Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF IT!

A/N: Okay, I've wanted to do a Estel-meets-Thranduil-for-the-first-time fic for so long so I'm finally doing it. Some things may be AU/OoC and I'm sorry if I get things from the books wrong. PLEASE, I BEG, I GROVEL, REVIEW! REVIEWS MAKE MY DAY AND KEEP ME SANE...sort of...Well, here goes...I hope you enjoy my latest attempt at the world of Fanfiction. Hugs and bunnies!

Lalaith

PREJUDICES

Legolas sighed as he and his young friend passed under the eaves of the forest. Aragorn, also known as Strider and Estel, glanced at his friend worriedly. Legolas had become more and more anxious the closer they got to his home. The young man didn't fully understand his apprehension. Legolas had mentioned that his father, Thranduil was—how had he put it? Oh, yes, 'not overly fond' of Men. Still, Estel was no mere Man, he was a Ranger, the Heir of Isildur, and also the adopted son of Lord Elrond Peredhil, Lord of Imladris.

When Aragorn had mentioned his relation to the Elf-lord, Legolas had grimaced and informed the man that claiming such kinship may not have the desired effect, as Thranduil was not on the best of terms with the Lord of Rivendell and had not been for centuries. Legolas only went there at all because, despite his father's prejudices, he considered Elladan and Elrohir friends and also found Rivendell to be a place of peace which allowed him to rest as his own homeland would not.

Legolas had met the man while in the fair city and, on the past several visits, they had become quite close. Their bond had solidified when the pair had been captured while out hunting and were subject to the cruel mistreatment of the orcs. They had recovered and Estel had insisted on returning to Legolas' home with him to help his friend tell the distressing tale.

The ordeal had wounded the two deeply in both body and spirit, though their physical wounds were healing well, the ones on their hearts were taking more time and Elrond had found that they drew comfort and strength from each other. It was the reason he allowed Aragorn to leave with Legolas when the summons came, despite the fact the man was no where near full strength and health. Legolas, even with his Elven-healing abilities, was not in peak condition, but one did not ignore a summons from Thranduil. Reluctantly, Elrond had allowed the pair to go, knowing to hold Legolas back would only cause more damage to the Prince's health as he worried and also damage the fragile relationship Rivendell had with Mirkwood. And Estel was determined that his friend should not have to relive such an ordeal alone. So they had gone.

Now they were drawing near the end of their journey and Legolas was extremely...hesitant. It was not that he thought his father would harm Estel, but he was positive the man would not receive a warm, open-armed welcome. Aragorn did not seem to grasp this fact. He was too used to the ways and mannerisms of the Rivendell Elves who all accepted him and treated him no differently than one of their own. Though he knew, intellectually, that not all Elves were the same as those of his home and did not hold the same beliefs, he had never experienced the prejudices some of the Firstborn held against the race of Men.

He still believed that Thranduil would hold no ill feelings toward him, especially since he was a friend of Legolas. What he didn't realize was that Thranduil barely tolerated Elladan and Elrohir, with their Noldor bloodline, Elven though it was. Now they had reached the outer fringes of Legolas' home and were drawing closer and closer to the king's halls.

Legolas stopped to rest often, for which Estel was grateful. He knew he was not near enough healed to be pushing himself too hard, he knew the same was true of Legolas, though the Prince would never admit to still being troubled by his injuries. The man had strict instructions from Elrond to make sure Legolas didn't overexert himself and had several medicines, salves, ointments, and such to administer to the Prince's healing wounds and his own. Not that Legolas knew this. If he had known that Estel was coming with orders from Elrond to keep watch over his health, he would have resented the man's presence, not drawn comfort from it as he needed. Well, that would change once they reached Thranduil's halls. Estel would ask his friend for help in tending his wounds then, 'just as a precaution' he would check Legolas' wounds and use the medicines sent by Elrond.

Legolas sighed the fourth time in as many minutes and Aragorn finally asked, "What? What has you so...unsettled?" Legolas looked at the man askance, "I have already told you, Strider. I do not think this wise. My father barely tolerates men at the best of times. Me coming home, still healing from yrch wounds will not help you," Legolas held up a hand to forestall a comment and continued, "I know you do not believe me, thinking that, as Elrond's son you should have at least his tolerance...But I fear it may not be so. The relationship between our peoples is tenuous at best and despite the fact that Elrond calls you son, and I do not mean to say you are not his, for you are indeed, I do not believe it will matter to my father, for your blood is still that of the race of Men. Despite growing up amongst us, being called son and brother of an Elven family, my father may not see that, and only see those whose blood you share—," and Legolas would have continued but Aragorn cut him off bitterly, "Isildur. I share the blood of Isildur..."

Legolas shook his head, "Nay, not Isildur, but Arathorn and Gilraen," he replied gently, "My father may only see that you share the blood of mortals..."

"And what of Elros? Distant though it may be, I am connected to the Elven line..." Aragorn argued.

"Elros who chose mortality," Legolas answered, "Elros who became a mortal king. It will matter not to my father that he was once Elven, only that he became mortal," Legolas stopped and looked earnestly at his friend, "I do not say these things to hurt you, Estel, only to warn you not to expect the same type of welcome you would receive in Imladris...I say these things to protect you, my friend...My father has a quick temper, though he is a good king and a wise Elf. It is not wise nor is it hard to kindle his wrath and come under the scrutiny of his ire..."

Aragorn looked away from his friend's concerned gaze then met his eyes reluctantly, "I know...I understand that you do not say what you do without reason, but I-I don't know, I suppose you could say I am living up to my name, for I hold out the hope that King Thranduil will look past the obvious and-and accept that I am not like Isildur..." he hesitated and continued, "Legolas, I feel little, perhaps no kinship with the world of Men. I find most of my race to be filthy, ignorant, and often-times violent...If I could choose I would choose the world of the Elves, to be of their blood...I find that it is with you, with the Elves that-that I am happiest, most at peace and whole...Please, mellon nin, give your father a chance..." Legolas sighed resignedly, "Strider, I am. By allowing you to accompany me I am giving him a chance. But I do not believe he will take it...I fear he will only destroy the hope and faith you are placing in him. I only wish to warn you, nothing more."

Aragorn nodded and a tense silence fell between them, but then the man broke it by smiling, "Legolas, thank you..."

The Elf looked at him quizzically, "For what?"

"Being my friend." Legolas let out a small chuckle and the silence that fell this time was infinitely more comfortable.

Well, what did you think? Opinions, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Please let me know in a...you guessed it—

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