Jealous Kings

Gil-Galad floated down the stairs to the orchard in the gardens and walked along, softly humming to himself. Many of his friends had commented on his content but he could see no reason to be sad or angry about anything; not even the fact that Glorfindel still owed him a duel.

As he walked through the orchard, many birds sang and this contented him even more, //yes\\, he thought, //today is going to be perfect. \\

The sound of trumpets blasted into his thoughts, the herald of more good news?

He ran, his elvish gown billowing behind him as he went, over cold stone stairways and lush grass. As he rounded the corner of the entrance to Imladris, a fair sight met his ancient eyes. A young elf clad in green and brown, with two braids just tucked behind pink ears, hot from riding. His long blond hair clung to his wet face and his lips, cherry-red, open as he panted.

Gil-Galad started as Elrond walked past him to meet their guest.

'Legolas, what brings you to Rivendell?' He asked, his voice calm as always. The elf on the horse dismounted and bowed.

'My Lord, I bring tidings from Mirkwood. There is an army of orcs just north of here, it is advised that you should prepare some sort of arm-…' he stopped as he noticed Gil-Galad who had just walked forward to see what was going on. Elrond gestured for him to continue.

'Tis alright, continue.'

'Y…y…yes, sorry, um, it is advised that, um, you send an army out to meet them.' Silence followed as the two older elves waited for him to go on.

'Is that it?' Elrond asked.

'Yes my Lord' the young elf, Legolas looked uneasy and began shuffling about on his feet.

'Why couldn't your father send an army?' Gil-Galad posed. Legolas was taken aback.

'Pardon? Well, they do not threaten us.' He stated very matter-of-factly. Gil-Galad chuckled.

'They do not threaten us either. They would know not to disturb Imladris.' Elrond gave him one of his 'that's enough' looks and turned back to their guest.

'I'm sure your father did not mean anything by sending you out here, your highness, he just wanted to test your messaging skills.' Legolas looked shocked…so did Gil-Galad.

'Elrond?' Elrond smiled.

'Thranduil has a knack for things such as this' Legolas smiled and his shoulders relaxed a little. He knew he was in the company of friends.

'I agree, he does have a nasty habit of doing such things. I apologise for wasting your time.' With that he turned to leave. Before he had his foot in the saddle properly he felt himself being pulled off into a rather warm embrace. As it happened, both he and his 'attacker' ended up in a heap on the floor. When he looked at the face in front of him he smiled, and then laughed.

'Aragorn?'

'Leaving so soon? I intended to ambush you on your way in but Lord Elrond got there first.' He shot a pretend glare at his foster-father. The young man laughed and patted the elf on the back. Legolas pretended to be annoyed at this patronisation but he couldn't hide the joy he felt at seeing his best friend again. He kissed Aragorn on the cheek in a friendly manner and then hugged him. Elrond interrupted their reunion with a sharp cough.

'Aragorn, if you could take Legolas to his room please.' Legolas frowned.

'I'm staying?' he questioned with a sarcastic tone. Gil-Galad grinned.

'You are now' he said chuckled softly.

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Sorry the chapter is so short. I just wanted to get it up whilst I could be bothered. Review please! Anything is welcome…….even flames.