Tauriel had been en route to the Hills of Evendium when she encountered a company of orcs just north of Rivendell. It would be folly to attempt attacking the company on her own, and so she hid well camouflaged in the trees. It became clear that she was not alone in spying on the orcs when a group of riders attacked shortly after.

She decided to stay down, as it was apparent that these were skilled riders, choosing instead to observe the elves of Rivendell, judging from their uniform, as they fought. A pair of twins caught her eyes, as she realized that they must be the sons of Elrond.

They fought differently from her own soldiers, their expressions lighter and demeanor far more cheerful than she had thought possible for elves who were fighting creatures as foul as orcs. Lords Elrohir and Elladan were engaged in a game, she realized, as they called to each other. It would be folly to think that they were fooling around, she realized, for behind the playful demeanor, there was a purpose to their movement that marked them as skilled warriors.

Lords Elrohir and Elladan had a very special fighting style, she noticed, as they effortlessly circled against each other, fighting with a unity and speed that she admired. The huge company of orcs was beginning to falter. Tauriel smiled to herself, thinking that she would have liked to befriend the pair of brothers.

Suddenly, she saw a glint in the distance and realized that there was a separate group of orcs that remained unnoticed. A quick glance towards the brothers told her all she needed to make a quick decision, and she let loose an arrow. She didn't need a second glance to tell her that her aim was true, and she quickly sprung into action, knowing that her position had been compromised with that shot.

Leaping from the tree, she simultaneously shot another arrow before breaking her fall with a quick roll. One of the brothers caught her gaze, and sent her a quick nod of thanks before striking down another orc.

Well, she thought bemusedly, it looks like she was going to get the chance to befriend the pair of brothers after all.

Legolas had settled into a comfortable routine with the Dunedain, who, interestingly, had seemed to accept him with open arms after the episode with Halbarad. Estel, as he had gotten used to calling Strider, had badgered him into teaching him the healing skills of the elves. And he had caught the soft lament that the man had uttered, "Elbereth, I should have given Elrond more attention when he tried to teach me."

An intriguing man this Estel was, Legolas had thought. He was growing fond of the young man and his easy manner. Someone named him aptly, for he sensed that Estel indeed brought hope to his people, and in some ways, his heart was getting lighter for the friendship they had begun to build.

Halbarad was healing nicely, judging from Melyanon's perpetually exasperated looks as she watched her husband constant attempts to join in the patrols. He could tell that the only thing that was keeping Halbarad from sneaking away with the patrols despite Estel's insistence that he heal completely first was Garion's exuberance from having his father home.

Little Garion was the darling of the Dunedain and he could easily understand why. The fragile child with his wide eyes and cheeky grin had easily won him over. The innocence that he represented was a rarity in these troubled times.

"Mellon nin," Estel placed a hand over his shoulder as he came to sit beside him and watch the night sky, "what occupies your thoughts?"

Legolas grimaced, "Worrisome thoughts. I worry about my people whom I had selfishly left behind in haste to escape my own pain."

Estel paused, before admitting, "Legolas Thranduilion, even princes are not spared from the emotions that can cripple us. Do not be surprised, for I knew your identity from the moment you introduced yourself."

"I wasn't aware that the Dunedain paid attention to the houses of the elves," Legolas commented, surprised.

"No, indeed," Estel admitted, "But I wasn't taught in the tradition of the Dunedain. In truth, I grew up in the House of Elrond after my father died. As such, I am well versed in the elven ways and traditions."

"You are an interesting man, Estel," Legolas smiled as he turned back to gaze at the night sky, glad to know a bit more about his new friend. They fell into silence, but it was a companionable one.