Elladan was reading in a bed in the healers' wards when Legolas came to visit. The princeling looked troubled as he sat down beside the bed. "I have been an inadequate host by letting you be in such great danger. I apologize."
"I would say that this is not all that bad, mellon-nîn. Besides, you fought as loyally as any good friend would. And, I would like to add, as well as any archer I have ever seen." Legolas flushed at the unexpected praise.
"But your brother killed at least 5 at close range. That would rank among the captains of our army. And you managed to shoot a good number with your injury. I was not especially commendable."
Elladan was surprised at Legolas' humility. He had an air of competence and independence about him, yet he seemed unaware. "You also kept very calm, for the situation, and I would thank only you for getting the two of us back safely since Ro was the one who got us into trouble in the first place." Legolas laughed a little at that.
"Thank you." He added hesitantly, "would you be willing to come again?"
"If your father doesn't exile us from the whole forest, yes. It would be a great pleasure to do so. Perhaps I will ask him now."
"I will go with you," Legolas said with the tiniest hint of reluctance. He grabbed Elladan's crutches from where they leaned against the foot of his bed. Elladan tilted his head and looked at them.
"These confounded contraptions do more harm than good," he said with personal hatred for them.
Legolas frowned. "It is quite simple, really. I have hurt my legs several times climbing in trees." He demonstrated, swinging along smoothly.
"Oh. No one has ever told me how to use them. Thank you." Elladan grinned sheepishly, getting up and trying it out himself. He moved a bit gingerly, as if he suspected he would fall down at any time.
The two of them burst out laughing by the time Elladan had reached the door. "I am sorry, but you look like a young elf learning to skate for the first time," Legolas gasped out. Elladan didn't take offense.
"I guess it is not that hard. Come on, then, let us go." He seemed a little less cautious than before.
It did not take very long to gain an audience with the king. Elladan attempted a bow on the way in, but Thranduil waved him off. "Do not bother," he said with good humor. "What is it you boys want?"
"I would like them to come back again some time," Legolas said. "We will try not to get in as much trouble next time."
"I should hope so. Very well, if you wish it to be so it will."
"And another thing, Your Majesty?" Thranduil inclined his head, so Elladan went on. "My father will be greatly displeased if he learns what happened. If you could avoid telling him, I would be greatly indebted to you."
"How can I tell Elrond if I do not truly know what happened?" Elladan grinned and refrained from hugging Thranduil. He would not like that very much. "Run along now. Or I guess crutch."
When the door shut behind them, Legolas couldn't help himself. "My Adar made a pun. How did you get him to do that? You must be a genius."
"It was not a very good one." But when Elladan thought seriously, it was not that hard to figure out why. "And I think he is only being familiar with me because of you. Since you like me, he makes an effort to do the same. He loves you, mellon, loves you more than you or I could possibly imagine."
~S~
It was early morning, with just a touch of light turning the sky grey. Each blade of grass was loaded down by globes of moisture which brushed off onto their clothing.
Elrond and Thranduil had extended the visit after letters were sent to Elrond explaining that Elladan had accidentally fallen off his horse while riding in the forest and broken his leg. It seemed like a weak lie to Elladan, but either Elrond hadn't realized or he understood what it was like to be young and reckless.
Elladan and Elrohir's horses were loaded down with supplies cheerfully provided by the Elves of Mirkwood, and between them stood Legolas' Sadorant. All three seemed coiled to bolt, but Legolas calmed them with soothing nonsense syllables.
"Is there anything you aren't good at?" Elrohir inquired incredulously. "As much as I love him, my Tal does not calm that easily. He makes for an aware mount in dangerous times, but not as much when the danger is immediate." Legolas flushed once more, muttering that he very much doubted he was better with Elrohir's own horse.
When they reached the edge of the wood, Legolas waved until they left his sight completely. Then he vaulted onto his horse's back and they tore together into the forest. He had already begun to plan their next visit.
Will Elrond find out what they did? Tune in next time to find out XD. Thanks a lot to all the people who took time to review, follow, favorite etc. I appreciate it a lot :-). Please leave a comment on the way out!