Disclaimer: All characters and places are property of the Tolkien estate. I am not making any money from this story.

All right, this is the first new chapter . . . I am very nervous about this one (especially as there was over a year between beginning and end!) and so would really like to know your thoughts and responses. I am more than happy to reply individually to reviews – as I am apparently not allowed to do this in the posts, just include your e-mail address on the review and I promise to get back to you asap.

One quick note – one reviewer queried why the twins, who are thousands of years old, would call Elrond "Daddy" (Ada). I hope this doesn't jar with too many people, but my own view is that "ada" and "nana" aren't necessarily the baby versions of "adar" and "naneth", but rather the informal mode – much as we use "mum" and "dad" rather than "mother" and "father". This informality fits in with my view of Rivendell, which is why I use those forms here.

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"Fifteen multiplied by twenty two . . . let me see, one hundred and fifty, three hundred, then add on the twice . . . so three hundred and thirty. Then that needs to be divided by four . . . divided by two is one hundred and fifty – one hundred and sixty five, divided by two again . . . why does it not divide cleanly?"

Legolas frowned slightly, the confusing sums working their way into his consciousness. He shifted, forcing his uncooperative eyes open. Once he had adjusted to the light, he could make out a dark haired elf poring over neat columns of figures.

The prince searched his memory until it threw up a name. "Berihûn?"

The healer looked up, caught off-guard. "Prince Legolas, you are awake?"

"Mm," said Legolas, reluctant to agree. He struggled upwards. "Do you always talk to yourself in that manner?"

Berihûn grinned. "Only when I do the accounts. I never have had much of a head for figures." He put the book to one side and went to inspect his patient. "How do you feel?"

The word "terrible" flashed through Legolas' mind, but he suppressed it. This was not the place for him to admit weakness. "I feel fine," he said instead, trying to remember what had happened. He recalled arguing with Gilraen and fleeing to his room, but what next?

"Fine?" questioned Berihûn. His tone was neutral, but Legolas had a sneaking suspicion he was not believed. In truth, the prince felt somewhat groggy and his shoulder throbbed. "Much as I hate to doubt a prince's word, somehow I cannot believe that you are fine."

"I have been better," admitted Legolas, flexing his shoulder tentatively. He was glad to note that the pain had subsided somewhat. "On the other hand, I have certainly been worse." A thought struck him. "How is Estel?"

Berihûn did not answer immediately, busying himself with taking Legolas' temperature and pulse and checking the rapidly healing wound. Having finally convinced himself that the prince was as well as could be expected, he stepped back. "Well on the road to recovery," he replied. The healer's eyes met Legolas'. "Thanks to you."

Legolas grimaced. "You seem to be the only one who thinks so," he muttered, not without some bitterness. He was about to expand on his comment, describing the argument with Gilraen, when he remembered who he was talking to. For all his friendliness, Berihûn was an elf of Imladris and it would not be diplomatic to treat him as a confidant.

The prince changed tack. "Please, where is my room in relation to here? I would like to change into fresh clothes."

Berihûn looked at him questioningly. "You feel well enough to be up and about? Remember, only a few hours ago you were at death's door."

Legolas raised his eyebrows. He had not realised his condition had been so serious. "Then I cannot thank you enough for leading me away from it. But I feel much better and I would prefer to be in my room." Another thought occurred to him. "How did I come to be here, anyway? The last thing I can remember is sitting at my window."

"The twins entered your room and found you unconscious on the window ledge," replied Elrond, who had come through the door just in time to hear Legolas' question. He gave the young elf a sharp look. "Had they been much later, we would not have been able to save you. Do you care to explain just why you refused a healer when I asked?"

The prince did not look away. "I was not thinking clearly, Lord Elrond. I did not believe the wound so serious and I was reluctant to ask for help. I gave Estel the priority."

Elrond snorted. "While you are in my kingdom, Prince Legolas, you will kindly allow me to decide which patients should be given priority. You should know better than most that hiding injuries is a futile business which can endanger your companions."

Legolas looked down. "I apologise, Lord Elrond. I did not mean to cause such trouble and would humbly beg your forgiveness."

Elrond softened. "Please, Legolas, there is no need to be so formal. As for causing trouble, from what I understand you averted much more than you caused. I would like to hear your side of the story, if you feel well enough."

The blond elf nodded and waited as Elrond settled himself into a chair. Berihûn leant against the wall, preferring to stand as the prince told his tale.

Neither elf interrupted and Elrond sighed as Legolas drew to a close. "Thank you, Legolas. I can only apologise for my sons' behaviour and reiterate our gratitude for bringing Estel back in one piece."

"How is he?" asked Legolas, more out of curiosity and courtesy than concern. Berihûn had said Estel was recovering; Legolas saw no further reason to worry about the impulsive man.

"He is doing well, though obviously upset. It was a gruelling experience for him, as I am sure you can imagine," replied Elrond seriously. He smiled. "But you can ask him yourself – he and the twins are outside, waiting to see you." He moved to the door and before Legolas could lodge a protest, Estel, Elrohir and Elladan trooped into the room. Estel moved stiffly, yet he seemed energetic enough and certainly a vast improvement on the patient Legolas had last seen.

"Legolas!" Estel was the first to speak, the relief evident in his voice. "Thank the Valar you're all right!"

"Mm," agreed Legolas vaguely. "And how do you fare, Estel?" He did not look at the twins, feeling an unexpected anger that he was not sure he could conceal.

"A lot better now," responded the young man earnestly. "Because of you, Legolas. I cannot thank you enough."

"Nor can we," added Elladan, stepping forward and forcing Legolas to look him in the eyes. "We would like to apologise, Legolas, both for the events of the past two days and for all the tricks we have played since you arrived. For our inhospitality, in short."

"Will you forgive us?" queried Elrohir. "We hope that we can all move on from this and perhaps try to be friends."

Legolas felt Elrond's eyes on him and knew that the sons of Imladris were not the only ones expected to make amends. In truth, the twins' heartfelt words had diffused much of his simmering resentment and he found himself answering with genuine feeling. "Your apology is accepted and appreciated, sons of Elrond. I would also say sorry for my own part in it and for any provocation I may have given."

Elrond clapped his hands together. "We are done here, then. This ridiculous feud will come to an end and you will all behave yourselves in a more suitable fashion. I have to say that not one of you has behaved in a way that would bring any credit to your realms."

The four younger beings bowed their heads, accepting Elrond's words with shame. Each of them made a silent vow not to disappoint the elf lord again.

Berihûn spoke quietly from the corner. "Prince Legolas, glad as I am to see you awake and sentient, you still need plenty of rest. Estel, the same applies to you. Back to bed, please."

Estel made a face. "But, Berihûn, I feel fine! Why can't I get up today? It would be good exercise and I promise I won't overdo it."

Elrond shook his head firmly. "Berihûn is right, son. Just rest for today, then you should be fit enough to rise properly tomorrow."

Grumpily, Estel agreed and he went back to his room, accompanied by the twins. Legolas reiterated his request to be allowed to return to his room, which Elrond refused.

"With respect, Legolas, I would feel happier knowing that you are in the healing wing until we can be sure that all the toxin is purged from your body. You are not used to that particular brew and I am wary lest it should affect you differently. If you feel well enough, you may rise tomorrow and the talks will recommence the day after."

Legolas acquiesced, glad at the prospect of finishing the talks. The sooner they were concluded, the sooner he could return to Mirkwood's ordered life. "As you will, Lord Elrond."

The older elf smiled. "Good. Come, Berihûn, we will leave the prince in peace."

So saying, the two elves left the room, leaving Legolas with his thoughts.

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A quiet knock at the door jolted Legolas out of a light doze. Shaking his head, he rose from the bed and padded across to the door, flexing his shoulder. The wound was healing quickly and the antidote had done its work, but there was still a persistent ache.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Gilraen there. He drew himself up formally, remembering the circumstances of their last meeting. "My Lady."

Gilraen looked nervous, but she met his gaze calmly enough. "Prince Legolas, I wish to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. I was wrong and should not have spoken so harshly. I was fearful for my son and lashed out at the nearest person available, which I regret bitterly. I hope that you can forgive and forget my cruel words."

Legolas smiled gently, touched by the woman's apology. "My words were brash as well, Gilraen. It is easy to lose control of oneself in the heat of the moment and I am as guilty of this as you. Will you believe me when I say that there is nothing to forgive and accept my own apology for angry words wrongly spoken?"

Gilraen smiled back, relieved by the prince's easy acceptance. "Of course, Legolas, thank you. I hope that you and Estel can put this behind you now and become friends. My heart tells me that your paths will cross again, in something much bigger than all of us."

Legolas put his head on one side, puzzled by her words. "Perhaps. I will try, if you feel it so important."

Gilraen reached out and clasped the elf's hand. "Thank you, Legolas. Estel and I owe you a great debt. I promise you, it will not be forgotten."

With these words she hurried away, leaving behind a faintly bemused prince.

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Several days passed. The trade talks were settled to everyone's satisfaction, though Erestor could be heard to mutter that Mirkwood had undoubtedly secured the best of the deal. Both Legolas and Estel were hale and hearty, though the marks on the man's back and mind would take some time to fade away. The delay caused by the ill-fated hunting expedition meant that Legolas was still in Imladris on Estel's twentieth birthday, a day that began dully with an overcast sky.

Estel was always an early riser on his birthday, twenty years having done nothing to dim his excitement. Whistling happily, he washed and dressed quickly before heading down to the kitchens. He was disappointed to find no one else there, but shrugged and began helping himself to the warm oatmeal the cook had left on the stove.

"My, somebody's happy. Must be a special day . . ."

Estel whirled round. "Nana!"

Laughing, Gilraen stepped forward and hugged her son close. "Who else? Happy birthday, Estel. I cannot believe you are twenty today – why, it only seems five minutes since I was surrounded by the midwives while your father paced up and down outside. My, but he was a nervous wreck that day. I have never known him so agitated." She gazed fondly at her son, reaching up to brush away a stray lock of hair. "I wish that he could have lived to see this day."

Unsure what to say, Estel settled for giving his mother another hug. He always thought of Elrond as his father and it came as a jolt to be reminded that he had ever had another. Gilraen mentioned him infrequently and never in great detail. Estel himself had never been overly curious, preferring to live in the present rather than delving back into a forgotten past.

His train of though was disrupted by the sound of argument, always a sign that Elladan and Elrohir were approaching. Their distant voices grew in volume until finally they reached the kitchen.

"And I still maintain -" Elladan stopped abruptly as he entered the kitchen. "Estel!"

"Morning," responded the human, grinning. The twins grinned back.

"Happy birthday, Estel," they chorused. Elrohir stepped towards Estel, hands coming from behind his back to reveal a carefully wrapped gift. "In honour of this special day," he intoned solemnly and his sentiments were echoed by Elladan, who bore a similar, smaller gift.

"What is all this?" inquired a new voice behind them. "Starting the present giving without me?" Elrond had entered the kitchen, closely followed by Legolas.

"Ada!" Estel discarded the twins' offerings for the moment, rushing to embrace his adoptive father. Elrond gladly returned the hug, chuckling at the human's enthusiasm. "Happy birthday."

"Happy birthday, Estel," chimed in Legolas once the father and son had parted. "I hope you enjoy the day."

"Thank you, Legolas." Estel beamed at the prince.

"Estel! Are you going to open these presents or not? Elladan and I did not spend all night wrapping merely for our own enjoyment, you know." Elrohir tapped his fingers on the table impatiently.

Estel laughed as he moved towards his brothers. "All night?" He began to open Elrohir's gift.

"Well, five minutes," admitted Elladan. "But you know it's the thought that counts, little brother."

"Not so little any more, you know, you ought to watch out . . ." replied Estel teasingly. He gasped as he removed the last of the colourful paper. "Elrohir, this is beautiful!" It was a short knife, stunningly made with intricate designs laid into the metal. The sharp blade gleamed as it caught the light and when Estel went to test it, it cut his thumb as cleanly and as easily as though it were slicing through hot butter.

"Ouch!" Estel sucked his thumb in annoyance, much to the twins' amusement. "That is truly incredible – thank you so much."

"We made it ourselves," said Elladan proudly. Legolas' eyes widened.

"Really? But it is superb . . . how long did it take you?"

"We have worked on it for six months," confessed Elrohir. "It was worth the effort, though."

Estel smiled, both at Elrohir's words and the thought that his brothers had crafted something that the Mirkwood elf could not. He quickly unwrapped Elladan's gift and frowned, peering at it. "Umm . . . what is it?"

Luckily, Elladan did not take offence. "Sheathes, Estel, made of the toughest leather. You sew one into each pair of boots and you will find them a perfect fit for the knife. So that you always have that little extra."

Estel nodded, understanding. "That's a good idea, I will sew them in this afternoon. Thank you."

Gilraen pushed forward another present, this one much larger. "This is from me."

Estel unwrapped it carefully, sure that the soft bundle was some form of clothing. He was right, but had not been expecting the supple leather coat that emerged. He tried it on immediately and found it a perfect fit, coming down past his knees.

"It's windproof and waterproof," explained Gilraen, "just right for camping and so on. It should be difficult to tear, too, but I should imagine you'll find a way."

Estel blushed, thinking of all the clothes Gilraen had darned for him over the years. He looked towards Elrond expectantly. The elf lord shook his head.

"My present will come later." There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, but as Estel was about to comment on it, Legolas cleared his throat.

"Alas, Estel, I have no physical gift for you, but I would like to offer my time, if you would accept it. Perhaps a little tuition on the archery field?"

Estel agreed with alacrity, the chance of a lesson from one of Middle-Earth's finest archers being far too good an opportunity to turn down. "That would be fantastic, Legolas. Let's hurry up and eat, we can start after breakfast."

As Elladan began ladling out oatmeal and honey to his brothers and the prince, Gilraen drew Elrond to one side.

"This afternoon, Elrond."

The elf sighed. "This afternoon, Gilraen, I swear it." He glanced over at Estel. "Just let him have this last carefree morning."

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Chapter 12 actually won't be up until Monday. I apologise for the long wait, but I have 4 essays due in next week that I desperately need to focus on. Please keep the reviews coming and I will get the new chapter up on Monday. Thanks.