A horse clip-clopped up the hill, giving the two riders an amazing view of the valley below. The morning was fresh and new, the entire world seemed to sing of the joy of freedom. The sun shone above, making the grass glimmer like a thousand diamonds of the dew. Clouds adorned the sky gently, softening the glare of the sun. The stallion's breath came out in small puffs of water vapor.

The elf sitting atop the horse smiled and looked up to the sky, his eyes closed. His heart was free and he knew it. Legolas felt as if he could jump around and dance around for the joy that was abundant in his heart. He was joyful and carefree again and he felt alive for the first time for too long. He could remember his mother without feeling anger, for he had found his peace for it in his friendships and his life. He was able to look forward to his future without focusing on what was happening.

Gimli was miffed. He disliked horses to the extreme, but only rode them because that was how the elf princeling traveled. Dwarves were built for sprinting and close-quarters battle, but not for horse riding. He grunted, pretending to be angry, when he was truly glad. He felt such a triumph when he saw Legolas truly laugh and enjoy himself, after such a long stretch of sorrow, and the dwarf had only known him for little over a year. Even that short period of time was unnerving for an elf to be so grieved and distant.

"When will we get there, princeling?" Gimli grunted. "This dwarf does not ride horses."

Legolas was not able to stop the smirk that spread over his beautiful features. He leaned down and whispered gently in Arod's ears, a phrase in his native tongue, and the horse snorted, before launching from a pleasant walk to a trot that would jar any inexperienced rider. Gimli roared with indignation as he toppled off the horse.

"Come Gimli!" The elf called merrily. "Let us see that sprint of yours!"

"I will lop that pretty head of yours right off when I catch up with you!" Gimli shouted, only to realize his axe was still attached to the horse's saddle. "Argh! You planned this, princeling!"

Legolas laughed, his dark hair free from any sort of braids, and turned Arod around. "Aye, I did. Arod is a faithful horse, don't you think?" He taunted the dwarf that had become his friend. "All in jest, mellon, all in jest."

"Good thing I know that or you'd be missing a critical part." Gimli muttered as Legolas helped him back onto the horse.

"I heard that."

"Of course you did!" Gimli exploded. "You elves hear everything."

Legolas nodded. "Fair enough, I'll give you that." The naughty smirk he adored to use curved at his lips and Gimli gave a sound of great indignation.

"Indeed, and," He proceeded to string off a long list of curses that made even Arod's ears twitch.

Legolas could only grin. "Wait until Aragorn hears that one from my mouth."

"I'll beam with pride, princeling."