A/N: Am very grand and now have a title for this series of ficlets! No claims to merit, but they are huge fun to write and give the pleasant feeling of actually finishing something. Much character assassination ahead, some funnies, and a note that certain characters insist on being tragic. Feedback is always welcome.

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SCENES FROM THE UNDYING LANDS 3: HORSE RIDING AGAIN

Gimli was late and Mithrandir was early – two circumstances guaranteed to put Legolas into a bad mood. Plus he hadn't yet packed.

Legolas and Gimli were going on holiday, and as usual, Mithrandir was coming to water the plants and feed the cats, which between them were almost a full time job. It was good arrangement, although it might be a year or two before they could persuade the wizard it was time to leave.

Although not due to arrive until the following morning Mithrandir had already let himself in and made himself at home when Legolas returned from the Elvish Council. Making himself at home was a skill Mithrandir had perfected over the millennia, having never quite got around to establishing an abode of his own, but subsisting very nicely on rotational visits to his various friends.

"Well met, Legolas," roared Mithrandir, opening the door before Legolas had time to put his key in Gimli's ornately designed lock. The wizard patted him heartily on the back and passed him a glass of wine. Legolas saw with a sinking feeling that Mithrandir had already been at the cellar. Darn! Last time the old lush had drunk them dry. He could only hope that the wizard would put a spell on the beer in compensation.

"Well met, indeed! You're here early," said Legolas as he accepted the wine. He entered the house, giving the doorstop an automatic kick in passing.

Mithrandir, looked shifty and muttered something about Sam having no sense of humour.

Doors were open and various drawers pulled out with their contents spilling over. Here and there a cat nested while others wondered about in obvious dismay at a possible change in routine. Mithrandir had been snooping. At least, reflected Legolas, he would have time to restore some sort of order before Gimli returned home. Mithrandir had never learned that if one must snoop it was polite to keep one's ill-gotten knowledge to oneself. Mithrandir's comments on the dungeon room had been loud and extensive and the wizard had completely refused to believe that the cuffs and chains were simply an experiment in form. Worse he had blabbed. Even now, a thousand years after the event, Haldir was prone to winking at him at parties and asking if he was "still into all that kinky stuff?".

Legolas showed Mithrandir the various lists he had made – how much and often the cats should be fed, how much and how often the plants should be watered, when and how the various appliances in the household worked, where to find the key to the wine cellar. It was form really, since Mithrandir was clutching a bottle of wine in one hand and anything that caused trouble would be either regarded as a challenge or instantly zapped into oblivion.

Lists shown, house tidy, cases packed, wizard unpacked and Gimli had still not returned.

"Shall we go and get him?" suggested Mithrandir as Legolas paced up and down irritably. He had promised not to work late tonight. There was such a thing as being too conscientious. Still, a walk under the stars would be nice. Legolas hummed as he strolled. Mithrandir blew smoke rings out of his pipe.

They found Gimli as expected in his office. The dwarf was surrounded by a mountain of papers, giving last minute instructions to his assistant Celebrian. Both were engrossed but turned at Legolas' greeting. . Gimli lit up at the sight of the elf and came forward to wrap Gandalf in a hug. Celebrian gave her fragile smile.

Mithrandir bowed gravely and produced a small bouquet of elanor from the folds of his cloak.

Celebrian accepted with thanks. "Arwen's favourite, " she said, burying her nose deep.

"I'm finished here. We were just going through some bits and pieces while for Elrond," Gimli explained. Over Celebrian's head he met Legolas' glance. Another bad day. There was no need for words – some wounds went too deep,

"You don't have to wait," said Celebrian, looking up from the flowers. "I don't mind staying here on my own. I know Elrond will come."

"Of course, Celebrian," said Gimli, gently. "But we wish to wait with you. Unless, would you like us to take you home?"

Deep eyes with their uncertain glance, liable to shatter at a breath, flittered to each of them, before she smiled gently, "No. Elrond, is coming. I'll be fine until you get back." To Legolas, she added, "No galloping, Legolas!"

Mithrandir muttered something about riding making you numb in all the wrong places.

They bowed and went on their way. Celebrian bent once more over the yellow elanor, her pale hair mingling with the petals of the flowers. Legolas hoped Elrond would get there soon.

"I suppose I'll enjoy myself. I usually do," said Gimli. He walked by Legolas' side. Mithrandir strode ahead singing a pornographic song about hedgehogs. "At least horses don't sing."

In the darkness Legolas smiled. Gimli didn't know it, but this year they were going pot holing.

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Coming soonish: Holidays are supposed to fun. Party! Party!