Many Meetings:

Legolas' POV

As I rode under the setting sun through the trees and fields towards Rivendell, in the distance I saw a single elf running towards me. I should've guessed Lord Elrond would've known of my coming. I rode to meet the stranger.

He looked typical of the Rivendell elves, hair as dark as the blackest night, and piercing green eyes, as he came closer I saw the long white knife at his belt, and the warrior braids not unlike my own, but black not blonde. I dismounted and greeted him. "Mae Govannen, I am Legolas son of King Thranduil of the woodland realm. I come with important tidings."

The dark haired elf smiled and replied, "greetings Legolas son of Thranduil, I am Lindir of the House of Elrond. My lord informed me of your coming, I will show you where you may rest and wash, there is to be a gathering in the Hall of Fire tonight, you will be most welcome."

We began to walk along the winding paths to Rivendell, amongst the trees and the birds, down into the hidden valley. I had heard many tales of Imladris, but never before had I visited the last homely house myself, preferring to stay in the forests east of the misty mountains.

"Lindir", an elven voice called. As my companion and I turned, I was suddenly faced with the greyest eyes I'd ever seen, hard, but somehow beautiful, stormy on the surface, but below a clear night's sky, I could see the whole universe in those eyes. The light of Eärendil himself shone deep in the glowing orbs that I was unknowingly staring into. I was strangely reminded of the tale of Beren and the Silmaril. As the object of my gaze blinked, I was shaken out of my daydream, and panicked. I should've been acting like a proper Elf-Prince should, and not like a young, awe struck Elfling. I was quite embarrassed.

At last I became aware of two others, of remarkable likeness, Elrohir and Elladan, I remembered the twin sons of Elrond, and indeed I finally noticed the body attached to the eyes I had been, and still was captivated with.

He stood tall, though not as tall as I, and my Elf kindred around us, he was clad in a forest green traveller's cloak, and high leather boots. As my gaze again rested on his face, I at first only saw a weather beaten man, and yes, he was most definitely a mortal. As I looked closer, taking in every detail of his worn, tanned face, I saw 'those' eyes, again making me feel quite breathless, framed by impeccable, arched, 'manly' eyebrows.

A straight nose split his symmetrical features, and patchy stubble on his chin and upper lip surrounded a pair of perfect pink lips. Shell pink in fact, "ahhhhh," I thought, "I'm going mad," those lips, those EYES, indeed, I though I was going to faint, when I heard Lindir call my name.

"W-what?" I stammered, startled. "Legolas," he repeated, "you have met Elrohir and Elladan." I nodded dazedly in their direction, they smiled almost ... knowingly at me. I turned my eyes away from their gaze. I was trying to act normally, like I should, but looking at the twins' expressions, I was obviously not succeeding. In truth, I was about to pass out. I only hoped the human hadn't noticed.

"And Legolas, this is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, a ranger of the north, he dwelt here once, and is always our friend. We call him Estel, though he has many names."

"Estel, Estel, Estel," squeaked a very annoying voice in the back of my head, "lalalalalala," I could only wonder if being immortal makes you go insane, when thinking of Elrond and Galadriel as examples, I could only think, "ILÚVATAR HELP ME!" I'm definitely going crazy. I was very worried.

Suddenly the human, Estel, yes Estel! moved towards me, I shrank back. He extended his hand out to me. "I'm very pleased to meet you Legolas Thranduil's son," evidently while I was fearing for my sanity, Lindir had introduced me. I was stuck for words, what was I going to say to the beautiful man? I took his hand, trembling, and shook it, but I could not look him in the eye, not those eyes, lest I should faint.

I finally opened my mouth, and instead of answering him in his tongue, which was the polite thing to do, I blurted out a load of elvish, none of which made any sense. Elladan chuckled. I blushed, and still, despite my centuries of language lore and reading of my father's books, I could not seem to utter a word of the common tongue. I cursed at myself under my breath, then took my chance and mumbled, "elen sila lumenn omentielvo, Estel." To my complete surprise, he understood, and answered me in Elvish, "Mae Govannen, Legolas." He smiled. I gaped at him in shock.

With the last shred of dignity I possessed, I picked my jaw up off the ground, declared, "namarië," leapt on my horse, and rode off as fast as I could in the direction of the house of Elrond. On the way I was cursing myself, wondering if it was possible to shoot oneself with one's own bow, it seemed like a good option at the time, until I realised that it was quite impossible.

As I rode into Imladris, a familiar face appeared in front of me, "halt, son of Mirkwood." I dismounted, "Arwen!" I smiled at my friend, we had met many summers ago in her grandparents' land of Lothlórien, where the golden mallorns grow. "How wonderful it is to see you again Prince Legolas," "likewise, my lady," I replied. "I will see your father soon, and I have already been invited to the gathering, but I ask you to please show me to my rooms, as I have ... lost my guide." Arwen smiled, "come, Legolas."

Aragorn's POV

After making sure that Frodo was safely in the care of Elrond, I made myself at home in, well, my home. After some days, a message came from the twins, who wished to see me. I immediately went to meet them. Of course, it was nothing important, as it always is with those two jokers, I mean, I knew elves were light-hearted, but those two are crazy, I wonder if being immortal makes you go insane, hmm, Elrond, yep, definitely insane. After wandering around the valley for a bit, making jokes, and play fighting (?) Yes, play fighting, (I was like, "I know you're only 2879 years old, but please try to act mature,") we saw two other elves, one leading a horse, a lovely grey mare.

When we came up behind them, I recognised one of the elves, "Lindir," Elrohir called. Both Lindir, and the other elf turned around, I barely stifled a gasp, before me stood the most beautiful elf I'd ever seen, yes, he was male, I had to keep reminding myself, he was male. I had gotten used to Elrohir, Elladan, and Lindir, their looks indeed being slightly feminine, as is true of all male elfkind, but this elf was, exquisite.

His hair, long, perfectly in place, even after his journey, blonde it was, so different from the twins', and Her's. His pale face, smooth and unblemished, how I itched to touch it. His lips were slightly parted and I ... no I HAVE to stop thinking like that! He was clad in Elven garb of brown and green, with beautiful patterns of silver covering the shoulders and arms, a brown leather belt about his rather small waist, and a brown cloak elegantly trailed the floor behind him. He was the picture of elven beauty, but the leather gauntlets on his arms, warrior braids in his hair, and bow, quiver and knives on his back reminded me once again that this was no delicate Elf-Maiden, but a hardened warrior, an Elven-Prince of a distant land.

I looked him in the eyes, and was surprised at their depth, bright blue they were, and though they told the tales of many winters, there was a sparkle in them, of youth, despite him maybe being older than the twins. I suddenly realised the Elf was staring at me, startled, I blinked. He looked away, and seemed to be in a daze, only just acknowledging Elrohir and Elladan.

Lindir introduced us, I stepped forward, offering my hand out to him, anticipating his touch, I greeted him, and he looked like he was trying to speak but couldn't. He took my hand, he was trembling, and both our hands were sweaty. He let go first, to my disappointment. He must've been very shy. At last he spoke, but it didn't make any sense, something about Beren wearing shell pink. I looked at the Elf questioningly.

I heard Elladan chuckle, Legolas -the prince, the beautiful one, the lovely, gorgeous elf of my dreams, ahem, got a bit carried away there- blushed. How ADORABLE! After another few moments of silence, Legolas finally replied to my greeting, though in Elvish, perhaps he didn't speak the common tongue, strange though, for a prince, anyway, I replied with, "Mae Govannen, Legolas," and smiled. I thought the Elf was going to fall over from shock, he obviously thought I could not speak his tongue!

I smiled to myself, he looked so cute, standing there gaping at me. Before I could say, or do anything, he had gracefully mounted his horse, said goodbye, and raced off to Rivendell. After he left, I sighed happily, forgetting the other three elves were still there, they stood around me, looking accusedly, Lindir said, "what do you think you're playing at?" I was worried that they might tell Her, but then Elladan laughed and I sighed again, relieved, Elrohir grinned at me, "Prince Legolas was a bit nervous eh?" Lindir chuckled, "yes, I wonder why?" They all looked at me laughing. "What!" I cried helplessly.

Lindir looked back the way Legolas had gone, "there's no point in following him now, even if I was sent to guide him. In which case, I can join you three." He grabbed my arm and led us off to who knows where, to play fight some more, and no doubt, to tease me about the beautiful prince. And so, I was led off like a lamb to the slaughter. Ilúvatar help me.

Legolas' POV

After recovering from my earlier embarrassment I walked down the steps from my rooms, heading for the Hall of Fire, where songs would be sung, and tales be told. I sighed, tales of old of our immortal kin. Tales of woe, of the kinslaying, of the sacking of Menegroth, and of love, of Elwing and Eärendil, Beren and Luthien. Elves and Men, yes Elves AND MEN. I am an Elf, and Estel is a man!

Oh shut up Legolas, you stupid elf! Forget about the human! I stepped into the hall, and went over to greet Elrond. After, I joined some of my fellow Mirkwood elves, who had departed from our home five moons ago. I sat, content with my surroundings, sitting with ELVES, in an ELVEN hall, with no MEN.

As my friends discussed the troubles in the east, I looked around. Elrond sat on his grand seat at the head of the hall, clad in robes of blue and gold, talking to Glorfindel standing by him. Arwen sat to his right, deep in thought, her mind was troubled, I could see. In the corner was an elf-child, dangling his legs from the stool he sat. Nay, my eyes deceived me, for this was no elfling, yet he was smaller than dwarf or man, I will speak to Elrond of this strange being. Curly was his silver hair, and he had no shoes, I wonder.

Puzzled, my eyes drifted back to Arwen, now she leaned forward, talking to a figure in a dark cloak and elven mail. He turned around suddenly in my direction, and once again I was faced with the eyes of Valinor. Startled, I nearly fell off my stool, Olodir steadied my trembling shoulders, "what is the matter my prince? You are troubled." He looked at me concerned, but I could not speak, I wrenched my shoulders from his grasp, and stumbled, blind, out of the hall into the dark of night.

I ran, out of the hall into the centre of Imladris, to a fountain surrounded by silver birches. The moon was full, looming over me as I sat in despair on the marble rim, my head bowed. A single tear fell from my eye into the water, it rippled in everlasting circles in the dark fountain. As I looked back at my unhappy reflection and tasted the salt of more tears that had dared to overflow, I thought of my home, and my father.

"Why do I despair so, I have nothing to be woeful of, I am young, and strong. Ai, but I have no Elf-Maiden in the woodland realm, indeed, nor an Elf-Lord, as I wish. And now comes this mortal, who is but a mortal to the eye, but speaks the fair tongue, and wears the mail of the firstborn, and hath dwelt here, in fair Imladris. He is perfect, and though our meeting was brief, an imprint was made on my heart, though I fear, not on his."

Fresh tears ran down my face as I stared into the water. Like a mirage, another reflection appeared above mine, a wavery portrait of, Estel. "Legolas," the water said. I squeaked and nearly fell into the fountain. I thought elves were supposed to have more balance than this! I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and looked up at the intruder, "h-hello Estel," my voice was shaky.

He looked surprised, "so you do speak the common tongue." "Ai, Estel, I apologise for earlier, I was ... tired, the proper words escaped me, forgive me." "There is nothing to forgive, fair Prince Legolas of the woodland realm." I blushed and looked down at my hands, he called me fair! But then again, so does my father...

I had to carry on the conversation, if only to look upon the handsome man for longer. "So, son of Arathorn, I have but one name, of you, Lindir spoke of many, do these different aliases bear different personalities, or are they mere titles?"

Estel smiled and replied, "well, son of Thranduil, I would say I have no other personality, however others may argue, I have many names though, Aragorn, and Estel you know. I am the Elfstone, I counselled King Thengel of Rohan and Lord Ecthelion of Gondor as Thorongil. I am the Dúnadan to Bilbo the Hobbit, Strider in the village of Bree, and sometimes Longshanks. And I will be Elessar Telcontar, perhaps."

I watched the man speak, in awe, for he seemed unearthly, noble, elegantly handsome in the moonlight, "well, Strider," I said, picking the most unflattering name. He chuckled, "I see that for a mortal you are very well travelled, and company with kings, but I wonder why it is only perhaps that you will be Elessar Telcontar, for it fits you well." I saw him hesitate, and for fear of upsetting him I added, "but it is not my business, and I do not ask you to tell me."

"Nay Legolas, it may not be your business, but I will speak, in my childhood I dwelt here in safety, protected from the world, as I was hunted by the dark servants, and Sauron himself, for I am descended from Elendil the faithful. I, Isildur's heir, am expected to claim the wingéd crown of Gondor, and the sceptre of Arnor, and rule the reunited kingdom, I am to become King Elessar Telcontar, who will bring peace to all."

And suddenly he looked like one who is carrying a great burden, he looked away and sighed. This time I placed a hand on his shoulder, "I cannot empathise, I have no one expecting great things of me, except to fight for Greenwood the Great, as it was known. However, I am also an heir, but as it is unlikely my father will die anytime soon, I remain a prince." Aragorn turned to me and laughed, I smiled.

He spoke, "you have the manner of a joyful youth who has lived only a score of years upon Arda, but in your eyes I see the wisdom of more years I can comprehend, yet, you are young in the eyes of your elders. I am but a child." He smiled, "do you know my foster father Elrond well?"

"I have only spoken to Master Elrond Peredhel once before now, but it was in Lothlórien, where my time is spent other than in my own kingdom. I have never before come to Imladris. I only come now because of urgent news. I have dwelt in Caras Galadhon with Lord Celeborn and the Lady of Light. Have you journeyed to the Golden wood? It is there I met Lady Arwen Undómiel, I saw you speaking with her earlier, do you know her well."

"I have visited Lórien, once long ago, and there I also met the Evenstar, but not for the first time, on the hill of Cerin Amroth we stood, and she renounced the twilight of the west, for she is my betrothed..."

I stopped listening. My breath stopped. I stared at the ground, devastated, my heart, broken in that one last sentence, was shattered beyond repair. The man I admired so, pledged in marriage to Arwen Evenstar, the fairest of our kind yet left on Arda.

I stood, "farewell Aragorn, I am sorry." I walked away, I could not explain to him. Once out of his sight, I fled to my rooms. There I collapsed onto the bed, and the tears finally fell, my soul darkened, and as I shook with grief, the words of my father long ago filled my mind. "The heart of an elf is not easily given, but when it has been captured, it is their love's forever."

I cried out in despair, beating my fists against the tear stained pillow, wishing I had never come, and that I could return home. But I had not long to wait, there would be a council tomorrow, and then I could start back to Mirkwood. After tomorrow I would never have to see him again.

Aragorn's POV

I escaped from the evil clutches of Lindir and the twins, and went to wash. I ate a little meat and fruit, all the while thinking of long, blonde, beautiful hair. I wondered if I really had embarrassed him earlier. I walked to the Hall of Fire, mainly to see Her. As I entered the room, I saw many elves, all fair, yet somehow perilous. I smiled.

Among the elves, one blonde head caught my eye, a slightly smaller figure, due probably to his bowed head and hunched shoulders. Other elves to his left and right spoke to him, and he answered politely, then went back to sitting in silence. I didn't want to approach him, as he was obviously shy, and his earlier reaction to me wasn't exactly ecstatic.

I left him with his kin, and sought Her out. There she was, sitting next to her father, I greeted her, "Mae govannen Lady Undómiel."

"Aragorn, why do you call me such names? For am I not Arwen after all?Yet you insist on calling me the Evenstar. I sense hesitance in you Estel, but I will not dwell on it, for I believe good will come yet of your lack of affection. Nay, I will not tell father of your change in heart, but I hope you will reconsider, as I have already forsaken the twilight, and the gift of immortality is not easily given a second time. Now I believe Aragorn, you have other things to do."

I was bewildered, such a short meeting, and she had guessed many things, but what else is to be expected of a pupil of Galadriel, taught by Melian the Maia herself? I turned away, to go and talk with Glorfindel and Elrond. But a face in the crowd looked upon me with such wonder that I could only stop and stare.

Then Legolas began to fall backwards, and I had to stop myself from running and catching him. But a strange elf to his right caught him, I was relieved he hadn't fallen, but also slightly jealous of the other blonde elf. Legolas ignored the concerns of his saviour, and walked gracefully out of the hall, but tripping a little on the way.

It did not take elven eyesight to see his lower lip trembling, and the tears filling his eyes. I followed, concerned, and a little aggrieved myself to see him so upset. Legolas began to run, and I had to sprint to keep up. He stopped though, in a clearing, next to the fountain of Elwing, and sat on the edge, looking into the water.

I stood still among the trees, gazing at the angel before me, I heard him mumble something sadly, and I had to go to comfort him. I walked up slowly behind him, and called his name. He squeaked and nearly fell into the water. Aren't elves supposed to have more balance than that!

I put a hand on his shoulder, he looked at me and said, "hello Estel," those two words made me fall for him, hard. So soft and gentle was his voice, and the way my name rolled off his sweet pink tongue. I was surprised to hear him speak the common tongue, but not shocked. I named him fair Prince Legolas, and he blushed. I smiled, happy at last.

We spoke of travelling, and of my heritage, I had no trouble in telling the prince my secret, and felt completely comfortable in my new friend's presence. As the conversation turned to her, Arwen, I was ready to tell Legolas my innermost thoughts and feelings about my betrothed.

As I told him of our engagement, and of my growing impatience with her, I realised he was no longer listening to me, and was staring at the ground. Before I could ask what was wrong, he had said goodbye, and had gone. I was left alone in the woods, wondering what I had done.