Hey everyone! Thank you all for your support on this story and I am so
sorry it has taken me so long to get this to you all. I had to do some work
at university on my final year project which has taken up nearly all my
time. I hope you are all still interested in this, I made it long to try
and make up for the lateness. As always feedback would be great. I was
overwhelmed at the number of e mails I've had about this story and I just
hope this doesn't disappoint. The next chapter is already half written and
will be with you guys ASAP.
Thanks again,
Andrea
Title: Bloom of a Rose Author: Andrea (Azriel) Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, they all belong to the Tolkien estate. Summary: Legolas gets caught up in a dispute between Mirkwood and Imladris. Can Elrond and Glorfindel help him to find happiness? WARNING, this story is SLASH and AU. The pairing shall be G/L with hinted Elrohir/L in later chapters. Thranduil is NOT a nice guy.
Chapter 4:
Glorfindel let his eyes roam over the elves gathering in the great hall and at the abject splendour glistening around him. Perfect. A small smile of satisfaction spread over his lips as he surveyed the scene.
" Everything is ready My Lord." Halrowen came to stand beside him as she also looked out over the bustle. " All is prepared and the guests are beginning to arrive." She paused, " Do you. Would you prefer if I informed Lord Elrond?"
" I would be grateful, yes. It would not be fit for our guests to greet themselves." Glorfindel turned and slowly made his way through the servants still milling around and fussing over the decorations. He sighed softly to himself, his step faltering as the young prince re-entered his mind. He still found it difficult to believe he was betrothed to the young beauty.
Glorfindel almost silently paced down a corridor leading out to the main courtyard where the other Elven lords awaited his arrival. He brushed down his robes, straightening them out before he stepped out into the fading sunlight. Shadows had begun to dance in the approaching twilight as a scarlet hue tinged the sky. The Elven lord breathed deeply, revelling in the sweet smell of the evening mist settling in the valley.
" My lord Glorfindel. It is an honour that you would invite us on this joyous occasion. I can only hope that we can offer you support and understanding through this time." A fair elf stood forward from the group gathered at the bottom of the steps, his clothes formal and unmarred by travel.
" Well met, Haldir of Lothlorien. I welcome you and your companions to Imladris on behalf of Lord Elrond." Both elves stood bowing slightly to the other. " I am overjoyed that you could be here my friend. I was not sure if my messenger would reach you before you would continue with your journey. I am most eager for you to meet the latest citizen of Imladris." Glorfindel moved forward embracing his friend warmly. " Come, I shall show you where you and your party may rest and change before the feast."
" And you, my old friend, may tell me the tale of this newfound prince of Mirkwood, and why I had to make my patrol walk all the back! After all, we only left last night!"
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . *
" Shhh. little prince. This won't hurt but it will look a mess unless you remain still!" Elrond instantly bit back a groan as the figure sitting before him froze instantly. " Not that still Legolas." Elrond shifted on the low bench picking up the soft brush and continuing with his task. The bristles picked their way through the silken strands of the now gleaming blond locks. " Now then, the braids." Fingers worked quickly, well adjusted to their task, the skittish figure relaxing slightly beneath his touch. " My mother used to do this for me when I was young. It was many years before I was good enough to attempt it myself." The back of the golden head tilted slightly, showing the Elven lord his charge was listening. " She always used to laugh at the knots I put in my hair."
" I can't imagine you with messy hair my Lord."
" Why my little Fosterling, was that a smile I saw on those lips of yours?" Elrond chuckled even though he got no response from the young elf kneeling on the floor. " I suppose not. There, all finished." Elrond turned the prince around examining his work from the front. " Why don't you look in the mirror?"
The older elf watched at the princes hesitation as he approached the mirror above the glowing fireplace. Elrond eyes filled with sadness as he watched more silent tears trace their way down Legolas' cheeks. The elf looked away from his reflection and the familiar air of defeat filled his being.
" Please sir. I would ask you to remove them."
" And why pray tell would I do that?" Elrond rose crossing the room until he stood beside Legolas.
" I am not worthy of such decoration."
" Enough Legolas! Whether you can realise it or not, this is no longer your life. You are a prince now, if anything it would be seen as unworthy if you did not have such decoration." Elrond instantly cursed himself for his slip in patience as Legolas flinched away from his touch. " Come little one, we are expected in the Great Hall. It would be rude to keep them waiting, would you not agree?"
Legolas paused, looking up with wide, uncertain eyes. He nodded stepping forward, allowing Elrond to lead him from the room.
" Just relax tonight. Ignore any chatter amongst other elves, it will be hard but please try." Elrond's voice filled with concern, as fear crept into his heart. If Legolas could not eat in front of the kitchen staff, how would he handle a full feast?
" I know how to handle myself my Lord. Unless it had escaped your notice, I am used to discretion." Legolas' gaze did not falter from the hallway stretching ahead of them, and again Elrond cursed himself for his mental stupidity. As they approached the hallway's end, his own step faltered.
" I will be there for you Legolas. Please do not suffer in silence." Elrond sighed as Legolas nodded, still refusing to meet his gaze. " Then come princeling, let's not keep your guests waiting."
*. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . *
" My Lords and Lady's, Lord Elrond, Lord of Imladris, and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." The stewards voice cut across all the chatter emanating around the hall and all turned to the main staircase. Glorfindel stepped forward to the foot of the steps awaiting the arrival. The doors opened and Elrond stepped out, he paused reaching out his hand. Instantly, murmurs and whispers filled the room, and Glorfindel froze, stunned into silence at the radiance before him.
Never before had he seen such a vision of beauty. If Legolas had been beautiful when he arrived, in servant's clothes, hair tangled and face covered in dirt, then he was radiant, no, indescribable now. Elrond had dressed him in white robes lined with red velvet and his pale skin seemed ephemeral in the candlelight of the feast. His hair seemed to have captured the very sunlight of the day, shining out into the night.
The pair walked down from the doorway to greet the gathering awaiting their presence. Legolas kept his head lowered avoiding the staring eyes, all focused on him. Panic diffused throughout his body his breathing becoming shallow and unsteady. The little elf moved closer to Elrond, his grip on the others hand tightening with every step they moved forward. To his relief the hand squeezed back reassuringly and sapphire eyes dared to look upwards. They met Elrond's eyes in a gaze of mutual understanding and unspoken words.
Legolas shuddered as he took his first glance of the gathering of elves. His eyes were instantly drawn to the twins already seated at the head of the table. He knew no one else in the hall as he scanned over their appearance. All were dressed so formally and it reminded him of the early days when he had snuck up to peak at the dancing in Thranduil's palace. It had always been a dreamworld. A place he would visit to escape the cruel touch of his brother. But even the grand feasts had never held such silent dignity and magnificence.
Then his gaze drifted the bottom of the stairwell.
His breath caught in his throat and his heart pounded wildly as he caught sight of Glorfindel in his dress robes. The deep green was lined with gold and his whole being radiated respect and dignity. Legolas had never met anyone like him before.
Glorfindel was staring at the young elf approaching him, still in awe at the transformation. His betrothed was truly beautiful. As the pair of elves reached him, he bowed slightly.
" My lord Elrond. My prince. Allow me to escort you to your seats."
" Well met Glorfindel. I do believe it is time to dine." Together the three elves made their way through the kaleidoscope of colours created by the robes around them towards the main table.
" You look truly radiant Legolas. Those robes suit you." Glorfindel reached out taking Legolas' hand in his own when it was offered by Elrond. 'By Elbereth, his skin is soft..!' Glorfindel found it increasingly difficult to focus on anything other than the being at his side as the other elves melted away from them, taking their seats around the table. Legolas looked away, unable to meet Glorfindel's intense gaze, his own heart pounding wildly within his chest. Fear and confusion added to his growing hysteria and he became desperate for the strength of Elrond's presence at his side.
" Thank you my Lord. But it is Lord Elrond who deserves the praise." Legolas' voice faltered as he stumbled over the words. " It is he who chose the colours and the style."
" A fine choice indeed. I shall have to warn the tailors that they may loose their jobs!" Glorfindel chuckled softly but his merriment faded quickly as he noted the unchanging expression on the young prince's features. " Forgive me Legolas, I could not resist the jibe."
" You have no need to apologise my Lord," Legolas interjected hurriedly. " It is just that I am grateful for the new clothes, it does not matter what they look like."
" On the contrary Legolas, it now matters a great deal. Look around the table and I think you will understand."
Legolas sat in the chair the Glorfindel had led him to and did as the older elf had instructed. He was grateful to see only Elrohir was seated between himself and the Lord of the valley. The young elf forced himself to breathe deeply as the other elves in the hall seated themselves and prepared to eat. Servants bustled around them hurriedly ensuring their comfort and Legolas felt a twinge of guilt pull inside of him. His mind flashed to the kitchens of Mirkwood, how the stifling heat could choke and consume, the burning sting of smoke in his eyes.
" Are you well your highness?" A soft hesitant voice shook him from the web of memories. He looked up to find the raven haired elf at his side staring at him.
" Yes Lord Elrohir. I am well." Elrohir sighed, it was like speaking to an automaton. Ask a question, get a pre-programmed response. A twinge of guilt nagged at the back of his mind and he struggled to brush it aside as he continued to watch the young elf beside him. His attention was drawn away as an expectant silence descended over the hall. The dark elf looked up to see his father standing at his other side waiting to address their guests. He lowered his eyes to the table, shame over coming him again. He could never hope to be half the elf his father was.. if only he had done things diff.
" Welcome to you all. On behalf of Imladris I greet our guests from Lothlorien and am glad that you could prolong your stay." The elven lord paused reaching out to his goblet of wine. " I give this feast to welcome the newest citizen of the valley, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. I hope that he finds many peaceful and happy days here." With that he brought the goblet to his lips.
There was a chorus of agreements from the other elves before they also drank the toast.
" All that is left to be said my friends, is to enjoy yourselves." As Elrond retook his seat, the food was brought in.
Elrohir returned his focus to the startled creature next to him, desperately trying to avoid the deadly look that Glorfindel was giving him. It seemed as though he was being warned to stay well clear.
" Those robes suit you your highness." He inwardly cursed himself as the words slipped passed his lips. ' What a stupid thing to say!' he thought as Legolas looked at him, his eyes uncertain of the compliment.
" Thank you. Your father chose them." The reply held nothing. No warmth, no coldness, in fact, no sign of emotion what so ever. Elrohir noticed Glorfindel's small smile of satisfaction at the prince's lack of response to him. The food arrived preventing him from pressing the youth further.
Glorfindel watched the younger twin trying to force Legolas into conversation and wanted nothing more than to sit between the two of them. Legolas was in no state to deal with such pressure! He couldn't help but be pleased when Legolas treated the upstart with such indifference.
" Legolas, you must try these. Halrowen thought that you would like them." He placed a pair of tiny delicacies on Legolas' plate and watched intently as the princeling gingerly picked one up and began to nibble.
" They are wonderful. I shall have to thank her." A twinkle of pleasure seeped into Legolas' eyes until he realised Glorfindel was staring. " Lord Elrond."
" Yes Legolas, is anything wrong?"
" Umm, no. I was just wondering, I mean.. if I'm not stepping out of place.. Are there horses here?" Legolas stumbled over the words, aiming to escape Glorfindel's scrutiny but instead drawing attention from all over the room. His voice faded out until it was barely more than a whisper, all of his momentary confidence gone.
" Of course young princeling. We have some of the finest horses in Middle Earth. Why?" Elrond smiled kindly at him, trying to reassure him and draw his attention away from the gawping elves.
" Tomorrow. may I see them? I mean, if it's no trouble I.."
" It is no trouble Legolas, of course you may see them. I shall take you myself after breakfast."
" Thank you." Legolas returned his attention to the morsels of food in front of him, trying to calm the mad pounding of his heart inside his chest. He could feel the eyes of both elves next to him burning into him, but he lost interest. He could feel the panic subside as he withdrew into himself, into the safety of his own mind. He wanted to see the horses. Wanted to run through the woods and the fields with them. Wanted to sit and talk with them and the trees as he had so many times in Mirkwood. A faint smile curved his lips at the memories as he continued to pick aimlessly at the food.
He stopped eating when Elrond had finished, unable to eat in front of so many curious eyes. He could tell that the Lords look was one of disapproval without having to see it. It was some time before the food was removed from in front of him and the other elves began to rise and mingle amongst each other. The hall became loud with incessant chatter and jovial banter. Friends met friends and old companions were reunited. Legolas looked out at the scene with a longing, yet also with the knowledge he had no place here.
Elrond rose and stood behind him, holding out his hand in unspoken invitation. Slowly he rose, stumbling slightly as his foot caught in the unfamiliar robes.
" Come, little prince. A few introductions and then we shall retire I think."
Two elves watched as Elrond led the frightened child away. Glorfindel felt disappointment that he could not bring such a response from the little one. He continued to follow the pair with his eyes as musicians began to play and elves around them began to sing. He could not help but wonder how Legolas' voice would sound in song. To sing in joy and contentment as it was meant to. He shut his eyes becoming lost in the fantasy, it would be perfect. Yes, he thought to himself, Legolas shall sing in Imladris. And I shall be there to hear it.
He smiled to himself and went in search of Haldir, knowing that the prince was safe, here in the valley.
Title: Bloom of a Rose Author: Andrea (Azriel) Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, they all belong to the Tolkien estate. Summary: Legolas gets caught up in a dispute between Mirkwood and Imladris. Can Elrond and Glorfindel help him to find happiness? WARNING, this story is SLASH and AU. The pairing shall be G/L with hinted Elrohir/L in later chapters. Thranduil is NOT a nice guy.
Chapter 4:
Glorfindel let his eyes roam over the elves gathering in the great hall and at the abject splendour glistening around him. Perfect. A small smile of satisfaction spread over his lips as he surveyed the scene.
" Everything is ready My Lord." Halrowen came to stand beside him as she also looked out over the bustle. " All is prepared and the guests are beginning to arrive." She paused, " Do you. Would you prefer if I informed Lord Elrond?"
" I would be grateful, yes. It would not be fit for our guests to greet themselves." Glorfindel turned and slowly made his way through the servants still milling around and fussing over the decorations. He sighed softly to himself, his step faltering as the young prince re-entered his mind. He still found it difficult to believe he was betrothed to the young beauty.
Glorfindel almost silently paced down a corridor leading out to the main courtyard where the other Elven lords awaited his arrival. He brushed down his robes, straightening them out before he stepped out into the fading sunlight. Shadows had begun to dance in the approaching twilight as a scarlet hue tinged the sky. The Elven lord breathed deeply, revelling in the sweet smell of the evening mist settling in the valley.
" My lord Glorfindel. It is an honour that you would invite us on this joyous occasion. I can only hope that we can offer you support and understanding through this time." A fair elf stood forward from the group gathered at the bottom of the steps, his clothes formal and unmarred by travel.
" Well met, Haldir of Lothlorien. I welcome you and your companions to Imladris on behalf of Lord Elrond." Both elves stood bowing slightly to the other. " I am overjoyed that you could be here my friend. I was not sure if my messenger would reach you before you would continue with your journey. I am most eager for you to meet the latest citizen of Imladris." Glorfindel moved forward embracing his friend warmly. " Come, I shall show you where you and your party may rest and change before the feast."
" And you, my old friend, may tell me the tale of this newfound prince of Mirkwood, and why I had to make my patrol walk all the back! After all, we only left last night!"
. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . *
" Shhh. little prince. This won't hurt but it will look a mess unless you remain still!" Elrond instantly bit back a groan as the figure sitting before him froze instantly. " Not that still Legolas." Elrond shifted on the low bench picking up the soft brush and continuing with his task. The bristles picked their way through the silken strands of the now gleaming blond locks. " Now then, the braids." Fingers worked quickly, well adjusted to their task, the skittish figure relaxing slightly beneath his touch. " My mother used to do this for me when I was young. It was many years before I was good enough to attempt it myself." The back of the golden head tilted slightly, showing the Elven lord his charge was listening. " She always used to laugh at the knots I put in my hair."
" I can't imagine you with messy hair my Lord."
" Why my little Fosterling, was that a smile I saw on those lips of yours?" Elrond chuckled even though he got no response from the young elf kneeling on the floor. " I suppose not. There, all finished." Elrond turned the prince around examining his work from the front. " Why don't you look in the mirror?"
The older elf watched at the princes hesitation as he approached the mirror above the glowing fireplace. Elrond eyes filled with sadness as he watched more silent tears trace their way down Legolas' cheeks. The elf looked away from his reflection and the familiar air of defeat filled his being.
" Please sir. I would ask you to remove them."
" And why pray tell would I do that?" Elrond rose crossing the room until he stood beside Legolas.
" I am not worthy of such decoration."
" Enough Legolas! Whether you can realise it or not, this is no longer your life. You are a prince now, if anything it would be seen as unworthy if you did not have such decoration." Elrond instantly cursed himself for his slip in patience as Legolas flinched away from his touch. " Come little one, we are expected in the Great Hall. It would be rude to keep them waiting, would you not agree?"
Legolas paused, looking up with wide, uncertain eyes. He nodded stepping forward, allowing Elrond to lead him from the room.
" Just relax tonight. Ignore any chatter amongst other elves, it will be hard but please try." Elrond's voice filled with concern, as fear crept into his heart. If Legolas could not eat in front of the kitchen staff, how would he handle a full feast?
" I know how to handle myself my Lord. Unless it had escaped your notice, I am used to discretion." Legolas' gaze did not falter from the hallway stretching ahead of them, and again Elrond cursed himself for his mental stupidity. As they approached the hallway's end, his own step faltered.
" I will be there for you Legolas. Please do not suffer in silence." Elrond sighed as Legolas nodded, still refusing to meet his gaze. " Then come princeling, let's not keep your guests waiting."
*. * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . * . *
" My Lords and Lady's, Lord Elrond, Lord of Imladris, and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood." The stewards voice cut across all the chatter emanating around the hall and all turned to the main staircase. Glorfindel stepped forward to the foot of the steps awaiting the arrival. The doors opened and Elrond stepped out, he paused reaching out his hand. Instantly, murmurs and whispers filled the room, and Glorfindel froze, stunned into silence at the radiance before him.
Never before had he seen such a vision of beauty. If Legolas had been beautiful when he arrived, in servant's clothes, hair tangled and face covered in dirt, then he was radiant, no, indescribable now. Elrond had dressed him in white robes lined with red velvet and his pale skin seemed ephemeral in the candlelight of the feast. His hair seemed to have captured the very sunlight of the day, shining out into the night.
The pair walked down from the doorway to greet the gathering awaiting their presence. Legolas kept his head lowered avoiding the staring eyes, all focused on him. Panic diffused throughout his body his breathing becoming shallow and unsteady. The little elf moved closer to Elrond, his grip on the others hand tightening with every step they moved forward. To his relief the hand squeezed back reassuringly and sapphire eyes dared to look upwards. They met Elrond's eyes in a gaze of mutual understanding and unspoken words.
Legolas shuddered as he took his first glance of the gathering of elves. His eyes were instantly drawn to the twins already seated at the head of the table. He knew no one else in the hall as he scanned over their appearance. All were dressed so formally and it reminded him of the early days when he had snuck up to peak at the dancing in Thranduil's palace. It had always been a dreamworld. A place he would visit to escape the cruel touch of his brother. But even the grand feasts had never held such silent dignity and magnificence.
Then his gaze drifted the bottom of the stairwell.
His breath caught in his throat and his heart pounded wildly as he caught sight of Glorfindel in his dress robes. The deep green was lined with gold and his whole being radiated respect and dignity. Legolas had never met anyone like him before.
Glorfindel was staring at the young elf approaching him, still in awe at the transformation. His betrothed was truly beautiful. As the pair of elves reached him, he bowed slightly.
" My lord Elrond. My prince. Allow me to escort you to your seats."
" Well met Glorfindel. I do believe it is time to dine." Together the three elves made their way through the kaleidoscope of colours created by the robes around them towards the main table.
" You look truly radiant Legolas. Those robes suit you." Glorfindel reached out taking Legolas' hand in his own when it was offered by Elrond. 'By Elbereth, his skin is soft..!' Glorfindel found it increasingly difficult to focus on anything other than the being at his side as the other elves melted away from them, taking their seats around the table. Legolas looked away, unable to meet Glorfindel's intense gaze, his own heart pounding wildly within his chest. Fear and confusion added to his growing hysteria and he became desperate for the strength of Elrond's presence at his side.
" Thank you my Lord. But it is Lord Elrond who deserves the praise." Legolas' voice faltered as he stumbled over the words. " It is he who chose the colours and the style."
" A fine choice indeed. I shall have to warn the tailors that they may loose their jobs!" Glorfindel chuckled softly but his merriment faded quickly as he noted the unchanging expression on the young prince's features. " Forgive me Legolas, I could not resist the jibe."
" You have no need to apologise my Lord," Legolas interjected hurriedly. " It is just that I am grateful for the new clothes, it does not matter what they look like."
" On the contrary Legolas, it now matters a great deal. Look around the table and I think you will understand."
Legolas sat in the chair the Glorfindel had led him to and did as the older elf had instructed. He was grateful to see only Elrohir was seated between himself and the Lord of the valley. The young elf forced himself to breathe deeply as the other elves in the hall seated themselves and prepared to eat. Servants bustled around them hurriedly ensuring their comfort and Legolas felt a twinge of guilt pull inside of him. His mind flashed to the kitchens of Mirkwood, how the stifling heat could choke and consume, the burning sting of smoke in his eyes.
" Are you well your highness?" A soft hesitant voice shook him from the web of memories. He looked up to find the raven haired elf at his side staring at him.
" Yes Lord Elrohir. I am well." Elrohir sighed, it was like speaking to an automaton. Ask a question, get a pre-programmed response. A twinge of guilt nagged at the back of his mind and he struggled to brush it aside as he continued to watch the young elf beside him. His attention was drawn away as an expectant silence descended over the hall. The dark elf looked up to see his father standing at his other side waiting to address their guests. He lowered his eyes to the table, shame over coming him again. He could never hope to be half the elf his father was.. if only he had done things diff.
" Welcome to you all. On behalf of Imladris I greet our guests from Lothlorien and am glad that you could prolong your stay." The elven lord paused reaching out to his goblet of wine. " I give this feast to welcome the newest citizen of the valley, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. I hope that he finds many peaceful and happy days here." With that he brought the goblet to his lips.
There was a chorus of agreements from the other elves before they also drank the toast.
" All that is left to be said my friends, is to enjoy yourselves." As Elrond retook his seat, the food was brought in.
Elrohir returned his focus to the startled creature next to him, desperately trying to avoid the deadly look that Glorfindel was giving him. It seemed as though he was being warned to stay well clear.
" Those robes suit you your highness." He inwardly cursed himself as the words slipped passed his lips. ' What a stupid thing to say!' he thought as Legolas looked at him, his eyes uncertain of the compliment.
" Thank you. Your father chose them." The reply held nothing. No warmth, no coldness, in fact, no sign of emotion what so ever. Elrohir noticed Glorfindel's small smile of satisfaction at the prince's lack of response to him. The food arrived preventing him from pressing the youth further.
Glorfindel watched the younger twin trying to force Legolas into conversation and wanted nothing more than to sit between the two of them. Legolas was in no state to deal with such pressure! He couldn't help but be pleased when Legolas treated the upstart with such indifference.
" Legolas, you must try these. Halrowen thought that you would like them." He placed a pair of tiny delicacies on Legolas' plate and watched intently as the princeling gingerly picked one up and began to nibble.
" They are wonderful. I shall have to thank her." A twinkle of pleasure seeped into Legolas' eyes until he realised Glorfindel was staring. " Lord Elrond."
" Yes Legolas, is anything wrong?"
" Umm, no. I was just wondering, I mean.. if I'm not stepping out of place.. Are there horses here?" Legolas stumbled over the words, aiming to escape Glorfindel's scrutiny but instead drawing attention from all over the room. His voice faded out until it was barely more than a whisper, all of his momentary confidence gone.
" Of course young princeling. We have some of the finest horses in Middle Earth. Why?" Elrond smiled kindly at him, trying to reassure him and draw his attention away from the gawping elves.
" Tomorrow. may I see them? I mean, if it's no trouble I.."
" It is no trouble Legolas, of course you may see them. I shall take you myself after breakfast."
" Thank you." Legolas returned his attention to the morsels of food in front of him, trying to calm the mad pounding of his heart inside his chest. He could feel the eyes of both elves next to him burning into him, but he lost interest. He could feel the panic subside as he withdrew into himself, into the safety of his own mind. He wanted to see the horses. Wanted to run through the woods and the fields with them. Wanted to sit and talk with them and the trees as he had so many times in Mirkwood. A faint smile curved his lips at the memories as he continued to pick aimlessly at the food.
He stopped eating when Elrond had finished, unable to eat in front of so many curious eyes. He could tell that the Lords look was one of disapproval without having to see it. It was some time before the food was removed from in front of him and the other elves began to rise and mingle amongst each other. The hall became loud with incessant chatter and jovial banter. Friends met friends and old companions were reunited. Legolas looked out at the scene with a longing, yet also with the knowledge he had no place here.
Elrond rose and stood behind him, holding out his hand in unspoken invitation. Slowly he rose, stumbling slightly as his foot caught in the unfamiliar robes.
" Come, little prince. A few introductions and then we shall retire I think."
Two elves watched as Elrond led the frightened child away. Glorfindel felt disappointment that he could not bring such a response from the little one. He continued to follow the pair with his eyes as musicians began to play and elves around them began to sing. He could not help but wonder how Legolas' voice would sound in song. To sing in joy and contentment as it was meant to. He shut his eyes becoming lost in the fantasy, it would be perfect. Yes, he thought to himself, Legolas shall sing in Imladris. And I shall be there to hear it.
He smiled to himself and went in search of Haldir, knowing that the prince was safe, here in the valley.
