway I wanted to explore the relationship between Legolas and Thranduil as Legolas got older. I imagine him to look like approximately between 13-15 years old here. I've been getting really caught up with stories which relate to 'parent-child' interactions and Legolas and Thranduil are so fun to play with!

Anyway, once this is out, I'm going to focus on my other fandom, which I have been neglecting! But don't worry! I'm sure I'll return!

The Prince

Chapter 1: Arriving

Kings of men changed far too often for Thranduil's taste. It seemed to him only yesterday that he had been obliged to personally call upon the ruling house of Rohan to ensure these old alliances continued to run smoothly. Now, the old king Aldor who Thranduil had grown fond of during the last 50 years was gone, replaced by his son and heir, King Frea.

Thranduil sighed. Newly made kings were perhaps the most difficult to negotiate with, they had yet to learn the subtleties of power and often made rash and grandiose demands from their allies.

On these occasions, Thranduil usually went to meet the new ruling monarch with two escorts. However, the invitation from the new King Frea had requested that his whole family be present for the renewal of their alliance. Always a careful diplomat and an even more careful father and husband, Thranduil had accepted the terms on the grounds that the King of Rohan would be able to accept the twelve escorts who would be accompanying himself, his wife and son to the city of Edoras.

They had been riding for 3 days now, and Thranduil could see Edoras just on the horizon. The king spared a quick glance towards his son who was sitting silently on his horse, his eyes lowered and his face set in an expression of grim determination. This would be his young son's first visit to a kingdom ruled by the race of men.

Almost as soon as Thranduil had accepted the invitation to Edoras those four weeks ago, had he begun Legolas' lessons in the Mannish customs and tongue. His son's tutors had been the best the realm had to offer, and they had insisted that the young prince used the common speech even outside of his lessons.

To Thranduil's delight, Legolas had taken to this new challenge with enthusiasm and his ability to speak the foreign tongue, although not perfect, was passable.

'That is Edoras' Thranduil heard his wife say to their son as they neared. Thranduil saw his son lift his head, his eyes widening at the sight on the horizon. The city, which had been built atop of the mountain was indeed a stunning testament to the ingenuity and artistry of men. His son looked at him, and Thranduil saw both nervousness and excitement in his eyes. Thranduil slowed his horse so that his son was riding beside him.

'Your horse seems restless penneth' Thranduil whispered, a small smile on his lips.

The king watched as his son's expression shift from confusion to realisation.

Legolas smiled roguishly, then, with a few soft words, his son urged his horse to into a gallop. Legolas darted forward and Thranduil held up his hand to stop the rest of the escort from following.

'Let him go,' he said quietly. Then he turned to meet his wife's worried expression with a reassuring smile 'I will watch him.'

Thranduil waited until his son was a few more yards in front of him before he bid his white stallion forward to close the distance. As soon as he was just behind Legolas, he whispered for his horse to slow. Thranduil had few opportunities to admire his son's horsemanship and he wasn't about to waste this one. Legolas' golden hair was whipping wildly in the air behind him, yet his eyes were narrowed and focused as his body moved fluidly with each of the horses' slightest movements.

Legolas' technique was flawless.

Once his son was within a few yards of the gates of Edoras, Thranduil slowed his horse down to a canter and waited for his son to turn around and meet him. He saw his Legolas' face flushed with exhilaration, his eyes twinkling delightedly.

'Feeling better?' Thranduil asked as his son came to ride beside him.

'Much' he replied, gifting his father with a brilliant smile.

Thranduil then looked behind his shoulder to see how far their escort and his wife were from reaching them. They would be another half-hour at least. He turned back to his son who had ridden ahead slightly, his eyes fixed on the great palace of Edoras. Thranduil rode beside his son, letting his gaze rest on the palace which stood atop a raised plateau. His elf eyes could perceive two figures dressed in battle armour, waiting for them.

'It has been said that the new King of Rohan can be a difficult man to please,' Thranduil commented a little wearily.

His son turned worried eyes to him, but Thranduil simply smiled.

'Do not worry penneth, I know you will make me proud.'

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