Chapter 13 - The Look of Bewitchment
Lord Elrond Peredhil was seated at his desk, staring at the letter in his hand. Having read it contents at least three times, he had ceased to 'read' the words and was merely looking at it. He gazed up at the bearer of the letter whose beautiful features were completely inscrutable.
~What is it about these Silvan elves? ~ he thought with a wry twist of his lips. ~They must be born with that particular look on their faces. It doesn't matter if they are Galadrim or Thranduilrim, they are all the same. ~ He chuckled slightly at the new word he had invented, which elicited no reaction from the fair-haired Galadrim that stood before him. Elrond shrugged, he had expected none.
"So you say, Haldir, that my lady wife's adar and naneth are coming here? Are you quite certain that they will be leaving Lorien? That is almost unheard of."
The young Galadrim tipped his head in acknowledgement.
"My Lord and Lady are indeed traveling here even now, Lord Elrond," he answered in an eloquent voice, a slight smile on his lips.
Elrond studied Haldir's face more carefully. There was something that he had noticed about all of the Galadrim in his acquaintance, and he had long wondered if it was his imagination. Today seemed the perfect time to find out if his eyes were deceiving him, and if this was indeed a flight of fancy on his part.
"You are quite certain," he began, his features masked with a seriousness that belied his amusement," that Lady Galadriel herself is coming here?"
"Yes, my lord. The Lady is coming here to Imladris."
Elrond did smile then. He had not imagined it at all. When the young elf had said "the Lady", a dreamy look had come over his face and his silver eyes had shone with a strange light.
~She * has* bewitched them all! ~ he thought with astonishment. ~They all look as though they are completely enthralled merely by having her title trip from their tongues. How does she do it? ~
Haldir, unaware of the amusement he had afforded the Lord of Imladris, merely gazed at him as though awaiting an answer to a question that he hadn't asked.
Elrond felt a smile tugging insistently at his lips, and he cleared his throat, raising one hand to cover his rebellious mouth.
"Well, the Lady Celebrian will be very glad to see her parents. The children will be delighted, of course." ~And the twins will *have* to behave with them here! ~ he thought with glee. "Were you going back to meet them, or will you be staying here to await their arrival?"
"The Lady said to await them here, if I have your permission to do so, Lord Elrond."
A snicker did escape Elrond's lips this time when the fair face lit from within, the eyes taking on the far away worshipful look once more. Haldir felt a flash of uneasiness knife through him, and he wondered what he had said that had sounded so funny. Or had he perhaps broken some rule of Imladris' etiquette that he knew nothing about? The mask of calm slipped carefully back into place though as Elrond cleared his throat once more, his eyes sparkling. Standing in the doorway was Lindir, who had escorted the Lorien messenger to Elrond. The young Imladris elf raised his brows, and then frowned. What was his lord up to now?
"I will have someone see to your accommodations, and to that of your Lord," he felt rather unseemly giggles building inside him, "and your Lady." He glanced over at Lindir and mouthed, "Watch this!"
"My Lord and Lady would be most grateful," Haldir said, knowing that he was doing something that he shouldn't be, but he could not fathom what it was. He had a strong urge to turn around and see what was being said behind his back, but he held himself to stillness.
"Your face, Haldir," Elrond said, fighting a losing battle with the fit of laughter, "it positively glows!"
"My lord?" Haldir's face no longer looked quite so inscrutable. Indeed he looked rather worried, and Elrond saw one slender hand move ever so slightly as if the messenger wanted to touch his face to see if it were glowing or felt overly warm.
Elrond managed to choke back the laughter and shook his head, laying the letter on the desk.
"Never mind," he said, waving his hand in dismissal. "I will have you shown to your room. Perhaps you would like to make certain that the room for Lord Celeborn and . . . the Lady is suitable."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond," Haldir murmured, bowing slightly. "I will see to it." He turned to go when Elrond suddenly stood and called him back.
"Haldir, would you do me one tiny favor?"
"Of course, my lord."
Elrond's lips twitched, but he managed to say quite calmly, "Would you say 'the Lady of Light' for me? Referring to Galadriel, of course."
Haldir's brows knit and he regarded the elf-lord in confusion. He gazed back at Lindir, trying to keep the puzzlement that was overwhelming him from showing, yet knowing that he was failing in this most miserably. He knew that things here were rather different than at Lorien, and he knew that he must respect different customs when he was away from his home, so he nodded reluctantly.
"The Lady of Light," he murmured, totally unaware of the transformation of his fair face and the intonation of his voice. If anything, his eyes took on an even more enraptured look, and the glow on his face intensified, his voice softening as though he were speaking of his own ladylove.
Elrond cleared his throat, knowing that his control was nearly spent. When Haldir turned to glance at Lindir once more he mouthed, "Did you see it?" When Haldir turned back to him, Elrond took pity and waved dismissively at him as Haldir tipped his head to the elf-lord and did an about-face, practically fleeing the room. Lindir, equally perplexed, followed him while wondering what was going on now.
Elrond waited for as long as he could before he burst into peals of delighted laughter.
"Celebrian will have to believe me now," he chortled, picking the letter up once more. "I suppose she will tell me I will have to wait to sample the Dorwinion though," he said with a frown. "That is not good. Perhaps if I could find where Erestor has secreted them away . . . ."
"Lord Elrond?"
He turned to see Iaeth standing in the doorway, the elf's face anything but inscrutable; in fact he looked highly . . . displeased.
"Is something amiss, Iaeth?" Elrond asked, expecting him to whip out the tea-stained napkin for his inspection, or even worse - the ruined tablecloth from that morning.
"My lord," Iaeth began in a mildly reproving voice, "there is a problem."
~Of course there is, ~ Elrond thought with a sigh. ~If I apologize for the tea stains perhaps . . . . ~
"It is about the linens for the tables, my lord. I understand that Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are even now on their way here."
"Yes, they are. How did you know? I only just received the news myself." Elrond's brows knit in consternation. Was he the *last* one to hear instead of the first?
Iaeth gazed at him for a moment before answering.
"The Lady Celebrian, of course. There are things we need to discuss, my lord."
"Celebrian knows?" Elrond shook his head. "Of course, she would know. I wonder how long she has known? Why didn't she tell me this morning? Why . . . ." He gazed back at Iaeth who was standing so patiently waiting for him to finish. "Ah, yes. Table linens, wasn't it?"
"Yes, my lord."
"I am certain you shall handle all the preparations in your usual, most excellent manner, Iaeth."
"My lord, you know that the Lady Galadriel . . . ."
"The Lady of Light," Elrond interjected in a teasing tone, them smiled at Iaeth who didn't look near as amused as he should. ~I wonder. . . . ~ "Iaeth, would you please say that for me."
"What, my lord?"
"The Lady of Light."
Iaeth allowed himself a sigh and then complied.
"Hmmm . . . your face didn't glow at all. How interesting."
"About the linens, my lord," Iaeth repeated wondering if he should have consulted Lady Celebrian instead. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are used to more formality than is normal here. They do things differently in Lorien, so I was wondering if we shouldn't use the best linens for their stay with us?"
"Yes, that is fine. The best linens should be used. It will make the Lady very happy."
"What lady, my lord? Do you mean the Lady Celebrian?"
Elrond had just looked up at him as he uttered his last two words, and his eyes nearly popped from his head. Surely not!
"Iaeth? Could you please repeat what you just said?" he asked slowly, moving slightly closer to the other elf, staring intently at his face.
Iaeth was beginning to feel a bit as Haldir had earlier, but he repeated what his lord asked. On the words "Lady Celebrian" Elrond's eyes widened again, and he gasped in shock and amazement.
"Iaeth," he murmured, his mind whirling, "please watch my face as I say it."
Iaeth nodded, gazing at his master as though he feared that Elrond had somehow become mentally deranged.
"Lady Celebrian. Did you see anything? Did you?"
Iaeth shook his head rapidly and slowly backed away.
"No, my lord, I did not. I . . . I have to go now . . . . Good day." Before Elrond could say nay, Iaeth turned and fled. Then the Keeper of the Linens recalled something that he simply had to tell his lord, and he groaned uneasily. He turned and walked slowly back to Elrond's office. He saw Elrond standing by the desk, holding a silver letter opener before his face and saying his wife's name over and over.
"My . . . my lord?"
Elrond spun about, his face reddening slightly. He hastily set the letter opener on the desk.
"Yes?"
"My lord," Iaeth began, and then swallowing with difficulty, "would you please try to keep your hair out of the tea while they are here?"
Elrond glanced down at one long side lock and then sighed.
"I will try my very best, Iaeth. Thank you for reminding me."
Iaeth bowed hastily and fled once more, wondering what sort of spell had been cast over his lord this day that he acted so very strangely.
~It has to do with those Lorien elves, I know it, ~ he thought as he hurried away to begin the preparations. ~ I will have to warn the Lady Celebrian of his behaviour. She will know what to do, our own Lady of Light. ~
Unbeknownst to Iaeth, his face grew soft and dreamy, green eyes shining with the light of adoration at the very thought of Lady Celebrian's name.
TBC
A/N - This last chapter was born from the movie, I admit. The next time you watch it note the look on Haldir's face and you will see where this came from. ^-^
Big THANK YOU to al, my beta. I would say that there weren't many corrections this time, only I realize that this is extremely short. :(
I apologize for the rather short length of this chapter. I was waiting ever so patiently for a couple Mirkwood Elves, who shall remain nameless, to give me the second half of this chapter. As you can see they failed to cooperate, and hence the brevity.
*TreeHugger walks away muttering about stubborn, mulish Sindarin Kings and their Silvan cronies. *
King Thranduil Oropherion grins roguishly as Tanglinna raises one silver brow.
"Temperamental writers," the silver-haired Silvan snorts.
"Indeed," Thranduil intones with a laugh. "We showed her!"
"There is only one problem with this, aranhir."
"What is that?"
"We had no part whatsoever in this chapter."
Thranduil scowled perusing the chapter, his blue eyes narrowing.
"Hmm . . . yes, it seems that Elrond got the entire thing to himself. We shall have to remedy that in the next chapter."
Tanglinna smirked and folded his arms over his chest.
"If the temperamental writer will let us."
*TreeHugger grins wickedly and murmurs, "We shall see, you stubborn elves."*
Response to Reviewers
Nilmandra - I was actually thinking that Tanglinna got this "mischievous trait" from Legolas. I think the prince is beginning to get to him. ;) Galion will certainly do his best to replace the wine before they return. As to the state of the realm when Thranduil returns. . . well, we shall see. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - No Dorwinion is not a Good Thing. I certainly would not want to be around when Thranduil finds out. . . if he finds out. ;) As to who will be drinking the tainted Dorwinion. . . ~-^
Dragon_of_the_north - Yikes! You were at Silvia's when the last chapter came out! It has been a while! It is entirely "their" fault, too! Aralith and Glorfindel may have to join forces in the near future. ;) I like it when Tanglinna looses his perfect composure as well. Expect more of it as he has been rather rude lately (making you type when your poor hand is sore, and waking me up early to tell me things that could easily have waited for the sun to be up). He doesn't look in the mood to hug anyone right now, but I am sure he sends you his love. Greetings to Shulag & Co! How are things going there? ?
JastaNoldor g - I am glad you seemed to enjoy that last chapter. . .posted O So Long Ago. Aralith's vow to be more mature is going to be sorely tested, poor thing; the A-bomb is going to drop soon; Tanglinna is going to have much 'fun'; and don't you think Galion might have spirited away just one bottle of Dorwinion? Two diverse entourages will arrive at Elrond's place very soon, and the real fun can begin at long last!
erunyauve - Those elflings have no idea what pains they are causing with their innocent good intentions. The distance between Legolas and his brothers does exist, though when they are grown it should narrow a bit. Right now he is just the kid brother who can be a bit of a pest at times. ;)
Anarril - I hope Galion sent PLENTY of Vandal Root! They may need it. ;) I am glad you like my version of Thranduil. He didn't have a very large part in any of the books, and anyone who writes him has to decide for themselves just what he was like. You are quite right! Tanglinna's moment of panicked thinking does indeed stem from being around Little Greenleaf too much. :)
Elvish-Wizard-Girl - You should keep writing. You will improve in time; I know that I have. Never give up! I am glad you are enjoying this silly tale. :) It has been rather fun writing it, and that is a most important thing when writing. Enjoy it!
Angaloth - I am sorry to hear you are allergic to pets. I love them all dearly. I had to laugh at your review! I hope elves don't get strokes, or Tanglinna may well have one, or Thranduil might have a heart attack or burst a blood vessel when he finds out what has happened. I am glad that you are enjoying Celebross and Aralith. I find that I like them more and more myself..
Gwyn - Sorry for the wait on this chapter. You know who to blame for it. ;) I am glad you are laughing at the trouble that they have caused throughout this tale, and well, the trouble is just starting! ;)
amlugwen - I hope that Tanglinna won't have to find out just how angry Thranduil would be about the lack of Dorwinion. He is working himself into quite a state to prevent this very thing. I will try to write this more quickly so you don't get too hungry. Sorry this chapter was so short!
the evil witch queen - I was LOL over your review! You have things all worked out, don't you! That would be a tangled mess indeed, not to mention much fun! Sounds like you have lots of plot bunny fodder! I will write more Elu Heneb stories in time. I want to finish the ones I am currently working on, then I do have one outlined for the orc.
daw the minstrel - Tanglinna is indeed in a bit of a fix. Perhaps he can find some way to make everything go off smoothly. :/ I doubt it though. ;) All the players are on the field, and the time of doom approaches. LOL Should be fun . . . for someone.;)
Kal - Since I KNOW you have read my bio page then you shouldn't cry anymore! I am very relieved to hear that you and Charlie view how this story should go differently. Charlie, you are most wicked. . . though what should I expect from an Uruk-hai? Blood, guts, and gore, hmm? Orcs taking over Mirkwood? Hmmm. . . sounds like a plot bunny to me! ;)
Cara - I seem to be making Thranduil and Legolas a bit more alike in this fic, and in one other. It wasn't intentional, but I guess my sub- conscience knew what it was doing. I see Thranduil as having a playful side. Most definitely. Tanglinna's journey to Imladris will not be pleasant, poor thing. Just wait until he arrives in Imladris. ;)
AndromacheCassandra - I had to laugh at the observation that Tanglinna miss all the stress if he had an easier life. I suspect you are right about that, though getting him to admit to it would be difficult. :)
Tinni - I suspect that Tanglinna thinks that Orome is rather upset about now. Things don't look good, and while Tanglinna may be older, I suspect that he isn't any better at getting out of trouble than Little Greenleaf is! :)
MadMaddie - Well, Tanglinna is going to . . . g you shall just have to wait, mell-nin! ;)
Kate - How am I cruel? ;) Since you don't know, then I don't think I will tell you how. I am pleased that you enjoyed the last chapter.
PuterPatty - I had hoped you would enjoy the Legolas and Aralith interaction. Aralith can be quite a nice elf when he wants to. Yes, even I can say "Wants him even more we does". I thought you would like the mention of Celebross and Mirithil. I frankly don't think that Lady Laureahiril is going to have her hands full back in Mirkwood. Old spider- tongue might find that it isn't easy running things at the palace. Plans seldom go the way they are supposed to in my tales, so I expect that Legolas' is not the only one that will go awry. ;)
WeasleyTwinsLover1112- I LOL'd reading your review, for to be perfectly honest I hadn't thought about what would happen when Thranduil and company return home. Woot! You are correct! Legolas and the others are SO dead! :)
Seaweed - So you think that Aralith will have trouble avoiding Bastryn while he is at Imladris? You must think I am very mean! ;) Let me just say. . . Poor Aralith! Am I detecting just a touch of Thranduil admiration when you said "Thranduil looks so good. . . ahem. . .when he looks pleased with himself"? No one can resist the elven king for long. Tell Gimli nothing compares to a glass of good wine, not even the best malt beer. . . usually. :) So you want Tanglinna to get into trouble? ? Whatever for? Old Sourpuss indeed! ;)
SperryDee and Charlie the Naz-Bunny - You like Tanglinna panic? So do I. g It is rare and therefore immensely fun! Do you really think Aralith will manage to be composed enough in the presence of Bastryn that the twins won't find out? ? Poor Aralith! Should be fun. . . for us, not him.
shirebound - I certainly hope the elves have life complications. Life wouldn't be life without them. They do make it interesting. What could possibly happen now? Lots and lots! ;)
Hel - You are quite right that Tanglinna never thought that there would be something he couldn't handle with all dignity and aloofness. Poor elf! Rather a rude wake up call! ;) Elrond will be having quite a gathering at his quiet home, they may all need the Vandal Root before it is over. I had to laugh at the thought of Glorfindel trying to send Bastryn back. Aralith would just LOVE that! ;) I do have some ideas for tales about Thranduil's youth, so watch for them.
Karina - I like Much Ado About Nothing as well, and the title just seemed to work. LOL Aralith can be nice on occasion. He is a mature warrior now, and he has outgrown his childish impulses. . . NOT! ;) Legolas does have his own bow, but his brother's is a larger cool warrior's bow, and therein lies the difference. Tanglinna did have a moment of childish panic in the last chapter, not the last one he will suffer in this tale I fear. LOL Would Thranduil want to hurt his twin? I don't know. I suppose we shall find out. ;)I have to agree with you about why Glorfindel fell asleep during your discussion of Elves in Space. He probably wants a much larger part! ;) That might be a good thing! ;)
Aria - Welcome back, mellon-nin! Things are in quite a tangle here. I am glad you feel sorry for Aralith going to visit a spider. That should be fun! ;) Tanglinna is not up to the mischief/panic level of the trio yet, but he might be before the story has told itself out. Legolas is about equivalent to an 11 or 12 year old human child. Youthful mischief is always much fun . . . usually. ;)
Lindon - I must admit too that I enjoy seeing Tanglinna getting a bit rattled. He needs that on occasion. Thranduil can indeed be a bit of a devil when he chooses to, horns and all. ;) Perhaps you have hit on something. Maybe Tanglinna should be the one to drink the entire bottle of Vandal Root laced Combe. I doubt he would be too upset or flustered by anything then. ;) Galion did get a bit touchy there, didn't he? I wonder why? ? ;)
Lady Berenice - I am glad you enjoyed the first chapter of this tale. Creative birthday presents can be hard for those of us who only live a short span of years, let alone the elves who have all of eternity to fill with wonderful gifts. Legolas does have some fun ideas about pets. :)
IRENA - Hello to you, darling! Sedative tea, Dorwinion with water mixed in for fun, a bouncing baby spider, and beautiful elves from three elven realms. What more could we possibly want? *drools*
Carrie - Wicked Greenie doesn't get to go on this trip to Imladris. He will get one in the future though. You are quite right in thinking that his impish behavior comes from his Adar. Thranduil does have a marvelous sense of fun, depending on whom you talk to. ;) Sending the spider was too expected? Well, yes it was and it was sent. LOL I couldn't resist. I am glad you like that Bastryn did go. Poor Brethil has been replaced in Bastryn's heart. :( Oh well. They can always catch another one. ;) It was very fun to read your reviews one right after the other. I enjoyed it immensely! Elrond should be quite overwhelmed by all his wonderful guests, don't you think? ? ;)
UbiquitousPitt - I had to laugh at your comments on Galion and the bottle of wine. I wouldn't put it past him either! Sneaky butler! Yes, I am writing again after quite a battle of my own. It does feel good! :)
Trove-7 - I am glad that you find this interesting. Legolas childhood has afforded me some fun, as have members of his family.
None - Legolas had to get his mischief from somewhere, and it did come from Ada. Thranduil is nearly as much fun as his son. I am sorry I didn't tell you about the Tricksy Tale #1. I must have forgotten about it. ;) Actually I had forgotten about it. I had to laugh as you wanted Arwen and Mirithil to get mud dumped on them! Laerlend got it, and I fear she and Tanglinna were the only ones that time. Well, Tricksy Tale #2 will come along at some point. Perhaps justice can be addressed there.
Venyatuima - I can just see you creeping around Mirkwood to avoid annoying "him". Life there must be interesting. Tanglinna isn't often hysterical, so it was fun to ruffle his feathers a bit in this story.
emma - Don't worry, things are moving! Everyone is about to converge on Rivendell, and Elrond is going to wish that he had been attacked by orcs rather than this group of party goers! ;)
Sake - LOL Poor Tanglinna indeed! He is not going to have an easy time of it. :)
sirithiel - Profile Picture. Well, you push the button and then it will tell you to download a pic. You will probably want to use the browse button to find which of your pics you want on there. Then it is just like uploading a chapter. . . only it takes longer.
Lord Elrond Peredhil was seated at his desk, staring at the letter in his hand. Having read it contents at least three times, he had ceased to 'read' the words and was merely looking at it. He gazed up at the bearer of the letter whose beautiful features were completely inscrutable.
~What is it about these Silvan elves? ~ he thought with a wry twist of his lips. ~They must be born with that particular look on their faces. It doesn't matter if they are Galadrim or Thranduilrim, they are all the same. ~ He chuckled slightly at the new word he had invented, which elicited no reaction from the fair-haired Galadrim that stood before him. Elrond shrugged, he had expected none.
"So you say, Haldir, that my lady wife's adar and naneth are coming here? Are you quite certain that they will be leaving Lorien? That is almost unheard of."
The young Galadrim tipped his head in acknowledgement.
"My Lord and Lady are indeed traveling here even now, Lord Elrond," he answered in an eloquent voice, a slight smile on his lips.
Elrond studied Haldir's face more carefully. There was something that he had noticed about all of the Galadrim in his acquaintance, and he had long wondered if it was his imagination. Today seemed the perfect time to find out if his eyes were deceiving him, and if this was indeed a flight of fancy on his part.
"You are quite certain," he began, his features masked with a seriousness that belied his amusement," that Lady Galadriel herself is coming here?"
"Yes, my lord. The Lady is coming here to Imladris."
Elrond did smile then. He had not imagined it at all. When the young elf had said "the Lady", a dreamy look had come over his face and his silver eyes had shone with a strange light.
~She * has* bewitched them all! ~ he thought with astonishment. ~They all look as though they are completely enthralled merely by having her title trip from their tongues. How does she do it? ~
Haldir, unaware of the amusement he had afforded the Lord of Imladris, merely gazed at him as though awaiting an answer to a question that he hadn't asked.
Elrond felt a smile tugging insistently at his lips, and he cleared his throat, raising one hand to cover his rebellious mouth.
"Well, the Lady Celebrian will be very glad to see her parents. The children will be delighted, of course." ~And the twins will *have* to behave with them here! ~ he thought with glee. "Were you going back to meet them, or will you be staying here to await their arrival?"
"The Lady said to await them here, if I have your permission to do so, Lord Elrond."
A snicker did escape Elrond's lips this time when the fair face lit from within, the eyes taking on the far away worshipful look once more. Haldir felt a flash of uneasiness knife through him, and he wondered what he had said that had sounded so funny. Or had he perhaps broken some rule of Imladris' etiquette that he knew nothing about? The mask of calm slipped carefully back into place though as Elrond cleared his throat once more, his eyes sparkling. Standing in the doorway was Lindir, who had escorted the Lorien messenger to Elrond. The young Imladris elf raised his brows, and then frowned. What was his lord up to now?
"I will have someone see to your accommodations, and to that of your Lord," he felt rather unseemly giggles building inside him, "and your Lady." He glanced over at Lindir and mouthed, "Watch this!"
"My Lord and Lady would be most grateful," Haldir said, knowing that he was doing something that he shouldn't be, but he could not fathom what it was. He had a strong urge to turn around and see what was being said behind his back, but he held himself to stillness.
"Your face, Haldir," Elrond said, fighting a losing battle with the fit of laughter, "it positively glows!"
"My lord?" Haldir's face no longer looked quite so inscrutable. Indeed he looked rather worried, and Elrond saw one slender hand move ever so slightly as if the messenger wanted to touch his face to see if it were glowing or felt overly warm.
Elrond managed to choke back the laughter and shook his head, laying the letter on the desk.
"Never mind," he said, waving his hand in dismissal. "I will have you shown to your room. Perhaps you would like to make certain that the room for Lord Celeborn and . . . the Lady is suitable."
"Thank you, Lord Elrond," Haldir murmured, bowing slightly. "I will see to it." He turned to go when Elrond suddenly stood and called him back.
"Haldir, would you do me one tiny favor?"
"Of course, my lord."
Elrond's lips twitched, but he managed to say quite calmly, "Would you say 'the Lady of Light' for me? Referring to Galadriel, of course."
Haldir's brows knit and he regarded the elf-lord in confusion. He gazed back at Lindir, trying to keep the puzzlement that was overwhelming him from showing, yet knowing that he was failing in this most miserably. He knew that things here were rather different than at Lorien, and he knew that he must respect different customs when he was away from his home, so he nodded reluctantly.
"The Lady of Light," he murmured, totally unaware of the transformation of his fair face and the intonation of his voice. If anything, his eyes took on an even more enraptured look, and the glow on his face intensified, his voice softening as though he were speaking of his own ladylove.
Elrond cleared his throat, knowing that his control was nearly spent. When Haldir turned to glance at Lindir once more he mouthed, "Did you see it?" When Haldir turned back to him, Elrond took pity and waved dismissively at him as Haldir tipped his head to the elf-lord and did an about-face, practically fleeing the room. Lindir, equally perplexed, followed him while wondering what was going on now.
Elrond waited for as long as he could before he burst into peals of delighted laughter.
"Celebrian will have to believe me now," he chortled, picking the letter up once more. "I suppose she will tell me I will have to wait to sample the Dorwinion though," he said with a frown. "That is not good. Perhaps if I could find where Erestor has secreted them away . . . ."
"Lord Elrond?"
He turned to see Iaeth standing in the doorway, the elf's face anything but inscrutable; in fact he looked highly . . . displeased.
"Is something amiss, Iaeth?" Elrond asked, expecting him to whip out the tea-stained napkin for his inspection, or even worse - the ruined tablecloth from that morning.
"My lord," Iaeth began in a mildly reproving voice, "there is a problem."
~Of course there is, ~ Elrond thought with a sigh. ~If I apologize for the tea stains perhaps . . . . ~
"It is about the linens for the tables, my lord. I understand that Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are even now on their way here."
"Yes, they are. How did you know? I only just received the news myself." Elrond's brows knit in consternation. Was he the *last* one to hear instead of the first?
Iaeth gazed at him for a moment before answering.
"The Lady Celebrian, of course. There are things we need to discuss, my lord."
"Celebrian knows?" Elrond shook his head. "Of course, she would know. I wonder how long she has known? Why didn't she tell me this morning? Why . . . ." He gazed back at Iaeth who was standing so patiently waiting for him to finish. "Ah, yes. Table linens, wasn't it?"
"Yes, my lord."
"I am certain you shall handle all the preparations in your usual, most excellent manner, Iaeth."
"My lord, you know that the Lady Galadriel . . . ."
"The Lady of Light," Elrond interjected in a teasing tone, them smiled at Iaeth who didn't look near as amused as he should. ~I wonder. . . . ~ "Iaeth, would you please say that for me."
"What, my lord?"
"The Lady of Light."
Iaeth allowed himself a sigh and then complied.
"Hmmm . . . your face didn't glow at all. How interesting."
"About the linens, my lord," Iaeth repeated wondering if he should have consulted Lady Celebrian instead. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel are used to more formality than is normal here. They do things differently in Lorien, so I was wondering if we shouldn't use the best linens for their stay with us?"
"Yes, that is fine. The best linens should be used. It will make the Lady very happy."
"What lady, my lord? Do you mean the Lady Celebrian?"
Elrond had just looked up at him as he uttered his last two words, and his eyes nearly popped from his head. Surely not!
"Iaeth? Could you please repeat what you just said?" he asked slowly, moving slightly closer to the other elf, staring intently at his face.
Iaeth was beginning to feel a bit as Haldir had earlier, but he repeated what his lord asked. On the words "Lady Celebrian" Elrond's eyes widened again, and he gasped in shock and amazement.
"Iaeth," he murmured, his mind whirling, "please watch my face as I say it."
Iaeth nodded, gazing at his master as though he feared that Elrond had somehow become mentally deranged.
"Lady Celebrian. Did you see anything? Did you?"
Iaeth shook his head rapidly and slowly backed away.
"No, my lord, I did not. I . . . I have to go now . . . . Good day." Before Elrond could say nay, Iaeth turned and fled. Then the Keeper of the Linens recalled something that he simply had to tell his lord, and he groaned uneasily. He turned and walked slowly back to Elrond's office. He saw Elrond standing by the desk, holding a silver letter opener before his face and saying his wife's name over and over.
"My . . . my lord?"
Elrond spun about, his face reddening slightly. He hastily set the letter opener on the desk.
"Yes?"
"My lord," Iaeth began, and then swallowing with difficulty, "would you please try to keep your hair out of the tea while they are here?"
Elrond glanced down at one long side lock and then sighed.
"I will try my very best, Iaeth. Thank you for reminding me."
Iaeth bowed hastily and fled once more, wondering what sort of spell had been cast over his lord this day that he acted so very strangely.
~It has to do with those Lorien elves, I know it, ~ he thought as he hurried away to begin the preparations. ~ I will have to warn the Lady Celebrian of his behaviour. She will know what to do, our own Lady of Light. ~
Unbeknownst to Iaeth, his face grew soft and dreamy, green eyes shining with the light of adoration at the very thought of Lady Celebrian's name.
TBC
A/N - This last chapter was born from the movie, I admit. The next time you watch it note the look on Haldir's face and you will see where this came from. ^-^
Big THANK YOU to al, my beta. I would say that there weren't many corrections this time, only I realize that this is extremely short. :(
I apologize for the rather short length of this chapter. I was waiting ever so patiently for a couple Mirkwood Elves, who shall remain nameless, to give me the second half of this chapter. As you can see they failed to cooperate, and hence the brevity.
*TreeHugger walks away muttering about stubborn, mulish Sindarin Kings and their Silvan cronies. *
King Thranduil Oropherion grins roguishly as Tanglinna raises one silver brow.
"Temperamental writers," the silver-haired Silvan snorts.
"Indeed," Thranduil intones with a laugh. "We showed her!"
"There is only one problem with this, aranhir."
"What is that?"
"We had no part whatsoever in this chapter."
Thranduil scowled perusing the chapter, his blue eyes narrowing.
"Hmm . . . yes, it seems that Elrond got the entire thing to himself. We shall have to remedy that in the next chapter."
Tanglinna smirked and folded his arms over his chest.
"If the temperamental writer will let us."
*TreeHugger grins wickedly and murmurs, "We shall see, you stubborn elves."*
Response to Reviewers
Nilmandra - I was actually thinking that Tanglinna got this "mischievous trait" from Legolas. I think the prince is beginning to get to him. ;) Galion will certainly do his best to replace the wine before they return. As to the state of the realm when Thranduil returns. . . well, we shall see. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - No Dorwinion is not a Good Thing. I certainly would not want to be around when Thranduil finds out. . . if he finds out. ;) As to who will be drinking the tainted Dorwinion. . . ~-^
Dragon_of_the_north - Yikes! You were at Silvia's when the last chapter came out! It has been a while! It is entirely "their" fault, too! Aralith and Glorfindel may have to join forces in the near future. ;) I like it when Tanglinna looses his perfect composure as well. Expect more of it as he has been rather rude lately (making you type when your poor hand is sore, and waking me up early to tell me things that could easily have waited for the sun to be up). He doesn't look in the mood to hug anyone right now, but I am sure he sends you his love. Greetings to Shulag & Co! How are things going there? ?
JastaNoldor g - I am glad you seemed to enjoy that last chapter. . .posted O So Long Ago. Aralith's vow to be more mature is going to be sorely tested, poor thing; the A-bomb is going to drop soon; Tanglinna is going to have much 'fun'; and don't you think Galion might have spirited away just one bottle of Dorwinion? Two diverse entourages will arrive at Elrond's place very soon, and the real fun can begin at long last!
erunyauve - Those elflings have no idea what pains they are causing with their innocent good intentions. The distance between Legolas and his brothers does exist, though when they are grown it should narrow a bit. Right now he is just the kid brother who can be a bit of a pest at times. ;)
Anarril - I hope Galion sent PLENTY of Vandal Root! They may need it. ;) I am glad you like my version of Thranduil. He didn't have a very large part in any of the books, and anyone who writes him has to decide for themselves just what he was like. You are quite right! Tanglinna's moment of panicked thinking does indeed stem from being around Little Greenleaf too much. :)
Elvish-Wizard-Girl - You should keep writing. You will improve in time; I know that I have. Never give up! I am glad you are enjoying this silly tale. :) It has been rather fun writing it, and that is a most important thing when writing. Enjoy it!
Angaloth - I am sorry to hear you are allergic to pets. I love them all dearly. I had to laugh at your review! I hope elves don't get strokes, or Tanglinna may well have one, or Thranduil might have a heart attack or burst a blood vessel when he finds out what has happened. I am glad that you are enjoying Celebross and Aralith. I find that I like them more and more myself..
Gwyn - Sorry for the wait on this chapter. You know who to blame for it. ;) I am glad you are laughing at the trouble that they have caused throughout this tale, and well, the trouble is just starting! ;)
amlugwen - I hope that Tanglinna won't have to find out just how angry Thranduil would be about the lack of Dorwinion. He is working himself into quite a state to prevent this very thing. I will try to write this more quickly so you don't get too hungry. Sorry this chapter was so short!
the evil witch queen - I was LOL over your review! You have things all worked out, don't you! That would be a tangled mess indeed, not to mention much fun! Sounds like you have lots of plot bunny fodder! I will write more Elu Heneb stories in time. I want to finish the ones I am currently working on, then I do have one outlined for the orc.
daw the minstrel - Tanglinna is indeed in a bit of a fix. Perhaps he can find some way to make everything go off smoothly. :/ I doubt it though. ;) All the players are on the field, and the time of doom approaches. LOL Should be fun . . . for someone.;)
Kal - Since I KNOW you have read my bio page then you shouldn't cry anymore! I am very relieved to hear that you and Charlie view how this story should go differently. Charlie, you are most wicked. . . though what should I expect from an Uruk-hai? Blood, guts, and gore, hmm? Orcs taking over Mirkwood? Hmmm. . . sounds like a plot bunny to me! ;)
Cara - I seem to be making Thranduil and Legolas a bit more alike in this fic, and in one other. It wasn't intentional, but I guess my sub- conscience knew what it was doing. I see Thranduil as having a playful side. Most definitely. Tanglinna's journey to Imladris will not be pleasant, poor thing. Just wait until he arrives in Imladris. ;)
AndromacheCassandra - I had to laugh at the observation that Tanglinna miss all the stress if he had an easier life. I suspect you are right about that, though getting him to admit to it would be difficult. :)
Tinni - I suspect that Tanglinna thinks that Orome is rather upset about now. Things don't look good, and while Tanglinna may be older, I suspect that he isn't any better at getting out of trouble than Little Greenleaf is! :)
MadMaddie - Well, Tanglinna is going to . . . g you shall just have to wait, mell-nin! ;)
Kate - How am I cruel? ;) Since you don't know, then I don't think I will tell you how. I am pleased that you enjoyed the last chapter.
PuterPatty - I had hoped you would enjoy the Legolas and Aralith interaction. Aralith can be quite a nice elf when he wants to. Yes, even I can say "Wants him even more we does". I thought you would like the mention of Celebross and Mirithil. I frankly don't think that Lady Laureahiril is going to have her hands full back in Mirkwood. Old spider- tongue might find that it isn't easy running things at the palace. Plans seldom go the way they are supposed to in my tales, so I expect that Legolas' is not the only one that will go awry. ;)
WeasleyTwinsLover1112- I LOL'd reading your review, for to be perfectly honest I hadn't thought about what would happen when Thranduil and company return home. Woot! You are correct! Legolas and the others are SO dead! :)
Seaweed - So you think that Aralith will have trouble avoiding Bastryn while he is at Imladris? You must think I am very mean! ;) Let me just say. . . Poor Aralith! Am I detecting just a touch of Thranduil admiration when you said "Thranduil looks so good. . . ahem. . .when he looks pleased with himself"? No one can resist the elven king for long. Tell Gimli nothing compares to a glass of good wine, not even the best malt beer. . . usually. :) So you want Tanglinna to get into trouble? ? Whatever for? Old Sourpuss indeed! ;)
SperryDee and Charlie the Naz-Bunny - You like Tanglinna panic? So do I. g It is rare and therefore immensely fun! Do you really think Aralith will manage to be composed enough in the presence of Bastryn that the twins won't find out? ? Poor Aralith! Should be fun. . . for us, not him.
shirebound - I certainly hope the elves have life complications. Life wouldn't be life without them. They do make it interesting. What could possibly happen now? Lots and lots! ;)
Hel - You are quite right that Tanglinna never thought that there would be something he couldn't handle with all dignity and aloofness. Poor elf! Rather a rude wake up call! ;) Elrond will be having quite a gathering at his quiet home, they may all need the Vandal Root before it is over. I had to laugh at the thought of Glorfindel trying to send Bastryn back. Aralith would just LOVE that! ;) I do have some ideas for tales about Thranduil's youth, so watch for them.
Karina - I like Much Ado About Nothing as well, and the title just seemed to work. LOL Aralith can be nice on occasion. He is a mature warrior now, and he has outgrown his childish impulses. . . NOT! ;) Legolas does have his own bow, but his brother's is a larger cool warrior's bow, and therein lies the difference. Tanglinna did have a moment of childish panic in the last chapter, not the last one he will suffer in this tale I fear. LOL Would Thranduil want to hurt his twin? I don't know. I suppose we shall find out. ;)I have to agree with you about why Glorfindel fell asleep during your discussion of Elves in Space. He probably wants a much larger part! ;) That might be a good thing! ;)
Aria - Welcome back, mellon-nin! Things are in quite a tangle here. I am glad you feel sorry for Aralith going to visit a spider. That should be fun! ;) Tanglinna is not up to the mischief/panic level of the trio yet, but he might be before the story has told itself out. Legolas is about equivalent to an 11 or 12 year old human child. Youthful mischief is always much fun . . . usually. ;)
Lindon - I must admit too that I enjoy seeing Tanglinna getting a bit rattled. He needs that on occasion. Thranduil can indeed be a bit of a devil when he chooses to, horns and all. ;) Perhaps you have hit on something. Maybe Tanglinna should be the one to drink the entire bottle of Vandal Root laced Combe. I doubt he would be too upset or flustered by anything then. ;) Galion did get a bit touchy there, didn't he? I wonder why? ? ;)
Lady Berenice - I am glad you enjoyed the first chapter of this tale. Creative birthday presents can be hard for those of us who only live a short span of years, let alone the elves who have all of eternity to fill with wonderful gifts. Legolas does have some fun ideas about pets. :)
IRENA - Hello to you, darling! Sedative tea, Dorwinion with water mixed in for fun, a bouncing baby spider, and beautiful elves from three elven realms. What more could we possibly want? *drools*
Carrie - Wicked Greenie doesn't get to go on this trip to Imladris. He will get one in the future though. You are quite right in thinking that his impish behavior comes from his Adar. Thranduil does have a marvelous sense of fun, depending on whom you talk to. ;) Sending the spider was too expected? Well, yes it was and it was sent. LOL I couldn't resist. I am glad you like that Bastryn did go. Poor Brethil has been replaced in Bastryn's heart. :( Oh well. They can always catch another one. ;) It was very fun to read your reviews one right after the other. I enjoyed it immensely! Elrond should be quite overwhelmed by all his wonderful guests, don't you think? ? ;)
UbiquitousPitt - I had to laugh at your comments on Galion and the bottle of wine. I wouldn't put it past him either! Sneaky butler! Yes, I am writing again after quite a battle of my own. It does feel good! :)
Trove-7 - I am glad that you find this interesting. Legolas childhood has afforded me some fun, as have members of his family.
None - Legolas had to get his mischief from somewhere, and it did come from Ada. Thranduil is nearly as much fun as his son. I am sorry I didn't tell you about the Tricksy Tale #1. I must have forgotten about it. ;) Actually I had forgotten about it. I had to laugh as you wanted Arwen and Mirithil to get mud dumped on them! Laerlend got it, and I fear she and Tanglinna were the only ones that time. Well, Tricksy Tale #2 will come along at some point. Perhaps justice can be addressed there.
Venyatuima - I can just see you creeping around Mirkwood to avoid annoying "him". Life there must be interesting. Tanglinna isn't often hysterical, so it was fun to ruffle his feathers a bit in this story.
emma - Don't worry, things are moving! Everyone is about to converge on Rivendell, and Elrond is going to wish that he had been attacked by orcs rather than this group of party goers! ;)
Sake - LOL Poor Tanglinna indeed! He is not going to have an easy time of it. :)
sirithiel - Profile Picture. Well, you push the button and then it will tell you to download a pic. You will probably want to use the browse button to find which of your pics you want on there. Then it is just like uploading a chapter. . . only it takes longer.