Chapter 2: There be Elves

"Move over Pip!"

"You move over, Merry!"

"Shush! They'll hear you!"

"Are those really elves Mr. Frodo?"

"They have to be Sam," the young Hobbit turned to his friend a wide grin etched across his features. "See how tall they are and how they glow? Uncle Bilbo says that's what elves look like."

"Do you know where they're going," Merry asked his cousin, small round face barely hidden by the leaves of the bushes the four faunts hid in.

"No, but they look like they're headed west so maybe Lindon? Uncle Bilbo says there's a city there. He and Percia went there a few seasons ago on holiday," the other replied, his bright blue eyes wide with curiosity and joy as they continued to watch the group of elves move down the road.

"Do you think they have food?" This came from Pippin, unsurprisingly.

"You just ate half an hour ago," Sam huffed in annoyance.

"But I'm hungry," he whined pitifully, hazel eyes pleading.

"Then you're lucky I found you to take you rascals home," a new voice stated wryly causing all four faunts to jump in shock. Four pairs of eyes looked upward to find Percia standing behind them in her hunting garb, arms crossed and one brow raised in question.

"Uh…" Ever the spokes-Hobbit of this little group of troublemakers Frodo tried to find the words to exonerate them; however he knew very well there would be no escaping punishment this time.

"Well said," Percia drawled, far more amused than she let on. Granted it was hard to remain mad with any faunt. Hobbits were just far too cute, especially when they were under the age of ten, like these four. They were just so tiny and innocent with big eyes, curly mops of hair and little pudgy bellies. Made her want to just sweep them in her arms and cuddle.

No, she had to be strong! These four had been missing for a good 36 hours sending their parents into an uproar. Even the Tooks and Brandybucks, known for their trouble making, were in a tizzy over the missing children.

"In any case, you four have your parents completely riled up," she stated dryly allowing a small smirk. "Quite the feat given just who your parents are, but true in any case. So I'm afraid you will have to say goodbye to the elves and head on home." At this she nodded to a few of the warriors that had scattered up and down the caravan line to protect the civilians, noting a few of them had been surprised at their presence. They likely had not even sensed the four children. Hobbits could be practically invisible if they wanted.

"Aw…" Sometimes she wondered if the children practiced together to get the perfect sync they currently displayed.

"We just wanted to see the Elves," Frodo muttered sadly, the other three following his cue to hang their heads a bit. It pulled at her heartstrings to see how pathetic they looked. Their eyes peeked up at her from behind the curtains of curls.

Percia tried to hold out. She really did, but she was only human and even most of the gods from her world would have folded to those looks. "Fine," she groused rubbing her eyes to stave off a headache. "But only for five more minutes then we leave, understood?"

All four promised, heads nodding enthusiastically before they retook their former positions watching the elves pass by. Of course several had heard the exchange given their enhanced hearing and were sending smiles towards the small group of hidden faunts. Though it seemed silly to hide since Percia was standing in plain view, and the elves clearly knew they were there.

"Where do they come from, Ms. Percia," Sam asked innocently. As such she bit off her first reaction to make a sly remark about mating habits. Clearly she was missing her cousins if she was reverting to such childish thoughts.

"Well, the ones dressed in the blue, brown and maroon warrior garbs are from Rivendell. That is where Lord Elrond lives," she explained calmly not the least bit perturbed when a few sent looks her way.

"He let you and Uncle Bilbo and the Dwarves stay there didn't he," Frodo piped in happily.

"That he did," she agreed before moving on. "The ones in the green, brown and tan uniforms are from Mirkwood, under the rule of King Thranduil."

"He threw you and the dwarves in his prison cells," Merry exclaimed also remembering the stories Bilbo told them. A few of the elves even stopped to listen.

"Well yes, but technically we were trespassing in their realm and it worked out in the end," she hedged not wanting to tell the whole story again, that was Bilbo's talent not hers.

"You mean when they joined forces with the dwarves and the men to fight in that battle," Pippin added his body squirming with unused energy.

"The Battle of the Five Armies, yes." Bilbo would scold her if she didn't try to educate them on the proper names of historical events.

"You fought with them didn't you Ms. Percia," Sam queried. The statement got a few more stares from the Elves, especially the warriors.

"I did," she confirmed before pressing forward to keep them from asking for details. They were way too young to subject to such knowledge. "Now the ones in the multitude of grays I have not had the pleasure of meeting, so I am afraid I do not know where they come from. The ones not dressed in warrior garb are likely civilians from the different realms making the journey west." A telltale tingle along her spine alerted her to the presence of others, though they did not seem dangerous. In fact she was sure they were members of the caravan trying to startle them. "Though perhaps our guests can give you more information."

This had all four turning to her, their eyes going wide once more staring a good foot over her head. Since there was no fear only wonder and awe she knew her assumptions of the identity of their guests was correct.

"How did you know we were there," a cultured voice sounded from her right, before another very similar one joined in from her left. "Few can tell when an Elf sneaks up on them."

"Honed senses," she drawled turning to the pair blinking slightly at the sight of identical faces staring down at her. Times like these she hated being short. Both were dressed in the warrior garb of Rivendell and they had the darker locks associated with those who dwelled there. The shape of their faces also seemed similar. "You two wouldn't happen to be related to Lord Elrond would you?"

Now it was their turn to blink. The one on the left grinned broadly after a moment. "His sons. Elledan." He nodded to his twin before introducing himself. "And I am Elrohir."

"Well met," Percia responded in kind. "I am Percia Jackson, and these rascals are Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Samwise Gamgee and finally Frodo Baggins." All four boys bowed, as they should when their names were mentioned, still a bit star struck at see the Elves up close.

"Baggins you say?" Elrohir queried. "We met a Bilbo Baggins once, would you be related to him?"

Frodo just nodded too in awe to find his words.

"It is a pleasure to meet you boys," Elledan greeted squatting down to their level a kind grin on his face. "You had some questions about Elves?"

"Oh you're gonna regret that," Percia mumbled under her breath, though the twins clearly heard it. Their curiosity for the statement was sated when the variable floodgates opened and they found themselves being interrogated by the fauntlings. Thankfully the four had enough manners to only ask one question at a time, otherwise she doubted the brothers would have been able to get any words out.

"I thought I had heard a rather annoying sound." A new and very familiar voice, to Percia at least, broke from the tree line announcing another elf. "I should have guessed it would be you."

Ignoring the curious stares of the children and Elrond's sons she turned to face the tall lithe form of Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood and a thorn in her side.

"With what little brain cells you have it doesn't surprise me you could not puzzle it out," she retorted just as dryly, posture taking on a slightly challenging stance. Ever since 'officially' meeting the prince after her fight with Smaug the two had not gotten along. His comments about her choice in companions, specifically the Dwarves, did not endear him to her good graces. Their dealings continued with a healthy dose of sarcasm and distain through the battle and ensuing aftermath. In the face of such devastation their animosity had cooled to a more mild dislike and semi-respect.

Legolas smirked actually enjoying the banter. Ever since the battle he had not found anyone willing to match words with him. Not since Tauriel… No he would not think of that, it still brought anger to his heart when his mind went there. Regardless, everyone, even his father, seemed to treat him with extra care, as if he would snap at any moment. But not Percia; she gave as good as she got. This was the reason he'd come on this journey after learning she was still in this world. He had to verify it for himself.

"Perhaps I hoped I had misheard in an attempt to save myself from your presence. Finding proof you still walk this land pains my heart," he shot back smugly.

"Yes, well I had hoped a spider had finally gotten lucky, but here I find you still torturing others with your existence."

As the two continued snipping at one another with more creative insults, the children and elves watched on part in worry and part in confusion. Elledan had planned to step in when the two really started going, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He glanced up to find Calanon, one of Legolas' warriors, watching the scene with a glint of hope in his eyes.

/My friend, should we not stop them?/ While he did not know how the two in front of him knew each other, he had never known Legolas to act so churlishly with another, especially not a female.

/No, this is the most animated I have seen him in years./ Calanon actually smiled a little. /Not since before the Dwarves retook Erebor. While not necessarily the best way to act, at least he is showing some kind of emotion./

Elledan paused in thought. It was true the Mirkwood prince had been far more subdued and listless these past years. Most had thought it was due to the losses from the battle, as many had died that day. However, Elledan thought it had more to do with the rumor of his childhood friend spurning his affection for another, but no one had ever confirmed this. Eying his friend closely he could see there was a certain spark to Legolas that had been missing the few times they had seen him these past years.

/Is it just me or do they remind you of children pulling pigtails,/ Elrohir muttered next to him, grey eyes avidly watching the pair verbally battling before them.

Elledan blinked taking in the scene with this thought in mind. Sure enough, though their words could be considered highly insulting, neither looked truly mad and in fact their posture indicated the opposite. Granted he highly doubted either would admit it if they even realized it.

Calanon chuckled. /It is said his father and mother acted much the same in the early days of their acquaintance. I am just glad the Prince is finally behaving more like himself, and hope he will continue to do so./

"Arg! You are so irritating," Percia growled pointing an accusing finger at the blond. Turning on her heal she moved towards their audience. "I don't have time for this! I need to get these four home."

"Please do run along," the prince coyly commanded, clearly pleased with himself. "We wouldn't want you to get hurt by some dangerous obstacle, like a tree root."

"That was one time!" She had spun around defensively only to see his wide grin which spiked her ire. "How did you even find out about that anyway?"

"A mutual friend was kind enough to share," he replied slyly. "Given what I know of you I wasn't too surprised at your… clumsiness."

"I hope you get eaten by a fish!" She started herding the children back towards the Hobbiton saying polite farewells to the other elves nearby.

"I hope you fall in a mud pit," the blond elf shot back cheekily before making his way back to the main caravan, a small smirk still firmly in place.

The three elves who had observed the scene waved goodbye to the tiny Hobbits, though still kept an eye on their departing friend.

/They have no clue do they?/ Elrohir murmured thoughtfully.

/Not in the least./ Elledan nodded in agreement as he stood. Maybe on the trip back they should make a detour to the Shire?