Play the song above while you read, I promise it will transport you to Imladris...

Imladris was more stunning than Legolas could have imagined. The fortress was built on a magnificent stone outcropping along the Bruinen River. He was in luck, for the autumn leaves of the valley still clung to the trees. Crimson, amber, and gold dappled around the evergreens in a grand mosaic, sheltering Lord Elrond's majestic kingdom. The exquisite colors heralded all around him a song of welcome. Tiny gray plumes of smoke twirled happily into the air from scattered rooftops. An occasional gentle gust of wind, lifted readied leaves from their branches before dancing their way in languid spirals to the ground. He was certain, nothing his eyes had ever seen could rival the vision of Imladris in the fall.

Having just arrived, Legolas had been escorted by a cheery ellon, named Lindir to Lord Elrond's palace amongst the rocky cliffs. He stood alone, waiting in a quaint sitting room admiring the beautiful elven architecture.

With awe, he examined the intricacy of the airy room and marveled at the waterfalls that graced the view. Every inch of the space was thoughtfully constructed using elements of nature. At the heart of the room stood a grand arched window with exquisite detailing carved into the wood and stone. With such rich and ornate artistry, one could hardly tell what medium an element was constructed from; be it wood or stone. Legolas ran his hand along the entwined branches that laced around the grand arch of the window to discover that it was, in fact, stone.

Such beautiful elven craftsmanship, he mused, similar themes to that of his father's palace in the caves, yet different in its openness. There was a unique energy here, he thought, it was open and alive, yet serene as still water. An elf can breathe here, he thought, filling his chest with fresh air and exhaling indulgently.

Legolas was happy to wait for Lord Elrond to arrive so that he could take in the tranquil beauty of the scene around him. Being in Imladris, already felt like a sharp contrast to the previous week's events.

His back had been turned when he heard two female voices approaching, giggling and then one spoke; "Do you think he is as handsome as King Thranduil?"

The other voice chimed, "Maybe he is more handsome! Ada, you'll never guess what we heard? There is a visitor from Mirkwood amongst us! It has been said that King Thranduil's own son, the prince of the Woodland Realm, Legolas, is here in our Rivendell!"

And with that, Legolas turned around to see two beautiful elf maidens standing before him. Their faces looked surprised, as he certainly wasn't who they were expecting to see.

"Oh... greetings, my Lord...we apologize. We were looking for our adar," the dark haired elleth stepped forward and curtsied with flushed cheeks. "My name is Arwen and this is my sister Aerlinniel.

The light haired elleth glided forward and dropped her eyes to the floor, followed by a slightly stiff curtsy. "Forgive us my Lord, we were not aware we had company," her voice sounded deflated.

"And you are..?" The lady Arwen asked pointedly though he was certain she knew exactly who he was.

"Legolas of the Woodland Realm," he said smiling warmly as he glanced between the two ladies. "It is a pleasure to meet you both." He gracefully bowed with his right hand over his heart. Pausing for a moment, he rose back up and said cheekily, "I hope I do not disappoint."

The maidens stared at him in amazement as a hint of pink appeared upon their bashful faces.

Legolas felt a tinge of guilt for their discomfort, for a fleeting moment, alas it was too tempting to ignore what his ears had overheard.

A deep voice cut into the awkward silence, "Ah, Legolas, I see you have met my lovely daughters, Aerlinniel and Arwen," Lord Elrond stated as he made his entrance into the room. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long?"

The elf lord stood before him wearing an elegant silver and royal blue robe that flowed to the floor with a silver circlet upon his head. He was just as Legolas had remembered him; an ellon of measured grace that set anyone at ease simply by being in his presence.

"No, my lord, I was just enjoying the lovely view you have here," Legolas inadvertently flashed his eyes to the elf lord's fair daughters but then he turned and motioned to the lovely view from the large window. Lord Elrond smiled and looked beyond to the window, and the beautiful view it offered, and nodded reverently.

"Ah, yes, it is a site I never grow tired of," he mused and then returned his attention back to Legolas.

"It is an honor to meet with you my lord," Legolas bowed. "Thank you for receiving me without any notice."

"You are quite welcome here, Legolas Thranduilion. I must admit, I was quite surprised to hear of your arrival but a pleasant surprise at that!" Lord Elrond stood before him and placed his right arm upon Legolas' shoulder in sign of welcome.

"Mae govannen!" He said grasping Legolas' shoulder firmly. "It has been far too long since I have seen you! We have much to catch up on."

Legolas sensed a great presence of emotion in the elf lord's eyes as they seemed to grow distant for a moment. Legolas knew he was thinking of Lady Celebrían for her image flashed into his own mind.

Such beauty, goodness, purity and light are not so easily forgotten, Legolas thought, returning his gaze to Lord Elrond with that of compassion and condolence.

Lord Elrond soon broke out of his reverie and smiled lightly. "What brings you here to Rivendell unannounced, young prince? It is not every day we have a visitor from the Woodland Realm," he said with a raised brow.

"Yes, well, I am not coming directly from Mirkwood," Legolas explained. "I left Erebor with instructions from my father after the battle to find a young man known as Strider."

This struck a chord with the dark haired maiden. Her eyes narrowed and Legolas could sense her pondering what he wanted with him.

"Oh, son, forgive me for not realizing. I was so elated by your visit, I did not notice!" He raised his forearms up flustered with himself and shook his head. "Of course by your attire you have been in battle recently. Are you injured? Do you have need of a healer?" Elrond placed a comforting arm around Legolas' shoulders, as a father would his son.

"No, thank you, my Lord, I am fine. I am tired and travel weary but not hurt," he humbly replied.

"That does not surprise me young Legolas. Your father has boasted there is no finer warrior in Mirkwood's guard, than his son." He squeezed Legolas' shoulder before letting it go and then he stood before him. "He is quite proud of you," Lord Elrond smiled and crossed his arms over his chest.

Legolas nodded and spoke halfheartedly, "Yes that sounds like my ada."

Elrond laughed lightly, "You are modest, young prince."

Legolas smiled politely at his kind words but he couldn't help but remember the battle from which he had come. Flashes of struggle and bloodshed ran through his head. The destruction of Bolg, Thorin...slain...many elves – his kin, dwarves and humans...slain, the dissonance between he and his father... and then there was Tauriel. Legolas' eyes closed involuntarily to shed the traumatic visons from his mind. Upon reopening them, he felt extremely tired and wished to retire soon.

Lord Elrond's mood shifted then to that of concern and pulled Legolas away from his thoughts." I had received word via eagle from Mithrandir of the slaying of Thorin Oakenshield and that many elven and dwarfish lives were lost. I can imagine your father is out of sorts."

Legolas nodded gravely at his comment. That would be an understatement, he thought.

Keenly aware that Legolas was losing his will for conversation, Lord Elrond, steered their meeting to a close.

"Well, we have much to catch up on and there will be plenty of time for that. For now you should go and rest. I must tell you, you shall search no further, Strider, as you call him, is here in Rivendell."

Legolas, eyes widened in surprise at this news. He assumed he'd find him in the north amongst the Dùnedain.

"He is known to us as Estel. You can meet him tonight at dinner," Lord Elrond said clapping his hands together. "We will be having a small affair of family and close friends. You will be our special guest; won't you?"

Legolas observed the maidens exchange curious glances. Aerlinniel smiled at him with a welcoming nod and an inviting look upon her fair face.

With that look, Legolas thought, how could he refuse? Alluring ellith aside, he was quite eager to meet this Strider.

"I would be honored my lord," Legolas said, placing his hand to his heart.

"Wonderful," Elrond exclaimed. "Arwen, Aerlinniel, please take Prince Legolas to our guest quarters and make him comfortable." Lord Elrond offered Arwen a key.

"Yes, Ada," Arwen raised her palm to accept the key.

Elrond added, "Lindir, please fetch Frenland, and instruct him to act as valet for Prince Legolas. Have him bring the prince fresh clothes and refreshment and anything else he may need," he gestured with a wave of his hand.

"I will see that the prince is well cared for my Lord," Lindir assured.

"Thank you my lord, but I don't want to be too much trouble," Legolas interjected.

"Don't be silly, it is no trouble in fact, I believe you to be similar in size to my sons. The tailor will surely have something for you to wear. Not another word of it," Elrond insisted with a wave of his hand.

Legolas looked down at his tattered clothing and realized that all he had were the clothes on his back and they had clearly seen battle. He was sure he was a sight. He was certainly not prepared for a royal dinner party. 

"My lord, you are kind and generous. I am humbled by your care for me," Legolas said. Though it had been many years, Lord Elrond treated him as if he were his kin and that put Legolas at ease.

"Think nothing of it, my boy!" He beamed. "Dinner is at 7:00. I am eager for you to join us this evening. It has been such a long time. And I mean it when I say, stay as long as you like." He warmly added as he guided him toward the doorway. "If there is anything that you require during your time here, please don't hesitate to ask, Legolas."

"You are most gracious and kind, my lord." Legolas bowed and turned to follow the maidens to the guest quarters.

Arwen led the way and Aerlinniel followed behind her. As they walked, he couldn't help notice the elleth before him and his mind began to wander. The two sisters couldn't be more different in their appearance yet they had a similar manner. Arwen's hair was black as a starless night and Aerlinniel's was that of golden sunshine. Where Arwen clearly resembled her father, Aerlinniel had the look of her naneth. Arwen was statuesque while Aerlinniel was smaller in frame, yet feminine in shape. Arwen wore a crimson dress that suited her dark hair and fair skin. Aerlinniel's dress reminded him of last eve's sky as the sun set over the Misty Mountains; a pale pink that eased his weary mind. Her hair fell in loose waves that cascaded elegantly down her back and seemed to undulate as she walked. He remembered she was the elleth that his father and Lady Celebrian had wanted him to meet so many years ago. He now wondered why he so arrogantly declined the idea.

His thoughts then wandered to Tauriel. What must she have thought when she discovered he hadn't returned to Mirkwood? Did she miss him? She was surly surprised at his nerve to stand up to his father and actually leave. Beyond that, she was probably still grieving the dwarf, he sulked to himself.

For all its beauty, he missed the entire scenic walk from the palace to his private quarters. He wasn't even sure where he was and he certainly didn't know the way back! This was definitely not like him.

The trio stopped at the front door of a small but intricately carved cottage that stood at the edge of a cliff with the flowing river nestled behind. Arwen unlocked the door and Aerlinniel and Legolas followed her in. Aerlinniel began opening curtains and windows while Arwen gave him a tour of his new lodgings. There was a lounge suitable for receiving guests, an elegant and sizable bed chamber, bathing room and a private balcony overlooking a great waterfall. The rooms were decorated simply yet opulent. Legolas imagined this to be the lodgings his father would have been given upon his visits to Imladris.

He stood eyeing the bed, feeling so tired, he wanted nothing more than to throw himself upon it.

Aerlinniel returned to his side and he felt a gentle stirring within his weary fëa. "Is there anything we can get you to make you more comfortable, my lord?" Her voice was soft and soothing.

Legolas was becoming quite drained and all he wanted was to be left alone.

"I should like to clean up; but I do not have the proper sundries," he admitted coolly. He had always prided himself at being able to cloak his emotions well and he hoped now was no different.

Aerlinniel answered, "of course you don't, after days of travel and being in battle with nothing but the clothes on your back," her voice gentle as a summer's mist.

His mind struggled to stay coherent as his senses were dulling. She motioned for him to follow her to the bathing chamber.

He obligingly followed her lead without any words, for his body was becoming weak and nearly uncooperative.

"Here you will find everything you'll need." She gestured to a shelf, "there are a variety of soaps and oils for your bath, some fresh towels - a robe," she pointed to the back of the door. "Frendland will be by soon with some fresh clothes and the maids will bring you food and water for bathing. If you need anything my Lord," she turned her face towards him and he noticed her lips curved into a gentle smile, "he will gladly fetch it for you."

The thought passed his mind that she looked quite lovely but he was much too fatigued to care.

He attempted to collect himself, "Thank you my ladies... I shall feel quite at home," he assured them trying his best to sound composed as they walked back into the lounge.

He was grateful the maidens didn't linger. They bid him a restful afternoon and excused themselves.

After they left, he remained standing passively staring at the door in a slight daze wondering what to do with himself, when a knock at the door, a few moments later, pulled him out of his stupor. He walked over and opened it revealing a maid whom offered to prepare him a bath. He accepted her offer and kindly let her in.

"Will there be anything else I may do for you my lord?" The elleth bowed when she finished readying the bath.

"No, thank you. I shall bathe and rest for a while," he answered and gestured for her to leave.

He warily strode into the large bathing chamber and placed his hand in the tub and felt the water. It was invitingly warm and smelled of sandalwood. He undressed leaving his clothes on the back of a chair that sat beside the tub. Bruises littered is fair skin, the worst being on his back where he had fallen through the bridge during his tussle with Bolg. Paying little mind to his battered body, he stepped into the tub and slowly sank in until the warm water reached his shoulders. He let out a relieved sigh as he rested his weary head back and let his eyes close. His thoughts began to slip away as he drifted into a dreaming sleep.

"Can't get me!" Legolas shrieked to the young elleth as he bolted down the hill near his father's stables.

"Can too!" a tiny golden haired she-elfling sang back, chasing him with all her might.

The adults laughed as they watched the young elflings bolt down the hill after one another. Their giggles danced in the air as they darted through the trees. The forest had not yet darkened in the Greenwood and was a veritable playground for young and old alike.

The she-elfling, stood still for a moment trying to find her prey. She peeked around a tree and couldn't find Legolas anywhere.

"Boo!" Legolas exclaimed, leaping down from a branch above her head.

She lunged for him as he began playfully backing away. His feet sliding as he skipped backwards; one, then the other. His eyes daring her to catch him. Bound and determined, she successfully managed to poke Legolas in the belly when he unexpectedly tripped over a tree root. "Got you!" She proudly announced! "You're it!"

He smiled deviously ready to pounce and then lunged toward her but stopped short to give her a head start.

She shrieked and turned to run. He had let her catch him before, knowing she was younger and smaller. His father had reminded him on many occasion to look out for those younger and smaller than himself, and that there was no glory to be had by dominating them.

She had run in the direction of his father's stables, giggling the whole way, her blonde hair trailing wildly behind her. Only looking back to see how close he was to catching her.

"Legolas, it is time to say goodbye to our friends," His father called from a distance.

He stopped his pursuit begrudgingly and looked in his father's direction. "Awwwww! Do they have to Ada?" He whined.

The younger she-elf had reluctantly slowed to a walk and made her way over to where the adults were standing. She stood next to an adult elleth who had taken her by the hand.

"I'm afraid so, Son. Come now and say a proper goodbye," His ada commanded.

"Okaaayy," Legolas said reluctantly.

As he walked over to where the couple stood with the little elleth, he decided to pick his friend some violets that were growing wild around the trees. He held the purple blooms behind his back to keep them a secret, however the adults saw him and gave each other knowing smiles.

He reached the young elleth who was now with her parents and he stood proudly before them.

"Thank you for coming to Greenwood. It was fun playing with you, my lady," he addressed his small friend. He reached his arm from behind his back and presented the lovely purple violets to her.

She smiled at the flowers and looked up at him with gleeful eyes. He passed the flowers into her hands and she returned his gift with a graceful curtsy. "Thank you, my lord," she spoke with sincerity that was precious coming from such a small child.

Legolas decided to do one more thing to let his guest know just how he felt. They were having so much fun, he really didn't want her to leave. He removed a violet blossom from the bouquet and placed it gently behind the elfling's left ear. He had seen other ellyn do this and he always admired when maidens wore flowers in their hair. He stood back admiring his work and she did look beautiful, he thought.

The elleth's naneth bent down on one knee and took his small hands in hers and she began to speak to him. "Legolas, thank you for welcoming us in your home. You are taking such good care of your adar and your baby sister. You are growing up to be a fine young prince. Your naneth would be so proud." Her voice was soothing and maternal.

Legolas didn't want her to leave either. She pulled his chin up to look at her. "You have made Aerlinniel feel quite welcome and she has enjoyed your friendship!" She pulled him in toward her and gave him a big warm embrace.

"We shall see you soon. Perhaps your adar will bring you to Imladris for a visit. We would like for you to meet all of our children!" She beamed at him as she stood up.

Celebrían . . .

His eyes flew open and his body jerked sending bath water up over the sides of the tub. "Aerlinniel?" He whispered, puzzled.

He shivered, not sure if it was the result of the dream or the coolness of the bathwater. He quickly finished his bath and he dressed in the robe that was hung behind the door. Still feeling tired, he reclined on a chaise outside on the terraced balcony before a fire in the stone hearth. As he marveled at the spectacular views and sounds of Rivendell his mind settled back to his dream.

Was the young she-elf in his dream, the Lady Aerlinniel? Was his dream a memory or something his weary mind had conjured up? The events depicted were rich with clarity as if his mind had recalled every detail.

Legolas had vague memories of visits with Lady Celebrían and Lord Elrond to the Greenwood from when he was very young. Yet, he didn't recall there being a visit with young Aerlinniel. His father was good friends with Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían and they had visited one another many times over the years before Celebrían had sailed west. However, he couldn't remember them bringing their children to Greenwood nor did his father ever bring him on his trips to Imladris believing it to be too risky and dangerous.

Legolas could recall various occasions when the Rivendell couple would remark that he should meet their daughter, Aerlinniel. His father had mentioned her a few times over the years when he'd question his personal life. His father would acquiesce due to his lack of interest on the matter. Legolas attributed their efforts to be nothing more than the proverbial arranged courtship between lords to form an alliance between kingdoms and thusly, he gave meeting her, little consideration.

A brisk knock at his door pulled him out of his reverie. When he opened the door, two formal looking ellyn stood holding armfuls of clothing.

"Greetings, Prince Legolas. I am Frendland and this is Breneth whom I have brought to help assist you with your wardrobe."

Legolas stepped back and held the door open and gestured for the ellyn to enter. "Please come in. You may set the clothing where ever you wish."

Frendland set to work sorting formal attire from casual attire. This was much more than he had expected. Lord Elrond was treating him much too lavishly, Legolas thought. He smiled to himself, believing Lord Elrond had mistaken his tastes to be that of his father's.

"My lord, we have brought some clothing I think will serve you well here in Imladris. I understand you have need of dinner clothes for this eve and you will need formal attire for the welcome feast in your honor. These garments will serve those purposes if they please you."

He gestured to two silken tunics; a black and silver one with exquisite brocading that would be appropriate for a formal event and the other a steel blue tunic with silver detailing on the sleeves and neck. The other clothing included shirts and breeches of various styles including sleep attire, socks and undergarments.

Frendland approached Legolas with the steel blue tunic and then held it up to his shoulders. "Yes, I believe this will work nicely. Let's have you try this on with the breeches to be sure we have a proper fit."

Frendland's hands went to remove Legolas' robe, which was customary of a valet but Legolas' hand blocked his attempt. "There is no need Frendland, I will dress myself." He had long since given up the need for a valet years ago considering it frivolous and a personal intrusion.

Frendland took his hesitation in stride and bowed his head. "Of course, my lord." If the elf was offended, Legolas reasoned, he kept his feelings to himself.

Legolas took the clothing into the bedchamber to change. Moments later he walked out to gather Frendland's approval and hoped he and his assistant would soon leave. Legolas wasn't up for trying on all the clothing Frendland had brought with him.

"Very nice fit my lord." He began walking around him appraisingly. Smoothing the fabric across his shoulders, then brushing his hands down his sleeves, followed by a tug on each of his cuffs. "Yes, this will do nicely." He dropped to one knee before him and pulled at the hem of his tunic. "The hem drops mid-thigh...an appropriate length." He then raised the hem of his tunic to examine the fit of his breeches. "You are quite slim however better to have a little extra room than be too tight," he jested with a wink. His hands reached down to the hem of the breeches at his ankles and seemed satisfied. "You must try the grey boots, my lord, to ensure you are set for this evening." He motioned to his assistant, Breneth to bring over the boots.

Inwardly sighing, Legolas sat on a chair in preparation to try on the boots but before he had the chance, Frendland had raised Legolas' foot onto his balancing knee. Legolas decided to concede and let him finish his job as he held the boot up for him. Legolas thought this quite ridiculous. He hadn't had someone put his boots on for him in a millennia!

"I think I've got it," he said as he grasped the top of the boot and finished pulling it on. The process repeated itself with the other boot and then he was quick to stand up. "These feel good, thank you," he said hoping to speed things along.

Frendland stood and looked Legolas over. "You look most handsome, my lord." He began smoothing his hair away from his face combing the still damp strands with his fingers. "Breneth, bring me that box there." He motioned to a box on the side table. Breneth handed him the wooden circlet box which Frendland quickly opened and presented to Legolas proudly.

"That will not be necessary, Frendland. But thank you," was Legolas' dismissive reply.

Legolas sensed Frendland wasn't going to accept his refusal by the faint scowl on his face.

"Lord Elrond saw to it that you would have a mark of distinction for this evening's dinner and for your welcome feast. It is a gift," Frendland spoke reverently of his master attempting to conceal his offense.

Knowing now that he couldn't possibly turn down his gift, Legolas smiled and nodded. "Of course. How thoughtful of his lordship."

His father would have his hide if he had offended Lord Elrond by refusing such a considerate gift, Legolas chided himself.

Frendland's expression went from anxious to relief. He lifted the silver circlet out of its box and placed it on Legolas' head. "There, now you are the very image of a prince," he marveled.

"A spitting image of his father, no?" Breneth asked Frendland.

"Remarkably so," Frendland agreed nostalgically. "Your father is no doubt the most dashing ellon I have ever had the pleasure of dressing. He has impeccable style."

"And he wears clothing so well," Breneth added wistfully.

Legolas held back a sigh so as not to offend them and he walked over to the mirror on the wall. The image before him looked elegantly put together, no doubt. He could not deny his resemblance to his father nor his place as his heir. He reckoned he would have to submit to his role as prince and representative of his homeland. Despite his age, he was neither worldly nor comfortable with the attention he received as a prince and heir to his father's throne. He found it to be isolating, thereby eliciting contrived interactions with others. He hoped tonight would not prove to be as such.

"My Lord, the rest of the clothing should fit you well. We will place them in the armoire if you are happy with the selections?" Frendland asked snapping him out of his brooding thoughts.

"Yes, that will be fine. Thank you," Legolas murmured.

"Is there anything we can do to help ready you for this evening, my Lord?" Frendland asked as he motioned for Breneth to begin putting away the clothing.

"No, thank you Frendland, Breneth. I believe you have assisted me with great care. I shall be sure to thank Lord Elrond for your assistance."

"You are too kind, my Lord. Then we will just finish up here and be on our way. If you find you need something more, then one of the other of us will see that you have it," he smiled and bowed graciously.

They were quick to finish putting the clothing away and left; leaving Legolas to his thoughts, which returned to the golden haired elleth he had met earlier and had unexpectedly graced his dream.

Maegovannen: well met!
Fëa: elven spirit
Hröa: elven body

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