A/N: I started out with intending for Laurelin to be a bit younger, but
this wasn't quite working out so I had her the equivalent of a 14-15 year
old. Sorry if there was any confusion.
***Please Review*** Let me know if you love it, hate it or just want to
throw popcorn and jelly beans at it.***
Disclaimer: Drat these things! I think everybody already knows that all the good stuff is Tolkien's and all the crappy stuff is mine. Now on to the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I ran as fast as I could out of that hall. I finally let my tears fall as I raced across the courtyard and past the guard. I gathered up my skirts to run even faster, the tears pouring down my face. I ignored the guards yells and ran. I ran and ran and ran. I passed the meadow and climbed my favorite tree just beyond it. Only my friend Ivrin and I knew of this hiding place. We built the small flet among the highest branches ourselves. I huddled in the middle of the platform and released the tears that I had held back for fifty years.
I didn't even look up when I heard the guards calling my name. I never wanted to go back. I curled up on the cold platform and slept. I spent hours up in that flet. I awoke to a single ray of sunshine breaking through a dim, gray sky. It seemed to caress my cheek and say 'don't worry child, everything will work out,' I doubted it but the single ray lifted my spirits a little.
I guess I had better climb down and see how angry everyone was at me for running away. It was more difficult than I imagined getting down again. I had forgotten that I wore a dress with voluminous skirts. I couldn't manage to release my hem from a stubborn branch. In one motion I jerked on my hem to free my legs, and suddenly lost my grip. I started falling backwards. I made no sound as I fell, closing my eyes tight, bracing myself for the sudden impact that I knew was swiftly approaching with the unforgiving ground. Another moment passed. The impact never came. I peeked out of one eye and found myself in the arms of a very surprised Andrahil.
"Child! Where have you been hiding?" exclaimed the Captain of the Guard as he snapped out of his shock. Abashed, I slowly pointed up. His eyes followed my finger until he could just see the little structure high among the branches. "All the way up there? You could have been killed!"
"I'm sorry" I said in a small voice. He immediately softened.
"It's alright Laurel. Your safe now. But I never want to hear you of climbing such great trees in a dress again. Do you hear me?" I nodded my head, he was only worried for my safety. And Andrahil looked out for me more than most. "Alright, now why did you scare us like that? We've been looking for you all night." Andrahil started walking back towards the palace, pausing to call another nearby guard. His eyes never faltering in the unusual gray morning.
Andral, as I sometimes called him, was the closest adult to me besides Helenna. So I felt that I could tell him. And I knew the king would want an explanation. "I needed to be alone Andral. I couldn't stand to be near the prince any longer." I lowered my eyes and my voice. "He said I nobody likes me, no one would ever fancy me, I had no parents and he hated me because I turned his hair green." Andral squeezed my shoulders as he continues to carry me back to the palace. Then he paused and turned to me.
"That was true? You really turned his hair green?" I nodded and giggled at the memory. "Legolas and his friends took my doll and hung her over the stable wall and left her in a manure pile. So I swiped a bottle of green dye from the laundry room. And I made sure it didn't have the fix in it so it would come out. I crept up on him and poured the dye over his hair while he was sleeping." That set Andrahil laughing. "He deserved it for my doll! And as you could see, it didn't stay. But he will always be mad at me and hate me. If only he would just leave me in peace, I would leave him alone!" That made Andrahil stop laughing. They must find a way to keep the other children off Laurelin's back, for she did not deserve any of this.
As we came in sight of the palace, the other guard shouted that they had found me. I cringed at the commotion and waited for the inevitable lectures. Helenna was the first. She rushed down the hall way and after Andrahil put me down she enveloped me in a hug. I could see that she was crying. I never meant to make her worry so. After a time she pulled away and looked into my eyes. "What on middle earth possessed you to run off like that? You had everyone worried sick, the guards have been looking for you all night!"
"I'm sorry Enna, I didn't mean to make everyone worry. I just couldn't be around people who hated me. I needed to be alone." The tears started to come again. Enna relented and wiped them away.
"Hush child, you'll be alright. We WILL find a solution to this you hear me?" I nodded my head. "Alright then, now let's go see the King and then get you bathed and changed, perhaps I can save this dress of yours." Before she lead me away, she turned to Andrahil and thanked him for finding her. He nodded and went to gather up the last of the searching party. Then Enna took my hand and led me to the King's study.
I was reluctant to go through the door but Enna pushed me through it. I found the King talking with Lord Elrond. They stopped talking at the sight of the slightly mussed hair and red eyes of the golden child. "Where have you been?" Thranduil asked.
I looked down. "In the woods, my Lord." I was dreading the next question, but I knew I couldn't stop it.
"If you were in the woods why haven't the guards been able to find you 'til now?" I didn't want to reveal my secret but I couldn't lie to the King.
"I was in a hiding place Ivrin and I built on the far side of the meadow. When I woke up I tried to climb down from the flet we built, but my dress caught on a branch and I fell." The King's eyes flew wide at this. She could have been really hurt. But Laurelin went on telling the entire story. No doubt he would near of it from Andrahil anyway. "The flet was high, fortunately Andrahil walked below and caught me."
"Well I am glad to see you well, my dear." The King knelt down and opened his arms. Laurel flew into his hug. Her tears were threatening again. The King sighed and looked down on the child. Finally his mind was made up. "Well, we shall try a different way. You may learn archery if you still desire to. And Elladan and Elrohir have offered to teach you while they are here." Laurel looked up at him with gratitude in her eyes now instead of sorrow.
"I would like that very much." At long last a smile spread over her mouth. And at the same moment, unbeknownst to them, the sun decided to lift it's unseen veil and begin to spread its rays over the land once again.
"Good. Now if you will go clean up, breakfast will be in a half of an hour." Laurel smiled again as Enna took her hand to get her washed. As they walked out the door Thranduil turned to his guest. "We shall have to see how this goes Elrond, my old friend." Lord Elrond turned to him.
"Well I know my children. Elladan and Elrohir will be Laurelin's protectors, for she has already caught their eye. And Arwen will be a good companion for her. I only wish we could stay longer, for Laurelin's sake." Thranduil was grateful for any help offered.
"Thank you Elrond. She will benefit from any help able to be offered to her." Elrond simply nodded and looked out the window to see the new landscape being opened before them. Something seemed to be bothering him, but Thranduil did not want bother his old friend. Elrond would speak of the problem when he was ready to.
Meanwhile Enna and Laurel were making their way down the corridor. Farther up Arwen had just left her mother's room and both her and Lady Celebrian turned to walk toward us. When Arwen spotted me she let out a yell and ran up to give me a hug. After many explanations and promised meeting in the hall for breakfast, I went to take a bath.
I sunk into the warm water and closed my eyes, while Enna attacked my hair with the shampoo. I've always felt out of place and unwanted with everyone my age. But just maybe Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen would be different. I knew they couldn't stay long but perhaps I could find another friend in them. I was still pondering this when a servant knocked on the door. Enna handed me the soap and sponge to see who it was. She set up the screen first and then opened the door. When she came back she had a strange look on her face. "Who was that Enna?"
She held a huge towel as I stood up, she wrapped me up and helped me out of tub. "You have a letter, it's on the desk. You can read it when you've finished dressing." saying this she went to the wardrobe and pulled out a simple light green dress. I held my arms up as she slipped the dress over my head. I grabbed my everyday slippers and put them on at the vanity table waiting. Enna came up behind me with the brush in her hand. Once all the tangles were gone she put a dry towel around my shoulders, pulling my hair to let it rest over the towel. I stepped behind the screen once again to shake my head. This let the hidden curls emerge so they would dry in place, if I hadn't shaken my hair to loosen the curls I would have had straight hair that day.
Finally I was ready to go, I walked over to the desk and grabbed the letter. This was strange, it was sealed but the crest imbedded in the wax was a royal one. But I knew that this wasn't from the King, it was a little messy to tell the truth. With great curiosity I broke the seal and unrolled the parchment.
Laurelin,
I wish to apologize for my behavior at dinner. It was unnecessary and rude. I will attempt to be civil, if you would leave my hair alone.
Sincerely, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood
Well it was short, I thought but to the point. And it seemed hopeful that things would get better. But all Legolas was doing was offering a truce no more, no less. Sighing, I stuffed the letter inside a drawer and headed towards the door.
Helenna wondered with curiosity what could have been in that letter. But seeing that it was nothing that upset Laurel, she followed without asking about it. However her unasked question did indeed get an answer. Helenna expected Laurel to go straight to her seat but instead walked straight up to the prince. Many noticed this and held their breath, for no one knew what Laurel was going to do. To the surprise of all she did not retaliate but spoke in a calm, dignified voice.
"I accept your apology, Legolas and agree to not turn your hair colors if you will act civil." All Legolas could do was nod his head. Seeing this, Laurelin spun on her heel and circled around to the other side of the table finding her seat. All of the adults looked to the two of them in surprise. No one thought that they would make up so quickly. The King himself was shocked. It sounded like his son apologized without having be told to, maybe he was starting to grow up after all. With a pleased smile he looked at Laurelin.
Laurel and Arwen were talking of what to do today. "Well, the King told me that I may learn archery and that your brothers have offered to teach. I'd like to start as soon as possible."
"Well, I would love to come and watch. When are you starting?"
"I don't know, I'd have to ask your brothers." Turning to glance at the aforementioned twins I decided I better ask now. "The King told me of your offer to teach me archery, would you start today?" They glanced at each other then turned back to me.
"Sure, we can start after breakfast." Elladan replied. Then Elrohir chimed in.
"Hurry up and finish so we can go." Needing no more encouragement, Arwen and I gulped down the rest of our food. I looked up at the King who was smiling at me. I glanced around and realized that all the Lords and Ladys were looking at us and smiling. I asked if we may be excused. He nodded his head. As the four of us got up from the table Elladan spoke, "I hope you have something else to wear, I'm not going to teach you in a dress." I giggled at the imagery dancing in my mind and could not help the comment that flew out of my mouth.
"Well I wouldn't expect you to wear a dress, but as I am going to change into pants I suggest you do not change into a skirt." The other two giggled but Elladan scowled.
"I do not wear dresses!" That made Arwen and Elrohir burst out laughing.
I giggled but I knew enough to apologize for my teasing. "I'm sorry Elladan, I know what you meant, I just couldn't help myself." He finally relented and broke into a grin as we walked out the door. As we were walking away, I could hear the adult's laughter that they had stifled until we were out the door. "I'm going to go change and I'll meet you on the archery fields, they are just to the east." Then the three of them were off. Arwen didn't bother to change because she had no desire to learn 'boy stuff' as she had put it earlier. Rushing into my room I pulled my gown over my head and tossed in onto my bed. I pulled out a pair of pants and put them on. I then pulled a tunic over my head and only sat down long enough to slip my boots on. Then, barely taking the time to shut the door, I raced out and ran down the hallway.
Once the children were out of hearing range. Thranduil turned to his guests. "Well that looks more promising than anything I have yet seen out of that child."
"I only hope that the boys will be a help to her." Celebrian added, smiling at the memory of last night. The twins did everything they could to convince Thranduil to let them help search for Laurelin. But Elrond caught them as they tried to sneak out of their rooms and sent them back to bed after their request had been denied.
"Arwen will temper the rash behavior that Elladan and Elrohir are still susceptible to." Galadriel assured her daughter. "I only hope that Legolas will eventually be reconciled with Laurelin. For his own sake as well as hers." She added cryptically.
Laurelin joined up with the others in the fields and almost jumped up and down with excitement. I have been asking the King for years to let me learn and now he has finally agreed. I was to use Elrohir's bow since I didn't have one myself. With one brother on one side and the other on the opposite side I felt a little like the fillings of a sandwich. Each one was correcting one aspect or another of how I was holding the bow wrong. It was a little awkward to have them adjusting things because the difference in our height was considerable. They were both nearing six feet tall already, though Elrohir was perhaps a smidge taller. They were approximately the human equivalent of about seventeen. However, I standing at five feet three inches, was the equivalent of a fourteen or fifteen year old.
Once they were satisfied by my stance they showed me how to nock the arrow and take aim. This part was rather simple. But I really had to work on the aim. On my first attempt I missed the target completely. It didn't improve much with the next attempts. Though near the end once my arm felt like jelly, I did make it to the outside circle of the target. I shouted for joy at my first accomplishment. Arwen was clapping, when I was suddenly swung into a congratulatory hug by Elladan. Once he put me down I was once again off my feet in a hug from Elrohir. I still had a long way to go but this was very encouraging. I thanked both of my tutors.
By now the sun was high in the sky and I was exhausted. I begged leave for the ending of lesson one. We were all getting a little hungry so they readily agreed. We all walked off not realizing the envious looks we were given by eyes hidden in the greenery. Legolas had just been released from his penance in the stables and was drawn to the practice fields by the shouting. He longed to be able to join them, for he dearly loved archery but was confined to his room for the rest of the week. 'Well, it's really all my doing' he thought to himself and trudged off. Had his father heard that he would have been surprised. Surprised, but proud for it seemed that this young prince was indeed, finally growing up.
At lunch Elladan and Elrohir eagerly boasted to all of my ability. I started to protest, "I've only just started. I'm not that good, and I only hit the target once." Arwen giggled and explained the twins admiration.
"The reason why they are so impressed is because it took Elladan five days to hit the target, and Elrohir took over a week!" I laughed too. It was easier to laugh now. I didn't have to try so hard.
"Yes, but we improved quickly." Elrohir stated as he stuck his tongue out at his sister.
"And with us teaching you, you'll be a Master Archer in no time." Elladan added perhaps a little too proudly.
"Yes, I do believe Laurelin will make us all proud." the King added. Laurelin blushed, she hoped so. He continued to smile yet Thranduil noted the sudden scowling of his son. He would have to make it a point to speak with him after the meal.
The children talked on about archery and what they should do for the remainder of the day. Though Legolas remained silent and continued to look unhappy. It seemed like he and Laurelin had traded places for Thranduil had never seen her talk so happily with so many people at once. Her talks had always been quiet conversations with Ivrin, nothing as social as this. Thranduil was very pleased. Obviously the archery was a good idea. Perhaps Laurel will learn to be friends with the others children in time. Once the meal was finished he beckoned to his son.
"You wished to speak with me adar?"
"Yes, Legolas. I wanted to tell you that I am glad you apologized to Laurelin without having to be told to. I am also glad that you took the initiative to declare a truce between the two of you. You are finally behaving like a prince. I am proud of you, my son." Thranduil said while ruffling the young prince's hair.
Legolas beamed up at his father. "Hannon le ada, I am trying now." {Thank you dad.}
"However," continued the King, "that does not mean that you are released form your punishment."
"Yes, ada." A slight frown fell over Legolas' face. But he obediently went to his room and stared out the window, watching four elflings riding out to the meadow. How he wished to join them, his own friends had abandoned Legolas to his fate instead of sticking up for him. Though they were all in on the prank but only he was punished. And that made Legolas mad. He was continually the scapegoat for his friends for the pranks on Laurel. To both his father and Laurel. She rarely retaliated against the others, and father always found out about it. Well, he was sick of it. He jumped up from the chair with a huff. He would make sure that they would be punished for their own pranks next time. With an evil grin, he sat back down to formulate his plan.
Thranduil stood on the great balcony separating the East and West wings of the palace. He was watching his little golden child with her new friends. He smiled as they galloped away. Silently Galadriel, joined him.
"The five of them are destined for great things my friend." Thranduil frowned in confusion, there were only four before him. But then he realized that she was referring to his son as well. "Laurelin holds a power that she is barely starting to comprehend. Elrond has noticed it as well. You know of what I speak. When the times comes you must send her to me so that she may learn to harness this power. Much may depend on her in the years to come." Thranduil nodded his head. He knew when he found her that she was a special child. He had vowed to keep her safe until her unique power was unveiled, that was still some years in the future. He looked back to the direction in which the horses had ridden. He wondered what exactly the future had in store for the golden child.
Disclaimer: Drat these things! I think everybody already knows that all the good stuff is Tolkien's and all the crappy stuff is mine. Now on to the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I ran as fast as I could out of that hall. I finally let my tears fall as I raced across the courtyard and past the guard. I gathered up my skirts to run even faster, the tears pouring down my face. I ignored the guards yells and ran. I ran and ran and ran. I passed the meadow and climbed my favorite tree just beyond it. Only my friend Ivrin and I knew of this hiding place. We built the small flet among the highest branches ourselves. I huddled in the middle of the platform and released the tears that I had held back for fifty years.
I didn't even look up when I heard the guards calling my name. I never wanted to go back. I curled up on the cold platform and slept. I spent hours up in that flet. I awoke to a single ray of sunshine breaking through a dim, gray sky. It seemed to caress my cheek and say 'don't worry child, everything will work out,' I doubted it but the single ray lifted my spirits a little.
I guess I had better climb down and see how angry everyone was at me for running away. It was more difficult than I imagined getting down again. I had forgotten that I wore a dress with voluminous skirts. I couldn't manage to release my hem from a stubborn branch. In one motion I jerked on my hem to free my legs, and suddenly lost my grip. I started falling backwards. I made no sound as I fell, closing my eyes tight, bracing myself for the sudden impact that I knew was swiftly approaching with the unforgiving ground. Another moment passed. The impact never came. I peeked out of one eye and found myself in the arms of a very surprised Andrahil.
"Child! Where have you been hiding?" exclaimed the Captain of the Guard as he snapped out of his shock. Abashed, I slowly pointed up. His eyes followed my finger until he could just see the little structure high among the branches. "All the way up there? You could have been killed!"
"I'm sorry" I said in a small voice. He immediately softened.
"It's alright Laurel. Your safe now. But I never want to hear you of climbing such great trees in a dress again. Do you hear me?" I nodded my head, he was only worried for my safety. And Andrahil looked out for me more than most. "Alright, now why did you scare us like that? We've been looking for you all night." Andrahil started walking back towards the palace, pausing to call another nearby guard. His eyes never faltering in the unusual gray morning.
Andral, as I sometimes called him, was the closest adult to me besides Helenna. So I felt that I could tell him. And I knew the king would want an explanation. "I needed to be alone Andral. I couldn't stand to be near the prince any longer." I lowered my eyes and my voice. "He said I nobody likes me, no one would ever fancy me, I had no parents and he hated me because I turned his hair green." Andral squeezed my shoulders as he continues to carry me back to the palace. Then he paused and turned to me.
"That was true? You really turned his hair green?" I nodded and giggled at the memory. "Legolas and his friends took my doll and hung her over the stable wall and left her in a manure pile. So I swiped a bottle of green dye from the laundry room. And I made sure it didn't have the fix in it so it would come out. I crept up on him and poured the dye over his hair while he was sleeping." That set Andrahil laughing. "He deserved it for my doll! And as you could see, it didn't stay. But he will always be mad at me and hate me. If only he would just leave me in peace, I would leave him alone!" That made Andrahil stop laughing. They must find a way to keep the other children off Laurelin's back, for she did not deserve any of this.
As we came in sight of the palace, the other guard shouted that they had found me. I cringed at the commotion and waited for the inevitable lectures. Helenna was the first. She rushed down the hall way and after Andrahil put me down she enveloped me in a hug. I could see that she was crying. I never meant to make her worry so. After a time she pulled away and looked into my eyes. "What on middle earth possessed you to run off like that? You had everyone worried sick, the guards have been looking for you all night!"
"I'm sorry Enna, I didn't mean to make everyone worry. I just couldn't be around people who hated me. I needed to be alone." The tears started to come again. Enna relented and wiped them away.
"Hush child, you'll be alright. We WILL find a solution to this you hear me?" I nodded my head. "Alright then, now let's go see the King and then get you bathed and changed, perhaps I can save this dress of yours." Before she lead me away, she turned to Andrahil and thanked him for finding her. He nodded and went to gather up the last of the searching party. Then Enna took my hand and led me to the King's study.
I was reluctant to go through the door but Enna pushed me through it. I found the King talking with Lord Elrond. They stopped talking at the sight of the slightly mussed hair and red eyes of the golden child. "Where have you been?" Thranduil asked.
I looked down. "In the woods, my Lord." I was dreading the next question, but I knew I couldn't stop it.
"If you were in the woods why haven't the guards been able to find you 'til now?" I didn't want to reveal my secret but I couldn't lie to the King.
"I was in a hiding place Ivrin and I built on the far side of the meadow. When I woke up I tried to climb down from the flet we built, but my dress caught on a branch and I fell." The King's eyes flew wide at this. She could have been really hurt. But Laurelin went on telling the entire story. No doubt he would near of it from Andrahil anyway. "The flet was high, fortunately Andrahil walked below and caught me."
"Well I am glad to see you well, my dear." The King knelt down and opened his arms. Laurel flew into his hug. Her tears were threatening again. The King sighed and looked down on the child. Finally his mind was made up. "Well, we shall try a different way. You may learn archery if you still desire to. And Elladan and Elrohir have offered to teach you while they are here." Laurel looked up at him with gratitude in her eyes now instead of sorrow.
"I would like that very much." At long last a smile spread over her mouth. And at the same moment, unbeknownst to them, the sun decided to lift it's unseen veil and begin to spread its rays over the land once again.
"Good. Now if you will go clean up, breakfast will be in a half of an hour." Laurel smiled again as Enna took her hand to get her washed. As they walked out the door Thranduil turned to his guest. "We shall have to see how this goes Elrond, my old friend." Lord Elrond turned to him.
"Well I know my children. Elladan and Elrohir will be Laurelin's protectors, for she has already caught their eye. And Arwen will be a good companion for her. I only wish we could stay longer, for Laurelin's sake." Thranduil was grateful for any help offered.
"Thank you Elrond. She will benefit from any help able to be offered to her." Elrond simply nodded and looked out the window to see the new landscape being opened before them. Something seemed to be bothering him, but Thranduil did not want bother his old friend. Elrond would speak of the problem when he was ready to.
Meanwhile Enna and Laurel were making their way down the corridor. Farther up Arwen had just left her mother's room and both her and Lady Celebrian turned to walk toward us. When Arwen spotted me she let out a yell and ran up to give me a hug. After many explanations and promised meeting in the hall for breakfast, I went to take a bath.
I sunk into the warm water and closed my eyes, while Enna attacked my hair with the shampoo. I've always felt out of place and unwanted with everyone my age. But just maybe Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen would be different. I knew they couldn't stay long but perhaps I could find another friend in them. I was still pondering this when a servant knocked on the door. Enna handed me the soap and sponge to see who it was. She set up the screen first and then opened the door. When she came back she had a strange look on her face. "Who was that Enna?"
She held a huge towel as I stood up, she wrapped me up and helped me out of tub. "You have a letter, it's on the desk. You can read it when you've finished dressing." saying this she went to the wardrobe and pulled out a simple light green dress. I held my arms up as she slipped the dress over my head. I grabbed my everyday slippers and put them on at the vanity table waiting. Enna came up behind me with the brush in her hand. Once all the tangles were gone she put a dry towel around my shoulders, pulling my hair to let it rest over the towel. I stepped behind the screen once again to shake my head. This let the hidden curls emerge so they would dry in place, if I hadn't shaken my hair to loosen the curls I would have had straight hair that day.
Finally I was ready to go, I walked over to the desk and grabbed the letter. This was strange, it was sealed but the crest imbedded in the wax was a royal one. But I knew that this wasn't from the King, it was a little messy to tell the truth. With great curiosity I broke the seal and unrolled the parchment.
Laurelin,
I wish to apologize for my behavior at dinner. It was unnecessary and rude. I will attempt to be civil, if you would leave my hair alone.
Sincerely, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood
Well it was short, I thought but to the point. And it seemed hopeful that things would get better. But all Legolas was doing was offering a truce no more, no less. Sighing, I stuffed the letter inside a drawer and headed towards the door.
Helenna wondered with curiosity what could have been in that letter. But seeing that it was nothing that upset Laurel, she followed without asking about it. However her unasked question did indeed get an answer. Helenna expected Laurel to go straight to her seat but instead walked straight up to the prince. Many noticed this and held their breath, for no one knew what Laurel was going to do. To the surprise of all she did not retaliate but spoke in a calm, dignified voice.
"I accept your apology, Legolas and agree to not turn your hair colors if you will act civil." All Legolas could do was nod his head. Seeing this, Laurelin spun on her heel and circled around to the other side of the table finding her seat. All of the adults looked to the two of them in surprise. No one thought that they would make up so quickly. The King himself was shocked. It sounded like his son apologized without having be told to, maybe he was starting to grow up after all. With a pleased smile he looked at Laurelin.
Laurel and Arwen were talking of what to do today. "Well, the King told me that I may learn archery and that your brothers have offered to teach. I'd like to start as soon as possible."
"Well, I would love to come and watch. When are you starting?"
"I don't know, I'd have to ask your brothers." Turning to glance at the aforementioned twins I decided I better ask now. "The King told me of your offer to teach me archery, would you start today?" They glanced at each other then turned back to me.
"Sure, we can start after breakfast." Elladan replied. Then Elrohir chimed in.
"Hurry up and finish so we can go." Needing no more encouragement, Arwen and I gulped down the rest of our food. I looked up at the King who was smiling at me. I glanced around and realized that all the Lords and Ladys were looking at us and smiling. I asked if we may be excused. He nodded his head. As the four of us got up from the table Elladan spoke, "I hope you have something else to wear, I'm not going to teach you in a dress." I giggled at the imagery dancing in my mind and could not help the comment that flew out of my mouth.
"Well I wouldn't expect you to wear a dress, but as I am going to change into pants I suggest you do not change into a skirt." The other two giggled but Elladan scowled.
"I do not wear dresses!" That made Arwen and Elrohir burst out laughing.
I giggled but I knew enough to apologize for my teasing. "I'm sorry Elladan, I know what you meant, I just couldn't help myself." He finally relented and broke into a grin as we walked out the door. As we were walking away, I could hear the adult's laughter that they had stifled until we were out the door. "I'm going to go change and I'll meet you on the archery fields, they are just to the east." Then the three of them were off. Arwen didn't bother to change because she had no desire to learn 'boy stuff' as she had put it earlier. Rushing into my room I pulled my gown over my head and tossed in onto my bed. I pulled out a pair of pants and put them on. I then pulled a tunic over my head and only sat down long enough to slip my boots on. Then, barely taking the time to shut the door, I raced out and ran down the hallway.
Once the children were out of hearing range. Thranduil turned to his guests. "Well that looks more promising than anything I have yet seen out of that child."
"I only hope that the boys will be a help to her." Celebrian added, smiling at the memory of last night. The twins did everything they could to convince Thranduil to let them help search for Laurelin. But Elrond caught them as they tried to sneak out of their rooms and sent them back to bed after their request had been denied.
"Arwen will temper the rash behavior that Elladan and Elrohir are still susceptible to." Galadriel assured her daughter. "I only hope that Legolas will eventually be reconciled with Laurelin. For his own sake as well as hers." She added cryptically.
Laurelin joined up with the others in the fields and almost jumped up and down with excitement. I have been asking the King for years to let me learn and now he has finally agreed. I was to use Elrohir's bow since I didn't have one myself. With one brother on one side and the other on the opposite side I felt a little like the fillings of a sandwich. Each one was correcting one aspect or another of how I was holding the bow wrong. It was a little awkward to have them adjusting things because the difference in our height was considerable. They were both nearing six feet tall already, though Elrohir was perhaps a smidge taller. They were approximately the human equivalent of about seventeen. However, I standing at five feet three inches, was the equivalent of a fourteen or fifteen year old.
Once they were satisfied by my stance they showed me how to nock the arrow and take aim. This part was rather simple. But I really had to work on the aim. On my first attempt I missed the target completely. It didn't improve much with the next attempts. Though near the end once my arm felt like jelly, I did make it to the outside circle of the target. I shouted for joy at my first accomplishment. Arwen was clapping, when I was suddenly swung into a congratulatory hug by Elladan. Once he put me down I was once again off my feet in a hug from Elrohir. I still had a long way to go but this was very encouraging. I thanked both of my tutors.
By now the sun was high in the sky and I was exhausted. I begged leave for the ending of lesson one. We were all getting a little hungry so they readily agreed. We all walked off not realizing the envious looks we were given by eyes hidden in the greenery. Legolas had just been released from his penance in the stables and was drawn to the practice fields by the shouting. He longed to be able to join them, for he dearly loved archery but was confined to his room for the rest of the week. 'Well, it's really all my doing' he thought to himself and trudged off. Had his father heard that he would have been surprised. Surprised, but proud for it seemed that this young prince was indeed, finally growing up.
At lunch Elladan and Elrohir eagerly boasted to all of my ability. I started to protest, "I've only just started. I'm not that good, and I only hit the target once." Arwen giggled and explained the twins admiration.
"The reason why they are so impressed is because it took Elladan five days to hit the target, and Elrohir took over a week!" I laughed too. It was easier to laugh now. I didn't have to try so hard.
"Yes, but we improved quickly." Elrohir stated as he stuck his tongue out at his sister.
"And with us teaching you, you'll be a Master Archer in no time." Elladan added perhaps a little too proudly.
"Yes, I do believe Laurelin will make us all proud." the King added. Laurelin blushed, she hoped so. He continued to smile yet Thranduil noted the sudden scowling of his son. He would have to make it a point to speak with him after the meal.
The children talked on about archery and what they should do for the remainder of the day. Though Legolas remained silent and continued to look unhappy. It seemed like he and Laurelin had traded places for Thranduil had never seen her talk so happily with so many people at once. Her talks had always been quiet conversations with Ivrin, nothing as social as this. Thranduil was very pleased. Obviously the archery was a good idea. Perhaps Laurel will learn to be friends with the others children in time. Once the meal was finished he beckoned to his son.
"You wished to speak with me adar?"
"Yes, Legolas. I wanted to tell you that I am glad you apologized to Laurelin without having to be told to. I am also glad that you took the initiative to declare a truce between the two of you. You are finally behaving like a prince. I am proud of you, my son." Thranduil said while ruffling the young prince's hair.
Legolas beamed up at his father. "Hannon le ada, I am trying now." {Thank you dad.}
"However," continued the King, "that does not mean that you are released form your punishment."
"Yes, ada." A slight frown fell over Legolas' face. But he obediently went to his room and stared out the window, watching four elflings riding out to the meadow. How he wished to join them, his own friends had abandoned Legolas to his fate instead of sticking up for him. Though they were all in on the prank but only he was punished. And that made Legolas mad. He was continually the scapegoat for his friends for the pranks on Laurel. To both his father and Laurel. She rarely retaliated against the others, and father always found out about it. Well, he was sick of it. He jumped up from the chair with a huff. He would make sure that they would be punished for their own pranks next time. With an evil grin, he sat back down to formulate his plan.
Thranduil stood on the great balcony separating the East and West wings of the palace. He was watching his little golden child with her new friends. He smiled as they galloped away. Silently Galadriel, joined him.
"The five of them are destined for great things my friend." Thranduil frowned in confusion, there were only four before him. But then he realized that she was referring to his son as well. "Laurelin holds a power that she is barely starting to comprehend. Elrond has noticed it as well. You know of what I speak. When the times comes you must send her to me so that she may learn to harness this power. Much may depend on her in the years to come." Thranduil nodded his head. He knew when he found her that she was a special child. He had vowed to keep her safe until her unique power was unveiled, that was still some years in the future. He looked back to the direction in which the horses had ridden. He wondered what exactly the future had in store for the golden child.
