The Prank War
Chapter 7
The tang of freshly chopped onions and leeks wafted across Lord Elrond's nostrils as he wandered passed the kitchen. The cooks nodded in greeting, busily preparing tonight's dinner. It would be delicious judging by the smell. This is how it should be, thought Elrond. The sound of children playing, good food bubbling gently away with relaxing sizzles and pops. The sound and sight of Elves going about their daily business; working, playing and raising children.
He knew, though, that something would blow up in his face. And that something was generally known as his sons; Elladan and Elrohir. Good-hearted boys, they would make good leaders when they were ready, definitely ruthless pranksters by trade. He let them have their fun, knowing that someday, these memories would keep them going in the dark times that lay ahead. Elrond made his way to the gardens, letting his feet take him through the winding paths by memory, his mind caught up in the day's business. He never noticed the nervous looking Elf skulking near a patch of wild roses.
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"Are you still going ahead with the archery competition tomorrow?" Erestor asked, not taking his eyes off the petite Elleth who was balancing three books in one arm and reaching for another from the shelf above her head.
Legolas went over and picked the heavy book off the shelf, handing it to the surprised Elf with a smile. He walked back over to Erestor. "Yes, Indeed I am. It would take more than the twins to stop me from showing you Noldor what we Wood-elves can do with a bow."
"As you wish," Erestor said, turning his head to look for Glorfindel, "where has that big oaf gone?"
"He has taken residence up in his room again" Legolas explained with a wearisome expression.
Erestor clucked his tongue, "Just because 'Someone' stole all his clothes which meant he had to borrow some from me and you certainly does not mean he can skulk off and leave us in the sight of the twins."
"Well don't ask me to persuade him to come out again; it took me all day the last time. Who cares if the clothes look a little... stretched and slightly miss-matched? We needed his bulk to draw the attention off us. You have to admit Glorfindel is a good scape-goat."
"Aye; why do you think I spend so much time with him? Believe me it is not for the conversation." Erestor winked at Legolas, who chuckled under his breath.
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Glorfindel sighed loudly, tapping the quill against the table top repeatedly. He fidgeted in the uncomfortably tight clothes he was wearing. He gave up trying to concentrate on completing reports; in this mood he needed fresh air or possibly a large blow to the head. Either would be appropriate, he thought.
Treading carefully down the corridor he held a delicate wicker basket that the Elleth next door had generously lent him under his arm. He repeatedly stopped along the way, picking up stray clothes; a sock here and there, a shirt annoyingly hooked to the highest chandelier in the entrance. Two ladders and a scrape to the elbow later, he reclaimed a cloak that was strung to the roof. Eru knows how the twins put it there in the first place, Glorfindel grumbled. He wandered the entire breadth of Rivendell, re-finding the contents of his wardrobe.
He was on his last nerve when a high pitched squeal of laughter caught his attention. He rounded the corner of an ivy covered wall, dismayed to find a group of young Elves in hysterics.
"Lord Glorfindel" One of the youths said, bowing his head, lips trembling uncontrollably. Glorfindel measured the young one thoroughly. A younger Elleth nudged the elf with her elbow, eyes glinting mischievously. "Ah yes... Lord we were wondering... you see, we were walking in the lovely spring sun and we came across an odd thing. We just had to investigate. It's a very good thing we did as well, you see we found something. Something terrible..."
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes, his patience straining.
The youth bit his bottom lip, visibly struggling to keep a straight face. "I think this may be yours my lord." He held it out to Glorfindel, his friends collapsing into rib-shattering guffaws behind him.
Glorfindel gritted his teeth, well aware that his face burning. "Thank you." He managed to grate out before quickly trudging back the way he came.
He took a quick walk back to his chambers, most of his clothes in the wicker basket; he would find the rest later. His face still felt hot as he took out the small toy. He'd been given it as a gift many years ago. He had actually forgotten about it till now. A small toy elf with long blond hair, the word 'Glorfindel' stitched on the shirt of the doll.
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The day of the Archery Competition dawned. All competitors rose early, double and triple checking their bows. Making sure not a feather was bent on their arrows.
The sun rose over the grounds still wet with dew. The wind barely tickled by. Good conditions so far, thought Legolas, already waiting in the large clearing. His face tightened slightly as the Twins sat in the spectator's row, kitted out in full Rivendell colours including a massive Rivendell flag.
Where they 'borrowed' that from I don't know, thought Legolas. "Are you not competing?" He called out to them.
"Nay, my friend. I think this might be more fun to watch." Elladan answered. Legolas felt his stomach drop. What have they planned? Elrohir nodded seriously beside his brother.
"Go get them woody." Elrohir encouraged Legolas.
Elladan smiled at his twin, "ran out of names Elrohir?"
"Jealous?"
"I think not."
"Shut it then."
The crowd had filled out by now; the atmosphere was tensing up as the contestants made final checks.
