"Perhaps if you would chop your locks, or grow a manly beard such as I, your fellow Elves would not think you so womanly."
If the Dwarf had the hearing of an Elf, he would certainly have heard the growling emanating from the one standing with his back turned to him.
"You're a last-born, aren't you? Ah, that's it. I could tell by your sweet scent and maiden-like status. Why else would you be guarding a lowly Dwarf?"
The Elf angrily kicked a helpless stone that lay in its foot's path. That made the Dwarf chuckle.
"Perhaps if your father weren't so greedy, you would not be stuck down here in the dank dungeons, or perhaps you are not such a brave Prince, and as such are forced to work in these appalling conditions, or perhaps-"
"Perhaps you should silent your tongue before you lose it, you insolent Dwarf!" Legolas would have sworn to any who would listen that he tried desperately to control his emotions, and that anyone else in his state would have suffered the same outburst. Deep down he knew that the state of his emotions were already dark upon being sent to guard the traitorous Dwarf, the one known as Gloin. Such servitude was not befitting a royal Prince, especially when it involves a Dwarf!
"Ah hah! You lack in bravery yes? Missed the target? Let down your guard? Ah little one-"
"Little? I hardly think you are in the position to label me as 'little'." Legolas 'humphed' and turned his back once again on the Dwarf standing in the dirty dark dungeon, clasping the rusted bars with the utmost gleam of mischief in his black eyes.
"You Elves, height is always what you lean on. Perhaps you are lacking in other areas?"
That was enough for Legolas. He swung around, kicking dirt as he went, spraying Gloin with it. Gloin sputtered and rubbed his eyes, but began howling in laughter. Legolas growled, and his piercing blue eyes turned a violent stormy gray.
"Were you smarter than the rock you imitate, you might not be in this mess, and I would not be forced to watch over your pitiful state."
Gloin stopped his laughing and furrowed his bushy eyebrows, frowning underneath his frazzled beard. "Smarter you say? And you consider yourself smart Elfling? Yes indeed. Smart enough to realize what a glutton of greed his father is. Smart enough to realize it is his father's pride that sent us both down here in the first place! Smart enough to realize that his father has so quickly forgotten his mother and woos another!"
Legolas lunged for the bars, intending to strangle the one behind it. Gloin jumped back quickly enough, chuckling in his hearty throat as he did so. Legolas eyed him hatefully, grasping the bars until his knuckles turned white.
He heard the dungeon doors opening and knew that his relief had finally arrived, but he could not take his eyes off this stoutly being that had dared to tarnish his father's image. What business had a Dwarf to even think he were a match for an Elven King?
With a final grunt of anger, Legolas strode out of the dungeon, not even acknowledging the other guard's presence.
"Remember my words Elfling and hopefully you will not grow to be as flawed as the one that spawned you!"
Legolas slammed the doors behind him.
Erydben was known throughout the Kingdom for his good-natured humor and skill with the bow. His green eyes often danced on the verge of laughter, but could easily silence themselves in favor of tracking his latest hunt. He was a skilled crafter in the art of making bows, and often presented his youngest brother with his latest art.
It was no secret that Erydben favored Legolas best. Legolas was the opposite of Erydben, although more highly skilled as an archer. Legolas was not known for speaking, and it was his silent, introspective ways that Erydben found so favorable. Legolas had grown much closer to Erydben since the Queen's death so long ago. For awhile after her death, Legolas had fallen into moody trances, and Erydben was one of the few that could rouse him from his anger-filled grief.
It was more than surprising at this particular moment to find Legolas tugging on his sleeve urgently, blue eyes screaming with obvious distress, ignoring the fact that Erydben was involved in an important discussion with various members of the King's council.
Erydben questioned him silently and saw that Legolas was deeply troubled. He excused himself graciously from the other members, and followed Legolas to a covered balcony where the young Prince fumed.
"What troubles you Legolas?"
"If I question you, you will tell me no lies?"
Erydben nodded, confusion and worry growing with Legolas' agitation.
"Has our father taken a new wife?"
The question took Erydben by surprise. His eyebrows shot up, and he even took a step back to regain his composure. His mouth turned itself into a slight warm smile; his eyes conveyed compassion to his youngest brother's plight.
"Where did you hear this news Legolas?" He asked warmly.
Legolas was still angered. "By that horrid Dwarf! Such lies he tells! What would a race of miners know about proper life?" Legolas spat his words, nearly making Erydben flinch. He had never seen his brother so bothered by anything. Legolas went on cursing the entire Dwarven race until he stopped and studied his brother.
Erydben was staring at the ground. Legolas eyed him closely, bringing his voice to a whisper. "He's wrong, isn't he Erydben?"
Erydben cocked his head to the side and calmly gazed at his brother. "Legolas, it has been many years…" his voice trailed as he saw the distress in Legolas' face at his words. Legolas shook his head, and Erydben thought he saw tears clouding in his eyes. "Her name is Faerla, she is of Lothlorien descent, she is a good Elf Legolas." Legolas shook his head harder, refusing to speak lest he should say something that he could not take back.
Erydben took Legolas by the shoulders, who made every effort not to meet his gaze. "Legolas do not judge him so harshly. She is not a replacement. She is a companion. For ones that live so long as we-"
"How quickly we forget." Legolas finished. He stared hard at his older brother for a matter of heartbeats, as Erydben looked sadly back. Legolas turned his back on Erydben and stared at the starry night sky, while Erydben helplessly walked away.