Disclaimer: It’s not stealing, it’s borrowing without permission! No infringement intended, no money being made, this is just for fun.

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Frodo had decided that Rivendell was the most beautiful place in Middle Earth. The sense of peace that permeated every corner of the valley was a balm to his burdened soul. He walked the winding paths with no purpose or destination, Sam by his side and Merry and Pippin arguing good-naturedly behind them.

They rounded a bend and the narrow path widened out ahead into a pleasant, sunny, grassy area ringed by flowers. At the far end, on an ornately wrought bench sat Bilbo, his book open in his lap. Seated cross-legged on the ground at the elderly hobbit’s side was the golden-haired elf dressed in a simple tunic and leggings of brown and green that had been at the council. The elf was looking intently at the book on Bilbo’s lap, obviously engrossed in whatever tale the hobbit was relating. As the four younger hobbits neared, Bilbo wrapped up his story with a flourish and the elf turned an amused grin up at him.

“I thank you for telling me the tale, Master Baggins. I have always wondered how it happened,” the elf said, laughing softly. He turned his attention to the newcomers and rose gracefully. Bowing slightly at the waist, he placed his hand over his heart and swept it outward. “Mae Govannen.” He straightened and they could not help but respond to the smile he gave them. Bilbo looked up at his younger relatives and smiled as well.

“Ah, my lads, here you are! Legolas, these are the young ones I was telling you of. Frodo Baggins, Peregrine Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Samwise Gamgee,” Bilbo indicated each hobbit as he named them. “Lads, this is Legolas of Mirkwood.” The hobbits all greeted the elf politely.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. Master Baggins has been very gracious in telling me the tale of his travels in my home.” Legolas’ cheery disposition was infectious and the four younger hobbits soon found themselves at ease with him in a way that they had not been with any of the other elves they had encountered since their arrival.

As the conversation continued, Frodo took the opportunity to study the elf. He was very different from the other elves Frodo had met up to this point. The hobbit was fascinated by how expressive this elf’s face was. He was quick to smile and laugh. All the elves he had met previously let very little of what they thought or felt show. They wore their dignity like cloaks, holding themselves always apart. Even Lord Elrond, who had been very kind to all of them, tended toward being dignified and regal. The elf noted Frodo’s scrutiny and favored him with a slightly wider grin that shifted into a chuckle at Frodo’s blush at being caught staring. He seemed to consider the embarrassed hobbit for a moment before addressing him.

“Am I so strange to you, Frodo Baggins?” he asked, a ghost of a smile lingering on his fair face. Frodo blushed harder, but replied honestly.

“No, not strange, just very different to what I have become accustomed to seeing from elves.” He was afraid that Legolas might take offense at that but the elf merely smiled and indicated that Frodo should continue. “I mean no offense, but you seem much more cheerful than any other elf I have yet seen.”

“I think I understand what you mean. Most of my people that you have met are very grave, correct?” At Frodo’s nod of confirmation he continued, “That comes with great age and the witnessing of much sadness, I fear. I have not the ages they have seen weighing down my spirit, and I have many friends who see to it that I never become too solemn.” That last was directed at two dark haired elves just entering the grassy area. One of the newcomers snorted.

“Be careful with this one, hobbits. He is a menace.” Legolas promptly stuck his tongue out at the other elf, eliciting a giggle from Pippin.

“At least I have sense enough to leave off playing pranks when there are guests in my home, Elrohir Elrondion, and that is better than can be said of you. Your sister is furious about the water and flour you doused her with. Which reminds me, you could at least have come up with your own idea rather than steal one of Estel’s and mine.” Legolas’ grin was positively wicked, his eyes sparkling with devilish amusement. He laughed outright a moment later as he caught the expression on Frodo’s face. Bilbo, exercising the privilege of speaking one’s mind that comes with age, voiced thoughts similar to the ones running through Frodo’s head.

“Bless my buttons; do you drive your father to distraction as Pippin does his?” Legolas colored a bit, but answered honestly.

“I am sorry to say that it is likely that I do, but at least there is only one of me.” He cast a sly glance at the twins. They immediately caught his meaning and the look in their eyes did not bode well for the wood elf. Legolas was up and off like an arrow, the twins a beat behind him. He vaulted into a large oak tree, scaling it like a squirrel. The twins tried to follow, but were unable to catch a branch to pull themselves up. It looked as if the tree were conspiring with Legolas to keep the twins on the ground. The wood elf, for his part, was tossing rude comments at the twins from his perch high in the tree. A hearty laugh from behind them caused all to turn.

“Will the three of you never grow up?” Aragorn’s face bore a wide grin and his eyes crinkled with humor, an expression the hobbits had never seen him wear.

“Likely on a hot midwinter, Estel,” Legolas called from the treetop. The hobbits caught the nickname and turned to stare at Aragorn. The human rolled his eyes.

“What have you been telling them?” He sighed,” Honestly, I finally get someone to see me as the adult I have been for many years and the three of you have to start telling tales of my misspent youth.” Elladan and Elrohir left off trying to reach Legolas and walked to Aragorn’s side.

“Of course. How could we do less? After all, Estel, you will ever be our little brother no matter how old and dignified you might become. And yon elfling,” Elladan indicated Legolas, who was cautiously descending from the tree, “is merely glad that there is someone present who is younger than he is.” Legolas merely gave him a sour look and embraced Aragorn.

“It is good to see you again, Aragorn. I am sorry that I did not get to greet you sooner, but I arrived just in time to make myself presentable for the council.” Legolas gripped the ranger’s shoulders for a moment before stepping back.

“Aye and we all know how you are about being presentable.” Aragorn gave him a mischievous grin. Legolas gave him an affectionate shove.

“Pity that I have never managed to influence you in that area,” Legolas returned in kind eliciting sniggers from the twins. “I must go. My reputation as an archer is on the line.” Aragorn’s eyes widened.

“Who was fool enough to challenge you?” His voice was heavily laden with amused disbelief. Legolas laughed.

“One of the guardsmen from Gondor and a couple of elves who defeated Elladan and Elrohir recently. It should be interesting.” Legolas’ tone was not boastful. He was amazingly humble about his skill with a bow, but he did enjoy getting a dig in at the twins whenever possible.

“Interesting indeed. I believe I have to see this.” Aragorn fell into step beside the fair elf. Elladan and Elrohir were a mere step behind.

“Yes, it will be very satisfying to see Thorondur and Edheldur get trounced.” Elladan’s face bore a rather nasty grin. The younger hobbits exchanged looks and scrambled after the elves and man. Bilbo chuckled to himself and gathered up his book and coat for the trek back to his room.