This is a birthday present for LadyLindariel, one of the amazing friends I've made on FF. She is an inspiration to me, both in her writing and as a person. (::) (::) Cookies for the birthday girl! (::) (::)
Elrohir and Elrohir were not quite sure why Thranduil had only invited the two of them to Mirkwood. Elrond had reasoned out something about heirs and alliances, and they did not object because they had heard many rumors of the young princeling. Some said he could shoot down an insect in flight, others that he could run faster than any of the Quendi, and some even said that he could fight without looking.
"I am sure you two do not believe those rumors, as responsible young adults. Be polite; you are representative of my kingdom and the Elvenking can hold a long grudge," Elrond had lectured the two when he got wind of the reason for their excitement. "This will be a test also, to see how you handle yourselves alone. Your freedoms in later years will reflect upon your conduct in the week you are there."
The preparation for their journey was relatively short, though CelebrÃan made sure to personally check through their supplies first.
Riding unchecked over the rolling hills was a glorious thing, the wind tumbling their hair and stinging their eyes mischievously. It was not all that long before the land changed, becoming more dark and wooded.
When at last the twins were faced with the forest in all its dark splendor, it was a sudden solidifying, as if what they had been seeing from far off before was a blurry copy for a painting and this the model. They stared up at the arching treetops, the horses going still as well out of an awed reverence.
It was Elladan who mustered himself enough to go in first. "Father said if we followed the path we would get there soon enough." It was dreadful, to say the least, causing even their stout hearts to quicken with fear. Every rustle, every creak was imagined as some horrid creature, and the two soon had to get down to lead their frightened steeds.
They had been walking rather slowly for perhaps a half hour when they were caught up by a crowd of green-clad figures. These bright natured elves brought merrymaking and a reeling sort of steadiness, singing and dancing about the Peredhil. From then it did not seem so long before they came to Elvenking's Halls.
One of their guard, for that was what it had been, led them to a spacious room. "You may wish to make yourselves more presentable as the Elvenking will see you in an hour's time. I will fetch you when the time comes."
Elrohir combed his hair, preening vainly in front of a mirror. "Do I seem properly cleaned up to you?"
"You should change out of your riding clothes," Elladan said with the sort of patience a parent shows when they must deal with unusually thoughtless and excitable children. When he had gotten himself ready and made sure his brother was a well, the two flopped down with some light reading to wait.
As they were led down the vaulted hallways, the two elves were able to appreciate more clearly the structure of the caves. It appeared delicate yet perfectly sturdy in construction with geometric designs that seemed natural somehow.
They came to the door to the throne room. "Bow upon entering, move forwards hunched over. Do not straighten until he bids you rise and whatever you do do not look him in the eye before he addresses you." Elladan elbowed his brother, knowing what kinds of ideas he would be entertaining.
There was no problem with their entering, something Elladan was very relieved with.
"You might wonder why I have asked you to come here," Thranduil began. "The truth is that my son needs some influence from the outside world. Our people have been mostly hidden in these halls for many years, and their light is fake and overbright. You have been raised in the sun, and less fear than he. Worry such as he has does not belong in one that has not yet reached maturity. I only ask that you spend a couple days with him, to show him the light. You will breakfast with him tomorrow."
Elladan had heard a good deal of bad about Thranduil, but he didn't seem that awful. Terse, yes. Formal, yes. But it was actually quite sweet to see how he cared about his son.
~S~
The breakfast they were served was of the finest quality. Which made sense since it was also for the king's son.
The elf was very pale, which was the first thing that Elladan noticed. Even his eyes were grey, and not that intense in color. It was as if he had been in the woods his whole life, which was actually quite likely. He was very quiet and unassuming in his movements.
"What is your name?" Elladan inquired.
"Legolas Thranduilion," he said, blinking wide eyes as if surprised to hear speech. Elladan realized that he had spoken without being spoken to first, and that it was generally impolite. But if he apologized, that would be speaking. Besides, Legolas didn't seem very chatty. "And you?"
"I'm Elladan Peredhel, and this is my brother, Elrohir." He kicked him as he spoke, and Elrohir swallowed his bulging mouthful of food in a hurry.
"Yeah, I'm Elrohir. He is older by a minute and 48 seconds. He's the mature one." He grinned cheerily and got himself another biscuit.
"So, what do you like to do?" Elladan asked, rolling his eyes as if to add, And what will I do with this bozo?
"Most of the time I do schoolwork that my tutor assigns me. It's not just book stuff, I also am assigned to hours of swordplay or riding or archery or whatever else depending on how he thinks I am doing. Sometimes I go out to see the falls, but nowadays the enormous escort ruins the atmosphere. I do not like to go out with elves singing and dancing all the time, for they are not truly happy and I can see their hands stray often to their sword hilts." It seemed very dreary to Elladan. As big and beautiful as these halls were, no one could stay in them for years on end without spending ample time outside. "I do not go outside much anymore. Would you like to go riding with me? We have a special cave just for it, and I have recently been allowed to choose a horse. They are pretty expensive since we must ship hay and oats for them, but he is my only friend who is never busy." That seemed even sadder to Elladan, but he didn't let on.
"That sounds wonderful." He stood after Legolas did, following him, and Elrohir stole a piece of the bacon on the way out.
I have made Legolas 16 or so in human years, not so sure how that lines up with timelines etc. I hope y'all like this first chapter! If you see any mistakes with mechanics, please tell me. I ran this off quickly, and I know it's not the best writing I've ever done, and I would appreciate if you would leave me feedback to improve it!