The night was long and seemingly unending to Legolas of Mirkwood. The
prince could not sleep, and had good reason not to.
His father would be furious if he heard about Legolas' affection for Tawny. Thranduil would also be incensed if he discovered his son was thwarting his plans for the young Gondorian and human girl.
And yet, he could not hide his feelings, nor could he bury them. It was not his place to, anyway. It seemed as though the Valar were directing his steps on this issue. It was a good thing, too. He could hardly stand to be the one in control right now. As much as he plotted and planned, he hated the thought of going against their wishes.
How good it was that Thranduil had yet to hear of him escorting Ameth to the competition. While it was true he was seen in the presence of many young she-elves, the mere thought of his father thinking that the two were serious sent shivers down his spine. He was quite sure Thranduil wouldn't be happy with his decision to quit "pursuing" her... besides that, Andhoth was quite welcome to have her.
Ah, Andhoth... an interesting elf.
Like Rivendell, Mirkwood was not comprised of a class system. Each elf did their best to contribute to the welfare of the realm. Ameth and Andhoth were not servants so much as they were volunteers. Ameth was a natural servant, just as Andhoth worked well with plants. And so, each helped in the ways that they could.
It was not Legolas' place to punish Andhoth for simply protecting the honor and the innocence of Ameth. The elf prince smiled to himself as he lay there, arms under his head, staring up at the ceiling. It was such an honor, that the Valar would have granted to elves the precious beings that were women.
His mind strayed to thinking of Tawny. How young and innocent she truly was, far younger, far more innocent than anyone she-elf in Mirkwood. She had not seen the change of twenty years, he assumed. Strange then, that one who would be considered but a child in his world should have captured his hear-attention, he corrected himself, and then drifted off into sleep.
*****
"I will never find anything to wear in this God-forsaken closet!" Tawny fumed, stomping angrily about her room. Dresses of all sorts were strewn about, most on loan from Ameth (though Tawny had to pin up most of the hems of the elf's dresses.)
The day of the picnic had arrived, and Tawny was currently incensed with her lack of fashion sense. Or rather, her lack of the perfect dress to wear. It was just one of those days.
She finally found one that wasn't absolutely hideous (or what she would consider to be, and slipped into it, finally chuckling to herself. How silly it was that she would be so concerned with her appearance! It was only Legolas, afterall. She would have to tell him of her trouble finding a nice dress to wear today.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled at her reflection. It wasn't perfect, but then, neither was she, so who really cared?
*****
Legolas had found out only a day or two before about the picnic, even though he had agreed to it at the competition weeks earlier. Apparently his lost attention had ultimately done him some good: he would now get to spend an afternoon with Ameth, Andhoth, and Tawny.
Or... not.
"My lord, Lady Ameth and Lord Andhoth send their most sincere apologies, but both have chosen to leave Mirkwood for a fortnight, in preparation for their upcoming union."
The last bit nearly made Legolas choke on his own spit. But as it seemed elves never lost their grace, he did not. "Union?" He coughed out, and the messenger shot him a worried glance before continuing.
"They have been engaged now for over a week, my lord. Ameth and Andhoth have also requested that you go on ahead without them, as provisions have already been made, and know that you both have been looking forward to this day." Well, Legolas had only recently found out he had agreed to it, but at the messenger saying "both," he knew he could not let Tawny down.
"I see. Thank you." Legolas murmured. The messenger, assuming his job was finished, turned and walked out of the room. The elven prince was now left alone in his thoughts, which may or may not have been a good thing.
*****
"Their WHAT?!" Tawny's yell would most definitely have aroused even the sleepiest of elves from their repose as she received the news of the two elves' engagement. Nervously she began pacing about the room, much to the amusement of the messenger (who had also broken the news to Legolas a few minutes earlier.) Well, it was to his amusement after he had recovered from her shriek. Elven ears were rather sensitive, after all.
*****
"They got the message." Andhoth reported as he walked back to Ameth, who was sitting on the ground struggling with one of his bows.
"Wonderful." She spoke, twisting it in an annoyed fashion. The elf took the bow from her and restrung it, then handed it back to her with a smug look on his face. She blushed, and then recovered quickly, pulling back the string and lining up her eyes with some far-off target.
"My dear Ameth?"
"Hm?" she replied off-handedly, still focusing on the target. The she- elf took an arrow and lined it up with a target about twenty yards off.
"Now that we've gone and told everyone we're married... are you planning on following through?"
The arrow flew, and landed about five feet away from where it was aimed. Ameth choked on her words, but recovered quickly. "It was only a ruse, Andhoth."
"Oh." The elf stopped dwelling on it, and turned to her, smiling. "So what are we to do now?" He asked, leaning back upon the soft, greenish earth.
Ameth smiled to herself. "We are to do whatever we wish, once they leave. Until then, though, we shall remain here."
******
"Legolas, slow down!" Tawny stepped over a few stones, and he turned back to look at her.
"Having a bit of trouble, mellonim?" A hint of laughter was in his voice as he said it, and Tawny pretended to glare at his back as he began to walk again. The basket containing food was at his side, he smiling to himself as it hit his hip every time he took a step. The thudding of it against his hip was nearly as loud as the rocks that kept clambering down the side of the hill as she walked.
"Tons." She spoke evenly, managing to trip at the same time the words left her mouth. Her ankle twisted to one side, she turning to give it an annoyed look. The look turned to one of pain as she stayed there a moment longer. Legolas turned about, the look still on his face, though it did not remain there for long as he saw her own expression. "I hate my ankle." She mumbled, biting her lip after she said it. After a second though she regained her footing, and walked on. "Westward ho, Legolas."
The blonde elf sent a strange expression her way as she passed him, but she showed no sign of pain as she walked. "Are you quite alright, Tawny?"
"I hurt," She stopped, and looked at him. "but not enough to hold up this little picnic." He smiled to her, and she returned the gesture.
"If you hurt at all, then we shall go back. I will not have you damaging your ankle more for the sake of one 'little picnic.'" Legolas put down the basket of goodies, and walked over to her, placing her arm across his shoulders, and then picking her up.
"What of the food?" She asked, looking at him, still somewhat shocked at being in his arms.
"If you had ever tried Ameth's cooking, perhaps you would be going more willingly." Legolas quipped, and at that she laughed.
Twisting a bit (to get comfortable, of course) she then replied. "Alright. But I'm rather heavy, I hope you'll realize."
In fact, she was weighing him down, but he was stronger than she gave him credit for. "Your weight is not such that I might collapse under it." He teased, and she blushed.
"Well, fine then. Continue, trusty steed." That made him laugh once again, and she leaned her head against his chest as he trudged back to the main part of Mirkwood. They had not taken ten steps when Legolas stopped, and looked down at her.
"That sound..." He paused in what he was saying.
"That I could not hear." Tawny joked to him. "Legolas, have you forgotten that I am mortal?"
"No, I have not, fair one. But I heard something regardless. It sounded like-" He was cut off as another voice made itself known.
"Andhoth, if you do not stop pestering me to marry you, I swear I shall find an orc of Mordor and command him to cut off your head. That was only a ruse, nothing more, to send Tawny and Legolas off on their own. I--" Ameth came into view, fighting bushes as she went. She stopped as she saw Tawny and Legolas, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Oh, I... I..."
"Oh look, a speechless elf." Tawny's voice was not cold, but it did seem rather aloof. Legolas looked down at her in surprise, then turned his gaze back to Ameth, and Andhoth who now emerged from the shrubbery. "What's this about sending us off on our own?" Her eyes had narrowed considerably as she looked upon them both.
Once again Ameth was speechless, and Andhoth spoke up for her. "We might as well come out with the truth." He said to her. Tawny nodded as he spoke the words. Andhoth continued gracefully. "Lady Tawny, Prince Legolas- we were rehearsing. For our wedding feast."
Ameth caught on easily, and spoke up next. "Yes, yes. We thought it would be rather funny to act as though we did not love each other." With that she walked reluctantly over to Andhoth and placed her hand on his chest, gazing up into his eyes. When she looked away, back to Tawny and the prince, an obvious look of distaste was in her eyes, as though she had swallowed a foul liquor. Her smile was forced. "Can you not see we are hopelessly in love?"
It was Legolas' turn to respond. "I can see you are most definitely hopeless." He spoke, and then began to walk away. Over his shoulder he threw the last words, "We shall speak together in my chambers, caretaker."
The elf paled, and Ameth sighed. "That went wonderfully, do you not think?" she asked with fake brightness.
Andhoth looked down at her as though she had lost her mind (and knowing Ameth, it was more than likely) "I shall never understand women." He walked away, nervous for the upcoming meeting with Prince Legolas. Of course, Ameth was then left there to fret over how Lady Tawny might react once she arrived in her room to turn down the beds that night. Judging by the way she had looked at the two when they had been found out, it would not be a good reaction.
******
Because her ankle was only slightly twisted, it did not take long for Tawny to recover. As soon as she was allowed out of the hospital ward (which took a few hours, mostly because Prince Legolas had requested she stay there until they were sure it was alright.,) she rushed off to her room, hoping Ameth would be in there. Her steps were deliberate and a clicking noise could be heard as she walked, her shoes being of elven make and therefore not able to make incredibly loud noises. She was so busy trying to get her shoes to stomp on the floor she didn't notice when Hamasen approached her.
His arms wrapped around her to prevent her from falling as she ran into him. "Lady Tawny." He spoke to her, glancing down at the slim girl in his arms. "You really must be more careful." He chucked, and pushed her back until she was at arms length, still in his grasp for the most part.
Tawny blushed, and met his eyes. "I apologize milord." She almost attempted a curtsey, then remembered that her shoulders were currently in his grasp and it might be a bit difficult to attempt one. "I was rather in a hurry."
Hamasen laughed again. "And in anger at something-or would that be someone?" She confirmed his guess by blushing once again. "I assumed as much." He sighed, letting go. "Whom are you angry with, my lady?"
"Someone who chose to meddle in my affairs." She replied, trying not to roll her eyes at the thought of it. Honestly! Her and Legolas? It was far from possible.
"I would suggest you take more time to think about the effect that violence will have on your's and this person's relationship." He spoke sagely, before bowing. "I must take my leave. I was on my way to the library."
"The library?" she asked curiously.
"Yes, the library." He spoke laughingly. "Must I repeat myself?"
"You might need to say it once more." She laughed, then looked around him, "I have quite forgotten where the library is, dear sir." Tawny spoke in a meek voice, walking up to him. "Would you kindly show me where it is?"
"Certainly, fair maid."
Tawny looked at him as he said that. The word "fair" did not sound as pure when it came from his lips. She was pulled out of her reverie as he offered her his arm. She took it. They walked down the hall arm in arm, both content to walk in silence.
******
It was now much later, and Tawny was still searching for a book in what the elves called the common tongue. She had found one, but it was full of maps and of no consequence to her at the time. Now that book was looking mightily interesting. Hamasen had left an hour ago, claiming he had other business to attend to. So she had been left in the well-kept library, still searching through hundreds of manuscripts, as well as all of the bound books on the shelves. The girl sidled up to the desk where she had placed the book, and spoke to it.
"What kind of interesting facts might you contain, you old atlas?" Tawny spoke to it, and picked it up. "Nothing as interesting as a history book might. Even a fictional book would comfort me more than you right now."
"No matter how many times you whisper to the pages, they will never speak back." Said a familiar voice from the doorway.
Tawny whirled around to see Legolas. "Oh look, it's the elf who forced me to stay much longer than necessary in the hospital ward."
"It was for your own good." He laughed, and walked over to her, taking the book from her hands. Tawny snatched it back.
"It was the only book I could find in English." She muttered, thumbing through the pages.
"Perhaps you would enjoy yourself more in Gondor, then, where there are rows and rows of 'old atlas.'" He chuckled.
"You really would do well to quit listening to my conversations with inanimate objects." Tawny spoke under her breath, turning away from him.
The prince made an effort to turn her around again. "Dinner time has passed, fair one. I missed it as well. Would you like to accompany me to the kitchens for a bit to eat?"
"Why did you miss dinner?" she asked curiously, now facing him. Her eyes peered up over the edge of the book, she raising a brow.
"You will notice tomorrow, more than likely, that our caretaker will from now on be a bit more paranoid when he is alone." At that Tawny let out a laugh.
"On to dinner it is, then." She took his arm as he offered it, and tucked the old book under her other, and walked calmly from the library.
His father would be furious if he heard about Legolas' affection for Tawny. Thranduil would also be incensed if he discovered his son was thwarting his plans for the young Gondorian and human girl.
And yet, he could not hide his feelings, nor could he bury them. It was not his place to, anyway. It seemed as though the Valar were directing his steps on this issue. It was a good thing, too. He could hardly stand to be the one in control right now. As much as he plotted and planned, he hated the thought of going against their wishes.
How good it was that Thranduil had yet to hear of him escorting Ameth to the competition. While it was true he was seen in the presence of many young she-elves, the mere thought of his father thinking that the two were serious sent shivers down his spine. He was quite sure Thranduil wouldn't be happy with his decision to quit "pursuing" her... besides that, Andhoth was quite welcome to have her.
Ah, Andhoth... an interesting elf.
Like Rivendell, Mirkwood was not comprised of a class system. Each elf did their best to contribute to the welfare of the realm. Ameth and Andhoth were not servants so much as they were volunteers. Ameth was a natural servant, just as Andhoth worked well with plants. And so, each helped in the ways that they could.
It was not Legolas' place to punish Andhoth for simply protecting the honor and the innocence of Ameth. The elf prince smiled to himself as he lay there, arms under his head, staring up at the ceiling. It was such an honor, that the Valar would have granted to elves the precious beings that were women.
His mind strayed to thinking of Tawny. How young and innocent she truly was, far younger, far more innocent than anyone she-elf in Mirkwood. She had not seen the change of twenty years, he assumed. Strange then, that one who would be considered but a child in his world should have captured his hear-attention, he corrected himself, and then drifted off into sleep.
*****
"I will never find anything to wear in this God-forsaken closet!" Tawny fumed, stomping angrily about her room. Dresses of all sorts were strewn about, most on loan from Ameth (though Tawny had to pin up most of the hems of the elf's dresses.)
The day of the picnic had arrived, and Tawny was currently incensed with her lack of fashion sense. Or rather, her lack of the perfect dress to wear. It was just one of those days.
She finally found one that wasn't absolutely hideous (or what she would consider to be, and slipped into it, finally chuckling to herself. How silly it was that she would be so concerned with her appearance! It was only Legolas, afterall. She would have to tell him of her trouble finding a nice dress to wear today.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled at her reflection. It wasn't perfect, but then, neither was she, so who really cared?
*****
Legolas had found out only a day or two before about the picnic, even though he had agreed to it at the competition weeks earlier. Apparently his lost attention had ultimately done him some good: he would now get to spend an afternoon with Ameth, Andhoth, and Tawny.
Or... not.
"My lord, Lady Ameth and Lord Andhoth send their most sincere apologies, but both have chosen to leave Mirkwood for a fortnight, in preparation for their upcoming union."
The last bit nearly made Legolas choke on his own spit. But as it seemed elves never lost their grace, he did not. "Union?" He coughed out, and the messenger shot him a worried glance before continuing.
"They have been engaged now for over a week, my lord. Ameth and Andhoth have also requested that you go on ahead without them, as provisions have already been made, and know that you both have been looking forward to this day." Well, Legolas had only recently found out he had agreed to it, but at the messenger saying "both," he knew he could not let Tawny down.
"I see. Thank you." Legolas murmured. The messenger, assuming his job was finished, turned and walked out of the room. The elven prince was now left alone in his thoughts, which may or may not have been a good thing.
*****
"Their WHAT?!" Tawny's yell would most definitely have aroused even the sleepiest of elves from their repose as she received the news of the two elves' engagement. Nervously she began pacing about the room, much to the amusement of the messenger (who had also broken the news to Legolas a few minutes earlier.) Well, it was to his amusement after he had recovered from her shriek. Elven ears were rather sensitive, after all.
*****
"They got the message." Andhoth reported as he walked back to Ameth, who was sitting on the ground struggling with one of his bows.
"Wonderful." She spoke, twisting it in an annoyed fashion. The elf took the bow from her and restrung it, then handed it back to her with a smug look on his face. She blushed, and then recovered quickly, pulling back the string and lining up her eyes with some far-off target.
"My dear Ameth?"
"Hm?" she replied off-handedly, still focusing on the target. The she- elf took an arrow and lined it up with a target about twenty yards off.
"Now that we've gone and told everyone we're married... are you planning on following through?"
The arrow flew, and landed about five feet away from where it was aimed. Ameth choked on her words, but recovered quickly. "It was only a ruse, Andhoth."
"Oh." The elf stopped dwelling on it, and turned to her, smiling. "So what are we to do now?" He asked, leaning back upon the soft, greenish earth.
Ameth smiled to herself. "We are to do whatever we wish, once they leave. Until then, though, we shall remain here."
******
"Legolas, slow down!" Tawny stepped over a few stones, and he turned back to look at her.
"Having a bit of trouble, mellonim?" A hint of laughter was in his voice as he said it, and Tawny pretended to glare at his back as he began to walk again. The basket containing food was at his side, he smiling to himself as it hit his hip every time he took a step. The thudding of it against his hip was nearly as loud as the rocks that kept clambering down the side of the hill as she walked.
"Tons." She spoke evenly, managing to trip at the same time the words left her mouth. Her ankle twisted to one side, she turning to give it an annoyed look. The look turned to one of pain as she stayed there a moment longer. Legolas turned about, the look still on his face, though it did not remain there for long as he saw her own expression. "I hate my ankle." She mumbled, biting her lip after she said it. After a second though she regained her footing, and walked on. "Westward ho, Legolas."
The blonde elf sent a strange expression her way as she passed him, but she showed no sign of pain as she walked. "Are you quite alright, Tawny?"
"I hurt," She stopped, and looked at him. "but not enough to hold up this little picnic." He smiled to her, and she returned the gesture.
"If you hurt at all, then we shall go back. I will not have you damaging your ankle more for the sake of one 'little picnic.'" Legolas put down the basket of goodies, and walked over to her, placing her arm across his shoulders, and then picking her up.
"What of the food?" She asked, looking at him, still somewhat shocked at being in his arms.
"If you had ever tried Ameth's cooking, perhaps you would be going more willingly." Legolas quipped, and at that she laughed.
Twisting a bit (to get comfortable, of course) she then replied. "Alright. But I'm rather heavy, I hope you'll realize."
In fact, she was weighing him down, but he was stronger than she gave him credit for. "Your weight is not such that I might collapse under it." He teased, and she blushed.
"Well, fine then. Continue, trusty steed." That made him laugh once again, and she leaned her head against his chest as he trudged back to the main part of Mirkwood. They had not taken ten steps when Legolas stopped, and looked down at her.
"That sound..." He paused in what he was saying.
"That I could not hear." Tawny joked to him. "Legolas, have you forgotten that I am mortal?"
"No, I have not, fair one. But I heard something regardless. It sounded like-" He was cut off as another voice made itself known.
"Andhoth, if you do not stop pestering me to marry you, I swear I shall find an orc of Mordor and command him to cut off your head. That was only a ruse, nothing more, to send Tawny and Legolas off on their own. I--" Ameth came into view, fighting bushes as she went. She stopped as she saw Tawny and Legolas, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Oh, I... I..."
"Oh look, a speechless elf." Tawny's voice was not cold, but it did seem rather aloof. Legolas looked down at her in surprise, then turned his gaze back to Ameth, and Andhoth who now emerged from the shrubbery. "What's this about sending us off on our own?" Her eyes had narrowed considerably as she looked upon them both.
Once again Ameth was speechless, and Andhoth spoke up for her. "We might as well come out with the truth." He said to her. Tawny nodded as he spoke the words. Andhoth continued gracefully. "Lady Tawny, Prince Legolas- we were rehearsing. For our wedding feast."
Ameth caught on easily, and spoke up next. "Yes, yes. We thought it would be rather funny to act as though we did not love each other." With that she walked reluctantly over to Andhoth and placed her hand on his chest, gazing up into his eyes. When she looked away, back to Tawny and the prince, an obvious look of distaste was in her eyes, as though she had swallowed a foul liquor. Her smile was forced. "Can you not see we are hopelessly in love?"
It was Legolas' turn to respond. "I can see you are most definitely hopeless." He spoke, and then began to walk away. Over his shoulder he threw the last words, "We shall speak together in my chambers, caretaker."
The elf paled, and Ameth sighed. "That went wonderfully, do you not think?" she asked with fake brightness.
Andhoth looked down at her as though she had lost her mind (and knowing Ameth, it was more than likely) "I shall never understand women." He walked away, nervous for the upcoming meeting with Prince Legolas. Of course, Ameth was then left there to fret over how Lady Tawny might react once she arrived in her room to turn down the beds that night. Judging by the way she had looked at the two when they had been found out, it would not be a good reaction.
******
Because her ankle was only slightly twisted, it did not take long for Tawny to recover. As soon as she was allowed out of the hospital ward (which took a few hours, mostly because Prince Legolas had requested she stay there until they were sure it was alright.,) she rushed off to her room, hoping Ameth would be in there. Her steps were deliberate and a clicking noise could be heard as she walked, her shoes being of elven make and therefore not able to make incredibly loud noises. She was so busy trying to get her shoes to stomp on the floor she didn't notice when Hamasen approached her.
His arms wrapped around her to prevent her from falling as she ran into him. "Lady Tawny." He spoke to her, glancing down at the slim girl in his arms. "You really must be more careful." He chucked, and pushed her back until she was at arms length, still in his grasp for the most part.
Tawny blushed, and met his eyes. "I apologize milord." She almost attempted a curtsey, then remembered that her shoulders were currently in his grasp and it might be a bit difficult to attempt one. "I was rather in a hurry."
Hamasen laughed again. "And in anger at something-or would that be someone?" She confirmed his guess by blushing once again. "I assumed as much." He sighed, letting go. "Whom are you angry with, my lady?"
"Someone who chose to meddle in my affairs." She replied, trying not to roll her eyes at the thought of it. Honestly! Her and Legolas? It was far from possible.
"I would suggest you take more time to think about the effect that violence will have on your's and this person's relationship." He spoke sagely, before bowing. "I must take my leave. I was on my way to the library."
"The library?" she asked curiously.
"Yes, the library." He spoke laughingly. "Must I repeat myself?"
"You might need to say it once more." She laughed, then looked around him, "I have quite forgotten where the library is, dear sir." Tawny spoke in a meek voice, walking up to him. "Would you kindly show me where it is?"
"Certainly, fair maid."
Tawny looked at him as he said that. The word "fair" did not sound as pure when it came from his lips. She was pulled out of her reverie as he offered her his arm. She took it. They walked down the hall arm in arm, both content to walk in silence.
******
It was now much later, and Tawny was still searching for a book in what the elves called the common tongue. She had found one, but it was full of maps and of no consequence to her at the time. Now that book was looking mightily interesting. Hamasen had left an hour ago, claiming he had other business to attend to. So she had been left in the well-kept library, still searching through hundreds of manuscripts, as well as all of the bound books on the shelves. The girl sidled up to the desk where she had placed the book, and spoke to it.
"What kind of interesting facts might you contain, you old atlas?" Tawny spoke to it, and picked it up. "Nothing as interesting as a history book might. Even a fictional book would comfort me more than you right now."
"No matter how many times you whisper to the pages, they will never speak back." Said a familiar voice from the doorway.
Tawny whirled around to see Legolas. "Oh look, it's the elf who forced me to stay much longer than necessary in the hospital ward."
"It was for your own good." He laughed, and walked over to her, taking the book from her hands. Tawny snatched it back.
"It was the only book I could find in English." She muttered, thumbing through the pages.
"Perhaps you would enjoy yourself more in Gondor, then, where there are rows and rows of 'old atlas.'" He chuckled.
"You really would do well to quit listening to my conversations with inanimate objects." Tawny spoke under her breath, turning away from him.
The prince made an effort to turn her around again. "Dinner time has passed, fair one. I missed it as well. Would you like to accompany me to the kitchens for a bit to eat?"
"Why did you miss dinner?" she asked curiously, now facing him. Her eyes peered up over the edge of the book, she raising a brow.
"You will notice tomorrow, more than likely, that our caretaker will from now on be a bit more paranoid when he is alone." At that Tawny let out a laugh.
"On to dinner it is, then." She took his arm as he offered it, and tucked the old book under her other, and walked calmly from the library.
