Summary: The first elf shows up and Gandalf and Bilbo set off again, with company.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is fiction

Damn Elves

"Gandalf, why are Erestor and Glorfindel with us?"

"Someone has to bring Estel to Mirkwood."

Bilbo looked behind him to the young human. He had just turned nineteen, with brown hair that reached his shoulders, piercing grey eyes and more stubble than Bilbo had ever managed in his entire fifty years. He was incredibly handsome and Bilbo had noticed the stream of elves leaving his room in the morning, men and women.

"And why is he going to Mirkwood?"

"Because ten years ago, Elrond and the Mirkwood king Thranduil, decided to betroth Estel and Legolas, the youngest prince of Mirkwood."

"Is Thranduil the guy you don't like?"

"Yes, but Legolas is nothing like his father. He's kind, logical and willing to help anybody. I think you'll get along great."

"And Estel? Will he get along with the elf prince?"

"Oh I think he will. They've met a couple of times. Estel was always fascinated by Legolas Thought he was the most beautiful thing in the world."

Bilbo could imagine Estel's blush behind him.

"Erestor lived in Mirkwood for a while, so Thranduil can tolerate him and Glorfindel is here for our protection."

"Makes sense I suppose."

"We won't stay too long in Mirkwood. I want to get to Erebor. I still have the feeling that something is terribly wrong there."


The female elf sat at the dinner table, trying to see her host, who was hidden even from her elven eyes.

"Your name is Tauriel?"

"Yes my lord. I thank you for all the vegetables and fruits with the meal."

"My people aim to please Tauriel."

She smiled at the shadows, feeling a bit guilty. Thorin was actually quite nice. He was charming, sweet and funny. Thranduil had sent her to spy on the king. He wanted to know if Thorin was ay closer to breaking the curse.

"May I ask my lord, have many people answered the invitations you sent out?"

"Many. Men and dwarves. You're the first elf to set foot in Erebor in many years."

Tauriel smiled at that. She knew that her king had ruined all chances of ever repairing Mirkwood's relationship with Erebor. She was glad that Legolas was going to be married to Isildur's heir soon. Then he would no longer be a pawn in his father's games. And Tauriel was loyal to Legolas, not Thranduil. So why was she here? She should be with her prince and her friend, preparing him for Estel's visit and his wedding. She couldn't do this.

"Thorin, my Lord, I am sorry."

"Pardon?"

"Thranduil sent me here to see if you are any closer to breaking the curse. There is no chance of me falling in love with you, for I am engaged to Rumil of Lothlorien. I ask your forgiveness my lord."

She bowed to the shadows, shivering as growls rang through the air.

"You have been honest with me Tauriel and for that I thank you. You are not at fault for the shortcomings of your king. You may leave and I wish you a long and happy life with your husband."

"Thank you King Thorin. Know that you have the support of myself and my Prince Legolas. I hope you find someone who loves you who can break this curse."

She got to her feet and left the hall, taking her belongings from her bedroom and leaving Erebor. Dwalin approached the king.

"She was honest at least."

"Hm, maybe not all elves are bad."

"Just Thranduil you mean?"

"Exactly. We're running out of time Dwalin."

"Don't worry. Bifur has one of his feelings. Our saviour is coming."


A/N Done. R&R please. Readers, for the next 5 weeks, I won't be updating every second day. I have to do a teaching block in a school so my time will be taken up with lesson plans and the actual lessons. I'll probably update once a week. Hopefully. Next chapter, Legolas and Aragorn meet again and Thranduil drops some hints for Gandalf.