AU: Aragorn needs to finds himself a Queen. To maintain the understanding between the elves and humans he decided to take Vanya, princess of Mirkwood as his wife. But the princess is not who she seems to be... M/M-relationships, Aragorn/Legolas

Chapter one

The news came early in the evening, the messenger had travelled for at least four days before he had found the trees that belonged to the kingdom of Mirkwood. When Legolas and his sister, Vanya, were summoned by their father the messenger was long gone, having left only a letter to prove his visit to the elven kingdom.

"Why have you summoned us, father?" Legolas questioned, a gentle smile upon his lips.

Thranduil looked at his two youngest children, a sigh escaped from his lips, a reminder of his heavy heart. He held the letter in his hands, his grip tight upon the scroll. The eldest one spoke with pain in his chest, his voice strained. "I have received a letter earlier this day announcing that King Aragorn will marry a month from now."

"Why does that concern us?" Legolas whispered softly, not able to keep his eyes away from his father. He had not understand but for some reason fear filled the pit of his stomach. For a moment he looked at his sister, still much years younger then himself. She looked as confused as Legolas felt, her eyes wide in question as Thranduil continued.

"Because my dearest son, Vanya is the one he wishes to wed." The king stated, slumping back in his throne as he heard his youngest daughter's breath hitch in her pale throat. Vanya still looked so fragile and young, a timeless beauty who meant much to the elves of Mirkwood and to him.

"What!" Legolas exclaimed. "She is not even of age yet!" He growled in anger, balling his fists at his side. He turned to look at his sister, the young girl still completely silent. "You cannot agree to this father." The blonde prince decided. He made his way to his sister, wrapping his arms around her to comfort her and show his compassion.

Thranduil pushed himself off his throne, making his way to his favourite children. "When Vanya decides not to marry Aragorn a war will not be far behind, their marriage will ensure that our alliance does not fall."

"But they are barbarians, she will be misused, she will be..."

The words could not leave Legolas' lips as the girl within his arms spoke in a soft whisper, her voice trembling as she spoke to her father and brother: "I do not want to be the cause of a useless war, if this is what is expected of me then I will go." Vanya decided. Looking up at her brother she offered him a timid smile. "I know you understand Legolas."

"Of course I understand, but this is different, you are my sister..." The taller one said truthfully.

Vanya took the others hands in her own, still smiling. "So the lives that would be endangered by a war are worth less then that of your sister?" The blonde youth questioned, squeezing her brother's hands. "I have all ready chosen and my mind will not waver, I will marry the king..."

III

As darkness fell and the stars started to brighten the sky Legolas found that he could not sleep. His mind was filled with thoughts of his sister and father, of King Aragorn and this horrid wedding. His youngest sister, who still had to become of age, could not marry a man. Such an bond could very well mean her death, in more ways then only one. He could not let such a thing happen.

Soon he found himself standing before his father, the man looking as upset as he felt himself. When the elder one spoke he was sure about his decision. "You remind me so much of your mother Legolas, as does your sister...that is why you have always been my favourite children." Thranduil decided, walking to a small table and getting himself something to drink. "You are so much alike, in spirit as for the eye."

"Father, I now understand why you asked me to join Vanya when you told us about King Aragorn." The blonde prince spoke, staring at his father. The older one took his drink, remaining perfectly calm.

Thranduil raised an eyebrow at Legolas' words. "Do you?" When the prince nodded he smiled. "Vanya is too delicate, still too naive to understand the world's dangers...she is only a child." The king offered. "If he lays but only one hand on her she will surely die."

Legolas nodded in agreement. "That is why I will go in her place." He spoke, watching his father for some sort of reaction. "Those barbarians do not even know the difference between a male of a female elf they only see our light and our delicate features and find themselves attracted to us without knowledge of our race, they would be too stupid and blinded to even see the truth."

"I knew you would understand." Thranduil spoke after a few moments of silence. "King Aragorn will come to take his bride five days from now, I will send Vanya to Lothlorien." He tightened his grip in his cup, moving to the balcony, needing some fresh air. He would still loose a child to the king of men, nothing would change that. "Lady Galadriel will keep her safe and you will go to Minas Tirith and marry King Aragorn." Taking a deep breath Thranduil found himself closing eyes. "Before he knows what a mistake he has made you will all ready be married… Vanya will be safe and you..." Turning to look at his son the King looked suddenly older, worn out by his countless years of reign. "I fear for you life Legolas..., once he finds out."

"After the wedding I will find a way to escape, I will never return here but I ensure you that I will keep myself safe." Legolas decided, smiling at his father. Placing a hand on the other's shoulder he chuckled. "Do not worry father, all will be well."

"Thank you my son." Thranduil spoke.

Legolas' smile widened. "Perhaps you should call me your daughter from now on." He mused, laughing softly as he let his hand fall away from Thranduil's shoulder.

III

"We welcome King Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Lord of Minas Tirith!"

Legolas straightened his back as he sat upon the throne beside his father's. Crossing his arms in his lap he waited to meet the man who had wanted to take his sister away. The face that greeted them looked not as horrible as he had thought it would be. Instead King Aragorn looked rugged and handsome. There was a sadness in his eyes that caused Legolas' heart to stir in sympathy. He had seen that same look within his own pale eyes that morning. He tugged at the fabric of his grey robe, realizing that he was nervous to meet the dark haired King. He had taking the role of his sister for the last four days, but still he was afraid that King Aragorn would notice somehow and demand to get Vanya from them.

"Princess Vanya."

His sister's name caused Legolas to look up. It had proven difficult to respond to a name that was not your own, but he had managed to respond now. A sigh of relief left his parted lips. He bowed his head before getting off the throne. He made his way down the small steps and towards the King of Minas Tirith. Bowing before him Legolas did not dare to look in the man's eyes. "Welcome my King." Legolas whispered, blood draining from his cheeks when the taller one before him brought a finger underneath his chin and gently tilted his head.

"It is good to finally meet you, princess." Aragorn spoke, showing his respect to the elven princess. Caught in the other's clear eyes he let his fingers fall from the other's pale skin to take Legolas' hand in his own. He pressed a gentle kiss to the soft skin before smiling at the blonde and speaking to Thranduil. "Say your farewell and then we will leave immediately."

The moment passed Legolas by as if it were a dream. He felt his father's warm arms around him and those of his siblings. Vanya was not there anymore, instead safe at Lothlorien. She would remain there until the wedding day had passed. He had said his goodbyes to her the morning after the conversation he had with his father. Now it was time to say goodbye to everyone and everything else which had been a part of his life for centuries. He had watched in irritation when finding that they had no horse but a carriage waiting for him. He was treated as a woman, something he was suppose to be. Effortless and gracefully he stepped into the carriage and waved goodbye to his father. He could finally let his breath leave from his lips when he heard the driver of the carriage tell him they had crossed the borders of Mirkwood.

III

Tbc?

Hm..., I hope you like the idea of the story... please let me know if you think I should continue... or not of course.

I'm not quite sure what to do with Legolas... should I speak of Vanya or Legolas? He or she?... pretty confusing to make sure you won't be confused by things in later chapters...

I'll probably find a way soon to make it as little confusing as possible XD