Response to Reviewers after this chapter.
Chapter 5 - Roast Venison and Elf Maidens With Hair of Gold
"Oh, great Valar! Do you see what I see?"
Brethil turned at Tavor's words, taking a sip of wine from the silver goblet in his hand. When he saw what Tavor was pointing at, his face filled with such glee that the young elf gasped, choking on the wine.
"I don't believe it," Tavor continued, laying aside the sweet bread he had been eating.
Brethil straightened from his coughing fit and stared across the clearing in amazement and delight.
"I will never let him forget this. Never," Tavor said, folding his arms across his chest.
As Legolas stalked out of the trees a hush came over the assembled Elves. They were all aware of how much their youngest prince disliked dressing for his father's formal affairs and some of them even felt a certain sympathy for him. But the sight of him dressed in flowing pale green robes glittering with silver and fair jewels, a wreath of leaves, berries and flowers clenched in one fist, and a scowl as formidable as one of his father's was enough to send them into paroxysms of laughter.
Legolas glared at them all, his blue eyes fiery bright and fierce.
"I think we'd better push him into Morn Nen after this night. I am certain he will wish to forget it," Brethil laughed into Tavor's ear.
His face red and burning with embarrassment and frustration, Legolas moved to join his two closest friends.
"Do not say one word to me, either of you, or you will pay dearly."
Brethil bit his lips, giggling helplessly and ended up clapping his hand over his mouth and turning away. But Tavor merely smirked and raised one fair eyebrow.
"What one word would you not have me say? Truly, you look . . . stunning. I must say that I have never seen you looking better. In fact," he leaned back surveying the glowering prince, "if you don't mind, I think perhaps my sister would like to borrow that outfit sometime."
Legolas bared his teeth and thrust the wreath at Tavor's chest.
"Don't talk to me!" he hissed and turned away in a swirl of green silk and blonde hair.
Brethil, gasping slightly, turned back to watch him go.
"Uh, Legolas! You forgot your flowers!" he called, snatching the wreath from Tavor, whose eyes were sparkling brightly.
"Come on, Brethil," he said, draining his goblet in one swallow. "We'd better go comfort our pouting princess."
Brethil giggled again and, placing the wreath on his own head, followed at Tavor's heels.
Legolas had seated himself on one of the sawn tree trunks and was staring moodily at the area in the center of the clearing. He turned his head away slightly as the two came to sit on either side of him.
"Cheer up, Legolas. It could be worse," Tavor soothed, patting his friend's knee.
Brethil started to laugh again, but a sharp look from his prince made him force his mirth down for the moment.
"Yes, Legolas. Tavor is right. It could be worse." The younger elf felt the giggles coming on again. "But I don't know how." He burst out laughing once more, nearly toppling from his seat.
"Ignore him, Legolas. You know how he gets. Really, it is quite a nice outfit. And it *could* indeed be worse. It could be, uh, pink."
"Pink!" Brethil choked. "It should be blue though. To match your eyes."
Tavor bit back the laughter that surfaced and turned a stern face to the young elf.
"Go fetch him some wine, why don't you, Brethil. And give him back his wreath please."
Brethil stood and then, bowing gracefully, handing Legolas the wreath. He grinned and rushed away.
"Don't let him bother you, Legolas. You know how he is. Besides, it is a good color on you." Tavor commiserated, leaning back on the seat and staring at the sky. It was probably wise to change the subject. It wasn't prudent to tease the prince overmuch after all. He swallowed a bubble of mirth and turned to Legolas. "I saw Master Tanglinna speaking with you earlier. Does he suspect?"
Legolas snorted, fingers caressing the berries and leaves. He could feel his bad mood dissipating slowly. He knew he looked ridiculous, and he also knew that he would have laughed at anyone else dressed this way, he probably would before the evening was over. He shrugged, smiling slightly.
"Of course he does. He's like my father. They seem to know everything."
Suddenly a fire leapt up in the center and the torches ignited one by one around the clearing. Cheers, singing, laughter, and clapping filled the glade. Tavor and Legolas stood, both smiling. No one could be upset in this merry atmosphere for too long. The first of the autumn feasts had begun!
The Dwarves and Bilbo crawled on their hands and knees though the dead leaves and moss toward the clearing, which was glowing brightly in the night. The sound of laughter drifted to them and that of soft singing.
"It's not Orcs and Goblins, is it?" Oin whispered fearfully, his eyes huge.
"Of course not," Nori hissed. "Be still! And back up a bit. You're right on top of me!"
Bombur crawled beside Bilbo, smiling happily.
"Oh, Bilbo, do you suppose that they will have pork pie? I don't recall any in my dreams, but I suppose they might. Don't you think so?"
"I'll take any kind of pie they care to give me," Bilbo said. "Though it smells like roast venison, and that is just as good!"
"Quiet!" Thorin growled. "We are nearly there." He was feeling very out of sorts as his stomach was recommending that he indeed beg food from the elves, after all, what could it hurt?
They crept to the edge of the glade, peering in at the festivities from behind the trees that ringed it.
"Elves," Bilbo breathed and smiled at Bombur, who smiled back quite delightedly. "I knew it!"
"I am glad that you were right, Bilbo." Bombur said quietly. He found he rather liked the Hobbit. He remembered that Bilbo hadn't made him carry his pack. Yes, he rather did like the Hobbit!
The Dwarves stared hungrily into the clearing, and Thorin felt his stomach pinch with hunger.
~Dratted Elves. I *won't* beg food from an Elf. ~
But as the smell of roasting meat reached his nose he felt his resolve crumbling once more. The others glanced at him, their eyes pleading.
"Accursed Elves!" he muttered.
At that moment Brethil happened to turn, his gaze going to the trees just beyond the firelight. He gasped slightly.
"Uh . . . Legolas? Tavor?"
But the two were laughing and drinking the sweet berry wine, feeling quite happy and didn't hear him. They were admiring Legolas flowing sleeves and remarking how the jewels sparkled so fetchingly in the firelight.
"Legolas? I think that . . . ."
Suddenly thirteen Dwarves and one Hobbit scrambled from behind the trees into the clearing.
"The Dwarves are here!" Brethil hissed, reaching out to grasp Legolas' arm.
His two friends spun toward him, their eyes falling on the on the small rushing figures. Then they turned to look at one another with stricken faces. The huge fire suddenly shot upward like one of Gandalf's rockets into the night sky in a glimmer of sparks, and the torches puffed out one by one.
Thorin and Company suddenly found themselves engulfed in total darkness.
"What is happening?" Oin cried. "What is happening?!"
They all scrambled frantically, falling over the tree trunk seats and fallen logs. Their feet became entangled in the growth of ivy and woodbine at the tree's edge.
"Stop!" Thorin commanded them, hearing all the crashing and cries about him. "Stop!"
But it was too late. They had run pell-mell back into the surrounding trees.
"Stop! You must stop!"
For some reason they didn't heed him, and the crashing in the underbrush continued.
"Dratted Elves! This is all their fault!" And with that Thorin headed into the greater darkness.
The second autumn feast was held in a larger clearing and more elves were in attendance. If possible this one was much merrier, laughter and song flowing into the night.
Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil stood in a small knot, the only three unaffected by the spirit of mirth and lightness that prevailed this night amongst the Mirkwood Elves. They each held silver goblets, but the wine inside them was untouched.
"I thought you said those Dwarves weren't following us!" Brethil said accusingly, his grey eyes dancing with apprehension.
"They didn't follow us, Brethil. We are Wood Elves. No one follows us unless we want them to." Tavor stated sternly.
"You are a part Noldor, Tavor! And Legolas is Sindar. I am the only Wood Elf! So it is yours and Legolas' fault! And what about that pack of wargs out by the western edge? They followed us easily enough, though you said . . . ."
"The wargs were different, Brethil. They are much more intelligent than Dwarves." Tavor sniffed, feigning nonchalance though his heart raced and his eyes darted about the glade fearing to see Dwarves tumbling into this party. Things really didn't look very good. The king was bound to hear about this!
"Be quiet! Both of you!" Legolas whispered. "Tanglinna is watching us."
Brethil, of course, swung his head toward the Master Archer who was standing several feet away, his bright eyes on the three young Elves. Brethil smiled weakly at him and waved.
"You are such a Troll, Brethil. I'm sure that he knows we are up to nothing at all now. Thank you so much."
"What? I didn't do anything, Tavor." Brethil was feeling very put upon. It was hard to be the youngest of this trio at times; it seemed they were always blaming him for all of their trouble.
"Just . . . don't look at him any more. Alright?" Legolas soothed, raising the goblet to his lips. "Why did the Dwarves leave the path? They hadn't up until now. I wonder what happened?"
Tavor shrugged, his eyes sliding to Tanglinna, who continued to watch them. Had he perhaps moved slightly closer? He certainly appeared to be closer than he had been, but Tavor hadn't seen him move. He swallowed uncomfortably, gulping his wine down, eyes wide.
"They probably heard the laughter and singing" Legolas said, an uneasy feeling filling him. What if they did manage to track them here? What if they managed to find his father's feast? He groaned slightly and gulped the rest of the wine down, feeling it buzz pleasantly in his head.
"They probably smelled the food," Tavor speculated, his eyes still on the Master Archer, who appeared to be even closer now, but still Tavor hadn't seen him move even one muscle. "They were rather hungry, and rather obsessed with food. Especially that furry-footed one."
"I told you we should have given them something to eat!" Brethil announced, looking at the two of them in exasperation. "If you had but listened to me . . . ."
"Oh shut up, Brethil. There is nothing to be done about it now. Hopefully they got so frightened that they scampered back to the path and are fleeing down it this very moment." All the same, Legolas' eyes scanned the trees and the darkness beyond.
It was sometime later that, after much wine and food, the three began to relax. There had been no sign of the dwarves. Perhaps all would be well. Tanglinna hadn't moved any closer either. Yes, all would be well.
As Brethil was singing a merry tune his eyes chanced upon a movement in the trees. His voice faltered, and he gulped slightly.
"Uh, Legolas? Tavor?"
Thorin and Company had managed to gather themselves all together at last. They were very relieved that none were lost or badly hurt, though all were scraped and bruised.
"What are we to do?" Bombur asked.
"What is there to do?" Balin said. "We can't do anything in this darkness. We'll only get lost again. And none of us wants that."
"Which way is the path?"
"We should never have gone off the path."
"Gandalf told us not to leave the path. Beorn warned us, didn't he?"
"Maybe there is some food on the ground here. They left in such a hurry, surely they must have dropped something," Ori piped up. He dropped to his knees hands frantically searching the ground for any small scrape of sustenance. He was beginning to wonder how oak leaves would taste.
"No, Ori! Get up. You will only become lost again." Thorin was now in charge once more and feeling somewhat relieved because of it. "Everyone must lie down where he is and not move until it is his watch or morning comes. Dori, you may take the first watch. Alert us if anything happens."
Everyone reluctantly obeyed, their stomachs aching with hunger made much worse by having smelled food earlier.
"Did you see that beautiful elf maiden dressed all in sparkly green, holding a wreath of flowers? Her hair was like spun gold," Gloin said quietly. "I never knew elves could be so beautiful."
"Don't tell me that you are falling for an Elf, Gloin?" Fili giggled.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Gloin pouted. "I merely commented that she was quite beautiful. Hmph! A dwarf falling in love with an elf. How ridiculous! Though it might be wondrous just to have a lock of her hair," he whispered softly to himself.
"Roast venison," Bombur said quietly. "That is what I smelled.
"Yes. It did smell very good, didn't it?" Nori agreed, rubbing his stomach.
"What else do you suppose they had?" Bifur called softly.
"All sorts of things, I am sure. What do elves eat anyway?"
"I am certain that I do not know, nor do I care," Thorin said sternly. "But if you don't all shut up right now, I will eat every last one of you!"
"He's just grumpy because he is hungry."
"Be quiet!!"
The dwarves had just settled into silence and drowsiness was stealing upon them - it had been a very eventful day after all - when Dori whispered loudly, "The lights are coming out again over there, and there are more than ever of them."
They all leapt immediately to their feet and, sure enough, there were lights twinkling like fallen stars, and voices and laughter.
"Oh! Another party! Let's go!"
"No rushing forward this time! No one is to stir from hiding till I say," Thorin ordered sharply as they crept forward together, each touching the back of the one in front of him so as not to loose their way. "I shall send Mr. Baggins alone first to talk to them."
Bilbo squeaked and stumbled.
"They won't be frightened of him and anyway, I hope they won't do anything nasty to him."
Bilbo was shaking slightly, his fingers toying with his magic ring that rested in his pocket.
~ Yes. Why would they be frightened of me? But what about me of them? ~ For all that the elves looked so lovely and happy, Bilbo feared they might just transform before his eyes into fierce, bright-eyed warriors with sharp weapons glinting in the torch light. These weren't like the Rivendell elves, after all.
They peered cautiously into the glade, Gloin's eyes searching for his elf maiden.
~ Ah, there she is! ~ he thought dreamily, his eyes resting fondly on Legolas. ~ You are a glorious creature. I have seen none fairer. ~
Thorin nodded and the dwarves suddenly pushed Bilbo from behind. Before he could slip his ring onto his finger, he stumbled forward, caught by surprise by the grand thrust from behind. Out went the lights again, and complete darkness fell.
Responses:
Nancing Elf - What can I say? I am dancing and writing as fast as I can here! You know I couldn't resist dolling him up especially when I read the descriptions of Thran's party in the Hobbit. Too fun to pass by! So, did you get enough to eat yesterday as you were raiding your cupboards? Maybe Boromir and Aragorn can run to the store for you. They did for alliwantisanelfforchristmas. Writing about all that food makes me hungry, too! Excuse me! (runs to kitchen an searches all of her cupboards, but they are mostly empty. Dratted Dwarves must have come in last night! Note: Send Boromir and Aragorn to the store!!)
Ranger - What do you mean I really did girly little Legolas up? I don't remember doing that. And why is there a large wet puddle on my floor? Oh, well. I think you are right. Tanglinna likes discomfort in the young Elves and the fireworks ahead ought to give him a good laugh. And you may be right about shared ancestry between Dwarves and Hobbits. They are both short and like food. Though I guess some of us like food a lot, too (looks at Nancing Elf.) As far as shifting gears, my stories are light years apart in tone as well. And I am glad that my gears haven't stuck yet!
JastaElf - I like cuddly Bombur, too. And I think you are right that the others do seem to pick on him. I guess they need a scapegoat and he is it. Poor baby! And yes, we parents love to torture our children! Why go through the pain of delivery if we can't get back at them even a little?? Legolas does look so adorable in his green robes and floral wreath. I'll send him over so you can see him, though I warn you he will be cranky about it!
Ithilien - Tavor and Brethil loved it! Of course! He is too precious in his froufrou outfit! Bilbo is not always ruled by his stomach, though in the end it won out - this time. I suppose we all get that way. And everyone seems to have a soft spot for poor old Bombur. He really is a sweet little guy! And I'm sure the spiders think so, too!!
Katharine the Great - I loved your little scenelet! But instead of a Dwarf complimenting Thran on his fair and radiant daughter, I have a certain Dwarf falling for said fair and radiant daughter. Who better than Gloin!! It seems to run in the family!!
Lakergurl13 - I'm glad that you loved Legolas' costume! I don't know how many chapters this will be. I told my hubby "Oh, this one is short. Probably 5 chapters." Oops! This is the 5th chapter! Oh, well. I don't know. We shall see.
Irena - Poor Legolas! Everyone seems to be enjoying his discomfort so much! Poor baby! (giggles evilly) Ain't it grand!
annakas - Male Elves in robes are definitely sexy! But the flowers put it way over the top. But you can thank Master Tolkien for that one! He wrote the flowers in the hair, not me! This one is very different from my others and I'm glad that you've read them. I'm afraid to ask - how was your meeting?? And well.it sounds like you had started on the Vandal Root Tea before you wrote the review. Did Elrond himself make it for you? Or, since it seemed rather strong, was it perhaps Elu? Thought I don't think he would look as good in a silk robe as Elrond. Or was it Glory with his slippy shovel?? And yes, the stars are bright today!
Karina - My Most Excellent Friend! You are too right! Thran is wicked! I bet he gets such a kick out of dressing up his little son because he knows it drives him crazy! "Legolas the Sparkly Green" Love it!! I, too, feel sorry for the Dwarves and poor Bilbo. I'm quite cranky when I am hungry! And well, you know Brethil and Tavor. Hehehe
elven waves - Any helpful comments are welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying this little jaunt we are taking through Mirkwood. More fun ahead. I promise!
Teri-Teri - Sounds like Leggy gave you a rather hard time last night! Tell him to mind his manners or you'll tell his father! That should stop him dead in his tracks! And he does look very pretty!
LOTR lover - Legolas and Co. and Thorin and Co. are both in for some trouble with the formidable Thranduil of Mirkwood. And I love this particular weaving I am doing right much and glad you like it, too!
Mari - My muse said to tell you HI! It loves all these reviews dearly! Thanks for saying that this is funny. It is something I wonder about as you all probably know. Comedy is not my strong suit! And I will see what twists I can come up with!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Legolas is feeling somewhat sorry for himself right now. But he'll get over it. So since you wondered how the dwarves would react to Leggy in his outfit, how did you like poor old confused Gloin! Poor thing! Better not tell his son about that one! And don't worry. No one will be seriously hurt in this one! It's not that kind of story this time around. And, uh, what exactly are you not trying to tell me?? Incident?? What did those bad boys do at your house??!! Or was it YOU??!!
phoenixfeather - It's wonderful to tease, isn't it!! You have a guy friend who wears a kimono??!! Guess what. I gave my husband a Japanese robe that looks like a kimono and he looks right fine in it!!
Horus - The pipe is coming. Though it is taking a while to get there. Be patient, nin mellon. All good things come in time!!
t - I'm glad that you're enjoying this more and more. I am writing as fast as I can!
ziggy - Of course Leggy was disgusted. I know the men in my life would react to being forced to wear that particular outfit!! And yes, Thran loves his sparkly things! I am sure that the Emeralds of Girion are quite tasteful, though I confess that I like less tasteful sparkly things myself. I like Brethil myself (ducks as all the readers of her other fics start swinging shovels at her). He is so much fun to write. (author apologizes to all the readers of her other fics for what she did and runs off sobbing)
Chapter 5 - Roast Venison and Elf Maidens With Hair of Gold
"Oh, great Valar! Do you see what I see?"
Brethil turned at Tavor's words, taking a sip of wine from the silver goblet in his hand. When he saw what Tavor was pointing at, his face filled with such glee that the young elf gasped, choking on the wine.
"I don't believe it," Tavor continued, laying aside the sweet bread he had been eating.
Brethil straightened from his coughing fit and stared across the clearing in amazement and delight.
"I will never let him forget this. Never," Tavor said, folding his arms across his chest.
As Legolas stalked out of the trees a hush came over the assembled Elves. They were all aware of how much their youngest prince disliked dressing for his father's formal affairs and some of them even felt a certain sympathy for him. But the sight of him dressed in flowing pale green robes glittering with silver and fair jewels, a wreath of leaves, berries and flowers clenched in one fist, and a scowl as formidable as one of his father's was enough to send them into paroxysms of laughter.
Legolas glared at them all, his blue eyes fiery bright and fierce.
"I think we'd better push him into Morn Nen after this night. I am certain he will wish to forget it," Brethil laughed into Tavor's ear.
His face red and burning with embarrassment and frustration, Legolas moved to join his two closest friends.
"Do not say one word to me, either of you, or you will pay dearly."
Brethil bit his lips, giggling helplessly and ended up clapping his hand over his mouth and turning away. But Tavor merely smirked and raised one fair eyebrow.
"What one word would you not have me say? Truly, you look . . . stunning. I must say that I have never seen you looking better. In fact," he leaned back surveying the glowering prince, "if you don't mind, I think perhaps my sister would like to borrow that outfit sometime."
Legolas bared his teeth and thrust the wreath at Tavor's chest.
"Don't talk to me!" he hissed and turned away in a swirl of green silk and blonde hair.
Brethil, gasping slightly, turned back to watch him go.
"Uh, Legolas! You forgot your flowers!" he called, snatching the wreath from Tavor, whose eyes were sparkling brightly.
"Come on, Brethil," he said, draining his goblet in one swallow. "We'd better go comfort our pouting princess."
Brethil giggled again and, placing the wreath on his own head, followed at Tavor's heels.
Legolas had seated himself on one of the sawn tree trunks and was staring moodily at the area in the center of the clearing. He turned his head away slightly as the two came to sit on either side of him.
"Cheer up, Legolas. It could be worse," Tavor soothed, patting his friend's knee.
Brethil started to laugh again, but a sharp look from his prince made him force his mirth down for the moment.
"Yes, Legolas. Tavor is right. It could be worse." The younger elf felt the giggles coming on again. "But I don't know how." He burst out laughing once more, nearly toppling from his seat.
"Ignore him, Legolas. You know how he gets. Really, it is quite a nice outfit. And it *could* indeed be worse. It could be, uh, pink."
"Pink!" Brethil choked. "It should be blue though. To match your eyes."
Tavor bit back the laughter that surfaced and turned a stern face to the young elf.
"Go fetch him some wine, why don't you, Brethil. And give him back his wreath please."
Brethil stood and then, bowing gracefully, handing Legolas the wreath. He grinned and rushed away.
"Don't let him bother you, Legolas. You know how he is. Besides, it is a good color on you." Tavor commiserated, leaning back on the seat and staring at the sky. It was probably wise to change the subject. It wasn't prudent to tease the prince overmuch after all. He swallowed a bubble of mirth and turned to Legolas. "I saw Master Tanglinna speaking with you earlier. Does he suspect?"
Legolas snorted, fingers caressing the berries and leaves. He could feel his bad mood dissipating slowly. He knew he looked ridiculous, and he also knew that he would have laughed at anyone else dressed this way, he probably would before the evening was over. He shrugged, smiling slightly.
"Of course he does. He's like my father. They seem to know everything."
Suddenly a fire leapt up in the center and the torches ignited one by one around the clearing. Cheers, singing, laughter, and clapping filled the glade. Tavor and Legolas stood, both smiling. No one could be upset in this merry atmosphere for too long. The first of the autumn feasts had begun!
The Dwarves and Bilbo crawled on their hands and knees though the dead leaves and moss toward the clearing, which was glowing brightly in the night. The sound of laughter drifted to them and that of soft singing.
"It's not Orcs and Goblins, is it?" Oin whispered fearfully, his eyes huge.
"Of course not," Nori hissed. "Be still! And back up a bit. You're right on top of me!"
Bombur crawled beside Bilbo, smiling happily.
"Oh, Bilbo, do you suppose that they will have pork pie? I don't recall any in my dreams, but I suppose they might. Don't you think so?"
"I'll take any kind of pie they care to give me," Bilbo said. "Though it smells like roast venison, and that is just as good!"
"Quiet!" Thorin growled. "We are nearly there." He was feeling very out of sorts as his stomach was recommending that he indeed beg food from the elves, after all, what could it hurt?
They crept to the edge of the glade, peering in at the festivities from behind the trees that ringed it.
"Elves," Bilbo breathed and smiled at Bombur, who smiled back quite delightedly. "I knew it!"
"I am glad that you were right, Bilbo." Bombur said quietly. He found he rather liked the Hobbit. He remembered that Bilbo hadn't made him carry his pack. Yes, he rather did like the Hobbit!
The Dwarves stared hungrily into the clearing, and Thorin felt his stomach pinch with hunger.
~Dratted Elves. I *won't* beg food from an Elf. ~
But as the smell of roasting meat reached his nose he felt his resolve crumbling once more. The others glanced at him, their eyes pleading.
"Accursed Elves!" he muttered.
At that moment Brethil happened to turn, his gaze going to the trees just beyond the firelight. He gasped slightly.
"Uh . . . Legolas? Tavor?"
But the two were laughing and drinking the sweet berry wine, feeling quite happy and didn't hear him. They were admiring Legolas flowing sleeves and remarking how the jewels sparkled so fetchingly in the firelight.
"Legolas? I think that . . . ."
Suddenly thirteen Dwarves and one Hobbit scrambled from behind the trees into the clearing.
"The Dwarves are here!" Brethil hissed, reaching out to grasp Legolas' arm.
His two friends spun toward him, their eyes falling on the on the small rushing figures. Then they turned to look at one another with stricken faces. The huge fire suddenly shot upward like one of Gandalf's rockets into the night sky in a glimmer of sparks, and the torches puffed out one by one.
Thorin and Company suddenly found themselves engulfed in total darkness.
"What is happening?" Oin cried. "What is happening?!"
They all scrambled frantically, falling over the tree trunk seats and fallen logs. Their feet became entangled in the growth of ivy and woodbine at the tree's edge.
"Stop!" Thorin commanded them, hearing all the crashing and cries about him. "Stop!"
But it was too late. They had run pell-mell back into the surrounding trees.
"Stop! You must stop!"
For some reason they didn't heed him, and the crashing in the underbrush continued.
"Dratted Elves! This is all their fault!" And with that Thorin headed into the greater darkness.
The second autumn feast was held in a larger clearing and more elves were in attendance. If possible this one was much merrier, laughter and song flowing into the night.
Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil stood in a small knot, the only three unaffected by the spirit of mirth and lightness that prevailed this night amongst the Mirkwood Elves. They each held silver goblets, but the wine inside them was untouched.
"I thought you said those Dwarves weren't following us!" Brethil said accusingly, his grey eyes dancing with apprehension.
"They didn't follow us, Brethil. We are Wood Elves. No one follows us unless we want them to." Tavor stated sternly.
"You are a part Noldor, Tavor! And Legolas is Sindar. I am the only Wood Elf! So it is yours and Legolas' fault! And what about that pack of wargs out by the western edge? They followed us easily enough, though you said . . . ."
"The wargs were different, Brethil. They are much more intelligent than Dwarves." Tavor sniffed, feigning nonchalance though his heart raced and his eyes darted about the glade fearing to see Dwarves tumbling into this party. Things really didn't look very good. The king was bound to hear about this!
"Be quiet! Both of you!" Legolas whispered. "Tanglinna is watching us."
Brethil, of course, swung his head toward the Master Archer who was standing several feet away, his bright eyes on the three young Elves. Brethil smiled weakly at him and waved.
"You are such a Troll, Brethil. I'm sure that he knows we are up to nothing at all now. Thank you so much."
"What? I didn't do anything, Tavor." Brethil was feeling very put upon. It was hard to be the youngest of this trio at times; it seemed they were always blaming him for all of their trouble.
"Just . . . don't look at him any more. Alright?" Legolas soothed, raising the goblet to his lips. "Why did the Dwarves leave the path? They hadn't up until now. I wonder what happened?"
Tavor shrugged, his eyes sliding to Tanglinna, who continued to watch them. Had he perhaps moved slightly closer? He certainly appeared to be closer than he had been, but Tavor hadn't seen him move. He swallowed uncomfortably, gulping his wine down, eyes wide.
"They probably heard the laughter and singing" Legolas said, an uneasy feeling filling him. What if they did manage to track them here? What if they managed to find his father's feast? He groaned slightly and gulped the rest of the wine down, feeling it buzz pleasantly in his head.
"They probably smelled the food," Tavor speculated, his eyes still on the Master Archer, who appeared to be even closer now, but still Tavor hadn't seen him move even one muscle. "They were rather hungry, and rather obsessed with food. Especially that furry-footed one."
"I told you we should have given them something to eat!" Brethil announced, looking at the two of them in exasperation. "If you had but listened to me . . . ."
"Oh shut up, Brethil. There is nothing to be done about it now. Hopefully they got so frightened that they scampered back to the path and are fleeing down it this very moment." All the same, Legolas' eyes scanned the trees and the darkness beyond.
It was sometime later that, after much wine and food, the three began to relax. There had been no sign of the dwarves. Perhaps all would be well. Tanglinna hadn't moved any closer either. Yes, all would be well.
As Brethil was singing a merry tune his eyes chanced upon a movement in the trees. His voice faltered, and he gulped slightly.
"Uh, Legolas? Tavor?"
Thorin and Company had managed to gather themselves all together at last. They were very relieved that none were lost or badly hurt, though all were scraped and bruised.
"What are we to do?" Bombur asked.
"What is there to do?" Balin said. "We can't do anything in this darkness. We'll only get lost again. And none of us wants that."
"Which way is the path?"
"We should never have gone off the path."
"Gandalf told us not to leave the path. Beorn warned us, didn't he?"
"Maybe there is some food on the ground here. They left in such a hurry, surely they must have dropped something," Ori piped up. He dropped to his knees hands frantically searching the ground for any small scrape of sustenance. He was beginning to wonder how oak leaves would taste.
"No, Ori! Get up. You will only become lost again." Thorin was now in charge once more and feeling somewhat relieved because of it. "Everyone must lie down where he is and not move until it is his watch or morning comes. Dori, you may take the first watch. Alert us if anything happens."
Everyone reluctantly obeyed, their stomachs aching with hunger made much worse by having smelled food earlier.
"Did you see that beautiful elf maiden dressed all in sparkly green, holding a wreath of flowers? Her hair was like spun gold," Gloin said quietly. "I never knew elves could be so beautiful."
"Don't tell me that you are falling for an Elf, Gloin?" Fili giggled.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Gloin pouted. "I merely commented that she was quite beautiful. Hmph! A dwarf falling in love with an elf. How ridiculous! Though it might be wondrous just to have a lock of her hair," he whispered softly to himself.
"Roast venison," Bombur said quietly. "That is what I smelled.
"Yes. It did smell very good, didn't it?" Nori agreed, rubbing his stomach.
"What else do you suppose they had?" Bifur called softly.
"All sorts of things, I am sure. What do elves eat anyway?"
"I am certain that I do not know, nor do I care," Thorin said sternly. "But if you don't all shut up right now, I will eat every last one of you!"
"He's just grumpy because he is hungry."
"Be quiet!!"
The dwarves had just settled into silence and drowsiness was stealing upon them - it had been a very eventful day after all - when Dori whispered loudly, "The lights are coming out again over there, and there are more than ever of them."
They all leapt immediately to their feet and, sure enough, there were lights twinkling like fallen stars, and voices and laughter.
"Oh! Another party! Let's go!"
"No rushing forward this time! No one is to stir from hiding till I say," Thorin ordered sharply as they crept forward together, each touching the back of the one in front of him so as not to loose their way. "I shall send Mr. Baggins alone first to talk to them."
Bilbo squeaked and stumbled.
"They won't be frightened of him and anyway, I hope they won't do anything nasty to him."
Bilbo was shaking slightly, his fingers toying with his magic ring that rested in his pocket.
~ Yes. Why would they be frightened of me? But what about me of them? ~ For all that the elves looked so lovely and happy, Bilbo feared they might just transform before his eyes into fierce, bright-eyed warriors with sharp weapons glinting in the torch light. These weren't like the Rivendell elves, after all.
They peered cautiously into the glade, Gloin's eyes searching for his elf maiden.
~ Ah, there she is! ~ he thought dreamily, his eyes resting fondly on Legolas. ~ You are a glorious creature. I have seen none fairer. ~
Thorin nodded and the dwarves suddenly pushed Bilbo from behind. Before he could slip his ring onto his finger, he stumbled forward, caught by surprise by the grand thrust from behind. Out went the lights again, and complete darkness fell.
Responses:
Nancing Elf - What can I say? I am dancing and writing as fast as I can here! You know I couldn't resist dolling him up especially when I read the descriptions of Thran's party in the Hobbit. Too fun to pass by! So, did you get enough to eat yesterday as you were raiding your cupboards? Maybe Boromir and Aragorn can run to the store for you. They did for alliwantisanelfforchristmas. Writing about all that food makes me hungry, too! Excuse me! (runs to kitchen an searches all of her cupboards, but they are mostly empty. Dratted Dwarves must have come in last night! Note: Send Boromir and Aragorn to the store!!)
Ranger - What do you mean I really did girly little Legolas up? I don't remember doing that. And why is there a large wet puddle on my floor? Oh, well. I think you are right. Tanglinna likes discomfort in the young Elves and the fireworks ahead ought to give him a good laugh. And you may be right about shared ancestry between Dwarves and Hobbits. They are both short and like food. Though I guess some of us like food a lot, too (looks at Nancing Elf.) As far as shifting gears, my stories are light years apart in tone as well. And I am glad that my gears haven't stuck yet!
JastaElf - I like cuddly Bombur, too. And I think you are right that the others do seem to pick on him. I guess they need a scapegoat and he is it. Poor baby! And yes, we parents love to torture our children! Why go through the pain of delivery if we can't get back at them even a little?? Legolas does look so adorable in his green robes and floral wreath. I'll send him over so you can see him, though I warn you he will be cranky about it!
Ithilien - Tavor and Brethil loved it! Of course! He is too precious in his froufrou outfit! Bilbo is not always ruled by his stomach, though in the end it won out - this time. I suppose we all get that way. And everyone seems to have a soft spot for poor old Bombur. He really is a sweet little guy! And I'm sure the spiders think so, too!!
Katharine the Great - I loved your little scenelet! But instead of a Dwarf complimenting Thran on his fair and radiant daughter, I have a certain Dwarf falling for said fair and radiant daughter. Who better than Gloin!! It seems to run in the family!!
Lakergurl13 - I'm glad that you loved Legolas' costume! I don't know how many chapters this will be. I told my hubby "Oh, this one is short. Probably 5 chapters." Oops! This is the 5th chapter! Oh, well. I don't know. We shall see.
Irena - Poor Legolas! Everyone seems to be enjoying his discomfort so much! Poor baby! (giggles evilly) Ain't it grand!
annakas - Male Elves in robes are definitely sexy! But the flowers put it way over the top. But you can thank Master Tolkien for that one! He wrote the flowers in the hair, not me! This one is very different from my others and I'm glad that you've read them. I'm afraid to ask - how was your meeting?? And well.it sounds like you had started on the Vandal Root Tea before you wrote the review. Did Elrond himself make it for you? Or, since it seemed rather strong, was it perhaps Elu? Thought I don't think he would look as good in a silk robe as Elrond. Or was it Glory with his slippy shovel?? And yes, the stars are bright today!
Karina - My Most Excellent Friend! You are too right! Thran is wicked! I bet he gets such a kick out of dressing up his little son because he knows it drives him crazy! "Legolas the Sparkly Green" Love it!! I, too, feel sorry for the Dwarves and poor Bilbo. I'm quite cranky when I am hungry! And well, you know Brethil and Tavor. Hehehe
elven waves - Any helpful comments are welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying this little jaunt we are taking through Mirkwood. More fun ahead. I promise!
Teri-Teri - Sounds like Leggy gave you a rather hard time last night! Tell him to mind his manners or you'll tell his father! That should stop him dead in his tracks! And he does look very pretty!
LOTR lover - Legolas and Co. and Thorin and Co. are both in for some trouble with the formidable Thranduil of Mirkwood. And I love this particular weaving I am doing right much and glad you like it, too!
Mari - My muse said to tell you HI! It loves all these reviews dearly! Thanks for saying that this is funny. It is something I wonder about as you all probably know. Comedy is not my strong suit! And I will see what twists I can come up with!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Legolas is feeling somewhat sorry for himself right now. But he'll get over it. So since you wondered how the dwarves would react to Leggy in his outfit, how did you like poor old confused Gloin! Poor thing! Better not tell his son about that one! And don't worry. No one will be seriously hurt in this one! It's not that kind of story this time around. And, uh, what exactly are you not trying to tell me?? Incident?? What did those bad boys do at your house??!! Or was it YOU??!!
phoenixfeather - It's wonderful to tease, isn't it!! You have a guy friend who wears a kimono??!! Guess what. I gave my husband a Japanese robe that looks like a kimono and he looks right fine in it!!
Horus - The pipe is coming. Though it is taking a while to get there. Be patient, nin mellon. All good things come in time!!
t - I'm glad that you're enjoying this more and more. I am writing as fast as I can!
ziggy - Of course Leggy was disgusted. I know the men in my life would react to being forced to wear that particular outfit!! And yes, Thran loves his sparkly things! I am sure that the Emeralds of Girion are quite tasteful, though I confess that I like less tasteful sparkly things myself. I like Brethil myself (ducks as all the readers of her other fics start swinging shovels at her). He is so much fun to write. (author apologizes to all the readers of her other fics for what she did and runs off sobbing)