Chapter Two- The Introduction of the Author…I mean Laurie!
As they exited the cabin, they ran directly into Laurie. Gimli was dropped again as Legolas and the girl screeched and hugged each other as they jumped up and down. Leggy loved hugging his travel agent not only because she gave great hugs, but because she always smelled like lembas (his favorite smell!).
Now, there's something to be said about Laurie. She's from 'America'. Laurie says it's this place where 600 million humans live, but everyone knows she's missing a few marshmallows from her cocoa, so everyone just smiles and nods when she speaks.
When Aragorn and Arwen went on their honeymoon, Laurie sent them to some place named 'Hawaii'. Unfortunately, they had such a good time that they took a million pictures. Elrond's next council ran for eight extra hours because of Aragorn's god-forsaken slide machine. Since then, Laurie wasn't welcome in Rivendell. (Elves already live forever, you'd think they'd get used to boredom, sheesh!) Aragorn still kept her contact information in his Filo-fax, though, in hopes of one day returning to 'Hawaii'.
The two stopped jumping when Gimli cleared his throat. Legolas blushed and started the introductions. "Laurie, this is my friend Gimli!" He motioned to the little man with chunky braids. "Gimli, this is Laurie!"
Gimli growled. "So you're the reason I'm stuck here!"
Laurie nodded vigorously. "Isn't it gorgeous?!"
Legolas squealed again. "I know! We were just gonna go explooooore! Wanna come? Huh? Huh?" He jumped up and down like a puppy.
Laurie leaned in and whispered, "Can't! Super-secret travel agent meeting in five minutes!" She then straitened up, fixed her suit, gave the men a wink and strutted off.
Before Gimli could comment on that weird exchange, Legolas picked Gimli up and took off running again. From floor nine, he raced up two flights of stairs to the main deck. Placing Gimli on the blue-carpeted floor, Legolas said in an awe-filled tone, "I give you…" He spun Gimli in a half circle and made a broad motion with his hand. "The all-you-can-eat buffet…"
He didn't have to say it twice, Gimli already was in line with a plate in his hands. "Legolas!" He called excitedly. "Lift me up!" The elf pranced to his friend, picked him up, and watched as he started shoveling food onto his plate. "Eggs, bacon…Ooo! Sausage! Leggy! Grab me a croissant!" The elves in line looked disgustedly at him as he rummaged through the well-set-out food like a barbarian.
The informal dining room took the entire back of the ship, so all around the many tables and chairs were windows that allowed plenty of light. The crystal glasses set everywhere gave off glitter-like reflections. Between that and the elves, the room had an ethereal glow.
"I said more! More ham, damnit!" Gimli bellowed at the man cutting ham slices. He gave a satisfied nod five slices later, and pointed Legolas in the direction of an empty table.
Legolas turned green with sickness as he watched the dwarf dig into the huge plate of fat. Putting his hand on his forehead he said, "I'm going to go book a seaweed wrap for tomorrow…Remember, the muster-drill is at seven…" And ran off for fear of the animal toxins getting into his pores as he watched.
"May I help you?" A tall elf-woman said from behind a large, marble desk as Legolas entered the lobby of the spa. The room had a relaxing blue theme to it. The floors were tiled with little blue squares of different sizes and shades, and the walls were blue tinted mirrors. A mini fountain was set up in the corner that had a waterfall appearing out of the wall.
Legolas gave a half bow and replied in a dramatic, regal tone, "I…am Legolas Greenleaf, prince of Mirkwood! I request a seaweed wrap for tomorrow afternoon."
The woman opened a large book and scanned it with her finger. "Is one o'clock to your liking, sir prince?"
"Yes," Legolas nodded. "It is. And may I ask about your facial package?"