Black Moon Part Two: Gwain Ithil

I'm thinking of adding Thranduil/Elrond in this.

Nina: heh, sorry, no tng ong on the pair. But I never meant it as one of the Wolves and Legolas. Draugaran is just basically an extra father figure.

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The events in Imladris were slower than in Mirkwood. Patrols were organized and sent out, the twins actively taking parts. And Erestor wondered how they would feed the four Hobbits without starving during the winter themselves. Glorfindel had taken to practicing with Legolas, sparring with the twin blades Legolas preferred when his bow was not used. Elrohir had returned from his patrol early and found one such match.

"Good, very good, Legolas," Glorfindel said, rubbing the knuckles of his right hand. "Your speed is quite impressive, as is your intuition. Both will serve you well in the coming months of the Quest."

Legolas grinned, "Thank you Lord Glorfindel. Such words coming from you is a true honour."

The ancient Elf smiled and momentarily glanced in Elrohir's direction. "Well, though I would love to spar again, I must return to my duties. Perhaps tomorrow you will show me that bow of yours."

"Gladly."

Glorfindel bowed slightly, "Then I leave you, young Prince. Enjoy the remainder of the morning."

Legolas bowed and Elrohir came over when Glorfindel left. "You have really impressed him, Legolas. It has been long since any have been able to keep his pace in combat."

Legolas smiled at his friend, "And I can understand why. Would you accompany me to the river? I wish to wash this sweat away before we go for lunch."

Elrohir nodded, "Of course. Do you have a change of clothes to bring?"

"No. I did not think of it."

Elrohir smiled as a group of the maidens that were normally with Arwen came by. He stopped one, light-haired but dark eyed.

"Nimcuran, will you be so kind as to fetch a change of clothing for both me and my companion? As well as a basket lunch? We will be by the river."

Nimcuran nodded and smiled. "Of course, Lord Elrohir. Is there anything else you require?"

"No, that will be fine. Thank you, Nim."

She smiled and rushed to catch up with her friends, quickly telling them of the request and hurrying off with them.

"Come, you will love this little waterfall, there is a cave behind it that is filled with colour when the light strikes the water just right."

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"Lord Boromir," Aragorn said in greeting to the other Man. "What brings you out so near to the training fields?"

Boromir turned from where he was watching one of the twins lead the beautiful silver-haired Elf away. Aragorn stopped next to Boromir and smiled when he saw the two leaving the field.

"His name is Legolas Greenleaf, and the youngest son of King Thranduil."

Boromir nodded, "I noticed him in the Council. I have never seen such beauty."

"I do not suggest you follow your interest, Boromir," Aragorn warned. "Legolas is a great warrior, as you have undoubtedly just seen, and there aree others that are willing to defend their own interests in the young Prince."

Boromir narrowed his eyes, "We will see."

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Elrond looked up from his work to see Glorfindel towel-drying his hair. The Lore-Master smiled, "Has Legolas given you that much of a duel?"

"He is an interesting fighter, by far one of the best I have seen since Oropher. He wields his blades as if they were an extension of himself, truly amazing to see."

"You seem quite taken."

"By his skill only, I assure you," Glorfindel said, sitting in the chair across from Elrond's desk. "It is a beautiful day out, you should be enjoying it, Elrond."

Elrond replaced the cap on the flask of ink he had been using, "I think I will take that advice. Join me for lunch? I wish to speak of Legolas, I feel that there is something strange about him."

Glorfindel frowned, "I have felt so too. I think that the twins and our visiting Prince of Mirkwood are not telling us everything about that incident with the Wolves."

"Perhaps. I believe you would seem less threatening to Legolas if you spoke to him, or to Elrohir. I doubt there is any danger, or Thranduil would not have allowed his son to come, but it is still unsettling to not know."

The blonde nodded and stood. "I will see what I may learn tomorrow. Right now, I think you promised me lunch."

Elrond smiled and followed his friend from the room. "It was hardly a promise."

"Then consider it payment."

"Ah yes, because you do not have nearly enough. Or is this in relation to what I have just asked you?"

"Both."

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Legolas pulled himself onto the river's bank, lying on the soft grass as he felt the remaining adrenalin from sparring and training ebb out of his blood. Elrohir was going through the little basket that had been brought as requested, looking tgh igh its contents.

"Enjoying yourself, Legolas?"

"Immensly," the blonde replied, closing his eyes and letting the sun and wind dry him. The rumble of the waterfalls added a soothing song to those of the birds and trees. Everything was reaching Legolas' senses, and he adored it. "I smell meat pies."

Elrohir chuckled, "Ah, the nose of a wolf."

Legolas reached over and batted his friend's leg. "Yes, well, I have had little for breakfast and happen to be hungry. Who knew that Hobbits ate so much."

Sitting up, Legolas found the long, deep green robe that had been brought from his room and slipped it on. He took the dry leggings and replaced the wet ones under his robe before moving to sit next to Elrohir. He reached over and pulled an apple from the basket.

"Legolas, we are in a forest, with an orchard not far away. If you want an apple, or any other fruit, you can just look for one."

"But this is so much simpler."

Elrohir snorted and took the apple from his friend, giving him one of the small meat pies instead. "So, you have said nothing of Draugaran, or the going ons of your home."

"The WolfKing is working well with Ada, patrols and guards meeting in the forest. My brothers are the same, as is Ada. Little has changed."

"That is all?" Elrohir asked skeptically, continuing to root through what had been brought. "Surely something must have happened."

"A few things."

"Such as?"

Legolas smiled, "Sorry, I am not saying."

Elrohir just stuck out his tongue and Legolas laughed. They ate the lunch slowly, enjoying the fresh air and the light mist of the waterfall, not heavy enough to do anything but refresh them. Walking back together, Elrohir carryied the basket that held whatever they didn't eat, and Legolas carryied their damp clothes.

"Do you have anything planner thr the afternoon?"

Legolas smiled, "Not that I know of. I may choose to seek out Aragorn and find new ways to pester him, but that would be all."

"You are impossible."

"I try. What of your plans?"

"The same."

"Poor Aragorn."

Elrohir grinned, "Well is is my younger brother, if only through adoption."

"And I suppose that gives you the right to torment?"

"Naturally als also gives me a reason to annoy my sister."

"Ah. You sound like Rhiernil and Feinereg."

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Gandalf smiled as he watched the two Elves, Elrohir and Legolas, return from their picnic and swim. He had felt that the two were taking entirely too long in getting to know each other. Now, if he could only discover what it was that had changed Legolas so.

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Hm, a little shorter than expected.