Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
Engaging Plans
An air of celebration and excitement filled the whole city, and the palace was in turmoil, the like of which Legolas had never seen before. Everyone he passed on his way to Aragorn's study seemed to be in a great hurry heading towards his or her next task or rushing to complete his or her current one. The Elf's presence was acknowledged by perhaps a quick smile or nod of the head, rather than the polite comments on the weather or how he was faring in Ithilien that he was accustomed to hearing from anyone he happened to meet. Even the looks of longing and quiet whispers from those maids of the household who were infatuated with the handsome friend of the King were missing this day.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," said the very embarrassed chambermaid who had just unwittingly bumped into the Elf in her rush to go about her business.
"No harm done," he responded as he reached down to pick up the pile of clean towels that she had dropped on the floor. With a quick "thank you" and barely a second glance at the Elf, she took the linen from him and hurried away down the hall. 'It is a very unusual day,' thought Legolas as he turned to find Aragorn standing in the doorway to his study with a smile lighting his face.
"Quick, Legolas, come in here where it is safe!" he said with a conspiratorial wink. "Arwen is driving everyone to distraction with her preparations for tonight's festivities."
"So I have observed," commented the Elf wryly as he went and sat on the window ledge and looked out over the turmoil in the courtyard below. Arwen was directing the placement of banners and garlands of flowers, and even had some of the King's Guard doing her bidding. Aragorn placed a friendly hand Legolas' shoulder and followed his gaze to the scene below. They both laughed when Gimli and some of his Dwarf friends found themselves eagerly agreeing to help Arwen by setting up tables for those guests who might like to enjoy the evening air later into the night.
"I had no idea my gentle Queen could be such a tyrant," said Aragorn in jest, his eyes filled with love for his wife.
"Yes, I would say that Gimli has met his match in a mother who is making preparations for a betrothal ceremony for her only son. How did you escape?" Legolas asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
"I claimed I had important matters of state to deal with," replied the King as he handed his friend a glass of wine.
"I doubt Arwen really believed that," said Legolas, a wicked look in his eyes.
"So do I. I fear it will only be a temporary reprieve, for I am sure she has planned many duties for me to perform at the celebration tonight. I wonder what she has in mind for you?"
"Nothing, I hope. I am merely a guest."
Aragorn looked sceptical, Arwen had plans for everyone this day! "Well, whatever she wants, I am pleased to see you here, it has been too long since you last attended one of our banquets." Legolas rarely came to the city, much preferring the woods of his new home, and merrymaking under the stars. Although no stranger to formal occasions, he hated the unwanted attention he always drew from the unmarried maids of Minas Tirith. The last time he had attended one of Aragorn's banquets, one of his 'unwanted suitors' turned out to be married, much to his embarrassment, and Aragorn fully understood the Elf's reluctance to find himself in that position again.
"This is one invitation I could not refuse. Let us drink a toast to Eldarion and his betrothed," suggested Legolas as he raised his glass.
"And to his lovely but over zealous mother," added Aragorn also raising his glass. They watched Arwen in silence for a few more minutes until Aragorn moved to his favourite armchair and decided to make conversation. "What news do you bring of Ithilien?"
"There is not much to tell, except to say that it is growing more beautiful every day and Faramir is becoming a regular visitor."
"That comes as no surprise, he is very interested in anything to do with the Fair Folk," Aragorn commented. Over the next few hours the conversation between the two friends drifted to topics both important and frivolous, until Arwen interrupted them.
"Hello Legolas," she said walking over to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I am glad you are here for I have a request to make of you." Legolas looked over her head to Aragorn who gave him an 'I told you so' look. "Since it is well past the time the King should be making himself ready," she said with a meaningful glare at Aragorn, "I will accompany you to your rooms and we can talk on the way." Taking Legolas' arm, she smiled sweetly as she swept past her husband and said, "Your clothes for this evening are laid out in your bathing chamber." Aragorn took her words as the command they were and made his way to their apartments, his curiosity piqued in regards to the attire Arwen had deemed suitable, but more so over her mysterious plan for Legolas.
Meanwhile, Arwen had explained her request and as they arrived at his rooms, Legolas invited her in to discuss it further.
"I would be pleased to do as you ask, Arwen. You say Gimli gave you the idea? How very strange. Do you know why?"
"Yes, but I think perhaps he would delight in telling you himself," she said with a knowing smile, behind which Legolas detected a hint of melancholy.
"What saddens you, mellon nin?" he asked as he looked into her eyes. Arwen did not bother to deny what she knew full well the Elf could see.
"It is a bittersweet day. I am happy that Eldarion has found true love, just as his father and I have, but it reminds me of what I have lost."
"Your immortality?"
"No, I do not regret choosing to live a mortal life, I love Aragorn. I regret that my father did not approve of my choice, that our parting was filled with pain and sorrow. I miss him." Legolas took her in a comforting embrace as a single tear traced its way down her cheek.
"I have not yet found my soul mate, nor can I really comprehend what it would be like to be mortal, but I do understand how much we seek our Adar's approval, and how much they are missed when we are apart." Legolas said, offering what comfort he could to his friend.
"I envy you, for at least you are on good terms with Thranduil," she said softly, her heart aching to once more feel Elrond's warm embrace.
"Now you really do sound like a mortal. Do not envy me, rejoice in the happiness you have now, in the love of your husband and your children. You have chosen your path, walk it without sorrow."
"Dear Legolas," Arwen said as she gazed into eyes filled with understanding and gently touched his cheek, "your words comfort me and I thank you."
"I hope I am not interrupting anything?" said a gruff voice from the doorway. Gimli had opened the door and was just about to knock when he witnessed the intimate exchange between his friends. "On second thoughts, perhaps it is just as well I happened along," he teased. Knowing they had done nothing of which to be ashamed, Legolas kept an arm around Arwen's waist as they both turned to look with amusement at the Dwarf. For his part, Gimli knew that the two were nothing more than friends, and that neither would ever consider betraying the Man they both loved in their own way. He simply could not resist a chance to tease the Elf and since Arwen had been giving him a hard time with her party preparations, he was pleased to tease her as well.
"I think I had best go and see to my own dress for this evening, Come to my rooms an hour after sunset, Legolas, I will be waiting," she said in a deliberately seductive voice causing Gimli to blush.
"I will do as you command," replied Legolas, gently brushing her lips as he released her. The dwarf watched Arwen depart and turned to glare at Legolas who was smiling at his friend's discomfort.
"I would be careful if I were you, Master Elf, Aragorn may not see the humour in such a display. Even the most noble Men can experience jealousy," he cautioned.
"Aragorn knows he has no reason to be jealous, it is not the way of my kind to make untoward advances to a married woman. Do not forget that Arwen and I have been friends for centuries."
"Humph!" was his only reply.
"Tell me Gimli, why did you suggest I escort Aragorn's youngest daughter to the banquet tonight?"
"That you should escort someone was my idea, the choice was Arwen's," explained the Dwarf.
"Why do I need to escort anyone?" asked Legolas frowning slightly.
"Because, there will be maidens from all over Gondor and Rohan here for Eldarion's betrothal and once you make your entrance, they will all only have eyes for you, as always happens. If you arrive with a partner, the maids, the respectable ones at least, will not pester you. Arwen suggested her youngest daughter, for she has not yet been courted and no-one is likely to try and interfere with the Princess's escort."
"I see, but I would not want to give her possible suitors the wrong impression, there are sure to be many of them at the banquet as well."
"Yes, if you ask me you are more likely to find yourself challenged for her hand, than being sought after by the young ladies," teased Gimli.
"Then I will simply give the impression that I am an older sibling escorting his sister to a banquet," decided Legolas. "I would not like to see anything spoil Eldarion's night."
"As you wish. It is getting late and the sun is already setting and since I know how long you can take to dress formally, I will take my leave and see you at the banquet. Oh, and Legolas, you and Arwen should try not to tease Aragorn too much, at least not until I can witness the outcome!" The sweet sound of Elvish laughter followed the Dwarf down the hall.
Engaging Plans
An air of celebration and excitement filled the whole city, and the palace was in turmoil, the like of which Legolas had never seen before. Everyone he passed on his way to Aragorn's study seemed to be in a great hurry heading towards his or her next task or rushing to complete his or her current one. The Elf's presence was acknowledged by perhaps a quick smile or nod of the head, rather than the polite comments on the weather or how he was faring in Ithilien that he was accustomed to hearing from anyone he happened to meet. Even the looks of longing and quiet whispers from those maids of the household who were infatuated with the handsome friend of the King were missing this day.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," said the very embarrassed chambermaid who had just unwittingly bumped into the Elf in her rush to go about her business.
"No harm done," he responded as he reached down to pick up the pile of clean towels that she had dropped on the floor. With a quick "thank you" and barely a second glance at the Elf, she took the linen from him and hurried away down the hall. 'It is a very unusual day,' thought Legolas as he turned to find Aragorn standing in the doorway to his study with a smile lighting his face.
"Quick, Legolas, come in here where it is safe!" he said with a conspiratorial wink. "Arwen is driving everyone to distraction with her preparations for tonight's festivities."
"So I have observed," commented the Elf wryly as he went and sat on the window ledge and looked out over the turmoil in the courtyard below. Arwen was directing the placement of banners and garlands of flowers, and even had some of the King's Guard doing her bidding. Aragorn placed a friendly hand Legolas' shoulder and followed his gaze to the scene below. They both laughed when Gimli and some of his Dwarf friends found themselves eagerly agreeing to help Arwen by setting up tables for those guests who might like to enjoy the evening air later into the night.
"I had no idea my gentle Queen could be such a tyrant," said Aragorn in jest, his eyes filled with love for his wife.
"Yes, I would say that Gimli has met his match in a mother who is making preparations for a betrothal ceremony for her only son. How did you escape?" Legolas asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
"I claimed I had important matters of state to deal with," replied the King as he handed his friend a glass of wine.
"I doubt Arwen really believed that," said Legolas, a wicked look in his eyes.
"So do I. I fear it will only be a temporary reprieve, for I am sure she has planned many duties for me to perform at the celebration tonight. I wonder what she has in mind for you?"
"Nothing, I hope. I am merely a guest."
Aragorn looked sceptical, Arwen had plans for everyone this day! "Well, whatever she wants, I am pleased to see you here, it has been too long since you last attended one of our banquets." Legolas rarely came to the city, much preferring the woods of his new home, and merrymaking under the stars. Although no stranger to formal occasions, he hated the unwanted attention he always drew from the unmarried maids of Minas Tirith. The last time he had attended one of Aragorn's banquets, one of his 'unwanted suitors' turned out to be married, much to his embarrassment, and Aragorn fully understood the Elf's reluctance to find himself in that position again.
"This is one invitation I could not refuse. Let us drink a toast to Eldarion and his betrothed," suggested Legolas as he raised his glass.
"And to his lovely but over zealous mother," added Aragorn also raising his glass. They watched Arwen in silence for a few more minutes until Aragorn moved to his favourite armchair and decided to make conversation. "What news do you bring of Ithilien?"
"There is not much to tell, except to say that it is growing more beautiful every day and Faramir is becoming a regular visitor."
"That comes as no surprise, he is very interested in anything to do with the Fair Folk," Aragorn commented. Over the next few hours the conversation between the two friends drifted to topics both important and frivolous, until Arwen interrupted them.
"Hello Legolas," she said walking over to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I am glad you are here for I have a request to make of you." Legolas looked over her head to Aragorn who gave him an 'I told you so' look. "Since it is well past the time the King should be making himself ready," she said with a meaningful glare at Aragorn, "I will accompany you to your rooms and we can talk on the way." Taking Legolas' arm, she smiled sweetly as she swept past her husband and said, "Your clothes for this evening are laid out in your bathing chamber." Aragorn took her words as the command they were and made his way to their apartments, his curiosity piqued in regards to the attire Arwen had deemed suitable, but more so over her mysterious plan for Legolas.
Meanwhile, Arwen had explained her request and as they arrived at his rooms, Legolas invited her in to discuss it further.
"I would be pleased to do as you ask, Arwen. You say Gimli gave you the idea? How very strange. Do you know why?"
"Yes, but I think perhaps he would delight in telling you himself," she said with a knowing smile, behind which Legolas detected a hint of melancholy.
"What saddens you, mellon nin?" he asked as he looked into her eyes. Arwen did not bother to deny what she knew full well the Elf could see.
"It is a bittersweet day. I am happy that Eldarion has found true love, just as his father and I have, but it reminds me of what I have lost."
"Your immortality?"
"No, I do not regret choosing to live a mortal life, I love Aragorn. I regret that my father did not approve of my choice, that our parting was filled with pain and sorrow. I miss him." Legolas took her in a comforting embrace as a single tear traced its way down her cheek.
"I have not yet found my soul mate, nor can I really comprehend what it would be like to be mortal, but I do understand how much we seek our Adar's approval, and how much they are missed when we are apart." Legolas said, offering what comfort he could to his friend.
"I envy you, for at least you are on good terms with Thranduil," she said softly, her heart aching to once more feel Elrond's warm embrace.
"Now you really do sound like a mortal. Do not envy me, rejoice in the happiness you have now, in the love of your husband and your children. You have chosen your path, walk it without sorrow."
"Dear Legolas," Arwen said as she gazed into eyes filled with understanding and gently touched his cheek, "your words comfort me and I thank you."
"I hope I am not interrupting anything?" said a gruff voice from the doorway. Gimli had opened the door and was just about to knock when he witnessed the intimate exchange between his friends. "On second thoughts, perhaps it is just as well I happened along," he teased. Knowing they had done nothing of which to be ashamed, Legolas kept an arm around Arwen's waist as they both turned to look with amusement at the Dwarf. For his part, Gimli knew that the two were nothing more than friends, and that neither would ever consider betraying the Man they both loved in their own way. He simply could not resist a chance to tease the Elf and since Arwen had been giving him a hard time with her party preparations, he was pleased to tease her as well.
"I think I had best go and see to my own dress for this evening, Come to my rooms an hour after sunset, Legolas, I will be waiting," she said in a deliberately seductive voice causing Gimli to blush.
"I will do as you command," replied Legolas, gently brushing her lips as he released her. The dwarf watched Arwen depart and turned to glare at Legolas who was smiling at his friend's discomfort.
"I would be careful if I were you, Master Elf, Aragorn may not see the humour in such a display. Even the most noble Men can experience jealousy," he cautioned.
"Aragorn knows he has no reason to be jealous, it is not the way of my kind to make untoward advances to a married woman. Do not forget that Arwen and I have been friends for centuries."
"Humph!" was his only reply.
"Tell me Gimli, why did you suggest I escort Aragorn's youngest daughter to the banquet tonight?"
"That you should escort someone was my idea, the choice was Arwen's," explained the Dwarf.
"Why do I need to escort anyone?" asked Legolas frowning slightly.
"Because, there will be maidens from all over Gondor and Rohan here for Eldarion's betrothal and once you make your entrance, they will all only have eyes for you, as always happens. If you arrive with a partner, the maids, the respectable ones at least, will not pester you. Arwen suggested her youngest daughter, for she has not yet been courted and no-one is likely to try and interfere with the Princess's escort."
"I see, but I would not want to give her possible suitors the wrong impression, there are sure to be many of them at the banquet as well."
"Yes, if you ask me you are more likely to find yourself challenged for her hand, than being sought after by the young ladies," teased Gimli.
"Then I will simply give the impression that I am an older sibling escorting his sister to a banquet," decided Legolas. "I would not like to see anything spoil Eldarion's night."
"As you wish. It is getting late and the sun is already setting and since I know how long you can take to dress formally, I will take my leave and see you at the banquet. Oh, and Legolas, you and Arwen should try not to tease Aragorn too much, at least not until I can witness the outcome!" The sweet sound of Elvish laughter followed the Dwarf down the hall.