However they may wish to prolong their stay at the mercurial Woodland realm; the time soon came for the departure of the Rivendell troop; much to their displeasure. After so long a sundering; it had been lively and enchanting to see again – or, for many, for the first time – the dwellings of the Sindarin Elves. As beauteous and cultured as The Hidden Vale was; it pained them to leave the natural beauty and splendour of Las Galen for the long ride back to their homeland. Such thoughts, though not entirely shared by the Woodland Realm; did occur to the King, who took pleasure in the sight of his golden son enjoying their company; free from the usual restraints of rank and appearance, he had no need to temper his true self and could, at long last, be himself.

But come did the day when they would once again be sundered, although this time would hopefully prove to be less indefinite. Strong friendships had been forged by many; and the separation was only to be endured by constant reassurances of regular visits and meetings between friends.

One elf, however, did look upon the scene unmoved. Thranduil's eldest – and therefore heir to the throne –had met none that had struck any such friendship with him, and as such cared little for the leaving of the troop. It was not that he was unsociable, or uncaring – though his emotions seemed not to run as deeply as his two younger brothers – but that he had been trained as an Elfling to prioritise his responsibilities over all else, else how could he successfully manage an entire Kingdom?

Thranduil could do naught but sigh exasperatedly and shake his head. Too long had the crown prince held himself aloof, he thought. For such was Lenwë's disposition that he would willingly forego the company of others; often working late into the night studying; researching; improving. To be determined is one thing, and to be so absorbed by that is a road to loneliness.

And yet it had not always been the case. Though not as outgoing as his other siblings; Lenwë had once been keeper of a close circle of friends with whom he would spend his time. But as time passed – and Thranduil was not entirely certain when he became aware of this – his duties as heir to the throne had dulled his youthful companionship; with the responsibilities of running a Kingdom instead becoming his priority. So it had been since; and for this Thranduil would always blame himself. Perhaps if he hadn't pushed his son so hard; or maybe if he had noticed his increasing isolation sooner. But such thoughts are useless; and hardly in keeping with the merry – if poignant – spirit of the Woodland Realm.

oOo

Meanwhile, plots were being devised and belongings packed before the long trek home to Rivendell. The stay had been a peaceful one; where friends had been made and peace had been established between long sundered realms. It truly was a fated accident; and Elrohir thought as much while awaiting the arrival of his twin.

He heard light footsteps approaching the door; and with a smile on his face slung his travel bag over his shoulder, stepping out of their shared room to meet his brother.

"The powder?" He inquired, surreptitious glances assuring there was no-one within hearing range. Elladan smiled in response; pointing to his own bag. A fleeting laugh and clap on the back were exchanged for a plan – if simple – well thought through. Now all that remained was to put it into action.

oOo

Findecáno waited behind the many oak trees of the Greenwood; crouched in an innocent readiness to pounce upon his unsuspecting victims. He waited for what seemed like hours to his young legs; and when they eventually grew tired he gave up and instead sat cross legged, huffing his annoyance.

No longer had he let down his guard than there he was enveloped in a tight embrace from behind; lifted up into the arms of his stealthy brother with a small shriek of surprise and excitement.

"No fair, Las." He said, crossing his arms over his body in annoyance and stomping his foot. "I was supposed to surprise you this time!" His little voice laced with irritation and a pout formed upon his face. It was something he could not maintain for long, however. He never could hold a grudge against his favourite brother, even for something as terrible as stealing his thunder.

No sooner had a smile broken out upon Findecáno's face; than he was immediately swept up into the air again; another small shriek breaking the silence. This time; he was not held in his brother's strong arms; but in those of Elladan.

"Aagh, 'Lladan put me down!" He screamed, kicking his legs and balling his small hands into fists; giggling all the while. With a long suffering sigh; Elladan shrugged his shoulders in consent and, again, the Elfling was able to stand upon his own two feet.

"That was a nasty trick, 'Lladan." He scolded, and Elladan had the good grace – or perhaps common sense considering Findecáno's stubborn nature – to put on the mock appearance of shame, casting his eyes to the floor and shrugging his shoulders.

"Oh please, don't hurt him! We come in peace; my buffoon of a brother knows not what he does!" Elrohir appeared around the trees; and fell dramatically to his knees; begging for forgiveness from the scary Elf child. Elladan followed suit; and Findecáno began to giggle at their antics.

With a long suffering sigh and an eye roll; Legolas reached down and brought the twins to their feet. "Just make it the last time; our Elf Lord does not tolerate unexpected attacks!" He uttered in mock seriousness; joining in the charade.

And so they passed the few hours they had left in each other's company; with much merriment and laughter and childish antics.

oOo

"'Rohir, do you and 'Lladan really have to go?" asked a small voice, eyes downcast, and heart heavy, unknowingly uttering the very sentiments that took hold of his older brother. With a sigh, Elrohir sat up, looking sympathetically at the youngest prince.

"You know we must, Cunneth. Ada awaits us at home, and if we stay much longer I fear we will lose all will to leave at all." His voice was sincere, but still could not balm the youngling's hurt at the thought of their leaving.

In just that one short exchange, the atmosphere changed. The wind picked up; cold and strong; the sun was covered by cloud and the very trees themselves seemed hurt; swaying and moaning in the wind as though sensing the overlong separation and sadness it would inflict.

And so they lay there; no longer enjoying the ease that comes with a natural friendship and understanding; but instead drinking in the last moments of each other's company and contemplating the return to normality. It had seemed so distant these past weeks; like a lonely lifetime past.

And though the wind was bitterly cold for the autumn and the sun had set; they made no effort to move. Their Elven endurance was enough to see them through, and when Findecáno began to shiver Legolas sat up to cradle him in his arms; wrapping him in his own warmth and keeping the chill at bay.

Elrohir's eyes moved to study Legolas; and he could see the same look of hurt in those cerulean orbs. Feeling that he was being watched; Legolas raised his head to meet Elrohir's stare. And again eyes as grey as the storm met those of clearest skies. They held the glance; and each found comfort to ease the parting they would soon face.

oOo

Dawn light found its way through the dense enclosure of Taur Galen; and as the sun rose high in the sky the contingent of Elves hailing from Imladris sat above their noble steeds; ready to begin the journey back to their own homes.

All, that was, except certain raved haired twins. Glances were exchanged and looks of bemusement coloured faces: it was unlike the Gwenyn to be late. The court officials and Royal family of Eryn Galen stood in the morning light; seemingly as perplexed as everyone else. Even Legolas must claim his ignorance in this matter; and so they continued to wait on diminishing patience.

Eventually the tardy pair arrived; smiles sketched upon their faces and a gleam in their eyes. Legolas cocked one elegant eyebrow: whatever delayed these two bode ill for someone, he was sure. Seeing the suspicion written upon their friend's face; the smiles of Elladan and Elrohir erupted into large grins; flashing pearly teeth in a look of feigned innocence. This only served to make Legolas nervous; sure now that whatever delayed the twins was best left unknown.

While Elladan continued to smile demonically; Elrohir went so far as to wink at Legolas; and the Prince of the Woodland Realm was sure he could feel a headache beginning to form.

"Do not worry, Malthernil. There is no possible way they could suspect you for this." Elrohir whispered in Legolas' ear while making a final goodbye. This was less than comforting; and the look upon Legolas' face read as much. With a smirk, Elrohir pulled the prince into a tight embrace, and no words were necessary to convey the love he held for his new friend.

The Brethren quickly and agilely mounted their waiting horses; just as voices could be heard approaching the clearing. With a glance at each other, the Gwenyn hurriedly encouraged their horses into a canter; signalling for their company to follow. The reason soon became apparent; as the kitchen staff entered the clearing – knives and ladles in hands – screaming murderously at the retreating backs. It seemed the twins had seen fit to gift the staff with a leaving present shortly before their departure in the form of itching poder that had quite undone the normal reserve of their Woodland hosts. How they had managed to affect all the staff simultaneously without actually being in the location was to be wondered at for many years; and Legolas knew that his headache was well deserved.

Glossary:

Gwenyn – twins

Cunneth – princeling

Ada – papa

Eryn Galen – Greenwood the Great

Malthernil – golden prince