Disclaimer: All the characters belong to Tolkien. I just like to play with them.

Summary: Aragorn and Legolas meet for the first time, but they aren't too happy about it.

Pairing(s): Aragorn/Legolas

Warning: None

Nin Calan

Chapter Two

One week later...

Aragorn lifted his bow in front of him and drew back the arrow. Focusing his eyes on the target standing at a distance in front of him he let go of the string. The arrow flew through the air, landing an inch from the center.

'I have seen a blind man shoot better than that.'

Aragorn turned to see Legolas standing beside him with a smug look upon his face.

'You think you can do any better.'

'Oh, I am quite certain I could.' Legolas' smug smile grew.

'Really?' Aragorn asked with sarcasm. Bowing and gesturing with his hand towards the target he continued. 'Then would you please give me the honor of witnessing your fabled skill.'

Legolas narrowed his eyes at the mocking words and said, 'Give me that.' He grabbed the bow from Aragorn's hand and pulled an arrow from the ground. Raising the bow he drew back the arrow and released it. The arrow hit the dead center of the target.

'Told you.' Legolas chuckled at the stunned face of the half-elf.

Aragorn shook his head and then glared hard at the blond elf.

'You may have great skill at the bow, but I assure you that I can best you at swords.'

'Swords?'

'We can have a dual right here.'

'Very well then. I will go fetch two practice swords and then we can began.'

It wasn't long before Legolas retuned with two wooden swords that were rounded on the tips. Legolas threw a sword over to Aragorn and then resumed a fighting stance.

'Let us begin.'

Aragorn also resumed a fighting stance. He was the one to begin the duel with a simple thrust directed at Legolas. Legolas easily blocked the blow and in return thrust backed at Aragorn. For an hour straight they danced around each other, using the techniques that they were taught in their training. Legolas raised his sword to block a blow from Aragorn's sword, and Aragorn saw a chance to wound the elf. Quickly drawing back his sword he striked Legolas in his vulnerable side. Legolas fell to the ground with a small cry, clutching at his side. He lifted the sides of shirt and tunic to check on the damage. An angry red welt and the first colouring of a bruise was visible.

'It looks like you are going to have a new bruise to match the one on you face.'

Legolas growled at Aragorn in reply and slowly stood up. Without another word he abruptly turned and stalked away. He continued to angrily stomp through the gardens of Imladris until he came upon the river Bruinen.

'That blockheaded half-elf,' Legolas exclaimed furiously. 'He is a disgrace to everything that is elven. Why Lord Elrond would call him his son is beyond me.'

He gracefully stooped down and gathered a handful of water in his cupped hands. He splashed his face with the cold water, washing away the dirt and sweat from the previous dual. Cupping more water into his hands, he slowly sipped the water, soothing his dry throat. He sat down on the ground and raised he shirt and tunic again. There was a large bruise in shades of green, purple, and brown. He hissed as he carefully prodded the sore area. Thanks to the quick healing of the elves the bruise upon Legolas' face was starting to fade and would be gone before dinner. On the other hand, the welt and bruise on his side would be there for a couple more days.

'I can not believe that a half-elf defeated me. Now Aragorn has something to hang over my head.' Frowning at his situation, Legolas sat glazing down at the flowing water until he was summoned for dinner.

*****

One week later...

'Boo.'

'Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh-!' Legolas' scream was cut off as he fell into the cold water of the river Bruinen. He emerged to find Aragorn laughing with one arm wrapped around his stomach and the other propping him up on a nearby tree.

When Aragorn could stop laughing long enough to catch his breath he said, 'Are not elves supposed to have a keen sense of hearing?' He barely spoke the last words before he was doubled over in laughter again. Legolas didn't reply but simply brushed by the hysterical half-elf. He was soaked and small puddles of water followed him as he marched into the house of Lord Elrond. Ignoring the stares of the passing elves he walked through the halls and towards his bedroom, muttering under his breath all the way.

'By Elbereth child, what happened to you?'

His father's voice stopped him in his tracks. King Tranduril was standing a few feet away from Legolas with a perplexed look upon his face. Legolas' eyes hardened and he gave a small growl before continuing to his room. Still confused, King Thranduil turned to watch the back of his dripping son's form.

To be continued...