A Princely Prank by Tansy1354

Summary : Prince Legolas of Mirkwood had been the target of the Rivendell twins pranks once too often, it was time to get revenge. Nessa, Eryniel, Amroth and Menuldur are my own creations

Part 7. Fancying Eryniel

At around seven am as most of the residents of Rivendell began their day, Elladan Elrondion awoke in his brother Estel's bed and yawned. He lay there thinking of the previous day and wondered with not a little trepidation what this day would bring.

As his thoughts turned from the situation with Legolas to his current feelings towards his twin, he decided that perhaps it would be best not to dwell on those things for now.

So he quickly washed and got dressed and headed across the hall to the Prince's room and listened at the door, when he heard nothing he took it that the occupants were both still asleep and thanked the Valar that the night appeared to have passed without incident.

From there he made his way to the kitchens to organise some food for himself, Estel and Legolas. He nodded to a young beaming elleth who came forward to greet him, "Good Morning, Nessa. You look as bright as the morning."

"Thank you, Master Elladan. Can I get you something special this morning?" The girl blushed smiling.

"Yes, you may help me put together a tray for my brother Estel, Prince Legolas and Lady Eryniel. Don't forget to include some of those wonderful blueberry pastries. I think some light eggs and toast will be all right for Lady Eryniel."

Then he was struck by an inspiration, "Is there any of that mashed pumpkin left from last night's dinner? I know for a fact that it is Lady Eryniel's favourite along with those sweet juicy peas."

If the young woman was surprised by the request, she hid it well. "I believe there is some mashed pumpkin left but I would have to cook a new lot of peas. I could bring it along as soon as it was ready."

"Ah, you are a real treasure, Nessa that would be most kind of you. Please bring them to the Prince's room as we are all breakfasting together in there this morning."

Quickly the rest of the tray was loaded with a selection of fruits, some breads and cheese, scrambled eggs, toast, tea and of course the famous pastries.

Wishing them all good morning, Elladan hurried back quickly to the prince's room.

Placing the tray down beside the door he knocked and opened it before reaching down and collecting the tray. Inside it was still quiet and it was then that he noticed Estel back in the chair beside the Prince's bed. As he placed the tray onto the table by the already lit fire, he realised the night must not have been as peaceful as he thought.

Gently he went to rouse his brother and check on the prince. "Estel, I have brought you and Legolas some breakfast. What happened last night, Legolas is looking paler?"

"Elladan, thank you, but I am not all that hungry and I don't think that Legolas will be able to face any food this morning. What time is it anyway?" The ranger threw back his blanket and stretched painfully, then yawned as he got up out of the chair.

Pulling his elder brother towards the tray and away from the bed, he sat down and poured himself some tea, before continuing. "He had another bout of nausea and headache, about three hours ago. But this time his sight was blurry and he said his head was spinning."

"Well, those are all likely with concussion, Estel, but I sense there is something else. What is it?" Elladan asked with concern.

"Well, it was definitely Legolas who woke me, but he didn't know where he was or where the bathing room was. It was also Legolas who didn't remember getting concussion and was afraid to be left alone." Estel absentmindedly bit into one of the pastries.

"Yes, I see why you are concerned, those symptoms combined with the others you have already described; it does suggest any hope of a quick recovery may be wishful thinking." The elder twin replied resignedly.

"Look Estel, you have been stuck indoors since yesterday afternoon, so take a walk, stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Have a hot soak in a bath and try and relax for a little while. Legolas trusts me so if he wakes there shouldn't be a problem, and if he gets agitated I'll send for you." Elladan suggested knowing that Estel would not look after himself while he was taking care of Legolas.

"I admit that does sound tempting, but I would prefer Ada to stay with Legolas because I think Legolas needs a father right now. I am sorry Elladan, I trust you and Eryniel trusts you but I don't think Legolas will." Estel said sadly as he saw the hurt look in his brother's eyes.

"I tell you what, why don't you stay here and have breakfast with me and we will see how Legolas reacts to you, if he is happy to allow you to stay with him then I will gladly take up your suggestion."

Estel continued on, "Tell me brother, has anyone noticed Legolas' absence, because if they haven't yet, they soon will and we should come up with some story to cover it." Estel gestured for Elladan to join him in the seats next to the fireplace.

A short time later there was a knock at the door, "Master Elladan, I have brought the lady's favourite dish as you requested." Nessa called from the other side.

Elladan made a dash for the door and opened it only far enough to take the small tray from the waiting elleth. "Thank you again, Nessa and have a pleasant day." With that he quickly shut the door and took the new tray with the two covered dishes over to the fireside table.

He then continued their previous conversation," I am truly sorry that Elrohir upset Eryniel, Estel, and for what it is worth I gave him a lecture on his thoughtlessness. But I am afraid it probably didn't do any good as he now has it in his head that this is all some prank you and Legolas are playing. He made me so angry that I moved into your room for a couple of nights as had I remained in his company he would have received much more that a lecture from me." Elladan finished bitterly as his eyes once more found their way to the maiden in the bed.

Estel, for his part was shocked at this latest turn of events and wondered if Legolas was awake and had heard this admission.

Still he rushed to reassure his elder brother "I can assure you dear brother, that this is no prank and that Legolas truly believes himself to be Eryniel. Besides which when he awoke this morning he really was confused and afraid."

Before his brother could answer however, a soft feminine voice called out dreamily, "Estel, my love, if you insist on my staying in bed today then I insist you join me as I believe I would rest much better that way."

Estel glared at Elladan, who was grinning widely at his younger brother's predicament, before reluctantly making his way to the bed.

"Eryniel I am afraid I cannot do that, my father was most insistent you have complete rest. Besides Elladan is here to see you and has volunteered to sit with you while I see to some errands. I am sure he will be happy to keep you company while you eat the special breakfast he has arranged for you." Estel said as he draped a blanket around the maiden's shoulders after helping her sit up against the pillows.

"Good Morning to you Elladan, I thank you for your thoughtfulness in arranging my breakfast for me. I hope that I will be able to do whatever you have chosen justice." Eryniel said with a genuine smile as she looked in the elder brother's direction.

Elladan had picked up the tray which Nessa had brought and approached the bed when he stopped suddenly and blurted out. "My, my, Eryniel, may I say you are looking absolutely radiant this morning."

"Why thank you Elladan, I wonder why my own beloved did not notice."

She pouted at Estel then returned her attention to Elladan who had moved again and was placing the tray on her lap. She eagerly removed the covers and a look of delight crossed her face.

"Oh how wonderful, my favourites, how did you know?" With that she picked up the accompanying spoon and began to eat with obvious pleasure.

Estel again noticed that Elladan was watching Eryniel's every movement and facial expression with apparent fascination and for some reason it made him feel quite uncomfortable. He berated himself for being so ridiculous and went to fetch some clean clothes, before saying a quick goodbye to Eryniel. He reminded Elladan to make sure that his beloved did indeed rest before leaving them to seek out the other bathing room down the hall.

After a short bath and feeling a bit more refreshed he went out into the garden to get some fresh air, but it was not long before he was approached by two male elves who he knew were particular friends with Elrohir and Elladan, by the name of Amroth and Menuldur.

"Good morning Estel, we missed Legolas' company last night in the Hall of Fire. Is he well, as no one has seen him since before lunch time yesterday?" Amroth enquired with genuine concern.

"Yes, and what about the Lady Eryniel, how does she fare this morning Estel?" Menuldur asked with more than polite interest.

Estel decided that it was just possible that Elrohir had sent them to try and catch him out and prove his theory of a prank. So he thought carefully before answering.

"Ah, well, Legolas is fine; he got back quite late last night and decided to sleep in my room. He is currently taking breakfast with Elladan and Eryniel. As for Eryniel she seems a little better this morning, but I have insisted she remain in bed for a little while longer." Estel replied deciding to keep as close to the truth as possible.

It was then that both brought small bunches of wildflowers out from behind their backs and earnestly pressed them into Estel's hands. "We thought since Lady Eryniel was stuck in bed, she may enjoy some colour to brighten up her room." Amroth explained sheepishly.

Estel took the flowers trying to hide his surprise, "That is very thoughtful of you both; I will make sure she receives them and knows who they came from. I think in fact that I will take them to her now, so if you will excuse me?" With that he turned and hurried back to his brother and Eryniel, his feelings somewhat mixed over the kind of attention Eryniel was now receiving.