Hunted

Chapter 1

Legolas didn't want his guards to travel with him to Rivendell, but his father insisted.  He said that the journey would be dangerous and Legolas was too young and blah blah blah.  Thranduil didn't understand that he could handle himself.  Sure, he was only the human equivalent of a 15 year old, but he was the best archer of anyone else his age.  If any orcs came, Legolas was sure they wouldn't stand a chance against him!  But no.  Thranduil wouldn't listen.

The journey to Rivendell had so far been pretty uneventful.  No orcs or anything.  Legolas was just glad when he could finally make Rivendell out in the distance.  He couldn't wait to see Elladan and Elrohir! It had been over a few years since he'd last seen them, which wasn't long at all for an elf, but it still felt like forever.  He knew they would tease him for having to bring guards along with him though..  Oh well.

Legolas continued riding his mare into Rivendell, until they approached the stables. He was glad they finally arrived, for it was nearing sunset.  He dismounted his horse, then walked up to where Lord Elrond and his sons were as several servants led his mare away.

"Greeting penneth," Elrond said with a smile. 

"Legolas!" twin brothers, Elladan and Elrohir greeted at the same time.  They were older than Legolas, but were some of his closest friends.  They would be around the equivalent of 20 human years. 

"How was your journey?" Elrohir asked.

Legolas shrugged.  "Boring. Uneventful."

"You should be glad it was uneventful," Elrond said.  "There have been many orcs in these parts lately."

"I guess I'm lucky then.  You are right. An uneventful journey is better than a dangerous one."

Elrond smiled.  "Pushing that matter aside, you should go in and refresh yourself. I'm sure it was a tiresome trip."

Legolas nodded and went to where his chambers were.  There was a guest room specifically for him since he stayed so often.  The young elf quickly bathed then sighed as he looked out of his window, now wearing a light green tunic with matching leggings, other than his travel worn clothes.  It was always nice to be in Rivendell.  He loved the feeling of utter peace the place gave.  He loved Mirkwood, but for as long as he could remember, it had been much darker and dangerous than Rivendell.  He heard stories of when it was in its former glory.  He just wished it was that way now..

And then of course, there were Elladan, Elrohir, and Lord Elrond.  The twins were like brothers to him, and Elrond, a second father.  He always felt at home with them. 

"Legolas? Are you ready? It's dinner time, though Adar said we can bring you up some food if you're too exhausted to go down there," the young prince heard Elladan call out from the hallway.

Legolas turned towards the door and walked over to it before opening it up.  "No.  I am a bit tired but I've been waiting so long to see you all.  Let's go down then, shall we?"

Elladan grinned as he and Legolas walked down to the dining hall.  Once they arrived, Legolas saw Elrond and Elrohir waiting.  Elrohir seemed impatient.  "There you are! What took you so long? We sent Elladan to get you 15 minutes ago!"

Legolas shrugged and glanced at Elladan.  "Don't look at me."

Elladan gave a sheepish smile.  "I may have gotten a little sidetracked.."

"Doing what?" Elrohir demanded.

Elrond waved his hand.  "It does not matter.  Sit, let's dine."

Legolas took a seat across from Elrohir, and Elladan sat down next to the prince. 

"So what are we going to do during my stay here?" Legolas asked the twins as he piled some food on his plate. 

Elladan and Elrohir grinned.  "We were planning on taking a hunting trip.  It'll be fun now that you're old enough to go on a *real* one."

Legolas had been hunting with the twins before, but they had only been day trips.  The thought of going on an overnight one excited him.  He grinned. 

"Really?" he asked.  "When do we leave?"

"Depends," Elrohir said after he swallowed a bite of food.  "We could go as early as tomorrow, but we figured you'd want some rest."

Legolas took a sip of water then shrugged.  "No, I don't need any rest.  The trip here was boring.  I'd like some real fun."

"Tomorrow it is then," Elladan said with his mouth full of food, so it sounded more like 'toof-marf his fen.'  Legolas smirked slightly.  Elrohir whacked his twin. 

"Don't talk with your mouth full you twit."

Elladan glared at Elrohir but before he could retort, Lord Elrond interrupted. 

"I'm not so sure it's such a good idea for you three to go hunting.  Don't forget that orcs have been spotted just outside of Rivendell.  You know the trouble they bring, and you'd have this young one with you," he said, gesturing to Legolas, who frowned. 

"But I-" the prince started before Elladan spoke up. 

"Ada, we've seen Legolas fight.  He may be young, but he's an excellent fighter and archer.  He can defend himself!  And besides, Elrohir and I would be there to protect him!"

Elrohir nodded.  "We wouldn't let any of those nasty orcs lay a finger on him.  We won't even go anywhere near them! Please?"

Elrond sighed, giving it some thought.  All three of the younger elves waited closely for his reply.

"Very well.." he said after a moment.  The twins pumped their arms in the air for the victory.  Legolas grinned widely. 

"On one condition though," Elrond continued.  "I don't want any of you coming back here harmed in any way, am I understood? The moment you sense danger, turn back."

They all nodded.  "Hannon le Ada," Elladan said, grinning.  He, Elrohir, and Legolas continued chatting excitedly about the hunting trip as they finished their dinner.  Legolas couldn't wait.  His first real hunting trip! It would be so much fun.  He wondered what they would catch; deer, rabbit..

He just hoped they wouldn't run into any orcs...