Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit of LOTR...unfortunately

Chapter Seven

Many years had passed and Legolas was now about ten years away from his majority. The lively little princeling had grown in an elegant looking but strong warrior who still retained his liveliness thought it was a bit tempered down. Over the years he had continued to visit Elladan and Elrohir and they had come to see him in Mirkwood. The three elves now had an extremely strong bond and whenever all three were in the place they were seldom seen outside each other's company.

Golradir and Ireth's bond was stronger than ever. They were deeply devoted to each other and were discussing plans for their bonding ceremony. Legolas was very happy for his older brother. He'd come to see Ireth as a sister and was looking forward to the day when he could call her that. Thranduil and Silmarwen were also very happy. There was nothing the desired more than their sons' happiness.

The younger Mirkwood prince had not yet found his mate. He was now forty years old though her bore the resemblance of a twenty-seven year old. His lithe body was lightly muscled and his silvery hair, which was now about half way down his back, was often worn in warrior braids. Legolas took his responsibilities as a warrior very seriously. The Darkness that had hung over the Greenwood had not abated over the years. It was now very strong. There were often threats from packs of Orcs and the giant spiders continued to plague the woodland realm.

...

A cold winter's day found Legolas leading his warriors in an attack on an orc pack that had found its way to the borders. They were clad only in their light warrior garb as elves do not feel the cold. Even if they could they would have soon warmed up. The battle was fierce as the orc pack was made of some thirty or so of the foul creatures. Legolas chopped the head off an orc that was trying to run him through with his blade and the thick black blood slid down his long-knife. He pulled a face before spearing another orc right through his heart.

Legolas heard the thwack of an arrow from behind him and whirled around. He nodded to the warrior who had just saved him from being stabbed in the back. The fight was continuing to rage around him so he leapt back into the fray moving with the speed and agility all elves possessed.

The Mirkwood warriors emerged victorious and made their way back to the palace. Legolas found his parents, brother and Ireth in the throne room. His mother jumped up and ran to him embracing him tightly.

"Thank Valar that you're safe, ion nin," she whispered.

"I had the best warriors in the Greenwood with me Naneth," he told her.

His mother pulled back and cupped his face between her hands kissing his forehead. The young prince smiled at his mother and then turned towards his father.

"How many were there?" Thranduil asked anxiously.

"Some thirty or so," Legolas answered grimly, "fortunately we suffered no injuries this time."

Thranduil nodded his approval. "Go and get cleaned up ion nin," he smiled suddenly, "I have a surprise for you when you get back."

Wondering what the surprise could be Legolas took off towards his chambers eager to find out what the surprise was. He bathed quickly before putting on some of his more ceremonial attire and hurried back to the throne. What he saw when he got there made him stop in his tracks.

"Elrohir," the woodland prince shouted joyously.

He ran towards his friend and hurled himself at him. Elrohir laughed and caught him before they could both go tumbling to the ground.

"It's good see you again mellon nin," the Peredhel said smiling.

"It's good to see you again too Roh," Legolas said, "where is Elladan?"

"He had to stay in Imladris. There are important matters that he needs to speak with Ada about," Elrohir told his long time friend.

Legolas nodded his understanding and then asked if he and Elrohir could be excused. Thranduil and Silmarwen gave their consent and the two friends made their way to Legolas' private chambers.

Once inside they shut the door. Elrohir settled down in a chair while Legolas flopped on to his bed.

"How is life in the Greenwood?" the raven haired elf inquired.

Legolas pulled himself up into a sitting position and Elrohir noticed the sorrow in his fair friends cerulean eyes. He vacated his chair and went and sat next to Legolas on the bed.

"What is wrong?" he asked gently.

"The Darkness grows ever stronger," Legolas whispered, "I do my best but still...I am afraid."

Elrohir gently wrapped his arms around his friend.

"You defend this kingdom well mellon nin," his assured the silver haired elf, "your Ada is very proud of you." He pulled back and smiled at his friend.

Legolas returned the smile and Elrohir's breath caught in his throat. It was the most beautiful smiled he had ever seen. Startled by his thoughts he quickly let go of Legolas and sat back down in his chair. Legolas frowned.

"What's wrong Roh?" he asked confused.

Elrohir forced a smile. "It's nothing mellon nin," he said...too quickly.

Legolas raised an eyebrow and looked closely at his friend. He found himself admiring the silvery eyes and raven hair. He could not stop his gaze from roaming the half elf's muscular frame. Legolas looked back up at Elrohir's face and blushed. His friend noticed the blush and quickly looked away.

Elrohir was so confused. Was he attracted to Legolas? Was he even falling in love? He shook his head and stood up quickly. He couldn't allow himself to feel anything towards the wood elf. It wasn't right, he was too young.

"Where are you going?" Legolas asked.

Elrohir offered no explanation instead he ran intending to return to Rivendell. 'You're not falling in love with your best friend,' he chanted to himself over and over again. He ran and ran until he reached the stables. He ignored the questions from Legolas' family and spurred his horse forward.

Thranduil, Silmarwen, Golradir and Ireth watched Elrohir go with confused expressions on their faces.

"What happened?" Ireth asked.

Silmarwen gasped and began running towards Legolas' chambers. The other three followed her and the all burst into the younger prince's room. Legolas was standing their confusion and hurt written all over his far too pale face and tears were streaming from his eyes.

"What happened?" Silmarwen asked.

"I don't know," Legolas said his voice sounding hoarse, "we were talking and all of sudden he just took off." He flung himself into his mother's arms. "Ai, what am I to do Naneth? I am so attracted to him!"

Legolas' family were shocked by this news. Silmarwen suddenly released what must have happened. Elrohir felt some attraction too. Confused and afraid he had taken off unable to face the fact that we attracted to his best friend. The queen sighed. She really hoped that Elrohir would come to terms with his feelings. For both their sakes.