Eldarion stirred as he began to awaken early the next morning. The first thing he became aware of was the fact that he was riding. But he felt strong arms around him, holding him up to keep him from falling. He didn’t remember ever falling asleep. He slowly opened his eyes and gave a gasp of shock. There were trees everywhere, of every size and color. Legolas smiled as he heard the small cry.
“It’s good to see you are awake, Little One. You sleep like your father.”
Eldarion looked up at him wonderingly.
“How does Ada sleep?”
“He would like to sleep all day if he could. It is all ready almost time for lunch.”
Eldarion looked around.
“All ready? How long ’till we get to your home, Uncle Leg’las?”
Legolas smiled eagerly.
“Only a few hours now, Eldarion.”

Just as Legolas had said, in the matter of a few hours, they were passing into the Halls of Mirkwood. Legolas dismounted and led Eldarion and the two horses to the stables. Eldarion was looking around, wide-eyed.
“This is your home?”
Legolas nodded.
“Where else would it be? This is Mirkwood. My home.”
He picked Eldarion up, carrying the boy as they continued on to the stables. They were met by another elf.
“Prince Legolas! You have returned! I will care for your horses for you, if you wish.”
Legolas smiled and nodded.
“Thank you.”
Normally he would do it himself, but he wished to see his father. He had not seen him for a long while. Not since after the illness that had struck Mirkwood a few years ago. He turned and started walking towards his father’s throne room, when Eldarion began tugging wildly at his arm.
“Uncle Leg’las! You’re a prince, too?”
Legolas looked at Eldarion before he nodded.
“Yes, I am. I thought you knew.”
Eldarion shook his head.
“So your Ada is a King too? Will you ever be King? I will!”
Legolas smiled faintly and shook his head.
“No, Eldarion. I don’t believe I ever will.”
Eldarion looked up at him, confused.
“Why not?”
Legolas thought for a moment, trying to think of a way to explain it to the child, but he gave up.
“It is very complicated. I will explain it to you someday…”
He paused as he came to a row of steps that led to his father’s throne room. Slowly, he set Eldarion down.
“Is that where your Ada is?”
Legolas nodded and looked down at Eldarion.
“Eldarion, you know how you have to act when your Ada has important visitors?”
Eldarion groaned and nodded.
“Yes… I have to stay quiet and I have ta say Sir.”
Legolas nodded and ruffled Eldarion’s hair.
“Very good. Let’s try that now okay?”
Eldarion groaned again, but nodded. He followed Legolas into the chamber that was much smaller than he had expected. A large throne similar to his father’s was in the center of the room and upon it sat King Thranduil. Eldarion drew closer to Legolas, for some reason feeling afraid. Legolas smiled faintly and came to a stop at the foot of the throne. Eldarion watched as Legolas bowed his head.
“I have returned, Milord.”
Thranduil smiled and stood up, coming forward and placing a hand on his son’s shoulder.
“It has been a long time, Legolas.”
Legolas smiled faintly and nodded.
“Yes, My Lord. Six years or more. I have been aiding in the rebuilding of Gondor.”
Thranduil nodded slowly, but his eyes wandered down to the small child hovering behind Legolas. Thranduil’s head shot up to Legolas. The bewilderment in his father’s eyes was priceless, but he dared not laugh.
“Forgive me, My Lord. This is Prince Eldarion. Son of King Elessar.”
The lines in Thranduil’s face relaxed as he looked down to Eldarion. The child stepped out timidly.
“Thank you for allowing me here, Sir,” he said softly.
Legolas smiled, and couldn’t help but notice his father did as well.
“You are always welcome here, Prince Eldarion. Your father has helped us numerous times.”
Eldarion smiled, feeling more at ease now. He had mixed ideas about the Elvenking before he had come. He had heard about him before, but to three different perspectives. He had heard from both his Uncles and his father.
Thranduil looked between them for a moment before he spoke again.
“I assume the two of you would like to rest a spell. We can meet for dinner tonight.”
Legolas bowed and Eldarion waved, but after catching a look from Legolas, he bowed as well. The two left the hall and were soon outside again. Eldarion looked up at Legolas.
“Uncle Leg’las, why did you call him that?”
Legolas looked at him, obviously not following what the child was saying.
“Why did you call him ‘My Lord. I don’t have to call my Ada that.”
Legolas shrugged, not knowing exactly how to answer.
“All fathers are different, Eldarion. All have different rules. But lets not worry about that right now. How would you like to see my room? I have a surprise there for you. I was going to save it for your birthday, but I believe we can get it out now.”
Eldarion nodded eagerly and ran ahead. He slowed down, however, once he remembered he did not know where he was going. Legolas smiled and led the way to his room. Luckily for Eldarion, it was not very far. The door was opened to reveal a large bedroom. Eldarion looked around in wonder. A large oaken bed was settled against the wall as was many cabinets. The room was white but seemed to have a green tint. Tiny leaflets were carved into windowsills and doorways, each tiny leaf etched with gold. It was one of the most beautiful rooms Eldarion had ever seen. He hardly even noticed when Legolas crossed the room and pulled out his gift. In fact he didn’t notice until Legolas was holding it out to him. He gasped in surprise and could do nothing but stare for a moment. It was a small, black bow. Vines were carved in gold etchings creating a beautiful pattern. His mouth gaping, he slowly reached out, tracing the vines with one small finger. He looked up at Legolas in amazement.
“This… is for me?”
Legolas nodded, smiling. He knew Eldarion liked it.
“This isn’t all, Eldarion. Here.”
The child took the bow, holding it as if he held on too tight, it would break. He rotated it slowly between his hands. It was incredibly light and just his size. Legolas soon returned with a small quiver. Eldarion’s eyes widened and he slowly took that as well. He looked up at Legolas, his smile extremely bright.
“Thank you so much, Uncle Leg’las!”
Legolas nodded slowly and stood up again. He turned and began to walk towards his bed, but paused. He looked back to Eldarion with a grin.
“What do you say we test it out? First thing tomorrow morning?”