Hi everyone thank you over and over again for your encouraging reviews.

Authors Note: I have decided that this will have an Mpreg story line in amongst the current plot. I have been tossing and turning this idea since I first started writing this fic and have finally decided that the ending I want can not be achieved with out a small person, but it won't be mentioned for a few chapters yet and I hope that this won't put any of you off reading.

Now on with the fic !

Chapter Seven

It had taken longer than he had expected to settle Estel's horse into the capable hands of the stable master, probably something to do with the large number of soldiers and warriors returning from the patrol with their mounts he sarcastically scolded himself.

"Legolas, may I speak with you?" Elrond called out. The Elf Lord had caught up with the young prince in the middle of a passageway as the blond strolled back towards his rooms. His meeting with the twin's had been brief and a council would be organised for later that evening but for now there were other issues that needed to be spoken of.

"Of course." Legolas smiled turning to follow Elrond back the way he had come. Estel would just have to wait. He was led into what looked like Elrond's private family library; comfortable looking cushioned chairs were set out in a semi circle beside and unlit open fireplace.

Gesturing towards a large and seemingly elongated chair with space for two or even three Elrond encouraged Legolas to sit beside him handing him a glass of wine as he did so.

"Is there something wrong?" Legolas spoke after a few moments when could no longer stand the silence that had settled between them, it was beginning to unnerve him.

"I do not think so unless there is something that you have an issue with."

Legolas shook his head slightly to indicate that he had not. "I hope I do not sound insulting when I ask why you have brought me hear and what it is you wish of me?"

Elrond smiled.

"I merely wished to discuss my son with you."

Legolas froze.

"Estel." He murmured.

"Of course." The elder confirmed with a slight nod. "Unless you have also been involved with either of my other two sons?" Amusement was clearly recognisable in his tone.

Legolas smiled at the jest his tension that held him tight slowly beginning to seep from his body and mind.

"I do not believe I have the energy that would be needed to court the other two."

Both elves grinned.

"I know well of your new found relationship with my foster son mostly due to the chatter that consistently escapes the twin's, but I have noticed subtle changes with in Estel also, he is quite taken with you."

"And I with him." Legolas said before sipping his wine slowly.

"Do not break his heart Prince Legolas, he is young and although he is by no means innocent he has little experience in matters of the heart."

"I have no plans to break his heart my Lord." Legolas spoke his tone defensive. "As you said Estel is no innocent and is quite old enough to spend his time with who ever he chooses."

"Peace Legolas I mean no insult I simply wish to discover your intent towards my son." Elrond said softly so as not to provoke another protective reaction from his guest.

Legolas sighed and reached forward to place his glass on the floor beside his chair.

"To be honest my Lord I am uncertain of my intent, I know that the feelings that I harbour for him are strong yet I am unsure as to where this relationship will lead."

Elrond nodded picking the wine bottle up from a small table to the right of his chair and refilling his glass.

"Where would you like it to lead?" He asked as he offered to replenish the blond's glass as well. The blond shook his head and Elrond placed the bottle back on the table.

"I barely know him my Lord, if he is the person I believe him to be than I could almost see myself eternally bonding with him, but past experiences lead me to be cautious before committing myself to anything or anyone."

Elrond nodded.

"A wise statement, but Estel is not Lysander."

Legolas froze and slowly regarded the elf Lord in shock.

"How.how did you find out?" He stammered suddenly grateful that he has already placed his glass down for he feared that just then he would have sure have dropped it.

"I do not know the details I have only observed the way you react to each other and it is obvious that what ever occurred between you did not end well but that is the past."

"Our relationship was."

"I do not wish to know." He interrupted. "Unless it could concern my daughter it has nothing to do with me."

Legolas said nothing; so much doubt lingered in his mind about Lysander he was unsure whether to speak of it. He was reluctant to jeopardise Arwens bonding.

Elrond noticed his hesitation but changed the subject sure the the young prince would speak to him of his worries in time.

"As I am sure you are aware Rivendell has come across an infestation of orcs, they have begun to plague our realm in much the same manor as they have done in Mirkwood. I am holding a council after evening meal and would welcome your input."

"Of course my Lord, I will help in anyway that I can."

He smiled softly towards the elder elf before quietly excusing himself from the library and Lord Elrond's company, and headed back towards his chambers where Estel was already waiting for him.

~*~

Estel was drained of just about all of his energy by the time the council meeting began. Without the adrenalin he had been relying on earlier he could barely keep his eyes open, and it didn't help that he had spent the last few hours with the blond elf now sitting opposite him.

The meeting had dragged on for what seemed like days, detailing the exact location of the orc camp, trying to deduce the number of dark creatures the area could contain and how many elves it would take to eradicate the problem. But all in all the meeting appeared to be going nowhere; it seemed that not everyone could agree on a course of action.

He could feel Legolas glance over at him, scanning his body to make sure that he was well. He purposely caught the blond's eye and smiled trying to reassure him that he was all right. However it was not just Legolas who had noticed his apparent fatigue.

"Estel are you well?"

Estel grimaced.

"Yes Father I am just simply weary, I did not find the rest I needed this afternoon, please continue."

Elrond sighed and looked around the circle of elves many were obviously tired and the tension in amongst them was high.

"No, we will continue this in the morn."

"But I am fine really."

"Hush Estel you are not the only one here who requires sleep and at the moment none of us appear to be in the right frame of mind for this we will adjourn till day break, get some rest all of you."

"Come Estel." Legolas whispered as he suddenly appeared by his side. "Your bed awaits my lord."

"Yes and it calls very loudly indeed." He smiled, allowing the elf to help him out of his chair.

"You can help me us as well dear prince." Elladan called out.

Legolas turned back his arm still locked with Estel's to glare at the twin's.

"I am afraid that I have only one pair of arms my friends."

"So you are saying that we must stay in these chairs until we regain enough energy to move!" Elrohir moaned.

"If you spent less of your energies on your mindless chatter I am sure that you would be perfectly able to stand and return to your rooms on your own." Glorifindel muttered loud enough for all to hear.

Everyone laughed well all except the twins who both scowled good naturedly.

~*~

The walk back to Estel's chambers was short. It was not long before Legolas had the dark haired man curled up in a fettle within the quilts and blankets on the bed.

The elf grinned as Estel automatically reached out to grab his hand when he started to move away across the room.

"Shh, sleep I will be back shortly." Legolas whispered reassuringly.

"Where are you going?" He mumbled into a pillow.

"To change out of my formal robes unless you wish me to be completely uncomfortable while you sleep."

Estel sighed but said nothing finally drifting off into a much needed dream land.

~*~

It took little time for Legolas to return to his own chambers and change out of his formal clothing's into a far more relaxing sleeping robe. Bringing his hands up to his hair he un tangled his braids and brushed them through with his fingers.

Gathering up the clothing he had prepared to wear tomorrow he walk across the room and out of the door.

The hour was later which meant that the palace was almost completely devoid of noise. Only Legolas's faint foot steps broke the silence. Continuing down the corridor it was only a few seconds before the door to Estel's chambers became visible to his eyes.

He stumbled, suddenly feeling weak. A wave of dizziness abruptly clouding his vision. Dropping all that he was carrying. Reaching out to steady himself against the cold stone wall, preventing him from entirely falling over.

The weakness only lasted a few short moments and his vision returned to normal with the same speed.

"Had too much to drink I see." The voice startled him. Turning and looking up, see saw the one elf he had the least desire to see.

Lysander stood not far behind him leaning against the wall.

He was smirking.

"A prince should know better, or is that another thing royal children are not told of?"

He was in no mood for exchanging retorts at this time of night.

"It is the middle of the night Lysander you could not have possibly have come here simply to trade insults with me."

"Of course not." The dark elf pushed himself off of the wall and took a step closer to Legolas. "Do not think so highly of yourself prince Legolas for it may one day be your down fall." Smirking Lysander walked pasted him. "Now I must attend my beautiful intended."

"Do not hurt her Lysander." Legolas growled, glaring at him as Lysander turned back to face him.

"Now why would that be any of your concern prince-ling?" He sneered.

"She is like a sister to me, hurt her and I will hunt you down."

"Promises, promises young prince." He spoke mockingly before disappearing down the hallway.

Shaking his head Legolas turned back and walked the rest of the short distance to Estel's rooms. Glancing up and down the corridor he confirmed that there had been no witnesses before opening and then closing the wooden door behind him.

~*~

TBC.