Chapter 4 - And Some Flowers For Your Hair
"You don't really mean that, do you?" Brethil said quietly, staring at Legolas, his grey eyes filled with worry.
"Of course he doesn't," Tavor snorted, then turned to regard the prince. "Do you? Legolas, I thought we all agreed that it would be best if your father doesn't know about the dwarves."
Legolas drew a deep breath and sighed.
"I know. I didn't really mean it. Only . . . , well, I am getting tired of being insulted by dwarves."
"Well, there is that," Tavor said with a relieved grin, and a rougish light in his eyes. "It is so much better to be insulted by your friends."
Mirkwood's prince shot an unamused glance at Tavor, but then laughed lightly.
"Aye. Let's go. Perhaps we will leave them to their own devices for a while. You do remember what tonight is, don't you?"
Brethil's brows knit, but then his eyes brightened.
"Oh, yes! Let's go!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Autumn feasting! You do remember that, don't you, Tavor?"
"Oh, shut up, Brethil. Merrymaking versus Dwarves. Not much of a contest really. Though this has been fun." Tavor grinned and slapped his companions on the shoulders. "Well, my fellow singing orcs, let us move on to bigger and better things."
"They . . . uh, the dwarves won't be following us, will they?" Brethil asked with a backwards glance.
"Brethil, we were following them, not vice versa. Come now. I am for merrymaking of every sort. Let us go. Besides they are quite far from the clearings and have not once strayed off this path. They've probably been warned by someone about the fell denizens of Mirkwood." Legolas contorted his face into an ugly mask, sticking his tongue out at the younger, worried elf.
"Yes, You are probably right. It will be good to eat something other than dried rations. Let us go!"
Brethil walked arm in arm with Tavor and Legolas, but then he looked back once more.
"Couldn't we just give them . . . ."
"No, Brethil!"
"Oh, very well."
The three soon picked up their pace, laughing and singing as they headed for the clearings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Roast chicken; ham drizzled with honey; mince-pies; tarts; pork pie . . . ." Bilbo trudged along, the songs forgotten and the food list begun again. He felt that this whole adventure was poorly planned and that if only they had something to eat . . . . "Seed cakes," . . . . they would be making out so much better. Or something to drink; just one glass of cool water would make all the difference. But there was no water and there was no food. "Bothersome dwarves and their confounded adventures. We will never make it out of this forest, let alone all the way to the Lonely Mountain. Why did I ever agree to this?" Normally Mr. Baggins was not one to complain, but the urge to do so now, and quite loudly and long, was almost overwhelming.
The dwarves were complaining quite bitterly and Bombur was trudging along just ahead of the hobbit, moaning about his legs, the packs, and his empty stomach, ("They really shouldn't have eaten my share of the food. They are so cruel and heartless. They don't care for me at all."), his tired hot feet, his need to just lie down for a while and sleep, his empty stomach, ("They should have left me a scrap of bread. That is the least they could have done. But no! They devoured it all. Greedy lot!"), the oppressive atmosphere here beneath the never-ending trees, and of course, his empty stomach. ("I wonder what oak leaves taste like.")
Suddenly the dwarf stopped, nearly causing Bilbo to stumble over him. He flung himself to the ground like a petulant child, his lower lip thrust out.
"Go on, if you must. I'm just going to lie here and sleep and dream of food, if I can't get it any other way. I hope I never wake up again," he said, looking up to see if anyone was watching him.
Several of the dwarves turned to glance at him, but they did nothing to persuade him to stand and continue on.
~ They do want me to sleep and never wake up. ~ he thought morosely. ~ Cruel heartless things. To think I thought they were my friends when all along . . . . ~
Suddenly Balin, who was someway ahead of the others called back to them.
"What was that? I thought I saw a twinkle of lights in the forest."
They all strained their eyes in the direction that Balin indicated and -yes! - a long way off in the trees they saw a red twinkling, and then as they watched more appeared, like someone lighting candles all in a row.
They glanced at one another in excitement and hurried off down the path heedlessly.
Bombur climbed to his feet, Bilbo kindly lending him a hand, and the two followed after.
The light was in front of them to the left, and in the haste of their excitement they didn't even stop to wonder if perhaps it was trolls or goblins. It seemed that Bert, William, and Tom - the three trolls that had nearly eaten them - were forgotten. When at last they drew level with the glowing, they suddenly realized that the light was torches and fires beneath the trees, but it was some distance off the path.
Bombur gasped as he pulled up beside them.
"It looks as if my dreams were coming true," he sighed happily, barely resisting the urge to clap his hands. He started to leap forward, but Dori grabbed his sleeve.
"A feast would be no good, if we never got back from it alive," Thorin said grimly.
"And both Beorn and Gandalf told us to stay on the path. Not to stray from it at all," Oin piped in. He felt quite certain that there were orcs or goblins out there somewhere, just waiting for them to make one false move and then . . . . He shuddered and abruptly cut the thought off.
"But without a feast we shan't remain alive much longer, anyway," Bombur insisted firmly. They owed him this feast. Yes, they did!
Bilbo found himself nodding in agreement. They did need to eat and perhaps it wasn't that far off the path. Not that far at all really! And he just knew that the food would be splendid! Perhaps. . . . .
"No!" Thorin said firmly, seeing the all too eager gleam in the others' eyes. "And you really have no say in this, Bombur, seeing as how you've slept through a great deal of this and can't even remember the rest. So be still." The son of Thrain II had a nasty feeling that he knew what those fires meant, and he was not ready - not quite yet - to beg food from the elves. He would have to be in a much more dire straight than he was to beg from that wicked elf king!
"I think that Bombur is right. We need food, Thorin. We can't continue on like this," Bofur said, tugging slightly on his yellow hood. He was so very hungry that he was quite willing to face anything to get a bite of food!
"I don't know," Bifur said. "Gandalf did say to stay on the path. Who knows what is out there." He did remember the trolls, and he didn't really relish being a prisoner and threatened to be squished into jelly again.
"Well, I think that a quick death at the hands of a Goblin, Orc, or Troll would be preferable to this prolonged starvation."
"But you heard Beorn -"
"I'm hungry!"
"But Gandalf said -"
The arguments went on for some time getting louder and louder until finally someone suggested that they send a couple of spies to find out who had made the fires. Then they argued as to who should be sent, and for some reason the ones chosen always declined.
"Bombur should go. This is mostly his fault anyway."
"I will not go. I have been through quite enough already."
"He'd eat all the food before we arrived. We can't send him."
"Send Dori. He's the strongest. He can handle whatever is out there."
"Oh, no, you don't. I won't do it. I am getting rather tired of being the strongest!"
"Then perhaps none of us should go. We can't leave the path. Gandalf said - "
"Yes, well, Gandalf isn't here, is he? He's probably sitting at a nice inn somewhere with a plate full of hot food and a glass of ale, smoking away as happy as ever, while we stand here and starve."
"Since it is just like my dreams, we should go. There was such wondrous food. Let me tell you . . . ."
In the end, they all went. No one could resist the temptation of what Bombur was telling them, not even Thorin if he were willing to admit it.
~ I won't beg food from an Elf, ~ Thorin told himself sternly. ~ From a Troll, perhaps, but not an Elf. ~
As they moved into the forest, Bilbo hesitated. Though his stomach told him to move forward quickly, he stood for a moment hesitantly remembering Gandalf's final words.
"DON'T LEAVE THE PATH."
Gandalf's last words to the little company seemed to leave no room for questioning them, but still . . . .
"I am sorry, Gandalf. It would appear we have no choice," he whispered, wondering where the Wizard was and why he kept disappearing on them. He picked up one furry foot and moved off the path into the darkness beyond.
~*~*~*~*~*
Earlier that evening as the clouds cleared away and streaks of gold and lavender colored the sky, Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil wandered into a clearing in the trees ringed with sawn tree trunks. The first of the night's celebrations would be held here, and the least formal. The grass was still a vibrant summer green, studded with tiny flowers. This was one of the many places filled with the magic of the Wood Elves. It was a peaceful place made for merriment and laughter, singing and eating. And there would be plenty of it all this night. Torches were fastened to the trees in preparation for the feast. Several Elves had already gathered here and were talking and laughing happily with one another. They were dressed in the comfortable browns and greens most of the Wood Elves favored. They turned to greet the prince and his friends. Brethil immediately moved to join a small group, and Legolas sent Tavor after him to keep him quiet.
"Well, nin caun (my prince), where have you three been these past days?"
Legolas turned to see Mirkwood's Master Archer standing behind him, arms folded over his chest, one silver brow held aloft.
Long silver hair fell over the older elf's shoulders, his grey eyes sharp and bright as a hawk's. He missed nothing and Legolas felt a tremor of apprehension. Perhaps Tavor better come and keep *him* quiet!
"Maer aduial, Master Tanglinna," he said, pressing his hand to his heart in greeting, casting his eyes downward as he struggled to keep his expression full of innocence.
"Maer aduial, Prince Legolas. Where have you three been these past days?" Tanglinna was not one to be put off, and having seen the 'innocent' look far too many times in the past, had learned that it was more telling than any other expression that ever graced the prince's fair countenance.
~ I knew that this wasn't going to be easy, ~ Legolas thought, wondering what to say that would satisfy the Master Archer.
"We were just wandering about. We killed some spiders just east of Morn Nen. And . . . uh -. . . . Oh! Yes! We . . . we told Tavor about his falling into it once. Into Morn Nen that is! Do you remember that? You should have seen his face when we told him." Legolas laughed lightly. "He was not very pleased to learn of it. Of course he denied it at first, but then why would he remember it since . . . ."
Tanglinna cleared his throat and arched one eyebrow.
"You are trying very hard not to tell me something, aren't you, Prince Legolas?"
Legolas swallowed and shook his head, shrugging his shoulders helplessly, and looking behind him to where Tavor and Brethil were standing a few feet away laughing and talking totally unaware of his great need for their help.
"I see," Tanglinna said smoothly, a smile quirking his lips. "Perhaps you fell into Morn Nen this time and you have forgotten where you've been."
"No. Well . . . ." Would Tanglinna believe him if he told him that? No, perhaps not. Legolas grimaced. Why hadn't he thought of that excuse before now?
Tanglinna shook his head and grinned, slapping his prince on the arm, knowing quite well the inner torment the prince was in.
"I'm sure it will all come out in time," he assured Thranduil's youngest son in a tone that was anything but reassuring. "For now though I have something to tell you."
Relief swept through Legolas. He wasn't ready for a confrontation just yet. He needed time to think of a plausible story if questioned again about their activities of the past days. Then he had to tell this 'plausible story' to Tavor and Brethil, and knowing Brethil . . . . Legolas grimaced once more and shook his head. They were caught!
Tanglinna, following his line of thought quite easily, felt laughter bubbling up inside.
~You won't be so happy when I tell you what you have been instructed to do this night. ~ he thought merrily, taking the younger Elf's arm lightly and steering him across the clearing.
"King Thranduil, your lord father, bids you join him for his feast in the Gelir Angol Dor (Merry Meeting Place). It is to be a much more formal affair than this one," Tanglinna told him waiting for the reaction that he was certain to get at this piece of news.
At the word formal, Tanglinna noticed the widening of Legolas' eyes and the flicker of anxiety that passed through them. The archer forbade the laugh in his throat to emerge and continued.
"I have brought your clothes with me. Some how your father knew you would probably be showing up here today. The king is good and wise."
"What clothes?" Legolas asked in a small voice, fearing that he already knew the answer to that.
"Ah, here they are."
Legolas stifled a groan of dismay. He did not enjoy formal occasions, and he did not like the clothing that he was required to wear. His father, on the other hand, did enjoy the fussiness and formality and insisted that all his offspring bow to his whims and wishes.
A long pale green silk robe was laid out on the grass, it's stiff silver collar encrusted with the white gems his father preferred; the flowing sleeves were gathered at the wrists where more gems sparkled; a silver belt, also studded with gems lay beside it; and to complete the outfit, fair pale green shoes and leggings embroidered with a tracery of silver threads also awaited him.
"Tanglinna, I . . . ."
The archer stopped him by lifting one slim hand.
"Your father commands it, my prince," he said with a smirk.
"But Tanglinna, I . . . ."
"You had better dress, your father is expecting you."
Legolas scowled and took off his weapons. Grumbling he stripped off his comfortable hunting leathers and pulled on the ridiculous flowing garments.
He turned to see the grand amusement that sparkled in the Master Archer's eyes.
"You look most, uh, beautiful, my prince," he choked out.
"I look like a girl!" Legolas spat in disgust, waving his arms and watching the full sleeves billow out. "This is ridiculous. I think father just does this to torture me." He shook his head and turned to leave, still muttering under his breath.
Tanglinna gathered up the weapons and discarded clothing, trotting after the younger elf.
"You're not quite ready, my prince. One more thing is required."
Legolas turned to look at him, hearing the too pleased tone in the other's voice.
"What else could this outfit possibly require?"
Tanglinna inclined his head toward a tree nearby. Hanging in its branches were delicate wreaths of small green leaves and berries trailing strands of white flowers.
"For your hair," the Master Archer said, then turned and fled, his delighted laughter filling the cool evening air.
TBC
Jasta Elf - I'm glad you think this is fun. That is why I am writing it. You are right about Legolas being like his dear dad. But not exactly like him as you have seen in this chapter. And yes. Thranduil is demanding an appearance in this. Who am I to deny him??
Ranger - Yes, Legolas can be testy and vengeful. But as you saw here he will never be able to top his father for getting even or having his own way. I'm glad that you like the joking about Tavor's falling into Morn Nen and then trying to remember it. I liked that one myself.
Karina - I am fast! This one just keeps pouring out. Relief and fun I guess after much angst and pain in the last ones. The Dwarves were definitely bogus! They are not very nice. And things will get worse before it can get better.
Indigo - I hope this new chapter cracked you up a bit, too. I will warn you that my other stories are very different, though there are moments of fun and joking. Thanks for wanting to read them though.
seafoamgreen - I guess Dwarves' appreciation of music is different than everyone else's. I know I would be highly insulted though if someone heard me singing and thought I was an Orc!!
Ithilien - I'm glad I am not the only one who had transitory problems going from the Hobbit to LOTR. They are such different books on many levels. I think Legolas' lighter side is often overlooked though it was there. And I enjoy making use of it. I am glad you enjoyed the pranks and jokes! Those three are fun to write!
ziggy - chap. 2 - You honor me by saying that you think Master Tolkien would enjoy this. I certainly hope that he would. I loved it when you thanked me for keeping Legolas Elvish and not pathetically girlish. When I read the next section of the Hobbit last night to write this chapter and saw about the feasts and the descriptions of the Elves at the last party, I had to laugh out loud and think of what you had said. I like Legolas being Elvish and male so you can imagine the fun I had when Thranduil's silly "formal" party made him dress in a rather girly manner. Thanks for your wonderful, gushy review!!
annakas - Thanks so much for all the reviews on my various fics. This one is very different from the others, but I see you found the fun in them as well: Vandal Root tea, red hankies and shovels. I appreciate your reading them. Thanks!
Nancing Elf - Pay back is definitely a b*tch! And so much fun! This little apple didn't fall too far from the tree. They just have wardrobe issues. I have distance myself from my other fics to write this one. I can't look ahead to what happens, and sometimes I regret what happened, but now it is too late. So I live in the NOW! And this is so easy and fun to do. No angst! YAY!
Nory - I'm glad you think this is wicked funny! Anyone who thinks this is funny is a Grand Wonderful Person in my book! Thanks so much!
Silvarn - Thank you for the wonderful review. I appreciate it so much and it's good to get an Elf's point of view on my story! Even a relatively young one like you!
Mari - My muse hears you loud and clear. You have definitely gotten its attention. It is dancing all about the living room singing and laughing. Telling me to type faster!! Thanks so much!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - First, thanks for showing everyone such a marvelous time at Elu's recovery party. That is all they talk about. And yes, singing Orcs. I can't seem to escape him! I am really enjoying this one and love writing about Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil in a much happier time! And yes, they are planning their next visit to your house. And Brethil and Tavor want to know if they can come, too??
Nimue - It makes me very happy that everyone is enjoying this one. I wasn't sure I could write something like this, so I really appreciate all these great, encouraging reviews. Thanks so much! I love their jokes, too!
Nina - Yes, according to the Sindarin dictionary Anfang is the word for Dwarves. I didn't know that it was German for beginnings. Thanks for telling me! That is so cool!
Aredhel - I'm very glad that you are enjoying this one so much and laughing happily with me. I definitely feel like a Hobbit in the midst of all this! Thanks, nin mellon!!
"You don't really mean that, do you?" Brethil said quietly, staring at Legolas, his grey eyes filled with worry.
"Of course he doesn't," Tavor snorted, then turned to regard the prince. "Do you? Legolas, I thought we all agreed that it would be best if your father doesn't know about the dwarves."
Legolas drew a deep breath and sighed.
"I know. I didn't really mean it. Only . . . , well, I am getting tired of being insulted by dwarves."
"Well, there is that," Tavor said with a relieved grin, and a rougish light in his eyes. "It is so much better to be insulted by your friends."
Mirkwood's prince shot an unamused glance at Tavor, but then laughed lightly.
"Aye. Let's go. Perhaps we will leave them to their own devices for a while. You do remember what tonight is, don't you?"
Brethil's brows knit, but then his eyes brightened.
"Oh, yes! Let's go!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Autumn feasting! You do remember that, don't you, Tavor?"
"Oh, shut up, Brethil. Merrymaking versus Dwarves. Not much of a contest really. Though this has been fun." Tavor grinned and slapped his companions on the shoulders. "Well, my fellow singing orcs, let us move on to bigger and better things."
"They . . . uh, the dwarves won't be following us, will they?" Brethil asked with a backwards glance.
"Brethil, we were following them, not vice versa. Come now. I am for merrymaking of every sort. Let us go. Besides they are quite far from the clearings and have not once strayed off this path. They've probably been warned by someone about the fell denizens of Mirkwood." Legolas contorted his face into an ugly mask, sticking his tongue out at the younger, worried elf.
"Yes, You are probably right. It will be good to eat something other than dried rations. Let us go!"
Brethil walked arm in arm with Tavor and Legolas, but then he looked back once more.
"Couldn't we just give them . . . ."
"No, Brethil!"
"Oh, very well."
The three soon picked up their pace, laughing and singing as they headed for the clearings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Roast chicken; ham drizzled with honey; mince-pies; tarts; pork pie . . . ." Bilbo trudged along, the songs forgotten and the food list begun again. He felt that this whole adventure was poorly planned and that if only they had something to eat . . . . "Seed cakes," . . . . they would be making out so much better. Or something to drink; just one glass of cool water would make all the difference. But there was no water and there was no food. "Bothersome dwarves and their confounded adventures. We will never make it out of this forest, let alone all the way to the Lonely Mountain. Why did I ever agree to this?" Normally Mr. Baggins was not one to complain, but the urge to do so now, and quite loudly and long, was almost overwhelming.
The dwarves were complaining quite bitterly and Bombur was trudging along just ahead of the hobbit, moaning about his legs, the packs, and his empty stomach, ("They really shouldn't have eaten my share of the food. They are so cruel and heartless. They don't care for me at all."), his tired hot feet, his need to just lie down for a while and sleep, his empty stomach, ("They should have left me a scrap of bread. That is the least they could have done. But no! They devoured it all. Greedy lot!"), the oppressive atmosphere here beneath the never-ending trees, and of course, his empty stomach. ("I wonder what oak leaves taste like.")
Suddenly the dwarf stopped, nearly causing Bilbo to stumble over him. He flung himself to the ground like a petulant child, his lower lip thrust out.
"Go on, if you must. I'm just going to lie here and sleep and dream of food, if I can't get it any other way. I hope I never wake up again," he said, looking up to see if anyone was watching him.
Several of the dwarves turned to glance at him, but they did nothing to persuade him to stand and continue on.
~ They do want me to sleep and never wake up. ~ he thought morosely. ~ Cruel heartless things. To think I thought they were my friends when all along . . . . ~
Suddenly Balin, who was someway ahead of the others called back to them.
"What was that? I thought I saw a twinkle of lights in the forest."
They all strained their eyes in the direction that Balin indicated and -yes! - a long way off in the trees they saw a red twinkling, and then as they watched more appeared, like someone lighting candles all in a row.
They glanced at one another in excitement and hurried off down the path heedlessly.
Bombur climbed to his feet, Bilbo kindly lending him a hand, and the two followed after.
The light was in front of them to the left, and in the haste of their excitement they didn't even stop to wonder if perhaps it was trolls or goblins. It seemed that Bert, William, and Tom - the three trolls that had nearly eaten them - were forgotten. When at last they drew level with the glowing, they suddenly realized that the light was torches and fires beneath the trees, but it was some distance off the path.
Bombur gasped as he pulled up beside them.
"It looks as if my dreams were coming true," he sighed happily, barely resisting the urge to clap his hands. He started to leap forward, but Dori grabbed his sleeve.
"A feast would be no good, if we never got back from it alive," Thorin said grimly.
"And both Beorn and Gandalf told us to stay on the path. Not to stray from it at all," Oin piped in. He felt quite certain that there were orcs or goblins out there somewhere, just waiting for them to make one false move and then . . . . He shuddered and abruptly cut the thought off.
"But without a feast we shan't remain alive much longer, anyway," Bombur insisted firmly. They owed him this feast. Yes, they did!
Bilbo found himself nodding in agreement. They did need to eat and perhaps it wasn't that far off the path. Not that far at all really! And he just knew that the food would be splendid! Perhaps. . . . .
"No!" Thorin said firmly, seeing the all too eager gleam in the others' eyes. "And you really have no say in this, Bombur, seeing as how you've slept through a great deal of this and can't even remember the rest. So be still." The son of Thrain II had a nasty feeling that he knew what those fires meant, and he was not ready - not quite yet - to beg food from the elves. He would have to be in a much more dire straight than he was to beg from that wicked elf king!
"I think that Bombur is right. We need food, Thorin. We can't continue on like this," Bofur said, tugging slightly on his yellow hood. He was so very hungry that he was quite willing to face anything to get a bite of food!
"I don't know," Bifur said. "Gandalf did say to stay on the path. Who knows what is out there." He did remember the trolls, and he didn't really relish being a prisoner and threatened to be squished into jelly again.
"Well, I think that a quick death at the hands of a Goblin, Orc, or Troll would be preferable to this prolonged starvation."
"But you heard Beorn -"
"I'm hungry!"
"But Gandalf said -"
The arguments went on for some time getting louder and louder until finally someone suggested that they send a couple of spies to find out who had made the fires. Then they argued as to who should be sent, and for some reason the ones chosen always declined.
"Bombur should go. This is mostly his fault anyway."
"I will not go. I have been through quite enough already."
"He'd eat all the food before we arrived. We can't send him."
"Send Dori. He's the strongest. He can handle whatever is out there."
"Oh, no, you don't. I won't do it. I am getting rather tired of being the strongest!"
"Then perhaps none of us should go. We can't leave the path. Gandalf said - "
"Yes, well, Gandalf isn't here, is he? He's probably sitting at a nice inn somewhere with a plate full of hot food and a glass of ale, smoking away as happy as ever, while we stand here and starve."
"Since it is just like my dreams, we should go. There was such wondrous food. Let me tell you . . . ."
In the end, they all went. No one could resist the temptation of what Bombur was telling them, not even Thorin if he were willing to admit it.
~ I won't beg food from an Elf, ~ Thorin told himself sternly. ~ From a Troll, perhaps, but not an Elf. ~
As they moved into the forest, Bilbo hesitated. Though his stomach told him to move forward quickly, he stood for a moment hesitantly remembering Gandalf's final words.
"DON'T LEAVE THE PATH."
Gandalf's last words to the little company seemed to leave no room for questioning them, but still . . . .
"I am sorry, Gandalf. It would appear we have no choice," he whispered, wondering where the Wizard was and why he kept disappearing on them. He picked up one furry foot and moved off the path into the darkness beyond.
~*~*~*~*~*
Earlier that evening as the clouds cleared away and streaks of gold and lavender colored the sky, Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil wandered into a clearing in the trees ringed with sawn tree trunks. The first of the night's celebrations would be held here, and the least formal. The grass was still a vibrant summer green, studded with tiny flowers. This was one of the many places filled with the magic of the Wood Elves. It was a peaceful place made for merriment and laughter, singing and eating. And there would be plenty of it all this night. Torches were fastened to the trees in preparation for the feast. Several Elves had already gathered here and were talking and laughing happily with one another. They were dressed in the comfortable browns and greens most of the Wood Elves favored. They turned to greet the prince and his friends. Brethil immediately moved to join a small group, and Legolas sent Tavor after him to keep him quiet.
"Well, nin caun (my prince), where have you three been these past days?"
Legolas turned to see Mirkwood's Master Archer standing behind him, arms folded over his chest, one silver brow held aloft.
Long silver hair fell over the older elf's shoulders, his grey eyes sharp and bright as a hawk's. He missed nothing and Legolas felt a tremor of apprehension. Perhaps Tavor better come and keep *him* quiet!
"Maer aduial, Master Tanglinna," he said, pressing his hand to his heart in greeting, casting his eyes downward as he struggled to keep his expression full of innocence.
"Maer aduial, Prince Legolas. Where have you three been these past days?" Tanglinna was not one to be put off, and having seen the 'innocent' look far too many times in the past, had learned that it was more telling than any other expression that ever graced the prince's fair countenance.
~ I knew that this wasn't going to be easy, ~ Legolas thought, wondering what to say that would satisfy the Master Archer.
"We were just wandering about. We killed some spiders just east of Morn Nen. And . . . uh -. . . . Oh! Yes! We . . . we told Tavor about his falling into it once. Into Morn Nen that is! Do you remember that? You should have seen his face when we told him." Legolas laughed lightly. "He was not very pleased to learn of it. Of course he denied it at first, but then why would he remember it since . . . ."
Tanglinna cleared his throat and arched one eyebrow.
"You are trying very hard not to tell me something, aren't you, Prince Legolas?"
Legolas swallowed and shook his head, shrugging his shoulders helplessly, and looking behind him to where Tavor and Brethil were standing a few feet away laughing and talking totally unaware of his great need for their help.
"I see," Tanglinna said smoothly, a smile quirking his lips. "Perhaps you fell into Morn Nen this time and you have forgotten where you've been."
"No. Well . . . ." Would Tanglinna believe him if he told him that? No, perhaps not. Legolas grimaced. Why hadn't he thought of that excuse before now?
Tanglinna shook his head and grinned, slapping his prince on the arm, knowing quite well the inner torment the prince was in.
"I'm sure it will all come out in time," he assured Thranduil's youngest son in a tone that was anything but reassuring. "For now though I have something to tell you."
Relief swept through Legolas. He wasn't ready for a confrontation just yet. He needed time to think of a plausible story if questioned again about their activities of the past days. Then he had to tell this 'plausible story' to Tavor and Brethil, and knowing Brethil . . . . Legolas grimaced once more and shook his head. They were caught!
Tanglinna, following his line of thought quite easily, felt laughter bubbling up inside.
~You won't be so happy when I tell you what you have been instructed to do this night. ~ he thought merrily, taking the younger Elf's arm lightly and steering him across the clearing.
"King Thranduil, your lord father, bids you join him for his feast in the Gelir Angol Dor (Merry Meeting Place). It is to be a much more formal affair than this one," Tanglinna told him waiting for the reaction that he was certain to get at this piece of news.
At the word formal, Tanglinna noticed the widening of Legolas' eyes and the flicker of anxiety that passed through them. The archer forbade the laugh in his throat to emerge and continued.
"I have brought your clothes with me. Some how your father knew you would probably be showing up here today. The king is good and wise."
"What clothes?" Legolas asked in a small voice, fearing that he already knew the answer to that.
"Ah, here they are."
Legolas stifled a groan of dismay. He did not enjoy formal occasions, and he did not like the clothing that he was required to wear. His father, on the other hand, did enjoy the fussiness and formality and insisted that all his offspring bow to his whims and wishes.
A long pale green silk robe was laid out on the grass, it's stiff silver collar encrusted with the white gems his father preferred; the flowing sleeves were gathered at the wrists where more gems sparkled; a silver belt, also studded with gems lay beside it; and to complete the outfit, fair pale green shoes and leggings embroidered with a tracery of silver threads also awaited him.
"Tanglinna, I . . . ."
The archer stopped him by lifting one slim hand.
"Your father commands it, my prince," he said with a smirk.
"But Tanglinna, I . . . ."
"You had better dress, your father is expecting you."
Legolas scowled and took off his weapons. Grumbling he stripped off his comfortable hunting leathers and pulled on the ridiculous flowing garments.
He turned to see the grand amusement that sparkled in the Master Archer's eyes.
"You look most, uh, beautiful, my prince," he choked out.
"I look like a girl!" Legolas spat in disgust, waving his arms and watching the full sleeves billow out. "This is ridiculous. I think father just does this to torture me." He shook his head and turned to leave, still muttering under his breath.
Tanglinna gathered up the weapons and discarded clothing, trotting after the younger elf.
"You're not quite ready, my prince. One more thing is required."
Legolas turned to look at him, hearing the too pleased tone in the other's voice.
"What else could this outfit possibly require?"
Tanglinna inclined his head toward a tree nearby. Hanging in its branches were delicate wreaths of small green leaves and berries trailing strands of white flowers.
"For your hair," the Master Archer said, then turned and fled, his delighted laughter filling the cool evening air.
TBC
Jasta Elf - I'm glad you think this is fun. That is why I am writing it. You are right about Legolas being like his dear dad. But not exactly like him as you have seen in this chapter. And yes. Thranduil is demanding an appearance in this. Who am I to deny him??
Ranger - Yes, Legolas can be testy and vengeful. But as you saw here he will never be able to top his father for getting even or having his own way. I'm glad that you like the joking about Tavor's falling into Morn Nen and then trying to remember it. I liked that one myself.
Karina - I am fast! This one just keeps pouring out. Relief and fun I guess after much angst and pain in the last ones. The Dwarves were definitely bogus! They are not very nice. And things will get worse before it can get better.
Indigo - I hope this new chapter cracked you up a bit, too. I will warn you that my other stories are very different, though there are moments of fun and joking. Thanks for wanting to read them though.
seafoamgreen - I guess Dwarves' appreciation of music is different than everyone else's. I know I would be highly insulted though if someone heard me singing and thought I was an Orc!!
Ithilien - I'm glad I am not the only one who had transitory problems going from the Hobbit to LOTR. They are such different books on many levels. I think Legolas' lighter side is often overlooked though it was there. And I enjoy making use of it. I am glad you enjoyed the pranks and jokes! Those three are fun to write!
ziggy - chap. 2 - You honor me by saying that you think Master Tolkien would enjoy this. I certainly hope that he would. I loved it when you thanked me for keeping Legolas Elvish and not pathetically girlish. When I read the next section of the Hobbit last night to write this chapter and saw about the feasts and the descriptions of the Elves at the last party, I had to laugh out loud and think of what you had said. I like Legolas being Elvish and male so you can imagine the fun I had when Thranduil's silly "formal" party made him dress in a rather girly manner. Thanks for your wonderful, gushy review!!
annakas - Thanks so much for all the reviews on my various fics. This one is very different from the others, but I see you found the fun in them as well: Vandal Root tea, red hankies and shovels. I appreciate your reading them. Thanks!
Nancing Elf - Pay back is definitely a b*tch! And so much fun! This little apple didn't fall too far from the tree. They just have wardrobe issues. I have distance myself from my other fics to write this one. I can't look ahead to what happens, and sometimes I regret what happened, but now it is too late. So I live in the NOW! And this is so easy and fun to do. No angst! YAY!
Nory - I'm glad you think this is wicked funny! Anyone who thinks this is funny is a Grand Wonderful Person in my book! Thanks so much!
Silvarn - Thank you for the wonderful review. I appreciate it so much and it's good to get an Elf's point of view on my story! Even a relatively young one like you!
Mari - My muse hears you loud and clear. You have definitely gotten its attention. It is dancing all about the living room singing and laughing. Telling me to type faster!! Thanks so much!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - First, thanks for showing everyone such a marvelous time at Elu's recovery party. That is all they talk about. And yes, singing Orcs. I can't seem to escape him! I am really enjoying this one and love writing about Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil in a much happier time! And yes, they are planning their next visit to your house. And Brethil and Tavor want to know if they can come, too??
Nimue - It makes me very happy that everyone is enjoying this one. I wasn't sure I could write something like this, so I really appreciate all these great, encouraging reviews. Thanks so much! I love their jokes, too!
Nina - Yes, according to the Sindarin dictionary Anfang is the word for Dwarves. I didn't know that it was German for beginnings. Thanks for telling me! That is so cool!
Aredhel - I'm very glad that you are enjoying this one so much and laughing happily with me. I definitely feel like a Hobbit in the midst of all this! Thanks, nin mellon!!