Chapter 7 is here! I know it's been a while, but I hope you enjoy

Chapter 7

"So, you're saying that elves were the first beings created?" Harry asked as he gazed down at the book before him.

"That's right" Jaida smiled.

"And we can live for thousands of years?" Harry still couldn't quite wrap his head around that one.

"Yes, that's correct. Though we can still be killed just like any other living thing."

Harry nodded returning back to the book he was reading. He liked when the study sessions were like this. Just him reading and asking questions about anything that interested him or anything he didn't understand.

Jaida would do his own work, which seemed to be some kind of author, responding whenever Harry asked him something.

It was all very interesting, and Harry liked the fact that there was no pressure, no exams. Jaida had decided after the first few weeks to let Harry's interests guide where there learning went. So far it had mostly been trying to learn some of the history of his new race. They had also started practicing basic phrases in Sindarin, just things like good morning, thank you and goodbye so far. Harry thought he would struggle with the language, but it seemed to come naturally to him.

"What exactly is a dwarf?" Harry asked, brow furrowing over a passage he was reading. They hadn't yet started learning to read Sindarin, so Harry was eternally grateful for the books that were in Westron. Jaida had translated them all himself.

"Well, it is another race found here on middle earth" Jaida explained. "They are short, stout creatures. Very hairy. They mine precious gems and create things of beauty out of metal."

Harry looked intrigued by that.

"There is actually a settlement a few days ride from here, called Erebor. Perhaps one day you can visit and meet a dwarf."

"I'd like that" Harry said thoughtfully, his mind trying to conjure up probably very inaccurate images of what a dwarf looks like.

"Elves and dwarves have quite a tumultuous history" a voice spoke up and Harry spun to find Thranduil making his way into the library where they were sitting. Harry smiled warmly at the king, though not as open and forthcoming as his son, Thranduil had been nothing but kind to Harry since he'd arrived.

Jaida snorted at that.

"We try to leave the past in the past, but that is sometimes harder than you think it will be" Thranduil continued as he sat down beside Harry. The king quite often joined them during their studies.

"Should I be worried about them?" Harry asked not sure if he needed to be prepared for a potential conflict if he came across a dwarf.

"They may not be especially kind, but they shouldn't do any worse than throw a few insults around."

Harry hummed in acknowledgement.

"You should be more cautious around men."

"Why men?" Harry asked curiously.

"They both fear and idolise us, and you may not know which it is until it is too late."

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine at that.

"Are there any other races I should know about?"

"Well, there are hobbits" Jaida spoke up, opening a book and placing it in front of Harry. "They are a race that live very far from here. They are small and value their families and food. A quite agreeable and cosy people."

"They sound quite lovely" Harry said. "Could I perhaps meet a hobbit one day as well?"

Thranduil chuckled, "perhaps. They don't venture out of their homes very often but that's not to say that the opportunity will never present itself."

"Are there any others?" Harry asked, Jaida and Thranduil shared a look.

One of Harry's favourite things about this place is that no one lied to him. Well, no one had so far, that he was aware of. They either told him the truth or that they simply couldn't tell him the truth and left it at that. There were no lies and manipulations. This time was no different.

"There is another" Jaida started. "They are called orcs. They are desolate creatures that hunt and kill all those in their path. A perversion that threatens all that is good and right with our world."

"So those are the ones to avoid?"

"Yes, most definitely."

Jaida rummaged through a book until he found an image, turning towards Harry so he could see.

Harry stared at the creature before him, well… it sure was ugly. Maybe he would need to learn some fighting skills in this world after all, if only to be able to defend himself and others if he ever came across one of these creatures.

"Do you remember, a few weeks ago when we were discussing the different elf settlements?" Thranduil asked.

"Yes, you said there were two other main settlements."

"Correct" Thranduil nodded. "Well when you arrived and we were unsure of your origins I sent word to the other settlements, not mentioning you specifically but asking if they had heard of an elfling being born. Well, it seems that this has roused their curiosity and we are expecting a visit from Elrond and his children as well as Galadriel and her husband Celeborn."

Harry wondered why Thranduil looked like he was chewing on a lemon.

"Oh no?" Harry said unsurely, not sure what his reaction should be to this news. Was it not good that they were visiting?

Thranduil chuckled at the tiny, confused elf before him.

"It's not necessary a bad thing, little one. I just find them to be quite… bothersome."

Harry grinned, biting his tongue to keep the cheeky comment in.

Thranduil sighed as he started to stand up, "we should expect them some time in the next week."

Harry's not sure he had any right to sound as put out as he did, he supposed he would see when these newcomers arrived.

He waved goodbye to Thranduil before leaning up to stretch, holding back a small yawn that had Jaida looking at him fondly.

"I think I might go out to the gardens for a little while."

"Of course, I will let Legolas know if he comes looking for you."

"Thank you" Harry said sincerely, climbing down from the very comfortable armchair he had been sitting in.

His body thrummed as he made his way out to the gardens. He had tried casting spells, but so far none had been successful. He felt like he still had his magic though, could feel it coursing through him at different times. The only outlet that he had seemed to be able to find was, well, gardening. His magic urged him into the gardens every day and though he wasn't sure exactly what he was doing he was sure that his magic was coming through in his gardening. The plants were stronger, healthier, more vibrant. He always felt calmer, more settled after being in the gardens, tired as well. Like he'd been working harder then he actually had.

Today was one of the few times that Legolas had not joined him in the gardens. The older elf was busy training with some other elves. Apparently, they had been getting slack without Legolas there to watch over them.

Harry had had to chuckle at that, he didn't think such a thing existed. Every elf he had met was exceedingly hard working, all contributing happily to the wellbeing of their community.

Harry wandered further then usual, without Legolas there to guide him. Finding a beautifully carved bench that looked like it had seen better days. He set to work on the garden beds in front of the bench where it looked like rose bushes were struggling to grow. Harry had found the further he got away from the palace the worse the gardens became. He supposed he couldn't blame the gardeners; the area was huge and would be a lot for anyone to manage.

He worked for hours, trimming, pruning, turning soil and watering and the whole while Harry felt his magic stirring inside of him.

He looked at the bench and an idea came to him. Maybe he could do this area up for Legolas. Clean the bench and work the garden beds until they were brimming with life again. It could be a place Legolas could come when he needed peace and a way for Harry to show just how much he appreciated everything the elf had done for him.

His heart warmed at the idea; Legolas had quickly become the most important person to him since he'd arrived in this place. The blonde elf was kind and caring but strong and fierce in a way that made Harry feel safe and protected. Something he had next to no experience with. He had come to think of Legolas as a mix between older brother… and father. His heart skipped a beat at that, and he blushed furiously at the idea of Legolas as a father type figure for him. Not that he would ever tell the blonde elf that that is what he was feeling.

He sat on the ground, looking around the area and pondering the different things he would do to make it beautiful for Legolas.

As he stood and brushed off his clothes, he felt determination set in. It made him feel good to know he was doing something nice for Legolas, he just hoped the other elf appreciated the gesture.

He didn't see Legolas again until dinner time, and he wasn't even embarrassed when he lifted up his arms to be picked up as soon as the blonde walked into the room.

Legolas made a bee line for him as soon as he entered the room, scooping Harry up into his arms and holding him close.

"I'm sorry I've been gone all day" Legolas murmured into Harrys curls.

"It's OK, I understand" Harry said quietly, causing Legolas to hold him even closer.

They made their way over to the table, just the three of them for dinner, like usual.

Harry had found that though breakfast quite often included others dinner was reserved solely for the three of them.

"Why don't you tell me about your day?" Legolas asked as he placed Harry into his highchair.

"Oh, it wasn't much different from any other day" Harry said shyly, thinking about his gift for Legolas. "Some studying and then some time in the gardens. It was nice."

"I was actually thinking I may like to learn how to fight and shoot, when I'm older" Harry continued.

Legolas looked surprised at that.

Harry looked to Thranduil for a moment, "we were learning about different races this morning and one of them are orcs" Harry explained. "I'd hate to come across one of them one day and not know how to stop them."

Legolas nodded grimly.

"That is a very good point" Legolas conceded, "but only when you're ready, there is no rush."

Harry nibbled at the salad in front of him, there is no rush… it was a novel concept.

"I was also telling Harry about our visitors who will be arriving sometime in the next week" Thranduil said from his place next to Legolas.

Legolas actually looked excited at the prospect of the visitors.

"Don't listen to father, Harry, they are not as bad as he made out."

"He actually didn't say anything bad about them" Harry laughed "only that they were 'bothersome.'"

Legolas started laughing at that.

"What!?" Thranduil said with a sniff, "they are."

When Harry went to bed a few days later he found a small training bow waiting on his pillow, with a note from Legolas. Whenever you're ready.

It was nearly a whole week after that day in the library that their visitors finally arrived. Harry and Legolas had been painting, something that the older enjoyed and was teaching Harry about, when a guard appeared at the door.

"They are here" Laston said solemnly, not needing to expand further.

"Thank you" Legolas said, putting down their painting things and scooping Harry up. "We must go and prepare for them" he explained, walking briskly back to their rooms. "Father will have them waiting in the throne room."

They walked into Harry's room and Legolas picked out an outfit for him. A beautiful soft blue shirt and grey leggings.

"Change out of your painting clothes and put these on, I'll meet you back here in a few minutes."

Harry did as he was told, understanding that who he was about to meet were obviously important guests. He pulled on the soft clothing and even attempted to straighten his hair, which was about as successful as it always had been in his old life.

True to his word Legolas was back in a few minutes and Harry was surprised to find that their outfits matched. Soft blue shirts and grey leggings. Harry supposed he wanted to show them as a united front to these visitors.

They walked to the throne room, this time however Legolas didn't pick him up but instead walked beside him holding his hand. They walked calmly, as though without a care in the world and though Legolas had claimed to like these visitors Harry could feel the subtle tension running through his body.

Harry could hear Thranduil's voice as they approached and the murmur of others that he couldn't quite make out.

Legolas squeezed his hand once, before pushing the door open and entering.

Harry blinked at the large assortment of unfamiliar elves before him, much more then he'd been expecting and who all had turned when they had entered.

Harry squirmed as he found himself at the centre of everyone's attention.

"So, it's true" a tall elf with long dark hair breathed. "An elfling."