Some of this is likely technically incorrect, especially to do with the palace, but I simply can't see the Elves of Mirkwood living completely underground. Especially with the reaction of Legolas to Moira, for one instance.

Legolas had just put his bow onto its rack when a commotion caused him to glance out his window to the courtyard below. The large gate was just swinging shut behind a messenger, and his escort, wearing Rivendell colours.

He frowned, concerned, as he watched the messenger shake his head at an enquiry from a guard then say something that had the guard nodding and leaving the courtyard with the messenger following.

Legolas quickly revised what he was planning on doing next and left his room, heading towards his father's Audience Chamber. He slipped in to take his place at his father's side as the guard was announcing the messenger.

"This is Celegtâl of Imladris, he says he has a message he was instructed to give only to you."

Legolas felt a chill go through him at those words; they were never a prelude to good news. Beside him he felt more then saw his father frown in concern then nod at the messenger to come forward.

Celegtâl stepped forward, handed the sealed message tube to Thranduil then stepped back. Thranduil broke the seal and read the message slowly.

Looking up at Celegtâl Thranduil asked softly, "Do you know what is in this?"

At the question the messenger dropped his eyes to the floor, Legolas was sure he saw a flash of grief go through his eyes, and nodded.

Thranduil handed the message to Legolas, who quickly read it as the messenger continued.

"I was one of the elves who rode to see if it were true." Celegtâl stated softly.

"Arathorn and his family will be greatly missed, even by those who don't know them." Thranduil stated sadly before looking towards Legolas, "Legolas, could you see to preparations, we will leave for Imladris on the morrow."

Legolas nodded, "Of course, Adar." He bowed slightly then slipped out of the room to speak to the Captain of the guard.

<<Next morning>>

Legolas entered the courtyard with his father to find their escort, with the addition of the messenger and his escort, ready and waiting, their horses waiting for them.

When everyone was mounted Thranduil nodded to the captain and the small procession headed out the gate and towards Imladris.

<<Imladris>>

Elrond and his sons met the party as they rode into the courtyard.

"Mae govannen Aran Thranduil, Caun Legolas." Elrond stated, bowing slightly in the traditional Elvan greeting.

Thranduil and Legolas bowed in return.

"Mae govannen Hîr Elrond, Hîr Elladan a Elrohir." Thranduil replied, then continued in a less formal manner "But we have known each other far too long to stand on formality, mellon nín. I would not leave you alone in this time of grief."

"Hannon le." Elrond nodded in thanks then turned to those with him, "Glorfindel, would you show their escort around and make arrangements for their stay?"

Glorfindel nodded and moved off in the direction of the stables, indicating for the Mirkwood warriors to follow him.

Once the warriors were gone Elrond turned back to Thranduil, allowing the calm mask he'd been showing to fall and let his long time friend see the grief and worry that he felt.

"Mellon nín, I need to speak to you." Elrond stated softly, Thranduil nodded as Elrond continued, "Legolas, would you mind going with the twins for a while?"

"Not at all, Lord Elrond." Legolas acquiesced readily and followed the twins into the house.

---

"How are you dealing with this?" Legolas asked softly as the twins began to climb the stars towards the sleeping wing.

"First instinct was to ride out and obliterate the force of orcs that did it." Elrohir admitted candidly.

Legolas looked at Elrohir and for the first time wondered whether his reading of the twin was right.

"But you didn't?" The prince hazarded, searching the twin's eyes. This wasn't like either of them.

"No." Elladan affirmed, "Glorfindel lead the force, we...we had more important things to deal with."

Elrohir nodded in agreement and quietly opened the door they'd stopped at; Legolas noted it was the room next to Elrohir's room.

Stepping to where he could see inside the room he saw a small form of a 2 year old Adan child curled up on the bed, he looked at the twins curiously.

"He's one of two survivors," Elladan said quietly, "his mother is still in the healing rooms."

"Ada is going to raise him like a son, he will be called Estel." Elrohir put in.

"But his real name is Aragorn." Elladan continued, "Arathorn's son."

Legolas looked sharply at them, "But your message..."

"Did not say all died." Elrohir interrupted, "But to the world as a whole it must appear that way if he is to survive."

"...If hope is to survive." Elladan added softly.

Legolas gazed at the small child as realisation dawned on him just what they were trusting him with. As he was about to ask them why, the child began tossing in his sleep.

"He saw it all." Elladan stated in explanation as he stepped into the room and moved over to the bed to try to calm Estel, "The images haunt his sleep."

Legolas followed the twin into the room and moved to the opposite side of the bed from Elladan.

Placing a gentle hand on the fretful child's head he murmured soothingly in Elvish, "Peace, tithen pen, you are safe."

Estel calmed somewhat then, surprising even the prince, turned towards him and latched onto the hand providing the contact.

Elrohir chuckled at the scene as the prince smiled then carefully gathered the now peacefully sleeping child into his arms and settled into a nearby chair.

The twins turned to slip out and saw their father and Thranduil watching from the doorway.

"As if he didn't have enough reasons to spend time here, now he has another." Thranduil murmured in amusement as the twins joined them.

"Well if he's baby sitting at least he isn't out getting limbs torn off." Elrond replied, leading the other three away from the room.

Thranduil glanced back at the door, "Will he be safe?"

"Legolas?" Elladan asked.

"Estel." Thranduil replied.

"He will be as safe as we and Rivendell can make him, but I fear his life will be neither safe or boring." Elrond answered softly with sadness colouring his voice.