To recap what has gone on before (since the author is so incredibly slow of
late, for which I humbly apologize), let me just say that Burnout is a
horrible thing! The story thus far: Prince Legolas volunteered to pick a
birthday present for Lord Elrond, mainly to get out of trouble for
harboring a baby spider he has named Bastryn. After much searching, the
Tricksy Trio decide to send Bastryn, whom they have unsuccessfully tried to
tame. They have dosed the spider with water from the Morn Nen, so he
sleeps quite a lot. They also decide to send a bottle of wine from King
Thranduil's cellar, and Legolas leaves Brethil and Tavor to choose one.
During a dinner at the palace there is a mix up, and the three young elves
think that the Morn Nen water has been mixed with the wine about to be
served. Much spider chasing ensues, after which we find out that the wine
was not tainted.
The next day the wine and Bastryn head for Imladris. When the Gift Bearers
from Mirkwood arrive, they are astounded that the wine sent is none other
than the famed Dorwinion, which they know Thranduil would never have
allowed to be sent. Then indeed their surprise increases tenfold when they
find that it is not *one* bottle that was sent, but four. That leaves no
Morn Nen water for Bastryn. Bastryn has decided that Lord Glorfindel is his
"Naneth Lhing" all grown up, and literally attached himself to him. Back
in Mirkwood, Legolas has managed to tell his father what he has found out:
Brethil put the Morn Nen water in the wine they sent. He does not tell his
father that it is the Dorwinion, though Tanglinna comes to learn this later
from the young prince, which frightens the usually unflappable Master
Archer greatly. Thranduil decides to journey to Imladris himself, quite
delighted by all of this. His middle son Aralith will accompany him.
Big huge thanks to al, my beta! Thank you for being so patient with me and my errors! I am glad they were not so numerous this time!! :)
Chapter 11 - The Beginning of One Not So Fine Morning in Imladris
Celebrian was pouring tea into delicate cups painted with bright floral designs, a birthday gift years ago from Arwen. She smiled over at her husband, who was buttering pieces of bread baked with plump raisins and cinnamon. He placed one slice on her plate before taking one for himself and plying the elegant little knife once more. Celebrian sat down opposite him, waiting for the inevitable. She felt another smile touch her lips as he raised the butter knife from the bread to his mouth.
"Elrond!" she said in a reproving voice, schooling her fair features to mock outrage.
He looked up at her, sliding the knife from between his lips. He glanced at it with a feeling of guilt, and then lay it down on his own plate decorously. His lips twitched slightly, and he cleared his throat.
"I guess there are some things that one never outgrows," he said wryly, taking a sip of hot tea from his cup.
"It is a good thing that my naneth isn't here," Celebrian said, raising one delicate brow. "You know how she frowns upon bad table manners."
Elrond snorted slightly.
"Yes, a good thing," he agreed, then grinned over at her, stuffing an over large piece of bread into his mouth.
She laughed happily, gazing at her husband in adoration. Their eyes met for a moment, and Elrond suddenly stood, leaning across the small table to kiss her. Celebrian burst into giggles as he sat down once more.
"Elrond! Your hair!"
The lord of Imladris gazed down at his trailing side locks, and noted with mild dismay that the end of one was drenched with tea.
"It is a *very* good thing that your mother isn't here," he remarked dryly, taking up his napkin and squeezing it about the wet dark hair.
"It is a very good thing that Iaeth isn't here," she said with a laugh, thinking of the very proper elf in charge of the table linens. "He doesn't like to see spots on the napkins."
Elrond grunted as he took the offended napkin and shook it out, surveying the rather large spot he had just made on it.
"Yes," he drawled, "and tea is rather hard to get out. I will never hear the end of this."
They ate together in companionable silence for a moment, and then they gazed at one another and said in unison, "What are the twins planning?"
They stared across the table, their eyes meeting once more, and the air filled suddenly with their delighted laughter.
"They are *your* sons," Elrond commented with a grin. "I certainly never behaved that way."
"And you think that I did?" Celebrian laughed, sipping her tea. "My parents are models of decorum, as you well know. They would never allow their only child to run about and get into mischief like that."
Elrond was about to comment on this when he heard Erestor coming up behind him. The elf-lord frowned, as Erestor was as quiet as a mouse most times. He wondered what was amiss.
~I guess we are about to find out what the twins are up to very soon now, ~ he thought as he turned to gaze at his counselor.
Erestor was smiling rather oddly at them, bowing slightly as he came to stand beside Celebrian, his smile widening into a grin, a most unusual light in his grey eyes.
"What has happened, Erestor?" Celebrian asked, laying aside her bread. "It's not the twins, is it? What have they done now?"
"No, my lady. It is not the twins. I have just come to inform you that the gifts from Mirkwood have arrived."
Elrond's eyes widened in delight at this statement.
"Truly? Right on time. Thranduil was always punctual, if nothing else." He glanced at Celebrian, who shot him a reproving look. "Well, he *is* punctual. Punctuality is good. What did he send?"
Erestor pressed his lips together in what looked suspiciously like an attempt to keep from bursting into peals of laughter; something that one did not associate with the usually somber elf.
"We should wait until the children get here," Celebrian said, though she too wondered what Thranduil could have sent that was causing Erestor such delight. "They will want to know whom has won the bets, after all." She gazed at the counselor, trying to recall what it was he had bet that Mirkwood's king would send.
"We have no idea where the twins are," Elrond pointed out, his curiosity getting the best of him. "What did he send?" he asked turning to Erestor. "You look very pleased, but I can't believe that *you* won the bet. Thranduil would never send the Dorwinion . . . or did he?"
"I agree with Lady Celebrian. You should wait for the children," Erestor commented, quirking a dark brow.
Elrond frowned, and glanced back the way Erestor had come.
"Where is Glorfindel?" he asked, his own brows furrowing slightly. "Has he seen the gifts?"
"He was with me when they arrived, my lord."
"Gifts? As in more than one?" Celebrian queried, her own curiosity rising. She gazed over at her husband who had gotten to his feet.
"Where is Glorfindel?" Elrond repeated. "He isn't hiding them again, is he? That wasn't nearly as much fun as he thought it was."
Celebrian smiled, and the silvery sound of her laughter filled the morning air.
"Yes, it was, nin mel (my dear). Especially when the twins moved the presents from where Glorfindel had hidden them. Do you recall the look on his face when he couldn't find them?"
"He isn't hiding the presents," Erestor assured him, wondering where Glorfindel had gone. The last time he had seen him had been when the two Mirkwood elves had managed to pry the baby spider from the golden haired elf-lord's chest. Glorfindel had immediately bid them all good day, and hurried away, looking as though he would break into a run the minute he was out of their sight. The oddest thing was the little spider, crying after him, "Naneth Lhing! Naneth Lhing! Don't leave Bastryn!" Its long legs had been waving frantically in the air, a pathetic look on its furry face.
Erestor had told Nadrach and Baranthor where to take the wine, and where it might be best to harbor the spider. Then the counselor had gone in search of his lord. Now he grinned over at Elrond with anticipation shining in his eyes.
Just then the clear, youthful voice of Lindir was heard. The younger elf was speaking with the two Mirkwood Gift Bearers if Erestor was not mistaken, and a moment later the three came into view. Lindir smiled when he saw them, and spoke quietly to the Wood Elves. He bowed gracefully to Elrond and Celebrian, tipping his head in acknowledgement to Erestor.
"My lord and lady," he began with a smile, "Nadrach and Baranthor are the Gift Bearers from Mirkwood this year, and they wished to speak with you."
Elrond gracefully tilted his head toward them.
"Welcome to Imladris," he said, watching as they bowed to him. Perhaps he could get them to tell him what their king had sent if he could just get Erestor to go elsewhere. "Will you join us for tea? Or some breakfast perhaps? Erestor, go and see about something for our guests."
"Sometimes, my lord, you are only too obvious," Erestor chuckled, shaking his head. "Come along then, Lindir. You can help me carry breakfast out while Lord Elrond tries to discover what King Thranduil has sent to him." He turned back to Elrond. "We shall see who is faster to achieve their goal, my lord," he said with a grin.
Elrond ignored his counselor's words, and motioned for Nadrach and Baranthor to seat themselves at the table.
The Mirkwood elves exchanged confused glances and seated themselves, their bright eyes taking in everything about them so they could make a full report back in Mirkwood.
"I hope you had an easy journey," Elrond said as he sat down opposite Baranthor.
"It was uneventful," the Wood Elf answered.
"You didn't have any problems then?"
Baranthor glanced at Nadrach who smiled, his green eyes sparkling with amusement.
"No, Lord Elrond. We had no problems," Baranthor answered as he turned back to the lord of the Hidden Vale.
"Good. Very good. Um, so. . . the trip was easy, was it?"
The Wood Elves looked at one another once more. Yes, these Imladris elves were *very* strange.
"My Lord Elrond," Nadrach began sitting very straight in his chair, eyes dancing with delight, "it is said that you know a great many things."
"Yes," Elrond answered, nodding his dark head.
"There is a question that I would like to ask you. It is a matter much debated among us."
"Certainly," Elrond said congenially, noting the amused look on Celebrian's face. "I will answer it if I can."
Nadrach shot a glance at his companion and raised his brows in challenge.
"We were wondering if Lord Glor-"
"Nadrach!" Baranthor interrupted, his face darkened with a frown. "I thought we had agreed not to ask that question, as it might not be polite to inquire." His eyes were filled with reproof, but Nadrach merely grinned.
"Aren't you curious as to the truth of the matter? And who, if not Lord Elrond, would know it better? Except for Lord Glorfindel himself, of course."
Elrond watched the two with a puzzled frown. What were they talking about? Surely these Wood Elves were *very* strange.
"I will be glad to answer any question you might have," he said, continuing to study them and wondering when he could tactfully turn the conversation to the gifts. Erestor would be returning any time now, and the opportunity would be gone. "You said it was about Lord Glorfindel?"
When Nadrach continued, after a glance at Baranthor who merely shrugged, Elrond nodded, seeing a way to bring the conversation about to the gifts.
"I understand that Glorfindel was with Erestor this morning when you arrived with Thranduil's gifts," Imladris' lord said with a self-satisfied smile. ~Tactfully done, ~ he congratulated himself. ~ I think I sounded very nonchalant. Now I need merely ask about them. ~
Celebrian gazed over at her husband with a look that let him know in no uncertain terms that she knew exactly what he was doing, but he saw her lips quirk in a smile, and he couldn't suppress his own.
Nadrach and Baranthor looked at one another, and both shrugged. This was certainly very strange.
Before Nadrach could speak again, or Elrond ask about the gifts, Erestor and Lindir returned, bearing trays laden with steaming teapots and cups, fresh breads and cheese. Erestor glanced at Celebrian, who grinned and shook her head to indicate that Elrond had not yet managed to find out about the gifts. Erestor threw a triumphant look toward the lord of Imladris.
~If only I'd had a few more moments before Erestor had returned! ~Elrond thought, having noted the little exchange between his wife and chief counselor, pursing his lips in annoyance.
Erestor set his tray on a small stone bench, gesturing for Lindir to do the same. He removed the dishes and cups that Elrond and Celebrian had been using, and placed the clean ones on the table, noting with a frown the spots of tea that had dripped from Elrond's hair, which he had noted was looking suspiciously wet. This had happened before, after all. Iaeth would not be pleased.
While the two served their guests, Elrond leaned back in his chair, wondering how he could bring the conversation back around to the gifts without Erestor putting an abrupt stop to it. He had no time to contemplate this, for they heard a distressed voice calling, "Erestor! Erestor! Come take this thing!! Erestor!!!"
Celebrian glanced over at her husband, her blue eyes clouded with anxiety.
"That sounds like Glorfindel," she said, brows knitting.
Baranthor and Nadrach glanced at one another, and then shook their heads.
"I told you that cage wouldn't hold him if he were awake," Nadrach said, sipping the tea Erestor had poured for him. "He seems rather smart."
"Yes, you are quite right. I just wonder where the Magic Spider Water is. I think they will need it," Baranthor agreed in an unconcerned tone. "He certainly has taken a liking to the Balrog slayer."
" *That* has not yet been resolved," Nadrach rejoined. "About the Balrog, I mean."
"I think it will never be resolved now," Baranthor sighed, and turned to find Elrond frowning at him.
Suddenly Glorfindel came hurrying onto the balcony. Held in his hands at arms length was Bastryn, who was crooning at his new 'Naneth Lhing.' Glorfindel's eyes immediately went to Erestor, and then to Elrond.
"Somebody please! Get this thing away from me," the elf-lord groaned, turning his face away from the waving, grasping legs. "Please!"
"It's a spider!" Lindir gasped, his usually lovely voice an octave higher and much squeakier.
"Glorfindel," Erestor said sharply, though his eyes danced with glee. "It was *supposed* to be a surprise."
"Take it, Erestor! Please! I-don't-like-spiders!" Glorfindel looked at him imploringly as Lindir jumped behind the dark haired counselor, his eyes wide with uncertainty. Bastryn snapped at Erestor and then, seeing the fear written so plainly on Lindir's face, he snapped at the younger elf as well, and was rewarded when Lindir jumped back and shrieked slightly.
"Aralithus again," Nadrach commented, a smile playing about his lips.
"Lord Glorfindel doesn't have it nearly as bad as the prince though," Baranthor pointed out sagely, knowing that Nadrach felt that Glorfindel's condition was one of the arguments he would use to back up his side of the old argument. "Prince Aralith would never touch a spider."
"Ara-whatis?" Elrond asked, standing suddenly as Glorfindel turned to look imploringly at him. "I can't believe he sent a spider; a spider, here in Imladris. Oh no you don't, Glorfindel! Keep it away from me!"
The Mirkwood elves gazed at one another yet again, and Baranthor sighed, knowing that explanations would be necessary once more.
Suddenly Bastryn's eyes widened, and he threw himself from Glorfindel's grasp. He landed with a crash in the middle of the table, cups and plates rattling, tea splashing on the cloth. He grabbed up a piece of bread and shoved it into his mouth, then he turned his eyes on Elrond and Celebrian, who had stood very quickly to hover at her husband's shoulder. Bastryn's eyes twinkled as he regarded them, and then he grabbed another piece of bread.
"Yes! Yes!" Glorfindel gasped out. "Feed it! Feed it! Don't let it stop eating, or it will bite!"
Elrond turned to stare at him in utter amazement. Then he saw the small bite marks on Glorfindel's long fingers. This didn't look good, but suddenly his eyes gleamed.
"Aralithus," he murmured, and then nodded sagely. "Yes, now I know what you mean. Glorfindel, what is wrong with you? Surely you are not afraid of a little spider," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Come and get this - this - this spider off the table, and - and take it away!"
"No! No! Not me! I do not want to see that spider ever again! Let Erestor take care of it. Or the twins!"
"Oh no!" Celebrian said, shaking her golden head. "The twins are *not* to see it!"
"She is right, Glor," Erestor remarked dryly, smoothing his long dark hair. "You ARE the spider's 'Naneth Lhing,' after all," he continued, and quirked a smile at his fellow counselor.
Lindir, who was still cowering behind Erestor, blinked and stared at the spider in disbelief.
"Why would King Thranduil send you a spider?" he asked quietly, trying to keep Bastryn from noticing him.
"He didn't," Baranthor sighed, standing and brushing at his tunic, which had been drenched with the tea that Bastryn had spilled. "Prince Legolas sent it."
"Legolas?" Elrond asked, backing slowly away from the table and nearly knocking his wife over. "Prince Legolas?"
"Wicked Greenie!" Bastryn pronounced between mouthfuls. "Wicked Greenie! Makes Bastryn sleep!"
"Is that thing . . . speaking?" Lindir murmured, staring at it in horrified fascination.
Bastryn turned his crimson eyes toward the young elf, and Lindir backed several feet away, disregarding the uncharacteristic snort of laugher that escaped from Erestor's lips.
"Glorfindel!" Elrond barked. "Take the spider out of here now!"
"Elrond, please," the golden haired elf protested, wondering why he hadn't fled when he'd had the chance. He had fled earlier and the thing had still managed to find him. With this thought creeping through his mind, Glorfindel groaned. What if it followed him wherever he went? What if there was no escaping it? Surely Elrond would make them take it back to Mirkwood. Wouldn't he?
Suddenly Celebrian moved past her husband and plucked up the spider.
"You have very bad table manners," she told the small arachnid sternly, her blue eyes flashing with a baleful light that reminded Glorfindel of the Balrog's, "even worse than Lord Elrond's. You should be glad that you are not in Lorien, bread-stealer, or my mother would eat you for dinner!" She tucked him deftly under one arm, and then turned to smile sweetly at Baranthor and Nadrach. "I wanted to thank you for delivering the gifts safely. Please send our thanks and regards to King Thranduil. Tell him that my husband was quite . . . amazed." She turned then to regard her husband, Erestor, Lindir, and Glorfindel. She pursed her pink lips, and shook her golden head. "Males," she muttered, before taking another piece of bread and walking away, feeding it to the greedy spider.
"Very strange indeed," Nadrach murmured to Baranthor. "This is going to amuse the king no end."
"It most certainly will," the other agreed, still staring down at his stained tunic.
Now that Bastryn was gone once more, Glorfindel heaved a sigh of relief, a smile flitting over his lips. He straightened, trying to salvage his dignity as he said, "I am so sorry about that. It was supposed to be a surprise, wasn't it, Erestor? Well, at least he doesn't know about the Dorwinion."
"Glorfindel!" Erestor gasped out in shock, staring at his friend in disbelief. "What has gotten into you?! *That* was supposed to be a surprise too!"
Glorfindel stared at him dumbfounded, and Elrond's eyes widened, and then narrowed as he studied his old friend. Suddenly he brightened.
"The Dorwinion?" he asked, smiling broadly. "The Dorwinion? You are teasing me, aren't you? You and Erestor had this planned just to tease me! You didn't? You didn't! I don't believe it! He sent the Dorwinion! Erestor, you sly old fox, you *did* win the bet! And so did Elrohir and Glory!"
"As did Arwen," Erestor said with a sigh. It would have been so much fun to surprise Elrond, but now. . . "The little beast came with a jeweled collar and golden leash."
"And Elladan too!" Lindir chimed in, moving to stand at Erestor's side once more now that Bastryn was safely away. "I believe that is a floral crown circling your wrist, is it not, Glorfindel?"
The tall elf-lord gazed down at the flowers adorning one slender wrist. He smiled weakly, still reeling from what had just happened.
"It wouldn't stay on the beast's head," he said apologetically, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of dismay and annoyance. "Did I really mention the Dorwinion just now?"
"You did," Erestor muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You did!" Elrond crowed happily.
Suddenly Bastryn skidded onto the balcony and launched himself at Glorfindel once more.
"Naneth Lhing! Naneth Lhing! Feed me! Feed me! Or I will bite you!"
Glorfindel gave a strangled cry, and tried to dislodge the spider from his chest.
"Hmph!" Erestor grunted. "You did say *that* too, Glor."
Glorfindel finally managed to wrest Bastryn to the ground, and he turned, fleeing as quickly as he could.
Baranthor shook his head, swallowing the last of his tea that had not been spilt over his tunic.
"Just like home," he said to Nadrach, who was finishing a piece of cheese.
"Exactly. Perhaps they are not so strange after all."
TBC
Responses to Reviewers
daw the minstrel - My children have reached the age where hardly anything goes over there heads anymore. Oh, for the days when you merely had to spell things to one another! ;)
overcastday - well, I am glad to say the Glorfindel chapter is at my beta's, so it will be posted soon as well. Children's minds are indeed a marvelous thing!
shirebound - Of course I have the entire story planned from the beginning to the end . . . NOT! :) I wish I did, so they wouldn't get quite so long! There are other plot bunnies waiting patiently in the wings.
IRENA - As to if Thranduil will get the Morn Nen water . . . many people seem to think so. Just wait and see!
MadMaddie - I am so glad you are enjoying this! Sorry for the long wait!
Songbreeze the Omnipresent - It is very interesting the way we can phrase things so it doesn't seem so bad. Yes, he didn't send *one* Dorwinion! ;)
Lady Elwing - I liked your laughing, rhyming review! I am glad that you were as amused as the king! I hope you stay that way!
None - Hi! You want Legolas to go to Imladris? I am so sorry! He has some things to attend to in Mirkwood. . . like replacing the missing Dorwinion before the king returns!
Angaloth - It should be quite interesting to see what becomes of Legolas' plan when the twins try to do what he wants! ;)
ember - Do you really want Thranduil to find out about the four Dorwinions?? Legolas certainly doesn't!!~-^
Seska Baggins - I am so glad you are enjoying this silly romp! :)
Hiro-tyre - Legoals, I fear, will never learn to stop plotting and planning ways that never work. Elves - male elves - in tights is always very nice! ^-^
Nilmandra - This is a real big problem, and if Thranduil finds out they have no Dorwinion in the cellar, well, it will Not be Good. Poor Legolas indeed! Poor, well, everybody!
addicted - I think the flying Orcs singing love songs might make a good Valentine's day story. Don't you??
Lakergurl13 - I believe that Thranduil was too busy being tickled to hug anybody. Now look . . . why are you sobbing over Tavor? I haven't slaughtered him yet! He is alive and well and somewhere in Middle Earth.
Lutris - Another one who wants Thranduil, as well as Elrond, to "forget." We shall see!!
poohsticksbridge - Very true. This is Not Good. Arwen hasn't met the sweet "lend laes Bastryn" yet, so I am not certain how she will react. And the twins!! They will be quite jealous of Glorfindel! ;)
Jaimi - Woot! I am glad you are enjoying this tale, and that you think Tanglinna is cool! That has made him most happy! :)
Katharine the Great - Kate, you are welcome to all the twin outfits you can handle, whenever and wherever you want them. . . the tighter the better. ;) OFC just dropped into the Morn Nen Water Incident?? And just who should this OFC be?? ;)
Erunyauve - The Dorwinion is a deal, and you can usually gage the seriousness of a situation, or lack thereof, by Tanglinna's reactions. He doesn't over-react very often.
PuterPatty - I think, nin mel, that you are smitten with male elves in general! ;) But (yes, I am starting with BUT) did you call Tanglinna. . . frigid??? O.O LOL I would just say. . . uptight at times. ~-^ Aralith should have a very fun time in Imladris. . . depending on your definition of fun.
Silvarn Vilya - We all have Famous Last Words that we all use, and we may even know they are Famous and Last Words when we use them . . . that makes no sense. ;) I am trying to get back to chugging along. . . train derailed slightly for a time. :)
Dark-Elf girl - I am so sorry that my updates are so slow. I am going to try to do better! Really I am, but no promises as they tend to jinx me! ;)
AndromacheCassandra - No, I am afraid the chapter "In Which The King Is Not Highly Amused" comes later.
SperryDee - My updates are very slow lately, but Tanglinna is thrilled that you think he is cool!
Lassemista - I am very glad that you thought the last one was amusing. I'll try to be faster posting the next one.
Dragon_or_the_north - I am sorry that Tanglinna didn't make an appearance in this chapter. I will have to find something for him to do in the next one. I think you should hug him after all he has done to you lately! I am sure everything will go exactly like Legolas planned it! ;)
Kaimelieamin - I wish I were in Imladris to see it too! Wouldn't that be a blast??!!
Laura - Than you, and no. . . it wasn't *one* of the Dorwinions! ~_^
Venyatuime - LOL Yes, you have the right of it: everything can go wrong!!
Seaweed - LOL Yes, everything can go wrong!! (I am repeating myself!) And LOL oh, yes. I see you recognized the plot bunny about Aralith and the twins, and the periwinkle crown. It will happen in this story!
the evil witch queen - Oh my! Yes, I see! So much can go so very wrong! What *was* Legolas thinking in the first place??!! ;)
laurelin - Thank you so much! Your review really made me smile!
Witchmaster - Legolas is about 11 - 12 in human years, that fun age where you are still naïve enough to think that you can get away with something that everyone else knows you can't!! ;)
Lindon - I am glad you like the Elvenking's mischievous side. I do have a plot bunny about him as an elfling waiting patiently for attention. LOL Yes, oh yes! Tanglinna is more than happy to tell all about it, he is, in fact, the one telling Legolas the story about Thranduil as a youngling!
medellia - Your review made me very happy! Thank you! I doubt if Legolas will ever entirely stop asking that famous question: "What could possibly go wrong?"!
annakas - LOL They are Famous Last Words, and Legolas knows how to use them quite well, and quite often!!
Carrie - Wow! Thanks so very much! I hope you get a chance to read more. Birthdays are indeed fun in Middle Earth.
Katie - Hello, Katie. Nothing too evil will be happening in Imladris, just many amusing mishaps. I would LOVE to see your pictures! I love the anime style and do some pics that way myself. As to Tanglinna and the hug. . . well, he said he would be very glad to oblige you! *hugs from Tanglinna*
amlugwen - cuddled any elves lately?? ;) I am afraid that Glorfindel will have to deal with Bastryn for quite some time. As to what Tanglinna will do about the wine . . . wait and see. LOL I like to respond to my reviewers, so don't worry. There won't be many times that I won't.
Littlesaiyangirl - Woot! I love to make you ROTFL!
WeasleyTwinsLover1112 - I am sorry for the long delay between postings! I am glad you are enjoying this merry romp! Stay tuned!
Still Anonymous - You don't think the twins will be any help?? Why ever not? ;) I am glad that I can still surprise people on occasion. LOL I am very glad no one gets annoyed with you for finishing their sentences. We do that hear as well. I am glad you liked my description of the Emyn Duir painting. Tanglinna is in a bit of a rush to set things right before the king returns. I am wondering if he can do it actually, before Thranduil returns. If not. . . well . . . let the shrieking commence!
Phoenix Flight - LOL Yes, Glorfindel got a present he didn't want, and it *wasn't* even his birthday. Poor elf indeed!
Ithilien - I am glad you like my newest pic on the bio page. I had a lot of fun drawing that one. As slowly as I have been updating, you weren't late at all! Yes, Legolas is in trouble now. . . unless, of course, if his plan with the twins works. ;)
Green Eyes - I am glad you gave my little Legolas story a try. And I am very glad that you enjoyed it! :)
None - Hi! No pressure! I know I have been slow, and I am sorry. I hope it won't happen again!
Skye - How are your spiderlings? It sounds like they are enjoying the bedtime stories. :) Now that spring has arrived all the spiders have returned here, and are living in their usual places. I was actually very glad to see them. . . too weird. How is your nose? And your car? It sounds like RL was not being kind there for a time. Yes, luckily not all the elves think like Kid Legolas or they would never be what they are. :)
Hel - Someone lese wants Thranduil to partake in his lovely Dorwinion. LOL We shall see! You are wicked! Yes, Aralith will get to see Bastryn again! Lucky him! ;) I am glad you like Tanglinna so much! He blushes whenever anyone says they like him. ;P Hmm. . . Did Oropher have a spider? Good question! There is probably a plot bunny in that one!
Kate - Yes, I would love for you do put them all together into a book! You are so sweet to do that! :)
Big huge thanks to al, my beta! Thank you for being so patient with me and my errors! I am glad they were not so numerous this time!! :)
Chapter 11 - The Beginning of One Not So Fine Morning in Imladris
Celebrian was pouring tea into delicate cups painted with bright floral designs, a birthday gift years ago from Arwen. She smiled over at her husband, who was buttering pieces of bread baked with plump raisins and cinnamon. He placed one slice on her plate before taking one for himself and plying the elegant little knife once more. Celebrian sat down opposite him, waiting for the inevitable. She felt another smile touch her lips as he raised the butter knife from the bread to his mouth.
"Elrond!" she said in a reproving voice, schooling her fair features to mock outrage.
He looked up at her, sliding the knife from between his lips. He glanced at it with a feeling of guilt, and then lay it down on his own plate decorously. His lips twitched slightly, and he cleared his throat.
"I guess there are some things that one never outgrows," he said wryly, taking a sip of hot tea from his cup.
"It is a good thing that my naneth isn't here," Celebrian said, raising one delicate brow. "You know how she frowns upon bad table manners."
Elrond snorted slightly.
"Yes, a good thing," he agreed, then grinned over at her, stuffing an over large piece of bread into his mouth.
She laughed happily, gazing at her husband in adoration. Their eyes met for a moment, and Elrond suddenly stood, leaning across the small table to kiss her. Celebrian burst into giggles as he sat down once more.
"Elrond! Your hair!"
The lord of Imladris gazed down at his trailing side locks, and noted with mild dismay that the end of one was drenched with tea.
"It is a *very* good thing that your mother isn't here," he remarked dryly, taking up his napkin and squeezing it about the wet dark hair.
"It is a very good thing that Iaeth isn't here," she said with a laugh, thinking of the very proper elf in charge of the table linens. "He doesn't like to see spots on the napkins."
Elrond grunted as he took the offended napkin and shook it out, surveying the rather large spot he had just made on it.
"Yes," he drawled, "and tea is rather hard to get out. I will never hear the end of this."
They ate together in companionable silence for a moment, and then they gazed at one another and said in unison, "What are the twins planning?"
They stared across the table, their eyes meeting once more, and the air filled suddenly with their delighted laughter.
"They are *your* sons," Elrond commented with a grin. "I certainly never behaved that way."
"And you think that I did?" Celebrian laughed, sipping her tea. "My parents are models of decorum, as you well know. They would never allow their only child to run about and get into mischief like that."
Elrond was about to comment on this when he heard Erestor coming up behind him. The elf-lord frowned, as Erestor was as quiet as a mouse most times. He wondered what was amiss.
~I guess we are about to find out what the twins are up to very soon now, ~ he thought as he turned to gaze at his counselor.
Erestor was smiling rather oddly at them, bowing slightly as he came to stand beside Celebrian, his smile widening into a grin, a most unusual light in his grey eyes.
"What has happened, Erestor?" Celebrian asked, laying aside her bread. "It's not the twins, is it? What have they done now?"
"No, my lady. It is not the twins. I have just come to inform you that the gifts from Mirkwood have arrived."
Elrond's eyes widened in delight at this statement.
"Truly? Right on time. Thranduil was always punctual, if nothing else." He glanced at Celebrian, who shot him a reproving look. "Well, he *is* punctual. Punctuality is good. What did he send?"
Erestor pressed his lips together in what looked suspiciously like an attempt to keep from bursting into peals of laughter; something that one did not associate with the usually somber elf.
"We should wait until the children get here," Celebrian said, though she too wondered what Thranduil could have sent that was causing Erestor such delight. "They will want to know whom has won the bets, after all." She gazed at the counselor, trying to recall what it was he had bet that Mirkwood's king would send.
"We have no idea where the twins are," Elrond pointed out, his curiosity getting the best of him. "What did he send?" he asked turning to Erestor. "You look very pleased, but I can't believe that *you* won the bet. Thranduil would never send the Dorwinion . . . or did he?"
"I agree with Lady Celebrian. You should wait for the children," Erestor commented, quirking a dark brow.
Elrond frowned, and glanced back the way Erestor had come.
"Where is Glorfindel?" he asked, his own brows furrowing slightly. "Has he seen the gifts?"
"He was with me when they arrived, my lord."
"Gifts? As in more than one?" Celebrian queried, her own curiosity rising. She gazed over at her husband who had gotten to his feet.
"Where is Glorfindel?" Elrond repeated. "He isn't hiding them again, is he? That wasn't nearly as much fun as he thought it was."
Celebrian smiled, and the silvery sound of her laughter filled the morning air.
"Yes, it was, nin mel (my dear). Especially when the twins moved the presents from where Glorfindel had hidden them. Do you recall the look on his face when he couldn't find them?"
"He isn't hiding the presents," Erestor assured him, wondering where Glorfindel had gone. The last time he had seen him had been when the two Mirkwood elves had managed to pry the baby spider from the golden haired elf-lord's chest. Glorfindel had immediately bid them all good day, and hurried away, looking as though he would break into a run the minute he was out of their sight. The oddest thing was the little spider, crying after him, "Naneth Lhing! Naneth Lhing! Don't leave Bastryn!" Its long legs had been waving frantically in the air, a pathetic look on its furry face.
Erestor had told Nadrach and Baranthor where to take the wine, and where it might be best to harbor the spider. Then the counselor had gone in search of his lord. Now he grinned over at Elrond with anticipation shining in his eyes.
Just then the clear, youthful voice of Lindir was heard. The younger elf was speaking with the two Mirkwood Gift Bearers if Erestor was not mistaken, and a moment later the three came into view. Lindir smiled when he saw them, and spoke quietly to the Wood Elves. He bowed gracefully to Elrond and Celebrian, tipping his head in acknowledgement to Erestor.
"My lord and lady," he began with a smile, "Nadrach and Baranthor are the Gift Bearers from Mirkwood this year, and they wished to speak with you."
Elrond gracefully tilted his head toward them.
"Welcome to Imladris," he said, watching as they bowed to him. Perhaps he could get them to tell him what their king had sent if he could just get Erestor to go elsewhere. "Will you join us for tea? Or some breakfast perhaps? Erestor, go and see about something for our guests."
"Sometimes, my lord, you are only too obvious," Erestor chuckled, shaking his head. "Come along then, Lindir. You can help me carry breakfast out while Lord Elrond tries to discover what King Thranduil has sent to him." He turned back to Elrond. "We shall see who is faster to achieve their goal, my lord," he said with a grin.
Elrond ignored his counselor's words, and motioned for Nadrach and Baranthor to seat themselves at the table.
The Mirkwood elves exchanged confused glances and seated themselves, their bright eyes taking in everything about them so they could make a full report back in Mirkwood.
"I hope you had an easy journey," Elrond said as he sat down opposite Baranthor.
"It was uneventful," the Wood Elf answered.
"You didn't have any problems then?"
Baranthor glanced at Nadrach who smiled, his green eyes sparkling with amusement.
"No, Lord Elrond. We had no problems," Baranthor answered as he turned back to the lord of the Hidden Vale.
"Good. Very good. Um, so. . . the trip was easy, was it?"
The Wood Elves looked at one another once more. Yes, these Imladris elves were *very* strange.
"My Lord Elrond," Nadrach began sitting very straight in his chair, eyes dancing with delight, "it is said that you know a great many things."
"Yes," Elrond answered, nodding his dark head.
"There is a question that I would like to ask you. It is a matter much debated among us."
"Certainly," Elrond said congenially, noting the amused look on Celebrian's face. "I will answer it if I can."
Nadrach shot a glance at his companion and raised his brows in challenge.
"We were wondering if Lord Glor-"
"Nadrach!" Baranthor interrupted, his face darkened with a frown. "I thought we had agreed not to ask that question, as it might not be polite to inquire." His eyes were filled with reproof, but Nadrach merely grinned.
"Aren't you curious as to the truth of the matter? And who, if not Lord Elrond, would know it better? Except for Lord Glorfindel himself, of course."
Elrond watched the two with a puzzled frown. What were they talking about? Surely these Wood Elves were *very* strange.
"I will be glad to answer any question you might have," he said, continuing to study them and wondering when he could tactfully turn the conversation to the gifts. Erestor would be returning any time now, and the opportunity would be gone. "You said it was about Lord Glorfindel?"
When Nadrach continued, after a glance at Baranthor who merely shrugged, Elrond nodded, seeing a way to bring the conversation about to the gifts.
"I understand that Glorfindel was with Erestor this morning when you arrived with Thranduil's gifts," Imladris' lord said with a self-satisfied smile. ~Tactfully done, ~ he congratulated himself. ~ I think I sounded very nonchalant. Now I need merely ask about them. ~
Celebrian gazed over at her husband with a look that let him know in no uncertain terms that she knew exactly what he was doing, but he saw her lips quirk in a smile, and he couldn't suppress his own.
Nadrach and Baranthor looked at one another, and both shrugged. This was certainly very strange.
Before Nadrach could speak again, or Elrond ask about the gifts, Erestor and Lindir returned, bearing trays laden with steaming teapots and cups, fresh breads and cheese. Erestor glanced at Celebrian, who grinned and shook her head to indicate that Elrond had not yet managed to find out about the gifts. Erestor threw a triumphant look toward the lord of Imladris.
~If only I'd had a few more moments before Erestor had returned! ~Elrond thought, having noted the little exchange between his wife and chief counselor, pursing his lips in annoyance.
Erestor set his tray on a small stone bench, gesturing for Lindir to do the same. He removed the dishes and cups that Elrond and Celebrian had been using, and placed the clean ones on the table, noting with a frown the spots of tea that had dripped from Elrond's hair, which he had noted was looking suspiciously wet. This had happened before, after all. Iaeth would not be pleased.
While the two served their guests, Elrond leaned back in his chair, wondering how he could bring the conversation back around to the gifts without Erestor putting an abrupt stop to it. He had no time to contemplate this, for they heard a distressed voice calling, "Erestor! Erestor! Come take this thing!! Erestor!!!"
Celebrian glanced over at her husband, her blue eyes clouded with anxiety.
"That sounds like Glorfindel," she said, brows knitting.
Baranthor and Nadrach glanced at one another, and then shook their heads.
"I told you that cage wouldn't hold him if he were awake," Nadrach said, sipping the tea Erestor had poured for him. "He seems rather smart."
"Yes, you are quite right. I just wonder where the Magic Spider Water is. I think they will need it," Baranthor agreed in an unconcerned tone. "He certainly has taken a liking to the Balrog slayer."
" *That* has not yet been resolved," Nadrach rejoined. "About the Balrog, I mean."
"I think it will never be resolved now," Baranthor sighed, and turned to find Elrond frowning at him.
Suddenly Glorfindel came hurrying onto the balcony. Held in his hands at arms length was Bastryn, who was crooning at his new 'Naneth Lhing.' Glorfindel's eyes immediately went to Erestor, and then to Elrond.
"Somebody please! Get this thing away from me," the elf-lord groaned, turning his face away from the waving, grasping legs. "Please!"
"It's a spider!" Lindir gasped, his usually lovely voice an octave higher and much squeakier.
"Glorfindel," Erestor said sharply, though his eyes danced with glee. "It was *supposed* to be a surprise."
"Take it, Erestor! Please! I-don't-like-spiders!" Glorfindel looked at him imploringly as Lindir jumped behind the dark haired counselor, his eyes wide with uncertainty. Bastryn snapped at Erestor and then, seeing the fear written so plainly on Lindir's face, he snapped at the younger elf as well, and was rewarded when Lindir jumped back and shrieked slightly.
"Aralithus again," Nadrach commented, a smile playing about his lips.
"Lord Glorfindel doesn't have it nearly as bad as the prince though," Baranthor pointed out sagely, knowing that Nadrach felt that Glorfindel's condition was one of the arguments he would use to back up his side of the old argument. "Prince Aralith would never touch a spider."
"Ara-whatis?" Elrond asked, standing suddenly as Glorfindel turned to look imploringly at him. "I can't believe he sent a spider; a spider, here in Imladris. Oh no you don't, Glorfindel! Keep it away from me!"
The Mirkwood elves gazed at one another yet again, and Baranthor sighed, knowing that explanations would be necessary once more.
Suddenly Bastryn's eyes widened, and he threw himself from Glorfindel's grasp. He landed with a crash in the middle of the table, cups and plates rattling, tea splashing on the cloth. He grabbed up a piece of bread and shoved it into his mouth, then he turned his eyes on Elrond and Celebrian, who had stood very quickly to hover at her husband's shoulder. Bastryn's eyes twinkled as he regarded them, and then he grabbed another piece of bread.
"Yes! Yes!" Glorfindel gasped out. "Feed it! Feed it! Don't let it stop eating, or it will bite!"
Elrond turned to stare at him in utter amazement. Then he saw the small bite marks on Glorfindel's long fingers. This didn't look good, but suddenly his eyes gleamed.
"Aralithus," he murmured, and then nodded sagely. "Yes, now I know what you mean. Glorfindel, what is wrong with you? Surely you are not afraid of a little spider," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Come and get this - this - this spider off the table, and - and take it away!"
"No! No! Not me! I do not want to see that spider ever again! Let Erestor take care of it. Or the twins!"
"Oh no!" Celebrian said, shaking her golden head. "The twins are *not* to see it!"
"She is right, Glor," Erestor remarked dryly, smoothing his long dark hair. "You ARE the spider's 'Naneth Lhing,' after all," he continued, and quirked a smile at his fellow counselor.
Lindir, who was still cowering behind Erestor, blinked and stared at the spider in disbelief.
"Why would King Thranduil send you a spider?" he asked quietly, trying to keep Bastryn from noticing him.
"He didn't," Baranthor sighed, standing and brushing at his tunic, which had been drenched with the tea that Bastryn had spilled. "Prince Legolas sent it."
"Legolas?" Elrond asked, backing slowly away from the table and nearly knocking his wife over. "Prince Legolas?"
"Wicked Greenie!" Bastryn pronounced between mouthfuls. "Wicked Greenie! Makes Bastryn sleep!"
"Is that thing . . . speaking?" Lindir murmured, staring at it in horrified fascination.
Bastryn turned his crimson eyes toward the young elf, and Lindir backed several feet away, disregarding the uncharacteristic snort of laugher that escaped from Erestor's lips.
"Glorfindel!" Elrond barked. "Take the spider out of here now!"
"Elrond, please," the golden haired elf protested, wondering why he hadn't fled when he'd had the chance. He had fled earlier and the thing had still managed to find him. With this thought creeping through his mind, Glorfindel groaned. What if it followed him wherever he went? What if there was no escaping it? Surely Elrond would make them take it back to Mirkwood. Wouldn't he?
Suddenly Celebrian moved past her husband and plucked up the spider.
"You have very bad table manners," she told the small arachnid sternly, her blue eyes flashing with a baleful light that reminded Glorfindel of the Balrog's, "even worse than Lord Elrond's. You should be glad that you are not in Lorien, bread-stealer, or my mother would eat you for dinner!" She tucked him deftly under one arm, and then turned to smile sweetly at Baranthor and Nadrach. "I wanted to thank you for delivering the gifts safely. Please send our thanks and regards to King Thranduil. Tell him that my husband was quite . . . amazed." She turned then to regard her husband, Erestor, Lindir, and Glorfindel. She pursed her pink lips, and shook her golden head. "Males," she muttered, before taking another piece of bread and walking away, feeding it to the greedy spider.
"Very strange indeed," Nadrach murmured to Baranthor. "This is going to amuse the king no end."
"It most certainly will," the other agreed, still staring down at his stained tunic.
Now that Bastryn was gone once more, Glorfindel heaved a sigh of relief, a smile flitting over his lips. He straightened, trying to salvage his dignity as he said, "I am so sorry about that. It was supposed to be a surprise, wasn't it, Erestor? Well, at least he doesn't know about the Dorwinion."
"Glorfindel!" Erestor gasped out in shock, staring at his friend in disbelief. "What has gotten into you?! *That* was supposed to be a surprise too!"
Glorfindel stared at him dumbfounded, and Elrond's eyes widened, and then narrowed as he studied his old friend. Suddenly he brightened.
"The Dorwinion?" he asked, smiling broadly. "The Dorwinion? You are teasing me, aren't you? You and Erestor had this planned just to tease me! You didn't? You didn't! I don't believe it! He sent the Dorwinion! Erestor, you sly old fox, you *did* win the bet! And so did Elrohir and Glory!"
"As did Arwen," Erestor said with a sigh. It would have been so much fun to surprise Elrond, but now. . . "The little beast came with a jeweled collar and golden leash."
"And Elladan too!" Lindir chimed in, moving to stand at Erestor's side once more now that Bastryn was safely away. "I believe that is a floral crown circling your wrist, is it not, Glorfindel?"
The tall elf-lord gazed down at the flowers adorning one slender wrist. He smiled weakly, still reeling from what had just happened.
"It wouldn't stay on the beast's head," he said apologetically, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of dismay and annoyance. "Did I really mention the Dorwinion just now?"
"You did," Erestor muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You did!" Elrond crowed happily.
Suddenly Bastryn skidded onto the balcony and launched himself at Glorfindel once more.
"Naneth Lhing! Naneth Lhing! Feed me! Feed me! Or I will bite you!"
Glorfindel gave a strangled cry, and tried to dislodge the spider from his chest.
"Hmph!" Erestor grunted. "You did say *that* too, Glor."
Glorfindel finally managed to wrest Bastryn to the ground, and he turned, fleeing as quickly as he could.
Baranthor shook his head, swallowing the last of his tea that had not been spilt over his tunic.
"Just like home," he said to Nadrach, who was finishing a piece of cheese.
"Exactly. Perhaps they are not so strange after all."
TBC
Responses to Reviewers
daw the minstrel - My children have reached the age where hardly anything goes over there heads anymore. Oh, for the days when you merely had to spell things to one another! ;)
overcastday - well, I am glad to say the Glorfindel chapter is at my beta's, so it will be posted soon as well. Children's minds are indeed a marvelous thing!
shirebound - Of course I have the entire story planned from the beginning to the end . . . NOT! :) I wish I did, so they wouldn't get quite so long! There are other plot bunnies waiting patiently in the wings.
IRENA - As to if Thranduil will get the Morn Nen water . . . many people seem to think so. Just wait and see!
MadMaddie - I am so glad you are enjoying this! Sorry for the long wait!
Songbreeze the Omnipresent - It is very interesting the way we can phrase things so it doesn't seem so bad. Yes, he didn't send *one* Dorwinion! ;)
Lady Elwing - I liked your laughing, rhyming review! I am glad that you were as amused as the king! I hope you stay that way!
None - Hi! You want Legolas to go to Imladris? I am so sorry! He has some things to attend to in Mirkwood. . . like replacing the missing Dorwinion before the king returns!
Angaloth - It should be quite interesting to see what becomes of Legolas' plan when the twins try to do what he wants! ;)
ember - Do you really want Thranduil to find out about the four Dorwinions?? Legolas certainly doesn't!!~-^
Seska Baggins - I am so glad you are enjoying this silly romp! :)
Hiro-tyre - Legoals, I fear, will never learn to stop plotting and planning ways that never work. Elves - male elves - in tights is always very nice! ^-^
Nilmandra - This is a real big problem, and if Thranduil finds out they have no Dorwinion in the cellar, well, it will Not be Good. Poor Legolas indeed! Poor, well, everybody!
addicted - I think the flying Orcs singing love songs might make a good Valentine's day story. Don't you??
Lakergurl13 - I believe that Thranduil was too busy being tickled to hug anybody. Now look . . . why are you sobbing over Tavor? I haven't slaughtered him yet! He is alive and well and somewhere in Middle Earth.
Lutris - Another one who wants Thranduil, as well as Elrond, to "forget." We shall see!!
poohsticksbridge - Very true. This is Not Good. Arwen hasn't met the sweet "lend laes Bastryn" yet, so I am not certain how she will react. And the twins!! They will be quite jealous of Glorfindel! ;)
Jaimi - Woot! I am glad you are enjoying this tale, and that you think Tanglinna is cool! That has made him most happy! :)
Katharine the Great - Kate, you are welcome to all the twin outfits you can handle, whenever and wherever you want them. . . the tighter the better. ;) OFC just dropped into the Morn Nen Water Incident?? And just who should this OFC be?? ;)
Erunyauve - The Dorwinion is a deal, and you can usually gage the seriousness of a situation, or lack thereof, by Tanglinna's reactions. He doesn't over-react very often.
PuterPatty - I think, nin mel, that you are smitten with male elves in general! ;) But (yes, I am starting with BUT) did you call Tanglinna. . . frigid??? O.O LOL I would just say. . . uptight at times. ~-^ Aralith should have a very fun time in Imladris. . . depending on your definition of fun.
Silvarn Vilya - We all have Famous Last Words that we all use, and we may even know they are Famous and Last Words when we use them . . . that makes no sense. ;) I am trying to get back to chugging along. . . train derailed slightly for a time. :)
Dark-Elf girl - I am so sorry that my updates are so slow. I am going to try to do better! Really I am, but no promises as they tend to jinx me! ;)
AndromacheCassandra - No, I am afraid the chapter "In Which The King Is Not Highly Amused" comes later.
SperryDee - My updates are very slow lately, but Tanglinna is thrilled that you think he is cool!
Lassemista - I am very glad that you thought the last one was amusing. I'll try to be faster posting the next one.
Dragon_or_the_north - I am sorry that Tanglinna didn't make an appearance in this chapter. I will have to find something for him to do in the next one. I think you should hug him after all he has done to you lately! I am sure everything will go exactly like Legolas planned it! ;)
Kaimelieamin - I wish I were in Imladris to see it too! Wouldn't that be a blast??!!
Laura - Than you, and no. . . it wasn't *one* of the Dorwinions! ~_^
Venyatuime - LOL Yes, you have the right of it: everything can go wrong!!
Seaweed - LOL Yes, everything can go wrong!! (I am repeating myself!) And LOL oh, yes. I see you recognized the plot bunny about Aralith and the twins, and the periwinkle crown. It will happen in this story!
the evil witch queen - Oh my! Yes, I see! So much can go so very wrong! What *was* Legolas thinking in the first place??!! ;)
laurelin - Thank you so much! Your review really made me smile!
Witchmaster - Legolas is about 11 - 12 in human years, that fun age where you are still naïve enough to think that you can get away with something that everyone else knows you can't!! ;)
Lindon - I am glad you like the Elvenking's mischievous side. I do have a plot bunny about him as an elfling waiting patiently for attention. LOL Yes, oh yes! Tanglinna is more than happy to tell all about it, he is, in fact, the one telling Legolas the story about Thranduil as a youngling!
medellia - Your review made me very happy! Thank you! I doubt if Legolas will ever entirely stop asking that famous question: "What could possibly go wrong?"!
annakas - LOL They are Famous Last Words, and Legolas knows how to use them quite well, and quite often!!
Carrie - Wow! Thanks so very much! I hope you get a chance to read more. Birthdays are indeed fun in Middle Earth.
Katie - Hello, Katie. Nothing too evil will be happening in Imladris, just many amusing mishaps. I would LOVE to see your pictures! I love the anime style and do some pics that way myself. As to Tanglinna and the hug. . . well, he said he would be very glad to oblige you! *hugs from Tanglinna*
amlugwen - cuddled any elves lately?? ;) I am afraid that Glorfindel will have to deal with Bastryn for quite some time. As to what Tanglinna will do about the wine . . . wait and see. LOL I like to respond to my reviewers, so don't worry. There won't be many times that I won't.
Littlesaiyangirl - Woot! I love to make you ROTFL!
WeasleyTwinsLover1112 - I am sorry for the long delay between postings! I am glad you are enjoying this merry romp! Stay tuned!
Still Anonymous - You don't think the twins will be any help?? Why ever not? ;) I am glad that I can still surprise people on occasion. LOL I am very glad no one gets annoyed with you for finishing their sentences. We do that hear as well. I am glad you liked my description of the Emyn Duir painting. Tanglinna is in a bit of a rush to set things right before the king returns. I am wondering if he can do it actually, before Thranduil returns. If not. . . well . . . let the shrieking commence!
Phoenix Flight - LOL Yes, Glorfindel got a present he didn't want, and it *wasn't* even his birthday. Poor elf indeed!
Ithilien - I am glad you like my newest pic on the bio page. I had a lot of fun drawing that one. As slowly as I have been updating, you weren't late at all! Yes, Legolas is in trouble now. . . unless, of course, if his plan with the twins works. ;)
Green Eyes - I am glad you gave my little Legolas story a try. And I am very glad that you enjoyed it! :)
None - Hi! No pressure! I know I have been slow, and I am sorry. I hope it won't happen again!
Skye - How are your spiderlings? It sounds like they are enjoying the bedtime stories. :) Now that spring has arrived all the spiders have returned here, and are living in their usual places. I was actually very glad to see them. . . too weird. How is your nose? And your car? It sounds like RL was not being kind there for a time. Yes, luckily not all the elves think like Kid Legolas or they would never be what they are. :)
Hel - Someone lese wants Thranduil to partake in his lovely Dorwinion. LOL We shall see! You are wicked! Yes, Aralith will get to see Bastryn again! Lucky him! ;) I am glad you like Tanglinna so much! He blushes whenever anyone says they like him. ;P Hmm. . . Did Oropher have a spider? Good question! There is probably a plot bunny in that one!
Kate - Yes, I would love for you do put them all together into a book! You are so sweet to do that! :)