Standard disclaimers apply
A/N: The story scenes are in third person because I'm picturing what the listeners (and readers) are seeing – not Legolas' exact words. Hence the lack of quote marks as well.(The thought of quotes within quotes was too much for me!) I hope this isn't too confusing.
Chapter 2
It was 2937 in the Third Age.
The trees surrounded them with welcoming warmth. Dappled sunlight decorated the ground, the horses, and the warriors as they moved down the path towards the river. The soft ground from centuries of leaf fall muffled the sound of the horses' hooves.
The pace was a steady walk, not incredibly slow, but with no rush involved. The contingent of warriors from Mirkwood was more relaxed than they had been since leaving home. Within the extended borders of Imladris, not far from the Last Homely House, the dangers were negligible. It showed in the relaxed formation that they rode; the bows hung over backs rather than in hands, and the lighthearted, albeit quiet, conversations.
All of the Elves traveling through the sun-drenched forest were relaxed. Except one.
Legolas rode at the front of the small group, his posture tense. He was not worried about attack anymore but instead was lost in thought.
The attacks from orcs had increased and even the spiders had been more vicious recently. Worse, the shadow of Dol Guldor was growing darker and stronger. Legolas' father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood, wanted him to talk to Elrond, Lord of Imladris, to make him aware of the dangers, if he was not already. Legolas also was supposed to find out if Elrond had any suggestions for dealing with the problems, but this request came from his brother, not his father. Even though the relationship between the two realms was cordial, Thranduil had never forgotten that his father was killed fighting in the Last Alliance and Elrond had survived at the end of the Second Age. At this time, the king did not want to leave his realm, so he sent Legolas instead. And even now, I am not sure if this trip was meant as a reward or punishment, Legolas thought wryly.
--
"Uncle Legolas?" Gailrin's voice jolted the Elf out his story-telling mode. It took him a second to shake off the memories and focus on her. Leaning forward in bed, where he sat partway down, she asked, "Why are you telling us this?"
He frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"The information about spiders and, and other stuff. Where is Papa?"
A slight smile decorated his lips as he understood. "I will get to him, Gailrin. The story must be set up properly first. That was a very different time in Middle Earth. You need to know that."
"Oh, OK."
With a smile, Legolas continued.
-- --
He had been battling spiders deep within the forest for so long; he had nearly forgotten what the sun looked like. This trip, made during high summer, had quickly reminded him. For that reason, he enjoyed making the trip, whether his father expected him to or not. Once they had left the mountains and crossed the plain, Legolas enjoyed every second of the bright sunlight, even when it caused him to squint from its glare and over-heated the afternoon air.
He also was looking forward to seeing the twin sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, if they were home. As the three were close in age, they always had fun when they were together. He paused to reflect, when was the last time he had seen them? After thinking for a few moments, Legolas decided it must have been the last time they had visited him about a century ago. The trouble they had gotten into that visit! The three were very competitive… according to his father too competitive. Legolas laughed silently. He shook his head at the memory and said to himself, "Maybe that is why Elladan and Elrohir have not visited again. They are afraid father has not forgiven them yet. He will never forget!"
The prince's shoulders shook slightly as he laughed inwardly while remembering his father's parting admonishment. "Legolas, you are a prince of Mirkwood as well as a proven warrior. Please conduct yourself in a manner befitting your position. DO NOT" and the do not had been strongly emphasized, "get involved in your normal competition with the twins." Legolas had done his best to remain serious as he replied, "Yes, father." But then his sense of humor had gotten the best of him. "Well, at least I will if Elrohir and Elladan do not start anything." Thranduil had shaken his head and said, "Behave" firmly, but luckily did not lecture further. Concern about the reason for the visit overwhelmed the other issue.
Legolas hoped the twins would be at the Last Homely House for at least part of his visit. He knew they normally traveled with the Dunedains to patrol areas around Imladris and Arnor. He also knew from the last letter he had received from Elrohir that Arwen was visiting her mother's family in Lorien, so he would not be able to see her.
At one point, Thranduil had hoped Legolas and Arwen would marry.
--
"You could have been our father?" Taurwen asked. Her voice was shocked, but held neither disgust nor enjoyment of the idea.
"No, let me explain."
--
As much as Legolas enjoyed Arwen's beauty and company, he looked at her as a sister. And a fun Elf to plan ways to annoy her brothers. Despite her gentle bearing, Arwen could be very devious. As the youngest in her family, she had to be. Legolas smiled as the thought of some of her plans that he had participated in over the centuries. No one could plan like Arwen.
--
"I'm the youngest. I am devious?" Gailrin asked.
"Yes!" her siblings replied in unison. The adults exchanged smiles at their laughter and Gailrin's pout before Legolas continued.
--
"Prince," the call from the captain did not distract Legolas from his musings.
"Legolas! Stop!" This time the loud call startled the prince and he quickly reined his horse to a stop. The other Elves accompanying them had done so already and were a few paces behind.
"What is it, Poldon?" he questioned, a slight frown marring his face.
"Are you planning on crossing the last border without announcing yourself?" the captain queried, eyes twinkling in amusement.
Legolas looked around. They were already to the river where Elves were always stationed as lookouts. While the Elves would not shoot without notice, it was not polite, nor wise, to ride blindly in. Legolas shook his head. How the roaring of the river had gotten that loud without him being aware was surprising. If he had been that distracted earlier in the trip, the fight with orcs could have been much worse.
"I was lost in thought and did not realize," he trailed off.
"Obviously," Poldon said with a smile. "And now?"
Legolas nudged his horse ahead two paces.
"Guards of Imladris," he called out. "We are from Mirkwood and desire entrance to your lord's realm." Even though Legolas was sure his contingent had been watched for some time and had been recognized, it was best to follow protocol.
An Elf quickly appeared on the far side of the river. "Who speaks for you?" His bow was in his hand, but was not pointed at the visitors. No arrows had been pulled from the quiver on his back.
"I am Legolas," he paused and then added, "Prince of Mirkwood. I come to treat with Lord Elrond. These Elves all are Mirkwood warriors."
"Does Lord Elrond expect you?"
Legolas bit back a reply and tried to not to laugh. In the steadiest voice he could muster, he replied, "No, he does not."
The Elf across the river paused for a moment and looked to the side as if checking with someone else. He nodded and then called, "Enter, our Mirkwood brothers, and be welcome in Imladris."
Legolas led the mounted Elves over the bridge that crossed the madly foaming river. When they reached the other Elf, he bowed slightly. "Do you need a guide to the house, Prince Legolas?"
"We know the way. Thank you," the prince replied.
The other Elf bowed again and headed back to his post as the Mirkwood Elves moved forward. For several moments they rode quietly.
"Legolas?"
"Yes, Poldon?"
"Why did it take you so long to answer if Lord Elrond is expecting you?" The prince and captain were riding side-by-side, with the rest of the contingent behind them, in a loose formation.
This time Legolas laughed out loud and grinned. "Well, we did not tell him we were coming, but it is Lord Elrond. He will know anyways."
Poldon laughed also. "Only if he bothers to check on your activities, which I doubt he does."
"I do not know. After the last few times I have gotten together with Elladan and Elrohir, here or in Mirkwood, we have managed to cause a great deal of trouble. Lord Elrond probably wants a warning to prevent it from happening again."
"Especially in his keep?"
"Most definitely."
"You are right. He probably sent the twins to Arnor last week to keep you separate."
"I guess I will just have to stay until they get back."
Both Legolas and Poldon laughed and continued to joke until they arrived at the stable.
--
Legolas stopped. Gailrin opened her eyes, which had fluttered shut earlier. "Why are you stopping?" she asked in a sleepy voice.
"I think that is enough for tonight. We will continue tomorrow."
Too sleepy to argue, the child nodded her head. Legolas leaned over from where he sat next to her on the bed and brushed a kiss on her forehead. "Good night, young one."
She smiled. "Good night, Uncle Legolas."
The others also said their good nights and left the room and the peacefully sleeping girl.
TBC…
Author's notes (again):
Sorry for the short chapter, but a short update is better than no update, right?
Reviews and comments are always appreciated!
