The young Prince Legolas was sitting on his white stallion, Arod, riding towards his home of Mirkwood Forest. He was lost in his thoughts, reflecting on the mission he had just come from, and thinking about his newfound friend, Gimli. He was never supposed to befriend the dwarf since Elves and Dwarves had always disliked each other and stayed out of each other’s territories as much as possible.

Legolas felt Arod stop and tense a bit under him. Legolas looked up and saw Mirkwood Forest laying about a hundred meters in front of them. The horse was obviously nervous to go in there, but not as nervous as he was when they took the Paths of the Dead. Legolas sat up straight in the saddle, to reassure the stallion that everything was under control. Arod relaxed and Legolas gave him a small pat on the neck before nudging him forward.

Legolas breathed in the scent of the forest as they entered. The comforting smell of the forest was so familiar to him. He had grown up in these woods and had watched them grow and change over time. Arod pricked his ears nervously as they entered the forest, his keen eyes ready to spook at the smallest movement.

“Easy boy,” Legolas whispered to him, scratching him between the ears. Arod flicked an ear back when Legolas spoke, but he remained alert. Legolas nudged Arod into a canter, and slowly the horse lengthened his stride to a gallop.

By sunset, Legolas had reached his father’s palace. He took a sideway in, not wanting to alert the guards to his presence. That was always a game he would play when he came back from a mission, trying to hide as long as possible from the guards. His chosen way led him past the stables, and he untacked Arod and rubbed him down. It would be quite a surprise for the horse master to find a new horse in his stables in the morning.

Legolas walked across the cobblestone yard to the door opposite the stables. The last he remembered; the door wouldn’t squeak. As he opened it, he was eternally grateful to find that it was still the same way. Quietly, he walked across the hall and took a door that would lead him to the back door of the throne room.

“I thought you might take that route.” He turned at the voice behind him. Standing behind the door was Thranduil. He was wearing his silver robes today and no crown. There was a hard look in his eyes, stern and almost angry. Legolas had become used to it over the years. It was the look his father gave him whenever he was mad at Legolas.

“Father,” Legolas said. Thranduil started towards. Legolas prepared himself to get a scolding, but what Thranduil did next surprised Legolas even more. He hugged him. After a few moments, Legolas returned the hug.

“Ada,” Legolas spoke into his father’s shoulder, his voice cracking a bit.

“It’s all right Legolas, I’m here.” Thranduil’s voice was surprisingly gentle and full of love and compassion. After quite a while, Thranduil gently pulled away from Legolas, keeping his hands on his son’s shoulders. Thranduil looked into his son’s eyes. There was something about Legolas that had changed. The way he carried himself. The look in his eyes. Thranduil realized that his son had matured. He had seen many great battles, many foul beasts, and had been through many hardships. “You’re home now.” And Thranduil gave Legolas another hug. Legolas didn’t know how long they stayed there, but all he knew was that it was good to be in his father’s arms, safe and sound from anything and everything.