Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognisable characters in this story and make no money from them. This story is purely a work of fanfiction and written for fun. However, I do own the OC's, and I ask that you don't use them in your own writing without consulting me first.

A huge thanks goes to Dola, SilverOnlyReads and AndurilofTolkien for reviewing last chapter!

I have kept many book elements for this chapter and the following one. But please note that I have not actually read them. I do research events I want to write about extensively using wikias, so hopefully this is okay, but I do not claim to know anything at all about the books.

Also, sorry for the delay in posting. During a final read through, the Plot Bunnies suddenly woke up from hibernation, found the reviews to the last chapter, and started frantically breeding. I had to wait until they were finished to post.

Enjoy!

Chapter 21: Reunions, and Changes-part 1

Legolas returns home after the War of the Ring, taking Gimli with him.

Legolas smiled in awe as he slowly turned in a circle, taking in the change that had come over his forest home. The trees were no longer black, sinister and angry, but happily welcomed him, their branches light and friendly. Despite the change, Legolas could tell that they were still not fully recovered from the evil that had plagued them for millennium. It would take many, many more years for them to completely heal. In fact, it would take perhaps several hundred years for all Middle Earth to heal from the poison and evil that had been corrupting it for so long.

But in time the land would heal, and the darkness that once covered the world would be forgotten as the mortals gave birth to new generations, died, and generally moved on with their short lives. However, Legolas did not know if he would be here to see that happen. The sea-longing that had taken hold in him was very strong. Though he was currently resisting it, the prince knew he must eventually sail West, or risk dying from the longing.

Such was the fate of the elves. Immortality came at a price.

"Why the long face, laddie?"

Legolas looked over at Gimli. The dwarf was watching him with a knowing expression on his face, as he stomped happily along next to him.

"No, don't answer that question, let me guess. Two words. The Sea?"

Legolas sighed. The constant battle to not give into the longing was exhausting him.

"Yes. It still calls to me even now. I had hoped coming back to my home would quiet the voices, but it has not. Coming back here only serves to remind me how things have changed so much that they can never go back to how they use to be."

"Change is not a bad thing in itself, laddie. Keeps life from being boring. Surely, even you immortal tree-dwellers get bored doing the same things again and again?"

Legolas shrugged.

"Not if it's something that we enjoy. Because we are immortal, we have a different perspective on time, Mellon-nin. My father is rumoured to be one of the oldest elves on Middle Earth, and he certainly has not wasted too much time being bored."

"Ah yes. The infamous Elvenking Thranduil Oropherion. I can't wait to meet him. Are you sure that he won't throw me in his dungeons?"

"Yes." Legolas smiled at his friend. "I am. You saved my life Gimli, more than once. If there is a short-cut to establishing my father's friendship, it is through me. He will do literally anything for me if I ask. Trust me Master Dwarf. Tonight, you will be the guest of honour at a mighty wood elf feast. And, despite what people say, we do know how to have a good time. Life would indeed be grim if we didn't let loose occasionally. And we have much to celebrate right now."

Gimli nodded sagely.

"Yes. The War is won, Aragorn is King of Gondor, and a dwarf and an elf have become all but inseparable. These are indeed strange times we live in."

Legolas laughed in delight.

"Well spoken, master dwarf, well spoken. These are indeed strange times. Yet, they are also joyful ones."

Gimli did not disagree with his friend, and the two of them continued walking towards the Elvenking's palace at a leisurely pace. As much as Legolas would like to get there faster, he didn't want to make Gimli have to run to keep up with his long strides. As they came closer, they started meeting other elves, all of whom eyed Gimli with varying degrees of hostility and suspicion, but greeted the prince happily. All were Silvan, as most of the Silvan elves had moved back out into the forest to live in and among the trees like they'd used to as soon as the evil had retreated from their land.

However, as they drew even closer to the palace, the forest itself became very still and quiet. Indeed, it almost seemed to Legolas like it was nervous about something. The elf laid his hand on the bark of one of the trees, trying to get it to talk to him, but the tree clammed up and didn't respond to his questions. Frustrated, the prince dropped his hand and continued on his way with Gimli, who was looking at the trees with distrust as he kept one hand firmly on his axe. Legolas couldn't blame him. The trees were behaving weirdly, even from a wood elf's perspective.

It wasn't until they were almost at the palace that Legolas finally found out what was going on. As they passed a tree that Legolas had known for many years, the prince stopped and put both hands on its bark. Finally, he was greeted with the answer as to what was happening.

Upon hearing what the tree had to say, Legolas made a pained face. Gimli was quick to notice.

"Why the sour expression, elf?"

"The trees aren't sure what to make of me bringing you here, mellon-nin. They are still recovering from being in darkness for so long, and are trying to decide if you are a threat to us or not. I've just assured them you aren't, but they are still very sceptical. I'm afraid living next to suspicious elves for millennium has had an impact on them."

Gimli frowned hard as he stepped closer to Legolas, and muttered something to himself about 'bloody trees and elves'. Legolas hid his amusement at the dwarf's actions with difficulty. Gimli was too amusing sometimes.

A few moments later, they rounded the final bend before the entrance bridge. Immediately, they were greeted by the sight of a cloaked warrior wearing the garb of a Captain of the Royal Guard standing there. The warrior bowed formally as they approached.

"Crown Prince Legolas Greenleaf Thranduilion. Welcome home."

Legolas stood there speechless for a second, before he finally managed to speak.

"Tirnel? Is that you?"

The other elf removed his hood as soon as the prince said his name, and the two life-long friends were suddenly running forward and embracing each other. No more words passed between them, as nothing more needed to be said. They had been together for long enough that they could sense each other's moods and thoughts if they concentrated hard enough. And right now, each of them was overjoyed to see the other. Legolas had never admitted it to anyone out loud, but Tirnel was like a brother to him. Despite the fact Tirnel was several decades older, they had still grown up together, gotten into trouble together, and eventually trained to be warriors together. They had fought together, eaten together, laughed together, and mourned the deaths of friends and comrades together. Legolas considered the other elf to be a very special honorary member of his family.

Eventually, the two elves broke apart. Tirnel then eyed Gimli uncertainly, before turning to Legolas and raising an eyebrow in a silent question. The Prince of Mirkwood smiled.

"Tirnel, I would like you to meet Gimli son of Glóin. Gimli saved my life more than once during our travels together, and I owe him more than I can ever repay. Gimli, this is Tirnel Hadronion, one of my oldest friends and a brother-in-arms. I hope that you will at least be civil to one another. You have both saved my life at some point, surely that will give you some common ground?"

Legolas was clearly uneasy as he looked from the grim expression of Tirnel to the blank one that Gimli was sporting. While he'd been looking forward to coming home, this he had not been looking forward to. He feared how his people, and his father especially, would react to his befriending a dwarf. The Sindar elves still harbored an intense mistrust of the race; many were old enough to remember what the dwarves had done to King Thingol in Menegroth all those millennia ago. The Silvan elves did not have the same hate, but were naturally suspicious by nature, and typically followed their King's example. Thranduil was much loved and very highly regarded by the wood elves, though there was still the odd older one who disliked the Sindar's influence on the forest.

Tirnel still looked unsure of what to do, but he eventually nodded stiffly.

"Welcome, Gimli son of Gloin, to Eryn Lasgalen."

Legolas perked up upon hearing that.

"The Wood of Green Leaves? Is that what the forest is called now? When was it renamed?"

Tirnel shrugged as he nodded to the open doors behind him.

"I am sure that the King will bring you up to date on everything that has happened here in your absence in due time. You two undoubtedly have a lot to talk about. On that note, you'd best not keep him waiting any longer than necessary. These last few months have been like living with a caged balrog where Thranduil is concerned. Maybe you can convince him to finally calm down? He's been driving poor uncle and Galion up the walls."

Legolas grinned.

"More than usual?"

Tirnel did not smile back.

"Yes. And he's only gotten worse since the evil left our lands. I don't know what is wrong with him. Even uncle is stumped, and everyone is tiptoeing around him like they're walking on eggshells. Maybe you can root out what is making him so uptight?"

Now Legolas did not look so happy either. In fact, he looked quite worried to Gimli's eyes.

"I will certainly try. Where is he?"

"Probably waiting for you in the courtyard. That's where he was when I left."

Legolas immediately bolted away from them, sprinting over the bridge into the palace without looking back. Gimli frowned at the elf's retreating back.

"What's gotten into him?"

Tirnel smiled wryly at seeing the indignation and puzzlement on the dwarf's face at being so abruptly abandoned by his friend.

"It has been several months since he last saw his father. They are very close, and always have been. That is all. We'll give them a little while alone before we follow him. So, master dwarf, please tell me. How did you and Legolas come to be friends?"

Gimli eyed the elf with consideration, before nodding to himself and starting the tale.

"Well you see, it really started when dear Gandalf went and got himself killed by the balrog…"

Tirnel blinked.

"Mithrandir was killed by a BALROG! How, in the name of all that is both good and bad, did he manage that?"

"ADA!"

Lagoron watched as the streak that could only be Prince Legolas hurdled through the courtyard and into Thranduil's waiting arms. Father and son embraced with a ferociousness that would have given the orcs a run for their money. From where he was standing, Lagoron could see the sheer love on the king's face as he hugged his only child hard and whispered to him in a trembling voice.

"Legolas. You're finally home."

They stayed like that for some time, and soon the two elves started talking quietly to each other as they stood there. Lagoron busied himself with hurrying around organising Galion and the other servants to give the royals some privacy. Even though they were currently standing in the middle of the open courtyard were everyone could see them, and hear them if they went close enough. Once that thought occurred to him, Lagoron decided it was the thought that mattered.

Finally, Legolas and Thranduil stopped hugging the life out of each other, and Thranduil turned to Lagoron. Though he kept an arm wrapped firmly around his son's shoulders, Lagoron noted.

"My son and I are going to my private chambers to talk. We are not to be disturbed unless it's the end of the world. Also, organise a welcome home feast for my son for tonight. Only disturb us when everyone is ready to eat."

Lagoron bowed his head.

"Of course, my king. Will there be anything else?"

Before Thranduil could say anything, Legolas spoke up.

"Yes. I haven't come back alone, and my friend needs to be looked after. He is to be given a room in the royal guest wing, and afforded every privilege normally given to me, okay Lagoron? If I hear anything unsatisfactory from him regarding his treatment later…well, let's hope that I don't."

Lagoron schooled his expression, even as he internally cringed at the tone of the prince's voice. Oh Valar, he must be talking about the dwarf. Out of all the creatures on Middle Earth for Legolas to befriend, did it have to be a dwarf? And did Lagoron have to be given the task of looking after the creature, and making sure it was comfortable and satisfied? And since when did Legolas acquire a death-stare that rivalled his father's? Lagoron swallowed to calm himself down before he spoke in a carefully controlled voice.

"Of course, my prince. Consider it done. Anything else?"

There wasn't, and the Royals departed with their arms still around each other shortly afterwards, earning more than a few smiles from those who were nearby. Lagoron shook his head as he too smiled at the back of the retreating pair. However, his smile quickly faded as he contemplated his latest set of problems. Namely the dwarf.

He should have accepted Galion's invitation to run away with him to Valinor all those years ago. Even though Galion had never carried through with it himself (they were both far too loyal to Thranduil and his son to just up and leave), it was suddenly looking like a very attractive prospect.

It was certainly a more attractive prospect than dealing with dwarves. Lagoron cringed at the thought.

He really, really didn't like dwarves.

Looking around him, Lagoron suddenly realised he had bigger problems than having to deal with a dwarf.

In order to see that the dwarf was comfortable and happy, he first had to find said dwarf. Who did not appear to be in the vicinity at present.

Lagoron swallowed nervously.

He had better find that dwarf fast, or even Valinor may not be able to protect him from the ire of the Crown Prince.

When Tirnel strode into the courtyard not long afterwards with the dwarf in tow, Lagoron breathed a quiet sigh of relief before hurrying over to them.

"Tirnel! There you are. If you are looking for Prince Legolas, him and the King disappeared into their private rooms some time ago. They have asked not to be disturbed. I have been instructed to see that his friend is comfortable in his absence. And to organise a great feast for tonight; Galion is already on that, I hope. Now, where is this friend I am to look after?"

Tirnel gestured to Gimli, who was standing stoically behind him, as he stepped out of the way.

"Here he is. Uncle, this is Gimli, son of Glóin. Gimli, may I introduce you to Seneschal Lagoron, King Thranduil's second-in-command, and the real reason the elves of the Green Wood are so powerful."

Lagoron scowled at his nephew, even as he eyed off the dwarf with trepidation. Lagoron remembered all too well the trouble the band of dwarves had caused in this very palace not quite seventy years ago, and was not keen for a repeat performance. However, this dwarf was the prince's friend, and Legolas had made it abundantly clear before he'd left that they were to treat his friend like they would treat their prince. Despite this, it was still with great effort that Lagoron inclined his head towards the dwarf.

"Welcome, Gimli. Allow me to show you to your accommodation. Legolas has ordered that you be housed in the royal guest suite, which also has a private bathhouse attached if you would like to freshen up before tonight's feast. I know that traveling can be exhausting and dusty."

Gimli inclined his head respectfully.

"It certainly can be, and I accept your kind offer. Thank you, sirs."

Lagoron and Tirnel both looked stunned at the dwarf's show of good manners, and Gimli inwardly smirked. Shocking elves was so much fun, and for beings who lived thousands of years, they were so gullible. It took a few moments for Lagoron to find his voice again, and when he did he sounded much more sure of himself then he had before.

"Splendid. Right this way, Master Dwarf."

Thranduil managed to wait until they were in private to question Legolas over his choice of close friends. He didn't want to ruin their reunion, but he had to know why Legolas was friends with a dwarf.

A dwarf! Thranduil shuddered at the thought.

Legolas noticed the shudder, and looked very nervous.

"Ada, you're not mad at me for bringing Gimli home, are you? I know you don't like dwarfs, but Gimli is different! He saved my life, and I don't know what I'd have done without his company these last few months. Please don't be mad at me!"

Not wanting to shut Legolas out, Thranduil let his emotions play over his face as he deliberated how to respond to that. He'd been deliberating how to handle this situation ever since he'd heard that his son was accompanied by a dwarf, and still hadn't resolved what to say or do. Legolas just stood there watching him apprehensively, waiting for him to say something.

"Why?"

Legolas blinked at the one word question.

"Pardon?"

"Why, out of all the creatures in Middle Earth, did it have to be a dwarf?"

Legolas had no answer for that, but he suspected it was more of a rhetorical question. Thranduil did not like dwarves; Legolas knew that better than most, and he also knew and understood the reasons why. But Legolas was not his father. While initially he hadn't gotten along with Gimli (a feeling that was mutual, they'd both come into this burdened with the hatred and prejudices their two races historically had for each other) they'd eventually been able to overcome them and became friends. But it had taken time, and being in life-or-death situations, for them to get to that. Nothing bonded you faster than almost dying together. Legolas knew this for a fact.

Thranduil, however, had not had the best experiences with dwarves during his long life. Considering these things, his feelings towards them were perfectly justified. Legolas knew that, but also hoped that his father would make an exception for Gimli, as Legolas could not imagine life without the dwarf now.

Thranduil finally sighed heavily and looked at Legolas with a resigned expression.

"I am not mad at you, but you have some explaining to do, ion nîn. For your sake, I will try and be civil with that dwarf, but you understand better than most why I feel the way I do. Just because you are friends with one, that does not change the way I feel towards them."

Thranduil momentarily looked lost before he focused on Legolas again.

"I will try to be civil, but don't ask me to be friends with it. That is all I can promise you."

The words were barely out of Thranduil's mouth before Legolas threw himself at his father, and hugged him hard.

"Thank you Ada! Thank you! I can't tell you how much it means to me!"

Now that the awkward conversation out of the way, Thranduil readily hugged him back. After a while, the king pulled back slightly and gazed at his son's face.

"Now, what exactly has happened to you since I sent you to Rivendell? It was only supposed to be a short diplomatic trip; next thing I heard you are were a journey across the whole of Middle Earth! Elrond's letter was quite vague on exactly what led to that. What, in the name of the Valar, happened in Rivendell?"

Hadron – Thrower of Spears (Lagoron's brother and Tirnel's father)

Ha, ha. Elrond is about to be in Thranduil bad books. Even more than he already is.

And at the eleventh hour (or the twenty-first chapter of a twenty-five chapter story to be more precise), Plot Bunnies have apparently decided that Lagoron is Tirnel's uncle. Whatever, Plot Bunnies, whatever.

Reviews please?