After the War

Chapter one:

In Good Company

Legolas was relieved. The war to save middle Earth was over. It had been over for two days but to the elvish prince it felt like it was only a few hours ago that the world hung in the balance between good and evil.

That morning was Aragorn's coronation. Legolas had been proud to walk towards his human friend as a hero. But now Legolas just wanted to be alone, away from all the excitement of the preparation for the party. It was to celebrate the return of the king. Many elves he knew or had heard of would be there. He had already met Glorfindel. The ancient warrior had greeted Legolas with a warm smile.

Just then there was a knock at the door. Legolas lifted his eyes and spoke." Yes?"

A young man in Gondorian uniform entered.

" Legolas. Lord Aragorn, I mean the king, was wondering if you would want to meet some elves that came from Imladris."

" Could he not go himself?" Legolas wondered, half to himself.

" He is occupied with friends."

" Tell him I am in my room if he wants to see me."

The young man nodded and left the room. A slight smile crossed Legolas's fair face. He knew how to talk to servants, they were constantly aiding him in Mirkwood in his father's halls.

The elf sat in a silent reverie for two hours until he heard footsteps in the hall and the door to his bedroom creaked open once again. The same young man entered.

"The celebrations are beginning, sir. Your presence has already been requested."

Legolas nodded, stood and brushed his long, light blue robe with his hand. He walked gracefully out into the hall and rounded a corner. Suddenly the elf let out a gasp of wonder. Though he did not usually take delight in halls of men, the party going on was splendid. Legolas walked towards Aragorn who was talking with Glorfindel. Arwen stood by Aragorn, her arm in his, her face bright with a gentle smile.

Before he could reach Aragorn, Gimli stepped directly in Legolas's path.

"Where are you of to, Laddie?" The dwarf chuckled," Are you going to visit a lucky elvish girly? I bet she's pretty!"

"No, Gimli." Legolas laughed." There is no fair maiden in my life."

" Well you deserve one. Where are you going?"

" I was going to speak with Aragorn but I see he is occupied." As he said that, Legolas looked up and saw Aragorn walk to the other side of the room with Arwen beaming with pride.

Aragorn walked to the front of the room.

" People of Gondor and the west, elves of Imladris,"

Arwen leaned over and whispered some thing in his ear. She grinned and he smiled.

" And our elf from Mirkwood," Aragorn smiled and gestured towards Legolas. He felt all eyes upon him, but he knew the attention and was friendly towards it.

" I am proud to announce my soon to be Queen, Arwen Undomiel!"

The crowd urupted in a chorus of cheers. Gimli was shouting," That's it, you've finally done it! Gone and proposed! Way to go, lad!"

Legolas clapped and smiled at Aragorn. Aragorn looked at him and put his right hand up in a wave. Arwen took his left hand and clasped his fingers with her's. Legolas smiled at their affection and walked gracefully across the room. Legolas meant to speak with Aragorn but that was delayed. Aragorn was once again speaking with Glorfindel. Legolas was waiting for Glorfindel to leave. He gazed thoughtfully across the room, and then he saw her.

She had wavy golden hair that fell to her waist, the colour of russet leaves, her green-blue eyes were the colour of the stormy sea. Her skin was fair and her nose pronounced. The way she smiled, how she walked, even the atmosphere around her reminded Legolas of Tauriel. The silvan elf was far away in Mirkwood raising her young daughter with her husband Thranduil.

The thought of this elf though was suddenly far dearer than all the dear thoughts he knew of Tauriel. Six hundred years against one minute yet the one minute won.

Legolas froze where he was, but then he realized many pairs of eyes must have been watching him so he smiled briefly and approached the fair elvish maiden.

" M'lady." He said gently, ever so romantically. Or was it too soft? Did he sound like a sick child calling for his mother?

The maiden turned and faced Legolas. Were those freckles Legolas spotted on her nose? If they were they must have been the cutest ever.

" Yes?" She said sweetly yet strong.

" Êl sîla erin lû e-govaned vîn. ( A star shines on the hour of our meeting."

The maiden turned her head as if slightly confused.

" Im Legolas Thrandillion. ( I am Legolas Thrandillion)"

"I am Calendes Aerional." The maiden smiled.

" You are most beautiful, Calendes." Legolas found himself saying.

" Thank you, Legolas."

Just then Glorfindel walked to the front of the hall.

" Hello." He said. " Aragorn has asked me to deliver a speech. We are here to celebrate the victory of good and the demise of evil. We have all been in a battle. Whether it was in the thickest evil or north in Imladris or Mirkwood, we have all fought. This day is to remember those who died to save us and those heroes who are still here. This day is the return of the king!"

Glorfindel bowed and walked towards Legolas.

" Legolas," He said strongly, " You have done well."

The ancient elf placed his hand on Legolas's shoulder. " You are a hero."

TBC