Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR.

Author's notes: For anyone who is interested, this story is set after my other one (Early Days) and I would very much appreciate constructive criticism and reviews. The setting is that Thranduil and Legolas are visiting Rivendell for a while, to give Thranduil a break, and to show Legolas some of the world outside Mirkwood.

It was a bright and beautiful day. The sun was bright and there were few clouds to be seen in the sky. All in all, it was a perfect day for an adventure, a fact that hadn't passes three easily excitable young elflings by.

"Can I go Ada?" Legolas pleaded, "I'm not going to be on my own-the twins are going too…"

Thranduil thought for a moment, evidently the fact that the twins would be going was supposed to help Legolas' argument. As it was, it just gave the elf king grave doubts. But still, what harm could come to them? They were just exploring the grounds, and had promised not to venture too far into the trees.

In his study, Elrond was thinking along the same lines. Elladan and Elrohir could be impulsive and a little reckless at times, but both were responsible and knew the dangers of wandering too far.

"Alright, you can go." The two elves decided at the same time, causing three elflings to grin happily.

"Ada says we can go!" All three announced at once when they met at the front of the house, then burst into fits of giggles. After a few minutes, they were ready to go, and set off towards the trees.

"So, where are we going?" Legolas asked.

Elladan and Elrohir consulted each other for a moment then announced "We can go to this really tall tree. It's brilliant because if you climb all the way to the top you can see everything."

Legolas smiled-trees he knew. He had been worried he'd feel out of his depth, because he didn't know the area as well as the twins. Trees were a different matter though. Being from Mirkwood, Legolas felt as at home in the trees as back in his room at the palace.

So they began the trek to the tree. On the way they talked, telling each other stories about themselves, sometimes heavily embroidered to avoid embarrassment. The wildlife didn't go unnoticed and at one point they took a slight detour following a rabbit.

The twins were recounting a story about when both of them got utterly lost in the woods, and were just about to get to an interesting part when Legolas stopped.

"Legolas? What is it?" Elladan asked, confused as to why the other elf had paused.

"There's something moving in that bush," Legolas replied, "I think it could be a snake. Do you get snakes here?"

"I've never seen one before." Elrohir stepped closer, trying to catch a glimpse of it.

"We shouldn't get too close," Legolas warned, "there are snakes in Mirkwood that my Ada said could kill you if they bite you…" He shuddered at the thought, and the elflings walked quickly on.

Unbeknownst to them, the snake had slithered out of the bush, and was following them, as it had seen a mouse up ahead. Elladan was the first to notice, and he pointed at it. "The snake's right behind us!"

Startled by Elladan's voice, Legolas span round, and nearly stood on the creature. Angered and scared, the snake decided that now would be a good time to use its best defence. It reared up and shot towards the elf.

"Aagghh!" Legolas cried out and dropped to the floor, clutching his leg. The snake hissed and slithered away into the undergrowth.

Author's notes: Please review, even if it's only to say how crap it is. I really would appreciate any reviews.