Chapter 7
Rather than return to where Arwen and Éowyn were anxiously awaiting to hear what had happened, Legolas suggested that he and Thranduil should join the merry group of Elves who were singing and dancing on the other side of the glade.
"Leave the Dwarves to their own entertainment, Adar. Do not let your dislike for them spoil the festivities," he pleaded. Something in his son's tone of voice, a hint of disappointment, perhaps, touched his heart, and he belatedly realised that it was Legolas' special night, and the Midsummer Festival that he was on the verge of ruining.
"I do not apologise for my anger at the insult I received, Legolas," he said sternly, "but for your sake I will keep well away from those creatures from now on."
"That is all I ask, Adar," said Legolas, a brilliant smile returning to light his eyes. "I do believe that dancing is an excellent way of reducing tension, and I am certain many of the maidens here would be delighted to partner their King," he suggested, his feigned look of innocence causing Thranduil to laugh out loud.
"I will seek relaxation in the dance square, if you will," his father replied. "Come, let us find ourselves some partners."
Neither of them had any trouble in that regard.
*******
"Is everything all right?" Arwen asked Imrahil as he returned to his seat. Like everyone else in the glade, she and Éowyn had witnessed the altercation, and they were relieved to see that the tense situation had apparently been peacefully resolved.
"It is now that I see Legolas has convinced Thranduil to seek alternative entertainment," replied the Prince, smiling at the two Elves who were now totally oblivious to anything but the music and the dance. "However, I fear that Aragorn and Faramir will be involved with the Dwarves for the rest of the evening over a trivial matter of honour," he added apologetically.
"Not another drinking contest?" sighed Éowyn, with a roll of her eyes. "Last time we were in Minas Tirith, Gimli and his friends made a similar challenge, and I believe Aragorn and Faramir prevailed, did they not?" she asked, looking to Arwen for confirmation.
"Yes, I apparently it has something to do with the elven wine Aragorn and Faramir normally drink being much more potent than the ale in the taverns that the dwarves favour. It takes quite a few tankards before either of them will be affected in any noticeable way," the Queen explained. "They arrived back at the palace in an almost respectable condition after their last competition, and in possession of some lovely gold bracelets."
"How interesting. No wonder Aragorn was looking so smug. I think I will join that little group and ensure that their behaviour remains as respectable as possible. Maybe I might even suggest a wager or two," he added with a conspiratorial wink. "Gold jewellery suits my Lothiriel well."
"You are as bad as they are. Be off with you then!" laughed Arwen gently shoving Imrahil in the direction of the Dwarves. "So, my Lady Éowyn, it appears we ladies are left to amuse ourselves. What do you suggest we do?" asked Arwen.
"Something totally bold and outrageous," suggested Éowyn. "Let us go and ask Legolas and his father to partner us for a dance. At least they seem to be having a wonderful time." As it happened, it was not necessary for the ladies to ask, for as they approached the dance square, Legolas and Thranduil met them.
"Since your husbands have clearly made the totally incomprehensible choice of deserting you for the evening, my son and I have come to see if you ladies would care to dance?" Thranduil asked, the epitome of charm and gallantry.
"I would love to, this one happens to be one of my favourites, " said Arwen, taking Legolas' hand and pulling him eagerly into the midst of the dancers.
"And you, Lady Éowyn?" Thranduil asked graciously.
"I would be honoured," she replied, taking his arm as they moved slightly more sedately to join the others. "Legolas seems to be enjoying himself, I have not seen him in such a high spirited mood before," Éowyn commented as Legolas and Arwen twirled by laughing gaily.
"It has been a long time, even as Elves count years since I have seen my son so happy," agreed Thranduil.
"May I ask you a question?" she enquired as they danced.
"Of course."
"Legolas is an exceedingly handsome, if not beautiful Elf, and I am wondering if he has ever been in love." Thranduil was surprised at the boldness of the question but answered it nevertheless.
"Legolas loves every note of Ilúvatar's music that he hears." He could not help but smile at the confused look on Erwin's face at the very elvish response.
"I meant with another Elf," she explained, thinking he must have misunderstood her words.
"I know, but that is something only he can answer," replied Thranduil as he looked around to watch his son dancing with Arwen. At one time, there had been some speculation of an attraction between the two, but it had amounted to nothing more than a close friendship. To his surprise, he saw that they were no longer amongst the dancers but moving towards one of the tables that had been cleared of the remnants of the feast.
"Sit here, if you please, my Lady, " Legolas instructed, pointing to the table. Her curiosity piqued, Arwen complied with the request.
"What are you doing?" she asked as he knelt down and began to unlace her shoes.
"Taking your shoes off so that you can dance properly, of course," he stated.
"Is that proper behaviour?" she asked, pretending to be shocked.
"Dancing barefoot is definitely proper behaviour in my Hall," was the matter-of-fact response.
"What if Aragorn sees you?" she enquired.
"There is no need for concern, * everyone * can see me, my dear Arwen, and I think it unlikely that Aragorn would find reason to protest. He knows full well that my intentions towards you are as they have always been, nothing but honourable. Now does that not feel more natural?" he asked gently pulling her to her feet and swirling her around.
"Yes, it does, and it is a long time since I danced with the grass beneath my feet," she said sadly as memories of the many nights she danced so in Rivendell and Lothlórien filled her thoughts.
"Then you should enjoy it while you can. I will go and rescue Aragorn and Faramir from those 'evil' Dwarves shortly, for it would be unwise to let any of that group over-indulge. But you do realise that there are likely to be several wagers resting on whether the men can hold their ale better than Dwarves?"
"Yes, I know. I think Prince Imrahil is the ring leader in that regard," she confided. "You will definitely not be popular if you intervene too soon."
"Sound advice, I can wait a little longer. Let us return to the dance, a much more rewarding pastime, would you not agree?"
******
True to his word, albeit several dances later, Legolas left both Arwen and Éowyn in Thranduil's care and rejoined his friends at the Dwarf's table. Drawing Gimli aside, he spoke quietly to him, explaining his desire to put an amicable end to the contest and asking for his assistance.
"A good idea," agreed Gimli, " especially since Aragorn and Faramir are definitely winning, neither of them seem the least bit inebriated."
"I would have thought your friends would have learned that lesson last time," Legolas commented. "How much did it cost them in gold?"
"Obviously not enough," laughed Gimli. "I think you had better allow me to end this; Elves are not in favour in this part of your Hall at present."
"As you wish," conceded Legolas. Gimli smiled and made his way to the table where he promptly climbed up and stood in the middle of it and using the handle of his axe as a gavel, called for everyone's attention.
"As much as I wish to see the outcome of this contest, I must insist that it ceases immediately. I remind you, my fellow Dwarves, that we still have a part to play in this evening's celebrations for which we should all remain in possession of our senses," he said glaring directly at the Dwarf who had challenged Aragorn in the first place. "If any amongst you do not wish to comply with my request, please feel free to remove yourselves to our campsite, NOW!" No one moved, but there were a few grumbles of protest.
"And I think it is time for the men to return to the company of their ladies," added Legolas, ignoring the startled look on Aragorn's face, for neither the King nor his Steward were showing signs of having too much to drink. "Perhaps you might have a rematch, at a more appropriate time and place, but for now, I declare the contest a draw!"
Rather than return to where Arwen and Éowyn were anxiously awaiting to hear what had happened, Legolas suggested that he and Thranduil should join the merry group of Elves who were singing and dancing on the other side of the glade.
"Leave the Dwarves to their own entertainment, Adar. Do not let your dislike for them spoil the festivities," he pleaded. Something in his son's tone of voice, a hint of disappointment, perhaps, touched his heart, and he belatedly realised that it was Legolas' special night, and the Midsummer Festival that he was on the verge of ruining.
"I do not apologise for my anger at the insult I received, Legolas," he said sternly, "but for your sake I will keep well away from those creatures from now on."
"That is all I ask, Adar," said Legolas, a brilliant smile returning to light his eyes. "I do believe that dancing is an excellent way of reducing tension, and I am certain many of the maidens here would be delighted to partner their King," he suggested, his feigned look of innocence causing Thranduil to laugh out loud.
"I will seek relaxation in the dance square, if you will," his father replied. "Come, let us find ourselves some partners."
Neither of them had any trouble in that regard.
*******
"Is everything all right?" Arwen asked Imrahil as he returned to his seat. Like everyone else in the glade, she and Éowyn had witnessed the altercation, and they were relieved to see that the tense situation had apparently been peacefully resolved.
"It is now that I see Legolas has convinced Thranduil to seek alternative entertainment," replied the Prince, smiling at the two Elves who were now totally oblivious to anything but the music and the dance. "However, I fear that Aragorn and Faramir will be involved with the Dwarves for the rest of the evening over a trivial matter of honour," he added apologetically.
"Not another drinking contest?" sighed Éowyn, with a roll of her eyes. "Last time we were in Minas Tirith, Gimli and his friends made a similar challenge, and I believe Aragorn and Faramir prevailed, did they not?" she asked, looking to Arwen for confirmation.
"Yes, I apparently it has something to do with the elven wine Aragorn and Faramir normally drink being much more potent than the ale in the taverns that the dwarves favour. It takes quite a few tankards before either of them will be affected in any noticeable way," the Queen explained. "They arrived back at the palace in an almost respectable condition after their last competition, and in possession of some lovely gold bracelets."
"How interesting. No wonder Aragorn was looking so smug. I think I will join that little group and ensure that their behaviour remains as respectable as possible. Maybe I might even suggest a wager or two," he added with a conspiratorial wink. "Gold jewellery suits my Lothiriel well."
"You are as bad as they are. Be off with you then!" laughed Arwen gently shoving Imrahil in the direction of the Dwarves. "So, my Lady Éowyn, it appears we ladies are left to amuse ourselves. What do you suggest we do?" asked Arwen.
"Something totally bold and outrageous," suggested Éowyn. "Let us go and ask Legolas and his father to partner us for a dance. At least they seem to be having a wonderful time." As it happened, it was not necessary for the ladies to ask, for as they approached the dance square, Legolas and Thranduil met them.
"Since your husbands have clearly made the totally incomprehensible choice of deserting you for the evening, my son and I have come to see if you ladies would care to dance?" Thranduil asked, the epitome of charm and gallantry.
"I would love to, this one happens to be one of my favourites, " said Arwen, taking Legolas' hand and pulling him eagerly into the midst of the dancers.
"And you, Lady Éowyn?" Thranduil asked graciously.
"I would be honoured," she replied, taking his arm as they moved slightly more sedately to join the others. "Legolas seems to be enjoying himself, I have not seen him in such a high spirited mood before," Éowyn commented as Legolas and Arwen twirled by laughing gaily.
"It has been a long time, even as Elves count years since I have seen my son so happy," agreed Thranduil.
"May I ask you a question?" she enquired as they danced.
"Of course."
"Legolas is an exceedingly handsome, if not beautiful Elf, and I am wondering if he has ever been in love." Thranduil was surprised at the boldness of the question but answered it nevertheless.
"Legolas loves every note of Ilúvatar's music that he hears." He could not help but smile at the confused look on Erwin's face at the very elvish response.
"I meant with another Elf," she explained, thinking he must have misunderstood her words.
"I know, but that is something only he can answer," replied Thranduil as he looked around to watch his son dancing with Arwen. At one time, there had been some speculation of an attraction between the two, but it had amounted to nothing more than a close friendship. To his surprise, he saw that they were no longer amongst the dancers but moving towards one of the tables that had been cleared of the remnants of the feast.
"Sit here, if you please, my Lady, " Legolas instructed, pointing to the table. Her curiosity piqued, Arwen complied with the request.
"What are you doing?" she asked as he knelt down and began to unlace her shoes.
"Taking your shoes off so that you can dance properly, of course," he stated.
"Is that proper behaviour?" she asked, pretending to be shocked.
"Dancing barefoot is definitely proper behaviour in my Hall," was the matter-of-fact response.
"What if Aragorn sees you?" she enquired.
"There is no need for concern, * everyone * can see me, my dear Arwen, and I think it unlikely that Aragorn would find reason to protest. He knows full well that my intentions towards you are as they have always been, nothing but honourable. Now does that not feel more natural?" he asked gently pulling her to her feet and swirling her around.
"Yes, it does, and it is a long time since I danced with the grass beneath my feet," she said sadly as memories of the many nights she danced so in Rivendell and Lothlórien filled her thoughts.
"Then you should enjoy it while you can. I will go and rescue Aragorn and Faramir from those 'evil' Dwarves shortly, for it would be unwise to let any of that group over-indulge. But you do realise that there are likely to be several wagers resting on whether the men can hold their ale better than Dwarves?"
"Yes, I know. I think Prince Imrahil is the ring leader in that regard," she confided. "You will definitely not be popular if you intervene too soon."
"Sound advice, I can wait a little longer. Let us return to the dance, a much more rewarding pastime, would you not agree?"
******
True to his word, albeit several dances later, Legolas left both Arwen and Éowyn in Thranduil's care and rejoined his friends at the Dwarf's table. Drawing Gimli aside, he spoke quietly to him, explaining his desire to put an amicable end to the contest and asking for his assistance.
"A good idea," agreed Gimli, " especially since Aragorn and Faramir are definitely winning, neither of them seem the least bit inebriated."
"I would have thought your friends would have learned that lesson last time," Legolas commented. "How much did it cost them in gold?"
"Obviously not enough," laughed Gimli. "I think you had better allow me to end this; Elves are not in favour in this part of your Hall at present."
"As you wish," conceded Legolas. Gimli smiled and made his way to the table where he promptly climbed up and stood in the middle of it and using the handle of his axe as a gavel, called for everyone's attention.
"As much as I wish to see the outcome of this contest, I must insist that it ceases immediately. I remind you, my fellow Dwarves, that we still have a part to play in this evening's celebrations for which we should all remain in possession of our senses," he said glaring directly at the Dwarf who had challenged Aragorn in the first place. "If any amongst you do not wish to comply with my request, please feel free to remove yourselves to our campsite, NOW!" No one moved, but there were a few grumbles of protest.
"And I think it is time for the men to return to the company of their ladies," added Legolas, ignoring the startled look on Aragorn's face, for neither the King nor his Steward were showing signs of having too much to drink. "Perhaps you might have a rematch, at a more appropriate time and place, but for now, I declare the contest a draw!"