You are all invited to attend the party of Thranduil King of Mirkwood -
please wear something sparkly! Oh! And don't forget the flowers!
Chapter 6 - The Last Bash
King Thranduil of Mirkwood Forest gazed serenely over his people feeling a swell of love and pride. Beautiful faces shone with joy and mirth, long hair twined with flowers gleamed in the fire light; slender bodies were wrapped in flowing garments of green, silver, and white with green and white gems flashing at throats and slim waists. It was a magnificent gathering and their king was the most magnificent of them all.
Wood Elves were not the wicked folk that Thorin thought them to be. It was true that they distrusted strangers and were wary, often melting into the trees and vanishing from mortal sight. They weren't like their more refined cousins, the High Elves of the West. They were more dangerous and less wise. Most of the Wood Elves were descended from those elves that had never seen the light of the Two Trees, feeling perfectly content to live in the twilight world of Middle Earth beneath the Sun and the Moon, the stars bringing them the greatest joy. They lived amongst the trees of the forest, sometimes venturing forth to hunt on horseback, or ride where the stars were unhindered by leafy boughs. They were different from the elves that Bilbo had encountered so far, but they were still elves, and that is "Good People."
Their present and greatest King stood tall and straight in his long, dark green robes embroidered with silver oak and golden beech leaves. Glowing white gems and sparkling emeralds gleamed and flashed at his pale throat, his slender wrists, and on the sliver belt at his slim waist. Atop his long golden locks that waved down his back to his narrow waist was a crown of oak and beech leaves worked in gold and silver and enameled in green. Small gems flashed as he turned his head, rivaling the stars themselves. At his side stood his two eldest sons, looking nearly as wonderful as their father, one dressed in silver and one in white, the green gems glittering like green stars, wreaths that matched their youngest brother's graced their long fair locks.
Thranduil smiled at them fondly and they smiled back. He felt a thrill of complacent satisfaction. They did not enjoy dressing for these occasions, but they knew they had no choice. It irritated them greatly to comply with his wishes, but comply they did. And Legolas, well . . . .
"It is too bad that Laerlend isn't here," Thranduil murmured, thinking about his youngest child and only daughter. "She enjoys dressing up. Where is your brother?" he asked loudly, his eyes scanning the clearing, as he abruptly changed the subject. "Why is he not here? I told Tanglinna to fetch him."
"He is probably still being coaxed into his clothes." Aralith said quietly with an amused glance at his brother.
"He is probably trying to figure out how to get out of dressing," Celebross replied wryly, resisting the urge to yank at his tight glittering collar.
"He'll just tell father that he can't wear it because it makes him itch," Aralith murmured in an undertone.
"Hmph. That only ever worked for him. I always got in trouble if I said that; even when it was true."
Thranduil suppressed a smile as their quiet, and they supposed private, words reached him.
~And for you Celebross it was always too tight and you couldn't breathe. For you Aralith it was always too loose or long, and was going to fall off you or trip you. Ah, yes. I know all your little tricks, nin ionnath (my sons); just as my father knew mine. ~
But where was Legolas?
There was a stirring on the other side of the clearing and the tinkle of feminine laughter. Thranduil knew that his youngest had arrived; he never failed to make an entrance whether he meant to or not. He thought his son looked very fine that evening, and he smiled in approval. But the smile soon turned to a frown of foreboding. He saw Legolas look up at him, blue eyes filled with sudden trepidation, then look to Tanglinna who strode at his side, smirking slightly.
~What have you done now, Little Greenleaf?~ Thranduil thought wearily, resisting the urge to raise one hand to his brow and shake his head. ~ If they've let black squirrels loose in the palace again, I'll . . . .~
"Someone looks very guilty," Aralith said in a singsong voice, his lips twisted in wry amusement.
"Hmph. There are Tavor and Brethil," Celebross commented. "I wonder what those three have done now. We'd better check the wine before we drink it. Do you remember when they put water from Morn Nen into the wine we sent to Lord Elrond? I think father even enjoyed that one. Father is not hard enough on him." He shook his silvery head wondering why Legolas seemed to get away with more than he ever had.
Across the clearing Tanglinna bowed toward Thranduil and slapped Legolas' back.
"You may have managed to avoid telling me what you know of those dwarves, sweet princeling, but I doubt that you can avoid telling your lord father, our great King. Though it will be a great amusement for me to watch you try," Tanglinna moved away, still smiling though he hadn't been particularly amused when he had not managed to wrest anything from the three younger elves. Now he merely shrugged and prepared to watch his king at work.
Thranduil watched as Legolas glanced hastily at Tavor and Brethil for support, and from the gestures, looks, and hurried comments that flew between the three he knew that something had happened. He shook his head with amusement and slight annoyance as Celebross and Aralith exchanged disgusted glances.
"You have to go to him, Legolas. You can't just - ignore - your father," Tavor said, his usually perfect composure slipping slightly.
"I wasn't going to ignore him, Tavor. Just . . . just avoid him. There is a difference, you know."
"No, there's not. Not to your father. To him they are one and the same," Tavor continued, wondering if what he was beginning to feel was panic.
"He's staring at us!" Brethil squeaked. "He knows! Ai, Valar! He knows!"
"Be quiet, Brethil. He doesn't know. He can't." ~ Can he? ~ Tavor thought desperately, sweat beaded his brow and his heart raced. ~ Is this going to kill me?~ he wondered with distress.
Not only Thranduil was staring at them. Several Elves had turned to them as well, many of them elf maidens whose admiring stares were fixed on Legolas.
Suddenly Tavor's usual humor tried to resurface. One must always try to impress the maidens, after all.
"Mayhap *we* should have worn sparkly green clothes, Brethil."
"What are you talking about, Tavor?" Legolas growled in exasperation. Surely now was not the time to discuss his outfit yet again. Enough had been said earlier. But then he became aware of the twitters and flutterings around him. He turned to see the maidens staring unabashedly at him, looking as though they wanted to devour him. He choked slightly and glanced at his father, whose eyebrows were raised in question. He looked to the maidens and felt a blush rising to his cheeks. He turned once more and, having made his choice, rushed toward his father.
King Thranduil watched as his son approached, enjoying his discomfort as the eyes of the elven people followed their young prince with amusement and admiration.
"He certainly knows how to draw attention to himself," Aralith said to Celebross.
"Aye, he has always been able to do that," Thranduil's eldest answered, but the brothers laughed lightly, knowing that the attention was seldom wanted.
"You don't need the attention, Celebross. You are happily wed. I, on the other hand, am not."
"Give it time, tithen gwador (little brother). She is out there somewhere," Celebross smiled.
Legolas bowed to his father, hoping to keep his feelings of unease from his face. Brethil's words, "He knows! Ai, Valar! He knows," kept running through his brain.
~He can't know. There is no way he can know. He doesn't know!~
Thranduil held out his arms and embraced his youngest son. For a moment he could feel the rapidly beating heart before he released him. He held him out at arms length and studied him. He made a slight adjustment to the wreath on his head, straightened some of the flowers that didn't lay just so, then smiled.
Legolas felt a flicker of relief. Perhaps he didn't know. He wouldn't be smiling if he knew. How silly, of course he didn't know.
But then the smile turned to a frown.
"Little Greenleaf, what have you done now?"
Legolas' eyes widened in sudden panic, and he glanced at his brothers who both stared calmly at him, eyes shining with wicked glee beneath cocked eyebrows.
"I . . .I . . . ." he gasped, turning to look for Tavor and Brethil. He could not stand before his father alone and hope to keep his composure intact. But his friends were nowhere to be seen. "Father, I . . . I don't know anything about those dwarves. I swear . . . ."
"Dwarves? What dwarves? What are you speaking of?"
Legolas stared up at him in amazement and confusion.
"What are *you* speaking of?" he blurted out, hoping to recover.
"You have torn your sleeve," Thranduil said, his eyes moving to the tear on one flowing butterfly gossamer sleeve. "Why is it that your sister is the only one that knows how to treat nice clothing?"
Relief washed anew, and Legolas held up his arm noticing the rip in the delicate fabric for the first time.
"Oh! I . . . I don't know how that happened. I am so sorry. I'll go fix it . . . right now!"
He turned hastily thinking he could flee safely away and perhaps be rid of these clothing in the bargain, but Thranduil's hand landed on one shoulder.
"What were you saying about Dwarves, little Greenleaf?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Bilbo!"
"Bilbo Baggins!
"Hobbit! Where are you?"
"You dratted hobbit!"
"Hi! Hobbit, confusticate you, where are you?"
Bilbo Baggins the hobbit was missing.
The dwarves had a much more difficult time getting themselves back together after the fires had gone out on them once again. With much stumbling and calling, and grabbing things in the dark they finally managed to find one another, everyone that is, except for the hobbit. They called cajolingly and threateningly, but nothing worked. There was not a sound in the forest, but the echo of their own voices, not even the sound of elvish laughter, and Thorin felt certain that the elves were laughing at them.
"Where could he be?"
"You don't suppose the elves took him?"
"Why would the elves take him, Oin?"
"If they didn't take him, then where is he?"
"I don't know . . . .Ouch! Get off my foot!"
"We'll never find him. Poor Bilbo. Lost in Mirkwood forever."
"Oh, do be quiet, Bombur."
"We never will find him in this dark. Dratted Elves. This is entirely their fault. They will pay for making us lose our Burglar," Thorin muttered darkly.
"Oof!" Dori fell heavily to the ground. "What? Hey, it's Bilbo!"
He had indeed stumbled over the hobbit in the dark, thinking at first that he was a fallen log.
"He's asleep!" Dori exclaimed, kneeling beside Bilbo and shaking him gently. "I can't get him to wake up!"
The Dwarves homed in on Dori's voice and gathered around poking and prodding the Hobbit, trying to awaken him.
"I was having such a lovely dream," the hobbit grumbled as he blinked his eyes and yawned. "I was having a most gorgeous dinner."
"Good heavens! He sounds like Bombur." Dwalin exclaimed.
"We're not anywhere near that black stream, are we?" Oin squeaked, expecting the eerie laughter and singing to begin at any moment now.
"Be quiet, Oin. You are really starting to irritate me."
"That's alright, Oin," Gloin said quietly, patting the other's shoulder, or he thought it was Oin's shoulder. "Did you by any chance see the elven maiden I spoke of earlier?"
"I think Gloin is the one dreaming," Kili giggled.
"Tell us what you dreamed, Bilbo," Bombur prompted eagerly.
"Don't tell us about dreams," Thorin said hastily. "Dream-dinners aren't any good, and we can't share them."
"They are the best I am likely to get in this beastly place." Bilbo muttered, as the dwarves lay down for the night once again. The hobbit grumbled to himself and tried to get comfortable on the ground and find his dreams once more. "Roasted venison, hot bread and butter, crisp apples."
It was much later that night when Kili roused them.
"There is light blazing far away. It is a though a hundred torches lit up magically all at once. And listen! They are singing! And there is harp music!"
At first no one moved, they merely lay where they were listening to the enchanting music that softly floated on the cool night air.
"Are we going to try again?" Oin asked, hoping that they weren't. It was much safer to just stay here in the calm darkness, all together.
"Well, I don't know if we should. Look at what has happened already. This time we might loose everyone," Bofur said wisely.
"Don't be ridiculous. It must be near morning. Isn't it?" Bifur said, gazing at the stars overhead.
In the end it was decided that three was the charm and they got up and crept into the trees once more.
~ This cannot be happening, ~ Bilbo thought as he trudged behind the others. ~ They will not be pushing me into the middle of it this time. Though the dream was rather nice. Even if these aren't Rivendell elves, I am sure they are quite nice enough. They do sing lovely songs. ~
They huddled behind the trees and stared into this glade. This feast was much grander and much more magnificent than the others had been, and they stared in wonder at what they saw. The dwarves stared at the food and sighed happily. Gloin stared at his elven maid and sighed happily. They would never see anything like it again.
Responses to Reviewers
Ranger - I think long golden hair is definitely a fetish for that particular family of Dwarves. Well, Papa Thranduil's going to find it out pretty soon and I don't think he'll be amused. I would love to hear about your snipe hunting! Sounds like you've had some adventures of your own! I'm glad you're enjoying my lighthearted tale. Sobbed my eyes out on the last part of my last fic and needed something silly. And this is it!
Horus - Don't worry! Leggy will get his regular Wood Elf duds back. Just not until Papa's party is over. And besides Gloin seems to like his outfit, not to mention some Elf maidens and - er - human maidens and maids!!
JastaElf - Well, of course I chose Gloin on purpose. I was running through the Dwarves to pick one (No, his name didn't just surface like magic. Darn, I'm not that with it!) and of course (talking out loud to myself) when I got to Gloin then the light bulb finally went on. It was "Wow! How obvious!" And thanks for the story idea! You may see that one at some point with credit going to you! I am enjoying writing those three young Elves very much. 'Tis great fun! Male Elves are very sexy in their robes and yes, Thranduil could carry off anything he felt like. He is very not a wimp! He's strong enough to whip Nazgul butt - I hope!
Karina - Parents can do cruel things to their children in regard to wardrobe sometimes. Especially to the little ones! I remember one outfit that I had my then 2-year-old son wear for a professional portrait. Very cute knickers, knee socks, dress shirt and shoes, and a vest. He was adorable. Very Victorian. But - oh man - if I tried to get the now 8-year- old to wear that - well, you can imagine! But there was no pink. As you saw Leggy's brothers were dressed in basically the same way. It's definitely a family affair! And if Leggy gets pushed into Morn Nen I will call you to help! Though he won't remember it! 'Tis ironic that Gloin's got a thing for a beautiful golden haired Elf. Gimli didn't fall far from his family tree either.
annakas - I'm glad that Elrond made your tea. And I guess you were lucky no one noticed that you were in Snoozeville at your meeting. Yep. Poor Legolas! Poor Gloin! What will they do??!!
Indigo - I don't think Gloin will be too surprised when his son returns with some golden Elf hairs and a grand infatuation with an Elf he can't have. I'm glad that you love Brethil. He's a pretty cool Elf. And I can now guess what you are like!
phoenixfeather - I'm glad that you're laughing! Don't worry about my being a rabid fangirl. I take shots for it so I should be okay! But I really couldn't resist one of the Dwarves falling for Leggy and who better than Gimli's dad!
Silvarn - I do enjoy picking on the poor Elf. It makes me laugh! I was thinking that perhaps you should dress one of your brothers in Arwen's dresses next time. That should be interesting! Most dresses aren't that comfortable. We just look good in them and sometimes that is enough. But not always!
IceAngel - Chapter 4 - Good luck on your exams! Gosh, such compliments! You make me blush! Analyze away, nin mellon! My beginning with Bilbo telling Frodo a story did sound a lot like what I did in "Have Hope." though it wasn't intention. That's just the way I work, I guess. And I am thrilled and delighted that I've written your best review! Wow!
Lakergurl13 - Nope. Leggy's not had a great few days and unfortunately for him the fun is not over just yet! More mishaps and hilarity to come.
Crawler - There is not much that is more beautiful than Legolas in his dress robes. That is too true! And I hope that you don't forget this story. Or my Orc is coming after your Orc! And mine is definitely not wimpy!
t - Yep. Leggy is the cutest thing there is! And fathers and sons do have the same tendencies it seems. I'm not sure how much Gloin would remember or be willing to confess to. That could be embarrassing! Hehehe!
Tamsin FlameArrow - Sorry to make you splatter your Sprite. I have learned not to drink anything when I read something funny. It does tend to make a great mess of things! Hope your computer wasn't too upset by the impromptu bath.
flame - Brethil does rather get the short end of the stick at times, though he seems to enjoy himself pretty much. I'm glad you like cute little Frodo. He is such a darling! And so well behaved!
Nancing Elf - We definitely do know that Elves can be so beautiful! We do indeed! And now a certain Dwarf knows it, too. Poor Gloin, what's he going to do?? I love it that you guys are laughing at this, since my husband insists that I am not a funny person. It makes me want to laugh and dance with all these nice reviews for my humor! So thank you for screaming with laughter, nin mellon!
Erin 21 - I'm glad that you like this! Yes, poor Legolas! He doesn't get any breaks! And, yes, Legolas and Bilbo will meet. Soon I think.
Irena - I'm thrilled that you like this light and fun story and that you're enjoying Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil's adventures and mishaps. As for following the Hobbit so closely, that sweet little book is always open and the pages are laying flat at this point! I, too am enjoying this immensely and am quite gratified that you are, too!
Chapter 6 - The Last Bash
King Thranduil of Mirkwood Forest gazed serenely over his people feeling a swell of love and pride. Beautiful faces shone with joy and mirth, long hair twined with flowers gleamed in the fire light; slender bodies were wrapped in flowing garments of green, silver, and white with green and white gems flashing at throats and slim waists. It was a magnificent gathering and their king was the most magnificent of them all.
Wood Elves were not the wicked folk that Thorin thought them to be. It was true that they distrusted strangers and were wary, often melting into the trees and vanishing from mortal sight. They weren't like their more refined cousins, the High Elves of the West. They were more dangerous and less wise. Most of the Wood Elves were descended from those elves that had never seen the light of the Two Trees, feeling perfectly content to live in the twilight world of Middle Earth beneath the Sun and the Moon, the stars bringing them the greatest joy. They lived amongst the trees of the forest, sometimes venturing forth to hunt on horseback, or ride where the stars were unhindered by leafy boughs. They were different from the elves that Bilbo had encountered so far, but they were still elves, and that is "Good People."
Their present and greatest King stood tall and straight in his long, dark green robes embroidered with silver oak and golden beech leaves. Glowing white gems and sparkling emeralds gleamed and flashed at his pale throat, his slender wrists, and on the sliver belt at his slim waist. Atop his long golden locks that waved down his back to his narrow waist was a crown of oak and beech leaves worked in gold and silver and enameled in green. Small gems flashed as he turned his head, rivaling the stars themselves. At his side stood his two eldest sons, looking nearly as wonderful as their father, one dressed in silver and one in white, the green gems glittering like green stars, wreaths that matched their youngest brother's graced their long fair locks.
Thranduil smiled at them fondly and they smiled back. He felt a thrill of complacent satisfaction. They did not enjoy dressing for these occasions, but they knew they had no choice. It irritated them greatly to comply with his wishes, but comply they did. And Legolas, well . . . .
"It is too bad that Laerlend isn't here," Thranduil murmured, thinking about his youngest child and only daughter. "She enjoys dressing up. Where is your brother?" he asked loudly, his eyes scanning the clearing, as he abruptly changed the subject. "Why is he not here? I told Tanglinna to fetch him."
"He is probably still being coaxed into his clothes." Aralith said quietly with an amused glance at his brother.
"He is probably trying to figure out how to get out of dressing," Celebross replied wryly, resisting the urge to yank at his tight glittering collar.
"He'll just tell father that he can't wear it because it makes him itch," Aralith murmured in an undertone.
"Hmph. That only ever worked for him. I always got in trouble if I said that; even when it was true."
Thranduil suppressed a smile as their quiet, and they supposed private, words reached him.
~And for you Celebross it was always too tight and you couldn't breathe. For you Aralith it was always too loose or long, and was going to fall off you or trip you. Ah, yes. I know all your little tricks, nin ionnath (my sons); just as my father knew mine. ~
But where was Legolas?
There was a stirring on the other side of the clearing and the tinkle of feminine laughter. Thranduil knew that his youngest had arrived; he never failed to make an entrance whether he meant to or not. He thought his son looked very fine that evening, and he smiled in approval. But the smile soon turned to a frown of foreboding. He saw Legolas look up at him, blue eyes filled with sudden trepidation, then look to Tanglinna who strode at his side, smirking slightly.
~What have you done now, Little Greenleaf?~ Thranduil thought wearily, resisting the urge to raise one hand to his brow and shake his head. ~ If they've let black squirrels loose in the palace again, I'll . . . .~
"Someone looks very guilty," Aralith said in a singsong voice, his lips twisted in wry amusement.
"Hmph. There are Tavor and Brethil," Celebross commented. "I wonder what those three have done now. We'd better check the wine before we drink it. Do you remember when they put water from Morn Nen into the wine we sent to Lord Elrond? I think father even enjoyed that one. Father is not hard enough on him." He shook his silvery head wondering why Legolas seemed to get away with more than he ever had.
Across the clearing Tanglinna bowed toward Thranduil and slapped Legolas' back.
"You may have managed to avoid telling me what you know of those dwarves, sweet princeling, but I doubt that you can avoid telling your lord father, our great King. Though it will be a great amusement for me to watch you try," Tanglinna moved away, still smiling though he hadn't been particularly amused when he had not managed to wrest anything from the three younger elves. Now he merely shrugged and prepared to watch his king at work.
Thranduil watched as Legolas glanced hastily at Tavor and Brethil for support, and from the gestures, looks, and hurried comments that flew between the three he knew that something had happened. He shook his head with amusement and slight annoyance as Celebross and Aralith exchanged disgusted glances.
"You have to go to him, Legolas. You can't just - ignore - your father," Tavor said, his usually perfect composure slipping slightly.
"I wasn't going to ignore him, Tavor. Just . . . just avoid him. There is a difference, you know."
"No, there's not. Not to your father. To him they are one and the same," Tavor continued, wondering if what he was beginning to feel was panic.
"He's staring at us!" Brethil squeaked. "He knows! Ai, Valar! He knows!"
"Be quiet, Brethil. He doesn't know. He can't." ~ Can he? ~ Tavor thought desperately, sweat beaded his brow and his heart raced. ~ Is this going to kill me?~ he wondered with distress.
Not only Thranduil was staring at them. Several Elves had turned to them as well, many of them elf maidens whose admiring stares were fixed on Legolas.
Suddenly Tavor's usual humor tried to resurface. One must always try to impress the maidens, after all.
"Mayhap *we* should have worn sparkly green clothes, Brethil."
"What are you talking about, Tavor?" Legolas growled in exasperation. Surely now was not the time to discuss his outfit yet again. Enough had been said earlier. But then he became aware of the twitters and flutterings around him. He turned to see the maidens staring unabashedly at him, looking as though they wanted to devour him. He choked slightly and glanced at his father, whose eyebrows were raised in question. He looked to the maidens and felt a blush rising to his cheeks. He turned once more and, having made his choice, rushed toward his father.
King Thranduil watched as his son approached, enjoying his discomfort as the eyes of the elven people followed their young prince with amusement and admiration.
"He certainly knows how to draw attention to himself," Aralith said to Celebross.
"Aye, he has always been able to do that," Thranduil's eldest answered, but the brothers laughed lightly, knowing that the attention was seldom wanted.
"You don't need the attention, Celebross. You are happily wed. I, on the other hand, am not."
"Give it time, tithen gwador (little brother). She is out there somewhere," Celebross smiled.
Legolas bowed to his father, hoping to keep his feelings of unease from his face. Brethil's words, "He knows! Ai, Valar! He knows," kept running through his brain.
~He can't know. There is no way he can know. He doesn't know!~
Thranduil held out his arms and embraced his youngest son. For a moment he could feel the rapidly beating heart before he released him. He held him out at arms length and studied him. He made a slight adjustment to the wreath on his head, straightened some of the flowers that didn't lay just so, then smiled.
Legolas felt a flicker of relief. Perhaps he didn't know. He wouldn't be smiling if he knew. How silly, of course he didn't know.
But then the smile turned to a frown.
"Little Greenleaf, what have you done now?"
Legolas' eyes widened in sudden panic, and he glanced at his brothers who both stared calmly at him, eyes shining with wicked glee beneath cocked eyebrows.
"I . . .I . . . ." he gasped, turning to look for Tavor and Brethil. He could not stand before his father alone and hope to keep his composure intact. But his friends were nowhere to be seen. "Father, I . . . I don't know anything about those dwarves. I swear . . . ."
"Dwarves? What dwarves? What are you speaking of?"
Legolas stared up at him in amazement and confusion.
"What are *you* speaking of?" he blurted out, hoping to recover.
"You have torn your sleeve," Thranduil said, his eyes moving to the tear on one flowing butterfly gossamer sleeve. "Why is it that your sister is the only one that knows how to treat nice clothing?"
Relief washed anew, and Legolas held up his arm noticing the rip in the delicate fabric for the first time.
"Oh! I . . . I don't know how that happened. I am so sorry. I'll go fix it . . . right now!"
He turned hastily thinking he could flee safely away and perhaps be rid of these clothing in the bargain, but Thranduil's hand landed on one shoulder.
"What were you saying about Dwarves, little Greenleaf?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Bilbo!"
"Bilbo Baggins!
"Hobbit! Where are you?"
"You dratted hobbit!"
"Hi! Hobbit, confusticate you, where are you?"
Bilbo Baggins the hobbit was missing.
The dwarves had a much more difficult time getting themselves back together after the fires had gone out on them once again. With much stumbling and calling, and grabbing things in the dark they finally managed to find one another, everyone that is, except for the hobbit. They called cajolingly and threateningly, but nothing worked. There was not a sound in the forest, but the echo of their own voices, not even the sound of elvish laughter, and Thorin felt certain that the elves were laughing at them.
"Where could he be?"
"You don't suppose the elves took him?"
"Why would the elves take him, Oin?"
"If they didn't take him, then where is he?"
"I don't know . . . .Ouch! Get off my foot!"
"We'll never find him. Poor Bilbo. Lost in Mirkwood forever."
"Oh, do be quiet, Bombur."
"We never will find him in this dark. Dratted Elves. This is entirely their fault. They will pay for making us lose our Burglar," Thorin muttered darkly.
"Oof!" Dori fell heavily to the ground. "What? Hey, it's Bilbo!"
He had indeed stumbled over the hobbit in the dark, thinking at first that he was a fallen log.
"He's asleep!" Dori exclaimed, kneeling beside Bilbo and shaking him gently. "I can't get him to wake up!"
The Dwarves homed in on Dori's voice and gathered around poking and prodding the Hobbit, trying to awaken him.
"I was having such a lovely dream," the hobbit grumbled as he blinked his eyes and yawned. "I was having a most gorgeous dinner."
"Good heavens! He sounds like Bombur." Dwalin exclaimed.
"We're not anywhere near that black stream, are we?" Oin squeaked, expecting the eerie laughter and singing to begin at any moment now.
"Be quiet, Oin. You are really starting to irritate me."
"That's alright, Oin," Gloin said quietly, patting the other's shoulder, or he thought it was Oin's shoulder. "Did you by any chance see the elven maiden I spoke of earlier?"
"I think Gloin is the one dreaming," Kili giggled.
"Tell us what you dreamed, Bilbo," Bombur prompted eagerly.
"Don't tell us about dreams," Thorin said hastily. "Dream-dinners aren't any good, and we can't share them."
"They are the best I am likely to get in this beastly place." Bilbo muttered, as the dwarves lay down for the night once again. The hobbit grumbled to himself and tried to get comfortable on the ground and find his dreams once more. "Roasted venison, hot bread and butter, crisp apples."
It was much later that night when Kili roused them.
"There is light blazing far away. It is a though a hundred torches lit up magically all at once. And listen! They are singing! And there is harp music!"
At first no one moved, they merely lay where they were listening to the enchanting music that softly floated on the cool night air.
"Are we going to try again?" Oin asked, hoping that they weren't. It was much safer to just stay here in the calm darkness, all together.
"Well, I don't know if we should. Look at what has happened already. This time we might loose everyone," Bofur said wisely.
"Don't be ridiculous. It must be near morning. Isn't it?" Bifur said, gazing at the stars overhead.
In the end it was decided that three was the charm and they got up and crept into the trees once more.
~ This cannot be happening, ~ Bilbo thought as he trudged behind the others. ~ They will not be pushing me into the middle of it this time. Though the dream was rather nice. Even if these aren't Rivendell elves, I am sure they are quite nice enough. They do sing lovely songs. ~
They huddled behind the trees and stared into this glade. This feast was much grander and much more magnificent than the others had been, and they stared in wonder at what they saw. The dwarves stared at the food and sighed happily. Gloin stared at his elven maid and sighed happily. They would never see anything like it again.
Responses to Reviewers
Ranger - I think long golden hair is definitely a fetish for that particular family of Dwarves. Well, Papa Thranduil's going to find it out pretty soon and I don't think he'll be amused. I would love to hear about your snipe hunting! Sounds like you've had some adventures of your own! I'm glad you're enjoying my lighthearted tale. Sobbed my eyes out on the last part of my last fic and needed something silly. And this is it!
Horus - Don't worry! Leggy will get his regular Wood Elf duds back. Just not until Papa's party is over. And besides Gloin seems to like his outfit, not to mention some Elf maidens and - er - human maidens and maids!!
JastaElf - Well, of course I chose Gloin on purpose. I was running through the Dwarves to pick one (No, his name didn't just surface like magic. Darn, I'm not that with it!) and of course (talking out loud to myself) when I got to Gloin then the light bulb finally went on. It was "Wow! How obvious!" And thanks for the story idea! You may see that one at some point with credit going to you! I am enjoying writing those three young Elves very much. 'Tis great fun! Male Elves are very sexy in their robes and yes, Thranduil could carry off anything he felt like. He is very not a wimp! He's strong enough to whip Nazgul butt - I hope!
Karina - Parents can do cruel things to their children in regard to wardrobe sometimes. Especially to the little ones! I remember one outfit that I had my then 2-year-old son wear for a professional portrait. Very cute knickers, knee socks, dress shirt and shoes, and a vest. He was adorable. Very Victorian. But - oh man - if I tried to get the now 8-year- old to wear that - well, you can imagine! But there was no pink. As you saw Leggy's brothers were dressed in basically the same way. It's definitely a family affair! And if Leggy gets pushed into Morn Nen I will call you to help! Though he won't remember it! 'Tis ironic that Gloin's got a thing for a beautiful golden haired Elf. Gimli didn't fall far from his family tree either.
annakas - I'm glad that Elrond made your tea. And I guess you were lucky no one noticed that you were in Snoozeville at your meeting. Yep. Poor Legolas! Poor Gloin! What will they do??!!
Indigo - I don't think Gloin will be too surprised when his son returns with some golden Elf hairs and a grand infatuation with an Elf he can't have. I'm glad that you love Brethil. He's a pretty cool Elf. And I can now guess what you are like!
phoenixfeather - I'm glad that you're laughing! Don't worry about my being a rabid fangirl. I take shots for it so I should be okay! But I really couldn't resist one of the Dwarves falling for Leggy and who better than Gimli's dad!
Silvarn - I do enjoy picking on the poor Elf. It makes me laugh! I was thinking that perhaps you should dress one of your brothers in Arwen's dresses next time. That should be interesting! Most dresses aren't that comfortable. We just look good in them and sometimes that is enough. But not always!
IceAngel - Chapter 4 - Good luck on your exams! Gosh, such compliments! You make me blush! Analyze away, nin mellon! My beginning with Bilbo telling Frodo a story did sound a lot like what I did in "Have Hope." though it wasn't intention. That's just the way I work, I guess. And I am thrilled and delighted that I've written your best review! Wow!
Lakergurl13 - Nope. Leggy's not had a great few days and unfortunately for him the fun is not over just yet! More mishaps and hilarity to come.
Crawler - There is not much that is more beautiful than Legolas in his dress robes. That is too true! And I hope that you don't forget this story. Or my Orc is coming after your Orc! And mine is definitely not wimpy!
t - Yep. Leggy is the cutest thing there is! And fathers and sons do have the same tendencies it seems. I'm not sure how much Gloin would remember or be willing to confess to. That could be embarrassing! Hehehe!
Tamsin FlameArrow - Sorry to make you splatter your Sprite. I have learned not to drink anything when I read something funny. It does tend to make a great mess of things! Hope your computer wasn't too upset by the impromptu bath.
flame - Brethil does rather get the short end of the stick at times, though he seems to enjoy himself pretty much. I'm glad you like cute little Frodo. He is such a darling! And so well behaved!
Nancing Elf - We definitely do know that Elves can be so beautiful! We do indeed! And now a certain Dwarf knows it, too. Poor Gloin, what's he going to do?? I love it that you guys are laughing at this, since my husband insists that I am not a funny person. It makes me want to laugh and dance with all these nice reviews for my humor! So thank you for screaming with laughter, nin mellon!
Erin 21 - I'm glad that you like this! Yes, poor Legolas! He doesn't get any breaks! And, yes, Legolas and Bilbo will meet. Soon I think.
Irena - I'm thrilled that you like this light and fun story and that you're enjoying Legolas, Tavor, and Brethil's adventures and mishaps. As for following the Hobbit so closely, that sweet little book is always open and the pages are laying flat at this point! I, too am enjoying this immensely and am quite gratified that you are, too!