Title: Haldir's Affliction 1/1
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property.
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Father Winter
Author's Note: This series is over a year old and still growing. All of them can be found here:
Summary: Haldir is turning into something . unnatural.
*~*
49 Hrívë 170 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
Haldir yawned and stretched as he returned to consciousness. He rubbed his face and winced as his hand rubbed a sore spot on the tip of his nose. He palpated it gently, feeling a tiny welt beneath the pad of his finger. His nose had been sore for a day or two after Arwen hit him at the Rhîw* festival. It had not given him any trouble since then and he was confused as to what could be causing this new pain.
He slipped from his bed and padded over to a small mirror hanging on the wall. His eyes widened in shock at the sight he beheld. His silvery-blond hair was mussed from reverie, but that was not what sent shudders of horror through him. There was a red bump on the very tip of his nose, its crimson hue contrasting sharply with his pale skin tone.
He ran across the room and, none to gently, shook Rúmil awake. "Get up, Rúmil!"
Rúmil focused on his brother, as he was jolted from reverie. His eyes widen in horror. "Haldir, you have a spot on your nose!"
"I know that, you dolt. What should I do?" Haldir was beginning to panic. "Should I tell Mom and Dad?"
Rúmil pondered Haldir's questions as he sat up, try as he might, he couldn't seem to quit staring at Haldir's nose. "I do not think that would be wise. What if you are turning into ." he lowered his voice to a bare whisper, "something unnatural?"
Haldir's eyes fairly bulged from his face. "What am I going to do?" he asked in a panicked tone.
Rúmil motioned for him to keep his voice down. "Let us find the others and put the question to them. I am sure that between us all, we will think of something."
Haldir sincerely hoped so. He was not looking forward to displaying the 'thing' growing from his nose to the others, but if it helped to find a way to get rid of it, he was more than willing.
They dressed quickly and sneaked from the talan, choosing to skip breakfast and completely ignoring their daily chores. They ran swiftly through the city, Haldir keeping his head down so that no one would see his affliction. They arrived at the edge of the city and scampered up the abandoned talan they had claimed as their fort. It was some distance from Ameldo's talan, much to their relief.
It was not long before the twins joined them.
"Sauron's balls!" Elladan swore when he got a good look at Haldir's face. "What happened to your face?"
"I do not know! I awoke from reverie this morning to find that I was afflicted by some mysterious disease." Haldir looked in the filthy mirror hanging on the wall. It seemed to him that the spot had not only grown, but had turned a deeper shade of red.
"Maybe we could find out what is happening to Haldir in one of Grandfather's books," Elrohir interjected quietly.
Haldir perked up at the suggestions. "Would you go look?"
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances. "Yes, but we will need a diversion and we know just where to get one."
Their diversion chose that moment to scamper into the talan. "Haldir. Rúmil. Mama said you had better get your -" Orophin skidded to a stop and stared at Haldir. "Look, Hwest*, Haldir has got a spot!"
There was no answer from Hwest that anyone other than Orophin heard.
"Orophin," Haldir said in his nicest tone, "how would you like to do us a big favor?" He sidled over to his brother and draped a friendly arm around his shoulders.
Orophin was instantly alarmed. Haldir was never nice to him unless he wanted something. He clutched Hwest a little tighter to his chest. Feeling rather brave, he answered his brother with a resounding 'no'. He slipped from Haldir's grasp and ran towards the door. "Mama wants you home right now! You are both in big trouble!" He punctuated his statement by sticking out his tongue at his brothers.
"Get him!" Haldir roared and they all quickly gave chase.
Orophin made it down the ladder, but his luck soon ran out. His little legs were no match for the longer ones of his brother. He soon found himself tackled to the ground by Haldir. Before he could react, Hwest was wrenched from his grasp.
"Give me Hwest back," he screamed at Haldir, who had risen and was currently holding the stuffed cat high above his head.
"If you do not wish to see Hwest become kindling for a fire, than you will do as I tell you to," Haldir sneered.
Orophin sobbed and nodded his head. "Just do not hurt poor Hwest."
"All that we need you to do is get Lord Celeborn out of his library for a while," Haldir said in a soothing tone. "If you do that, then I will return Hwest."
Orophin sniffled. "Okay. But how do I do it?"
Elladan clapped Orophin on the back. "I am sure that you will think of something."
*~*
Orophin peeked around the doorframe into Celeborn's private library. The Elf-lord was sitting at an oak table seemingly engrossed in a book. Orophin slipped quietly into the room, still unsure of how to achieve his task.
"How are you this fine morning, Little One?" Celeborn replied, closing the book and smiling gently at Orophin. He noted with concern that the small Elfling seemed to be distressed. "What is the matter, Orophin?"
Orophin shuffled his feet. "I.you see."
Celeborn frown as he pushed his chair away from the table. "Where is Hwest?" Orophin had been inseparable from his stuffed cat since Celeborn had presented it to him on first birthday*.
Orophin burst into tears. "I do not know!" Which was the truth because Haldir had hidden the cat while Orophin wasn't looking.
Celeborn rose and lifted him into his arms. "Hush, Little One. I will help you find Hwest. Where was the last place you remember having him?"
"In my room," Orophin sobbed into Celeborn's chest. Luckily, his face was hidden from the elder Elf, for his cheeks blossomed red as the lie slipped from his mouth.
"Then we shall start there," Celeborn said confidently. He strode from the room, Orophin still clutched in his arms.
The twins smiled from their hiding place in the hallway as their grandfather and Orophin went past them. Moving stealthy, they entered the library and began to search the books lining the shelves.
"And just what do you think you are doing in Grandfather's library?"
Both boys jumped at the sound of Arwen's voice. They turned to see her and Legolas standing in the open doorway.
"Nothing," twin voices echoed in unison.
"Fine, keep your secrets for now! But I am going to tell and you know that Grandmother can always find out what you are doing." Arwen said in a haughty tone.
"Okay, but you must promise not to tell anyone," Elladan said in a pleading tone.
Arwen and Legolas exchanged glances and then nodded their agreement.
Elladan launched into a lengthy and detailed explanation of Haldir's mysterious affliction.
"He is turning into a Dwarf," Legolas gasped.
"How would you know that?" Elrohir asked quietly.
"My father has had dealings with them before and has told me everything about the nasty beasts," Legolas replied.
"It is pretty common," Arwen confirmed. "Last month, Father made a preparation for an Elf about Haldir's age with the same affliction."
"Do you remember which healing remedy he used?" Elladan asked hopefully.
"Yes." Arwen said confidently. "Come on, he just left to take a stroll with mother. I can sneak into his room and get the recipe."
They all followed her down the hallway and slipped into the guest room. Arwen grabbed a sheet of parchment and opened the book to the page that listed the facial cream. Unfortunately, half way through her copying, Legolas hissed that her parents were coming. He quickly amended his statement, but Arwen lost her place and continued her transcription from a different recipe.
*~*
Orophin led Celeborn into his talan.
"Haldir! Rúmil! You boys get your little fannies in-" Orophin's mother stopped mid-sentence at the sight of Lord Celeborn. "My Lord," she sputtered. "I apologize. I thought it was my other two sons."
Celeborn smiled. "I hope I am not intruding. Orophin seems to have misplaced Hwest and I have volunteered to help find him."
"No, not at all." Orophin's mother smiled and returned to the small kitchen off the main room.
"Now, Little One, which way to your room?"
*~*
Haldir frowned at the foul smelling concoction Arwen was brewing on the stove. "Are you sure that it is supposed to have beet juice in it?"
Arwen sighed out loud. "Yes!" she said in an irritated voice. "Do you want me to help you or would you rather turn into a Dwarf?"
"Sorry," Haldir replied. "I am just worried that it will not work."
"It will work," Elladan reassured his friend. He did not want to think of what would happen if it didn't. Everyone knew how much his Grandfather hated Dwarves, ever since the whole incident in Doriath.
Arwen started to hum as she added the vinegar.
*~*
"Well, Hwest is not here," Celeborn said as he got to his feet. They had searched the little room from top to bottom, but had not found the little stuffed cat. "Where else could you have left him?"
Orophin pretended to puzzle over the question. He shrugged his shoulders unable to lie to his hero.
Celeborn pursed his lips as his thought. "Perhaps, in the garden down by the stream?"
Orophin thought it was as good a place as any to look.
*~*
"I AM PINK!" Haldir screamed as he looked into the mirror. His pale skin had taken on a purplish-pink tint from the beet juice. "And the spot is still there!"
"What went wrong, Arwen?" Legolas asked her quietly.
"This must be a worse case of Dwarfism then we first suspected. His skin will probably get all brown and crinkly." Arwen was deeply concerned at this point.
"He does look like he is getting shorter," Rúmil interjected.
"What?" Haldir turned and stared at his brother.
"You are right," Elladan said, pointing at the sleeves of Haldir's tunic.
Haldir had been in such a rush to get dressed that he had accidentally put on a tunic that was still a bit too large for him. He looked down at the cuff and found it extended just beyond the wrist. "By the Valar! What am I to do now?"
"Maybe no one will notice," Elrohir suggested.
"Grandfather will surely notice and then it will be a slow, painful death for Haldir," Elladan said.
Haldir just made a moaning noise.
"I have an idea!" Legolas said suddenly. He bid the others to wait in the clubhouse while he went to fetch a few things.
*~*
Celeborn and Orophin strolled through the manicured gardens, hand-in-hand. They still had not found Hwest. Celeborn was beginning to wonder what was really going on. Orophin seemed distracted and refused to look him in the eyes.
He finally stopped and sat on a stone bench. He lifted Orophin up and settled him on his lap. "Now, Little One, would you like to tell me what this is really all about?"
Orophin peeked up at Celeborn. "What do you mean, my Lord?" he asked nervously. His hands began to twist the hem of his tunic.
Celeborn sighed. He removed the tunic hem from Orophin's fingers and soothed the wrinkled fabric. He gently held Orophin's hands. "You know that you can tell me anything, Orophin. I could never possibly get angry with you."
Orophin nodded. He told Celeborn everything and it felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "And Haldir said that if I did not do it, he would burn poor Hwest right up." He looked wide-eyed at Celeborn.
Celeborn merely nodded, even though he was fuming inside. How dare Haldir treat his brother so despicably? When he got through with the arrogant Elfling, the weeks he spent in the kitchens scrubbing pots would seem like a holiday!
*~*
"Ouch!" Haldir winced. "Do not rub so hard!"
"Do you want to hide the fact that you are turning into a Dwarf or not?" Legolas ground out as he continued to rub lemon juice viciously onto Haldir's face.
"But that hurts! I think you are taking my skin off!" Haldir continued to complain.
"Quit being a baby, Haldir," Rúmil said with relish. He had dreamed of admonishing his brother in such a manner, but never thought it would actually happen.
"I do not think it is working," Elladan said.
"Well, it takes a little bit to set it," Legolas explained. "But it gets rid of my mother's freckles so it should work on Dwarf skin."
Legolas stood back and eyed his handiwork. Haldir's face was a mess. Between the purple tint, the red raw patches of skin and the bump, he looked rather Dwarfish. "You will be all better in the morning," he announced, not really convinced.
*~*
The five friends left the talan just as the evening sun was beginning to set. They had agreed that Haldir should hide in an old closet, lest he was discovered. They would try and sneak him some food later, at least that is what they told him. At the rate he was changing, he would be a foul, bearded, raging Dwarf by the end of the meal hour. They weren't going to risk getting killed.
Celeborn watched the five young ones trudge down the path; Rúmil had Hwest tucked under his arm. He had been on his way to recover Hwest from Haldir. He wondered why the older boy wasn't with them. He climbed the old ladder to the talan above.
He glanced about the room, smiling at the boyish décor and filth. He quickly looked in the two adjoining rooms and found them empty. He was just getting ready to leave the kitchen when he noticed the pot sitting on the stove. He frowned as he noted that a fire had recently been burned in the belly of the stove, and some of the embers were still glowing.
Foolish children, he thought, do they wish to burn the city to the ground? He looked for something with which to quench the fire. He picked up the pot and dumped the contents on the glowing embers. "What foul concoction were the little heathens brewing?" he asked to no one in particular.
Satisfied that the embers no longer posed a danger, he turned and left the kitchen. He had just about decided that Haldir left the talan earlier when he heard a noise coming from the closet in the small bedroom. He entered and throw open the door.
"What have you done to your face?" Celeborn asked as he got a good look at the small Elf huddled in the bottom of the closet.
Haldir began to cry. He told the entire story amid sobs and pleas for his life.
Celeborn blinked. Then he threw back his head and laughed. He laughed until he could no longer stand; dropping to the dusty floor, he continued to cackle.
"What exactly is so funny, Husband?"
Celeborn looked up at his wife through the tears in his eyes. He clutched his sides and could do no more than burst into a fresh round of chortling.
Haldir, however, had been reduced to hysterics.
"Oh my!" Galadriel exclaimed as she got a good look at him. "Elrond?" she sent a questioning look at her son-in-law.
"I think I can fix this," Elrond said softly. He wondered what had ever possessed the children to not only decide that Haldir was turning into a Dwarf, but to try and 'cure' him on their own.
Thankfully, Galadriel had sensed that something was amiss. She and Elrond had confronted the children on the path and had gotten the entire sorrowful tale.
Elrond helped the weeping boy from the closet amid reassurances that he was not turning into a Dwarf and that he would be able to care for his poor damaged skin. He guided Haldir from the room and left Galadriel to deal with Celeborn, who was still cackling like a loon.
*~*
Haldir halfheartedly pulled a weed. He had been sentenced to weed the Lady's garden for the month. It could be worse; he thought to himself, he could be washing pots like Lord Celeborn. The Lady sure did know how to hand out punishments.
The End
49 Hrívë - Elvish date for January 8th Rhîw - Sindarin word for winter Hwest - Sindarin word meaning Puff Apparently, Elves actually celebrate the date of conception not their date of birth. But since these are being written for my son, I really did not want to have to explain conception to him once he's old enough to enjoy these.
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property.
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Father Winter
Author's Note: This series is over a year old and still growing. All of them can be found here:
Summary: Haldir is turning into something . unnatural.
*~*
49 Hrívë 170 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
Haldir yawned and stretched as he returned to consciousness. He rubbed his face and winced as his hand rubbed a sore spot on the tip of his nose. He palpated it gently, feeling a tiny welt beneath the pad of his finger. His nose had been sore for a day or two after Arwen hit him at the Rhîw* festival. It had not given him any trouble since then and he was confused as to what could be causing this new pain.
He slipped from his bed and padded over to a small mirror hanging on the wall. His eyes widened in shock at the sight he beheld. His silvery-blond hair was mussed from reverie, but that was not what sent shudders of horror through him. There was a red bump on the very tip of his nose, its crimson hue contrasting sharply with his pale skin tone.
He ran across the room and, none to gently, shook Rúmil awake. "Get up, Rúmil!"
Rúmil focused on his brother, as he was jolted from reverie. His eyes widen in horror. "Haldir, you have a spot on your nose!"
"I know that, you dolt. What should I do?" Haldir was beginning to panic. "Should I tell Mom and Dad?"
Rúmil pondered Haldir's questions as he sat up, try as he might, he couldn't seem to quit staring at Haldir's nose. "I do not think that would be wise. What if you are turning into ." he lowered his voice to a bare whisper, "something unnatural?"
Haldir's eyes fairly bulged from his face. "What am I going to do?" he asked in a panicked tone.
Rúmil motioned for him to keep his voice down. "Let us find the others and put the question to them. I am sure that between us all, we will think of something."
Haldir sincerely hoped so. He was not looking forward to displaying the 'thing' growing from his nose to the others, but if it helped to find a way to get rid of it, he was more than willing.
They dressed quickly and sneaked from the talan, choosing to skip breakfast and completely ignoring their daily chores. They ran swiftly through the city, Haldir keeping his head down so that no one would see his affliction. They arrived at the edge of the city and scampered up the abandoned talan they had claimed as their fort. It was some distance from Ameldo's talan, much to their relief.
It was not long before the twins joined them.
"Sauron's balls!" Elladan swore when he got a good look at Haldir's face. "What happened to your face?"
"I do not know! I awoke from reverie this morning to find that I was afflicted by some mysterious disease." Haldir looked in the filthy mirror hanging on the wall. It seemed to him that the spot had not only grown, but had turned a deeper shade of red.
"Maybe we could find out what is happening to Haldir in one of Grandfather's books," Elrohir interjected quietly.
Haldir perked up at the suggestions. "Would you go look?"
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances. "Yes, but we will need a diversion and we know just where to get one."
Their diversion chose that moment to scamper into the talan. "Haldir. Rúmil. Mama said you had better get your -" Orophin skidded to a stop and stared at Haldir. "Look, Hwest*, Haldir has got a spot!"
There was no answer from Hwest that anyone other than Orophin heard.
"Orophin," Haldir said in his nicest tone, "how would you like to do us a big favor?" He sidled over to his brother and draped a friendly arm around his shoulders.
Orophin was instantly alarmed. Haldir was never nice to him unless he wanted something. He clutched Hwest a little tighter to his chest. Feeling rather brave, he answered his brother with a resounding 'no'. He slipped from Haldir's grasp and ran towards the door. "Mama wants you home right now! You are both in big trouble!" He punctuated his statement by sticking out his tongue at his brothers.
"Get him!" Haldir roared and they all quickly gave chase.
Orophin made it down the ladder, but his luck soon ran out. His little legs were no match for the longer ones of his brother. He soon found himself tackled to the ground by Haldir. Before he could react, Hwest was wrenched from his grasp.
"Give me Hwest back," he screamed at Haldir, who had risen and was currently holding the stuffed cat high above his head.
"If you do not wish to see Hwest become kindling for a fire, than you will do as I tell you to," Haldir sneered.
Orophin sobbed and nodded his head. "Just do not hurt poor Hwest."
"All that we need you to do is get Lord Celeborn out of his library for a while," Haldir said in a soothing tone. "If you do that, then I will return Hwest."
Orophin sniffled. "Okay. But how do I do it?"
Elladan clapped Orophin on the back. "I am sure that you will think of something."
*~*
Orophin peeked around the doorframe into Celeborn's private library. The Elf-lord was sitting at an oak table seemingly engrossed in a book. Orophin slipped quietly into the room, still unsure of how to achieve his task.
"How are you this fine morning, Little One?" Celeborn replied, closing the book and smiling gently at Orophin. He noted with concern that the small Elfling seemed to be distressed. "What is the matter, Orophin?"
Orophin shuffled his feet. "I.you see."
Celeborn frown as he pushed his chair away from the table. "Where is Hwest?" Orophin had been inseparable from his stuffed cat since Celeborn had presented it to him on first birthday*.
Orophin burst into tears. "I do not know!" Which was the truth because Haldir had hidden the cat while Orophin wasn't looking.
Celeborn rose and lifted him into his arms. "Hush, Little One. I will help you find Hwest. Where was the last place you remember having him?"
"In my room," Orophin sobbed into Celeborn's chest. Luckily, his face was hidden from the elder Elf, for his cheeks blossomed red as the lie slipped from his mouth.
"Then we shall start there," Celeborn said confidently. He strode from the room, Orophin still clutched in his arms.
The twins smiled from their hiding place in the hallway as their grandfather and Orophin went past them. Moving stealthy, they entered the library and began to search the books lining the shelves.
"And just what do you think you are doing in Grandfather's library?"
Both boys jumped at the sound of Arwen's voice. They turned to see her and Legolas standing in the open doorway.
"Nothing," twin voices echoed in unison.
"Fine, keep your secrets for now! But I am going to tell and you know that Grandmother can always find out what you are doing." Arwen said in a haughty tone.
"Okay, but you must promise not to tell anyone," Elladan said in a pleading tone.
Arwen and Legolas exchanged glances and then nodded their agreement.
Elladan launched into a lengthy and detailed explanation of Haldir's mysterious affliction.
"He is turning into a Dwarf," Legolas gasped.
"How would you know that?" Elrohir asked quietly.
"My father has had dealings with them before and has told me everything about the nasty beasts," Legolas replied.
"It is pretty common," Arwen confirmed. "Last month, Father made a preparation for an Elf about Haldir's age with the same affliction."
"Do you remember which healing remedy he used?" Elladan asked hopefully.
"Yes." Arwen said confidently. "Come on, he just left to take a stroll with mother. I can sneak into his room and get the recipe."
They all followed her down the hallway and slipped into the guest room. Arwen grabbed a sheet of parchment and opened the book to the page that listed the facial cream. Unfortunately, half way through her copying, Legolas hissed that her parents were coming. He quickly amended his statement, but Arwen lost her place and continued her transcription from a different recipe.
*~*
Orophin led Celeborn into his talan.
"Haldir! Rúmil! You boys get your little fannies in-" Orophin's mother stopped mid-sentence at the sight of Lord Celeborn. "My Lord," she sputtered. "I apologize. I thought it was my other two sons."
Celeborn smiled. "I hope I am not intruding. Orophin seems to have misplaced Hwest and I have volunteered to help find him."
"No, not at all." Orophin's mother smiled and returned to the small kitchen off the main room.
"Now, Little One, which way to your room?"
*~*
Haldir frowned at the foul smelling concoction Arwen was brewing on the stove. "Are you sure that it is supposed to have beet juice in it?"
Arwen sighed out loud. "Yes!" she said in an irritated voice. "Do you want me to help you or would you rather turn into a Dwarf?"
"Sorry," Haldir replied. "I am just worried that it will not work."
"It will work," Elladan reassured his friend. He did not want to think of what would happen if it didn't. Everyone knew how much his Grandfather hated Dwarves, ever since the whole incident in Doriath.
Arwen started to hum as she added the vinegar.
*~*
"Well, Hwest is not here," Celeborn said as he got to his feet. They had searched the little room from top to bottom, but had not found the little stuffed cat. "Where else could you have left him?"
Orophin pretended to puzzle over the question. He shrugged his shoulders unable to lie to his hero.
Celeborn pursed his lips as his thought. "Perhaps, in the garden down by the stream?"
Orophin thought it was as good a place as any to look.
*~*
"I AM PINK!" Haldir screamed as he looked into the mirror. His pale skin had taken on a purplish-pink tint from the beet juice. "And the spot is still there!"
"What went wrong, Arwen?" Legolas asked her quietly.
"This must be a worse case of Dwarfism then we first suspected. His skin will probably get all brown and crinkly." Arwen was deeply concerned at this point.
"He does look like he is getting shorter," Rúmil interjected.
"What?" Haldir turned and stared at his brother.
"You are right," Elladan said, pointing at the sleeves of Haldir's tunic.
Haldir had been in such a rush to get dressed that he had accidentally put on a tunic that was still a bit too large for him. He looked down at the cuff and found it extended just beyond the wrist. "By the Valar! What am I to do now?"
"Maybe no one will notice," Elrohir suggested.
"Grandfather will surely notice and then it will be a slow, painful death for Haldir," Elladan said.
Haldir just made a moaning noise.
"I have an idea!" Legolas said suddenly. He bid the others to wait in the clubhouse while he went to fetch a few things.
*~*
Celeborn and Orophin strolled through the manicured gardens, hand-in-hand. They still had not found Hwest. Celeborn was beginning to wonder what was really going on. Orophin seemed distracted and refused to look him in the eyes.
He finally stopped and sat on a stone bench. He lifted Orophin up and settled him on his lap. "Now, Little One, would you like to tell me what this is really all about?"
Orophin peeked up at Celeborn. "What do you mean, my Lord?" he asked nervously. His hands began to twist the hem of his tunic.
Celeborn sighed. He removed the tunic hem from Orophin's fingers and soothed the wrinkled fabric. He gently held Orophin's hands. "You know that you can tell me anything, Orophin. I could never possibly get angry with you."
Orophin nodded. He told Celeborn everything and it felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "And Haldir said that if I did not do it, he would burn poor Hwest right up." He looked wide-eyed at Celeborn.
Celeborn merely nodded, even though he was fuming inside. How dare Haldir treat his brother so despicably? When he got through with the arrogant Elfling, the weeks he spent in the kitchens scrubbing pots would seem like a holiday!
*~*
"Ouch!" Haldir winced. "Do not rub so hard!"
"Do you want to hide the fact that you are turning into a Dwarf or not?" Legolas ground out as he continued to rub lemon juice viciously onto Haldir's face.
"But that hurts! I think you are taking my skin off!" Haldir continued to complain.
"Quit being a baby, Haldir," Rúmil said with relish. He had dreamed of admonishing his brother in such a manner, but never thought it would actually happen.
"I do not think it is working," Elladan said.
"Well, it takes a little bit to set it," Legolas explained. "But it gets rid of my mother's freckles so it should work on Dwarf skin."
Legolas stood back and eyed his handiwork. Haldir's face was a mess. Between the purple tint, the red raw patches of skin and the bump, he looked rather Dwarfish. "You will be all better in the morning," he announced, not really convinced.
*~*
The five friends left the talan just as the evening sun was beginning to set. They had agreed that Haldir should hide in an old closet, lest he was discovered. They would try and sneak him some food later, at least that is what they told him. At the rate he was changing, he would be a foul, bearded, raging Dwarf by the end of the meal hour. They weren't going to risk getting killed.
Celeborn watched the five young ones trudge down the path; Rúmil had Hwest tucked under his arm. He had been on his way to recover Hwest from Haldir. He wondered why the older boy wasn't with them. He climbed the old ladder to the talan above.
He glanced about the room, smiling at the boyish décor and filth. He quickly looked in the two adjoining rooms and found them empty. He was just getting ready to leave the kitchen when he noticed the pot sitting on the stove. He frowned as he noted that a fire had recently been burned in the belly of the stove, and some of the embers were still glowing.
Foolish children, he thought, do they wish to burn the city to the ground? He looked for something with which to quench the fire. He picked up the pot and dumped the contents on the glowing embers. "What foul concoction were the little heathens brewing?" he asked to no one in particular.
Satisfied that the embers no longer posed a danger, he turned and left the kitchen. He had just about decided that Haldir left the talan earlier when he heard a noise coming from the closet in the small bedroom. He entered and throw open the door.
"What have you done to your face?" Celeborn asked as he got a good look at the small Elf huddled in the bottom of the closet.
Haldir began to cry. He told the entire story amid sobs and pleas for his life.
Celeborn blinked. Then he threw back his head and laughed. He laughed until he could no longer stand; dropping to the dusty floor, he continued to cackle.
"What exactly is so funny, Husband?"
Celeborn looked up at his wife through the tears in his eyes. He clutched his sides and could do no more than burst into a fresh round of chortling.
Haldir, however, had been reduced to hysterics.
"Oh my!" Galadriel exclaimed as she got a good look at him. "Elrond?" she sent a questioning look at her son-in-law.
"I think I can fix this," Elrond said softly. He wondered what had ever possessed the children to not only decide that Haldir was turning into a Dwarf, but to try and 'cure' him on their own.
Thankfully, Galadriel had sensed that something was amiss. She and Elrond had confronted the children on the path and had gotten the entire sorrowful tale.
Elrond helped the weeping boy from the closet amid reassurances that he was not turning into a Dwarf and that he would be able to care for his poor damaged skin. He guided Haldir from the room and left Galadriel to deal with Celeborn, who was still cackling like a loon.
*~*
Haldir halfheartedly pulled a weed. He had been sentenced to weed the Lady's garden for the month. It could be worse; he thought to himself, he could be washing pots like Lord Celeborn. The Lady sure did know how to hand out punishments.
The End
49 Hrívë - Elvish date for January 8th Rhîw - Sindarin word for winter Hwest - Sindarin word meaning Puff Apparently, Elves actually celebrate the date of conception not their date of birth. But since these are being written for my son, I really did not want to have to explain conception to him once he's old enough to enjoy these.