CHAPTER 13

The years that passed were but a blink of an eye to Legolas, but time passed differently for elves than it did for men. It was surreal, for little Garion was now a strapping teen, and in the eyes of the Dunedain, almost a man grown. And even as he had grown fond of these people, had studied them somewhat intellectually at large, and learnt to respect their resilience; his heart began to yearn for the deep forests that was home.

Estel, despite the close friendship they'd built over the years, remained somewhat of a mystery. "Nonetheless," Legolas thought as set his twin blades down, having cleaned off the Orc blood thoroughly after the latest skirmish, "perhaps it had mattered not what his true name was." His father had given him an excuse to stay away for as long as he wanted; it was time he went home.

But before that, he would join his friend on one final journey - this time to Rivendell. It had been unusual for his friend to ask this of him, but something troubled Estel. He could tell from the shadow that had passed briefly over his young friend's expression. For a peculiar reason, the turmoil shining from his eyes had struck him. It was oddly familiar.

They'd said their farewells to the remaining Dunedain, and set off on their way. Throughout the journey, Estel had regaled him him tales of Rivendell; of Lord Elrond, whose sons Elrohir and Elladan acted as he playmates while he was growing up. Of the pair of free spirited elves, who more than anything, taught him how to have fun. And of the Evenstar, whom he had yet to meet, but whose beauty was said to rival only her grandmother's, the Lady Galadriel.

But Legolas learnt more from what he hadn't said. Estel, who needed the pair of brothers to teach him how to have fun, had grown up with the weight of the Dunedain on his shoulders. He had talked about Lord Elrond with a mixture of respect, intimidation and yearning – perhaps for a father whom he had no memories of.

It reminded him of his own mother, but he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind, for the city of Rivendell was in sight. They had more important work to do.

"My lady," Tauriel called out to Arwen, who, as usual was surrounded by adoring elves. But it was not only her beauty that attracted those elves of both genders, for her gentle nature and occasional glimpses of spunk also endeared her greatly to the elleths, whom deemed her not as competition, but leader.

As Arwen turned to greet her cheerfully with a dazzling smile, Tauriel bit back the grin that threatened to appear on her face. She could almost hear the gentle rebuke. I told you not to stand on formalities...

They were as different night and day; healing as opposed to killing, Arwen's nature resembled that of earth, which gently nurtured as opposed to her own blazing temper. It was no wonder that while Arwen drew people in, she, in turn, intimidated most. Regardless, Tauriel was grateful to have made a female friend in Arwen, for she had made no female friend whom she could confide in. Men were her comrades and oftentimes Tauriel suspected, they forgot that she was an elleth too. It was for the better, she had decided, for it mattered more to her that she was seen as an equal.

"Tauriel! Manke nae lle?" Arwen beamed. "We're expecting visitors from the north. My father has invited you to join us." The other elves had looked slightly curious by that statement, for it was a rare honor to be invited so.

"Gandalf the Grey is here," Arwen's brow furrowed ever so little, "and I suspect he has important news to bring to us."

Just then, Elrohir and Elladan appeared and upon spying their sister with her back to them, winked simultaneously at Tauriel before creeping towards Arwen. Tauriel bit back a smile, keeping her expression relaxed as she conversed with Arwen. From the corner of her eye, she kept a close watch as they got nearer. Three... Two... One...

The blunt end of a dagger hit Elladan squarely on his forehead.

"Wha-," Elladan's jaw dropped as he narrowed his eyes at her mock angrily, while Elrohir burst into peels of laughter together with the rest of the elves surrounding Arwen.

Tauriel smirked, "You didn't think I'd forgotten your last prank on me, did you? It took me hours to find all my arrows - and you even left one in Lord Elrond's room! Did you know how mortifying it was to ask for permission to enter your father's abode?"

Elladan laughed as Arwen attempted to bite back a smile, bless her for trying despite her obvious failure. "Oh, but Tauriel, you have to admit that was funny. Come on. Did you see my father's face?!"

"Did you see mine?" Tauriel retorted, "I don't think I'll ever recover from the embarrassment."

Elrohir clapped her on the shoulder, half-laughing as he attempted to reassure her, "I know Father thought it was amusing too. It's just his face."

It took all she could not to laugh at Elrohir's uncanny imitation of Lord Elrond's expression.

"I have been but twice to Rivendell, and it always seems to strike me how breathtaking this is," Legolas commented as he gazed at his surroundings.

"I have lived here for half my life, and travelled extensively for the other half," Estel replied, "and trust me when I say that I am struck by the very same realization every time I return."

Estel turned to nod his thanks to the guard for letting them in, before doing a double take at the sight of a familiar face just behind him. "Glorfindel! Nae saian luume'. What are you doing here?"

The unusually tall elf smiled at Estel as he turned briefly to acknowledge Legolas, "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion. We weren't expecting you, but Estel sent word ahead that he would have a companion. Please pardon the fact that more suitable accommodation wasn't prepared."

"Think no more on that; it is not of importance to me," Legolas replied.

"I have come to greet my pupil, of course," Glorfindel smirked at Estel. "After all, he hadn't deemed fit to visit his teacher in years." Legolas noticed Estel wincing, almost imperceptibly, but before he could give a reply, Glorfindel continued, "I'll show you to your rooms. Lord Elrond sends his regrets for the hastiness, but he would like you to meet Gandalf the Grey right after you've freshened up."

Legolas entered the hallway after changing into the fresh garments kindly prepared for him in search of Estel, whom he realized had seemed to have gotten his wish of meeting Arwen the Evenstar. He smiled at the awestruck look on his friend's face, secretly glad that Estel, at least, had managed to keep his wits about him, for they seemed to be deep in conversation. Alas, it was his unfortunate duty to interrupt, for Lord Elrond and Gandalf must be awaiting them.

"Lady Arwen," he called, "it has been a long time since I've had the pleasure of your company." Ever gracious, the lady turned to him with a welcoming smile. "Legolas Greenleaf, indeed, it has been far too long. When we last met, we were but a few hundred years old."

"My apologies for the interruption, but it seems that Lord Elrond and Gandalf the Grey have been expecting us," Legolas said. "Indeed, shall we make our way to the study; it is where they will be awaiting us. Shall we?"

Following her lead, they made their way to the study while chatting lightly about the twins' latest escapades. And as Arwen opened the door to the study, Legolas caught sight of flaming red hair – hair that he would recognize anywhere – and stopped short.

Tauriel glanced up at the door, thinking that Arwen must have arrived with their guests, and her heart skipped a beat. It's him.

Elvish phrases:

Manke nae lle? - Where were you?

Nae saian luume - It has been too long

Mae govannen - Well met

Author's Note:

I'm sorry this took so long! Hopefully I compensated with a slightly longer chapter this time. Your reviews really kept me going, and I hope to post the next chapter up soon!