The Dare, Chapter 2

The next day…

Legolas sat at the breakfast table, silently nibbling on his food. He was angry with his older brothers for forcing him to do something he did not want to do and knew would get him in trouble. So far, Thranduil had not said anything about it, but Legolas knew his father would find out soon. He waited for his father to say something, but Thranduil was silent, seemingly oblivious to his sons' game the day before.

"May I be excused, Ada?" Legolas looked up from his plate to see his younger sister finished.

"Of course, Miriel. Do not forget that there is the feast tonight," Thranduil replied. "I expect all of you to be dressed well."

"Yes, Ada," all five elflings said. Miriel smiled, and the older boys grinned mischievously at each other. Legolas just stared at his barely touched food.

"Naneth," he said, looking at his mother, "may I please be excused?"

"You've barely eaten, Legolas," Laurelin said.

"I'm not very hungry," the boy responded.

"Alright then. Remember what your father said though."

"Yes, Naneth," Legolas said, eagerly leaving the table.

*****

Later in the day, Legolas was spying on his siblings. He watched as Miriel played with her dolls and his older brothers teased her. It was nearly time for the feast when Miriel finally went to look for her dress, which was nowhere to be found.

Legolas continued to watch as she ran to their father, explaining everything. He knew they would be in trouble.

"BOYS!" Thranduil's angry voice came from the throne room. "COME HERE THIS INSTANT!"

All four boys came in, Legolas the first one there. "Yes, Ada?" he asked, his voice small.

"Do any of you know what happened to your sister's dress? And her tiara?" Thranduil asked. Turin glanced at Caunion. Legolas nodded very slowly and asked if he could speak with his father privately. After the older boys had left, Legolas told his father where the things were hidden, and said that he would get the dress and tiara if Thranduil would keep Turin away for five minutes.

*****

Legolas hurried into his brother's room to retrieve Miriel's things while his father talked to the older boys. Legolas knew Turin would get in trouble, and that Turin would be angry. But he did not care. The older ones had it coming. It was what they deserved.

Legolas came out of his brother's room, carrying the things in his arms. He shoved them into Miriel's hands and walked off to see his father. On the way, he passed Turin, coming out of the throne room.

"I'll get you for this, Lego, if it's the last thing it do!" Turin sneered at his younger brother on his way to his room. Legolas just smiled.