*I was writing this chapter and noticed how long it is. I mean, wow, this is 11th chapter! I didn't even notice when I reached 5th chapter, and what about 11th :DWell, I have a feeling that this chapter contains too many flashbacks (two exactly xd) but I hope it is okay for you. ;) And, I want you to know that I know elves sleep with opened eyes, but I find it a little creepy, you know, this is why in my story they do it with eyes closed. xD

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

~~~Chapter 11~~~

When they finished, they came back to others. They found Boromir and Frodo awake.

"Strider, good morning! And good morning to you too, Legolas." smiled the hobbit seeing two friends approaching.

They smiled back to him and also to Boromir.

"Morning my friends. You woke up quite early." said the ranger.

"Really? I feel like I have slept for too long. I got used to waking up earlier."

"But you two had woken up even earlier than us. What's the reason of that?" asked Boromir.

They looked at each other.

"We always wake up early. It's nothing new." answered Aragorn observing Legolas' expression on his light face.

He saw hidden fear in his eyes and doubtful look. But he was fighting bravely. Boromir also hasn't missed this gaze. Legolas was still afraid of him. Although he was trying his best to make him feel comfortable in his presence, the prince didn't trust a man.

'C'mon Legolas, you can do it, it won't be the first time you talk to him.' he was figthing with his fear in his mind.

"Yeah, Es... Aragorn is right. We always wake up at dawn or even before it." he smiled to the human.

Aragorn looked at him with a proud smile and petted his back gently to give him support.

"I cannot get out from the admiration for this place. It's as beautiful as Ithilien or even Gondor." he said looking around.

"Is Gondor that beautiful?" asked Frodo.

"Oh yeah, it is. My father takes good care of this city. He loves it as his own home."

"It is his home." smiled Aragorn and sat next to the human.

"Indeed. You both live in Rivendell, right?"

"Yes, we used to. Now, it is in doubt if we will ever come back there." whispered Legolas quietly looking into Frodo's blue eyes.

"We all will come back, we shouldn't doubt it." said suddenly Sam, who approached.

When did he wake up? And how long has he been eavesdropping?

"Sam, hi!" smiled Frodo. "Sit here."

Sam came up and obeyed his friend. Then, he looked at their faces and his gaze fell on the view under them.

"What were you talking about because I want to join?"

"I asked Aragorn and Legolas if they live in Rivendell normally."

"And we answered 'yes'."

"It must be amazing. You know, living with elves. Every day seeing them and talking with them." said Sam and glanced at Legolas, who smiled.

"I don't know. I'd rather say... It's hard." smiled Aragorn.

"How so? I thought you enjoy my presence..." chuckled the prince pretending to be offended.

"Of course I do. I mean, it's hard to hide something from them. Or eventually, run away from them. They are so quick, better not to make jokes on them." explained the ranger.

Legolas hearing this laughed quietly. It was true, Aragorn has never done a successful joke on him. Only once, on Elladan. But it was long time ago. Even before his kidnapping.

"Kinda true, I must say. He has never done it correctly."

"How long have you been friends?" asked Frodo.

They exchanged gazes and smiled lightly.

"We met very long time ago. I've already lived in Rivendell."

"But I have not. We met in the forest."

"Yeah, I was passing through Mirkwood, sent by Lord Elrond to visit Elvenking."

"And he got into trouble with spiders..."

"You what?" asked Boromir. He couldn't believe that such a warrior like Aragorn lost with spiders.

"Yes I... I wasn't prepared, okay?" he said and Legolas laughed.

"It's actually true."

"And Legolas appeared from nowhere and killed all of them."

"Oh, don't be modest, you killed some of them too."

~~~o*o~~~

He was passing another trees. It was slowly getting dark. He was afraid of darkness in such woods. Mirkwood even at noon isn't very cosy place, what about a night? He, of course, hadn't got any torch because "No Ada, I will be alright without it." So he walked in darkness, barely see anything when he heard a branch over him. He looked up, hoping it is only a wind. But the night was warm. Without it. He felt somebody. Or something. Whatever it was, it was observing him.

"Who's there?" he asked blocking his fear.

Nobody answered. So he continued his walk but then, another 'crack' filled the air.

"Show yourself!"

This time, a laugh responded. He was trying to see anything but nothing appeared in this darkness. Suddenly, something jumped on him and he found himself buried in brown leaves on the ground.

"What have we got here? A lost traveller?" the hoarse and quiet whisper asked.

Aragorn looked at the figure on him, it was a tarantula.

"My kids are very hungry, so I guess it's good to bump into you at this time..."

The ranger moaned something and kicked the creature. It screeched eerily and after a second, new ones came. He was surrounded and alone. He drew out his sword, but he was outnumbered. And when the one spider was about to attack him, an arrow shot it in the eye. The beast fell dead, and the human looked up, searching for a source which caused tarantula's death. High on a branch, he saw a light person. He saw only its blonde hair. But when the mystery rescuer jumped down, he saw everything. He was an elf. He didn't have a chance to take a closer look on him, because he was killing spiders very quickly, but graceful. So he joined. Together, they got rid of all in less than two minutes. Then, they looked at each other.

"You shouldn't walk here at night, alone." the elf said. His skin was very fair, and his blonde hair was touching his shoulders gracefully.

"Hannon le." he bowed with his head with a hand on his heart.

The blonde archer looked at him curiously. His light blue eyes were glowing.

"Pedich i lam edhellen?"

Aragorn nodded slowly. The elf didn't look suspicious, nor unfriendly.

"Man ce? A man le carel si?"

"Im Estel, ion en Elrond." he introduced himself.

"Son of Elrond? You are not an elf..." he switched to the Common Tongue.

"He adopted me after my parents had died."

"I'm sorry to hear it."

"No need to. I've introduced myself. Now, who are you?"

"... Legolas." he said quickly, didn't even looking at the man.

This name was telling him something but he couldn't think of what it could be.

"Nice to meet you, Legolas." he smiled and bowed with his head again.

"A pleasure is all mine. But you haven't answered me yet. I've asked what are you doing here alone at night? It's foolish of you, this forest is very dangerous."

"I know. But I am sent here by Lord Elrond to meet with the king and his son. But I think I got lost."

"A king and his son?"

"Yes, do you know the way? I really do not know this forest as well as you, of this I am sure."

"I can lead you to the king and our kingdom. But don't expect a nice welcome there."

"And why?" they eyes met. He really knew this face, but from where?

"Our king is... not exactly kind, especially for men and I can see you are one."

"Well, I am not a normal human, to be honest, but I don't know if I should trust you. We've only just met."

"I understand. Now, follow me. And be more careful in the future. Especially here." he turned away on his heels and started walking.

Aragorn could see sadness in his blue eyes, but he didn't dare to ask. They don't know each other.

~~~o*o~~~

"And what was next?" asked Sam.

"Well, he lead me to the Elvenking."

Sam and Frodo looked at each other and Frodo asked:

"You didn't know Legolas is this son you were looking for. Or did you?"

"No, I didn't. But I knew his face. I forgot that before our meeting some elves from Mirkwood had been invited to Rivendell on meetings. And he accompanied his father very often. But I was too young to take a part in these so I'd never met him before."

"Who is older? Mr. Legolas or you?"

"Well, this is really complicated. Really. And I don't want to bother you with that."

"Understood. But, tell us just how did you discover Legolas is a prince." said Boromir.

Friends looked at each other and smiled. Legolas nodded, allowing him to tell the rest of the story.

~~~o*o~~~

The elf has been leading him for a long time. He really got lost. Perhaps Valar sent him this archer to show him the way.

They stopped before a big gate, passing the bridge. A big palace appeared in front of them. He has never been here, so the view was amazing.

"Welcome to the heart of Mirkwood. Better not disappear from my sight." said Legolas.

Aragorn looked at him and nodded lightly. They went into the palace and he saw many guards and civil people. Everyone was bowing to his new-met friend, and he didn't know the reason.

'He must be someone important.' he thought.

They were walking for eternity, until they stopped in front of big, decorated door.

"Here, you will find the king here."

"You aren't going with me?"

"I hadn't got it in my plans..."

Aragorn, seeing mysterious look on the elf's face, sighed quietly. He was intriguing. But who was he?

"That's a pity, I thought I could enjoy a companion."

Legolas glanced at him with some kind of... fear? He remained silent for a moment and then, nodded sighing.

"Fine. I will go with you. But... promise me you won't turn your back from me after that."

"Why, fine. I promise." he smiled but was wondering why could he leave him after this conversation.

The elf smiled back lightly and nodded, opening the door. He stepped as first one, not saying a word.

"Who decided to interrupt my break?" asked a cold, calm voice on the sound of the door.

Aragorn saw king's back. He was tall. His long, blonde hair was full of grace and perfection. The king turned around and saw them, looking into their eyes.

"Legolas, you are late as always. Can't you just once be here at the right time?"

"I apologise for my disobedience. It won't happen again..." he bowed.

"I wish I could believe you, but I cannot. You always say the same and then, disappear for hours."

Legolas closed his eyes, hiding pain in them. Aragorn saw sadness painted on his face. They know each other. Is Legolas his guard or something? But they look so similar. Could he be... a golden prince of Mirkwood, his son? He wandered off, but shortly thereafter, he felt a cold gaze upon him. The Elvenking looked straight into his grey eyes.

"And who's your... new friend?" he asked taking a closer look at him.

"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Among elves known as Estel, foster son of Lord Elrond, your Majesty." he bowed.

Legolas looked at him with questionable and curious gaze.

"And what do you want from me?"

"Lord Elrond sent me here. He told me to discuss something with you and the prince. He said you, your Majesty, will know what."

"Ah yes, yes, I remember now, yes. You've already met my son Legolas, I see."

"Y-your son?" he asked looking at Legolas. The blonde elf sighed quietly, seemed embarassed.

"Yes, he is so hopeless, don't you agree? I am actually curious why Elrond want him to be a part of our conversation. He can't do even one small thing right."

"I-" the prince tried to defend himself.

"Quiet Legolas. I am not talking to you right now. Of course son of Elrond, I will tell my people to take you to your room. Take a rest and tomorrow, come to breakfast. Legolas will show you the way, if he doesn't be late." he looked at his son angrily. "Now, go away you both. I want to rest in peace."

Aragorn bowed and saw Legolas did the same. He was now worried about the situation between them. He finally understands what his Ada meant by

"The prince needs our help, give him our helpful hand and bring him to Rivendell."

He heard that Elrond sent also Elladan and Elrohir to Gandalf, he is needed as well.

They left the room in silence, Aragorn saw tears in the prince's blue eyes, but he was too ashamed to start a conversation.

~~~o*o~~~

"It came suddenly, when I went with him to king Thranduil's room, and he told me that I've already met his son." he hid many things of the story. He knew Legolas didn't want anyone to know, especially Boromir.

"It's really interesting mr. Aragorn. But we still don't know why mr Legolas lived in Rivendell later."

"Uh, it is story... for the next time." said the elf quickly.

Aragorn looked at him and nodded lightly, understanding why he doesn't want to talk about it.

"Now, let's wait for the rest, we have been invited to dinner."

"Dinner? With elves?" asked Sam, smiling widely.

"Yes, Sam, with elves." smiled Aragorn.

"This is amazing. Will we hear about some elvish adventures?"

"I don't know. But I'm sure Haldir will tell you something if you ask him."

And now, woke up Gimli and Merry. Pippin was still sleeping.

"Good morning everyone. Did we miss something?" asked Merry coming up to them with Gimli behind.

"Well, Legolas and Strider told us how they have met." responded Frodo quietly.

Everyone seemed to be in a very good mood. It was probably because of the beauty of Lothlórien. This realm makes every traveller lighter and happier. Some stories tell it's because of Lady Galadriel. She is known as the lightest lady in entire Middle-Earth. It looks like they all were under her spell. It even feels like that.

"At what time this dinner will be?" asked excited Sam. Dinner with elves, was he in Hall of Mandos or something like it?

"Here, all elves eat at the same time. It is in two hours." answered him Aragorn.

"Great! I can't wait! We're going to talk to elves!" smiled the hobbit and looked at Legolas.

The elf smiled back and nodded, understanding an excitement of Sam. When he was a small elfling, he has also always wanted to dine with others. Not only elves, but others. Until he moved to Rivendell, he has been eating in his room, alone, not allowed to leave the palace without a permission of his father.

But this is the past, it won't return. It's over.

T.B.C

Dictionary:

Hannon le - Thank you

Pedich i lam edhellen? - Do you speak elvish?

Man ce? - Who are you?A man le carel si? - And what are you doing here?

Im Estel - I'm Estel

Ion en Elrond - Son of Elrond