Note: None of these are my characters! I've jumped the story ahead to a
week before Legolas has to return to Mirkwood. This fic will not have slash
between L/A in it, but the sequel will. They are just little kids right
now, so they can't *do* anything, and this fic will end after Legolas turns
16 (in human years) Elvish speech is in ' '.
Separation
Part 4
Lord Elrond quietly watched as Elladan chased Aragorn and Legolas around. The Elven lord was glad that Legolas and his foster son had become friends, even if they did incur Elladan's wrath numerous times.
He chuckled softly when he saw Elrohir breaking up the chase after Elladan caught a hold of Aragorn finally. Legolas was hitting the older elf and telling him to let go of Aragorn.
The youngest Prince of Mirkwood had changed so much that Elrond scarcely recognized him. Legolas was no longer as reserved as he used to be, and Aragorn had passed on his love for making trouble to the younger elf.
Elrond smiled as he recalled the 'incidents' that the two had done. There was the matter of the berry juice in Elladan's shampoo, which had turned his hair dark purple. Elladan had been so outraged that Elrond himself had had to stop him from hurting the youngsters. The fact that the juice hadn't come out for days had made Elladan's temper worse.
And Elrond certainly couldn't forget the first lesson in fighting that Legolas and Aragorn had attended together, with Elladan and Elrohir as their instructors. Elladan had been taunting Aragorn for his poor skills at archery. Legolas had grown tired of it, and finally shot an arrow into the behind of the elf who was supposed to be teaching them. Even Elrohir had laughed at that one, as Elladan had struggled to pull the arrow out.
And, not to mention how Legolas and Aragorn had filled Elladan's bed with bugs, spiders, and other such creatures right before he'd gone to bed. Of course, they had not gotten caught by Elladan, for they knew well enough to avoid the elf after such tricks.
Elrond wondered why they always targeted Elladan for their pranks. It must have something to do with what happened the first time Legolas and Elladan met, when Aragorn and the blond elf had flung soft, squishy foods at both Elrohir and Elladan. The look on Elladan's face was usually enough to make anyone run away. Of course, the fact that there had been part of a tomato on his face might have something to do with that look.
Elrond would never have believed this if he hadn't seen it for himself, but Aragorn and Legolas were close friends. So close that they automatically defended each other without question, which is what Thranduil and Elrond had been hoping would happen, for they wanted Legolas and Aragorn to be like brothers. He wouldn't have thought it possible that such a quiet, shy elf, and an outgoing, troublemaking half elf could be as brothers. But they were.
Elrond turned when he heard footsteps behind him. It was King Thranduil.
'Tis good to see you again,' Lord Elrond said in Elvish. 'Have you come early to take Legolas home? Your son has greatly learned valuable lessons here from Estel.'
Thranduil nodded. 'I am afraid that Estel may not be able to stay with us in six months time, Lord Elrond. Trouble is brewing in Mirkwood, and it may not be safe.' He looked down and was startled to see his meek son suddenly shove a handful of mud in Elladan's face. The older elf bellowed, as the younger one laughed.
'I see,' Elrond said impassively. 'Perhaps Legolas should come here instead, if Mirkwood is not safe. I do not wish to harm the bond that Legolas has formed with my foster son. They are good friends now, and I will be sorry to see him go.'
The king of Mirkwood looked at Elrond. 'At least they are friends,' he pointed out. 'And if it is dangerous, I may send Legolas here again. But I cannot take the time every six months to ride either way. Perhaps they should see each other every other year for six months instead of every year, because we do not wish them to tire of the other's presence. And both Legolas and Estel have growing to do in learning the ways of managing a kingdom.'
Elrond nodded slowly. 'Then that is how it shall be.' And the Elven lord knew he'd miss the laughter and merry times that Aragorn and Legolas had brought to Rivendell together. 'We should go tell them that you are here.'
Thranduil nodded once, and the two elves headed down towards the courtyard.
Legolas stuck his tongue out at Elladan, who lunged at him. The younger elf easily avoided it, and nearly tripped. Legolas and Aragorn laughed. Elrohir was trying very hard not to laugh, but he was not succeeding.
'I'll get you for this, you troublemakers!' Elladan was taller, so he was faster than Legolas. He ran towards the blond elf, who ran away, still laughing. Elladan tackled him to the ground and held him there. 'Got you!' Legolas wriggled, and tried to grab more mud. Elladan grabbed his wrists. 'Try and get away now!'
Aragorn flung a handful of mud at Elladan. 'Bully!' he shouted.
Elrohir saw his father approaching with King Thranduil. 'Elladan, get off of Legolas! Father is on his way here!'
Elladan either did not hear his brother, or chose to ignore him, as Legolas squirmed desperately.
Aragorn gasped when he saw King Thranduil and Elrond approaching. 'You'd better do as Elrohir says, Elladan.'
Elladan looked up from where he was twisting Legolas's arm behind his back. 'Uh… I…' His face went pale.
'Let me up!' Legolas yelled. Aragorn came to his rescue, and took advantage of Elladan being distracted. He pushed his brother off, and helped Legolas up.
Legolas and Aragorn laughed when Elladan landed in a mud puddle. Then Legolas turned to see his father and Elrond standing there. 'Father!' Legolas cried. He started forward, before remembering what his father had told him; do not display affection openly in front of others.
Thranduil nodded in approval, for he could sense that his youngest son was yearning to run forward into his arms. 'Tis good to see you, my son.'
Aragorn frowned when he saw that Thranduil did not even hug Legolas hello. Elrond saw his foster son's frown, and gave him a slight shake of his head when Aragorn opened his mouth to protest. Aragorn remained silent, as he watched Legolas and Thranduil.
'I am glad to see you as well, father. How is everyone at home?' Legolas asked.
'Fine and well. They are looking forward to your return, Legolas,' Thranduil told his son. 'But Elrond and I have something to tell you.' Thranduil's eyes met Elrond's.
'Instead of spending six months out of every year together, you will spend six months out of every other year or so, depending on current events and other such things,' Elrond told the devastated children. 'So you may not be seeing each other for quite some time after tonight.'
Legolas's lower lip quivered, as he looked at Aragorn. The half-elf looked horrified as well.
'But…' Legolas protested, for Aragorn was his very best friend.
Thranduil silenced his son with a stern look. 'It's decided, Legolas. We are leaving in a few moments, so now is the time to say goodbye.'
Legolas and Aragorn looked at each other silently, before they hugged tightly.
'I'll write you and tell you what I'm currently doing to torment Elladan,' Aragorn said, barely holding back his tears.
'And I'll write you about what tricks I'm playing on my older siblings,' Legolas whispered. 'I'll miss you so much!'
Aragorn nodded. 'I'll miss you, too. But we'll see each other again, Legolas. I promise.'
Legolas tried to be brave, as his father placed a hand on his shoulder.
As Thranduil bid farewell to Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan, and Estel, Legolas kept his gaze on his Aragorn. The father and son began to walk away, as Aragorn and Legolas watched each other, before the young Prince of Mirkwood was out of sight. A few tears trickled down their faces.
Elrond gently placed a hand on his foster son's shoulder. 'You'll see him again, Estel,' he said gently.
Aragorn said nothing, as another tear dripped down his face. Goodbye, Legolas, he said silently.
Goodbye, Aragorn, Legolas thought, as Thranduil placed him on his Elven horse and mounted. The two galloped away. Tears still flowed out of Legolas's eyes.
The two wondered when they'd see each other again.
To be continued
Separation
Part 4
Lord Elrond quietly watched as Elladan chased Aragorn and Legolas around. The Elven lord was glad that Legolas and his foster son had become friends, even if they did incur Elladan's wrath numerous times.
He chuckled softly when he saw Elrohir breaking up the chase after Elladan caught a hold of Aragorn finally. Legolas was hitting the older elf and telling him to let go of Aragorn.
The youngest Prince of Mirkwood had changed so much that Elrond scarcely recognized him. Legolas was no longer as reserved as he used to be, and Aragorn had passed on his love for making trouble to the younger elf.
Elrond smiled as he recalled the 'incidents' that the two had done. There was the matter of the berry juice in Elladan's shampoo, which had turned his hair dark purple. Elladan had been so outraged that Elrond himself had had to stop him from hurting the youngsters. The fact that the juice hadn't come out for days had made Elladan's temper worse.
And Elrond certainly couldn't forget the first lesson in fighting that Legolas and Aragorn had attended together, with Elladan and Elrohir as their instructors. Elladan had been taunting Aragorn for his poor skills at archery. Legolas had grown tired of it, and finally shot an arrow into the behind of the elf who was supposed to be teaching them. Even Elrohir had laughed at that one, as Elladan had struggled to pull the arrow out.
And, not to mention how Legolas and Aragorn had filled Elladan's bed with bugs, spiders, and other such creatures right before he'd gone to bed. Of course, they had not gotten caught by Elladan, for they knew well enough to avoid the elf after such tricks.
Elrond wondered why they always targeted Elladan for their pranks. It must have something to do with what happened the first time Legolas and Elladan met, when Aragorn and the blond elf had flung soft, squishy foods at both Elrohir and Elladan. The look on Elladan's face was usually enough to make anyone run away. Of course, the fact that there had been part of a tomato on his face might have something to do with that look.
Elrond would never have believed this if he hadn't seen it for himself, but Aragorn and Legolas were close friends. So close that they automatically defended each other without question, which is what Thranduil and Elrond had been hoping would happen, for they wanted Legolas and Aragorn to be like brothers. He wouldn't have thought it possible that such a quiet, shy elf, and an outgoing, troublemaking half elf could be as brothers. But they were.
Elrond turned when he heard footsteps behind him. It was King Thranduil.
'Tis good to see you again,' Lord Elrond said in Elvish. 'Have you come early to take Legolas home? Your son has greatly learned valuable lessons here from Estel.'
Thranduil nodded. 'I am afraid that Estel may not be able to stay with us in six months time, Lord Elrond. Trouble is brewing in Mirkwood, and it may not be safe.' He looked down and was startled to see his meek son suddenly shove a handful of mud in Elladan's face. The older elf bellowed, as the younger one laughed.
'I see,' Elrond said impassively. 'Perhaps Legolas should come here instead, if Mirkwood is not safe. I do not wish to harm the bond that Legolas has formed with my foster son. They are good friends now, and I will be sorry to see him go.'
The king of Mirkwood looked at Elrond. 'At least they are friends,' he pointed out. 'And if it is dangerous, I may send Legolas here again. But I cannot take the time every six months to ride either way. Perhaps they should see each other every other year for six months instead of every year, because we do not wish them to tire of the other's presence. And both Legolas and Estel have growing to do in learning the ways of managing a kingdom.'
Elrond nodded slowly. 'Then that is how it shall be.' And the Elven lord knew he'd miss the laughter and merry times that Aragorn and Legolas had brought to Rivendell together. 'We should go tell them that you are here.'
Thranduil nodded once, and the two elves headed down towards the courtyard.
Legolas stuck his tongue out at Elladan, who lunged at him. The younger elf easily avoided it, and nearly tripped. Legolas and Aragorn laughed. Elrohir was trying very hard not to laugh, but he was not succeeding.
'I'll get you for this, you troublemakers!' Elladan was taller, so he was faster than Legolas. He ran towards the blond elf, who ran away, still laughing. Elladan tackled him to the ground and held him there. 'Got you!' Legolas wriggled, and tried to grab more mud. Elladan grabbed his wrists. 'Try and get away now!'
Aragorn flung a handful of mud at Elladan. 'Bully!' he shouted.
Elrohir saw his father approaching with King Thranduil. 'Elladan, get off of Legolas! Father is on his way here!'
Elladan either did not hear his brother, or chose to ignore him, as Legolas squirmed desperately.
Aragorn gasped when he saw King Thranduil and Elrond approaching. 'You'd better do as Elrohir says, Elladan.'
Elladan looked up from where he was twisting Legolas's arm behind his back. 'Uh… I…' His face went pale.
'Let me up!' Legolas yelled. Aragorn came to his rescue, and took advantage of Elladan being distracted. He pushed his brother off, and helped Legolas up.
Legolas and Aragorn laughed when Elladan landed in a mud puddle. Then Legolas turned to see his father and Elrond standing there. 'Father!' Legolas cried. He started forward, before remembering what his father had told him; do not display affection openly in front of others.
Thranduil nodded in approval, for he could sense that his youngest son was yearning to run forward into his arms. 'Tis good to see you, my son.'
Aragorn frowned when he saw that Thranduil did not even hug Legolas hello. Elrond saw his foster son's frown, and gave him a slight shake of his head when Aragorn opened his mouth to protest. Aragorn remained silent, as he watched Legolas and Thranduil.
'I am glad to see you as well, father. How is everyone at home?' Legolas asked.
'Fine and well. They are looking forward to your return, Legolas,' Thranduil told his son. 'But Elrond and I have something to tell you.' Thranduil's eyes met Elrond's.
'Instead of spending six months out of every year together, you will spend six months out of every other year or so, depending on current events and other such things,' Elrond told the devastated children. 'So you may not be seeing each other for quite some time after tonight.'
Legolas's lower lip quivered, as he looked at Aragorn. The half-elf looked horrified as well.
'But…' Legolas protested, for Aragorn was his very best friend.
Thranduil silenced his son with a stern look. 'It's decided, Legolas. We are leaving in a few moments, so now is the time to say goodbye.'
Legolas and Aragorn looked at each other silently, before they hugged tightly.
'I'll write you and tell you what I'm currently doing to torment Elladan,' Aragorn said, barely holding back his tears.
'And I'll write you about what tricks I'm playing on my older siblings,' Legolas whispered. 'I'll miss you so much!'
Aragorn nodded. 'I'll miss you, too. But we'll see each other again, Legolas. I promise.'
Legolas tried to be brave, as his father placed a hand on his shoulder.
As Thranduil bid farewell to Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan, and Estel, Legolas kept his gaze on his Aragorn. The father and son began to walk away, as Aragorn and Legolas watched each other, before the young Prince of Mirkwood was out of sight. A few tears trickled down their faces.
Elrond gently placed a hand on his foster son's shoulder. 'You'll see him again, Estel,' he said gently.
Aragorn said nothing, as another tear dripped down his face. Goodbye, Legolas, he said silently.
Goodbye, Aragorn, Legolas thought, as Thranduil placed him on his Elven horse and mounted. The two galloped away. Tears still flowed out of Legolas's eyes.
The two wondered when they'd see each other again.
To be continued