A Short Idyll

Aragorn lay on his stomach relaxed, amidst the new flowering grasses on the banks of a small stream, which ran through the lands of Imladris. His hair hung in long dark waves about his shoulders and shorter strands fringed his forehead. He was resting on his elbows, as he idly played with a long leaf of grass, freshly picked; entwining it about his fingers.

To his left sat Legolas with legs crisscrossed, elbows resting on his knees. In his hand he held a tiny pink bloom. He twirled it gently, entranced by the shifting patterns visible on the petals. Neither the elf nor man wanted to break the companionable silence that existed between them. They both knew this was their last day here together. At dawn Legolas was returning home.

It had surprised them both when Thranduil had accepted Elrond's invitation to remain in Imladris until Legolas' leg had fully healed. In truth Thranduil has felt almost young again, away from the daily cares of his kingdom and he did not wish his reprieve to end so soon. They had stayed through the short months of summer into the time of fall and thence into winter.

The King had kept in contact with Mirkwood through the use of fierce trained falcons that carried written messages to and from each elven realm swiftly. Legolas' three brothers were overjoyed that he was alive and chaffed at the long wait to see him. He was the youngest, born some nine hundred and thirty six years after Yalie, the third of Thranduil's sons. At the same time, having their father away for an extended length of time was very exhilarating. They did not often get to have things their own way, so they did not protest that much at the long wait.

However the snows had stopped and the passes over the mountains were reopening. The first grasses and weeds of spring were appearing after their brief slumber. It was time to leave.

"How long will you be gone?" asked Aragorn, turning onto his back to look at his friend at last. His heart squeezed painfully for a moment as the rare physical and spiritual beauty of the elf struck him full force. He was honoured to be considered a friend of this first born. Legolas frowned, his thin straight black brows coming together briefly as he put aside the bloom to look at his friend. The naked look in Aragorn's eyes made his breath hitch.

There was a fierce look of love in those grey- green eyes, love that surpassed their race, their maleness and their differences. It was the love that only twin souls shared. Legolas felt something unlock in his heart, for though he had felt an unfamiliar yearning, kinship and love for this human, he had willingly suppressed his feelings, fully expecting that Aragorn's caring of him had been a result of his natural kindness. To see that he was wrong written so brazenly in his friend's eyes brought the elf unnameable joy. His eyes shimmered as he smiled widely.

"Adar will not let me go willingly out of his sight. Not at least for a couple of years." Legolas reached for Aragorn's hands. The man grasped them in his larger ones. There was no need for more words.

In all of Middle Earth in that time and in the ages to come, there was never again such a friendship.

Thranduil stood behind his son swiftly braiding his hair in the ruling fashion of his house. The two small braids on either side of his head were already done. The King concentrated on the larger braid that would hang down his son's back. Legolas was dressed in the green and brown of Mirkwood. He looked every inch the prince that disappeared four years ago, but Thranduil knew better. There were many years of healing ahead. He swiftly knotted the end of the braid and placed both hands on his son's shoulders. It was time.

Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and Estel stood in the courtyard. The warriors of Mirkwood were already astride their horses. Thranduil embraced Elrond saying, "Until we meet again."

"May the Valar go with you." Elrond replied.

Legolas hugged both the twins at the same time, which made them laugh. He turned to Aragorn. "Until we meet again my friend." He said his eyes twinkling laying his hand on his friend's forearm. Aragorn pulled him into a warm embrace.

"Make it soon." He whispered into the delicately pointed ear. Legolas smiled nodding imperceptibly. Thranduil touched his son's shoulder and they both moved to their steeds, mounting swiftly. With a slight inclination of his head, the King signalled to his company and the party of Mirkwood elves rode off. Aragorn stayed watching, until they disappeared over the summit of the hill. He swallowed hard. A warm hand found his shoulder and a soft voice said, "Come Estel." He leaned his head against Elrond and let his father lead him back inside the last homely house.