Okay, I have decided there will be two more chapters after this. The next should be relatively quick in coming up and I have the last chapter written already.

Legolas and his father mounted the horses waiting for them and headed off to the New Imladris, for that was where most were living until new talans and houses were built. The sky was a crystalline blue, so pure, it painted his eyes tainted by war and death. There was something in the air that relaxed him and eased any past tensions between he and his father.

"Ada, are Valandil, Isil, Arador and Candorien here?" Legolas ventured, looking down at the sand that turned into a forest path, well trodden by the feet of elves and the hooves of their steeds.

"They are, ion nin. Isil has married and Arador and Candorien are both courting." Thranduil reported happily. It was evident in his eyes that he was glad that his children were finally getting to enjoy themselves. Evil had, for too long, plagued their land, stealing the childhoods away from his beloved children.

Legolas could not help the grin that spread over his face at the thought that his baby sister and older brother were partaking in "frivolous activities", to quote their own words. It gave him hope that his family would be happy. His eyes darkened, however, when he had mentioned Valandil, his eldest brother and the once crown prince of Greenwood. His mind flew back to a time where they both had been fighting spiders. It had been a shadowed night, filled with misleading promises and broken hopes. Valandil had ended up striking his brother on the cheek, humiliating him and killing all hope that his family would pull through. It had caused mistrust and bitterness between the brothers until they were simply two male elves who lived together.

"Valandil has been most anxious to see you."

"I wager he has." Legolas answered evenly.

They were silent for the rest of the journey, each to his own thoughts. Legolas was almost afraid to see Valandil again. He did not doubt his controversial choices, nor was he shameful of his role in the War. He was only afraid of the scorn Valandil could and would show to him. He let out a low sigh as the now-thriving city came into view. A crowd came to gree them, but Legoals fought his way through, desiring solitude. He was, however, faced with four familiar faces, two males, two females. He immediately embraced his sisters, unable to find words. Any words, to tell of his happiness and his sorrows would have been enough, but they caught in his throat. Arador approached him next, and the brother embraced tightly.

"We have missed you, muindor." Arador whispered. "I feared you would not come."

Legolas hugged Arador in return. "Not even a smelly dwarf could keep me away." Both males laughed, but it was one of relief, not mirth. They parted and Legolas stared up at his eldest brother. Valandil was very tall, even for an elf, and it was intimidating. The two brothers stared at one another for a long, hard minute.

"You came." Valandil stated coldly.

"I did." Legolas answered evenly, keeping his tongue in check.

"Rumor has it that you traveled with a dwarf."

"I did."

"I always knew you were crazy." Valandil's voice was filled with emotion and he closed his eyes as he pulled his baby brother close and buried his face into Legolas' neck. "I'm sorry." His voice was muffled and was very quiet and solemn, but the youngest prince heard and his heart was softened. "I never should have… I'm so sorry, Legolas. You were so brave, and I never got to tell you." The intimidating elf was reduced to a sobbing child and Legolas held his brother gently.

"I'm here now, muindor." Legolas whispered. "And here I'll stay."