Chapter 6 -Tauron the Hunter
The pathways that wended through the Wood Elf King's realm were deserted. No sound of music, laughter, or quiet conversation lifted on the spring air. The only sound to be heard was the panicked breathing of the three young Elves, and the soft, whispery snores of the slumbering spider.
"Oh! We should have told your father immediately, Legolas!" Brethil gasped, yanking on his long child's braid. "We should have gone there first! He is the King! He needs to know so he can save us! We shouldn't have waited! What are we going to do?"
Tavor's dark grey eyes widened as horrible little thoughts crept through his fevered brain.
"What if it kills us?" he gasped. "What if everyone is already dead and we are the only ones left here? Why is it so quiet? What if it changed all the others into Mud Monsters, too? Maybe it isn't a Mud Monster. What if it is Bastryn's mother??!!" He nearly shrieked this last, as his distress rose to a new level. "What if she has wrapped everyone up and is going to eat us all for dinner?! Rolling us through the woods with all those horrible, furry legs! Why do they have so many legs anyway? It isn't natural! It isn't right! What if-"
"Shut up, Tavor!" Legolas and Brethil yelped in unison, Legolas moving to clap a hand over his friend's mouth, as Tavor's voice had risen at least an octave as his terror had taken hold.
"They are not dead," Legolas said, releasing his friend's mouth. He moved to peer out the window and down to the path below. His fingers clenched on the window frame, knuckles white. "Adar will know what to do. We just have to go -" he gulped and swallowed. "We just have to get to the palace. That is all. . . It's. . .it's. . . not so very. . . far." He glanced back at his two companions. "We can make it."
Brethil stared at him in disbelief, and Tavor shook his head.
"We are doomed," he said in an ominous voice. "The Valar have decided to punish us for skipping archery lessons. Just please, Great Valar! Don't let it be Bastryn's mother!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Legolas snorted, trying to sound brave and contemptuous. "The Valar wouldn't let everyone in Gladaran Thamas die because we missed archery lessons." ~But they might send the monster - or Bastryn's mother after - the three of us, ~ he thought gloomily, and swallowed again.
Tanglinna had always told them that he had a very special relationship with Tauron, the Lord of Forests, the Vala also known as Orome. Perhaps that fearsome Vala had chased one of the fell monsters of Melkor into Mirkwood merely to punish them for their truancy. Or chased Bastryn's mother here instead as punishment for taking a spider as a pet. Maybe his Ada was right. Elves weren't supposed to have pet spiders. Maybe Thranduil had summoned the Vala here to set things in proper order once more. A picture of that Great One atop his mighty white horse Nahar riding through the depths of Mirkwood, his horn Valaroma raised to his lips, filled the son of Thranduil's mind.
Legolas gasped. That was the noise! The horrible noise was the sound of the Vala's horn! It wasn't Mesgwauruan or the angry spider mother that was coming for them! It was Tauron himself!
He opened his mouth to tell the others of this revelation, but the look of terror on Tavor's face stopped him. How much more could his friend take before he died of fright? How much more could he take himself?
~Is that even possible for Elves? ~ he wondered. He didn't want to risk it, so he straightened bravely. Besides, the Valar wouldn't want to harm one of the Firstborn. . .would they, even if they had deliberately done one thing that was forbidden? Or two things. . .
"Come on," he began, feeling his knees shaking. "We can make it to the palace." ~And Tauron won't be able to find us if we hide in one of the cellars. Would he?~ "Adar will know what to do," he said aloud though the words were meant for himself. ~Won't he? ~ "Or. . .or Tanglinna."
Everyone knew of the fierceness of the anger of Tauron, and Legolas remembered stories of the poor first Quendi fleeing from the sound of his horn. They had feared the Hunter, the Dark Rider on his wild horse that had pursued them in the past, not knowing that Tauron was not the one that chased and captured their kin, but another being evil and fell. It was no wonder that many of the first Elves fled from the Vala in unknowing fear. But now Tauron was mad at them. His anger had to be even fiercer than Thranduil's. . . or even Tanglinna's.
"Let's go," he whispered. "Now!"
He moved to the formal entrance and began his careful, quiet descent.
All about them silence reigned. Legolas dropped soundlessly to the ground, his eyes wide with fright as he glanced nervously about. There was no one in sight.
"I am sorry," he murmured. "I am sorry, Manwe. Please don't let Tauron take us to the Halls of Mandos. I won't miss archery class again. I promise! Please don't take us away. Please, Lord Tauron, spare us."
"What are you saying, Legolas?" Brethil asked as he came to stand at his side, his face pale beneath the mud. He had seldom seen Legolas looking so scared, and this more than the awful noise frightened him.
"Nothing. . . nothing," Legolas said, in a strangled voice. "Let's go!"
They crept silently down the path that wound lazily through the stands of trees and rose bushes, their sweet, elusive scent filling the air. Ahead of them rose the great hill dotted with oak, beech, and maple trees; their small leaves a bright spring green. Beneath this stony rise was Thranduil's Hall. It looked so peaceful and lovely, so at odds with what the three youths were feeling that it seemed unreal.
Tavor looked the least worried as he gazed about him, eyes wide and almost blank.
"I wonder what the Halls of Mandos are like. Do you think they will be as beautiful as it is here? Your father would probably be jealous if they were nicer, don't you think, Legolas? I am sure there won't be any spiders. Or Mud Monsters. Or -"
"Shut up, Tavor!" the prince growled, having jumped at the sudden sound of his friend's voice in the most unnatural silence. And why must he mention the Halls of Mandos?
"Don't you ever think about what it is like?" Tavor continued as if he hadn't heard Legolas. "I wonder if we will have to take archery lessons."
Brethil blinked and frowned at him, but then his face brightened with hope.
"Master Tanglinna will save us!" he said with a smile, remembering some of the stories that Talagan had told them about the Master Archer. "He's survived so many battles and wars - he even survived Dagorlad when your grandfather didn't, Legolas. No one is better with a bow. . .or with his knives either." Brethil cocked his head to one side like a bird as he thought about it. "No monster will ever be able to get past Tanglinna. Everything will be fine!" he concluded with an even broader, relieved grin.
Legolas turned to stare at him. Tanglinna was a fierce warrior; he had trained many generations of Elves in the art of the bow; he was also an expert with the knives; no one could best him. He had taught the use of weapons to more Elves than Legolas could even imagine, including Thranduil. He was also an expert hunter, his arrows never failed to bring down his prey. No one, monster or being, could stand against him. He. . .he . . .Legolas eyes widened in sudden horror. What if Tanglinna were Tauron in disguise? What if he wasn't merely the Master Archer, but the Lord of Forests as well? How else could you explain his great prowess with the weapons he chose to wield, or the fact that he seemed invincible?
~No,~ he thought. ~He can't be. Why would Orome disguise himself as an Elf?~
To make up for scaring the first Elves perhaps, a small, terrifyingly logical voice in his head said. Legolas swallowed in a dry throat. That would explain a lot of things about him, wouldn't it?
~How else did he manage to survive Dagorlad, and all those other battles when so many others died? Because he is a Vala and he can't die! How could he dare to defy Thranduil. . .even as he had probably defied Oropher before him? Why else was he so fierce and proud? And now we have missed his archery lessons! Ai! Ai! What are we to do?! And to think that I asked Brethil earlier if upsetting Master Tanglinna was all he was worried about!~
He turned terrified eyes to his two friends. How could they have brought this on themselves? Why? For a baby spider that bit them constantly and was more trouble than fun. . .
"We. . .we can't tell. . . Master Tanglinna," he gulped, wishing that he had Aralithus, then none of this would ever have happened. "We. . .we must talk to Ada first! Not Master Tanglinna. Never Master Tanglinna!"
Tavor seemed to snap out of his reverie and blinked, looking at Legolas. Brethil stared at him too, in wonder and terror. What was happening? Why did Legolas look so scared, the blue eyes filled with such a sea of swirling fear that Brethil felt his own anxiety rising once more?
"Legolas, what -"
"No! We have to find Ada. Only he can save us!" Surely Tanglinna would listen to Thranduil. Surely Tanglinna had to obey the King of the Wood Elves. Surely. . .But if Tanglinna were one of the Valar he wouldn't have to listen to anyone. "Ada will have to save us," he whispered, wondering if his brave, wonderful father would be any match for a Valar. Suddenly Legolas shuddered, and sprinted toward the hill.
Tavor drew a shaky breath and glanced at Brethil, who was staring wide-eyed after the fleeing prince. Brethil turned to look at him and drew a breath to speak, but found that for once he could not form any words. He blinked several times and then shook his head. This distressed Tavor even more. Hurriedly they ran after Legolas, both wondering what they would find in the palace.
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"Here they come," Thranduil whispered to Tanglinna, a smile tugging on the edges of his lips. "They look terrified, iaur coru min {ancient wily one}." Thranduil felt a momentary flash of sympathy for the younglings, but it passed quickly, and was replaced by the anticipation of seeing them squirm for a while. Just as he had when he was a mere prince, and when he was just as adept at trouble making as they were now, with his own Adar and Tanglinna waiting to catch him.
Standing at his shoulder, the Master Archer did smile, his grey eyes alight with amusement. Those three younglings seemed overly fond of the pranks they pulled in the past; he wondered how they would feel with the tables being turned on them. They looked like nothing more than panicked, scampering squirrels as they disappeared from view.
"Well?" Thranduil said with a grin. "Shall we go and greet them?"
Tanglinna turned to smile at him, the silvery grey eyes flashing with amusement.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Don't you want to hear what they have to say?
Thranduil raised one golden brow, his mouth twisting into a wry smile.
"You do realize, Master Archer, that young Brethil is one of them, do you not?"
Tanglinna stared over at him, brows furrowed. Then he frowned.
"Yes," he answered slowly as he realized what the King was saying. "There is that. Well, I do not have anything else to do this day. Do you?"
Thranduil laughed heartily, and slapped him on the back.
"No, I suppose I have time for one good bout of Brethilitis this morning. But," he said with a quirk of his brows, "only one."
"Then you had best hope that neither your son or Tavor has managed to catch it," Tanglinna finished, as they headed down the corridor toward the entry hall. "Or we may never get out of there."
Thranduil chuckled.
"Yes, we would be trapped by a 'Wall of Words'."
Tanglinna's silvery brows rose eloquently, speaking as well as his own words could.
Thranduil's brows rose as well, and then he shrugged.
"I thought it was funny," he murmured, moving ahead of his Master Archer and down the hall.
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The Tricksy Trio stood in the large entry hall of Thranduil's underground palace, panting slightly. They stared wide-eyed about the ominously silent hall, glancing back and forth for some sign of life. It was as quiet as a tomb, no soft footfalls or subdued voices, just a solemn silence.
"I told you so," Tavor whispered, flinching slightly at how loud those four words sounded, echoing slightly off the high stone ceiling. The carvings of animals, trees, plants, and birds on the columns and corbels seemed sinister in the torchlight, the carved eyes flashing maliciously as though they knew exactly what had happened because of the three young Elves that stood before them.
Legolas turned to glare at his friend. If Tavor mentioned the Halls of Mandos just once more he would . . .he would . . .well, he didn't know what he would do, but it wouldn't be pleasant. Tavor merely shrugged, his worried grey eyes darting about trying to pierce the shadows that clung to the corners. Legolas turned from him to stare down the dark corridor leading to the family's rooms.
~Where are you, Ada? ~ he thought frantically, his hands knotting on his muddy tunic. ~Why aren't you here to lecture us about our absence? Where are you? ~
His heart leapt into his throat. What if Tavor was right? No, he couldn't be! The Valar loved the Firstborn, they wouldn't do that.
"Um, Legolas. Tavor."
Perhaps this was all some elaborate ruse created by his Ada and Tanglinna to punish them. Perhaps they were just waiting for the right moment to jump out and startle them.
"Legolas. Tavor."
Perhaps they were all out in the forest searching for them and that was why it was so quiet here. He could picture all the Elves of his father's realm hunting through the trees, calling softly for them.
"Legolas! Tavor!"
Perhaps if Brethil would just shut up - He turned to look at his loquacious friend who was staring down the opposite corridor.
"What!?" he hissed, but then he saw what. A large shadowy shape was coming up the corridor, the dim lights glinting off its head. "T-Tauron!" Legolas stuttered, falling back a few steps and bowling Tavor over. Tavor gasped and scooted backwards on his rump until he thumped against the wall.
Brethil swallowed, and opened his mouth; then he closed it and turned to stare in perplexity at Legolas.
"What did you say?" he asked. "I don't think I heard you correctly."
"It. . .it. . ."
"Yes?"
Legolas watched as the shadowy being approached. Their time had run out, but just as he sank to his knees in fear and supplication trying to think of the proper words to say - How did one address an angry Vala? - Thranduil emerged into the hall.
"What have you done now, Little Greenleaf?" the King asked as he stared at him, keeping his face set in stern uncompromising lines.
"Ada?" the young Elf glanced up at his father, the light playing on the silver circlet on his brow. "Ada? Is that really you?"
Thranduil didn't have the chance to answer him; he only had a fleeting moment to stare at him in surprise at the unexpected question before Legolas launched himself into his father's arms.
"Oh, Ada! You are here! You are here! I was so afraid! I thought you were -" He halted mid-sentence, gazing up into his father's face, tears of relief slipping down his cheeks. He wrapped his arms about his father's waist, and buried his face against his father, hands knotting in the soft fabric of the king's clothing.
Thranduil looked down at him, tenderly stroking the muddy hair. He smiled slightly and shook his head. What had the three been doing to frighten themselves so? And to get so dirty?
"Ada, I am so sorry," Legolas continued in a shaky voice, muffled against the king's chest. "We should never have left without telling you. We didn't mean to miss archery practice, or to catch Bastryn. Ada, I will never do it again. I promise."
"I wouldn't be making promises that we all know you will never be able to keep, nin caun."
They all turned to see Tanglinna standing behind them, arms crossed over his chest, face unreadable as always. Thranduil could feel the shudder that passed through his son's body, and glanced back at the Master Archer, a look of confusion on his face.
Brethil trotted over to Tanglinna, looking very contrite.
"Oh, Master Tanglinna," he began, as he took one of the archer's strong slim hands in his own. "We are so sorry that we missed your lessons. Truly we are. We will never, ever miss them again." He shook his head and sighed. "Legolas really did feel it best if we went to Morn Nen and got some of its magic waters for Bastryn-"
"Morn Nen?" Thranduil raised one brow and tipped up Legolas' chin with one finger since it seemed the elflilng had suddenly found something very interesting on the floor to look at. "Morn Nen," he repeated. "Little Greenleaf, you know what I have told you about going there."
"Oh, we know," Brethil answered when his friend hesitated for just a second. He cocked his head to one side. "We must never travel that far from the palace alone because there are too many dangers that Elflings of our tender years may not be able to handle. There are the Spiders, of course-" He turned to glance back at Tavor. "To think Tavor, you thought that Bastryn's mother was coming after us. How silly!"
Thranduil blinked and mouthed "Bastryn's mother", as he raised his eyes to meet Tanglinna's. The Master Archer was hard pressed to keep a straight face, so he merely shrugged and allowed Brethil to continue, the youngling's hand still clasped gently about his.
"Then there are the Goblins. Though I do not think they travel this far east, but since Your Majesty has said it, then it must be true. Of course, Silivren Hithlain Man is said to live in a Willow Grove somewhere that mysteriously appears when there is a mist," he glanced at Legolas. "We would never travel in the mist, would we, Legolas? Not without your bubble pipe anyway. Then there is . . ." His voice dropped to whisper, "Mesgwauruan." The next words burst forth quite loudly. "Oh, Master Tanglinna, you are so brave and can shoot so well that I know you can save us from Mesgwauruan! I wanted to tell you and His Majesty first, but they never listen to me," he said sternly, shooting an accusing look at Legolas and Tavor.
"Mesgwauruan?" Thranduil mouthed. Tanglinna shrugged, staring down at young Brethil in confusion. He had never heard of Mesgwauruan either.
"Then Legolas seemed to get even more frightened, and he was praying to Lord Tauron I think, I couldn't really hear him. I think he didn't want to frighten Tavor and I anymore than we already were. He is very kind to us." He smiled at the prince, who started slightly at the mention of the Valar. "Though I must admit that I was more frightened by the look on his face. Oh, Legolas! What is it that you won't tell us? Why were you praying to Lord Tauron?"
"Lord Tauron?" Thranduil mouthed incredulously. Tanglinna shrugged, and coughed slightly to hide a snort of laughter.
Thranduil felt his own delighted laughter bubbling in his chest. It was amazing what these younglings thought at times. Some how he managed to keep his merriment from his face, though he felt certain that his eyes must show something of his feelings.
"Little Greenleaf, why were you praying to the Lord of Forests? Did you think that perhaps he would help you escape your punishment for going to Morn Nen alone and without permission?"
Legolas' gaze never left the Master Archer's stern face. He could see the fell amusement shining in that one's grey eyes. They had never looked so hawk-like and feral before, had they? Had he been that tall and imposing before today? He swallowed in a dry throat. The familiar face seemed somehow changed before him. Was it merely his fear that had worked this transforming, or was Tanglinna truly as he feared - Tauron Lord of Forests?
"No Ada, that is not what I thought," he croaked, his fingers tightening on his father's long green tunic. He continued to stare at the Master Archer, wondering what he should say or do to fix things. "I. . .I . . . we didn't mean to go there," he began hesitantly. "If Bastryn would just stay away this wouldn't be necessary. But he won't leave! He thinks that Ada's throne is his home, and no matter where I took him he kept coming back." Suddenly he moved across the space separating him from Tanglinna, and fell onto his knees, his head bowed. "Please, Lord Tauron! Don't take us away to Halls of Mandos! I won't ever go to Morn Nen alone again, and I won't even catch any more spiders. I will get rid of Bastryn. I should be able to since I have the water to help him forget. Don't you see? We didn't do this to get out of Master Tanglinna's . . .I mean your archery lessons. Please, Lord Tauron! We will work hard from now on to be the best archers of all. Please don't take us to the Halls of Mandos!"
Tanglinna stared down at the youngling in amazement. Had he just been called "Lord Tauron"? How had this mere prank of his grown into whatever this was? He had merely wanted the young ones to think before they ran off alone again. He hadn't meant to frighten them this badly. He raised his grey eyes to the King who looked equally stunned. Tavor's eyes were so wide that the Master Archer wondered if they would pop from his head.
"I-I didn't mean to talk about the Halls of Mandos earlier," Tavor choked, all his usual cockiness having fled. "I didn't! I-I do hope there are archery lessons there! I do hope there are archery lessons there! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do hope there are archery lessons there!"
Tanglinna could barely prevent his mouth from dropping open as Tavor fell to his knees muttering about archery lessons and the Halls of Mandos like a madman. Brethil stared up at him, his eyes usually so full of delight and innocence suddenly filled with terror. He stared at their interlaced hands and jumped back as if bitten. He opened his mouth and found that for the second time that day he couldn't speak. Brethil clapped his hands over his mouth in amazement, and then joined the others on their knees. The Master Archer blinked several times, brows knit in confusion. What was going on? Tavor and Legolas talking away as though they were Brethil, and Brethil himself as silent as a newborn fawn. What WAS going on?
"Stand up, you three!" he barked sharply. If this were some game of theirs, they would be sorry. "What are you playing at now, Prince Legolas?"
Legolas rose and stood looking steadily at the rich carpeting beneath Tanglinna's boot-shod feet. At least he hadn't swept them up yet, tossing them across Nahar's back and riding for the Halls of Mandos.
"Answer him, Little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, moving to stand behind the cowering boys.
"I told you, Ada," he said miserably. "We wouldn't have gone there alone if -"
Thranduil shook his head, and laid a hand on his son's shoulder to stop the rush of words that was building.
"I heard that, Legolas. But -," he glanced up at Tanglinna. "Did you just call Master Tanglinna 'Tauron,' as in the Vala Tauron, Lord of Forests? Surely I did not hear you say that."
Legolas eyes moved from Tanglinna to Thranduil and back, eloquent in their dismay. He nodded slowly.
A snort escaped the king's lips, causing Legolas to start slightly. Tavor jumped and moved deftly behind Brethil, who was tugging furiously on his long braid and chewing on his lips.
"You think that Tanglinna is Lord Tauron?" the King repeated in amused disbelief. "Tanglinna?" Suddenly he burst out laughing, clapping the prince on the back.
Legolas stared up at his Ada in dismay. Surely this would only anger Lord Tauron more! Surely his Ada knew that Tanglinna was Tauron. Or perhaps he did not. The youth swallowed and glanced at Mirkwood's Master Archer. He wore a rather offended look on his lean face, but the grey eyes were filled with what could only be mirth. Legolas blinked and frowned, and then he turned to the tall archer once more.
"You - you are not Lord Tauron?" he asked hesitantly.
Tanglinna glared down at him for a moment, causing the young heart to quail once more. Then the Master Archer began to laugh as well. The Tricksy Trio stared at one another wondering what would happen now. Were they forgiven, or were they just being toyed with?
"Nay, young one," Tanglinna said, a grin still playing about his mouth. "I am not Lord Tauron." He knelt swiftly before the younglings, smiling kindly at them all in turn. "I am merely Tanglinna, nothing more."
Brethil was the first to smile at him. He moved to stand by the Master Archer, one arm draped companionably about the strong shoulders.
"How silly, Legolas," he said. He embraced Tanglinna and then moved away, shaking his head. "Lord Tauron." He giggled and moved to poke Tavor in the side. "You really believed him too, didn't you?"
Tavor stood awkwardly, his face a burning red. He had acted truly undignified, and well, cowardly. He hung his head, muttering an apology to King Thranduil and Tanglinna.
Legolas stood as well, watching Tanglinna who was still kneeling before him.
"I am sorry," he said quietly. "I won't miss any more archery practices."
Tanglinna smiled kindly at him, and the prince moved into his embrace.
"I know you won't," he said with a grin. "I think you have learned your lesson."
Suddenly Brethil's eyes widened.
"Mesgwauruan! What about Mesgwauruan?"
Tavor gasped and moved to stand behind the Master Archer, who had released Legolas and stood gracefully.
"What is Mesgwauruan?" Thranduil asked, as his son moved to nestle against his side.
"The Mud Monster," Brethil whispered. "Oh, Your Majesty! You should have seen it! It was HUGE! It was all covered with mud and twigs and moss! And it bellowed in the most ferocious voice you have ever heard!"
Thranduil raised his brows and looked to Tanglinna.
"Oh really?" he said, when Tanglinna shrugged and shook his head.
"Brethil!" Tavor snorted contemptuously, trying to hide his own too obvious fear. "We didn't see it. We merely heard it."
Brethil's brows knit, and then he nodded.
"Oh yes. That is right. That is what I thought it would look like if we had seen it," he said seriously. "I forgot. But it DID make a horrible noise."
"It did, Ada," Legolas continued before Brethil could. "We heard it."
Again a look passed between the King of Mirkwood and his Master of the Bow.
"Well, Tanglinna," he said with a sigh, "you have had your revenge. Though it has worked a little too well I think."
Tanglinna smirked and bowed his head, pressing his hand to his heart.
"Yes, Your Majesty, it has. Younglings, there is no Mesgwauruan. The "horrible noise" that you heard was Talagan."
"Talagan?" Legolas frowned. He pictured his age mate, a slender musician with chestnut hair and bright green eyes. "Talagan? I don't understand."
"Since you three took it upon yourselves to leave Gladaran Thamas without permission," Thranduil said briskly, "Tanglinna and I thought that perhaps you needed to learn a small lesson. Talagan was gracious enough to lend us his skill with instruments."
When the three youths glance at one another in confusion, Tanglinna shook his head.
"The sound you thought was Mesgwauruan, or -" he grinned impishly, "Lord Tauron's horn Valaroma, was really a rather unusual horn from somewhere in Rhun. A gift someone sent to your father, little princeling. It does have a rather unusual tone."
Legolas' eyes widened in sudden understanding of what had happened.
"You followed us?" he asked. "Into the forest? That was you and Talagan? Not a Mud Monster?"
"Or Bastryn's mother," Brethil laughed with a look at Tavor, who sneered and moved from behind Tanglinna, standing straight and proud in his muddy clothing and stringy hair.
"Then why is it so quiet?" Tavor demanded, his pride feeling somewhat bruised and bleeding. "Where is everyone?"
"There was much cooperation when the word was spread about the prank to be played on the Tricksy Trio. I think," Thranduil said with a smile," that everyone was more than happy to participate in this one. Well do you know how quiet a hiding Elf can be, young Tavor."
Legolas' blue eyes flashed with anger, and he scowled at the floor.
"Well, nin caun," Tanglinna said, after flashing a grin at his King, "how does it feel to be on the other end of a prank?"
Legolas looked up at him, but the glare he had shot at the Master Archer melted into a smile and he laughed.
"It was a good prank," he admitted. "I wish I had thought of it."
"I am sure you will think of something equally fun, tithen cabedgaladh (little tree-leaper)," Tanglinna said, ruffling the boy's dirty hair. "Perhaps the three of you had better go find some water to leap into. Clean this time."
Legolas grinned up at him and nodded. He moved to embrace his father.
"Im meleth le (I love you), Ada," he whispered.
"Im meleth le, Little Greenleaf."
Legolas smiled over at Tanglinna once more, surprising the ancient archer by moving to embrace him swiftly before he pulled Brethil and Tanglinna down the hall, all three chattering and laughing away.
"Just wait until I see Talagan," they could hear Tavor saying.
Thranduil sighed and shook his head.
"Well," he said. "That was rather amusing. Didn't you think, Lord Tauron?"
Tanglinna raised one eyebrow.
"You had better watch that you speak to me with more respect, tithen Aran o i Gladedhil (little King of the Wood Elves). You do not wish to rouse the wrath of a Vala, do you?"
Now instead of utter silence, the sound of laughter and happiness drifted on the cool air of Thranduil's Hall.
The King gazed down at his robe and brushed at the slight muddy stains adorning it.
"It looks like I must go find something clean to jump into as well," he said with a smile at Tanglinna. He had turned to go to his rooms , but then he paused. "Tanglinna, they had several bottles of the Morn Nen water, didn't they?"
"Yes Your Majesty, they did."
Thranduil frowned, and gazed down the hall where the three had disappeared. He started to speak again, but shook his head.
"I do not want to know," he murmured at last. "I truly do not want to know."
Authors Notes
Tauron is the Vala also known as Orome. In "The Silmarillion" it says that the Sindar call him Tauron, Lord of Forests. He loves the lands of Middle Earth and all the trees. He is a mighty hunter, pursuing and slaying the beasts of Melkor (the fallen Ainu who made the first Orcs).
Manwe was the chief Vala.
The fear of the Hunter, the Dark Rider, grew from the time when some of the first Quendi vanished, captured by minions of Melkor. The fallen Ainu knew that the Elves would fear Orome, a mighty hunter himself, when that Vala would in time come upon them beneath Elbereth's stars because of the dread of Melkor's "Hunters." For more, see "The Silmarillion" Chapter 3 entitled "Of the Coming of the Elves."
Cabedgaladh is my word for squirrel. It means tree leaper.
Thank you to al, my beta! See, nin mellon. I am very patient! Thank you so much! Add a comma definitely has leapt ahead! Elu says to tell Legolas "HAE, BUDDY!"
I think there are more story pages than response pages this time! ^_~
Response to Reviewers
shirebound - You were indeed the first review on that last chapter! So you are afraid of the darling little leggy things, are you?? ;) Most people are. I have 2 spiders (fake ones) sitting one on the computer (Gwibess) and one on the printer (Bastryn). My husband is not amused with them, he is scared of them too. Try writing a story with them in it. That finished off my fright of them! But then you may find yourself having conversations with them. :)
anna - Don't worry about Bastryn. He will be around for a while. So, was the Mud Monster who you thought it was?? ;) I am sorry to surprise you with what happened in my "Orc stories". I am sure it was quite a shock, and not a pleasant one. :(
annakas - I hope this continues to be funny. Next chapter should be the "Choosing of the Gift". I think I have it all worked out! ;)
amlugwen - I did make you wait for a looooooooooooooooooooooong time on that last chapter, and I hope I don't make you wait that long again! Well, was the wetdirtymonster (love that!) who you thought?? ;)
PuterPatty - This update didn't take as long. I will try not to be so lax again! I enjoy writing Thranduil and Tanglinna when they are having a little fun with the Tricksy Trio, and the Mesgwauruan (what a word that is, my spell check keeps me in line with it!) kept Legolas guessing. Thank you so much for saying that it was 8 spiders A YEAR that we eat and don't know it. :( Yikes! LOL That is just a little too icky! LOL Watch for the Legolas and Tanglinna "dance" next chapter! I think it is the next one anyway!
Jay of Lasgalen - Well, the Mud Monster showed up.sort of. ;) I think most parents do not really want to know everything that their children have been into. It would give us more grey hairs than anyone deserves!
JastaElf - Bastryn is Morn Nen'd and snoozing. Now what to do with that wicked little one??!! I foresee much wiggling out of trouble (or into more trouble) by Legolas, and poor Elrond and Company.;) Should be fun!
None - I am evil?? Sweet little me? Surely you are jesting! *smirk* And I have a question for you. What do you mean you were not like this before my stories?? What were you like?? ;)
elfchick - Sorta weird.that does describe me! :)
Jaid Skywalker - You want me to send you a spider?? My yard is full of them this time of the year! You can't walk anywhere without running into the webs and having the spiders get in your hair or your clothes. My lectures to them on where they should spin their webs do not seem to work! :) How many do you want?? I am sure that the Twins and Arwen got into lots of things, and there are some good stories out there about them. But you should give it a go! Let me know when you post one!
Edhilnur - Thank you so much for the nice review! It made me feel really good! I try my hardest to be as thorough as I am. Again thank you!!!
The Phantom - A major Elrond fan, hmm?? Love it! Elrond is very cool, and his part will expand in later chapters . . . obviously. The next chapter is "The Choosing of the Gifts" and then they are on their way to Imladris. Galion the butler is fun, very dignified and knows his job and his "boss" very well. He will be in the next chapter, too.
Tinni - I hope this one didn't take too long. I promise I will not wait that long again!;) I will try very hard not to have it happen again anyway!
IRENA - I liked the "My Three Sons" in Middle Earth. I used to love that show! Yes, my age is showing, too! ;) Poor Thranduil is going to have some fun in the next chapter! Can't leave him out of the craziness!
Lakergurl13 - Did you read PuterPatty's review for the last chapter. She said it was 8 spiders A YEAR! Not a lifetime!! LOL How icky horrible! Tanglinna isn't mean, he is just. . .well, he is just Tanglinna. :) We old ones like to play tricks on the younglings on occasion! Just ask my kids! You are right. Legolas is getting a lot of nicknames. And tell Charlie I would like to see him take on Bastryn and Mesgwauruan at the same time!
Daphne - It was Elrohir that bet on the spider, and Glorfindel agreed with him. You like the Spider in Rivendell idea, do you?? ;) Sounds intriguing.
Nadra - I am not at all surprised that fiery Feanor is a party animal! And of course Maehdros and the twins are adorable! But don't you dare bring that wicked Valar back to join the party! That would be just too wicked of you!!!! Dead Marsh Monster! I love it! That is very clever, for a Ringwraith like you! I promised Legolas that he would never have to wear pink again, so the little nightgown and pink rosettes are out! That would be a wicked punishment! LOL I will squash you on the Glorfindel issue! Rest assured! ;)
Nancing Elf - Glad you enjoyed Tavor's moment of discomfiture. He is too cocky by far, and he deserved it. *Tavor sneers at TH and says "I don't know what you are talking about." TH sticks her tongue out at him and tells him to "Shut up, Tavor!"* I have never had a spider go "thud" on my bed yet. . .so maybe I am not ready to test my newfound freedom from Aralithus. ;) Tell Gwibess that Bastryn should wake up soon. I just haven't decided where yet.
Angaloth - "Mesgwauruan! NOO! Not Mesgwauruan. . .whatever that is. . . " LOL You are too funny, nin mellon! You had me laughing!
t - I am sorry about that "Long time no write". I felt very bad about it, but circumstances were not favorable for me to write. I hope it never gets that bad again! Not until next September anyway. ;)
Princess ArWen of sMirkwood - Mesgwauruan did sound gross, didn't it! I hope you didn't legolass it too much, thought the 3 Elves appreciated it very much!
Seaweed - Well, I wish I could say that I had been working on the fic with Katharine the Great, but I wasn't writing ANYTHING! But that will be coming along sometime soon perhaps. Does Gimli like spiders?? I am just curious. Mesgwauruan is hard to spell, and I still stumble over it myself! Mesg is much better! I won't clobber you, but why would you want to get rid of them forever?? "HI" to Gimli, and what is it that you didn't say????
The Sadistic Cow - Legolas is getting quite a collection of names for himself, Prince of the Mud Monsters being the latest. Glad you liked it. Thank you for the "Jaws" music. I love it! So does Mesgwauruan! Bwahahahahahahahahah!!!!
Lauren - Thank you! Hope I didn't make the wait too, too long this time!
Skye - If no one ever left the path in Mirkwood, it would get rather dull. Poor little Elves and later in life poor little Dwarves! So it isn't the bunnies, but spiders. Aralithus is a very common malady. Three of the four members of my own immediate family suffer from it. LOL Yes, Legolas really is royalty! I thought that was very funny!
ccg - Your stream of questions reminded me of Brethil, so I was LOL! Well, I hope to have answers for all those questions soon! I guess you should join the Aralithus Society headed by Prince Aralith and Tavor. LOL I shouldn't laugh, being a former sufferer of this malady myself, but it is too funny! You sounded like my husband listing all the reasons to be afraid of them! He did the same thing just the other day. LOL
addicted - I am glad that your muse is speaking to you again. They can be rather a nuisance! Mine gets highly offended if I have anything to do with my time! Go figure! They must want us chained to the computer screen, typing away!
Earendil/Prong's Girl - 30 days and counting until TTT! (Or at least it is 30 days as of when I am writing these responses!) Was the Mud Monster what you expected?? :)
Laura - Next chapter the gifts should be sent to Agent Smith. . .uh, Lord Elrond! ;) I like the Matrix too! Why do they always tell Brethil to shut up?? *Brethil politely asks TreeHugger to move out of the chair and let him type* Mae Govannen, Laura! Thank you for calling me your fav Elf! That makes me very happy. I do not know why they are always telling me to shut up. You would think that they didn't want to hear what I have to say. It is really rather rude of them, for they do seem to be saying that to me quite a lot, don't they? So the Mud Monster is your father? Is that what you meant, or did you mean that Legolas' father was the Mud Monster? Or did you mean that the Mud Monster was a father? Or that it was the Mud Monster's father? *TreeHugger clears her throat* Enough, Brethil or I may have to say it! Anyway. . . you were saying, Laura. . .;)
al - Well, of course they will tell. The "Eyebrow" rules after all! Learning a LESSON is the only way to get through to the kiddies! It is too fun for the adults giving the lesson! You may certainly borrow "Gwaur caun", and Viggo can use it too. Poor Little Pip. She has Aralithus pretty bad. Sounds like Nate! The "Impatient Mode" has passed??? Hmm. . . . I guess it has since I have been very patient waiting for this chapter to be beta'd! ;) LOL Your age is showing like Irena's and mine! "My Three Sons" indeed! LOL You just can't seem to forget that slave, er, salve, can you??!! Actually you have NEVER told me what happened at the hot tub when they all went to your house after Elu was shot! *growls and glares at them all*
Ithilien - I don't recall any Mud Monsters in Tolkien either. Don't worry. I won't break the canon with that! He gave us plenty of other monsters to work with! :) What did happen during those three days?? Good question! LOL That will probably be another story. I need to keep some of the plot bunnies for later. Bastryn is snoozing right now, but they will have to figure out what needs to be done with him. ;) We shall see!
medellia - WOW! How can I not do anything that you ask after that glowing review! And with a spider on top, too! ^_^ Made my day!
Anya - Ring of Sarcasm - Spiders are "icky"?? LOL Of course they are, but you have to look past that to see the spider inside. . . *looks at what she just wrote* Hmm. . . I think I had better go lie down now! LOL
Karina - Glad you like the name Mesgwauruan. :) I am glad you are enjoying this fun little tale. I have written angst and will again, just not here. I like to have balance. I was LOL over your analysis of Tavor and his not having Aralithus. *Tavor glares at TH and Karina* He is definitely a candidate for your Mental Health Clinic for the Elvishly Insane! *He growls "I am not!"* LOL Yes, you are, dear Tavor! So how is Leslie coping with this name thing that upset him? It is a lovely name, Leslie! I like it! Resurrecting any of your favourite fictional Elves?? :( Nope, sorry. They are not going to be THAT revised. I have shed my tears over them, and will continue to do so. I miss them too. *sob sob* Such is life!
Hypy - Greetings "I used to be Ring of the cosmos!" ;) I won't ask why you haven't reviewed in a while, if you don't fuss at me for taking such a loooooong break! I am glad you find this Spirit uplifting! :)
Ainaweth - I am so glad that you love my Tricksy Trio stories. They are a lot of fun to write. I hope they stay in trouble! It makes life much more fun and enjoyable! ;)
Sofana - I am happy that you like the "fun qualities" of my stories. I have "beaten up the boys" myself, and this is a nice change for me. ;) Thank you for the solution to my comma problem. Only now al, my beta, is always telling me "Add a comma!" LOL I begin to despair that I will ever become a Comma Master!
Sake - Your computer was possessed by the 11th Nazgul?? So that is what it is when Ff.net is acting screwy! I think it is them and not your computer! Have you told your math teacher about the honor of being the 10th Nazgul?? ;) Amazingly Tanglinna was very cool tempered in this chapter. LOL on the Elven Ninja Samurai Spy Guy Things surrounding the Mud Monsters! That would be amusing!!
wellduh - Yep, a Mud Monster. Okay?? :)
Pseudonym - I love to hear from bystander readers! Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments. I enjoy it when people tell me my stories make them laugh! That makes my day! :)
Anonymous - So I shocked you so much your spirit left your body? Are you saying that I was being very slow that last chapter and that I shocked you by actually writing more? Or did you mean it was so good that you laughed the spirit right out of your body? Or did you mean . . .Shut up, TreeHugger! ;) Yes, Brethil is the only one who can really justify Brethilitis, so of course he has to tell what he knows. . .or thinks he does! He is very fun to write. Almost too easy to do it too! Tanglinna wasn't too nasty in this chapter. He was remarkably nice actually! Tavor is a complainer. *He glowers at TreeHugger and mutters "I am not! If you don't want me to complain then don't make so many "things" happen to us! Someone has to complain!"* Yes, Bastryn isn't very nice. He is not Gwibess by a long shot! Poor wicked little spider! LOL So the howl made you think of Thranduil and his famous shrieks?? LOL I am glad that you and your spirit enjoyed this chapter so much! :)
Layla737 - You are right. Even if "Thranduil wouldn't do that" Legolas just might! LOL Oh, dear! You are going to read "Hearts of Darkness" are you?? Wait until they are revised and then please don't shriek at me! Plenty of reviewers have!*hears someone growl "They should shriek at you" coming from where Tanglinna and Brethil are standing behind her* Well, yes, er. . .anyway. It is very sad, even to me!
Pseudonym Sylphmuse - I am glad that you are enjoying my stories and that they keep you laughing. As a mother with a young girl of my own I can say that I agree with your mother. They are rated "SFYG" Suitable For Young Girls. :)
ember - Thank you for saying that this is getting better and better! Woo Hoo! (c. Celeborn) :)
The pathways that wended through the Wood Elf King's realm were deserted. No sound of music, laughter, or quiet conversation lifted on the spring air. The only sound to be heard was the panicked breathing of the three young Elves, and the soft, whispery snores of the slumbering spider.
"Oh! We should have told your father immediately, Legolas!" Brethil gasped, yanking on his long child's braid. "We should have gone there first! He is the King! He needs to know so he can save us! We shouldn't have waited! What are we going to do?"
Tavor's dark grey eyes widened as horrible little thoughts crept through his fevered brain.
"What if it kills us?" he gasped. "What if everyone is already dead and we are the only ones left here? Why is it so quiet? What if it changed all the others into Mud Monsters, too? Maybe it isn't a Mud Monster. What if it is Bastryn's mother??!!" He nearly shrieked this last, as his distress rose to a new level. "What if she has wrapped everyone up and is going to eat us all for dinner?! Rolling us through the woods with all those horrible, furry legs! Why do they have so many legs anyway? It isn't natural! It isn't right! What if-"
"Shut up, Tavor!" Legolas and Brethil yelped in unison, Legolas moving to clap a hand over his friend's mouth, as Tavor's voice had risen at least an octave as his terror had taken hold.
"They are not dead," Legolas said, releasing his friend's mouth. He moved to peer out the window and down to the path below. His fingers clenched on the window frame, knuckles white. "Adar will know what to do. We just have to go -" he gulped and swallowed. "We just have to get to the palace. That is all. . . It's. . .it's. . . not so very. . . far." He glanced back at his two companions. "We can make it."
Brethil stared at him in disbelief, and Tavor shook his head.
"We are doomed," he said in an ominous voice. "The Valar have decided to punish us for skipping archery lessons. Just please, Great Valar! Don't let it be Bastryn's mother!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Legolas snorted, trying to sound brave and contemptuous. "The Valar wouldn't let everyone in Gladaran Thamas die because we missed archery lessons." ~But they might send the monster - or Bastryn's mother after - the three of us, ~ he thought gloomily, and swallowed again.
Tanglinna had always told them that he had a very special relationship with Tauron, the Lord of Forests, the Vala also known as Orome. Perhaps that fearsome Vala had chased one of the fell monsters of Melkor into Mirkwood merely to punish them for their truancy. Or chased Bastryn's mother here instead as punishment for taking a spider as a pet. Maybe his Ada was right. Elves weren't supposed to have pet spiders. Maybe Thranduil had summoned the Vala here to set things in proper order once more. A picture of that Great One atop his mighty white horse Nahar riding through the depths of Mirkwood, his horn Valaroma raised to his lips, filled the son of Thranduil's mind.
Legolas gasped. That was the noise! The horrible noise was the sound of the Vala's horn! It wasn't Mesgwauruan or the angry spider mother that was coming for them! It was Tauron himself!
He opened his mouth to tell the others of this revelation, but the look of terror on Tavor's face stopped him. How much more could his friend take before he died of fright? How much more could he take himself?
~Is that even possible for Elves? ~ he wondered. He didn't want to risk it, so he straightened bravely. Besides, the Valar wouldn't want to harm one of the Firstborn. . .would they, even if they had deliberately done one thing that was forbidden? Or two things. . .
"Come on," he began, feeling his knees shaking. "We can make it to the palace." ~And Tauron won't be able to find us if we hide in one of the cellars. Would he?~ "Adar will know what to do," he said aloud though the words were meant for himself. ~Won't he? ~ "Or. . .or Tanglinna."
Everyone knew of the fierceness of the anger of Tauron, and Legolas remembered stories of the poor first Quendi fleeing from the sound of his horn. They had feared the Hunter, the Dark Rider on his wild horse that had pursued them in the past, not knowing that Tauron was not the one that chased and captured their kin, but another being evil and fell. It was no wonder that many of the first Elves fled from the Vala in unknowing fear. But now Tauron was mad at them. His anger had to be even fiercer than Thranduil's. . . or even Tanglinna's.
"Let's go," he whispered. "Now!"
He moved to the formal entrance and began his careful, quiet descent.
All about them silence reigned. Legolas dropped soundlessly to the ground, his eyes wide with fright as he glanced nervously about. There was no one in sight.
"I am sorry," he murmured. "I am sorry, Manwe. Please don't let Tauron take us to the Halls of Mandos. I won't miss archery class again. I promise! Please don't take us away. Please, Lord Tauron, spare us."
"What are you saying, Legolas?" Brethil asked as he came to stand at his side, his face pale beneath the mud. He had seldom seen Legolas looking so scared, and this more than the awful noise frightened him.
"Nothing. . . nothing," Legolas said, in a strangled voice. "Let's go!"
They crept silently down the path that wound lazily through the stands of trees and rose bushes, their sweet, elusive scent filling the air. Ahead of them rose the great hill dotted with oak, beech, and maple trees; their small leaves a bright spring green. Beneath this stony rise was Thranduil's Hall. It looked so peaceful and lovely, so at odds with what the three youths were feeling that it seemed unreal.
Tavor looked the least worried as he gazed about him, eyes wide and almost blank.
"I wonder what the Halls of Mandos are like. Do you think they will be as beautiful as it is here? Your father would probably be jealous if they were nicer, don't you think, Legolas? I am sure there won't be any spiders. Or Mud Monsters. Or -"
"Shut up, Tavor!" the prince growled, having jumped at the sudden sound of his friend's voice in the most unnatural silence. And why must he mention the Halls of Mandos?
"Don't you ever think about what it is like?" Tavor continued as if he hadn't heard Legolas. "I wonder if we will have to take archery lessons."
Brethil blinked and frowned at him, but then his face brightened with hope.
"Master Tanglinna will save us!" he said with a smile, remembering some of the stories that Talagan had told them about the Master Archer. "He's survived so many battles and wars - he even survived Dagorlad when your grandfather didn't, Legolas. No one is better with a bow. . .or with his knives either." Brethil cocked his head to one side like a bird as he thought about it. "No monster will ever be able to get past Tanglinna. Everything will be fine!" he concluded with an even broader, relieved grin.
Legolas turned to stare at him. Tanglinna was a fierce warrior; he had trained many generations of Elves in the art of the bow; he was also an expert with the knives; no one could best him. He had taught the use of weapons to more Elves than Legolas could even imagine, including Thranduil. He was also an expert hunter, his arrows never failed to bring down his prey. No one, monster or being, could stand against him. He. . .he . . .Legolas eyes widened in sudden horror. What if Tanglinna were Tauron in disguise? What if he wasn't merely the Master Archer, but the Lord of Forests as well? How else could you explain his great prowess with the weapons he chose to wield, or the fact that he seemed invincible?
~No,~ he thought. ~He can't be. Why would Orome disguise himself as an Elf?~
To make up for scaring the first Elves perhaps, a small, terrifyingly logical voice in his head said. Legolas swallowed in a dry throat. That would explain a lot of things about him, wouldn't it?
~How else did he manage to survive Dagorlad, and all those other battles when so many others died? Because he is a Vala and he can't die! How could he dare to defy Thranduil. . .even as he had probably defied Oropher before him? Why else was he so fierce and proud? And now we have missed his archery lessons! Ai! Ai! What are we to do?! And to think that I asked Brethil earlier if upsetting Master Tanglinna was all he was worried about!~
He turned terrified eyes to his two friends. How could they have brought this on themselves? Why? For a baby spider that bit them constantly and was more trouble than fun. . .
"We. . .we can't tell. . . Master Tanglinna," he gulped, wishing that he had Aralithus, then none of this would ever have happened. "We. . .we must talk to Ada first! Not Master Tanglinna. Never Master Tanglinna!"
Tavor seemed to snap out of his reverie and blinked, looking at Legolas. Brethil stared at him too, in wonder and terror. What was happening? Why did Legolas look so scared, the blue eyes filled with such a sea of swirling fear that Brethil felt his own anxiety rising once more?
"Legolas, what -"
"No! We have to find Ada. Only he can save us!" Surely Tanglinna would listen to Thranduil. Surely Tanglinna had to obey the King of the Wood Elves. Surely. . .But if Tanglinna were one of the Valar he wouldn't have to listen to anyone. "Ada will have to save us," he whispered, wondering if his brave, wonderful father would be any match for a Valar. Suddenly Legolas shuddered, and sprinted toward the hill.
Tavor drew a shaky breath and glanced at Brethil, who was staring wide-eyed after the fleeing prince. Brethil turned to look at him and drew a breath to speak, but found that for once he could not form any words. He blinked several times and then shook his head. This distressed Tavor even more. Hurriedly they ran after Legolas, both wondering what they would find in the palace.
************************
"Here they come," Thranduil whispered to Tanglinna, a smile tugging on the edges of his lips. "They look terrified, iaur coru min {ancient wily one}." Thranduil felt a momentary flash of sympathy for the younglings, but it passed quickly, and was replaced by the anticipation of seeing them squirm for a while. Just as he had when he was a mere prince, and when he was just as adept at trouble making as they were now, with his own Adar and Tanglinna waiting to catch him.
Standing at his shoulder, the Master Archer did smile, his grey eyes alight with amusement. Those three younglings seemed overly fond of the pranks they pulled in the past; he wondered how they would feel with the tables being turned on them. They looked like nothing more than panicked, scampering squirrels as they disappeared from view.
"Well?" Thranduil said with a grin. "Shall we go and greet them?"
Tanglinna turned to smile at him, the silvery grey eyes flashing with amusement.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Don't you want to hear what they have to say?
Thranduil raised one golden brow, his mouth twisting into a wry smile.
"You do realize, Master Archer, that young Brethil is one of them, do you not?"
Tanglinna stared over at him, brows furrowed. Then he frowned.
"Yes," he answered slowly as he realized what the King was saying. "There is that. Well, I do not have anything else to do this day. Do you?"
Thranduil laughed heartily, and slapped him on the back.
"No, I suppose I have time for one good bout of Brethilitis this morning. But," he said with a quirk of his brows, "only one."
"Then you had best hope that neither your son or Tavor has managed to catch it," Tanglinna finished, as they headed down the corridor toward the entry hall. "Or we may never get out of there."
Thranduil chuckled.
"Yes, we would be trapped by a 'Wall of Words'."
Tanglinna's silvery brows rose eloquently, speaking as well as his own words could.
Thranduil's brows rose as well, and then he shrugged.
"I thought it was funny," he murmured, moving ahead of his Master Archer and down the hall.
********************************************************************
The Tricksy Trio stood in the large entry hall of Thranduil's underground palace, panting slightly. They stared wide-eyed about the ominously silent hall, glancing back and forth for some sign of life. It was as quiet as a tomb, no soft footfalls or subdued voices, just a solemn silence.
"I told you so," Tavor whispered, flinching slightly at how loud those four words sounded, echoing slightly off the high stone ceiling. The carvings of animals, trees, plants, and birds on the columns and corbels seemed sinister in the torchlight, the carved eyes flashing maliciously as though they knew exactly what had happened because of the three young Elves that stood before them.
Legolas turned to glare at his friend. If Tavor mentioned the Halls of Mandos just once more he would . . .he would . . .well, he didn't know what he would do, but it wouldn't be pleasant. Tavor merely shrugged, his worried grey eyes darting about trying to pierce the shadows that clung to the corners. Legolas turned from him to stare down the dark corridor leading to the family's rooms.
~Where are you, Ada? ~ he thought frantically, his hands knotting on his muddy tunic. ~Why aren't you here to lecture us about our absence? Where are you? ~
His heart leapt into his throat. What if Tavor was right? No, he couldn't be! The Valar loved the Firstborn, they wouldn't do that.
"Um, Legolas. Tavor."
Perhaps this was all some elaborate ruse created by his Ada and Tanglinna to punish them. Perhaps they were just waiting for the right moment to jump out and startle them.
"Legolas. Tavor."
Perhaps they were all out in the forest searching for them and that was why it was so quiet here. He could picture all the Elves of his father's realm hunting through the trees, calling softly for them.
"Legolas! Tavor!"
Perhaps if Brethil would just shut up - He turned to look at his loquacious friend who was staring down the opposite corridor.
"What!?" he hissed, but then he saw what. A large shadowy shape was coming up the corridor, the dim lights glinting off its head. "T-Tauron!" Legolas stuttered, falling back a few steps and bowling Tavor over. Tavor gasped and scooted backwards on his rump until he thumped against the wall.
Brethil swallowed, and opened his mouth; then he closed it and turned to stare in perplexity at Legolas.
"What did you say?" he asked. "I don't think I heard you correctly."
"It. . .it. . ."
"Yes?"
Legolas watched as the shadowy being approached. Their time had run out, but just as he sank to his knees in fear and supplication trying to think of the proper words to say - How did one address an angry Vala? - Thranduil emerged into the hall.
"What have you done now, Little Greenleaf?" the King asked as he stared at him, keeping his face set in stern uncompromising lines.
"Ada?" the young Elf glanced up at his father, the light playing on the silver circlet on his brow. "Ada? Is that really you?"
Thranduil didn't have the chance to answer him; he only had a fleeting moment to stare at him in surprise at the unexpected question before Legolas launched himself into his father's arms.
"Oh, Ada! You are here! You are here! I was so afraid! I thought you were -" He halted mid-sentence, gazing up into his father's face, tears of relief slipping down his cheeks. He wrapped his arms about his father's waist, and buried his face against his father, hands knotting in the soft fabric of the king's clothing.
Thranduil looked down at him, tenderly stroking the muddy hair. He smiled slightly and shook his head. What had the three been doing to frighten themselves so? And to get so dirty?
"Ada, I am so sorry," Legolas continued in a shaky voice, muffled against the king's chest. "We should never have left without telling you. We didn't mean to miss archery practice, or to catch Bastryn. Ada, I will never do it again. I promise."
"I wouldn't be making promises that we all know you will never be able to keep, nin caun."
They all turned to see Tanglinna standing behind them, arms crossed over his chest, face unreadable as always. Thranduil could feel the shudder that passed through his son's body, and glanced back at the Master Archer, a look of confusion on his face.
Brethil trotted over to Tanglinna, looking very contrite.
"Oh, Master Tanglinna," he began, as he took one of the archer's strong slim hands in his own. "We are so sorry that we missed your lessons. Truly we are. We will never, ever miss them again." He shook his head and sighed. "Legolas really did feel it best if we went to Morn Nen and got some of its magic waters for Bastryn-"
"Morn Nen?" Thranduil raised one brow and tipped up Legolas' chin with one finger since it seemed the elflilng had suddenly found something very interesting on the floor to look at. "Morn Nen," he repeated. "Little Greenleaf, you know what I have told you about going there."
"Oh, we know," Brethil answered when his friend hesitated for just a second. He cocked his head to one side. "We must never travel that far from the palace alone because there are too many dangers that Elflings of our tender years may not be able to handle. There are the Spiders, of course-" He turned to glance back at Tavor. "To think Tavor, you thought that Bastryn's mother was coming after us. How silly!"
Thranduil blinked and mouthed "Bastryn's mother", as he raised his eyes to meet Tanglinna's. The Master Archer was hard pressed to keep a straight face, so he merely shrugged and allowed Brethil to continue, the youngling's hand still clasped gently about his.
"Then there are the Goblins. Though I do not think they travel this far east, but since Your Majesty has said it, then it must be true. Of course, Silivren Hithlain Man is said to live in a Willow Grove somewhere that mysteriously appears when there is a mist," he glanced at Legolas. "We would never travel in the mist, would we, Legolas? Not without your bubble pipe anyway. Then there is . . ." His voice dropped to whisper, "Mesgwauruan." The next words burst forth quite loudly. "Oh, Master Tanglinna, you are so brave and can shoot so well that I know you can save us from Mesgwauruan! I wanted to tell you and His Majesty first, but they never listen to me," he said sternly, shooting an accusing look at Legolas and Tavor.
"Mesgwauruan?" Thranduil mouthed. Tanglinna shrugged, staring down at young Brethil in confusion. He had never heard of Mesgwauruan either.
"Then Legolas seemed to get even more frightened, and he was praying to Lord Tauron I think, I couldn't really hear him. I think he didn't want to frighten Tavor and I anymore than we already were. He is very kind to us." He smiled at the prince, who started slightly at the mention of the Valar. "Though I must admit that I was more frightened by the look on his face. Oh, Legolas! What is it that you won't tell us? Why were you praying to Lord Tauron?"
"Lord Tauron?" Thranduil mouthed incredulously. Tanglinna shrugged, and coughed slightly to hide a snort of laughter.
Thranduil felt his own delighted laughter bubbling in his chest. It was amazing what these younglings thought at times. Some how he managed to keep his merriment from his face, though he felt certain that his eyes must show something of his feelings.
"Little Greenleaf, why were you praying to the Lord of Forests? Did you think that perhaps he would help you escape your punishment for going to Morn Nen alone and without permission?"
Legolas' gaze never left the Master Archer's stern face. He could see the fell amusement shining in that one's grey eyes. They had never looked so hawk-like and feral before, had they? Had he been that tall and imposing before today? He swallowed in a dry throat. The familiar face seemed somehow changed before him. Was it merely his fear that had worked this transforming, or was Tanglinna truly as he feared - Tauron Lord of Forests?
"No Ada, that is not what I thought," he croaked, his fingers tightening on his father's long green tunic. He continued to stare at the Master Archer, wondering what he should say or do to fix things. "I. . .I . . . we didn't mean to go there," he began hesitantly. "If Bastryn would just stay away this wouldn't be necessary. But he won't leave! He thinks that Ada's throne is his home, and no matter where I took him he kept coming back." Suddenly he moved across the space separating him from Tanglinna, and fell onto his knees, his head bowed. "Please, Lord Tauron! Don't take us away to Halls of Mandos! I won't ever go to Morn Nen alone again, and I won't even catch any more spiders. I will get rid of Bastryn. I should be able to since I have the water to help him forget. Don't you see? We didn't do this to get out of Master Tanglinna's . . .I mean your archery lessons. Please, Lord Tauron! We will work hard from now on to be the best archers of all. Please don't take us to the Halls of Mandos!"
Tanglinna stared down at the youngling in amazement. Had he just been called "Lord Tauron"? How had this mere prank of his grown into whatever this was? He had merely wanted the young ones to think before they ran off alone again. He hadn't meant to frighten them this badly. He raised his grey eyes to the King who looked equally stunned. Tavor's eyes were so wide that the Master Archer wondered if they would pop from his head.
"I-I didn't mean to talk about the Halls of Mandos earlier," Tavor choked, all his usual cockiness having fled. "I didn't! I-I do hope there are archery lessons there! I do hope there are archery lessons there! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do hope there are archery lessons there!"
Tanglinna could barely prevent his mouth from dropping open as Tavor fell to his knees muttering about archery lessons and the Halls of Mandos like a madman. Brethil stared up at him, his eyes usually so full of delight and innocence suddenly filled with terror. He stared at their interlaced hands and jumped back as if bitten. He opened his mouth and found that for the second time that day he couldn't speak. Brethil clapped his hands over his mouth in amazement, and then joined the others on their knees. The Master Archer blinked several times, brows knit in confusion. What was going on? Tavor and Legolas talking away as though they were Brethil, and Brethil himself as silent as a newborn fawn. What WAS going on?
"Stand up, you three!" he barked sharply. If this were some game of theirs, they would be sorry. "What are you playing at now, Prince Legolas?"
Legolas rose and stood looking steadily at the rich carpeting beneath Tanglinna's boot-shod feet. At least he hadn't swept them up yet, tossing them across Nahar's back and riding for the Halls of Mandos.
"Answer him, Little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, moving to stand behind the cowering boys.
"I told you, Ada," he said miserably. "We wouldn't have gone there alone if -"
Thranduil shook his head, and laid a hand on his son's shoulder to stop the rush of words that was building.
"I heard that, Legolas. But -," he glanced up at Tanglinna. "Did you just call Master Tanglinna 'Tauron,' as in the Vala Tauron, Lord of Forests? Surely I did not hear you say that."
Legolas eyes moved from Tanglinna to Thranduil and back, eloquent in their dismay. He nodded slowly.
A snort escaped the king's lips, causing Legolas to start slightly. Tavor jumped and moved deftly behind Brethil, who was tugging furiously on his long braid and chewing on his lips.
"You think that Tanglinna is Lord Tauron?" the King repeated in amused disbelief. "Tanglinna?" Suddenly he burst out laughing, clapping the prince on the back.
Legolas stared up at his Ada in dismay. Surely this would only anger Lord Tauron more! Surely his Ada knew that Tanglinna was Tauron. Or perhaps he did not. The youth swallowed and glanced at Mirkwood's Master Archer. He wore a rather offended look on his lean face, but the grey eyes were filled with what could only be mirth. Legolas blinked and frowned, and then he turned to the tall archer once more.
"You - you are not Lord Tauron?" he asked hesitantly.
Tanglinna glared down at him for a moment, causing the young heart to quail once more. Then the Master Archer began to laugh as well. The Tricksy Trio stared at one another wondering what would happen now. Were they forgiven, or were they just being toyed with?
"Nay, young one," Tanglinna said, a grin still playing about his mouth. "I am not Lord Tauron." He knelt swiftly before the younglings, smiling kindly at them all in turn. "I am merely Tanglinna, nothing more."
Brethil was the first to smile at him. He moved to stand by the Master Archer, one arm draped companionably about the strong shoulders.
"How silly, Legolas," he said. He embraced Tanglinna and then moved away, shaking his head. "Lord Tauron." He giggled and moved to poke Tavor in the side. "You really believed him too, didn't you?"
Tavor stood awkwardly, his face a burning red. He had acted truly undignified, and well, cowardly. He hung his head, muttering an apology to King Thranduil and Tanglinna.
Legolas stood as well, watching Tanglinna who was still kneeling before him.
"I am sorry," he said quietly. "I won't miss any more archery practices."
Tanglinna smiled kindly at him, and the prince moved into his embrace.
"I know you won't," he said with a grin. "I think you have learned your lesson."
Suddenly Brethil's eyes widened.
"Mesgwauruan! What about Mesgwauruan?"
Tavor gasped and moved to stand behind the Master Archer, who had released Legolas and stood gracefully.
"What is Mesgwauruan?" Thranduil asked, as his son moved to nestle against his side.
"The Mud Monster," Brethil whispered. "Oh, Your Majesty! You should have seen it! It was HUGE! It was all covered with mud and twigs and moss! And it bellowed in the most ferocious voice you have ever heard!"
Thranduil raised his brows and looked to Tanglinna.
"Oh really?" he said, when Tanglinna shrugged and shook his head.
"Brethil!" Tavor snorted contemptuously, trying to hide his own too obvious fear. "We didn't see it. We merely heard it."
Brethil's brows knit, and then he nodded.
"Oh yes. That is right. That is what I thought it would look like if we had seen it," he said seriously. "I forgot. But it DID make a horrible noise."
"It did, Ada," Legolas continued before Brethil could. "We heard it."
Again a look passed between the King of Mirkwood and his Master of the Bow.
"Well, Tanglinna," he said with a sigh, "you have had your revenge. Though it has worked a little too well I think."
Tanglinna smirked and bowed his head, pressing his hand to his heart.
"Yes, Your Majesty, it has. Younglings, there is no Mesgwauruan. The "horrible noise" that you heard was Talagan."
"Talagan?" Legolas frowned. He pictured his age mate, a slender musician with chestnut hair and bright green eyes. "Talagan? I don't understand."
"Since you three took it upon yourselves to leave Gladaran Thamas without permission," Thranduil said briskly, "Tanglinna and I thought that perhaps you needed to learn a small lesson. Talagan was gracious enough to lend us his skill with instruments."
When the three youths glance at one another in confusion, Tanglinna shook his head.
"The sound you thought was Mesgwauruan, or -" he grinned impishly, "Lord Tauron's horn Valaroma, was really a rather unusual horn from somewhere in Rhun. A gift someone sent to your father, little princeling. It does have a rather unusual tone."
Legolas' eyes widened in sudden understanding of what had happened.
"You followed us?" he asked. "Into the forest? That was you and Talagan? Not a Mud Monster?"
"Or Bastryn's mother," Brethil laughed with a look at Tavor, who sneered and moved from behind Tanglinna, standing straight and proud in his muddy clothing and stringy hair.
"Then why is it so quiet?" Tavor demanded, his pride feeling somewhat bruised and bleeding. "Where is everyone?"
"There was much cooperation when the word was spread about the prank to be played on the Tricksy Trio. I think," Thranduil said with a smile," that everyone was more than happy to participate in this one. Well do you know how quiet a hiding Elf can be, young Tavor."
Legolas' blue eyes flashed with anger, and he scowled at the floor.
"Well, nin caun," Tanglinna said, after flashing a grin at his King, "how does it feel to be on the other end of a prank?"
Legolas looked up at him, but the glare he had shot at the Master Archer melted into a smile and he laughed.
"It was a good prank," he admitted. "I wish I had thought of it."
"I am sure you will think of something equally fun, tithen cabedgaladh (little tree-leaper)," Tanglinna said, ruffling the boy's dirty hair. "Perhaps the three of you had better go find some water to leap into. Clean this time."
Legolas grinned up at him and nodded. He moved to embrace his father.
"Im meleth le (I love you), Ada," he whispered.
"Im meleth le, Little Greenleaf."
Legolas smiled over at Tanglinna once more, surprising the ancient archer by moving to embrace him swiftly before he pulled Brethil and Tanglinna down the hall, all three chattering and laughing away.
"Just wait until I see Talagan," they could hear Tavor saying.
Thranduil sighed and shook his head.
"Well," he said. "That was rather amusing. Didn't you think, Lord Tauron?"
Tanglinna raised one eyebrow.
"You had better watch that you speak to me with more respect, tithen Aran o i Gladedhil (little King of the Wood Elves). You do not wish to rouse the wrath of a Vala, do you?"
Now instead of utter silence, the sound of laughter and happiness drifted on the cool air of Thranduil's Hall.
The King gazed down at his robe and brushed at the slight muddy stains adorning it.
"It looks like I must go find something clean to jump into as well," he said with a smile at Tanglinna. He had turned to go to his rooms , but then he paused. "Tanglinna, they had several bottles of the Morn Nen water, didn't they?"
"Yes Your Majesty, they did."
Thranduil frowned, and gazed down the hall where the three had disappeared. He started to speak again, but shook his head.
"I do not want to know," he murmured at last. "I truly do not want to know."
Authors Notes
Tauron is the Vala also known as Orome. In "The Silmarillion" it says that the Sindar call him Tauron, Lord of Forests. He loves the lands of Middle Earth and all the trees. He is a mighty hunter, pursuing and slaying the beasts of Melkor (the fallen Ainu who made the first Orcs).
Manwe was the chief Vala.
The fear of the Hunter, the Dark Rider, grew from the time when some of the first Quendi vanished, captured by minions of Melkor. The fallen Ainu knew that the Elves would fear Orome, a mighty hunter himself, when that Vala would in time come upon them beneath Elbereth's stars because of the dread of Melkor's "Hunters." For more, see "The Silmarillion" Chapter 3 entitled "Of the Coming of the Elves."
Cabedgaladh is my word for squirrel. It means tree leaper.
Thank you to al, my beta! See, nin mellon. I am very patient! Thank you so much! Add a comma definitely has leapt ahead! Elu says to tell Legolas "HAE, BUDDY!"
I think there are more story pages than response pages this time! ^_~
Response to Reviewers
shirebound - You were indeed the first review on that last chapter! So you are afraid of the darling little leggy things, are you?? ;) Most people are. I have 2 spiders (fake ones) sitting one on the computer (Gwibess) and one on the printer (Bastryn). My husband is not amused with them, he is scared of them too. Try writing a story with them in it. That finished off my fright of them! But then you may find yourself having conversations with them. :)
anna - Don't worry about Bastryn. He will be around for a while. So, was the Mud Monster who you thought it was?? ;) I am sorry to surprise you with what happened in my "Orc stories". I am sure it was quite a shock, and not a pleasant one. :(
annakas - I hope this continues to be funny. Next chapter should be the "Choosing of the Gift". I think I have it all worked out! ;)
amlugwen - I did make you wait for a looooooooooooooooooooooong time on that last chapter, and I hope I don't make you wait that long again! Well, was the wetdirtymonster (love that!) who you thought?? ;)
PuterPatty - This update didn't take as long. I will try not to be so lax again! I enjoy writing Thranduil and Tanglinna when they are having a little fun with the Tricksy Trio, and the Mesgwauruan (what a word that is, my spell check keeps me in line with it!) kept Legolas guessing. Thank you so much for saying that it was 8 spiders A YEAR that we eat and don't know it. :( Yikes! LOL That is just a little too icky! LOL Watch for the Legolas and Tanglinna "dance" next chapter! I think it is the next one anyway!
Jay of Lasgalen - Well, the Mud Monster showed up.sort of. ;) I think most parents do not really want to know everything that their children have been into. It would give us more grey hairs than anyone deserves!
JastaElf - Bastryn is Morn Nen'd and snoozing. Now what to do with that wicked little one??!! I foresee much wiggling out of trouble (or into more trouble) by Legolas, and poor Elrond and Company.;) Should be fun!
None - I am evil?? Sweet little me? Surely you are jesting! *smirk* And I have a question for you. What do you mean you were not like this before my stories?? What were you like?? ;)
elfchick - Sorta weird.that does describe me! :)
Jaid Skywalker - You want me to send you a spider?? My yard is full of them this time of the year! You can't walk anywhere without running into the webs and having the spiders get in your hair or your clothes. My lectures to them on where they should spin their webs do not seem to work! :) How many do you want?? I am sure that the Twins and Arwen got into lots of things, and there are some good stories out there about them. But you should give it a go! Let me know when you post one!
Edhilnur - Thank you so much for the nice review! It made me feel really good! I try my hardest to be as thorough as I am. Again thank you!!!
The Phantom - A major Elrond fan, hmm?? Love it! Elrond is very cool, and his part will expand in later chapters . . . obviously. The next chapter is "The Choosing of the Gifts" and then they are on their way to Imladris. Galion the butler is fun, very dignified and knows his job and his "boss" very well. He will be in the next chapter, too.
Tinni - I hope this one didn't take too long. I promise I will not wait that long again!;) I will try very hard not to have it happen again anyway!
IRENA - I liked the "My Three Sons" in Middle Earth. I used to love that show! Yes, my age is showing, too! ;) Poor Thranduil is going to have some fun in the next chapter! Can't leave him out of the craziness!
Lakergurl13 - Did you read PuterPatty's review for the last chapter. She said it was 8 spiders A YEAR! Not a lifetime!! LOL How icky horrible! Tanglinna isn't mean, he is just. . .well, he is just Tanglinna. :) We old ones like to play tricks on the younglings on occasion! Just ask my kids! You are right. Legolas is getting a lot of nicknames. And tell Charlie I would like to see him take on Bastryn and Mesgwauruan at the same time!
Daphne - It was Elrohir that bet on the spider, and Glorfindel agreed with him. You like the Spider in Rivendell idea, do you?? ;) Sounds intriguing.
Nadra - I am not at all surprised that fiery Feanor is a party animal! And of course Maehdros and the twins are adorable! But don't you dare bring that wicked Valar back to join the party! That would be just too wicked of you!!!! Dead Marsh Monster! I love it! That is very clever, for a Ringwraith like you! I promised Legolas that he would never have to wear pink again, so the little nightgown and pink rosettes are out! That would be a wicked punishment! LOL I will squash you on the Glorfindel issue! Rest assured! ;)
Nancing Elf - Glad you enjoyed Tavor's moment of discomfiture. He is too cocky by far, and he deserved it. *Tavor sneers at TH and says "I don't know what you are talking about." TH sticks her tongue out at him and tells him to "Shut up, Tavor!"* I have never had a spider go "thud" on my bed yet. . .so maybe I am not ready to test my newfound freedom from Aralithus. ;) Tell Gwibess that Bastryn should wake up soon. I just haven't decided where yet.
Angaloth - "Mesgwauruan! NOO! Not Mesgwauruan. . .whatever that is. . . " LOL You are too funny, nin mellon! You had me laughing!
t - I am sorry about that "Long time no write". I felt very bad about it, but circumstances were not favorable for me to write. I hope it never gets that bad again! Not until next September anyway. ;)
Princess ArWen of sMirkwood - Mesgwauruan did sound gross, didn't it! I hope you didn't legolass it too much, thought the 3 Elves appreciated it very much!
Seaweed - Well, I wish I could say that I had been working on the fic with Katharine the Great, but I wasn't writing ANYTHING! But that will be coming along sometime soon perhaps. Does Gimli like spiders?? I am just curious. Mesgwauruan is hard to spell, and I still stumble over it myself! Mesg is much better! I won't clobber you, but why would you want to get rid of them forever?? "HI" to Gimli, and what is it that you didn't say????
The Sadistic Cow - Legolas is getting quite a collection of names for himself, Prince of the Mud Monsters being the latest. Glad you liked it. Thank you for the "Jaws" music. I love it! So does Mesgwauruan! Bwahahahahahahahahah!!!!
Lauren - Thank you! Hope I didn't make the wait too, too long this time!
Skye - If no one ever left the path in Mirkwood, it would get rather dull. Poor little Elves and later in life poor little Dwarves! So it isn't the bunnies, but spiders. Aralithus is a very common malady. Three of the four members of my own immediate family suffer from it. LOL Yes, Legolas really is royalty! I thought that was very funny!
ccg - Your stream of questions reminded me of Brethil, so I was LOL! Well, I hope to have answers for all those questions soon! I guess you should join the Aralithus Society headed by Prince Aralith and Tavor. LOL I shouldn't laugh, being a former sufferer of this malady myself, but it is too funny! You sounded like my husband listing all the reasons to be afraid of them! He did the same thing just the other day. LOL
addicted - I am glad that your muse is speaking to you again. They can be rather a nuisance! Mine gets highly offended if I have anything to do with my time! Go figure! They must want us chained to the computer screen, typing away!
Earendil/Prong's Girl - 30 days and counting until TTT! (Or at least it is 30 days as of when I am writing these responses!) Was the Mud Monster what you expected?? :)
Laura - Next chapter the gifts should be sent to Agent Smith. . .uh, Lord Elrond! ;) I like the Matrix too! Why do they always tell Brethil to shut up?? *Brethil politely asks TreeHugger to move out of the chair and let him type* Mae Govannen, Laura! Thank you for calling me your fav Elf! That makes me very happy. I do not know why they are always telling me to shut up. You would think that they didn't want to hear what I have to say. It is really rather rude of them, for they do seem to be saying that to me quite a lot, don't they? So the Mud Monster is your father? Is that what you meant, or did you mean that Legolas' father was the Mud Monster? Or did you mean that the Mud Monster was a father? Or that it was the Mud Monster's father? *TreeHugger clears her throat* Enough, Brethil or I may have to say it! Anyway. . . you were saying, Laura. . .;)
al - Well, of course they will tell. The "Eyebrow" rules after all! Learning a LESSON is the only way to get through to the kiddies! It is too fun for the adults giving the lesson! You may certainly borrow "Gwaur caun", and Viggo can use it too. Poor Little Pip. She has Aralithus pretty bad. Sounds like Nate! The "Impatient Mode" has passed??? Hmm. . . . I guess it has since I have been very patient waiting for this chapter to be beta'd! ;) LOL Your age is showing like Irena's and mine! "My Three Sons" indeed! LOL You just can't seem to forget that slave, er, salve, can you??!! Actually you have NEVER told me what happened at the hot tub when they all went to your house after Elu was shot! *growls and glares at them all*
Ithilien - I don't recall any Mud Monsters in Tolkien either. Don't worry. I won't break the canon with that! He gave us plenty of other monsters to work with! :) What did happen during those three days?? Good question! LOL That will probably be another story. I need to keep some of the plot bunnies for later. Bastryn is snoozing right now, but they will have to figure out what needs to be done with him. ;) We shall see!
medellia - WOW! How can I not do anything that you ask after that glowing review! And with a spider on top, too! ^_^ Made my day!
Anya - Ring of Sarcasm - Spiders are "icky"?? LOL Of course they are, but you have to look past that to see the spider inside. . . *looks at what she just wrote* Hmm. . . I think I had better go lie down now! LOL
Karina - Glad you like the name Mesgwauruan. :) I am glad you are enjoying this fun little tale. I have written angst and will again, just not here. I like to have balance. I was LOL over your analysis of Tavor and his not having Aralithus. *Tavor glares at TH and Karina* He is definitely a candidate for your Mental Health Clinic for the Elvishly Insane! *He growls "I am not!"* LOL Yes, you are, dear Tavor! So how is Leslie coping with this name thing that upset him? It is a lovely name, Leslie! I like it! Resurrecting any of your favourite fictional Elves?? :( Nope, sorry. They are not going to be THAT revised. I have shed my tears over them, and will continue to do so. I miss them too. *sob sob* Such is life!
Hypy - Greetings "I used to be Ring of the cosmos!" ;) I won't ask why you haven't reviewed in a while, if you don't fuss at me for taking such a loooooong break! I am glad you find this Spirit uplifting! :)
Ainaweth - I am so glad that you love my Tricksy Trio stories. They are a lot of fun to write. I hope they stay in trouble! It makes life much more fun and enjoyable! ;)
Sofana - I am happy that you like the "fun qualities" of my stories. I have "beaten up the boys" myself, and this is a nice change for me. ;) Thank you for the solution to my comma problem. Only now al, my beta, is always telling me "Add a comma!" LOL I begin to despair that I will ever become a Comma Master!
Sake - Your computer was possessed by the 11th Nazgul?? So that is what it is when Ff.net is acting screwy! I think it is them and not your computer! Have you told your math teacher about the honor of being the 10th Nazgul?? ;) Amazingly Tanglinna was very cool tempered in this chapter. LOL on the Elven Ninja Samurai Spy Guy Things surrounding the Mud Monsters! That would be amusing!!
wellduh - Yep, a Mud Monster. Okay?? :)
Pseudonym - I love to hear from bystander readers! Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments. I enjoy it when people tell me my stories make them laugh! That makes my day! :)
Anonymous - So I shocked you so much your spirit left your body? Are you saying that I was being very slow that last chapter and that I shocked you by actually writing more? Or did you mean it was so good that you laughed the spirit right out of your body? Or did you mean . . .Shut up, TreeHugger! ;) Yes, Brethil is the only one who can really justify Brethilitis, so of course he has to tell what he knows. . .or thinks he does! He is very fun to write. Almost too easy to do it too! Tanglinna wasn't too nasty in this chapter. He was remarkably nice actually! Tavor is a complainer. *He glowers at TreeHugger and mutters "I am not! If you don't want me to complain then don't make so many "things" happen to us! Someone has to complain!"* Yes, Bastryn isn't very nice. He is not Gwibess by a long shot! Poor wicked little spider! LOL So the howl made you think of Thranduil and his famous shrieks?? LOL I am glad that you and your spirit enjoyed this chapter so much! :)
Layla737 - You are right. Even if "Thranduil wouldn't do that" Legolas just might! LOL Oh, dear! You are going to read "Hearts of Darkness" are you?? Wait until they are revised and then please don't shriek at me! Plenty of reviewers have!*hears someone growl "They should shriek at you" coming from where Tanglinna and Brethil are standing behind her* Well, yes, er. . .anyway. It is very sad, even to me!
Pseudonym Sylphmuse - I am glad that you are enjoying my stories and that they keep you laughing. As a mother with a young girl of my own I can say that I agree with your mother. They are rated "SFYG" Suitable For Young Girls. :)
ember - Thank you for saying that this is getting better and better! Woo Hoo! (c. Celeborn) :)