Authors Note: Thank you everyone for your reviews I was unsure whether to
post this fic or not but you have really boosted my confidence.
Chapter Two (Directly follows the last chapter)
They talked for hours in the safety of the camp, until darkness turned into to light. Sharing intriguing tales of the past, reaffirming friendships and forming new ones. When the sun was once again visible above the trees they set off on the last leg of their journey. The twins and Estel joined them intending on showing Legolas the complete chaos in Imladris themselves, making this part of Legolas's travels far more enjoyable than previously.
Their journey was uneventful, interrupted only once by a passing boarder patrol comprised of from Rivendell. They rested for a while exchanging information on possible threats, apparently the orc activity in the area had increased severely over the passed few months though there appeared to be little structure or aim to their attacks.
They were soon on their way again.
It took just longer than half a day to reach the gates of Rivendell, and so arrived shortly after the mid day meal. Lord Elrond was as welcoming as he had been all those years ago albeit a little flustered. He greeted Legolas like a son before demanding that Estel escort the blond elf to one of the guest quarters and then hurrying off, muttering something about flower arrangements.
Estel had insisted that he would carry Legolas's small bag containing a few of his belongings for him and Legolas was to weary from his journey to argue had let him.
"How long has he been worrying about the bonding ceremony?" Legolas asked Estel as he led him through the long winding corridors to the rooms that had been specifically prepared for him.
"Ever since it was announced," Estel grinned. "Almost three months now I think, the amusing thing is that I have never seen Arwen so relaxed, so either father is worried for nothing or she is letting him do all the worrying for her."
Legolas laughed.
"Well off course, she is his only daughter so everything must be perfect."
"True," Estel came to a halt outside a heavy wooden door. "But sometimes I think he is going over the top." He grinned as he pushed open the heavy wooden door revealing a lavishly decorated room, containing a four poster bed which directly stood in the centre with magnificently embroidered draperies. The curtains and bed linins were different shades of yellows and pale greens, a small vase stood on the dresser containing sweet smelling flowers and grasses.
"I hope this is up to your standards." Estel remarked, walking across the room to lay the bag he had been carrying on the bed.
"It is wonderful thank you." Estel watched as Legolas walked slowly about the room, his eyes taking in everything as he went. He was surprised that so much care and effort had been placed in decorating this room for his arrival, many days work had been used to prepare for his comfort. "It is grander than my room back at home."
Estel nodded not knowing what else to say, but was contented to just watch as the elf explored the room, examining the needle work on the curtains and smelling the flowers before eventually making his way out on to the balcony.
"It is so peaceful here." He heard Legolas mummer as they both looked out across the leafy gardens.
"Yes it is, but I have yet to visit Mirkwood, is it as beautiful as they say."
Legolas smiled, but Estel noticed that the smile did not quite reach his eyes.
"It used to be, and still is in places." He sighed, turning to face him. "But since the darkness settled in many areas have become dark and shadowy, regions that were once safe are now dangerous for even the most skilled of our warriors."
"As is most of Middle Earth at this time." He tried to console the elf who seemed to have become lost with in his own thoughts. "But it shall be great again and you as an immortal shall live to see it."
"I may still die by the blade, son of Elrond." He snapped, turning once again to regard the view from the balcony. "And that seems more and more likely as many more elves are lost each day trying to protect my home."
"I meant no insult Legolas." Estel said stunned by the reaction he had provoked.
"No, it is I who must apologise for my reaction." He moved towards Estel, taking his hand with his, expressing his regret at his out burst. "I know what you meant, I am just weary from my travels, and it has been many a weeks since I have been able to express myself freely." He grinned. "My father may have meant well but I have just lived through possibly the most torturous few weeks of my life."
"You should try spending a few days with only the company of the twins." Estel laughed, unconsciously gripping the elf's hand tighter.
"Oh, but I have my friend, many times in my past has poor Lord Glorfindel had to organise the clearing of the mess that the three of us caused."
"Ah, yes so I have been told." He laughed again. "And I await to hear your version of events, but for now I will leave you to rest." He pulled away from the elf, walking towards the door.
"I will see you at evening meal?" Legolas asked him, moments before he stepped from the room.
"Of course, for you have stories to tell me." Estel smiled, finally exiting the room.
As he closed the door behind him he sighed heavily, never before had he been so captivated by a friend of his brothers or indeed by anyone. He felt childish, he had developed immature crush on this beautiful elf nothing more, but in his heart he knew it was more than that, it went so much deeper.
This was crazy; he had only met Legolas yesterday. It was absurd; he didn't understand how this elf had captured his senses in so little time.
He suddenly realised he knew very little about the golden-haired prince, how could he feel so much for someone he knew almost nothing about. He only knew what the twins had told him through their tales and though their discussions last night. He didn't even know if the prince was single.
Muttering to himself he set off in search of his brothers, surely they would know if the prince was available.
~*~
Looking up he saw the twins sniggering amongst themselves, he regretted asking them about Legolas. He knew he would never live it down. They hadn't been as understanding as he had hoped about his seeming predicament and had pretty much laughed at the idea of Legolas ever agreeing to spend time with him.
Maybe they right, and he sighed out loud without realising it.
"Is something wrong Estel?" The voice behind him made him jump.
"Legolas, I did not hear you arrive." Stating the obvious, once he had regained use of his vocal cords.
"Then I apologise for startling you once again, but you did not answer my question." He said pulling out the empty dinning room chair next to Estel and sitting down.
"No, there is nothing wrong my friend; I was merely lost in my thoughts." Estel replied, reaching out to kick the nearest of his brothers seated opposite him, as they made no attempt to conceal their amusement.
He looked back towards Legolas who was regarding the twins curiously.
'Please don't ask.' Estel silently begged. His mind began to race, trying to find some way to capture the prince's attention.
Fortunately for him Arwen chose that moment to make her appearance at the dinning table and Legolas stood up to greet her. Her usual grace and movements lost as she almost through her self into the arms of their guest, drawing the attention of many others around them.
He watched as the blond elf embraced his sister as old friends did, holding each other tightly words of welcome spoken without moving apart.
"Is you intended not accompanying you tonight?" Legolas pulled back slightly from her grip.
"He is currently in a meeting with my father, and you know that any meeting with my father has a tendency to over run." She giggled.
They looked very comfortable together, closer than mere friends. He knew it was foolish but he could not help the spark of jealousy that shot through his heart at the sight of them together. She was to be happily bonded in less than a few weeks he had nothing to fear from her, and he knew it, but he just could not help it.
The dinning area was almost full before finally Arwen moved away from Legolas to take her place beside her twin brothers finally allowing Legolas return to his seat.
"I did not know that you new my sister as well" Estel asked as Legolas sat down.
Legolas turned and smiled. "I have visited your family as much as they have visited mine, so during the last few centuries we have come to know each other intimately."
"Intimately being the right word." Elladan interrupted smirking wickedly at Estel before glancing at Legolas. "Once upon a time we all thought that you and our dear sister would join our families together."
"Bonding." Elrohir clarified for Estel, who looked like he was having a hard time digesting what was being said.
Legolas laughed. "Aye but that was a long time ago my friends, we were so young." Leaning to the side Legolas allowed an elf who was serving to place a salver of fruit in the centre of the table, before moving further along the table to serve others. "Besides even though Arwen is in deed beautiful it could not make up for the terror of becoming related to the two of you. Her intended must be an incredibly brave elf."
"You just could not handle me could you Greenleaf." She laughed joining her brothers and her friend in their conversation.
"Aye my Lady, for your temper far exceeds that of any orc, and I feared that at such a young age I could not tie my self to any one as frightening in a rage as you."
"And they refer to you as a warrior Prince, Legolas; surely I am not that fearsome." She giggled, reaching out to pick p a piece of the fruit.
"I beg to differ my dear sister." Elladan also reached out to take some of the fruit.
"I agree." Elrohir added snatching the food from his brother's hand, laughing at the indignant look that crossed Elladan face. "We should send you out on the boarder patrols; you would be a far better deterrent for attacking orcs than us."
They laughed and joked as the meal continued to be served, Estel preferring to sit back and listen to his siblings and Legolas reminisce about good times spent, rather than join in. He didn't know how he felt about his sisters past relationship with the blond prince, he was jealous of course, but maybe Arwen would be ideal to talk to gain information about Legolas, later he thought for now he would just listen.
It wasn't until well into the meal that Arwen's intended joined the table, moving to take the seat opposite her, and next to Legolas. He was tall slender looking Legolas regarded, he seemed some how familiar, with dark hair that cascaded down over his shoulders stopping mid way down his back. He was probably a lot stronger than he looked, but he was certainly beautiful, he had an almost mysterious appearance. Legolas was unsure about him.
"I apologise for my lateness." He spoke to Arwen, completely ignoring the others seated at the table, though Legolas noticed his voice was soft and his tone seemed genuinely apologetic.
"It is alright I knew that you had a meeting to attend." She smiled at him gesturing for him to sit down.
"Aye, but it is no excuse and I am sorry."
"Do not worry my love, now come let me introduce you to an old friend of mine." The dark haired elf turned to gaze at the blond he was seated next to. "This is."
"Legolas, son of Thranduil." He interrupted sounding amazed, almost shocked.
"Lysander." Legolas acknowledged, his voice cold, recognising the other elf for who he was the moment he caught his icy gaze.
Not for one moment had Legolas ever thought he would look upon this elf again.
~*~
tbc.
Chapter Two (Directly follows the last chapter)
They talked for hours in the safety of the camp, until darkness turned into to light. Sharing intriguing tales of the past, reaffirming friendships and forming new ones. When the sun was once again visible above the trees they set off on the last leg of their journey. The twins and Estel joined them intending on showing Legolas the complete chaos in Imladris themselves, making this part of Legolas's travels far more enjoyable than previously.
Their journey was uneventful, interrupted only once by a passing boarder patrol comprised of from Rivendell. They rested for a while exchanging information on possible threats, apparently the orc activity in the area had increased severely over the passed few months though there appeared to be little structure or aim to their attacks.
They were soon on their way again.
It took just longer than half a day to reach the gates of Rivendell, and so arrived shortly after the mid day meal. Lord Elrond was as welcoming as he had been all those years ago albeit a little flustered. He greeted Legolas like a son before demanding that Estel escort the blond elf to one of the guest quarters and then hurrying off, muttering something about flower arrangements.
Estel had insisted that he would carry Legolas's small bag containing a few of his belongings for him and Legolas was to weary from his journey to argue had let him.
"How long has he been worrying about the bonding ceremony?" Legolas asked Estel as he led him through the long winding corridors to the rooms that had been specifically prepared for him.
"Ever since it was announced," Estel grinned. "Almost three months now I think, the amusing thing is that I have never seen Arwen so relaxed, so either father is worried for nothing or she is letting him do all the worrying for her."
Legolas laughed.
"Well off course, she is his only daughter so everything must be perfect."
"True," Estel came to a halt outside a heavy wooden door. "But sometimes I think he is going over the top." He grinned as he pushed open the heavy wooden door revealing a lavishly decorated room, containing a four poster bed which directly stood in the centre with magnificently embroidered draperies. The curtains and bed linins were different shades of yellows and pale greens, a small vase stood on the dresser containing sweet smelling flowers and grasses.
"I hope this is up to your standards." Estel remarked, walking across the room to lay the bag he had been carrying on the bed.
"It is wonderful thank you." Estel watched as Legolas walked slowly about the room, his eyes taking in everything as he went. He was surprised that so much care and effort had been placed in decorating this room for his arrival, many days work had been used to prepare for his comfort. "It is grander than my room back at home."
Estel nodded not knowing what else to say, but was contented to just watch as the elf explored the room, examining the needle work on the curtains and smelling the flowers before eventually making his way out on to the balcony.
"It is so peaceful here." He heard Legolas mummer as they both looked out across the leafy gardens.
"Yes it is, but I have yet to visit Mirkwood, is it as beautiful as they say."
Legolas smiled, but Estel noticed that the smile did not quite reach his eyes.
"It used to be, and still is in places." He sighed, turning to face him. "But since the darkness settled in many areas have become dark and shadowy, regions that were once safe are now dangerous for even the most skilled of our warriors."
"As is most of Middle Earth at this time." He tried to console the elf who seemed to have become lost with in his own thoughts. "But it shall be great again and you as an immortal shall live to see it."
"I may still die by the blade, son of Elrond." He snapped, turning once again to regard the view from the balcony. "And that seems more and more likely as many more elves are lost each day trying to protect my home."
"I meant no insult Legolas." Estel said stunned by the reaction he had provoked.
"No, it is I who must apologise for my reaction." He moved towards Estel, taking his hand with his, expressing his regret at his out burst. "I know what you meant, I am just weary from my travels, and it has been many a weeks since I have been able to express myself freely." He grinned. "My father may have meant well but I have just lived through possibly the most torturous few weeks of my life."
"You should try spending a few days with only the company of the twins." Estel laughed, unconsciously gripping the elf's hand tighter.
"Oh, but I have my friend, many times in my past has poor Lord Glorfindel had to organise the clearing of the mess that the three of us caused."
"Ah, yes so I have been told." He laughed again. "And I await to hear your version of events, but for now I will leave you to rest." He pulled away from the elf, walking towards the door.
"I will see you at evening meal?" Legolas asked him, moments before he stepped from the room.
"Of course, for you have stories to tell me." Estel smiled, finally exiting the room.
As he closed the door behind him he sighed heavily, never before had he been so captivated by a friend of his brothers or indeed by anyone. He felt childish, he had developed immature crush on this beautiful elf nothing more, but in his heart he knew it was more than that, it went so much deeper.
This was crazy; he had only met Legolas yesterday. It was absurd; he didn't understand how this elf had captured his senses in so little time.
He suddenly realised he knew very little about the golden-haired prince, how could he feel so much for someone he knew almost nothing about. He only knew what the twins had told him through their tales and though their discussions last night. He didn't even know if the prince was single.
Muttering to himself he set off in search of his brothers, surely they would know if the prince was available.
~*~
Looking up he saw the twins sniggering amongst themselves, he regretted asking them about Legolas. He knew he would never live it down. They hadn't been as understanding as he had hoped about his seeming predicament and had pretty much laughed at the idea of Legolas ever agreeing to spend time with him.
Maybe they right, and he sighed out loud without realising it.
"Is something wrong Estel?" The voice behind him made him jump.
"Legolas, I did not hear you arrive." Stating the obvious, once he had regained use of his vocal cords.
"Then I apologise for startling you once again, but you did not answer my question." He said pulling out the empty dinning room chair next to Estel and sitting down.
"No, there is nothing wrong my friend; I was merely lost in my thoughts." Estel replied, reaching out to kick the nearest of his brothers seated opposite him, as they made no attempt to conceal their amusement.
He looked back towards Legolas who was regarding the twins curiously.
'Please don't ask.' Estel silently begged. His mind began to race, trying to find some way to capture the prince's attention.
Fortunately for him Arwen chose that moment to make her appearance at the dinning table and Legolas stood up to greet her. Her usual grace and movements lost as she almost through her self into the arms of their guest, drawing the attention of many others around them.
He watched as the blond elf embraced his sister as old friends did, holding each other tightly words of welcome spoken without moving apart.
"Is you intended not accompanying you tonight?" Legolas pulled back slightly from her grip.
"He is currently in a meeting with my father, and you know that any meeting with my father has a tendency to over run." She giggled.
They looked very comfortable together, closer than mere friends. He knew it was foolish but he could not help the spark of jealousy that shot through his heart at the sight of them together. She was to be happily bonded in less than a few weeks he had nothing to fear from her, and he knew it, but he just could not help it.
The dinning area was almost full before finally Arwen moved away from Legolas to take her place beside her twin brothers finally allowing Legolas return to his seat.
"I did not know that you new my sister as well" Estel asked as Legolas sat down.
Legolas turned and smiled. "I have visited your family as much as they have visited mine, so during the last few centuries we have come to know each other intimately."
"Intimately being the right word." Elladan interrupted smirking wickedly at Estel before glancing at Legolas. "Once upon a time we all thought that you and our dear sister would join our families together."
"Bonding." Elrohir clarified for Estel, who looked like he was having a hard time digesting what was being said.
Legolas laughed. "Aye but that was a long time ago my friends, we were so young." Leaning to the side Legolas allowed an elf who was serving to place a salver of fruit in the centre of the table, before moving further along the table to serve others. "Besides even though Arwen is in deed beautiful it could not make up for the terror of becoming related to the two of you. Her intended must be an incredibly brave elf."
"You just could not handle me could you Greenleaf." She laughed joining her brothers and her friend in their conversation.
"Aye my Lady, for your temper far exceeds that of any orc, and I feared that at such a young age I could not tie my self to any one as frightening in a rage as you."
"And they refer to you as a warrior Prince, Legolas; surely I am not that fearsome." She giggled, reaching out to pick p a piece of the fruit.
"I beg to differ my dear sister." Elladan also reached out to take some of the fruit.
"I agree." Elrohir added snatching the food from his brother's hand, laughing at the indignant look that crossed Elladan face. "We should send you out on the boarder patrols; you would be a far better deterrent for attacking orcs than us."
They laughed and joked as the meal continued to be served, Estel preferring to sit back and listen to his siblings and Legolas reminisce about good times spent, rather than join in. He didn't know how he felt about his sisters past relationship with the blond prince, he was jealous of course, but maybe Arwen would be ideal to talk to gain information about Legolas, later he thought for now he would just listen.
It wasn't until well into the meal that Arwen's intended joined the table, moving to take the seat opposite her, and next to Legolas. He was tall slender looking Legolas regarded, he seemed some how familiar, with dark hair that cascaded down over his shoulders stopping mid way down his back. He was probably a lot stronger than he looked, but he was certainly beautiful, he had an almost mysterious appearance. Legolas was unsure about him.
"I apologise for my lateness." He spoke to Arwen, completely ignoring the others seated at the table, though Legolas noticed his voice was soft and his tone seemed genuinely apologetic.
"It is alright I knew that you had a meeting to attend." She smiled at him gesturing for him to sit down.
"Aye, but it is no excuse and I am sorry."
"Do not worry my love, now come let me introduce you to an old friend of mine." The dark haired elf turned to gaze at the blond he was seated next to. "This is."
"Legolas, son of Thranduil." He interrupted sounding amazed, almost shocked.
"Lysander." Legolas acknowledged, his voice cold, recognising the other elf for who he was the moment he caught his icy gaze.
Not for one moment had Legolas ever thought he would look upon this elf again.
~*~
tbc.
