Elrond rolled his shoulders and then straightened his robes; his border scouts had sent word that the party of wood elves - the ones who would form part of the Prince's escort home - would be arriving imminently and so he along with Erestor, Glorfindel, his sons and Legolas stood poised and ready to receive them. Thanniel along with Aeglosson, Tauriel and the rest of their troop were also present; they stood alongside Glorfindel to the golden warrior's left whilst the Prince himself stood next to Elrond at his right. The young blonde was almost vibrating so excited was he at the prospect of seeing those soon to arrive.
Elrond gave Legolas a kindly smile, "You have missed them dearly have you not?"
The Prince nodded fervently, "Aye Hir-nin. I have not seen Rithel, my sister, in months now - for she left on a diplomatic mission even before I left for my own patrol. This is among the longest time we have ever been separated. As for my troop - I have been worried for them; I know that some of them were injured when we were attacked and I was taken captive and I have not had a chance to speak with or see any of them since. As their Captain, to be so in the dark concerning them has been trying for me."
"Yes I can see how that would be rather difficult," the Peredhel Lord acknowledged. "Still, your time of worry is over - for here they come."
Elrond smiled and tilted his head in the direction of the courtyard entrance where the newcomers were just beginning to trickle in. Legolas straightened and looked even more excited, a thing Elrond hadn't thought possible, as the Prince eyed those who approached with poorly concealed worry and yearning. Elrond felt happy for the young blonde; Legolas had had an extremely difficult time since he'd arrived in Imladris and the Noldor Lord was glad that the Prince would be able to reunite with his sister and his troop and at last lay aside all the lingering worries he had in that regard.
~o~
Legolas did his best not to fidget and tried his hardest to recall all his lessons in regal propriety as he watched his sister and troop mates get ever closer. He tried his best to look dignified and poised though that was easier said than done when all he wanted to do was fling himself upon them all. Valar, how he had missed them! And now they were right here - close enough to touch and utterly distracting him from the welcoming speech he was supposed to give. A speech that mattered very little in the end as Rithel pulled her horse to an abrupt stop, leapt down and in a few quick strides had crossed the distance between them to crush Legolas into a hug.
The Prince had no words for the joy he felt at once again having his sister's strong arms around him - a thing that at times he had feared to never feel again. It was all he could do to stop himself from crying as he hugged her back just as tightly squeezing with all his might. They said nothing only hugged until at last Rithel pushed him from her and held him at arm's length as she studied him from head to toe. Her examination did not last long however, interrupted as it was by Arlä who had decided it was her turn to fold Legolas into a bruising hug. Legolas smiled and squeezed his sister's Avari bodyguard in return; Arlä, over the long years of serving his sister had become akin to a second big sister to him and he was just as glad to see her as he was Rithel.
Their reunion lasted only a scant few moments longer before Legolas' troop descended upon him - all as eager to see and greet him as he was them. All thoughts of dignified arrival protocol and welcoming speeches were thrown to the wind as the Prince let himself be swallowed up by those he had missed and worried over for so long.
~o~
Elrond watched on in amused silence as his courtyard erupted into a gaggle of excited wood elves. He watched as the Prince was passed from arm to arm being exclaimed over, and checked over and hugged to within an inch of his life. It was clear that the wood elves had missed their Prince as much as Legolas had missed them. They were loud as they called out to one another and exchanged greetings in a lyrical, smooth sounding language that Elrond could not make out but assumed was one of their local Silvan dialects.
"They truly do have a well-deserved reputation of being wild," Erestor murmured under his breath from where he still stood, a picture of Noldor poise and grace, to Elrond's left.
Elrond said nothing and only gave a small, quiet laugh as he continued to watch the warm reunion unfold before him. He should have known better than to expect his welcoming of wood elves to go according to plan - after all his welcoming of Thranduil hadn't exactly been traditional either - perhaps formal welcomes were just not done in the Woodland realm. Still, the Noldor Lord was simply satisfied to see the joy and contentedness that his princely patient radiated as Legolas flit from person to person and was fawned over in turn.
~o~
There had been a proper welcome eventually, one filled with the correct amount of deference, propriety and diplomacy. There was to be a welcoming feast on the morrow as well but this first day they'd been shown to their quarters and given time to freshen up and rest from the dust and rigours of travel. Rithel had hardly bothered with the plush rooms she'd been appointed, she took time only to quickly bathe and hurriedly re-dress before she'd made her way to her brother's side once more - keen to look him over slowly and thoroughly now that they were alone.
"How are you Las? And I mean truthfully - for I know you were gravely injured and very unwell for all that you look healthy now."
The Princess paused to study her baby brother; they were both sitting on Legolas' bed facing each other and she had to admit if their Adar had not told her just how unwell Legolas had been she might not have believed it. There was no sign of any bandages, no fever brightness to his eyes nor any visible scar, scratch or bruise. And of course Legolas was giving her his patented innocent wide blue eyed look; all in all Rithel had to admit he looked the picture of health but yet he was still here, had not been allowed to return to the Wood with their Adar and so the worry she felt for her brother clung to her like a second skin.
"How is your ankle now? And your shoulder? Adar told me you badly injured both but that Hir Elrond is certain of a full recovery." Rithel could not hope to stop her concerns spilling forth.
Legolas, great annoyance that he was, simply laughed at her before he leaned forward to catch her up in a hug. "I am perfectly fine Thel, I only need to regain my strength and fitness and I am already more than halfway there. Truly, you needn't worry about me - we will be making our way home before you know it and I'm really glad that you came to see me and to escort me home."
Rithel relaxed then, more so at the hug - a typical strong-armed, wild-hair-getting-everywhere Legolas hug - than at the words though they helped also. The Princess squeezed back in turn happier than words could describe at having her little brother within arm's reach once more. At times the worries that had consumed her had led her to despair of ever again getting to have such a feeling – those dark thoughts had been utterly unbearable and it was a blessed relief to be able to put such dreadful feelings behind her.
The silver haired Princess pulled back from the hug and studied her honeg. Legolas, though he still wore his formal tunic from welcoming her and his troop earlier, looked dishevelled – mostly due to his hair which hung in a mess of loose braids and flyaways.
Rithel gave a put upon sigh, "Look at your hair Las. Whatever would Adar say? Or more to the point Thanniel? We've just over half an hour before we meet with her for dinner - grab your brush and comb and let me see if I cannot set you to rights."
Legolas was quick to comply and bounced off the bed and into his bath chamber before he returned with hairbrush, comb, oil and pomade in hand. He turned his back to her obediently even as his hands went to finish loosening and unplaiting his braids.
"Tell me what news from the palace? I want to hear everything." Legolas settled himself comfortably against Rithel and she could not help but smile down at the blonde head.
"Such a gossip monger you are Lasseg. Have Adar's tales not been enough for you?"
Her brother shrugged utterly unperturbed, "Adar's news is old by now - I want to hear everything that has happened since he left and I want to know how he was upon his return. Did he have a better trip back home than he did on his way here?"
Rithel laughed aloud at that last question. "Crown Commander Aglardaer told me how badly the trip over here went - wargs, trolls and goblins - I can only imagine the look on Adar's face! Their trip back home went much more smoothly, though you know Adar is not one for travel and he arrived in a fine temper regardless of the fair ease of their return trip."
It was Legolas' turn to snigger, "I can well imagine and I dare say it will be another few millennia before Adar sets foot outside the Wood again."
"Indeed," Rithel smirked and began to tell her brother tale of all the other ongoings that had happened in the palace during their Adar's absence.
Though they were a long way from home it was nice to be able to fall back into this long held habit of theirs - she loved to play with Legolas' silken blonde hair whilst they gossiped about palace life. It was also the perfect opportunity for the Princess to study her little brother up close in the desperate, hungry way she'd wanted to ever since she'd first arrived. Legolas with his back to her would be none the wiser as she let her eagle sharp eyes run over him. With growing pleasure Rithel noted that there really was nothing at all to indicate any form of lingering ailment in her brother. Yes, Legolas had lost some muscle mass but it was nothing that he would not be able to regain in the next few weeks. Rithel let relief fully wash over her then - her stay in Imladris would not be anywhere near as long as she had feared - they'd be off and on their way back home by the early autumn. They would not need to overwinter here and she could hardly wait to return just thinking of the grand celebrations their Adar had promised and was sure to be planning even now.
"There, you are quite presentable again," Rithel secured the last of Legolas' freshly redone braids and stood up. "Now come and give me a quick tour of this house before we head off to dinner - I'm really very intrigued to see these overly cultured Noldor gardens Adar was despairing of... and I've also quite forgotten exactly where my rooms are."
Legolas' laughter filled the air - whether at their Adar's disdain for Noldo horticulture or her own forgetfulness Rithel neither knew nor cared – her little brother was safe and sound, by her side once more and his laughter was the best thing she had heard in a great long while.
~o~
Legolas tucked a leg up under him and let the other dangle as he slightly adjusted himself on his perch. He was sat upon the large dining table that took up a significant portion of the dining area in the cabin that his troop had been allocated for their stay. His troop were fussing and flitting around as they got ready for the big Noldor welcoming feast that Hir Elrond had been so adamant upon holding.
It was proper protocol for welcoming royalty the Lord of Imladris and his seneschal Hir Erestor had insisted; they had not gotten to do so with either Legolas or Thranduil due to the circumstances of their arrivals and were determined now to follow their procedures for a proper welcoming of Rithel. Legolas could not say he minded - he was ever curious and he felt it would be a good opportunity to learn more of the people of Imladris beyond the firmly held beliefs and rumours of his people concerning the Noldor.
The Prince was already neatly dressed - he'd even put a circlet on - and had come to gather his troop so that they might arrive at the feast together. As he waited for them to get ready Legolas could not help but watch them with poorly disguised love and gratitude. He was so glad that they were here, he hardly had the words for it and more than that he was ever so glad that they were still willing to accept him as their Captain.
For they had been to see Faervel's tomb earlier that day and Legolas had been terrified of what their reaction might have been upon learning the truth of their comrade's death. Yet they had all wept with him and offered him total support even after he'd disclosed the full details of Faervel's untimely demise. Somewhere deep down Legolas had feared that they would blame him and think him a poor Captain who squandered the lives of his troop yet nothing could have been further from the truth. And so now he sat, still somewhat in awe of their unwavering support and undying loyalty to him; he'd been truly blessed by the Valar to be assigned them as his warriors and even more blessed by the fact that they had all made it out of the ordeal and were now here with him whole and safe and alive.
"Hest..."
"Hest..."
"Legolas!"
The near shout of his name broke Legolas from his thoughts and he looked to his second-in-command, Aithel, who'd called his name so desperately.
"I am sorry to shout Hest but you did not hear us…you seemed far away...manen le?"
Legolas blinked at the question on his well-being and looked up to realise that his entire troop had come to a pause and were throwing him concerned looks.
The Prince shook himself firmly from his musings then. "Avaro naeth, I'm fine, truly do not worry."
Yet his troop looked unconvinced, worry still firmly etched upon their faces and with such unabashed concern directed toward him Legolas broke and began in a near whisper. "I'm sorry, truly, I do not mean to concern you - I was merely thinking... and appreciating you all. There were points you see, during...during my capture where I was so scared, so very scared that I'd never see any of you ever again. And then... and then once I'd been rescued and was coherent enough to remember all that had happened…well, then I was so worried... nay, terrified for you all. Before Adar came with your letters and reassurances that you were all well dark thoughts plagued me - I did not know what had happened to you all and it was the greatest torture to me. So now I am simply... I don't know... I guess just basking in your presence and being grateful you are still alive and here with me now."
His troop was there an instant, gathered close around Legolas in a comforting huddle.
"We are as glad to be reunited with you as you are with us," Thoron's smile was wide and reassuring.
"We are here Hest and we will not suffer to be parted from you again." Hadril's voice held a quiet determination that Legolas could see reflected in all their eyes and their staunch reassurances were enough to finally melt away the last lingering bit of unease that had still plagued the Prince.
Legolas smiled widely at them all in quiet thanks before he arched a brow. "What is it that you were trying to get my attention about before?"
Celegil rolled her eyes fondly, "We were asking you exactly how formal do you think we need to dress for this Noldo feast?"
"Yes," Feren's quiet voice interjected, "We are not quite sure our version of formal will match up to theirs."
"Or even if this is one of those affairs that is all pomp or whether it is simply a big party. We do not want to be either under nor overdressed." There was a crease of worry in Magoldir's brow as he looked between two tunics in his hands.
Legolas gave a small chuckle, "Why do you ask me? I have been locked away in the healing ward all this time and hardly interacted with any of the Noldor save Hir Elrond, his sons and a few servants. I know nothing of Noldo attire - this feast will be a first for me too."
Arasson looked at him despairingly, "But... but you are a Prince, surely you know the proper protocol for all these fancy dos."
Legolas gave the flame haired warrior a look that told him he really ought to know better by now and sniggered again.
"Well we need to decide and quickly, time is running out and the last thing we want is to be walking into the feast late." Camaendir too was also seemingly trying to decide between two tunics.
Aithel rolled her eyes heavenwards. "Well it seems we must decide on what to wear for ourselves." She cast Legolas a look. "Honestly Hest, I will never understand how you are so clueless when it comes to fashion when you are literally the son of the most fashionable ellon in all of Arda."
Legolas laughed long and hard at that.
~o~
Elladan glanced up as the wood elves entered the Hall of Fire; they had come as one group - Legolas and Thanniel, Aeglosson and Tauriel and their troop and the Princess Rithel, her bodyguard Arlä and Legolas' own troop. Every eye was upon them as they made their way in and Elladan could well understand for they made a very arresting sight.
Everything about the wood elves was different; from their lighter hair colours - blonde, silvers, reds and browns - to their lighter choice of colours in their formalwear. The elder twin had half been expecting them to arrive in their seemingly traditional greens and browns but the wood elves were instead arrayed in a variety of pale jewel tones - peridot, citrine and turquenite along with pale silver and gold seemed to be the order of the day for the visitors. Altogether they were in stark contrast to his fellow Noldor with their heads of sable and their penchant for the darker jewel tones of emerald, amethyst, ruby and obsidian.
The style of their clothing was another point of difference, the wood ellyn simply wore short tunics - or at least they were short by Noldor standards - none were any longer than mid-thigh and they wore none of the floor sweeping outer robes the ellyn of Imladris were fond of for they wore no outer robes at all. As for the ellith the differences were even more dramatic; where corseted ball gowns with their billowing skirts and elegantly embroidered long sleeves were the height of fashion for the ellith of Imladris the Wood ellith wore sleek flowing dresses that highlighted their frames and there was not a long sleeve in sight. Instead there was plenty of Sindar-pale and Silvan-tanned skin on show thanks to the dresses of which many were one-shouldered and some completely backless.
Twas a look the Princess carried off especially well, Elladan thought, as his eyes caught upon the silver haired beauty as she made her way confidently and regally across the room to where his Adar and Erestor were waiting to welcome her and her party. Her dress was one shouldered, a pale rose quartz in colour that clung beautifully to her bosom, tapered in at the waist before it fell in a mass of softly swirling fabric. It was accented by the smattering of diamonds and rubies the Princess wore at her neck, on her wrists, hanging from her ears and resting gently upon her head in the form of her circlet. At her waist was a beautifully decorated mithril and ruby sword belt from which hung a great broadsword and Elladan almost swooned at the ethereally beautiful picture the Woodland Princess made. There was something about an elleth who could wear a sword so confidently yet still manage to look like the aristocrat she was that took the elder twin's breath away.
Elladan was rather suddenly far more interested in this feast and its honoured guests (one silver haired guest in particular) than he had been ten minutes ago and it was with single-minded intent that he made his way over to his Adar and the wood elves gathered around him.
~o~
Legolas gave one last brilliantly blinding smile and an acknowledging dip of his head before he turned away from the Noldor Lady before him lest she continued a conversation the Prince had long lost patience with. Quickly and before anyone else could catch his eye or trap him in yet more tedious politicking conversation he made a beeline for the first familiar faces he saw across the Hall of Fire which just so happened to be Thanniel and Tauriel.
Legolas sidled up to them with barely concealed relief and linked his arms thoroughly with theirs.
Thanniel laughed, "Had enough of Noldor high society already?"
Legolas gave her a desperate look even as he corralled them toward a shady corner of the Hall where the lights from the sconces on the walls and that of the great fireplace did not quite reach so that he might hide for a moment and take a break from all the tedious socialising and conversations that came with being a Prince at one of these events.
"They are even worse than the Lords and Ladies at home," he groaned softly, unwilling to be overheard.
Thanniel and Tauriel both laughed at him then and the blonde Prince directed a scowl at them. "It's all very well you two laughing - you've not been trapped in tiresome conversation since this whole thing began. Had you been in my position you would've had more than enough also."
And Legolas had thoroughly had enough already. He'd had to play the politicking game from the very first moment he'd arrived in the Hall of Fire; Hir Elrond had had just enough time to introduce him and Rithel to the movers and shakers of Imladris society before the bell had rung to signal the start of the meal. Even then, throughout the course of the (really rather delicious) meal there had been no escape, for the Prince had been seated at the high table with Lord Elrond and his top councillors, nobles and their respective spouses. He'd barely had time to chew a forkful of food before he was being accosted by yet another highflying Noldo.
Here in Imladris, unlike back home in the Wood where the Lords and Ladies first approached him with talk of his patrols or the latest goings-on at the palace before working their way into what they really wanted to say, the Noldor were very, very upfront and wasted no time on idle chatter. It had left Legolas flat-footed initially, as he got to grips with the way Noldor high society did their politicking but Thranduil had trained him very well indeed and it didn't take long at all for him to pick up his part and play his role in the society game.
Still, it had been a very long five course meal and Legolas had been ever so pleased when the servants had at last come to clear away the dessert plates. Yes, he knew he'd have to take a spin or three across the dancefloor before he could consider his Princely duties done, so far as socialising was concerned, and had been fully prepared to do so. What Legolas had not been prepared for however was this odd interlude between the meal finishing and the dancing, music and entertainment getting started.
In the Wood the musicians, poets and jesters all began to get in place, tune-up and get ready as the desserts were being served and by the time his Adar placed his desert spoon down and positioned the dishes away from him (an unofficial sign for all that the meal was considered to be over) music would already be softly playing in the background and would rise in volume in anticipation for whoever was ready to take to the dancefloor. Legolas would then perform his obligatory few dances before he'd then be allowed to escape and enjoy the remainder of the night in his own manner with his friends.
Here however, the musicians and other entertainers were still getting themselves ready at one end of the Hall and with the meal over and everyone free to move about and mingle again the Lords and Ladies of Imladris had seized their opportunity to get some one-on-one time with the Woodland Realm royals much to Legolas' chagrin.
The blonde Prince gave a weary sigh, "I am simply tired of talking about trade routes, with being offered proposals to bring before Adar and with being propositioned."
Tauriel's eyes went wide. "No, tell me you haven't been! Has someone truly offered you their hand in marriage already?"
Legolas rolled his eyes, "I have had two Lords and one Lady offer me their daughter's hands in 'an advantageous marriage that would bring prosperity, further peace and stability to both realms'."
"Elo!" Tauriel shook her head, "The Noldor certainly are upfront and move quickly do they not?"
Thanniel simply clapped him on the back and handed them each a glass of pink champagne that she'd snagged from a passing servant. "Never mind Las-nin, you can hide out here with us until the musicians are settled, then I suggest you take your dances as quickly as possible and you will be done for the night and free to go and find your troop and the Elrondionnath and make good your escape."
Legolas held back a sigh at the thought of the dancing still to come - somehow he doubted that he'd be able to get away with his usual three dances and had a horrible feeling he'd be spending a godly amount of time on the dancefloor so as to appease and not offend or cause any political incidents with the Noldor heryn. He sipped his champagne with a feeling of resignation - being a Prince had its perks as well as its responsibilities and Legolas had long learned what was expected of him and to do it without much murmuring to the best of his ability - tonight would be no different.
Still, he had some time before he had to fight off further offers of marriage - the Noldor entertainers were not quite set up just yet and the Prince took another appreciative sip of his champagne. "This is really rather good," he held his half empty glass aloft.
"Mmm, yes it is - I must hand it to Hir Elrond and his chefs - the meal was rather tasty and their wine pairings superb." Thanniel gave an approving bob of her head.
"Yes, it has all been rather enjoyable so far - at least for me," Tauriel threw Legolas a somewhat apologetic look before she continued. "There is one thing I find strange however, I can't understand for the life of me why on such a lovely summer's eve they are having their feast indoors."
"I did wonder the same as well." Thanniel gestured to the clear, twinkling sky they could see through the open French doors. "This type of an evening is made for outdoor feasting."
Legolas nodded in agreement for the thought had crossed his mind as well; back in the Wood, on a night like tonight - where there were no clouds in sight and there was a gentle breeze to keep one from feeling overwarm - any feast would be held outside. In fact, from Gwaeron in early spring to Narbeleth in the late autumn all feasts were held outdoors with exceptions only made in cases of extreme weather.
Here in this safe valley (and Hir Elrond and Hir Erestor had both gone to great lengths to impress upon the wood elves just how safe Imladris was) the Prince could only think that the reason the feast was held indoors rather than out was to allow the Noldor to show off their (admittedly impressive) Hall of Fire and he said as much to Thanniel and Tauriel. (For Legolas knew his Adar did the same as well whenever Men were in attendance at his feasts - regardless of the time of year the meals would then be held in one of the four grand halls at the palace.)
"Well, though I'd still rather be outside under the stars I suppose we cannot begrudge them in wanting to show off this Hall a bit - tis truly impressive." Tauriel waved a hand to encompass the large, high ceilinged room that was lined with historical tapestries on one wall, French doors on the other and ended in the large and magnificent marble fireplace that gave the Hall its name.
It was a work of Noldo excellence and one that Legolas would have no further time to admire as quiet strains of music at last begun to play and the first of his bold, Noldor would-be suitors approached with intent in her eyes and arms already outstretched. Legolas knocked back the last of his champagne, handed the glass off to Thanniel and with a smile that he hoped was charismatic enough to cover his feelings of apathy he moved forward to meet her.
~o~
"They are all armed Elrond, every single one of them - armed to the teeth!"
Elrond hummed in response to his seneschal's incredulous whispering. The two of them were taking a break from all the mingling and socialising, each nursing a glass of chilled white wine whilst they observed their woodland guests from a quiet corner of the Hall. Erestor was not wrong; every single one of the wood elves were armed in some form or another. Beautifully decorated long knives, swords and broadswords were secured to their persons with equally beautiful holsters and sword belts and though most of the weapons looked decorative the Lord of Imladris had no doubts at all as to the razor sharp, brutal effectiveness of said weapons.
Elrond observed his foreign guests and their lethal accessories for a moment longer. It was just one more thing that made them stand out from among the crowd of his Noldor; a thing that his people were for the most part valiantly pretending did not disquiet them as they mingled among the wood elves. For in Imladris the only ones who went about so armed were those of his warriors heading out to border patrol - and even then, once they returned home their arms were safely stored away. Not so for the wood elves it seemed, despite his and Erestor's best attempts at getting the guests to understand that Imladris was a safe haven and there was no need to constantly walk about thusly the wood elves remained stubbornly armed as though they expected battle at any moment.
And, thought Elrond sadly, perhaps they did. "It does make you wonder about their home life..." Elrond kept his voice pitched to a low whisper. "Makes you wonder if those stories and rumours that the edain bring of the Woodland realm hold any truth."
Rumours that told of mysterious fogs, eerily glowing eyes, strange sounds and the merciless violence of wood elves who waged battle against dark creatures under their trees. For if there was any truth in the stories the edain told then he could perhaps understand the propensity for wood elves to always want a knife or two close to hand.
"Rumours or no they are scaring half the guests."
"Nonsense Erestor, they are raising a few eyebrows most certainly - but I wouldn't say they are scaring anyone."
"Hmph, well...it still makes them look rather uncouth." Erestor shook his head, "And yet they will wonder why they are referred to as 'more dangerous'."
Elrond shot his friend a sharp look at that. "Please do not let any of them hear you repeat that old drivel I beg you; I've only just gotten Thranduil back onside so please spare me any diplomatic incidents tonight. They have their ways and we have ours but it doesn't mean we can't get along."
Erestor gave an acknowledging hum, "You are correct but I am still of the opinion that things would run a tad smoother if the wood elves did not look as though they expected a pack of yrch to descend upon us at any moment."
Elrond said nothing for he was quite sure that that was exactly the reason for the very many jewelled hilts he could see catch so beautifully in the light of the Hall. The thought made him feel overwhelmingly sad for a moment as he again considered the home life of his guests before he swallowed the rest of his wine and forcibly pushed the thoughts from his mind. The wood elves had been through much recently and whatever it took to help them feel comfortable whilst they were here - especially when it did no harm to anyone else - Elrond would allow. Imladris was known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and he would see to it that his woodland guests felt that in its entirety.
The Peredhel Lord pushed off the wall he'd let himself lean up against - it was time to mingle again.
~o~
Arlä sipped delicately at her glass of champagne, kept her face pleasantly neutral and willed herself to calm in face of the Noldor elleth before her who unfortunately hadn't even been the most condescending and snobbish person she'd spoken to that night. The elleth rambled on blithely, unaware of Arlä's inner struggle and lack of attention.
The Avari bodyguard resisted the urge to sigh; the Noldor loved the sound of their own voices she was coming to learn. They loved to talk at the other person rather than to them, barely pausing for breath never mind letting the other get a word in edgeways – and thus it had been all night - Arlä had been talked at and had hardly said two words herself. And when she had been given room to speak those listening had made out as though her accent made her impossible to understand. It had been all in all a frustrating night spent dealing with some of the worst snobbery she'd come across in a good long while - a result of remaining dutifully at Rithel's side for the majority of the night whilst her Princess and friend played the high society politicking game.
Arlä had tired of it eventually and with a squeeze to Rithel's hand she had wandered off in search of a familiar face and more alcohol, yet after acquiring said alcohol she had somehow ended up being stopped and accosted by the elleth that still rambled on before her.
Arlä was just beginning to wonder how she might make her escape when a male voice came from behind her.
"Aduial vaer heryn, you both look stunning tonight."
Arlä turned come face to face with one of Elrond's twin sons. Though he had addressed them both his steely grey eyes were focused on Arlä alone and ere she could return his polite greeting he'd extended his arm to her.
"Would you care to dance hiril-nin?"
Arlä blinked at the suddenness of the question but was not about to turn down the chance to escape her unwanted conversation partner and with a smile and a nod she put down her glass and let the twin escort her toward the dancefloor.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the other elleth the peredhel twin turned to face her. "I am sorry if I came across as a bit forward or if I came on too strongly hiril-nin, but I sensed you were in need of rescuing from Carphoriel's monologue. She is notorious for being able to talk the hind legs off a donkey."
Arlä couldn't help but laugh at the common turn of phrase coming out of the mouth of this rather polished (and handsome) son of Elrond. "No apologies are necessary Elrondion, I was indeed looking for an escape and your interference was timely, hannon-le."
"Oh, well then you're very welcome hiril-nin and please, call me Elrohir."
"Very well Hir Elrohir. I am simply called Arlä for I hold no titles and I am bodyguard to Princess Rithel."
"Tis lovely to meet you Arlä and please, just Elrohir will suffice for me - I've been 'Lorded' to death all night already."
Arlä shook her head, "What is it with those who possess titles not willing to be called by them whilst those who have none chase after such plaudits? Our Prince Legolas is exactly the same - hardly ever wishes to be called by his title yet those in the King's council without title strive to gain one."
The twin - nay, Elrohir - grinned at her broadly and gave a shrug. "Such is the way of the world I suppose – everyone wants what they do not possess. Now, did you want to dance? You don't have to, as I said I was merely trying to save you from Carphoriel - I won't be offended if you'd rather go about your own way now."
Arlä considered; Elrohir had a pleasant way about him, he'd been easy to talk to with a teasing demeanour and seemed to understand her perfectly well with no comment made on her accent or indeed any form of snobbery about him at all. In fact, their short conversation had been the most pleasant one Arlä had had that evening. Elrohir was a perfect gentle-ellon but also seemed as though he'd be good fun and Valar knew Arlä deserved a little fun after a mostly trying evening. (And there was the inescapable fact that Elrohir was really handsome and Arlä was not at all averse to him taking her for a spin or two on the dancefloor.)
"I would love to have a dance with you - lead on 'just Elrohir'."
The twin laughed at that before he drew her into strong arms and a well-muscled chest and Arlä gave a real smile for the first time that night.
~o~
Legolas threw himself face first upon his plush bed before he dragged his circlet off his head and tossed it in the general vicinity of his dressing table. He squirmed around for a few minutes as he wriggled his feet to shuck off his boots and once that was done dismissed entirely the idea of undressing himself further. He was incredibly drunk and it was only thanks to the clearer head and strong arms of Thanniel that Legolas had managed to make it back to the door of his room at all (where his former nanny had left him with an eye roll and exasperated shake of the head).
Legolas smiled - he'd had a surprisingly good night considering that things had started out in a rather dull manner. He had indeed had to take a great many spins across the dancefloor as he'd predicted, however much to Legolas' delight the ellith who'd lined up to dance with him had either had their own fill of politicking for the night or they were simply much more interesting than the other ellith he'd spoken to earlier and were far better company. No talk of trade routes nor anymore awkward marriage proposals - instead they gave him the latest Valley gossip as they spun round and round and pointed out to him particular persons of interest.
Far sooner than he'd expected Legolas had been set upon by the twins and dragged off the dancefloor and outside allegedly for some fresh air; however taking a breather was the last thing on the minds of the Elrondionnath as they led him down a twisty garden path that he'd not seen before until they arrived at a trellis - covered in roses and set far back from the main house. It seemed that Legolas had been the last of his fellow wood elves (with the exception of the sensible Thanniel) to be collected for Rithel, Arlä and both his and Tauriel's troop were already gathered and waiting.
And thus the night's real debauchery began, starting with Elrohir showing them an Imladris drinking game with the drink involved being a rather strong Dwarven brandy. Elladan - not to be outdone by his twin - introduced them to a gambling game that involved far too many cards as well as a great number of coloured wooden chips. After a few rounds of losing badly Legolas and his fellow wood elves finally got a hang of the game and after having first played for dares they decided to up the stakes and play for coin instead. That had been a bad decision on his part, Legolas mused, for even without bothering to move his hand down to pat at his coin purse he knew it was many several coins lighter. (Never let it be said Legolas was lucky in gambling.)
Still, the Prince had no true regrets - he'd had plenty of fun with the game and the Dwarven brandy had been (surprisingly) delicious, went down smoothly and saw him nicely hazy and tipsy. Added to the continuous top ups of Dorwinion and champagne that Elrohir kept producing out of seemingly thin air it hadn't been too long before Legolas was well and truly drunk.
And it felt utterly grand to be so; after so much pain, suffering and general misery it was nice to now float in a cloud of soft bubbly drunkenness. It had been nice not to have to worry about anything, to instead simply enjoy the hospitality offered to him and have fun with his new friends.
Yes, Legolas thought as he lazily rolled himself over onto his side, despite the initial awkwardness, boredom and a few culture clashes here and there it had been a thoroughly good night. Hir Elrond had even slipped something into his tunic pocket that he'd promised would help Legolas with his hangover on the morrow.
The Prince grinned into his pillow - a good night indeed.
~o~
"Are we almost there as yet?"
"Be patient my good wood elf, we will be there soon and I promise it will be worth the walk and the wait," Elrohir grinned back at Legolas.
"I do hope so my dearest cryptic Noldo," Legolas returned in kind to the amused giggles and titters of laughter from his fellow wood elves.
Legolas ran his hands through his hair before he gathered it in a messy bun at the back of his head and secured it there. Elrohir had pounced on him as soon as he'd finished his late morning training session - this one a vigorous bout of sword fighting with Hir Glorfindel - and Legolas was feeling the burn and ache of it. The Prince's days ran in a pattern now - breakfast, followed by physiotherapy and massage and then a full training session that focused on getting his fitness back up to the standards expected in a warrior of the Woodland army. The training sessions usually ended with enough time for Legolas to take a cool and refreshing bath that helped his muscles feel a lot less like jelly before he attended lunch; today however the younger of the peredhil twins had dragged him off to where Elladan had already rounded up his woodland fellows and then proceeded to lead them on a long and rather hot walk ever and ever closer toward the borders of Imladris.
Legolas wiped at a bead of sweat then tried to will away the feeling of irritability that was slowly creeping upon him with every step - it was exceptionally hot today which had made his training session all the more punishing - the very last thing the Prince now wanted to do was go on a rambling hike. Yet everyone else seemed keen to find out where the twins were taking them and Elrohir seemed ever so excited to show them whatever it was that Legolas simply plodded along obediently and hoped they really would arrive soon.
He need not have fretted for only a scant five minutes later there was the sound of rushing water - not the roaring that accompanied the major waterfalls back in the centre of the Valley - this was something a tad gentler and Legolas was ever so glad to hear it. He was not used to the sun beating down upon him so mercilessly - back in the Wood the canopy in the height of summer would be lush, full and green and the perfect shelter from the too hot sun. Here in Imladris, which was more open valley than forest, there was no such respite and so the Prince could not have been happier when they finally rounded a corner and Elrohir gestured dramatically toward a large, deep pool complete with two miniature waterfalls of its own.
"Well my dearest woodland Prince - here we are at last - what say you? Was it worth the wait?"
Legolas took in the scene before him slowly - it was worth the wait; besides the inviting pool and it's refreshing looking waterfalls there were plenty of large smooth boulders around to sunbathe upon and a dense copse of pine trees that promised inviting shade a mere stone's throw away. As with everywhere else in the Valley the area seemed permeated with an indescribable sense of tranquillity and safety. It was perfect and he said as much to the obvious pleasure of both twins.
Elrohir grinned broadly, "Well don't stand on ceremony - dive in!"
~o~
Elladan gave his brother a disgusted look as Elrohir climbed up on the boulder next to him and gave himself an unrepentant shake which saw the older twin splattered with cold droplets. "Was that really necessary?"
Elrohir said nothing only smiled sweetly as he plunked his wet and considerably cooler self right next to Elladan. The elder twin snorted and rolled his eyes but was happy to sit in companionable silence with his brother and watch the wood elves as they splashed and dived and generally enjoyed themselves in the water.
"It was a good idea to bring them here," Elladan gave his brother a little nudge with his shoulder.
"I know," returned Elrohir a little smugly. "I figured they would appreciate a way to cool down today - it has been really hot and wood elves don't seem overly keen on being out in the open sun."
Elladan hummed an assent; it was true - he'd noticed that the wood elves when not sparring or otherwise training spent their time in the most densely forested parts of Imladris that they could find. The elder twin wasn't sure whether the behaviour was down to homesickness, the wood elves being unused to overly open spaces, a dislike of the intense Imladris summer sun or some combination of all three. Here though they seemed happy enough with the cooling water of the pool and the thick pine forest nearby. His honeg had indeed chosen this spot well.
"We should see if they want to dive for clams and mussels!"
Elrohir's exuberant declaration broke Elladan from his musings on the wood elves and he blinked before he shook his head. "Nay, I'm too tired for diving but by all means go ahead."
Elladan flapped a lazy hand at his twin - he'd spent the entirety of the mid-morning training session sparring with the Princess Rithel who was a formidable swordswoman. Added to the previous hours' worth of swimming and frolicking his arms felt as though they would turn to liquid should he attempt anything more strenuous than the sunbathing he was currently doing.
"So lazy Ladan," Elrohir shook his head in mock disappointment before he dived back into the water and began to rally the wood elves around him and his latest scheme.
~o~
The wood elves took to mussel and clam diving easily (as they did most things) and before long there was a neat pile of the shellfish on one of the broad flat boulders that lined the edge of the pool.
"So how is it that you eat these?" The question was from Tauriel who held one of the mussels in the palm of her hand and had her red head tilted in mild puzzlement.
"Here like so, let me show you."
Elladan watched as Tauriel handed the shellfish over to his brother who'd had the foresight to bring his oyster knife. With a quick shimmy and flash of his hands Elrohir popped the shell open and after letting all the wood elves have a look he brought it up to his mouth and swallowed it down with a slurp.
The reaction of the wood elves was instantaneous - a loud and vigorous clamour of disgust.
"Valar! Did you just swallow that whole?"
"Elbereth above how could you? It was so slimy!"
"Are you sure you're meant to put such things in your mouth Elrohir?"
"Ugh, that is utterly vile even for you Noldor and your strange tastes!"
Elladan could not help the barking laughter that overtook him, he shook and fell onto his back with it and rolled from side to side as tears leaked from his eyes. When he was marginally back in control of himself he sat up again and tried his best to reassure the confused and disgusted looking wood elves.
"I promise you they taste good and that you are meant to eat them - though you need not do so quite as enthusiastically as my honeg. I myself find them more pleasant and really quite delicious in the form of fritters - I can take your haul back up to the house and make you some if you'd like?"
The wood elves looked dubious and burst into a spray of rapid-fire Silvan chatter as they were wont to do. (Elladan was quite sure by now that they did not mean to be rude but it was simply natural to them for he'd gathered that Sindarin was not their first tongue.)
The discussion came to an abrupt end and it was Legolas who spoke for them all and gave wary acquiescence. "Very well, you are our hosts and most gracious ones at that so we will try your fritters."
Elladan wanted to laugh at the serious solemnity the words had been delivered with but withheld. Clearly the wood elves felt under some pressure to try the fritters and the elder twin resolved to make his tastiest batch yet before he gathered the shellfish and made back toward the main house.
~o~
Elladan set his tray laden with the promised seafood fritters as well as two rather large mounds of roast beef sandwiches down on one of the biggest boulders and called the wood elves over. The elder twin had added the sandwiches in case his woodland guests did not take to the shellfish even in the form of fritters - twas better to be safe than sorry and he would have felt a terrible host not to have anything else to offer his guests to eat. Elladan had also commandeered one of the kitchen hands to follow along behind him with iced buns, strawberry tartlets and cool lemonade.
"You've brought us an entire picnic!" Legolas exclaimed happily. "We were only expecting your fritters."
Elladan shrugged, "I thought I had better bring something else just in case - after all, we dragged you all the way out here and it is lunchtime now. Still, I would like it if you tried the fritters and let me know what you think."
All the wood elves had gathered around him by now and gave determined nods of their heads in agreement with Elladan's request. The elder twin smiled at their easy consent and handed round the platter of clam and mussel fritters.
"This is…not bad."
"Indeed, now that it is not wet and slimy."
"Yes, when actually cooked these are quite tasty - a nice and light snack."
"I am still unconvinced personally, but then again shellfish was never really my particular favourite."
This last was from Princess Rithel and Elladan was exceptionally glad then for his foresight and sandwiches one of which he passed over to the Princess.
"Never mind Riel, I am at least glad that you tried it but if shellfish is not something you truly like then this is most definitely not for you regardless of how it is prepared."
Elladan set about passing around the rest of his prepared lunch then, careful to make sure everyone had sandwiches as well as lemonade and a sweet treat. They ate in companionable silence for a while before one of Legolas' troop asked about what sort of fish and game they had within Imladris. They compared and contrasted both hunting methods as well as recipes for a time as they all lay pleasantly full and relaxed in the afternoon sun.
Eventually the lazy lethargy of a good luncheon left them and they spent the remainder of the afternoon playing strange Woodland games among the pines, frolicking in the deep cool pool and sunbathing like lizards upon the smooth boulders.
~o~
"Where exactly is it that you're taking us? You do realise we're getting mighty close to the border - that is if we haven't already gone past it," Elladan fretted.
"I know," replied Legolas easily, "and we haven't gone past the borders just yet though we will have to, for we are hunting grouse and they are more likely to be found in the mountainsides around your Valley rather than in it."
"Grouse?" Elrohir questioned uncertainly.
"Mhmm," Legolas hummed an affirmative somewhat distractedly as he led the way down a particularly steep part of the little used path that he was following. He slipped and nearly fell however as a strong hand on his shoulder jerked him to a surprise halt.
It was Elladan who had pulled the Prince to a stop. "I do not think it is a good idea to cross the borders Legolas - what is outside of the Valley is less predictable and in this area of the mountains potentially more dangerous."
Legolas turned so that he faced the elder twin fully; he could see the worry and anxiety etched plainly on Elladan's handsome face and the Prince felt touched that the twin would so worry for him but it was unnecessary and a hindrance to his plans.
For Legolas had gathered the twins alongside Tauriel and Aeglosson as well as Celegil and Thoron from his troop to go hunting for grouse which he planned on serving as the main dish in the secret feast he and Rithel planned to throw that very evening in celebration of Inenedh and Iavasor.
As well as celebrating the traditional Woodland holidays the Royal siblings wanted to use their surprise feast as a way to thank their Noldor hosts. All the wood elves were in on it - one group had gone fishing, whilst still another had gone in search of berries, tubers, nuts and salad leaves to help complete the feast. Thanniel, Rithel and Arlä were in charge of procuring alcohol as well as getting Lords Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel to the agreed spot later that evening.
Therefore, regardless of Elladan's qualms this hunt had to go ahead and they had to cross the borders; for long experience told Legolas that the lower foothills of the mountains that surrounded the Valley was where the grouse would be making the most of the late summer.
"Your worry is touching but unnecessary mellon-nin - despite how I may have looked when we first met I can promise you that I am an experienced warrior and hunter - a Captain in the Elite Guard no less. And this time I am not half dead and fleeing captivity; I am in full possession of my faculties and strength and if that were not enough I also have the wonderful company of several other experienced warriors including you and Elrohir. Besides, we won't go too far past the borders - only about five miles or so and then I reckon we will come upon our quarry."
The elder twin pursed his lips; he still looked unconvinced and so the blonde Prince played his trump card.
"Truthfully, if you must know - we are feeling rather homesick and thought we would make one of our traditional dishes for supper tonight and it calls for grouse as the main ingredient." Legolas made his eyes their most wide and beguiling baby blue and willed the elder twin to say yes.
Elladan was silent for one long moment more before he let his hand drop from Legolas' shoulder with a wry grin. "Very well Legolas, when you put it like that I can hardly say no. Who am I to stand in the way of homesick wood elves and their suppers."
Legolas grinned wide at him, "Hannon-le mellon-nin. Now, you two know this area best - what's our easiest path into the foothills?"
~o~
Legolas rinsed his hands and gave them a quick wipe; the hunt had gone well and they were just now finished with the butchering, seasoning and preparing of the grouse. The birds were spitted and ready to be roasted once they returned to Imladris and the chosen site for the feast.
Legolas led the way and it wasn't long at all until they were walking into the clearing he and Rithel had chosen. The Prince was pleased to see that everything seemed to be going according to plan. Those who had gone fishing were carefully frying their catch, while there were bowls of nuts, berries and rather large salads set aside as well.
There came a noise behind him then and Legolas turned to see Thanniel leading in their esteemed guests - Hir Elrond, Hir Erestor and Hir Glorfindel.
The three Lords were studies in confusion as were the Elrondionnath and after the blonde Prince had handed off the prepared grouse to another member of his troop to be roasted he linked his arm with Rithel's and moved to address their Noldor hosts.
"I think we have been somewhat led astray here," Lord Elrond was the first to speak up – his eyes alight with mirth. "We were told that we were going on a walk to source herbs - for which both my knowledge and Erestor's was desperately needed with Glorfindel being the only suitable bodyguard for said walk."
Thanniel sniggered, "I am sorry my Lords - but when my Prince and Princess give me instructions I can only obey."
"Hmm, well it seems we were hoodwinked too," Elladan crossed his arms over his chest though his face was smiling and open. "We were led on a grouse hunt for the sake of a traditional meal for homesick wood elves."
It was Legolas' turn to laugh. "Well I wouldn't call it lying exactly - we will be preparing the grouse in a traditional way and you'll get to partake of it."
Rithel smiled at them all. "We apologise for all the subterfuge but we wanted to surprise you - we are having a feast to celebrate Inenedh and Iavasor."
"Year Middle and Harvest Day?" queried Elrohir. The confusion had not let up for the Noldor - if anything their faces seemed even more confused.
Legolas nodded his blonde head, "Yes, Inenedh and Iavasor are two of the biggest holidays in the Wood; we take time to celebrate the bounty provided by Yavanna as well as those who help with bringing in the harvest. Traditionally on Inenedh, which is today, a great many small feasts are held around the Wood - people celebrate with their families, friends and within their communities by spending the day hunting and gathering for their feasts which are held later on in the evening and into the night. There is food, plenty of local liquor and Woodland produced wines as well as singing and traditional knife dancing. It's a great deal of fun."
"And on Iavasor," Rithel picked up from where Legolas had stopped, "Adar hosts a huge ball that all are invited to - with the harvest workers seated in places of honour and given thanks to for their hard work and contribution towards keeping the Woodland realm fed for another winter. We will miss out on the Harvest Day ball this year but we thought it might be nice to celebrate Year Middle with you - to show you some of our culture as well as to say thank you for all you have done for not just Legolas but for all of us."
"So, despite our crafty ways in getting you here will you celebrate with us?" Legolas smiled and bounced on the balls of his feet in excitement; he could smell all the wonderful food being cooked to perfection behind them and from the corner of his eye he saw that a huge bowl of punch - traditionally spiked through with a potent lemon liquor and strawberry vodka - had been prepared. Everything was set, they only needed their Noldor hosts to accept their invitation. They did not have long to wait.
"Of course we will," the twins answered with that uncanny unison they sometimes had.
"We would be honoured." Hir Elrond was smiling and Hir Erestor gave a calm nod of consent.
Hir Glorfindel (the most un-Noldor-like of the three Lords) clasped his hands together in excitement, "I cannot wait to try my hand at knife dancing!"
~o~
Erestor settled himself a little more comfortably as he warmed to the topic of the debate he was currently engaged in. The wood elves had ensured that everyone mingled thoroughly and so he'd found himself seated with Thanniel - the one-time nursemaid of Prince Legolas - and Tauriel - the quietly fierce Captain whose troop had provided escort for Lady Ìdhes.
Both ellith had at first politely helped him navigate the many strange platters and bowls of food that had been passed around (and they had all turned out to be utterly delicious) before they had slowly pulled him into more general conversation. It soon became apparent that both women were quick-witted and had strong opinions they were not shy in expressing and it hadn't been long at all before all three were engaged in a lively but friendly debate that had Erestor grinning from ear to ear.
~o~
Elrond sipped at his punch; he was only on his third glass but could confidently say he was more than a little bit tipsy. It was strong - exceptionally potent yet somehow still refreshingly pleasant and he could only marvel at the wood elves' talent for turning innocent fruit into hard liquor.
"You ought to try the mulberry wine Hir-nin - if you like the punch you will like it also - tis just as fruity yet strong."
Elrond looked up to see one of the Prince's friends, the silver haired one... Aeglosson - yes that was his name, proffering a small goblet of deep burgundy liquid. The Princess' bodyguard - her name also started with an A... Arlä yes - stood alongside him cradling a goblet of her own.
Having already decided that he was going to get rather drunk this eve Elrond wasted no time in knocking back the rest of his punch before he reached for the mulberry wine with an exuberant "hannon-le."
The wine was sweet though not overly so – it's taste brought to mind slightly watered-down blackberries - at least until the kick and headiness of strong alcohol pooled in his stomach.
"Valar! That is deceptively strong."
His two woodland companions laughed but Elrond was studying the liquid in his cup speculatively; if the wood elves could get fruit to turn into such potent alcohol what might they be able to achieve with medicinal herbs?
Recalling he'd been told that the two sat before him were fully trained healers he arched an eyebrow and posed his first question. "Have you ever thought about applying your distilling techniques to medicinal herbs? Perhaps say...feverfew for example?"
The question was met with more enthusiasm than he'd expected from his companions and Elrond soon found himself engaged in an exciting conversation about Woodland potions, poisons and alchemy.
~o~
Knife dancing was wonderful; gloriously good fun and somewhat challenging - difficult even - particularly when one had had as much of the potent Woodland punch as Glorfindel had. Still, the golden warrior did not let the many small nicks and cuts that now dotted his fingers, hands and forearms spoil his fun - he had long wanted to try this wood elf tradition - had been fascinated by the very idea of it ever since he'd first heard about it decades ago and this was far too good a chance to pass up.
Glorfindel spun and twirled and swirled his knives in time to the beat (twas a fast-paced thing, played on drums the wood elves had produced seemingly from nowhere) before he brought them down to clash with a resounding metallic clang against the knives of his dance partner. Then he was spinning and twirling himself about as the uptick in the beat signified yet another partner swap.
Glorfindel came to a sweaty pause in front his latest partner as the drum beats evened out into their newer faster pace then begun to swing his knives round in a pattern that was beginning to become familiar. The golden warrior grinned - glorious fun indeed.
~o~
"This has worked out rather well hasn't it?"
Legolas shuffled around slightly so that he could look up into his big sister's face; he'd been sprawled rather comfortably against her - his legs tangled around hers and his head resting on Rithel's strong shoulder as they'd sat and sipped wine. "Yes it has - everyone seems to be enjoying themselves do they not?"
The Prince gave a gesture at the scene before them with his recently emptied goblet. Both their people and their invited Noldor guests for the evening were all having a very merry time indeed; everyone present ranged from tipsy to outright drunk and there was chatter and laughter and dancing that lent the clearing a cosy cheerful warmth.
"I am glad we did this. Tis only a little thing, just a small token of appreciation but to see everyone so happy and getting along so well has been fantastic."
Legolas nodded his golden head against Rithel's shoulder in agreement. He had to admit he'd been a little worried over their surprise feast - worried they wouldn't have been able to keep the surprise a secret, worried that the Noldor might have looked down upon so simple a celebration, worried that no one would get along and that in this much smaller and confined space things would have been even more awkward than at Hir Elrond's ball. Yet it had all worked out perfectly well - the surprise had been kept, the Noldor had taken to the celebration enthusiastically and everyone was getting along just fine - more than that Legolas could even see new friendships forming.
The Prince gave a wistful smile - happy to see his loved ones getting along with his new friends and sad all at the same time that it would soon be time for them to leave Imladris, then scenes like this would be no more - at least for a good few years until they had cause to visit again.
Legolas shook off the creeping melancholy and instead stood up, stretched then bent to press a kiss to his sister's cheek. "The sun is beginning to set - do you mind if I go and watch it with the twins?"
"Of course not Lasseg." Rithel gave him a smile that said she understood why he wanted to spend as much time as possible with the two he had become so close to.
The blonde Prince said nothing more, only offered a sweet smile of his own before he headed off in the direction of his twin quarry.
~o~
"Ah, Las - there you are mellon, tis a very grand feast this - I am glad you invited us," Elrohir chirped as Legolas settled himself between the twins upon a long length of an old mossy log the two of them had appropriated.
"Mhmm," Elladan made a drunken noise of agreement. "I've had a marvellous time and it looks as though everyone else has as well." The elder twin gave him a sly smile then, "and I must say that the grouse dish was rather delicious too."
Legolas tipped back his head and laughed. "Well I'm certainly glad you enjoyed the grouse and happier still to hear you've enjoyed the feast overall; tis only a small token of appreciation for all you have done for me as well as my people. I know I still owe you a great debt - one I am unsure if I will ever be able to truly repay - for how does one thank another for saving their life?"
"You owe us nothing Legolas," Elrohir's rebuttal was vehement. "You would have done the same for us so please let there be no more talk of paying us back."
"Yes," Elladan agreed, "and besides you have already given us the great gift of your friendship - that is worth far more than anything we might think to ask of you. Tis nice to have a new friend."
The blonde Prince smiled, "I am most happy to have your friendship too; and I know you may not want to hear it but I must say it again - hannon-le – truly, I thank you. You rescued me when I was a stranger to you and gave me sanctuary in your home along with all the support I could have asked for as I healed and regained my strength. I will be forever grateful to you both and just know that should you ever have need of me or if there should be anything you think I might be able to help you with then please ask and I promise that so long as it is in my power to do I will do it."
The twins each gave him an understanding smile and nod of the head and Legolas, satisfied that they had accepted his thanks, pulled out a small flask and gave it a tantalising shake. "I have saved the best for last mellyn." He uncorked the flask and let the twins each have a sniff.
The Prince laughed as they both jerked back at the strong scent. "It's one of our local liquors, made from the sap of the oak tree and it is very strong so do have a care - I'd recommend only a cap-full at a time and then only two or three cap-fulls at best."
Legolas poured out the first measure of the clear liquor into the small silver cap of the flask and neatly downed it in one before he passed it on to Elrohir who looked excited at trying yet more Woodland alcohol. He coughed then choked before he passed the flask to his gwanunig who did the same. Legolas laughed at them both again before he tucked himself even more comfortably between the twins as they settled in to watch Anor set in a wondrous cascade of vivid hues.
TBC.
Hir-nin / Hir – My Lord / Lord
Peredhel / Peredhil – Half Elven (sing.) / Half Elven (plu.)
Adar – Father
Honeg – Little Brother
Lasseg – Little Leaf – Family nickname for Legolas
Hest – Captain
Manen le? – How are you?
Avaro naeth– Don't worry
Ellon / Ellyn – Male Elf / Male Elves
Elleth / Ellith - Female Elf / Female Elves
Elo – Wow
Las-nin – My Leaf
Elrondion / Elrondionnath – Son of Elrond / Sons of Elrond
Heryn - Ladies
Gwaeron – March
Narbeleth - October
Edain – (Plural of Adan) Men
Yrch – (Plural of Orch) – Sindarin for Orcs
Aduial vaer – Good Evening
Hiril-nin - My Lady
Hannon-le – Thank you
Riel – Princess
Inenedh - Year-Middle (September 26)
Iavasor - Harvest-day (September 27)
Mellon-nin / Mellon / Mellyn - My friend / Friend / Friends
Gwanunig – Twin
Anor – Sun