Disclaimer; Lord of The Rings is not mine
Chapter Two
The next morning Elladan and Elrohir were invited to take part in an archery contest. Elladan had taken his turn shooting and was standing off to the side with Elrond, Thranduil and Golradir. He caught sight of Silmarwen approaching with Legolas cradled in her arms. She smiled as she approached the group. Thranduil moved forward and greeted his wife and son with a kiss. "How is the contest going?" the queen asked.
"Very well meleth nin," her husband said, "young Elrohir is taking his turn." The assembled elves watched as Elrohir notched an arrow into his bow and took a shot at the target. The arrow hit the center of the target. The audience applauded and Elladan cheered for his twin.
After the archery contest Thranduil and Elrond's families had a private picnic. Elrohir was holding Legolas in his arms and cooing over him. "Hello Penneth," he cooed. Legolas gurgled happily and one of his tiny hands reached out and curled in Elrohir's raven hair. Thranduil, Silmarwen and Elrond watched with affectionate smiles on their faces. Elladan and Golradir grinned at how the younger twin was so obviously taken with the golden haired babe.
…
The rest of the day passed uneventfully until after the evening meal. The meal was just ending when a scout hurried into the hall with a report about orcs nearing Greenwood's borders. The warriors immediately leapt into action hurrying from the hall and to the armory to collect their weapons. Thranduil and Elrond were going with them so Silmarwen took Legolas to the family wing. Elladan and Elrohir were also going with the warriors never willing to turn down a chance to hunt orcs.
…
Meanwhile Thranduil, Elrond and the Mirkwood elves had caught sight of the orc pack. Fortunately there didn't seem to be too many of them. The elves crept closer their sharp elven eyes and ears giving them an advantage. The greens and browns of their clothing allowed them to disguise themselves as part of the forest. Thus the orc pack was unprepared when the elves suddenly sprang at them.
The orcs were slaughtered mercilessly. Thranduil sliced the head off one that was about to stab Elrond from behind and quickly spun around and sliced open the chest of another orc. His blade was dripping black with orcs blood. Elrond was proving to be a formidable fighter. He had managed to slice the arm of an orc but the enraged creature kept coming. The orc took a swipe at Elrond and managed to leave a gash on his arm but it wasn't a deep one. The Lord of Imladris beheaded the orc with one graceful movement of his sword.
…
It didn't take long for the elves to kill all the orcs. The corpses were piled together and then burned. Fortunately the woodelves hadn't suffered any losses but there were several who had been wounded. Thranduil saw Elrond's wound and hurried over to him. "Are you alright?" he asked anxiously.
"Aye, I'm fine," Elrond assured his friend, "it is not that deep."
Relieved the Elvenking gave the order to make for the palace. The victorious warriors trudged back towards home anxious to see their families again. Thranduil walked at the head of the army with Elrond by his side. The dark haired elf sensed them something was bothering his old friend. "What is the matter mellon nin?"
Thranduil sighed. "I fear that the orc attack is a sign that the Darkness is gaining strength," he admitted, "I fear for the survival of my people."
Elrond clasped his shoulder supportively. "Have no fear," he assured him, "Imladris will always come to your aid should you have need." The silver haired elf smiled at him gratefully.
Soon the palace was in sight and a horn was sounded announcing the warriors safe return. Elves came pouring out the palace and their homes and eagerly ran forward to greet their loved ones. Elladan and Elrohir hurried their father inside as soon as they caught sight of the wound on his arm. Silmarwen and Golradir greeted Thranduil enthusiastically. Baby Legolas also seemed happy to see his Ada. He squealed excitedly when Silmarwen passed him into her husband's arms. The king of Mirkwood smiled down at his youngest and placed a soft kiss to his forehead.
…
The next day a great feast was held celebrating the defeat of the orcs. There was music, dancing and much laughter. Silmarwen smiled to herself when she noticed Elrond telling his sons off for trying to sneak a glass of the Dorwinion wine that was on offer. Elflings ran underfoot giggling happily as they played their games. It was easy for a time to forget about the threat that was looming ever nearer.
The feast carried on well into the night and it was well past midnight when the rest of the merrymakers had finally staggered home. Silmarwen and the other women had left early to put Legolas and the elflings to bed.
…
The rest of the Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir's visit passed without incident and soon it was time for them to go home. They said their farewells to Thranduil and his family were making the journey homewards. "Will we be returning to Greenwood Ada?" Elladan asked.
"I expect so ion nin," Elrond said with a smile. The twins smiled brightly at this. They were both keen to see Legolas and Golradir again. Elrohir was especially keen to see Legolas again. He had become very protective of him over his stay in Greenwood and the two of them shared a special bond. Already he found it difficult being away from the elfling and he prayed that Legolas would be alright. He knew of the growing Darkness and hoped beyond hope that Greenwood would be spared.
'I wonder when we will next be able to visit,' Elrohir thought to himself, 'I hope it won't be too long." He sighed to himself and then turned his attention to the road.