AN: This is just a short, hopefully funny chapter. Obviously, I'm taking some liberties with the actions of elves.
star 67: Hopefully this chapter and the next will answer your questions!
Disclaimer: I don't own what you recognize.
Enjoy...
The interesting thing about elves, Verdi had learned, was they rarely did their hair. One would think, seeing how perfect they always looked, that they would obsess over their hair and be constantly brushing it, braiding it or arranging it elegantly, but Verdi had noticed that they generally ignored their own hair. They would simply braid it as desired and leave it like that for weeks, occasionally brushing the loose strands. Mirrors were hard and expensive to make, so there were no mirrors in personal quarters, only in public buildings where everyone could use them. This, therefore, led to Verdi and Enelya's new prank plan. If one could catch an elf a few days after he had braided his hair, there was a good chance they could alter it without him knowing until some other elf pointed it out to him.
Verdi had been keeping tabs on Haldir for weeks now, waiting for him to redo his hair. Much to her delight, the elf had carefully rebraided his hair four days ago and plan Flower Power could be put into action. So, two days after the Mirkwood elves had arrived, Verdi and Enelya went out for a ride together. Their mission, unknown to everyone else, was to find the perfect flowers for Haldir's hair. For the better part of the afternoon, the two ladies gathered various flowers, hiding them in their saddle bags until they could be put to use at a later time.
Late that night, they snuck into Haldir's talan. Now, this is not an easy thing to do; even when asleep, elves are sensitive to their surroundings and the slightest creak of a floorboard or the small brush of clothing could awaken the Marchwarden. Carefully, quietly, they made their way to Haldir's bed, thankful that it was a windy night, covering the little noise they made. Verdi pulled out some of the blue flowers she had found, these were her favorite and would look wonderful on Haldir's head. Stealthily, the two wove flowers into his hair, making sure they were secure and would not brush his ear, alerting him to their presence.
Mission accomplished, they left the talan, grinning evilly. As soon as they were out of earshot they laughed and arranged to be at breakfast together.
Accordingly, Verdi woke up early and met Enelya halfway to breakfast. They practiced their innocent faces and tried not to laugh; if all went well, Haldir would never know it was them. Or at least he wouldn't have any proof. They calmed themselves and walked slowly to breakfast, pretending to still be a little asleep.
There were quite a few elves all ready there, eating and talking like normal. The two helped themselves to the buffet and went to sit next to Anneal and Haldir's brother Rumil. A few minutes later Legolas joined them and the five gossiped happily.
Halfway through breakfast, Haldir made his appearance, totally oblivious to the flowers in his hair. A few elves snickered quietly but no one said anything. There were two reasons for this: it was a delight to see the arrogant Marchwarden wearing flowers, and it could be disastrous to act like the Marchwarden wasn't perfect. Verdi and Enelya were facing the door and saw Haldir enter, while he made his way past them, the other elves got a good view of their artwork. Verdi noticed Legolas' and Rumil's eyes light up with mischief, and Anneal stifled a smirk. Haldir got his food and walked over, sitting next to the Mirkwood prince.
*I love your hair, Haldir. Where did you find those exquisite flowers? The bring out the color of your eyes quite nicely.* Legolas smiled at the Marchwarden in an almost shy way, batting his eyelashes.
*What?* Haldir's hand flew up to his hair, touching the flowers. Rumil burst into laughter, closely followed by Anneal and Legolas. Enelya and Verdi allowed themselves a grin, as the other elves in the room chuckled softly, still weary of Haldir's wrath. Frowning, Haldir tugged the flowers out of his hair, *Who did this?*
*I know not, dear brother, but surely you don't except the culprit to confess? After all, none of us wants to be running laps all day.*
*I do that all ready!* Verdi reminded Rumil, who leaned down to pick up a few flowers on the ground around Haldir. Rumil tucked one behind his ear and twirled the rest in his fingers.
*I don't see what the problem is,* Legolas began, *They do look quite nice. Really, Haldir, you should decorate yourself more often. I don't think I've ever seen you look so handsome.* The prince gushed like a young maid, sending Rumil and Anneal into more peals of laughter. To everyone's surprise, Haldir blushed and busied himself with his food.
Not wishing to be caught, Verdi and Enelya finished their meal and left, very proud of their work. They were halfway to Enelya's talan when Rumil caught up with them.
*Well done, my ladies, allow me to congratulate you!*
*What did we do?* Enelya asked innocently.
*Oh, don't try to fool me, who else could successfully sneak upon my brother like that? Other than my self and Legolas, that is. Anyway, if you ever need my help, you know where to find me.*
Rumil departed and the two went on their way, laughing and making plans for their next escapade.
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For those of you who are wondering how the timing of this is all working out, hopefully this will help.
The Third Age
2983 - Verdi is born on Earth
2999 - Verdi goes to Middle Earth
3001 - Bilbo turns 111
3007 - Gilraen, Aragorn's mother, dies in Rivendell
3008 - Verdi begins her running and horseback riding lessons with Haldir
3014 - Théoden begins to fall ill and Gríma begins to gain power
over the King.
3015-3017 Sometime during these two years, Sauron captures Gollum
3017 - Gollum is released but later captured by Gandalf and Aragorn, who leave
him in Mirkwood
3018 - Frodo leaves the Shire and the Fellowship is formed
3019 - The Fellowship enters Lothlórien