Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings books or movies, or any of the characters in them.
This fanfiction is set in the year T.A. 2951, when Aragorn is 20 years old and Legolas is 1854 (since Tolkien never set an official date for Legolas's birth, I have set his birthdate at T.A. 1097), and Elladan and Elrohir would be 2821.
Now, that's enough logistics, let us get onto the story!
Chapter 1
An icy wind swept across the plains, whipping up clouds of leaves and sending them spinning through the air. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, threatening of the impending storm. The rain had not yet begun to fall, but there was an expectancy to the air that spoke of its imminent arrival.
Arod's hooves thudded against the hard ground, kicking up small clumps of fresh earth as he sped across the open plain. Legolas leaned low over his horse's neck, enjoying the rushing sensation as the wind whipped through his hair. He could not help but grin as he raised his eyes to the darkened sky, letting out a whoop of joy as Arod sped into the forest and along the thin winding path that led to the hidden valley of Imladris. The thrill of the storm sent excitement rushing through him, banishing the dark thoughts that had haunted his mind along the journey. It was late in the afternoon and the storm cast an eerie glow over the forest, giving the strange sensation that it was all a dream.
Just as Arod thundered into the glade the rain began to fall, hitting the ground in large fat droplets and bouncing off the bright green leaves. Legolas laughed as he reined in his horse and slipped from the saddle, leading his sleek white stallion across the courtyard.
A tall figure stood in the open archway that framed the entrance, shaggy dark hair falling across his storm grey eyes as he grinned widely.
"Estel!" Legolas cried, dropping Arod's reins and running towards the man. He threw his arms around him, grinning broadly. "It is good to see you."
Aragorn laughed, returning the hug. "I have missed you Legolas. It has been far too long."
They stood there for a moment, enjoying each other's company until the silence was interrupted by an excited whoop from the halls within. A moment later two tall raven haired elves dashed through the doorway, barreling themselves at Legolas and joining the hug.
"Finally you have arrived Legolas! You are two days late," one of them scolded, although there was a twinkle to his eye as he grinned widely. Elladan, Legolas thought, recognising him as the elder of Elrond's sons.
"We had to delay the welcoming celebration. Erestor was furious," the other twin added, pulling away from the others as the four of them moved to stand in a rather lopsided circle.
Legolas laughed along with the others as he pictured Elrond's chief advisor trying to keep everything in order while the twins sped around like a chaotic whirlwind. "I am sorry that I am late. I was hit by a…bad storm on the Pass of Caradhras and was delayed for several days," he explained, his expression sobering slightly. The way he left the sentence hanging made it obvious to the others that there was something he was not telling them.
A heavy silence fell and for a moment no one spoke. Finally Aragorn cleared his throat and said rather huskily, "Let us go inside. You must be cold and weary from your journey."
The others nodded in agreement and they all traipsed inside, tracking muddy footprints through the hallway.
"Elladan, Elrohir, go tell Ada that Legolas has arrived. I will show him to his rooms," Aragorn instructed the twins, taking Legolas's bag for him as he started up the stairs.
Legolas called a farewell to the twins and watched through the window as a stable-hand led his tall snowy horse away.
"He will be fine, Legolas," Aragorn called over his shoulder, smiling knowingly at the look of concern that had crossed his friend's face. For as long as he had known him, the Prince had always cared deeply for all animals, and his prized stallion held pride of place in his heart.
Legolas reluctantly turned away from the window and followed Aragorn up the stairs, glancing once over his shoulder to catch a last glimpse of Arod's silver tail before they turned a corner.
"So what happened on Caradhras?" Aragorn asked in a hushed voice as the two friends headed down the long corridor that led to their chambers.
Legolas's posture immediately stiffened and he did not meet his friend's eyes. "Nothing. I was delayed by a storm," he said, keeping his gaze trained on the polished wooden floor.
Aragorn looked very concerned by the elf's answer, but did not press the matter. He could tell Legolas was uneasy and he didn't want to push him further. Especially after his long journey.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived at the end of the long hallway where their quarters were located, Legolas bade Aragorn farewell and disappeared into his room, promising to meet him and the twins in the great hall for the welcome celebration in an hour.
Aragorn stood outside his friend's room, his mind churning over everything that had happened. His grey eyes were dark with worry as he finally turned and pushed open the door to his own room. Legolas was hiding something and he was going to find out what it was.
