Legolas could hear the soft crunch of boots stepping on leaves. However, they were louder and harder, not at all like the soft, graceful steps of an elf. They were the footsteps of an unknown person and an intruder.
Legolas heard the footsteps approach while he listened from his concealed position above in the trees. His bow drawn, he shouted, "Who goes there?"
The footsteps stopped immediately in its tracks. An answer arrived. "A friend of the elves."
Legolas hopped down from the branch and held a knife to the man's neck, a human male (and to be honest, he kind of reeked of sweat). Legolas narrowed his eyes and asked in a deadly whisper, "Who are you? State your name."
The man looked nonplussed and replied calmly, "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, leader of the Rangers and Chief of the Dúnedain."
Legolas knew who this man was, after hearing about him from his father, and lowered his knife. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Aragorn son of Arathorn. I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil, King of the Mirkwood elves. Welcome to Mirkwood." He bowed politely, albeit stiffly. He didn't like to be the inferior one to anyone but his father but this was Aragorn, who had rattled off some pretty titles.
Aragorn smiled, saying good-naturedly that he too, was honored to make the acquaintance with the Prince of Mirkwood.
Together, they traveled to the castle. Along the way, the talked a little about Aragorn's adventures and Legolas couldn't help but wonder what else was there besides Mirkwood. What else was out there?
They arrived and Legolas told Aragorn to wait a bit and went inside the gates. He entered the throne room and alerted his father, "Aragorn has arrived. I met him near our borders."
Thranduil stared down at his son. Those two have already met? He thought, amused. "Let him in."
Aragorn was permitted to enter and paid his respects to the Elven king. Then, bringing out a large tied bag, he said, "I bring you, um, Gollum. Gandalf requested of me to capture him and bring him here to the halls of Mirkwood."
There was a scuffling sound and angry noises. Sighing, as if he had done this a hundred times but hated it each time, Aragorn untied the bag, reached inside, and grabbed the hideous creature. Legolas wanted to puke.
"Preciousss, my preciousss! Where is my preciousss?!" Gollum spat, spittle flying everywhere, despite hanging upside down by the feet. Aragorn held him farther away, a disgusted look on his face.
Thranduil appeared disgusted as well, but managed to order to have "that revolting monster" placed in one of the jail cells.
With that, Aragorn's job was finished, but he decided to stay a few days in Mirkwood (because, why not?). Legolas turned to his father when Aragorn was gone and asked, "Tell me, father, is this man a good man?"
Thranduil stared intently at Legolas and realized with a jolt that he was no longer a child but really, a man. He no longer had that baby fat or that child-like clumsiness and body shape; no, Legolas was grown, tall, and had litheness to his body. Inwardly, he sighed and smiled, happy to see his son grow up into such a fine, young elf.
"Yes, I know a good man when I see one. It would be nice if you two became friends. Aragorn is a faithful friend who treasures family and friends above all."
Legolas nodded, feeling a little bit embarrassed after threatening Aragorn like that, especially one who was to become king. He left his father and headed off in search of Aragorn, hoping to see if he would take some of his time to go hunting with him later. A friendship with Aragorn would be very much valued indeed.