Chapter 3
"You! Feeling friendly towards a Dwarf!" Even taking into consideration his acute elvish hearing, Legolas could not believe what he had just heard. "That is extraordinary, but pleasing to hear. May I ask what prompted this change of heart?" he asked as his coughing fit eased and his composure was restored.
"Do not misunderstand, Legolas. My opinion of Dwarves has not altered; I simply find that I am less inclined to hold your friend in low esteem. In the short time we have been acquainted I have seen that he is very loyal to you and values your friendship greatly. Your affection for each other is obvious. Also, I cannot help but begin to feel a slight fondness for one who is in no way intimidated by me. It makes for a refreshing change," stated Thranduil, in such a way as to make Legolas uncertain as to whether he was speaking seriously or simply jesting. A slight twitch of Thranduil's lips as he tried to hide a smile convinced him of the latter.
"That is very gracious of you, Adar, but I had better inform you now that there will be several other Dwarves at the feast tomorrow night. Unlike Gimli, probably all of them will feel intimidated by the evil Elvenking of their father's stories," he said light-heartedly.
"Well, they have nothing to fear from me, after all, there are no dungeons here, are there?" he asked playfully, the mischievous gleam in his eye matched by that in his son's.
"Only because Gimli refused to build them," joked Legolas in return, causing Thranduil to laugh uproariously. "He did, however build several other structures for us, would you like a tour of the settlement?"
"Yes, I would. I have already seen the work the Dwarves have done on your outdoor banquet hall, it is very impressive," commented Thranduil.
"I have yet to see the completed work. I promised Gimli that I would not spoil his surprise by 'peeking' as he put it, until the feast began."
"Then I will say nothing further on the matter," said Thranduil, now directing his gaze to the ladder propped against the tree. "I take it that your friend stays here at times?" he asked, pointing to Gimli's means of access to the talan.
"Quite often. I have several small guest rooms, but you are welcome to use my own chamber if they do not suit your taste," he offered, suddenly realising how primitive his dwelling was compared to the King's Hall in Eryn Lasgalen. "Come, I will show you to one." Thranduil was surprised at the actual size of Legolas' home, and was enchanted with the beauty that was part of every room. The guest room was no less impressive.
"I feel as though I have had walked into a cave made of branches and leaves," said Thranduil with admiration in his voice as he entered the room Legolas indicated and cast his eyes over the chamber. Rather than walls, the branches of the close standing trees were somehow held together, forming a living screen that provided privacy as well as a shield from the elements, yet allowed the light of the sun, or the moon to filter through. The soothing sound of the whispering leaves added to the peaceful aura of pale greenish glow of the dappled shadows that danced on the floor as the midday sun filtered through the leaves. At one end of the room was a large, comfortable looking bed, a dresser and a wardrobe, and at the other a small table separated two large armchairs. The simple yet elegant furniture merely enhanced the total beauty of the room, but what truly amazed Thranduil was the ceiling. He watched in fascination as Legolas pulled on a cord near the bed, drawing back the almost invisible cloth that formed the ceiling, allowing the sunlight to stream in. The effect was stunning, and would have been even more so at night, the Elvenking supposed, when unhindered starlight would fill the room and he could allow the serenity of the stars to lull him to sleep. "The guest room will be more than adequate, and I am now more than eager to see the rest of your settlement."
"As you wish," agreed Legolas. "Follow me."
They spent the rest of the afternoon inspecting the various sections of his village, and Legolas was surprised at the interest and knowledge Thranduil displayed in even the most mundane places, such as the common kitchen and the bathing rooms. The work of the Dwarves was evident in both, for they had not only constructed functional structures such as the large oven, or the pool like baths, but their work was elaborately carved to be pleasing to the eye as well.
The tour finally complete, the two Elves made their way back to Legolas' talan and Thranduil was pleased to see that someone had thoughtfully set out a light meal, for two, on the table in his room. The mood was relaxed as they sat and enjoyed their repast, until Legolas felt the need to satisfy his curiosity.
"You seem to know much about the basics of building a new village, Adar. What do you think of this one?" Thranduil smiled indulgently as he explained.
"I am most impressed, it is both well designed and aesthetically pleasing. As far as my interest and knowledge is concerned, have you been away from home for so long that you have forgotten that your grandsire also founded a new colony, in a forest that once looked much like this," he said, indicating their surroundings with a wave of his hand. "We started from nothing, just as you have and who do you think helped in the building?"
"Of course I have not forgotten, I simply failed to see the analogy, for I am not a king, and Ithilien is not as great a forest as Greenwood once was," responded Legolas.
" I suppose the connection is a little difficult to see, especially when you consider that you have established your village to allow you to be closer to Men and Dwarves, and Oropher's intention was to move as far away from them as possible," admitted Thranduil. "However, I think your achievement is even greater, for you have not only relocated your people, but you have given new life to this place that was made desolate by the shadow. I am very proud of all that has been achieved here, as you should be."
"Thank you, Adar, but I could not have done this without your encouragement, and that of all of my friends," stated Legolas, obviously referring to Aragorn, Faramir and Gimli as well as his elvish friends.
"However, I do have another observation to make," continued Thranduil, a note of melancholy creeping into his voice. "Everything that has been built here seems to have a somewhat temporary feel to it, as if nothing is intended to be permanent."
"Nor should it be. The rejuvenation of the trees and other plants is everlasting, but before too much longer, only the growing things will remain," replied Legolas, a far away look coming into his eyes as an air of sadness descended and Thranduil imagined that he could feel the salty tang of the sea breeze that would soon separate them. Gently lifting Legolas' chin so that their eyes met, he offered what comfort he could.
"What lies ahead is beyond your control, but do not let thoughts of the future mar the present. Your friends will be here tomorrow night to help you celebrate Midsummer; I suggest you cherish your time together, for even after they are gone, their memory will live forever in you, no matter where you are. Make those memories pleasant ones."
"You! Feeling friendly towards a Dwarf!" Even taking into consideration his acute elvish hearing, Legolas could not believe what he had just heard. "That is extraordinary, but pleasing to hear. May I ask what prompted this change of heart?" he asked as his coughing fit eased and his composure was restored.
"Do not misunderstand, Legolas. My opinion of Dwarves has not altered; I simply find that I am less inclined to hold your friend in low esteem. In the short time we have been acquainted I have seen that he is very loyal to you and values your friendship greatly. Your affection for each other is obvious. Also, I cannot help but begin to feel a slight fondness for one who is in no way intimidated by me. It makes for a refreshing change," stated Thranduil, in such a way as to make Legolas uncertain as to whether he was speaking seriously or simply jesting. A slight twitch of Thranduil's lips as he tried to hide a smile convinced him of the latter.
"That is very gracious of you, Adar, but I had better inform you now that there will be several other Dwarves at the feast tomorrow night. Unlike Gimli, probably all of them will feel intimidated by the evil Elvenking of their father's stories," he said light-heartedly.
"Well, they have nothing to fear from me, after all, there are no dungeons here, are there?" he asked playfully, the mischievous gleam in his eye matched by that in his son's.
"Only because Gimli refused to build them," joked Legolas in return, causing Thranduil to laugh uproariously. "He did, however build several other structures for us, would you like a tour of the settlement?"
"Yes, I would. I have already seen the work the Dwarves have done on your outdoor banquet hall, it is very impressive," commented Thranduil.
"I have yet to see the completed work. I promised Gimli that I would not spoil his surprise by 'peeking' as he put it, until the feast began."
"Then I will say nothing further on the matter," said Thranduil, now directing his gaze to the ladder propped against the tree. "I take it that your friend stays here at times?" he asked, pointing to Gimli's means of access to the talan.
"Quite often. I have several small guest rooms, but you are welcome to use my own chamber if they do not suit your taste," he offered, suddenly realising how primitive his dwelling was compared to the King's Hall in Eryn Lasgalen. "Come, I will show you to one." Thranduil was surprised at the actual size of Legolas' home, and was enchanted with the beauty that was part of every room. The guest room was no less impressive.
"I feel as though I have had walked into a cave made of branches and leaves," said Thranduil with admiration in his voice as he entered the room Legolas indicated and cast his eyes over the chamber. Rather than walls, the branches of the close standing trees were somehow held together, forming a living screen that provided privacy as well as a shield from the elements, yet allowed the light of the sun, or the moon to filter through. The soothing sound of the whispering leaves added to the peaceful aura of pale greenish glow of the dappled shadows that danced on the floor as the midday sun filtered through the leaves. At one end of the room was a large, comfortable looking bed, a dresser and a wardrobe, and at the other a small table separated two large armchairs. The simple yet elegant furniture merely enhanced the total beauty of the room, but what truly amazed Thranduil was the ceiling. He watched in fascination as Legolas pulled on a cord near the bed, drawing back the almost invisible cloth that formed the ceiling, allowing the sunlight to stream in. The effect was stunning, and would have been even more so at night, the Elvenking supposed, when unhindered starlight would fill the room and he could allow the serenity of the stars to lull him to sleep. "The guest room will be more than adequate, and I am now more than eager to see the rest of your settlement."
"As you wish," agreed Legolas. "Follow me."
They spent the rest of the afternoon inspecting the various sections of his village, and Legolas was surprised at the interest and knowledge Thranduil displayed in even the most mundane places, such as the common kitchen and the bathing rooms. The work of the Dwarves was evident in both, for they had not only constructed functional structures such as the large oven, or the pool like baths, but their work was elaborately carved to be pleasing to the eye as well.
The tour finally complete, the two Elves made their way back to Legolas' talan and Thranduil was pleased to see that someone had thoughtfully set out a light meal, for two, on the table in his room. The mood was relaxed as they sat and enjoyed their repast, until Legolas felt the need to satisfy his curiosity.
"You seem to know much about the basics of building a new village, Adar. What do you think of this one?" Thranduil smiled indulgently as he explained.
"I am most impressed, it is both well designed and aesthetically pleasing. As far as my interest and knowledge is concerned, have you been away from home for so long that you have forgotten that your grandsire also founded a new colony, in a forest that once looked much like this," he said, indicating their surroundings with a wave of his hand. "We started from nothing, just as you have and who do you think helped in the building?"
"Of course I have not forgotten, I simply failed to see the analogy, for I am not a king, and Ithilien is not as great a forest as Greenwood once was," responded Legolas.
" I suppose the connection is a little difficult to see, especially when you consider that you have established your village to allow you to be closer to Men and Dwarves, and Oropher's intention was to move as far away from them as possible," admitted Thranduil. "However, I think your achievement is even greater, for you have not only relocated your people, but you have given new life to this place that was made desolate by the shadow. I am very proud of all that has been achieved here, as you should be."
"Thank you, Adar, but I could not have done this without your encouragement, and that of all of my friends," stated Legolas, obviously referring to Aragorn, Faramir and Gimli as well as his elvish friends.
"However, I do have another observation to make," continued Thranduil, a note of melancholy creeping into his voice. "Everything that has been built here seems to have a somewhat temporary feel to it, as if nothing is intended to be permanent."
"Nor should it be. The rejuvenation of the trees and other plants is everlasting, but before too much longer, only the growing things will remain," replied Legolas, a far away look coming into his eyes as an air of sadness descended and Thranduil imagined that he could feel the salty tang of the sea breeze that would soon separate them. Gently lifting Legolas' chin so that their eyes met, he offered what comfort he could.
"What lies ahead is beyond your control, but do not let thoughts of the future mar the present. Your friends will be here tomorrow night to help you celebrate Midsummer; I suggest you cherish your time together, for even after they are gone, their memory will live forever in you, no matter where you are. Make those memories pleasant ones."