*~* Of course," she added pertly, "if you disappoint me, I will cast you
aside for Elrohir." ~ Nebride "The Caverns of Mirkwood" *~*
"THE FAERIE GOBLET"
Chapter 10 ~ Elrohir, Son of Elrond, Lord of Imladris
Alede flipped over on her back and stared up at the dark ceiling. She was furious with Baird. He hadn't believed anything she'd said. He was convinced that Elves and wizards were a figment of her imagination. What was worse, he seemed to think she suffered from some sort of delusion and was intent upon curing her. And the cure, apparently was to marry him.
"Curse him!" Alede muttered. They'd argued all through the afternoon and evening until Alede was sick of it and him. If the man had the full use of both his legs she would have walked out then and there. But he still could barely walk, so Alede was bound to stay.
"Double curse him!"
She took a deep breath, counted to ten and reminded herself that Baird was a good, kind man. He had the best intentions.
*And he's also the most narrow minded, pig headed man I've ever . . .*
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft tapping sound on the tiny window of her loft room. Sitting up in bed, she stared at the window. All was silent for a moment and then she heard the patter of gravel as it hit the window again.
"Who . . ?" Silently, she crossed over and opened the tiny embrasure. Sticking her head out, she looked down and beheld a fair face turned up to hers. With a gasp of delight, she flung herself down the ladder and out the back door. As she stepped out into the cold, dark yard she was immediately caught up in a warm embrace and lifted clear off her feet.
"Elrohir!" she whispered breathlessly once he quit squeezing her ribs and set her down. "What are you doing here?" Because he was grinning, she knew that there was no cause for alarm. Even Elrohir would not be merry if he brought bad news.
"I could not bear being parted from you," Elrohir declared, placing a hand upon his heart dramatically.
Alede, well used to Elrohir's teasing, rolled her eyes. "I am not impressed by your theatrics. Perhaps you should tell me what's going on and save the drama for another time."
Elrohir laughed, not at all discouraged by her mild scolding. Teasing Alede was the bread of life to him.
"Hush," Alede cautioned. "Baird will hear your laughter."
"Ahh . . ." Elrohir adopted a cunning look. "And what will your lover do if he comes out and finds you in the arms of another?" He brandished his sword heroically. "I will fight him to the death!"
"Oh honestly! He is not my lover," Alede exclaimed trying to clap a hand over Elrohir's mouth. But he was much too fast and caught her hand, kissing it instead.
"How someone as serious and dignified as Elrond could have fathered a son like you, is beyond me!" She broke off when she saw Elrohir's eyes twinkling with mirth. He loved nothing more than to drive her to the brink of madness with his silliness.
Shaking her head in mock dismay, Alede gestured toward the barn. "Let's go to the barn before you wake Baird."
"The barn?" Elrohir wiggled his eyebrows at her. "What will we do in the barn?"
"I'm going to poke you with a pitch fork if you don't hush up," Alede whispered fiercely.
"Mmm, how about if I poke you with something else instead?" he asked suggestively.
"ELROHIR!"
"Shhhh!" he admonished. "You'll wake Baird."
Elrohir skipped easily out of the way of Alede's well-aimed kick.
Rolling her eyes, Alede set out toward the barn, hoping that Elrohir would follow her and she'd find out why he was here. Halfway there, she let out a yelp as her bare foot trod upon a stick.
"Let me go back and fetch some shoes," she whispered.
"Nay, I'll carry you."
"Oh no you won't," Alede backed away as he tried to grab her. "If you put me over your shoulder, I'll pinch you until you howl."
"Seriously?" Elrohir asked interestedly. "Do you know how long it's been since a maiden made me howl?" He broke off at Alede's muffled gasp and laughed as she hid her face in her hands.
"Alede . . ." he said, trying to get his mirth under control. "Please, look at me. Put your hands down, little one. Please?" He bent down to peek at her at eye level. Alede lowered her hands, a blush visible even in the pale moonlight.
"You're much too modest," he said. "You know I am only jesting. How you have managed to live with Elves for so many years and not lost some of your inhibitions, is beyond me."
"I follow the customs of my people," she said uncomfortably. "I know that I'm . . ."
"Uptight, prudish, stuffy?" Elrohir supplied helpfully.
"Yes," she said miserably, her shoulders drooping, "I suppose I'm all of those things."
Elrohir laughed again. "Actually, your worst problem is you never seem to know when I am teasing you."
She gave him a look of chagrin and Elrohir took pity on her. "I apologize for embarrassing you." But a smile still hovered on his lips. While Alede knew his apology was genuine, she also knew that he still found her highly amusing.
"I'll go get some shoes," she tried again.
"Nay, I'll carry you as I did when you were a child."
"But . . ."
Elrohir turned around and bent his back just a little. Alede couldn't help but smile. She had forgotten that he'd often carried her piggyback when she was a child.
Tugging her nightdress up to her thighs, she tied the skirt in a knot on one side to get it out of her way. Then clasping his shoulders, she gave a little hop and Elrohir caught her legs securely and headed for the barn.
Alede giggled as she bounced on his back.
"I feel like a fool."
"You probably look like one too," Elrohir said.
Alede let go just long enough to give his hair a sharp tug. Elrohir protested loudly.
"Shhhh! What do I have to do to keep you quiet?" Alede asked.
"My mind is a blank."
"I've always suspected that," Alede teased in her turn. Though she'd never admit it, she enjoyed being carried. Elrohir was well made. His shoulders were strong and nicely muscled. The dark river of his hair flowing beneath her chin was as soft as silk and smelled of grass and meadows.
They reached the barn all too quickly and Elrohir set her down on the straw covered floor. While he struck a flame in the small lantern, Alede struggled with the knot she'd put in her nightdress.
"Mmm . . . I'm about to embarrass you again, Alede."
"How so?" she asked, still wrestling with the stubborn knot.
"You have lovely legs for a wizard. Much more shapely than your father's which are quite hairy and skinny as sticks."
"Elrohir!" she cried in dismay. "Would you quit talking and help me?"
Grinning, he knelt at her feet and with deft fingers untied the knot, but not before tickling the back of her knee.
With a laugh, Alede pushed him away. "Now will you please tell me what's going on? Why are you here?"
He stood up and gave her the wide Elvin shrug. "We've been concerned for you, your father especially. And since no one else could be spared, I offered to deliver your father's letter and see that all was well."
"No one else . . ." Alede put her hands on her hips suddenly comprehending the real reason Elrohir had left Rivendell. "You skipped out on the ice run again, didn't you?"
Elrohir gave her an irrepressible grin and Alede groaned.
Every spring a large party of Elves set out from Rivendell up to the Misty Mountains. There they cut huge blocks of ice from the glaciers, carefully insulated them in grass and furs and harnessed them to their horses. The blocks were dragged down the mountain and into the vast cold cellars beneath the Last Homely house. Even on the hottest summer days, meats could be stored down there indefinitely with out spoiling and vegetables could be kept well into late winter. *
And for centuries, Elrohir had been skipping out of the tedious expedition.
"Elladan is going to kill you when he gets home," she remarked.
"Yes, but that will be weeks from now."
Alede shook her head wryly. The antics of the two brothers never ceased to amaze her.
"Is everything else well?" she asked.
Elrohir nodded and handed over a letter written by her father. "Your father pines for you, and wishes for you to come home, but otherwise all is well."
Alede smiled as she glanced over her father's letter. She missed the old wizard too.
"The smithy's leg is taking longer to heal than I could anticipate," she explained. She had written home when she first arrived, but not since then. "I think in a couple more weeks, he should be well enough that I may leave."
"If he allows you," Elrohir said with a wink.
"What do you mean?" Alede asked, her head coming up quickly.
"It was quite a touching scene I came upon this morning." He wiggled his brows at her.
"You were there!?" Alede exclaimed. "Of course, you were there!" She suddenly remembered the laughter she'd heard up in the trees when she and Baird had returned from their picnic.
"Wait until I inform your father that his little girl is betrothed. Not only betrothed, but engaged to a man who does not believe in Elves."
"I am not betrothed!" Alede snapped.
"Hmm . . . that's not what I hear in town," Elrohir said mischievously.
"You went into town? That must have caused quite a stir. None of these people believe in Elves," Alede said sourly.
Elrohir winked. "I kept my hood up. There are many travelers through Bree and I was just one of them. But I tired of listening to you and Baird this afternoon so I went to the inn for something to eat. I hated to interrupt such a lively conversation," he added with a grin.
Alede snorted with disgust. She and Baird had been arguing at the top of their lungs.
"At the inn, I overheard several patrons saying that you and Baird were betrothed. Seems that the celebration is set for the end of the month."
"The end of the month!" Alede stormed. "Why that pig headed . . ." she started to march out the door, but Elrohir laughingly caught her arm.
"Do not murder him in his sleep, if that is your intent."
"Humph!"
"I wish that I might stay and watch you blister his hide with a few choice words, but I must return in the morning."
"Oh, really?" Alede slumped. "Could you not stay a couple of weeks? The journey back would be much more pleasant if we had each other for company."
"Hmm . . ." Elrohir considered. "Yes, I see what you mean, sleeping on the ground next to each other, keeping each other warm . . ."
"That is not what I meant!"
Elrohir laughed and chucked her beneath the chin gently. "Nay, little one, I can not stay. Though I wish I could. I am uneasy leaving Rivendell with only a handful of warriors to protect it. But to make it up to you, you may sleep with me tonight."
"What?!"
"Well, I cannot believe that tiny house has more than two beds in it. Unless you share the smithy's bed?" he asked with a grin.
"I most certainly do not!" Alede proclaimed. "But neither will I share a bed with you! You can sleep in the barn or in a tree for all I care!"
"Nonsense, my stallion will sleep in the barn. He does not care for trees and neither do I when I may pillow my head next to a beautiful woman . . . Uh uh, come back here!" Elrohir grabbed Alede as she stormed out of the barn and with a bit of a tussle heaved her over his shoulder. True to her word, Alede pinched him in the tenderest spot she could reach.
Elrohir let out a suggestive yelp and Alede immediately stopped.
"You are such a nuisance!" she whispered loudly as they approached the house. "What if Baird finds you?"
"Then he'll be forced to believe in Elves, won't he? But fear not, I shall be as quiet as a Hobbit."
Elrohir set her down once they reached the back door and Alede muffled giggles as the Elf tiptoed with great exaggeration through the house. She led him up the ladder to the loft and put a muting spell on the squeaky floorboards.
"Uhm . . . I can sleep downstairs in the chair," Alede said uncertainly as Elrohir began unbuttoning his tunic.
"Oh, no you don't." He caught her hand as she started for the ladder. "The bed is big enough for both of us."
Alede's breath caught in her throat. She knew that Elrohir had no romantic intentions toward her. It was common for Elves to sleep together for companionship and nothing else. Even warriors on war parties would often share a bed role, sleeping back to back for warmth and protection. But it was one of those Elvin customs that she was still uncomfortable with. And she remembered all too well the last time she'd shared a bed with Legolas . . .
Elrohir was too handsome by half. She no longer fancied him as she once did. His endless teasing exhausted and annoyed her after a while. But she was terribly fond of him. To share his bed . . .
"Elrohir . . . I don't think I can . . ."
He glanced up at her quickly as he tossed his tunic aside. Alede closed her eyes so that she could not watch the long black hair brush across the muscles of his chest. She might not fancy him, but he was still a very attractive Elf. Any maiden would wish for him . . .
"Alede . . ." Elrohir stepped close and chastely kissed her forehead. "You are a beautiful woman, but I wish only to sleep next to you, nothing else."
Alede stepped back. "Of course," she said and couldn't hide the bitterness in her voice. "I do not seem to inspire passion in Elves. Only smithies."
Elrohir chuckled. "Nay, tis not true. But seriously Alede, you would despise me for taking you when I do not offer love in return."
"It seems a common malady among Elves," Alede said sadly turning away.
"Nay, it is only," he reached out and gently turned her toward him, "that the Maiar are much like the humans they resemble. You are an impatient people and we Elves are not."
Alede hung her head.
"Come to bed, Alede. You and I are good friends. We would not wish to spoil that with feelings that neither of us has, would we?"
"No, of course not. I just feel sometimes that . . ." she left the sentence unfinished.
"What, little one?" Elrohir asked as he pulled her down in the bed beside him.
Alede moved over until she could pillow her head on Elrohir's shoulder. He caught the hand that she seemed not to know what to do with and placed it on his chest. Sighing a little and rubbing her cheek against the warmth of his skin, she answered his question.
"I just wish that someone loved me sometimes," she said very quietly, "or at least desired me."
"The smithy loves you."
She snorted. "He thinks he does. But he doesn't know me. Do you . . ." she paused, afraid to ask what she wanted to know. "Do you think I'm desirable, Elrohir? I mean, am I desirable from an Elf's point of view?"
"Oh yes, very much so."
"But then why . . ? I mean, even in Rivendell, none of the Elves . . ." she stuttered to a halt, unable to express her question.
"Unfortunately those who desire you are afraid, Alede."
She raised her head. "Afraid? Afraid of what?"
"Your father. He would turn anyone who touched you into a toad."
Alede laughed softly and Elrohir pushed her head back down onto his shoulder. Kissing the top of her head, he said. "Legolas will come to his senses some day, for I know that it is he who you truly speak of. And it is he who you wish to warm your bed, not I. Now go to sleep."
~ ~ ~
Despite Alede's admonishments, Elrohir was loud and jovial the next morning. He was also impossibly slow. It should have taken him only a matter of moments to toss his small pack onto his stallion and leave, but instead it took him a full half an hour. Alede was willing to wager that he was stalling in the hopes of meeting Baird. And she was equally adamant that Elrohir leave before the smithy awoke. If Baird knew that an Elf had spent the night in Alede's bed . . .
"Are you sure you won't return with me, Alede?" Elrohir asked as he dawdled about the yard.
"Nay, I wish I could. But Baird's leg is not yet healed enough."
"But that's what worries me. He seemed quite persistent in his addresses to you. If he should try to force the issue . . ."
Alede laughed and shook her head. "He will not and give me some credit Elrohir! My magic is not great I'll admit but it is the match for any human. I will be fine. Tell father I'll be home by the end of the month."
"If you are certain . . ."
"I am. Now here's some bread, cheese and dried fruits," Alede said, handing up a small satchel once Elrohir was finally mounted, "and a few links of fresh sausages. I've filled your water skin as well. Now, I'm sure you'll want to be off. The sun is well up and . . ."
"Ahh . . . good day to you Sir," Elrohir cried looking past Alede to the house.
Cringing, Alede turned around. Baird had limped out on to the back step wearing nothing but his trousers. Gaping at them, he looked like a great bear with his hair and beard in wild disarray and brown hair curling aggressively all over his chest.
Behind her, Elrohir cleared his throat meaningfully and nudged her in the middle of her back with his toe.
"Oh . . . uhm . . . Baird, this is Lord Elrohir, Prince of Rivendell. Elrohir, this is Baird, the smithy of Bree."
Most people would look ridiculous bowing from the back of a horse, but Elrohir managed it with grace and style.
"It is a pleasure Sir," Elrohir said courteously.
Baird however continued to stare. He had never believed Alede's insistence that Elves were real instead of myths. His gaze swept over Elrohir's rich garments, his ethereal good looks and his finely sculpted Elvish ears showing between the glistening black warrior's braids. The smithy was stunned. Alede thought that Baird could not appear more shocked if Elrohir had suddenly sprouted wings.
"Is that an elf?" Baird whispered to Alede.
"Of course," she whispered back, irritated by his bad manners.
"Oh . . . ehem!" Baird cleared his throat loudly and straightened up, casting an uncomfortable glance at Alede. "Are you a friend of Alede's then, Sir?" he asked Elrohir.
"The best of friends. I've known her for at least 500 years."
"Yes . . . well, uhm . . ." Baird was obviously flustered by that remark. He hadn't believed Alede her age either. But he tried to make the best of the event. "You must come and break your fast with us then."
"Thank you, but Alede has already seen to that."
Baird give Alede a suspicious look.
"I came only to deliver a message from Alede's father," Elrohir continued. "He is lonesome for his daughter's company and bids her hurry home once you are healed."
"Oh, her father eh? Well," Baird puffed out his chest a bit, "then I hope that you will take a message back to her father. Alede and I intend to marry at the end of the month. He is welcome to join in our festivities and you as well, Sir. Uhm . . . I don't suppose Alede has any other Elfin friends? Surely there aren't that many . . .?"
Before Elrohir could reply to this awkward remark, Alede broke in. "Baird! We have had this discussion before. I have no intention of marrying . . ."
Baird limped over to her, putting an arm tightly around her shoulders. "Now, now Alede, do not fuss in front of your friend," he said quietly. Looking back up to Elrohir, he said, "Women, they always get cold feet at the last moment, you know." He laughed heartily, but no one else joined in.
Elrohir slipped down off of his horse and walked straight up to Baird with the grace of a mountain lion. Alede was astonished to see that the Elf was taller than the man. She'd grown so used to thinking of Baird as a giant that she had forgotten how tall Elves were, though the prince was far more slender.
Nevertheless, the hand with which he reached out and removed Baird's arm from Alede's shoulder was easily as strong as the burly smith's.
"Know this Human," Elrohir said quietly, but in a tone Alede had never heard him use before, "Alede has told me that she does not intend to marry you. I would take her home with me today, but she feels obligated to stay because of your injury. But if she is forced to stay here, I will come to fetch her. You would be wise to not compromise her decision or to annoy me."
Alede shivered. Elrohir's voice was as cold and deadly as a wolf's howl. She could well believe his reputation of being Rivendell's best warrior. It was said that he'd killed hundreds of Orcs, perhaps even thousands.
Baird looked impressed as well and extremely wary. Elrohir backed off and turned to Alede.
He gave her a swift kiss on the forehead. "Come home soon, little one. I'll be expecting you." The last was said with a sideways glance at Baird and then Elrohir jumped easily onto his horse and with a final wave, road down the lane.
"Well," Alede said, unable to hide the smug grin on her face, "I guess that settles the question about Elves, doesn't it? Shall we go inside and I'll fix your breakfast?"
~ ~ ~ A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Thecla and Nadia. They know why. ;) Chapter 11 coming soon. Its time that Legolas and Gimli reach Rivendell and find out what's up!
*This is a small tribute to my great grandfather who used to cut blocks of ice from the river for the tiny frontier town he lived in. The huge blocks actually did last through the entire summer and well into the following winter.
"THE FAERIE GOBLET"
Chapter 10 ~ Elrohir, Son of Elrond, Lord of Imladris
Alede flipped over on her back and stared up at the dark ceiling. She was furious with Baird. He hadn't believed anything she'd said. He was convinced that Elves and wizards were a figment of her imagination. What was worse, he seemed to think she suffered from some sort of delusion and was intent upon curing her. And the cure, apparently was to marry him.
"Curse him!" Alede muttered. They'd argued all through the afternoon and evening until Alede was sick of it and him. If the man had the full use of both his legs she would have walked out then and there. But he still could barely walk, so Alede was bound to stay.
"Double curse him!"
She took a deep breath, counted to ten and reminded herself that Baird was a good, kind man. He had the best intentions.
*And he's also the most narrow minded, pig headed man I've ever . . .*
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft tapping sound on the tiny window of her loft room. Sitting up in bed, she stared at the window. All was silent for a moment and then she heard the patter of gravel as it hit the window again.
"Who . . ?" Silently, she crossed over and opened the tiny embrasure. Sticking her head out, she looked down and beheld a fair face turned up to hers. With a gasp of delight, she flung herself down the ladder and out the back door. As she stepped out into the cold, dark yard she was immediately caught up in a warm embrace and lifted clear off her feet.
"Elrohir!" she whispered breathlessly once he quit squeezing her ribs and set her down. "What are you doing here?" Because he was grinning, she knew that there was no cause for alarm. Even Elrohir would not be merry if he brought bad news.
"I could not bear being parted from you," Elrohir declared, placing a hand upon his heart dramatically.
Alede, well used to Elrohir's teasing, rolled her eyes. "I am not impressed by your theatrics. Perhaps you should tell me what's going on and save the drama for another time."
Elrohir laughed, not at all discouraged by her mild scolding. Teasing Alede was the bread of life to him.
"Hush," Alede cautioned. "Baird will hear your laughter."
"Ahh . . ." Elrohir adopted a cunning look. "And what will your lover do if he comes out and finds you in the arms of another?" He brandished his sword heroically. "I will fight him to the death!"
"Oh honestly! He is not my lover," Alede exclaimed trying to clap a hand over Elrohir's mouth. But he was much too fast and caught her hand, kissing it instead.
"How someone as serious and dignified as Elrond could have fathered a son like you, is beyond me!" She broke off when she saw Elrohir's eyes twinkling with mirth. He loved nothing more than to drive her to the brink of madness with his silliness.
Shaking her head in mock dismay, Alede gestured toward the barn. "Let's go to the barn before you wake Baird."
"The barn?" Elrohir wiggled his eyebrows at her. "What will we do in the barn?"
"I'm going to poke you with a pitch fork if you don't hush up," Alede whispered fiercely.
"Mmm, how about if I poke you with something else instead?" he asked suggestively.
"ELROHIR!"
"Shhhh!" he admonished. "You'll wake Baird."
Elrohir skipped easily out of the way of Alede's well-aimed kick.
Rolling her eyes, Alede set out toward the barn, hoping that Elrohir would follow her and she'd find out why he was here. Halfway there, she let out a yelp as her bare foot trod upon a stick.
"Let me go back and fetch some shoes," she whispered.
"Nay, I'll carry you."
"Oh no you won't," Alede backed away as he tried to grab her. "If you put me over your shoulder, I'll pinch you until you howl."
"Seriously?" Elrohir asked interestedly. "Do you know how long it's been since a maiden made me howl?" He broke off at Alede's muffled gasp and laughed as she hid her face in her hands.
"Alede . . ." he said, trying to get his mirth under control. "Please, look at me. Put your hands down, little one. Please?" He bent down to peek at her at eye level. Alede lowered her hands, a blush visible even in the pale moonlight.
"You're much too modest," he said. "You know I am only jesting. How you have managed to live with Elves for so many years and not lost some of your inhibitions, is beyond me."
"I follow the customs of my people," she said uncomfortably. "I know that I'm . . ."
"Uptight, prudish, stuffy?" Elrohir supplied helpfully.
"Yes," she said miserably, her shoulders drooping, "I suppose I'm all of those things."
Elrohir laughed again. "Actually, your worst problem is you never seem to know when I am teasing you."
She gave him a look of chagrin and Elrohir took pity on her. "I apologize for embarrassing you." But a smile still hovered on his lips. While Alede knew his apology was genuine, she also knew that he still found her highly amusing.
"I'll go get some shoes," she tried again.
"Nay, I'll carry you as I did when you were a child."
"But . . ."
Elrohir turned around and bent his back just a little. Alede couldn't help but smile. She had forgotten that he'd often carried her piggyback when she was a child.
Tugging her nightdress up to her thighs, she tied the skirt in a knot on one side to get it out of her way. Then clasping his shoulders, she gave a little hop and Elrohir caught her legs securely and headed for the barn.
Alede giggled as she bounced on his back.
"I feel like a fool."
"You probably look like one too," Elrohir said.
Alede let go just long enough to give his hair a sharp tug. Elrohir protested loudly.
"Shhhh! What do I have to do to keep you quiet?" Alede asked.
"My mind is a blank."
"I've always suspected that," Alede teased in her turn. Though she'd never admit it, she enjoyed being carried. Elrohir was well made. His shoulders were strong and nicely muscled. The dark river of his hair flowing beneath her chin was as soft as silk and smelled of grass and meadows.
They reached the barn all too quickly and Elrohir set her down on the straw covered floor. While he struck a flame in the small lantern, Alede struggled with the knot she'd put in her nightdress.
"Mmm . . . I'm about to embarrass you again, Alede."
"How so?" she asked, still wrestling with the stubborn knot.
"You have lovely legs for a wizard. Much more shapely than your father's which are quite hairy and skinny as sticks."
"Elrohir!" she cried in dismay. "Would you quit talking and help me?"
Grinning, he knelt at her feet and with deft fingers untied the knot, but not before tickling the back of her knee.
With a laugh, Alede pushed him away. "Now will you please tell me what's going on? Why are you here?"
He stood up and gave her the wide Elvin shrug. "We've been concerned for you, your father especially. And since no one else could be spared, I offered to deliver your father's letter and see that all was well."
"No one else . . ." Alede put her hands on her hips suddenly comprehending the real reason Elrohir had left Rivendell. "You skipped out on the ice run again, didn't you?"
Elrohir gave her an irrepressible grin and Alede groaned.
Every spring a large party of Elves set out from Rivendell up to the Misty Mountains. There they cut huge blocks of ice from the glaciers, carefully insulated them in grass and furs and harnessed them to their horses. The blocks were dragged down the mountain and into the vast cold cellars beneath the Last Homely house. Even on the hottest summer days, meats could be stored down there indefinitely with out spoiling and vegetables could be kept well into late winter. *
And for centuries, Elrohir had been skipping out of the tedious expedition.
"Elladan is going to kill you when he gets home," she remarked.
"Yes, but that will be weeks from now."
Alede shook her head wryly. The antics of the two brothers never ceased to amaze her.
"Is everything else well?" she asked.
Elrohir nodded and handed over a letter written by her father. "Your father pines for you, and wishes for you to come home, but otherwise all is well."
Alede smiled as she glanced over her father's letter. She missed the old wizard too.
"The smithy's leg is taking longer to heal than I could anticipate," she explained. She had written home when she first arrived, but not since then. "I think in a couple more weeks, he should be well enough that I may leave."
"If he allows you," Elrohir said with a wink.
"What do you mean?" Alede asked, her head coming up quickly.
"It was quite a touching scene I came upon this morning." He wiggled his brows at her.
"You were there!?" Alede exclaimed. "Of course, you were there!" She suddenly remembered the laughter she'd heard up in the trees when she and Baird had returned from their picnic.
"Wait until I inform your father that his little girl is betrothed. Not only betrothed, but engaged to a man who does not believe in Elves."
"I am not betrothed!" Alede snapped.
"Hmm . . . that's not what I hear in town," Elrohir said mischievously.
"You went into town? That must have caused quite a stir. None of these people believe in Elves," Alede said sourly.
Elrohir winked. "I kept my hood up. There are many travelers through Bree and I was just one of them. But I tired of listening to you and Baird this afternoon so I went to the inn for something to eat. I hated to interrupt such a lively conversation," he added with a grin.
Alede snorted with disgust. She and Baird had been arguing at the top of their lungs.
"At the inn, I overheard several patrons saying that you and Baird were betrothed. Seems that the celebration is set for the end of the month."
"The end of the month!" Alede stormed. "Why that pig headed . . ." she started to march out the door, but Elrohir laughingly caught her arm.
"Do not murder him in his sleep, if that is your intent."
"Humph!"
"I wish that I might stay and watch you blister his hide with a few choice words, but I must return in the morning."
"Oh, really?" Alede slumped. "Could you not stay a couple of weeks? The journey back would be much more pleasant if we had each other for company."
"Hmm . . ." Elrohir considered. "Yes, I see what you mean, sleeping on the ground next to each other, keeping each other warm . . ."
"That is not what I meant!"
Elrohir laughed and chucked her beneath the chin gently. "Nay, little one, I can not stay. Though I wish I could. I am uneasy leaving Rivendell with only a handful of warriors to protect it. But to make it up to you, you may sleep with me tonight."
"What?!"
"Well, I cannot believe that tiny house has more than two beds in it. Unless you share the smithy's bed?" he asked with a grin.
"I most certainly do not!" Alede proclaimed. "But neither will I share a bed with you! You can sleep in the barn or in a tree for all I care!"
"Nonsense, my stallion will sleep in the barn. He does not care for trees and neither do I when I may pillow my head next to a beautiful woman . . . Uh uh, come back here!" Elrohir grabbed Alede as she stormed out of the barn and with a bit of a tussle heaved her over his shoulder. True to her word, Alede pinched him in the tenderest spot she could reach.
Elrohir let out a suggestive yelp and Alede immediately stopped.
"You are such a nuisance!" she whispered loudly as they approached the house. "What if Baird finds you?"
"Then he'll be forced to believe in Elves, won't he? But fear not, I shall be as quiet as a Hobbit."
Elrohir set her down once they reached the back door and Alede muffled giggles as the Elf tiptoed with great exaggeration through the house. She led him up the ladder to the loft and put a muting spell on the squeaky floorboards.
"Uhm . . . I can sleep downstairs in the chair," Alede said uncertainly as Elrohir began unbuttoning his tunic.
"Oh, no you don't." He caught her hand as she started for the ladder. "The bed is big enough for both of us."
Alede's breath caught in her throat. She knew that Elrohir had no romantic intentions toward her. It was common for Elves to sleep together for companionship and nothing else. Even warriors on war parties would often share a bed role, sleeping back to back for warmth and protection. But it was one of those Elvin customs that she was still uncomfortable with. And she remembered all too well the last time she'd shared a bed with Legolas . . .
Elrohir was too handsome by half. She no longer fancied him as she once did. His endless teasing exhausted and annoyed her after a while. But she was terribly fond of him. To share his bed . . .
"Elrohir . . . I don't think I can . . ."
He glanced up at her quickly as he tossed his tunic aside. Alede closed her eyes so that she could not watch the long black hair brush across the muscles of his chest. She might not fancy him, but he was still a very attractive Elf. Any maiden would wish for him . . .
"Alede . . ." Elrohir stepped close and chastely kissed her forehead. "You are a beautiful woman, but I wish only to sleep next to you, nothing else."
Alede stepped back. "Of course," she said and couldn't hide the bitterness in her voice. "I do not seem to inspire passion in Elves. Only smithies."
Elrohir chuckled. "Nay, tis not true. But seriously Alede, you would despise me for taking you when I do not offer love in return."
"It seems a common malady among Elves," Alede said sadly turning away.
"Nay, it is only," he reached out and gently turned her toward him, "that the Maiar are much like the humans they resemble. You are an impatient people and we Elves are not."
Alede hung her head.
"Come to bed, Alede. You and I are good friends. We would not wish to spoil that with feelings that neither of us has, would we?"
"No, of course not. I just feel sometimes that . . ." she left the sentence unfinished.
"What, little one?" Elrohir asked as he pulled her down in the bed beside him.
Alede moved over until she could pillow her head on Elrohir's shoulder. He caught the hand that she seemed not to know what to do with and placed it on his chest. Sighing a little and rubbing her cheek against the warmth of his skin, she answered his question.
"I just wish that someone loved me sometimes," she said very quietly, "or at least desired me."
"The smithy loves you."
She snorted. "He thinks he does. But he doesn't know me. Do you . . ." she paused, afraid to ask what she wanted to know. "Do you think I'm desirable, Elrohir? I mean, am I desirable from an Elf's point of view?"
"Oh yes, very much so."
"But then why . . ? I mean, even in Rivendell, none of the Elves . . ." she stuttered to a halt, unable to express her question.
"Unfortunately those who desire you are afraid, Alede."
She raised her head. "Afraid? Afraid of what?"
"Your father. He would turn anyone who touched you into a toad."
Alede laughed softly and Elrohir pushed her head back down onto his shoulder. Kissing the top of her head, he said. "Legolas will come to his senses some day, for I know that it is he who you truly speak of. And it is he who you wish to warm your bed, not I. Now go to sleep."
~ ~ ~
Despite Alede's admonishments, Elrohir was loud and jovial the next morning. He was also impossibly slow. It should have taken him only a matter of moments to toss his small pack onto his stallion and leave, but instead it took him a full half an hour. Alede was willing to wager that he was stalling in the hopes of meeting Baird. And she was equally adamant that Elrohir leave before the smithy awoke. If Baird knew that an Elf had spent the night in Alede's bed . . .
"Are you sure you won't return with me, Alede?" Elrohir asked as he dawdled about the yard.
"Nay, I wish I could. But Baird's leg is not yet healed enough."
"But that's what worries me. He seemed quite persistent in his addresses to you. If he should try to force the issue . . ."
Alede laughed and shook her head. "He will not and give me some credit Elrohir! My magic is not great I'll admit but it is the match for any human. I will be fine. Tell father I'll be home by the end of the month."
"If you are certain . . ."
"I am. Now here's some bread, cheese and dried fruits," Alede said, handing up a small satchel once Elrohir was finally mounted, "and a few links of fresh sausages. I've filled your water skin as well. Now, I'm sure you'll want to be off. The sun is well up and . . ."
"Ahh . . . good day to you Sir," Elrohir cried looking past Alede to the house.
Cringing, Alede turned around. Baird had limped out on to the back step wearing nothing but his trousers. Gaping at them, he looked like a great bear with his hair and beard in wild disarray and brown hair curling aggressively all over his chest.
Behind her, Elrohir cleared his throat meaningfully and nudged her in the middle of her back with his toe.
"Oh . . . uhm . . . Baird, this is Lord Elrohir, Prince of Rivendell. Elrohir, this is Baird, the smithy of Bree."
Most people would look ridiculous bowing from the back of a horse, but Elrohir managed it with grace and style.
"It is a pleasure Sir," Elrohir said courteously.
Baird however continued to stare. He had never believed Alede's insistence that Elves were real instead of myths. His gaze swept over Elrohir's rich garments, his ethereal good looks and his finely sculpted Elvish ears showing between the glistening black warrior's braids. The smithy was stunned. Alede thought that Baird could not appear more shocked if Elrohir had suddenly sprouted wings.
"Is that an elf?" Baird whispered to Alede.
"Of course," she whispered back, irritated by his bad manners.
"Oh . . . ehem!" Baird cleared his throat loudly and straightened up, casting an uncomfortable glance at Alede. "Are you a friend of Alede's then, Sir?" he asked Elrohir.
"The best of friends. I've known her for at least 500 years."
"Yes . . . well, uhm . . ." Baird was obviously flustered by that remark. He hadn't believed Alede her age either. But he tried to make the best of the event. "You must come and break your fast with us then."
"Thank you, but Alede has already seen to that."
Baird give Alede a suspicious look.
"I came only to deliver a message from Alede's father," Elrohir continued. "He is lonesome for his daughter's company and bids her hurry home once you are healed."
"Oh, her father eh? Well," Baird puffed out his chest a bit, "then I hope that you will take a message back to her father. Alede and I intend to marry at the end of the month. He is welcome to join in our festivities and you as well, Sir. Uhm . . . I don't suppose Alede has any other Elfin friends? Surely there aren't that many . . .?"
Before Elrohir could reply to this awkward remark, Alede broke in. "Baird! We have had this discussion before. I have no intention of marrying . . ."
Baird limped over to her, putting an arm tightly around her shoulders. "Now, now Alede, do not fuss in front of your friend," he said quietly. Looking back up to Elrohir, he said, "Women, they always get cold feet at the last moment, you know." He laughed heartily, but no one else joined in.
Elrohir slipped down off of his horse and walked straight up to Baird with the grace of a mountain lion. Alede was astonished to see that the Elf was taller than the man. She'd grown so used to thinking of Baird as a giant that she had forgotten how tall Elves were, though the prince was far more slender.
Nevertheless, the hand with which he reached out and removed Baird's arm from Alede's shoulder was easily as strong as the burly smith's.
"Know this Human," Elrohir said quietly, but in a tone Alede had never heard him use before, "Alede has told me that she does not intend to marry you. I would take her home with me today, but she feels obligated to stay because of your injury. But if she is forced to stay here, I will come to fetch her. You would be wise to not compromise her decision or to annoy me."
Alede shivered. Elrohir's voice was as cold and deadly as a wolf's howl. She could well believe his reputation of being Rivendell's best warrior. It was said that he'd killed hundreds of Orcs, perhaps even thousands.
Baird looked impressed as well and extremely wary. Elrohir backed off and turned to Alede.
He gave her a swift kiss on the forehead. "Come home soon, little one. I'll be expecting you." The last was said with a sideways glance at Baird and then Elrohir jumped easily onto his horse and with a final wave, road down the lane.
"Well," Alede said, unable to hide the smug grin on her face, "I guess that settles the question about Elves, doesn't it? Shall we go inside and I'll fix your breakfast?"
~ ~ ~ A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Thecla and Nadia. They know why. ;) Chapter 11 coming soon. Its time that Legolas and Gimli reach Rivendell and find out what's up!
*This is a small tribute to my great grandfather who used to cut blocks of ice from the river for the tiny frontier town he lived in. The huge blocks actually did last through the entire summer and well into the following winter.