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Chapter 12
Legolas and Aragorn silently made their way to the dining hall. As soon as they got there, they realized they weren't the only ones that were famished.
There were several elven servants rushing about in haste around the table, some carrying plates full of food, but most carrying plates that had been emptied. The four hobbits all sat next to each other on the long side of the table, their backs turned toward the ranger and the elf.
Aragorn took one look at the situation and had to resist the urge to laugh. The hobbits were certainly keeping the cooks and servants on their toes. Even now he saw Sam finish a dish and another was placed in front of him almost immediately.
Legolas and Aragorn went around to the other side of the table and sat before one of the hobbits actually looked up from his food to acknowledge them.
"Good morning!" Merry greeted cheerfully.
Legolas nodded in greeting. "Good morning, Master Merry."
"How's the food?" Aragorn asked, looking for an answer that would amuse him.
"Oh, the food is just wonderful!" Sam said, looking up from a cake he was now consuming. "You ought to try some of it!"
"Not just some of it!" Frodo disagreed. "All of it is simply wonderful!"
Aragorn smiled. It warmed his heart to see Frodo carefree, like the hobbit he was supposed to be.
Pippen looked up and held aloft his spoon, full of a purple jam. "The berry jam is excellent!" He cried, and then turned back to his food.
One of the servants that was not hustling about leaned down between the elf and the ranger. My Lords, would you like something to eat? She asked in Sindarin.
Aragorn nodded and answered first. Yes. That cake there… He pointed to the cake Sam had just finished. …it looks good. I should like to try some of that.
The she-elf nodded and then turned to Legolas. And you, My Lord?
I'm sure anything you bring me would be fine. Legolas answered kindly. The hobbits all seem to like everything.
The she-elf glanced at the hobbits and smiled exhaustedly. They have been keeping me busy, that much I will tell you. It's surprising how much they eat despite their small size.
Legolas and Aragorn exchanged a small knowning smile as the she-elf stood up again. Lord Aragorn, I will bring you that cake you requested. Lord Legolas, I will bring you a bit of some of the cook's specialties, and you can choose which you like best.
Legolas nodded in approval and the she-elf rushed off. It was then when Gimli, Gandalf, and Boromir appeared. Escorted by Celidur.
When Legolas saw him he felt a cold flood of anger wash through him. He managed to catch the younger elf's eye, and shot him a cold glare. Celidur's face showed confusion, but then he hastily looked away. He did not look Legolas's way again, but instead, took off down a different hall.
"Ah, Aragorn…Legolas!" Gandalf greeted. "I trust you slept well?"
"Yes, very well, Gandalf." Aragorn answered truthfully. "Legolas?"
Legolas was only half-listening to the conversation. "Yes, it was very nice." he murmured. "I will return." He said, then with haste got up from the table and followed the way he had seen Celidur leave.
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Legolas followed at first at only a fast walk, but when he didn't seem to catch up to Celidur his pursuit escalated into a run. He made not a sound as his feet flew over the polished marble flooring. He rounded a corner, and once again, he almost ran into another elf.
But this time it was not Celidur.
"L…Lady Maegluin!" He stammered, something he rarely did.
The Lady stood there and overlooked him for a moment, but then to Legolas's surprise, she spoke.
"Prince Legolas." She exclaimed softly. It was the first time he had heard her speak. Her voice was deep, deeper than a typical maiden's voice, yet still feminine. But it was also dark and cold, like the winter.
"Good morning." Legolas blurted, without a hint of cheer, for he knew not what else to say.
Lady Maegluin nodded. "Good day." She said. For a moment it seemed that it might be she said, but then she continued. "What puts you in such haste, Prince?" She asked.
Legolas looked over his shoulder nervously. He knew she could sense it. "I think I left something in my chamber," he excused.
The Lady made a soft approving sound deep in her throat. "In that case I would like to inform you that the guest chambers are back that way." She pointed with her long pale hand back the way Legolas had come.
Legolas looked over his shoulder again, and then purposely blushed. "Oh. Terribly sorry, Milady." He said politely. "But your home is so large, it is easy to get lost."
The Lady smiled, an expression that made Legolas want to do the opposite. But he forced himself to anyway. Then he nodded in thanks and turned back the way he came. Silent curses flew through his mind. His problem was like a labyrinth, and each time he had thought he had found a way out it only led him to a dead end. There was no chance of finding Celidur now, unless he decided to come to him.
Walking back towards the entrance to the dining room, Legolas forced his mind to calm. He had to remember that Celidur was he and the Fellowship's assigned servant, and eventually he would have to serve him. Legolas was nearly three thousand years old, and he had learned to be patient.
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