21

By the time Aragorn could walk again all of Mirkwood was dressed up for the annual Winter Fest. Garlands of Lorien flowers decked the trees and handmade streamers of glittering green and gold were everywhere. The courtyard especially was decorated with minute care for there was where the King would solemnly declare the festivities open in just one more day. This year because of the return of the youngest prince the decorators took special care to place small lanterns on the boughs of all the nearby trees. Legolas had adored the lights as a young elfling and since he disappearance the King had forbidden the lighting of the trees.

Since Legolas' return he had been sequestered with his father but the story of his rescue had gone around many tables and inquisitive elves turned to the young human to satisfy their curiosity. Aragorn found himself the recipient of many unannounced visits and many tokens of welcome and gratitude. Soon his bed and small couch in the room he occupied were overflowing with silks, flowers, garlands and bottles of wine and scent.

Waking up in a strange place had frightened Aragorn at first but at his side was a handsome elf who reassured him. He said his name was Galad and that he was brother to Legolas. Nervously Aragorn had tried to stutter a response but Galad had said, "Nay I know your name Aragorn of Imladris and I thank you for the life of my brother."

"I only wish that I could have done more," croaked Aragorn remembering his shame at Talen's hand.

But Galad seemed to read his mind for he said. "I tell you truly, Mirkwood can never repay the debt owed you." Aragorn nodded self-consciously.

With Galad's help Aragorn soon regained the use of his limbs. It was hard at first for the poison had sapped much of his strength. But Galad's unfailing encouragement saw him through it. His very smile \seemed to give him energy.

Still, as the days went by Aragorn longed for the familiar face of Legolas, though he did not put his desire into words. He was still a little wary of the Mirkwood elves. Though they talked and laughed merrily and seemed to do nothing more than savour the many heady wines available, there was a dangerous feel about them. He could easily imagine anyone of them in fiercest battle, blood spattered and victorious. It had surprised him to discover that Mirkwood maidens were trained warriors and that just as their male counterparts they fiercely guarded the kingdom's borders. Galad had explained that a long ago battle had so depleted their population that it had become necessary for maidens to fill the breach. Since then it had simply become a way of life.

But for the time of the Festivals drab uniforms were put aside in favour of many hued silks. Maidens and males alike decorated their hair with colourful adornments and discarded their weapons for garlands of gold and green. For during the Winter Fest the King with a single word protected the entire kingdom with his magic, no beast nor fowl could enter without his leave. Not even the snow could penetrate. It was a time to relax and enjoy the company of friends, family and lovers. In fact many an amorous encounter was known to occur behind many an obliging tree.

Aragorn soon caught the excitement of the elves and the night before the beginning of the Festival found him in the gardens where many elves had gathered. There was singing and dancing and the beautiful sound of music. He was dressed in a flowing tunic of dark blue silk with a red sash about his waist. His feet were bare as was the custom of elves and his hair had been brushed until it shone. He stood a little away from everyone observing the sensuous dancing, wishing that he had someone to share the beauty of this night. Even Galad had excused himself earlier and had not returned. Unconsciously Aragorn bit down on one knuckle as he was wont to do when despondent.

"Hungry?" inquired a soft voice nearby, and Aragorn turned to respond.

Legolas stood there resplendent in a ground sweeping tunic of sea green. On his head was a circlet of shining mithril. His hair shone like spun gold and in it was woven small blossoms of white and gold Lorien blooms. His blue eyes shone with happiness and a smile curved his lips. With a half laugh half cry Aragorn enveloped him in a frenzied hug. Laughing in response Legolas held onto him tightly.

Then Aragorn stepped back and gave a little bow, "Hir nin you honour me with your presence," he teased.

Grinning Legolas slapped him on the shoulder, "I see you have been made quite welcome mellon nin," countered Legolas taken in Aragorn's appearance. Aragorn grinned and shrugged.

"Did Galad treat you well?" Legolas asked.

"Oh yes he was very kind to me, in fact more like a brother."

"Good," Legolas said with satisfaction.

At Aragorn's frown he said, "Well he did almost kill you," Legolas responded.

As Aragorn's mouth made a surprised O Legolas grabbed him by the hand and pulled him forward into the midst of the dancing. Soon the ranger forgot everything but the scent of the flowers, the taste of the wine and the beauty that was Mirkwood.

The dancing went on until the early hours of morning but Aragorn fell asleep sometime after his fourteenth goblet of wine. Legolas eased him down to the ground and pillowed the ranger's head on his lap. He continued clapping along with the music and shouting encouragement to the performers. Thranduil observed them from where he stood, Galad at his side.

"I do not want to sound ill-mannered but I do wish he were an elf." said the king.

"Well he is part elf father."

"Yes," drawled Thranduil "but Noldor elf"

Galad smiled knowing his father was just being…well his father.

"I suppose I have no choice but to grant him welcome him to the Kingdom."

"You know Legolas father he is loyal to a fault, they will be friends until the human dies."

Thranduil sighed dramatically and Galad laughed aloud. Hearing the sound Legolas turned to see his father and brother watching him closely, he waved a hand in greeting and they returned the gesture…

Then the King smiled.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

ookamijudge--------no more evil I swear.

invisigoth3--------you know I kinda liked the spider.

tmelange -------thank you and spider also sends her thanks

Galad----- hmmmm, it would not have been pretty.

Shanna------- Un abrazo a ti querida amiga.

Naughty Nettie------ well it's over, hope you liked the ending.

Grumpy------- me too, and thanks

Lindahoyland-------thanks Linda, hope this was as good.