(Author's Note: My apologies in advance for the lack of creativity in coming up with names.)
It was a fortnight's ride back to Mirkwood, but Haldir and Legolas filled the long days with plenty of laughter and merriment. Along the way, they saw few other travelers, most of them being rangers on horseback.
"I do not think my father will take kindly to my bringing a Lorien elf into Mirkwood." Legolas cautioned. "It would be best if we took caution while riding through the forest. You will need to sheath your bow on the saddle behind you and hide your face with your cloak. When we reach Mirkwood, only then can you reveal your face."
As soon as Lothlorien was far behind them and Mirkwood was nearing in sight, the talk switched back over to lighter issues. Legolas spoke of his adventures with the Fellowshiph and of his companionship with the dwarf Gimli. At the mention of the dwarf's name, Haldir wrinkled his nose in disdain.
"Making friends with dwarves…" he scolded. "I hope you have not mentioned your friendship with the dwarf to your father?"
"Of course not." Legolas said with a laugh. "I would be disowned!" The two elves approached the outer edges of Mirkwood and Legolas slowed his horse to a stop.
"Mirkwood is as well, if not more protected than Lothlorien." he warned. "Keep your hood about your face and I will keep mine exposed. The guards will recognize my face, but they do not know yours. Ride slowly behind me." Haldir nodded and Legolas pulled the hood away and started into the forest. The ride to Mirkwood was quiet, and somewhat unsettling. Both elves knew that their every movements were watched, though Legolas feared less for himself than for Haldir. Hopefully the guards would think Haldir was a prisoner and hold off on their arrows. Every so often, a small sound would give the guards away and Legolas would catch a glimpse of dark green fabric or the wood of a bow. He glanced back at Halir to see the Lorien elf with the hood pulled far down, covering his face and his shoulders hunched slightly. The march warden's bow lay unreachable and fastened to the saddlebags behind him. But no matter, he wouldn't need it. By the time they reached Mirkwood, the entire city would know of their coming.
The two elves reached the gates of Mirkwood and paused. They did not have to wait for long. A guard rode up to the gate, instantly recognizing the prince.
"Prince Legolas! An lema? (long journey?)" he asked genially. Legolas smiled.
"N'uma, n-lema. (no, not long)" I have news from Lothlorien for my father."
The guard nodded and the gates were opened. Legolas nodded genially at him and the two passed through the gates into the city, earning Haldir a few odd glances from the citizens and the guards. Legolas slowed to ride beside Haldir and take up the march warden's reins. J
"You can put down your hood now." Legolas told him and the marchwarden threw back his hood to reveal his face at last. Now in Mirkwood, the differences between the Lorien elves was obvious. Haldir was taller and his hair was somewhat darker than that of the Mirkwood elves. Though he was in no immediate danger, he still noticed the people giving him a few sideways glances as they passed through the city.
They arrived at the hall in the center of the city where Thranduil spent most of his days. The two riders dismounted and were met at the door by Legolas's friend Astalder.
"Astalder, mae govannen." (well met, common greeting) Legolas said, cuffing the elf on the shoulder. The latter returned the gesture and glanced at Haldir. "Legolas…" he scolded. "Are you picking up wanderers on your travels again??"
Legolas eyed his friend seriously. "Never! Astal..this is Haldir of Lorien."
Astalder picked up the signifigance quickly and his eyebrows raised slightly. He glanced at Legolas. "What will your father say?"
"Nothing, but he will insinuate plenty of insults toward Lorien. Meet us here later and we'll fill you in." Astal nodded and headed down the steps toward the stream and the Mirkwood elf and the marchwarden continued inside.
The entry hall was enormous in its architecture, with the vaulted ceiling a good two hundred feet above their heads, and the room itself ornately built, with a spiral staircase toward one end, and stone columns separating the hall into sections. Haldir paused involuntarily as he entered the room, staring at the massive room as a child would at a museum. Legolas laughed and pulled him forward.
"Come on, you can gawk at the architecture later!" Legolas's voice echoed in the massive room. If you think this is beautiful, I should take you to see the hall of kings."
*~*~*
"Legolas." Thranduil rose from his desk to greet his son. Haldir remained at the door as instructed, his cloak still covering his shoulders.
"Your journey was not eventful, I hope?" Thranduil asked. Legolas shook his head.
"Not at all. My visit with the lady Galadriel went smoothly. She is both wise and genial."
Thranduil nodded, disinterested. "I hope the visit was not filled with peace talks and rhetoric?"
"There was some. Lorien wishes for a peace between us, father. It has been long since anyone remembers what this conflict is even about."
Thranduil didn't asnwer, and Legolas began to suspect his father didn't remember either. He nodded at Haldir and the marchwarden came forward.
"Father, this is Haldir, marchwarden of Lorien."
Thranduil looked up sharply, but the marchwarden held his ground. The king stood and made his way toward the elf, pausing not more than foot in front of him. Haldir stood silently still, not understanding the King's motives. At length, Thranduil extended his hand in a brusque greeting before returning to his desk.
"Legolas, I will wish to speak to you after the evening meal. Please meet me here. You are dismissed." Not looking up, he went back to his work and the youths escaped outside. Haldir let out a relieved sigh.
"What was that??" he demanded, his eyes slightly wide. Legolas laughed.
"He was trying to scare you….he's not fond of Lorien elves, though you need not be reminded, I wager. Did it work?" Legolas asked, interested.
Haldir seemed to regain some of his poise and smiled at the elf. "Not at all."