2. Chapter – Rivendell – First Meeting

Before the sun rose next morning Legolas said Good-bye to Anarrima and his father. His two companions always waiting for him at the gate. Legolas' heart was light and his mind full of joy and excitement. For the very first time he was free to leave Mirkwoods borders behind. And, more important, he was trusted with the very important task, to represented his kingdom at the council. He was determined to give his very best. The travel took its course without any complications, and a few days later the beautiful valley of Rivendell laid in front of them. High mountains rose nearly upright all around, only a small path led in the depth. Sunlight danced over the water of the river Bruinen, which flowed in many single ways over the stones, reflecting in the white walls below. For a moment the three elves enjoyed the breathtaking view and than, with careful steps, lead their horses down the trail. As they reached the ground, they mounted the horses again and rod over a small bridge to the wide-open entrance of the white house. The guests had always been discovered, and so Elrond himself stood in the court to greeting them.  Legolas bowed his head in respect for the Lord of Rivendell, his companions did the same. "I'm really glad to see you here, Prince Legolas", Elrond said with a smile. "Our last meeting is far too long ago." Legolas smiled in return, "I'm also lucky to be here. And thanks for the warm welcome. I bring the best wishes from my father to you and his hope, that the council may be an success." "That is my hope too. But it all has time until tomorrow. You must be tire after the long ride." Elrond gave a wink to a nearby standing elf. "Please show Prince Legolas and his companions their rooms. And take care, that they will have all they whish." The elf nodded and lead the three away.

Legolas liked his room at the first sight. In Rivendell, like in all other places, it was known that wood-elves don't feel comfortable in closed rooms. So this one had a great open window, framed with the branches and leafs of a big tree and a balcony in front. This allowed a free view over the great garden below and the sky above. Legolas tried to get some rest, but his wish to discover more about this beautiful place was stronger. So he went out and led his steps down the arcade. All houses of Rivendell were built in an open style, so that nearly every place allowed a view outside. Legolas moved without haste to miss nothing of the wonderful sight. But at one moment his glance was too long captured. The next step was too far and Legolas nearly lost his balance on a stair, which he had not noticed. A strong hand grasped his arm and prevented him from falling. The elf struggled slightly. "Are you alright?" a friendly voice asked from behind. Legolas turned around, absolutely sure to see another elf. Of course only an elf could have such a strong grip. He was totally surprised to look in two steel-grey eyes, which clearly not belong to someone of his race. Unrestrained dark hair surrounded a rough but handsome face, on which a light smile was shown. The stranger looked at Legolas, waited for an answer. For one moment the elf nearly returned the smile, but than remembered of what he had learned about men. His face became a cool, emotionless mask. "I have not ask for your help. And I need no help from a mortal. Never touch me again!" Legolas voice was cold as ice and the man in front of him immediately removed the hand from his arm and walked one step back. "Prince Legolas!", a harsh voice was heard. It was Lord Elrond himself, who had came around the nearest corner just in time to hear Legolas last words. The elf flinched slightly at this tone of Elrond's normally ever so soft voice. But his face remained blank. Than Elrond stood in front of him. Anger was shown in his eyes. "This is my foster son Aragorn. He is as dear to me as my other children. So you will show him the same respect and ask for forgiveness right now!" Elrond's voice but even more the look in his eyes made clear, that he would not allow any resistance against his words. Legolas tried to fight Elrond's gaze with his own. It was a foolish try. Pride alone was never enough to make the wise and experienced Lord of Rivendell give in. At the end Legolas bowed his head, his body tensed completely. Everything in his mind cried to refuse against the order. To beg forgiveness from a man. It was a shame. What would his father say if he knew about this? But Rivendell was the land of Elrond. His word was law. And too much stubbornness could make things only worse.

Aragorn stood beside his foster father and watched the strange elf. His shock was immense. But it was not Legolas' hostility alone, it was also his breathtaking beauty. Aragorn had been grown up by elves. He knew elven beauty as long as he could think. There were Glorfindel, Elrond's dearest friend, or Arwen, who had captured his heart, and not at least Elrond himself. Even in his dreams Aragorn had never imagined, that an even greater beauty could exist. But now it stood right in front of him, only a step away. And it felt very uncomfortable at the moment. Every inch of Legolas's body told Aragorn how angry and ashamed the elf was. And to his own surprise, Aragorn suddenly felt no need to hear any excuse. Hi slightly touched the arm of his foster father and shook his head with a little smile to show that all was alright. But Elrond was not willing to tolerate such behaviour in his house. "Legolas?" Elrond said, impatience in the voice. With a deep sigh Legolas raised his head. He looked at Aragorn, but avoided to met his eyes. "I beg you to forgive my words. It will never happen again." Legolas teeth were clenched and his voice had a neutral tone. Now it was Aragorn, who felt uncomfortable. He wished that he could do something to change Legolas' thinking about mortals. And at the same moment he knew that the last minutes only had made it harder, if not impossible. But he tried his best and gave a warm smile, "It's easy for me to forgive you. I know, that the words weren't meant so. And I offer you my help, if it is your wish to know all about Rivendell. Please feel free to ask me any time." Legolas could not help of been surprised for the second time. This was not the answer he had expected. Aragorn clearly had the better position at the moment, and Legolas had been sure that he would take the chance to deepened his shame. But instead of this he offered his help. The elf was confused. He looked at Aragorn's face, searching for a sign of insincerity, but could find nothing. The man met his gaze without any hesitation. His eyes seemed to be open and true. This could not be, Legolas thought. Men never were true. He could hear the words of his father in mind. Who know, which secret ways they used to hide the truth. Legolas shook his head, but choose words carefully. It would not be wise to anger Elrond again, "I'm tire from my travel. And tomorrow the council will begin. Thank you for your offer, but I'll have no time." And with a last gaze at Elrond and a little gesture of Good-bye he leaved the two behind. Aragorn was disappointed, but he would not give in so easily. There was something very special about this elf, like an own magic spell, that made him irresistible. Aragorn followed Legolas with his eyes. He even not moved as the elf was long out of sight. Elrond watched him and sighed. The Lord of Rivendell knew the effects, which Legolas beauty had to all and everyone around him all to well. He had seen it in Mirkwood many times. It brought sorrow to him to see the impressed, fascinated look in Aragorn's eyes. He surely had not realized it, but he was on the best way to be caught in the spell of the prince of Mirkwood. Aragorn's reaction spoke for itself. The pride of the ranger was not smaller than the elf's. Normally he would not so easily forgive anyone for speaking to him such a manner. Elrond was afraid, that friendly feelings for Legolas only caused pain for his beloved foster son. But he also knew that he could do nothing against the matters of heart and soul. Hopefully the bound between Arwen and Aragorn was strong enough to resist any intruder.

The darkness  of night came and brought peaceful silent over Rivendell, only some low voices were to hear here and there. Aragorn could not find any rest. The vision of a special blond elf filled his mind. So he took a slow walk along the balconies, which lead around  the house. Nobody seemed to be out there. But than a distant sound broke the silent. Aragon followed it and soon recognized it as a song. A song he had never heard before. He walked around the next corner and stopped abruptly. For one moment he believed that he was in the middle of a dream. Right in front of him, only a few steps away, stood the one person he had thinking of the whole time. It was no one else than Legolas, who sang this strange song. With a voice so clear and soft that the wind seemed to carry any word directly to the stars above. And the stars seemed to answer, they used their light to cover the beauty of the elf with an mystic glow. His long silken hair was unbound now and the wind played tender with the golden strands, made the hair shimmering even more. Aragorn nearly forgot to breath. He walked silently closer, unable to took his gaze away from the elf. Legolas was so caught in his singing, that he was not aware of been no longer alone. And Aragorn could not resist to close the distance between them as far as possible. He remained silent a little step away from Legolas, so close that he only had to reach out his hand to touch him. He listened to the song, and soon understood that it was dedicated to Mirkwood. Joy, sorrow and hope were mixed in it at the same time. With Legolas' angel-like voice it wove a magic web, from which an escape was completely impossible. Aragorn felt himself drowning in the feelings; the sound of the voice took him away. It opened secret ways in his heart and mind, never discovered before. He felt as if this was exactly the place he belongs too and Legolas was the only one he wants to be with. There was absolutely nothing to miss in this moment. These deep feelings of peace and security finally let Aragorn forget the warning of touching the elf again. He slowly raised his hand ...

Tbc.

Ok, this was all for today. I think I will post a new chapter next week. Sorry for this end, hope it will help the story to remain interesting.