Disclaimer: I own nothing!!! You hear me?!?! Nothing!!!!
A/N: For those of you who have already read this first chapter, I've taken down the story, fixed it, finished it, and am now posting it again. I had started it, but life got very busy with college forms and boyfriend problems. I've just now found the time to finish it now that things are cooling off. It turned out a lot better in my imagination than on the computer so I hope it's not too horrid. I wasn't exactly pleased with it. It slides back and forth between dramatic and humorous, so try to bear with its bipolar qualities. I was in a hurry to get it out to you all, so I'm sorry for the poor writing, and grammar and spelling errors. Review if you like it. Don't read it if you hate it. I'm a professional fire-swallower, so flames will have no effect on me.
*....* = indicates thought
**************************************************************************** ****************
The Problem with Elves
By: Kate
After leaving Fanghorn Forest with Gandalf, now the White, the three companions set off for Rohan. About two days into their new journey, they came across a little town, about the size of Bree. As Aragorn studied the town, he took note that it probably contained the same hodgepodge of people. This meant that the travelers had to be careful; spies of Sauron or Sarumon could very easily be passing through this town as well.
"Do you think we should take up a room for the night?" Aragorn asked, glancing at the darkening sky.
"Absolutely!" came Gimli's hasty reply. "We're here so we might as well take advantage of the glorious opportunity of real beds and a roof!" Gimli looked pleadingly at his elvan companion. "You agree with me, don't you Legolas?"
Legolas smiled at his friend's excitement, and shrugged saying, "Tis no matter to me what we do. Do what you like Aragorn. Only...can we spare the time?"
The three looked to Gandalf who nodded. "I suppose one night of a decent rest wouldn't be a problem."
Gimli beamed. "I'm going to enjoy this night," he said wistfully.
The entrance gates to the village were open, so the four travelers crossed the threshold. Aragorn noted how very similar the town actually was to Bree: small two-story wooden houses, built in close proximity; crowded, beaten-down dirt roads; noise coming out of every building; and the smell of manure, ale, pipe weed, and rotting waste. Legolas crinkled his nose in disgust, giving his elegant face a petulant look.
"I'd rather sit under the stars, out in the open and with fresh air, than be confined to this dingy little place. I don't mind not having a bed." He received a sharp elbow in his side by Gimli.
"Shut it, Elf. I don't like the smell either, but unlike you, some of us aren't as suited to the great outdoors, and I want my bed!"
Aragorn leaned over to Legolas, whispering into his pointed ear. "You might want to be careful of what you say, vanya mellonanin. We are strangers here and don't want any problems, so mind your insults." Then more quietly, "The smell is horrible, I agree, but I think a great prince like yourself can deal with it in polite elvish fashion." Legolas turned to glare at Aragorn and saw the man giving him a coy smile. Aragorn winked.
They checked a couple inns as they passed through the town, however each one was rejected. Legolas requested that if they must spend the night in such a foul-smelling place, then could they at least find a clean place to sleep. They finally came to a small inn, The Spinner's Wheel, near the center of the village. They entered to find it relatively empty. Legolas cast a scrutinizing glance around the bar/lobby and nodded with satisfaction at its cleanliness. A small old woman hobbled down a set of stairs from the back of the large room.
"Are ye dears lookin' fer a place to stay? We've just gotten a few o' the upstairs bedrooms cleared and cleaned. There be two beds in each; I'm sure ye'll find them to yer satisfaction," the old woman stated. She cast a glance at Legolas as she said the last part.
Aragorn stepped forward, bowing in respect to the woman. "We would just be needing two rooms for the night, Mother." As a second thought he turned to Legolas with an amused smile. "Will you be needing a bed your highness? Or were you planning on spending your evening outside?" Legolas's cheeks burned and his blue-gray eyes darkened in his indignation.
"No, I will be taking a bed, thank you!" he spat out.
The old woman nodded and led them up the stairway that she had come down earlier, which led to the second story rooms. At the end of the hallway she unlocked two vacant rooms, one across the hall from the other. Gimli hurried into one, with Legolas following gracefully behind. Gandalf took the other along with Aragorn, who placed the money in the woman's hand with a gracious "thank you" before he followed after the wizard. The woman shuffled back down the hall, a smile playing on her lips. She hadn't seen an elf in many years, and to see one with a dwarf! Something serious was happening; she could sense it. For why else would a man, a wizard, a dwarf, and an elf be traveling together?
Once inside their room, Gimli immediately removed his armor and tossed it, along with his weapons, onto a bed in the corner. His cloak crumpled into a heap on the floor. Legolas moved over to the bed by the window and sat down, the mattress not even sinking down. Gazing at the dusky streets he saw, to his surprise, that the vendors seemed to take no notice of the approaching night and made no motion to close shop.
"I'm going to explore the village for a bit, Gimli, while there's still activity," Legolas said, still looking out of the window. His only response from his friend was a muffled grunt as Gimli rolled over on his bed, face down. He removed his quiver and bow as well as his knives, but he left the small dagger he kept concealed inside of his boot (just as a precaution). He folded the elven cloak and placed it neatly on the chair next to his bed and left the room, easing the door shut. At the same time Aragorn was leaving his and Gandalf's room. He smiled at the sight of his long-time friend.
"Legolas, I was just coming in to check on you and Gimli. How do you like your room? Are you in need of anything?"
"The room is very nice, with a great view of the market-square, which is actually where I'm going right now," the elf said hurriedly.
The ranger's smile falter a bit. "You're going out? Now? Night is approaching, why don't you wait until day?"
Legolas looked annoyed. "They seem to keep their stands open late, so I want to go and do a little exploring while there is still some activity. As for tomorrow, I know what'll happen. You'll get us up and packed at the crack of down, and we'll be on our way. I won't be able to look around tomorrow." When he saw this wasn't having an effect on his friend, Legolas switched tactics, putting on a pleading look. "Besides, Aragorn," the elf cooed, his voice melodious voice silky smooth, "I've never been to this little town before and you know how I like to explore..."
Aragorn sighed. Elves had a natural affinity for curiosity and Legolas was definitely no exception. He was extremely well traveled for his youth, but there were still a few places he had never seen. He loved to learn, and when he came to someplace new he had to thoroughly investigate it. That and Legolas had such an eager look on his face. He always looked like a little elfling whenever he got excited about something. The man caved.
"Tereva, amin lava...but Legolas be careful. *Please.* I don't think many, if any, people around here have seen an elf; they might not know what to make of you. I don't want you to get into a bad situation. If anything were to happen to you..." his voice trailed off. "Just be alert."
Legolas, ignoring his friend's concerned tone, waved an impatient hand. "I will, I will. You know I will." He flashed a smile at Aragorn before running lightly down the hall and down the stairs. Aragorn hurried to the banister.
"And mind whom you converse with! And don't be out too late; be back here before it gets too dark!" Legolas looked up at him from the bottom of the stairs, a cheeky grin plastered across his fair face.
"Ays, ada," was the elf's saucy reply before running out the door.
Aragorn shook his head. "Time to rouse the dwarf." He returned to the two rooms and entered the one from which loud snores were being emitted. He stood over Gimli's sleeping form for a moment before shaking him. The dwarf gave no signs of arousal. Aragorn shoved harder. Actually he rolled Gimli off the bed. This woke the dwarf, along with his anger; a string of curses, some in Westron and some in Dwarvish, flew from his mouth.
"Damn humans and their rudeness...Right in the middle of a wonderful dream...Haven't had a proper sleep in days!" When he was done, he turned to the ranger. "What do you want?" He looked around, "and where's Legolas?"
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "He went outside to have a look at the village. I don't like the idea of him wondering around alone, however, and so-"
"Oh no!" Gimli interrupted, "I am not baby sitting Legolas! He's experience, intelligent, and can take care of himself. I'm too tired and have no patience to be following him all over creation while he plays explorer." He sat on the bed with his arms crossed, as if to reinforce his refusal.
"Gimli, please. I don't like him going out there on his own; it's not safe for him-" Gimli snorted. Aragorn sighed. "I'm serious. I know he's strong and sensible, but still. These people most likely have never seen a creature like Legolas. I didn't even see a hobbit, here. I just don't want him to be put in an...awkward situation." Gimli turned to face the man.
"Just what are you gettin' at, laddie?"
"I've just got an uneasy feeling. We're in strange territory and I don't want to take any chances."
Gimli's shoulders slumped in defeat. He grabbed his cloak and a small throwing axe, for image, and stomped out of the room muttering a few choice words about troublesome elves and his serious need for a nap. Aragorn shook his head as he watched the dwarf leave. He the left the room and went back into his. Gandalf had disappeared, out gathering information, Aragorn suspected. The travel-worn ranger removed his boots and collapsed onto his bed, ready for *his* much needed nap.
***************************** Here are the translations for the Elvish. Please keep in mind that I'm no veteran in the Elvish language, so I apologize if I've butchered it.
"vanya mellonanin" = my fair friend "Tereva, amin lava" = fine, I yield "Ays, ada" = Yes, father
Well how'd you like it so far? Please review and let me know.
A/N: For those of you who have already read this first chapter, I've taken down the story, fixed it, finished it, and am now posting it again. I had started it, but life got very busy with college forms and boyfriend problems. I've just now found the time to finish it now that things are cooling off. It turned out a lot better in my imagination than on the computer so I hope it's not too horrid. I wasn't exactly pleased with it. It slides back and forth between dramatic and humorous, so try to bear with its bipolar qualities. I was in a hurry to get it out to you all, so I'm sorry for the poor writing, and grammar and spelling errors. Review if you like it. Don't read it if you hate it. I'm a professional fire-swallower, so flames will have no effect on me.
*....* = indicates thought
**************************************************************************** ****************
The Problem with Elves
By: Kate
After leaving Fanghorn Forest with Gandalf, now the White, the three companions set off for Rohan. About two days into their new journey, they came across a little town, about the size of Bree. As Aragorn studied the town, he took note that it probably contained the same hodgepodge of people. This meant that the travelers had to be careful; spies of Sauron or Sarumon could very easily be passing through this town as well.
"Do you think we should take up a room for the night?" Aragorn asked, glancing at the darkening sky.
"Absolutely!" came Gimli's hasty reply. "We're here so we might as well take advantage of the glorious opportunity of real beds and a roof!" Gimli looked pleadingly at his elvan companion. "You agree with me, don't you Legolas?"
Legolas smiled at his friend's excitement, and shrugged saying, "Tis no matter to me what we do. Do what you like Aragorn. Only...can we spare the time?"
The three looked to Gandalf who nodded. "I suppose one night of a decent rest wouldn't be a problem."
Gimli beamed. "I'm going to enjoy this night," he said wistfully.
The entrance gates to the village were open, so the four travelers crossed the threshold. Aragorn noted how very similar the town actually was to Bree: small two-story wooden houses, built in close proximity; crowded, beaten-down dirt roads; noise coming out of every building; and the smell of manure, ale, pipe weed, and rotting waste. Legolas crinkled his nose in disgust, giving his elegant face a petulant look.
"I'd rather sit under the stars, out in the open and with fresh air, than be confined to this dingy little place. I don't mind not having a bed." He received a sharp elbow in his side by Gimli.
"Shut it, Elf. I don't like the smell either, but unlike you, some of us aren't as suited to the great outdoors, and I want my bed!"
Aragorn leaned over to Legolas, whispering into his pointed ear. "You might want to be careful of what you say, vanya mellonanin. We are strangers here and don't want any problems, so mind your insults." Then more quietly, "The smell is horrible, I agree, but I think a great prince like yourself can deal with it in polite elvish fashion." Legolas turned to glare at Aragorn and saw the man giving him a coy smile. Aragorn winked.
They checked a couple inns as they passed through the town, however each one was rejected. Legolas requested that if they must spend the night in such a foul-smelling place, then could they at least find a clean place to sleep. They finally came to a small inn, The Spinner's Wheel, near the center of the village. They entered to find it relatively empty. Legolas cast a scrutinizing glance around the bar/lobby and nodded with satisfaction at its cleanliness. A small old woman hobbled down a set of stairs from the back of the large room.
"Are ye dears lookin' fer a place to stay? We've just gotten a few o' the upstairs bedrooms cleared and cleaned. There be two beds in each; I'm sure ye'll find them to yer satisfaction," the old woman stated. She cast a glance at Legolas as she said the last part.
Aragorn stepped forward, bowing in respect to the woman. "We would just be needing two rooms for the night, Mother." As a second thought he turned to Legolas with an amused smile. "Will you be needing a bed your highness? Or were you planning on spending your evening outside?" Legolas's cheeks burned and his blue-gray eyes darkened in his indignation.
"No, I will be taking a bed, thank you!" he spat out.
The old woman nodded and led them up the stairway that she had come down earlier, which led to the second story rooms. At the end of the hallway she unlocked two vacant rooms, one across the hall from the other. Gimli hurried into one, with Legolas following gracefully behind. Gandalf took the other along with Aragorn, who placed the money in the woman's hand with a gracious "thank you" before he followed after the wizard. The woman shuffled back down the hall, a smile playing on her lips. She hadn't seen an elf in many years, and to see one with a dwarf! Something serious was happening; she could sense it. For why else would a man, a wizard, a dwarf, and an elf be traveling together?
Once inside their room, Gimli immediately removed his armor and tossed it, along with his weapons, onto a bed in the corner. His cloak crumpled into a heap on the floor. Legolas moved over to the bed by the window and sat down, the mattress not even sinking down. Gazing at the dusky streets he saw, to his surprise, that the vendors seemed to take no notice of the approaching night and made no motion to close shop.
"I'm going to explore the village for a bit, Gimli, while there's still activity," Legolas said, still looking out of the window. His only response from his friend was a muffled grunt as Gimli rolled over on his bed, face down. He removed his quiver and bow as well as his knives, but he left the small dagger he kept concealed inside of his boot (just as a precaution). He folded the elven cloak and placed it neatly on the chair next to his bed and left the room, easing the door shut. At the same time Aragorn was leaving his and Gandalf's room. He smiled at the sight of his long-time friend.
"Legolas, I was just coming in to check on you and Gimli. How do you like your room? Are you in need of anything?"
"The room is very nice, with a great view of the market-square, which is actually where I'm going right now," the elf said hurriedly.
The ranger's smile falter a bit. "You're going out? Now? Night is approaching, why don't you wait until day?"
Legolas looked annoyed. "They seem to keep their stands open late, so I want to go and do a little exploring while there is still some activity. As for tomorrow, I know what'll happen. You'll get us up and packed at the crack of down, and we'll be on our way. I won't be able to look around tomorrow." When he saw this wasn't having an effect on his friend, Legolas switched tactics, putting on a pleading look. "Besides, Aragorn," the elf cooed, his voice melodious voice silky smooth, "I've never been to this little town before and you know how I like to explore..."
Aragorn sighed. Elves had a natural affinity for curiosity and Legolas was definitely no exception. He was extremely well traveled for his youth, but there were still a few places he had never seen. He loved to learn, and when he came to someplace new he had to thoroughly investigate it. That and Legolas had such an eager look on his face. He always looked like a little elfling whenever he got excited about something. The man caved.
"Tereva, amin lava...but Legolas be careful. *Please.* I don't think many, if any, people around here have seen an elf; they might not know what to make of you. I don't want you to get into a bad situation. If anything were to happen to you..." his voice trailed off. "Just be alert."
Legolas, ignoring his friend's concerned tone, waved an impatient hand. "I will, I will. You know I will." He flashed a smile at Aragorn before running lightly down the hall and down the stairs. Aragorn hurried to the banister.
"And mind whom you converse with! And don't be out too late; be back here before it gets too dark!" Legolas looked up at him from the bottom of the stairs, a cheeky grin plastered across his fair face.
"Ays, ada," was the elf's saucy reply before running out the door.
Aragorn shook his head. "Time to rouse the dwarf." He returned to the two rooms and entered the one from which loud snores were being emitted. He stood over Gimli's sleeping form for a moment before shaking him. The dwarf gave no signs of arousal. Aragorn shoved harder. Actually he rolled Gimli off the bed. This woke the dwarf, along with his anger; a string of curses, some in Westron and some in Dwarvish, flew from his mouth.
"Damn humans and their rudeness...Right in the middle of a wonderful dream...Haven't had a proper sleep in days!" When he was done, he turned to the ranger. "What do you want?" He looked around, "and where's Legolas?"
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "He went outside to have a look at the village. I don't like the idea of him wondering around alone, however, and so-"
"Oh no!" Gimli interrupted, "I am not baby sitting Legolas! He's experience, intelligent, and can take care of himself. I'm too tired and have no patience to be following him all over creation while he plays explorer." He sat on the bed with his arms crossed, as if to reinforce his refusal.
"Gimli, please. I don't like him going out there on his own; it's not safe for him-" Gimli snorted. Aragorn sighed. "I'm serious. I know he's strong and sensible, but still. These people most likely have never seen a creature like Legolas. I didn't even see a hobbit, here. I just don't want him to be put in an...awkward situation." Gimli turned to face the man.
"Just what are you gettin' at, laddie?"
"I've just got an uneasy feeling. We're in strange territory and I don't want to take any chances."
Gimli's shoulders slumped in defeat. He grabbed his cloak and a small throwing axe, for image, and stomped out of the room muttering a few choice words about troublesome elves and his serious need for a nap. Aragorn shook his head as he watched the dwarf leave. He the left the room and went back into his. Gandalf had disappeared, out gathering information, Aragorn suspected. The travel-worn ranger removed his boots and collapsed onto his bed, ready for *his* much needed nap.
***************************** Here are the translations for the Elvish. Please keep in mind that I'm no veteran in the Elvish language, so I apologize if I've butchered it.
"vanya mellonanin" = my fair friend "Tereva, amin lava" = fine, I yield "Ays, ada" = Yes, father
Well how'd you like it so far? Please review and let me know.