Answer Me This
Chapter 2. Revenge
The late afternoon sun was filtering through the golden leaves of the mellryn by the time Legolas returned to the camp, but not even the warmth of the soft breeze that gently rustled through the trees could take the chill off the reception he received from the Hobbits.
"How very unsociable of someone not to share their birthday. er. I mean conception day with their friends," said Pippin loudly to no one in particular.
"I would have expected better manners from an Elf," added Sam fixing Legolas with a disappointed glare.
"How could you do that to Gimli?" asked Merry, anger in his voice at the insult he felt the Dwarf had suffered at the hands of the Elf.
"Do what?" asked Legolas, his confusion as to what had earned him the wrath of the light-hearted Hobbits easily recognisable by the frown creasing his usually smooth brow.
"Not invite him to your birthday party, of course," he answered.
"I did not break my word and tell them, they guessed!" exclaimed Gimli as Legolas in turn glared in hurt surprise at the Dwarf.
"Had he been taking a little more notice, friend Gimli would have realised that he was at my 'party'. I sent him back here because Haldir invited me to accompany him to the northern border where he was expecting to meet a messenger from Mirkwood. We have only just returned," explained Legolas. Aragorn looked interested in that statement, and nodded slightly as he caught the "Later" that Legolas mouthed silently.
"Well, now that you mention it, I did wonder why we were having such a splendid feast for lunch when normally it's just a piece of that lembas stuff, and maybe a goblet of wine," commented Gimli, suddenly feeling a little foolish.
"So Gimli has no need to feel slighted, but why the secrecy anyway?" asked Boromir curiously. Everyone listened intently to the answer for they all wanted to know.
"I offer any information I have in regard to matters affecting the Fellowship or our quest," said Legolas his eyes bright with anger. "Am I not entitled to some privacy in matters that concern only myself?"
"Of course you are, and I apologise for not respecting your wishes, however inadvertently," said Gimli.
"It is just that we are all quite fond of you and wanted to share your special day," said Sam, also feeling a little guilty that he had felt like accusing Legolas of being mean.
"Yes, that is all we wanted to do," added Frodo, looking around to see the others nodding in agreement. "I am sorry if we offended you, but a birthday is a very important event in the Shire."
Legolas smiled, his anger quickly dissipating as he noted the hurt looks on the hobbits' faces. He was really quite fond of the gentle Shire folk and did not wish to cause them any further upset. Rather than explain that he allowed his elvish kin to celebrate his conception day, albeit in a subdued manner out of respect for their grief over Gandalf, he made a suggestion he was certain they would appreciate. "I believe it is custom in the Shire for the one who is celebrating the day to give presents rather than receive them," he said, smiling as four faces brightened considerably. "Perhaps you will allow me to do likewise?"
"Oh, yes please!" exclaimed Merry and Pippin in unison.
"Well, since I need time to arrange your gifts, shall we celebrate my belated conception day in the manner of the Shire at the evening meal?" asked Legolas. Everyone nodded in agreement, and as the Hobbits gathered for a brief discussion as to the food for the special dinner, Legolas drew Aragorn and Boromir aside to inform them of the news from Mirkwood.
"There are increasing numbers of orc attacks on the northern borders and my father sends warning that he believes Sauron's forces are readying for an invasion," he said.
"Yes, it would seem likely," agreed Boromir. "He is using similar tactics against the south, the borders of Gondor are often raided these days."
"It is not good news, but neither is it unexpected. We will have to be on our guard even more," said Aragorn. "Can you feel anything, Legolas?" asked Aragorn referring to the Elf's ability to sense the shadow in Mirkwood
"Not in Lothlorien, but once we are out of the protection of the Lady of the Golden Wood, I should be able to sense the approach of the dark forces," replied Legolas.
"That is a handy ability to possess," commented Boromir, turning to face the group of Hobbits as he heard his name called.
"Boromir! We need your help!" Pippin was shouting, signalling for the man of Gondor to join them.
"Obviously hatching some secret mischief," said Aragorn. "I would be very wary if I were you, Legolas. Who knows what the Hobbits may have planned for you tonight!"
*********
As it happened, all they were planning was the preparation of a birthday cake for Legolas. They decided that it was Boromir who should be sent to ask Lord Celeborn for the ingredients Sam needed.
"Why me?" he asked.
"You are a very brave warrior, Boromir, that is why you should be the one to approach Lord Celeborn," Pippin said as if stating the obvious.
"Even Frodo is a little afraid of him," teased Merry, ducking the pillow Frodo threw at him in mock anger.
"He is a very formidable Elf Lord," agreed Sam. "But the Steward of Gondor's son should have no trouble asking for a few cooking supplies. While you are there, perhaps you could ask if he knows how old Legolas is?" he added, the question of the Elf's age still plaguing him.
Boromir returned shortly from a partly successful mission, informing Sam that he would be allowed access to the communal kitchens to complete his project, but that if Celeborn knew how old Legolas was, he was keeping it to himself. Sam was naturally disappointed, but soon forgot about it as, unable to resist the lure of a visit to a kitchen of any description, all four Hobbits quickly disappeared leaving Aragorn and Boromir to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in peace. Legolas and Gimli had also gone about some errand or other, no doubt seeking suitable gifts for the Hobbits, thought Aragorn as he relaxed against the tree trunk as he smoked his pipe.
By the time the evening meal was ready, everyone sat around the campfire eagerly anticipating the Elf's return. He and Gimli walked back into the camp, and the Hobbits were pleased to note that the Dwarf carried a pack over his shoulder.
"Surprise!" the Hobbits shouted as Legolas made his way to his usual place beside Aragorn. On a small table in front of him was a large birthday cake, elaborately decorated with pale green icing and many small leaves made of sugar surrounding the lone candle in the centre.
"Do you like the cake?" asked Sam. "I do not know how old you are, but I doubt we could find enough candles, so I just settled on the one."
"The cake looks delicious, thank you Samwise," said Legolas as he admired the Hobbit's culinary effort. "Do I give my presents out now or would you rather we ate the cake?" he asked.
"That is a difficult choice for our small friends," laughed Boromir. "Gimli, would you care to wager on whether the cake or the gifts win?" The Dwarf merely laughed and shook his head.
"It is your birth. I mean, conception day cake, you choose," answered Frodo. Legolas chose to give the gifts and they watched eagerly as he reached into the pack he had placed behind him on the ground.
"For the Hobbits, a bag of fresh elvish mushrooms," he said handing the bag to Sam who accepted it gratefully. "There are an equal number for each of you," he added with a smile as he saw the dubious looks on Merry and Pippin's faces.
"I would not eat them all at once if I were you," warned Aragorn. "They are unlike mushrooms from the Shire, and one is enough to satisfy most hunger for quite a while."
""Must be called 'lembas' mushrooms," whispered Pip to Merry.
"For Aragorn and Boromir, a bottle of very good wine I obtained from Haldir," he said as he passed the bottle to Boromir.
"From Minas Tirith, no less. No doubt we will use this to toast your good health this evening," said Boromir with a slight bow.
"If you wish. I have not yet tried wine from that particular area, and I would be happy to share it with you and Aragorn," he said as he pulled the final item out of the pack. "And last but not least, for my good friend Gimli, an elvish whetstone. May your axe never be dull," he said as Gimli accepted the gift.
"This is a very good stone, many thanks, Legolas," said Gimli, admiring the weight of the stone and the fact that the Dwarfish runes that were carved into the surface spelled his name.
"Yes, we all thank you, Legolas. Happy Conception Day!" they shouted joyfully. "Blow the candle out!" Making a great show of it, Legolas quickly extinguished the flame, and taking the knife Sam offered him, began cutting the cake into generous portions.
"There is just one more thing. I hear that Haldir has been rather unfriendly towards some of my fellow Walkers," said Legolas in a tone that Aragorn recognised as a portent to elvish mischief making. "It may be of some interest to Merry and Pippin that I happen to know where the pool is in which Haldir likes to bathe. Usually early in the morning, as Lord Celeborn reliably informs me," he said with a smile at the two young Hobbits.
Merry and Pippin exchanged a wink, and it was no surprise to any of the Fellowship that the next morning Haldir seemed to have misplaced his clothes while bathing.
Chapter 2. Revenge
The late afternoon sun was filtering through the golden leaves of the mellryn by the time Legolas returned to the camp, but not even the warmth of the soft breeze that gently rustled through the trees could take the chill off the reception he received from the Hobbits.
"How very unsociable of someone not to share their birthday. er. I mean conception day with their friends," said Pippin loudly to no one in particular.
"I would have expected better manners from an Elf," added Sam fixing Legolas with a disappointed glare.
"How could you do that to Gimli?" asked Merry, anger in his voice at the insult he felt the Dwarf had suffered at the hands of the Elf.
"Do what?" asked Legolas, his confusion as to what had earned him the wrath of the light-hearted Hobbits easily recognisable by the frown creasing his usually smooth brow.
"Not invite him to your birthday party, of course," he answered.
"I did not break my word and tell them, they guessed!" exclaimed Gimli as Legolas in turn glared in hurt surprise at the Dwarf.
"Had he been taking a little more notice, friend Gimli would have realised that he was at my 'party'. I sent him back here because Haldir invited me to accompany him to the northern border where he was expecting to meet a messenger from Mirkwood. We have only just returned," explained Legolas. Aragorn looked interested in that statement, and nodded slightly as he caught the "Later" that Legolas mouthed silently.
"Well, now that you mention it, I did wonder why we were having such a splendid feast for lunch when normally it's just a piece of that lembas stuff, and maybe a goblet of wine," commented Gimli, suddenly feeling a little foolish.
"So Gimli has no need to feel slighted, but why the secrecy anyway?" asked Boromir curiously. Everyone listened intently to the answer for they all wanted to know.
"I offer any information I have in regard to matters affecting the Fellowship or our quest," said Legolas his eyes bright with anger. "Am I not entitled to some privacy in matters that concern only myself?"
"Of course you are, and I apologise for not respecting your wishes, however inadvertently," said Gimli.
"It is just that we are all quite fond of you and wanted to share your special day," said Sam, also feeling a little guilty that he had felt like accusing Legolas of being mean.
"Yes, that is all we wanted to do," added Frodo, looking around to see the others nodding in agreement. "I am sorry if we offended you, but a birthday is a very important event in the Shire."
Legolas smiled, his anger quickly dissipating as he noted the hurt looks on the hobbits' faces. He was really quite fond of the gentle Shire folk and did not wish to cause them any further upset. Rather than explain that he allowed his elvish kin to celebrate his conception day, albeit in a subdued manner out of respect for their grief over Gandalf, he made a suggestion he was certain they would appreciate. "I believe it is custom in the Shire for the one who is celebrating the day to give presents rather than receive them," he said, smiling as four faces brightened considerably. "Perhaps you will allow me to do likewise?"
"Oh, yes please!" exclaimed Merry and Pippin in unison.
"Well, since I need time to arrange your gifts, shall we celebrate my belated conception day in the manner of the Shire at the evening meal?" asked Legolas. Everyone nodded in agreement, and as the Hobbits gathered for a brief discussion as to the food for the special dinner, Legolas drew Aragorn and Boromir aside to inform them of the news from Mirkwood.
"There are increasing numbers of orc attacks on the northern borders and my father sends warning that he believes Sauron's forces are readying for an invasion," he said.
"Yes, it would seem likely," agreed Boromir. "He is using similar tactics against the south, the borders of Gondor are often raided these days."
"It is not good news, but neither is it unexpected. We will have to be on our guard even more," said Aragorn. "Can you feel anything, Legolas?" asked Aragorn referring to the Elf's ability to sense the shadow in Mirkwood
"Not in Lothlorien, but once we are out of the protection of the Lady of the Golden Wood, I should be able to sense the approach of the dark forces," replied Legolas.
"That is a handy ability to possess," commented Boromir, turning to face the group of Hobbits as he heard his name called.
"Boromir! We need your help!" Pippin was shouting, signalling for the man of Gondor to join them.
"Obviously hatching some secret mischief," said Aragorn. "I would be very wary if I were you, Legolas. Who knows what the Hobbits may have planned for you tonight!"
*********
As it happened, all they were planning was the preparation of a birthday cake for Legolas. They decided that it was Boromir who should be sent to ask Lord Celeborn for the ingredients Sam needed.
"Why me?" he asked.
"You are a very brave warrior, Boromir, that is why you should be the one to approach Lord Celeborn," Pippin said as if stating the obvious.
"Even Frodo is a little afraid of him," teased Merry, ducking the pillow Frodo threw at him in mock anger.
"He is a very formidable Elf Lord," agreed Sam. "But the Steward of Gondor's son should have no trouble asking for a few cooking supplies. While you are there, perhaps you could ask if he knows how old Legolas is?" he added, the question of the Elf's age still plaguing him.
Boromir returned shortly from a partly successful mission, informing Sam that he would be allowed access to the communal kitchens to complete his project, but that if Celeborn knew how old Legolas was, he was keeping it to himself. Sam was naturally disappointed, but soon forgot about it as, unable to resist the lure of a visit to a kitchen of any description, all four Hobbits quickly disappeared leaving Aragorn and Boromir to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in peace. Legolas and Gimli had also gone about some errand or other, no doubt seeking suitable gifts for the Hobbits, thought Aragorn as he relaxed against the tree trunk as he smoked his pipe.
By the time the evening meal was ready, everyone sat around the campfire eagerly anticipating the Elf's return. He and Gimli walked back into the camp, and the Hobbits were pleased to note that the Dwarf carried a pack over his shoulder.
"Surprise!" the Hobbits shouted as Legolas made his way to his usual place beside Aragorn. On a small table in front of him was a large birthday cake, elaborately decorated with pale green icing and many small leaves made of sugar surrounding the lone candle in the centre.
"Do you like the cake?" asked Sam. "I do not know how old you are, but I doubt we could find enough candles, so I just settled on the one."
"The cake looks delicious, thank you Samwise," said Legolas as he admired the Hobbit's culinary effort. "Do I give my presents out now or would you rather we ate the cake?" he asked.
"That is a difficult choice for our small friends," laughed Boromir. "Gimli, would you care to wager on whether the cake or the gifts win?" The Dwarf merely laughed and shook his head.
"It is your birth. I mean, conception day cake, you choose," answered Frodo. Legolas chose to give the gifts and they watched eagerly as he reached into the pack he had placed behind him on the ground.
"For the Hobbits, a bag of fresh elvish mushrooms," he said handing the bag to Sam who accepted it gratefully. "There are an equal number for each of you," he added with a smile as he saw the dubious looks on Merry and Pippin's faces.
"I would not eat them all at once if I were you," warned Aragorn. "They are unlike mushrooms from the Shire, and one is enough to satisfy most hunger for quite a while."
""Must be called 'lembas' mushrooms," whispered Pip to Merry.
"For Aragorn and Boromir, a bottle of very good wine I obtained from Haldir," he said as he passed the bottle to Boromir.
"From Minas Tirith, no less. No doubt we will use this to toast your good health this evening," said Boromir with a slight bow.
"If you wish. I have not yet tried wine from that particular area, and I would be happy to share it with you and Aragorn," he said as he pulled the final item out of the pack. "And last but not least, for my good friend Gimli, an elvish whetstone. May your axe never be dull," he said as Gimli accepted the gift.
"This is a very good stone, many thanks, Legolas," said Gimli, admiring the weight of the stone and the fact that the Dwarfish runes that were carved into the surface spelled his name.
"Yes, we all thank you, Legolas. Happy Conception Day!" they shouted joyfully. "Blow the candle out!" Making a great show of it, Legolas quickly extinguished the flame, and taking the knife Sam offered him, began cutting the cake into generous portions.
"There is just one more thing. I hear that Haldir has been rather unfriendly towards some of my fellow Walkers," said Legolas in a tone that Aragorn recognised as a portent to elvish mischief making. "It may be of some interest to Merry and Pippin that I happen to know where the pool is in which Haldir likes to bathe. Usually early in the morning, as Lord Celeborn reliably informs me," he said with a smile at the two young Hobbits.
Merry and Pippin exchanged a wink, and it was no surprise to any of the Fellowship that the next morning Haldir seemed to have misplaced his clothes while bathing.