Here's chapter two. Hope you enjoy, pleeeeeeeeeease review! I promise I'll love you forever! Lol, I'll let you get on with it now xxx

Aragorn was tired, and so grateful to be shown the large wooden bed in his well-furnished room. A washstand with a jug and flannel stood in the corner, and so, shrugging off his cloak, he made his way over to it to wash. The water felt cool and soothing to his face, and he was refreshed after it. Kicking off his boots, he flopped back onto the high bed and looked about the room. It was large and square, except for the outward facing wall, which curved and led onto a balcony. The floor was grey stone, and the furniture dark mahogany wood. White muslin curtain blew at the open windows, which were arched and had a delicate looping vine pattern in wood across the top. Glass doors made up the curved wall, and ivy twined with a flowering creeper surrounded them, and trailed around the sculpted wooden balcony rail. The bed was dressed with cool white sheets. He closed his eyes and sighed.

At the age of twenty-one, this trip was not the first time he had travelled, but it was the first time he had been in the company of elves other than those in Rivendell. Elrond believed the experience would be good for him, and he was not wont to argue, for he loved elves and enjoyed their company. He looked forward to meeting the wood elves, and discovering their ways.

Aragorn was dragged from his musings by a neat rap on the door. Rolling his eyes in irritation, he rose to his feet and padded over to the large oak door, just as his visitor knocked again.

'Alright, alright.' He muttered, annoyed. He opened the door, expecting to see Elrond or another of the Rivendell elves, but he did not recognize his visitor. The elf looked young, though he was probably much older than Aragorn. He had blonde hair of a pale golden colour, which he wore long and loose, except for a section pulled over his crown and bound at the back of his head. The rest fell smooth and straight past his shoulders, and his eyes were a startlingly deep blue. They twinkled merrily, and a smile tugged at the corners of his curved lips.

'I am sorry to disturb you,' began the elf as he nodded his head in a respectful greeting, which Aragorn returned. 'My name is Legolas. I was informed that you had arrived, and I thought you might like some company before supper. I am proud to be your host, and if there is anything you require during your stay, I would be most happy to help.'

For a moment Aragorn did not reply, for he was slightly taken aback by the assurance of the elf. He had to mentally shake himself before he could respond.

'Thank you, Legolas. I would like that. My name is Aragorn.'

'I know.'

The elf walked past Aragorn and into the room. Aragorn shut the door and followed him, watching as he swung lightly onto the bed and sat, one knee folded to his chin, the other dangling off the side. He regarded Aragorn, who stood awkwardly beside the bed, with his head tilted to one side, an eyebrow raised.

'My father says you have lived your life in Rivendell?' It was a simple question, yet Aragorn felt uncomfortable answering it. He was inexplicably disconcerted by the presence of the young elf, though he couldn't explain why. He licked his lips before answering.

'Yes. I was brought up by Lord Elrond, though I have spent much time travelling in recent years.'

'But you have never come to Mirkwood before.' It needed no answer, but Aragorn gave one.

'This is my first visit.'

'Do you like it?'

'I don't know yet. The palace is very beautiful.'

For some reason this made Legolas smile.

'It must have been interesting, growing up among the high elves. I look forward to hearing more about you – you are the first human I have ever met. But you say this is your first visit here - I hope you find my home agreeable.' At that moment a bell rang, and Legolas jumped lightly to the floor. 'That is the bell for supper. Come, I will show you the way.'

Aragorn was by nature a private person, and was feeling slightly overwhelmed by Legolas' chatter and questions. Nevertheless, he followed the elf out of the door, and was led through a warren of passages until they arrived at a huge banquet hall. Fires blazed in fireplaces at either end of the hall, and a huge table ran down the middle. Many elves were already seated there, and others were bringing food on great salvers from the kitchen. Everywhere was talk and chatter, spoken in the bright and merry voices of the elves, and from a corner somewhere the delicate strumming of a harp could be heard. The whole atmosphere was far noisier than the quiet and contemplative rooms of Rivendell, but the noise was not unpleasant, and Aragorn found he did not mind.

'Ah, Aragorn! I see you found your way.' Aragorn turned to see the Lord Elrond striding towards them. He had changed out of his travelling robes for the feast, and now his silver and purple robes fluttered about him. Taking in this, and the handsome silver green tunic of Legolas, Aragorn's worn breeches and dirty shirt seemed inadequate. Before he could say anything, however, Elrond continued. 'And you have met the Prince! Tell me, son of Thranduil, are his manners to your liking?' Aragorn looked around to see whom Elrond might be addressing, and to his shock he saw it was Legolas, who laughed and said they were quite satisfactory. Elrond smiled again and said he was glad, before turning and making his way to the head of the table. Aragorn rounded on Legolas, his eyes wide.

'You didn't tell me you were a prince!' His voice was a low hiss, but Legolas heard perfectly. He shrugged his shoulders in an off-hand way.

'You didn't ask.'

'What, and I was supposed to?'

Legolas looked at Aragorn's face and burst into laughter. Aragorn scowled.

'Come, Aragorn, do not be angry. It is unbecoming. Does it bother you that I am a Prince?'

Aragorn paused for a moment, his mouth open.

'No.' he said finally. 'It does not.'

'Come, then. Will you sit with me for the feast?'

Aragorn nodded in mild bewilderment, and allowed himself to be led to the head of the table. Legolas proved to be an excellent host and very good company. Aragorn found that his wine glass was never less than half full and his plate never empty. He was entertained all night by Legolas' inexhaustible stream of chatter as he talked (sometimes indelicately) of the many guests at the table, and the many questions he asked Aragorn. He seemed genuinely interested in the man, and with his tongue unusually loosened by the excellent wine Aragorn was happy to supply him with details. Legolas was popular with the guests at their end of the table, and many asked him questions or engaged him in conversation, but he never let the man feel left out. His eyes glittered as he talked, hands gesticulating. Aragorn felt that if the feast had not ended Legolas would have talked all night, but end it did. Many of the elves retired to another great hall for music, poetry and dance, but Aragorn suddenly felt as though he could not keep his eyes open for a moment longer. Legolas noticed this and instantly stopped talking.

'Are you all right?' He asked concernedly. Aragorn smiled.

'I'm fine, just a little tired.'

'It is the wine. It has a soporific effect. Besides, you have had a long day – I forget how much you must sleep. Let me show you the way to your room, it is easy to get lost in these halls.' Legolas elegantly slid from his chair and led Aragorn out of the hall, taking a flaming torch from the wall as he went. They must have taken a shortcut, for the journey back did not seem to take as long. They soon arrived at Aragorn's door. Legolas handed him the torch and quickly nodded his head.

'Sleep well, Aragorn. Tomorrow I will show you my home. Should you need anything in the night, my room is two doors down on the left.'

Aragorn smiled. 'Thank you, Legolas. I will see you in the morning.'

Legolas smiled once more, before turning and silently melting into the darkness beyond the flickering torch flame. Aragorn turned into his room, wondering if he would even be able to undress before sleep overcame him. He finally dropped into his bed, and fell asleep to the sound of a flute being played in the gardens below.