Chapter 14 - Towels Anyone?
Lord Elrond Peredhil had managed to keep the most inappropriate smile from his face as he greeted his revered in-laws, though the touch of Galadriel's fathomless eyes on his was nearly his undoing.
~I should have told Erestor to have Haldir stay away if I wished to remain in control of myself, ~ he thought as he fought a soundless battle with his rebellious lips, which wanted to twitch upward into that amused smile. Even as he thought this his eyes slid to the younger Lorien elf, who was positively glowing as he gazed upon his "Lady of Light".
Elrond felt a slight nudge at his side and knew that Celebrian was trying to tell him that he, Elrond Peredhil, was about to embarrass them all with his unseemly giggles at Haldir's expense in front of the Lord and Lady of Lorien, and that was no way for the Lord of Imladris to behave. Indeed young Haldir's gaze slid to the 'Lord of Imladris' suddenly, the wide grey eyes filled with dismay as he wondered what elusive rule of Imladris etiquette he had broken now; the long slender fingers jerked slightly and Elrond knew that Haldir was wondering about his 'glowing' countenance. He would always wonder now.
Celeborn sighed quietly and shook his silver head. He too could feel his lips twitching but, as he had more experience in these matters, he managed to look as cool and aloof as always. His quicksilver gaze moved from his son-in-law to Haldir. Yes, it would be Haldir, wouldn't it?
~Really, dear heart, ~ his thoughts sped to his wife, ~must you always choose poor Haldir for this display? ~
Galadriel's lips did turn up in a smile as she embraced her daughter.
~He does it so well, ~ she commented silently. ~You can see how much he enjoys it. ~
Celeborn refrained from replying to this as he bent to kiss Celebrian's over-warm cheek. He greeted Elrond and then waited for his wife to say something, for he could feel the tinge of amusement on the edge of her thoughts as she regarded Elrond.
"This will be quite a gathering," she said, her melodious voice rivaling the birdsong about them, and indeed the birds did fall silent as her dulcet tones sounded on their ears.
Celeborn looked to Haldir once more and saw the enraptured look on his fair Silvan face at the utterance of his wife's voice. He pursed his lips slightly, but, after all, she had to be indulged at times, and as she had said Haldir did seem to enjoy it. Truly though, he did look rather foolish.
"When are Thranduil and his son arriving?" Galadriel asked suddenly, her eyes on Elrond's. The tall Lady of Light was rewarded by her son-in- law's slight start of surprise at this statement.
Elrond could feel the minute vibration at his arm, which told him that Celebrian was trying not to laugh . . . at him. He frowned and lifted his chin.
"Very soon I am sure," he said in a tight voice, resisting the urge to say "Why don't you tell me?"
"You had better send towels," Galadriel said enigmatically before turning to take her daughter's arm and walk slowly away.
Elrond watched as they departed, Haldir on their heels.
"What does that mean?" he asked Celeborn.
"Only the wise know," the tall silver-haired lord answered, watching his formidable wife and lovely daughter laughing quietly together as they turned into a nearby garden. Just before they disappeared from view, he saw Galadriel turn and say something to the young march-warden. Even from here, Celeborn could see the intensity of the glow increase and the young one's eyes widen in delight, the finely drawn lips parting in an adoring smile.
"Then you don't know either," Elrond concluded, frowning after the females and their prey of choice. To his surprise, Celebrian then turned to regard the young elf from Lorien, and Elrond's frown deepened as she spoke to Haldir, her blue eyes locked on the silver ones. ~I wonder if this hurts him? ~ he thought, seeing the glow increase once more.
Celeborn turned to look at his son-in-law, his eyes filled with the wisdom of the ages. Suddenly he smiled, his face lighting with amusement, and a rich chuckle escaped his throat.
"No, I don't know. Shall we?" He gestured after their wives. "I don't want to leave poor Haldir all alone with them when they are in a playful mood. So. . . Thranduil is coming, is he?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
King Thranduil Oropherion was smiling quite contentedly as he donned one of the rich robes he had packed for this journey to Imladris. First impressions were very important and he knew how to impress when he so chose. He brushed out his golden hair, and then chose a circlet that complimented the dark blue tunic he wore. He had chosen blue purposefully. He knew that Elrond favored that color, but he also knew that he, Thranduil, looked much more comely in it than did Imladris' lord. He chuckled, imagining what he might find when they passed the gates of Imladris. He hadn't decided yet if he hoped Elrond had already drunk the Morn Nen wine or not. Either possibility would be amusing, but there could be a slight problem if he hadn't sampled it yet- a silver-haired problem that stood a few feet away with a rather intense look of pain on his face. The king sighed as the archer swiftly began to braid his long silver hair.
"Tanglinna, what are you doing now?" Thranduil asked, his voice colored with exasperation. "That looks suspiciously like your 'battle braid.' We are not going into battle so why do you persist in this nonsense? It is because I have not told Elrond about the Magic Spider Water in his wine, isn't it? You are punishing me for it? You are trying to irritate me? Well, it won't work. I don't care how you are behaving. This is going to be most fun, regardless of you and your little games of guilt." When Tanglinna refused to look at him, Thranduil sighed more loudly and turned to regard Aralith.
~Not again, ~ the prince thought wearily. Too often on this trip he had been caught in the middle when these two got started with one another, but when Tanglinna would refuse to 'rise to the bait' as his father called it then Thranduil would turn on his son, who was not as good at the clever exchange of quips his adar expected in this verbal parrying. On the rare occasions Aralith managed to come up with a clever reply to something that his father had said, he would receive encouraging smiles from Calenthar and Cuil, a snort of laughter from Thranduil, and congratulatory smile from the Master Archer. Those were good times, but when his mind failed him . . . . The prince frowned unhappily. ~I cannot do this any longer! Oh, why did I have to be the one to come on this trip?! If only I could find something to occupy me so I could ignore him . . . . ~
Then he recalled the letter from Legolas to the twins. Perhaps he should check to make certain that he still had it. Yes, it had seemed rather important, and he wouldn't want it to be mislaid somewhere in their preparations to enter Imladris. He started to tell Thranduil this, but the look in his adar's blue eyes stopped the words in his mouth. Thranduil may say that Tanglinna's behaviour wasn't bothering him, but it obviously was. Aralith swallowed and turned quickly away, practically tripping over Cuil who was kneeling by their small fire.
Thranduil's frown deepened as Aralith managed to evade him, and he muttered something to himself before moving to stand by the shallow stream they had camped beside. He folded his arms over his chest glaring across the water. It seemed no one wished to speak with him this morning.
Aralith dug in his pack for the letter and, finding it, pulled it forth and unfolded the rather crumpled paper. What he read chilled his blood even more than the thought of another verbal confrontation with his adar.
"Dear Elladan and Elrohir,
I NEED YOUR HELP! Please! We accidentally sent all of my adar's Dorwinion to your adar and I need you to get him to drink it! My adar, that is! As soon as you can! For it also has Morn Nen water in it, which will make him forget everything! If your adar has already drunk the wine then you know this, or if he has not tell him not to drink it, or he will forget everything! But, please, dear sons of Elrond! Get my adar to drink some, but whatever you do DO NOT tell him it is the Dorwinion! He will be very angry if he finds out, and you do not want to see him when he is angry!
Sincerely,
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood
Aralith gaped at the letter in his hands. A horrified look came over his face as he swung his head to look at his father. They had sent ALL of the Dorwinion to Imladris? That couldn't be! ALL of the Dorwinion?! He swallowed in a throat that had suddenly gone dry. All of the Dorwinion! His eyes slid to Cuil and Calenthar who were talking quietly as they put the fire out; Cuil's eyes were alight with excitement and Aralith knew he must be thinking of Teleriel, the elf maiden he had met the last time he had accompanied the king to Imladris. Obviously they didn't know what had happened, but Tanglinna . . . . Aralith's gaze moved to the tall elf who had finished his braid and now stood staring at nothing, his brows knit, mouth turned down in a troubled frown. Was this perhaps what had been bothering him the entire trip? Did the archer know about the Dorwinion?
~What am I to do? ~ Aralith thought desperately, crumpling the letter in his hand slightly. ~ I can't tell Adar, he would be furious! Oh, Little Greenleaf! How could you do this!?!? ~
While Aralith was fretting over what he could do to diffuse this situation, Tanglinna was wondering what he could do to remedy the situation, or at least forestall the inevitable. He knew that Thranduil wouldn't let him get anywhere near Elrond nor anyone else for that matter, to tell them about the wine, since the king seemed determined to see Elrond in a most forgetful state. If only there was something to distract the king long enough for Tanglinna to tell someone - anyone! - about the Morn Nen wine, then perhaps all of the problems could be averted. Except, of course, for the fact that the last four bottles of Thranduil's precious Dorwinion were part of the problem. And therein lay the greater problem. Elrond, if he wasn't forgetful yet, would certainly comment on the Dorwinion.
The Master Archer grimaced and yanked on the long braid that lay over his shoulder. What was he to do?! Thranduil would not be so very 'amused' by that one little fact. If only there were a way to distract him, and perhaps Elrond as well, just long enough for Tanglinna to tell someone the situation! He watched as the king stared over the cool waters of the stream, admiring his reflection. A small trickle of an idea was born in that instant, and Tanglinna knew that if he stopped to think about it, or the consequences of what he was about to do, he would never be able to do it. He swallowed, drew a deep breath, and strode toward the king.
Aralith had stood, intercepting the archer, having decided that he already knew about the Dorwinion, and deciding that if he didn't he should know about it. That way Aralith wouldn't have to come up with a solution on his own.
"M. . .Master Tanglinna? Please, look at this," he said, thrusting the letter at the silver-haired elf. "It. . . it is important. . .I think. . . I know. . . ."
Tanglinna frowned, not liking the delay in his plan, iffy as it was. He sighed and took the piece of paper. He scanned it, his eyes widening in disbelief. He stared up at Aralith, who smiled weakly.
"I didn't know what to do about it, Master Tanglinna. What . . . what. . . ?" Aralith felt a moment of panic knife through him when the oddest expression came over Tanglinna's face. It was the exact look he had seen on Legolas' face too many times when he was planning something that would assuredly get him into trouble if he were caught at it. "Master Tanglinna?"
The archer was grinning, if somewhat maniacally; the silvery eyes were over-bright, and for a moment Aralith wondered if this were the look that the sons of Feanor had worn in their quest for their father's Silmaril. Then Tanglinna bent toward him and whispered, "This is perfect! Whatever happens, Prince Aralith, do not tell anyone about that letter until you can speak to the twins. I think perhaps your brother may have a good idea for once."
Aralith nodded and eased slowly backward. Since when did anyone regard Legolas' harebrained ideas as 'good'?
"As soon as," Tanglinna continued, warming to the ideas in his own head, "I manage to . . . well," he gazed at the prince and smiled apologetically. "I am about to make your father very angry with me, but it is necessary I fear. You must ride for Imladris and fetch Elrond at once. Tell him that he will need to come bearing one of the bottles of Dorwinion. But! He must put the wine in another bottle first! That is most important! Your father cannot know that it was the Dorwinion that was sent by your brother. Then you must tell Elrond that he is to make your father drink it, no matter what the king may say. I only hope. . . ," Tanglinna's face contorted slightly. "If Elrond has already had the wine. . . well, I won't worry about that until we can see for ourselves. Do you understand me, nin caun?"
Aralith stared at him wide-eyed, but nodded anyway. One had to humor mad elves, after all. And for some reason, Tanglinna's 'plan' sounded entirely too much like one of Little Greenleaf's. It was sure to fail!
"Good," Tanglinna clapped him on the shoulder, smiling once more. "Then prepare to ride. . . in all haste. And remember what I have told you!" The archer squared his shoulders and turned, lifting his chin as he strode toward Thranduil. "I can do this," Aralith heard him muttering. "I can do this. It is for everyone's best interest. Truly, I can do this!"
Thranduil turned when he felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. He gazed impassively at Tanglinna, who looked slightly discomfited. The king, thinking that Tanglinna was going to apologize to him, which was a rarity to be savored for certain, smiled slightly and folded his arms over his chest. He raised one brow imperiously and gazed down his nose at his contrite, or so he thought, archer.
"There is something you wish to say, Tanglinna?"
The silver eyes shifted away slightly, which assured Thranduil that he had been correct in his assumption about the apology.
"No . . . ," Tanglinna's brows knit and he clenched his teeth. This was going to be harder than he had thought. "Your Majesty," he began slowly, his hands clenching slightly.
"Yes? I don't have all day, so please begin."
Tanglinna stared at him in confusion.
"Begin what?" he asked, truly perplexed, wondering if the king had surmised his plan.
"Your apology, of course. I am waiting."
The silver brows winged upward.
"Apology? And what apology is that, hir nin (my lord)?"
Thranduil felt a touch of annoyance and the blue eyes narrowed dangerously.
"If this is some game you are playing at, you will be very sorry," he said. "If this is some ruse to get me to soften in my determination to have some small measure of fun at Elrond's expense, it won't work." The king smiled then, seeing the slightly panicked look in the other's eyes at the mention of Elrond and the mischief ahead. "So apologize to me and be done with it. I am ready to ride out."
Tanglinna drew a shaky breath and steeled himself, allowing his own annoyance to surface. He was in the right after all, and therefore the king had brought this on himself. It wasn't his fault at all.
"I wasn't going to apologize to you. . . not yet, anyway. I thought I would save it until after. But if you prefer, I can apologize now. I am so sorry."
Thranduil was about to ask what he was talking about when he found himself flying backwards, arms flailing. Tanglinna had dared to push him! Just before he splashed into the icy water of the little stream, he grabbed Tanglinna's tunic and drug the other elf down with him.
They landed with a loud splash.
Aralith had backed slowly toward his horse, shoving the letter to the twins inside his tunic. His heart was pounding rather wildly and he wondered why he felt so . . . trapped. He himself had jumped when his father and the Master Archer had gone into the water together. Cuil and Calenthar were watching the exchange between Thranduil and Tanglinna with enjoyment.
"Relax, Prince Aralith," Calenthar called to him with a grin. "They won't hurt one another. Now if that were Oropher instead of your adar, then we might have a slight problem," he continued, winking at Cuil who laughed lightly.
"Aye, those two might well have drowned one another," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Unless they strangled one another first, of course."
Aralith stood unmoving, watching as his father and Tanglinna thrashed about in water which only reached to their knees. They had both gone down and come up spluttering. Thranduil's wet face, once the shock had worn off, turned very red with anger. He was pinned beneath the rather stunned Tanglinna, who was hovering over him on his hands and knees.
"I. . . that. . . ," the archer stammered. "That wasn't part of the plan!"
Thranduil growled and shoved the other elf off him.
"You had better have an excellent reason for what you just did, Tanglinna Thindalagosion! Or else!"
Tanglinna knew that he was now treading perilously, but since he had gone this far he might as well see it through to the bitter end.
"Do I need more of a reason for this other than your own pig- headedness, Thranduil Oropherion?!" he demanded, glaring down at the king.
Thranduil's face darkened even more, the blue eyes shining with a most unholy light.
"You. . . you. . . you dare to speak thus to ME!?!?! You. . . you . . . stubborn Silvan !" He reached up and grabbed a handful of Tanglinna's braid and yanked hard, managing to shove the archer over onto his back, maneuvering so that he was straddling the archer. Thranduil felt a thrill of vindication at the rather surprised look on Tanglinna's face before he went beneath the water.
Aralith gasped, his eyes widening in shock. He glanced at Cuil and Calenthar who seemed very unconcerned as yet, even though their king was grappling in the water with the Master Archer and they did indeed look like they were trying to drown one another as they struggled in the knee-deep water.
~Master Tanglinna said to ride for Imladris with all haste, but surely he didn't mean for them to fight like this! Or did he? Elbereth, help me to know what to do! They didn't teach us anything about this in warrior training! ~
Cuil chuckled and glanced at the distraught prince, whose hands were clenched on Cuil's tunic. He extricated the prince's hands and smoothed down his rumpled clothing.
"Don't worry, Prince Aralith. If they need anyone to intervene Calenthar will do it. We don't want you to get wet as well. At least one member of the royal household must look dry and . . . royal."
Calenthar snorted at this and protested, saying that it was Cuil's time to separate the combatants as he remembered having done this duty the last time Thranduil and Tanglinna had disagreed about something.
Aralith was anything but reassured by their jesting, for he wondered if they were jesting. Was this the way Tanglinna had planned it? It didn't seem like it was planned.
~I will go to fetch Elrond. He can stop this madness! ~
But before he could move to mount his horse, the sound of merry singing voices filled the early morning air.
"O! What are you doing,
With robes all a-dripping?
Morning's doves are cooing!
Your feet are all slipping!
O! tra-la-la-lally
here down in the valley!
Ha! Ha!
O! What are you playing?
And why are you fighting?
You seem to be slaying,
And snarling and biting!
O! tril-lil-lil-lolly
the valley is jolly,
ha! ha!
O! Where were you going,
Good, wise King Thranduil?
The river is flowing!
This looks like a scandal!
O! tril-lil-lil-lilly
this is really too silly!
Ha! ha!"
At the sound of the rather ridiculous song, which was punctuated by entirely too much laughter, Thranduil and Tanglinna released their holds on one another and stood, water dripping from clothing and hair. Three young elves drifted into the campsite and stood surveying the scene before them, fair faces lit with delight. Thranduil glared at them, adjusted his circlet which hung askew over one eye, and raised his chin imperiously. He tossed his sodden hair over one shoulder and stepped onto the bank.
Tanglinna grimaced slightly, wondering if anything could be salvaged from this, as Aralith, instead of riding away as he had been instructed, stood on the grass looking stricken. Perhaps this little altercation would be enough of a distraction. He moved to climb back onto the bank. Thranduil held out one hand to assist him, his face unreadable. Tanglinna smiled apologetically at his liege and reached for the hand. But the moment his feet touched the bank, Thranduil shoved him hard. He tumbled back into the water with a "Woof!" and landed with a loud splash.
The three Imladris elves laughed merrily to see the Master Archer sit up, spitting water and looking very like a drowned cat.
"Welcome to Imladris, King Thranduil," one of them said, stepping forward and handing Thranduil a thick towel. "The Lady Galadriel said you might need one," he offered by way of explanation, before bursting into joyful peals of laughter.
TBC
Many thanks to al my beta. Long live Add A Comma indeed. :/ I was afraid to count them, as I fear it would take all day.
Author's Note - The song is The Hobbit, and has been doctored a bit to fit this tale.
Response to Reviewers
None -I did have to laugh that you think that Laerlend deserved the mud she had dumped on her in Tricksy Tales #1. Now is that a nice thing to think about a cute, little girl?? ;) She did deserve something. But she is really not that bad. Do not worry. Little Greenleaf is hardly forgotten. Do you think he won't get into trouble merely because his ada isn't there?? I suspect that Oropher could let a good yell loose on occasion. . . in fact I know he did! ;) Legolas' note is included in this chapter just for you.
daw the minstrel - I think most of us consider Galadriel scary, or perhaps I should say. . . formidable. Her visits would worry me. I am glad that the thought of the Dorwinion is making your mouth twitch. I hope it will amuse everyone concerned. ;)
JastaElf - Somehow your glowing didn't surprise me at all. ;) I hope that you were satisfied with the wet mad king in this one. I will have to rectify that at some point and make him more. . . acceptable. Though wet is good. ;)
Dot - Well, the gang is all here, so to speak and things should get interesting. I did feel rather sorry for poor Haldir, but he does get that look and well, we shall see how he handles what is ahead. Elf-witches beware!
Phoenix23531 - The ladies do have their charms, and Haldir is indeed bewitched, and Elrond is in for a most wonderful time. . . or not! ;) I guess reminding Thranduil of the incident with his mother's favorite shrubbery worked as his part took up most of this chapter.
SperryDee - I wonder if Celebrian will think her husband has gone crazy. . . or is he just bewitched? ? ;)
Venyatuima - Actually there was a point to that last rather silly, short chapter. It might not seem like it, but that was a plot bunny in itself. Strange how these things work out! And you want Galadriel's lovely golden hair in the tea? ? O.O ^-^
petite-hikarie - I find that I take much pleasure in studying what appears mundane and making it into something interesting. Sometimes that yields something that is great fun!
Nadra - Elrond bashing? ? Elrond bashing?! Really? Yes, some 'tea'- sing is in order! Very clever, nin mellon! :D And you love Galadriel?? *worried look* Well . . . well . . . :/ Okay. I do admit that I like her more than I did once. :/ But. . . well, you will have to wait and see.
Aria - I am glad you enjoyed that last chapter so much. Gimli did try to tell them about that elf-witch, but no one seemed to listen. It is no wonder he and Haldir weren't exactly chummy!
Nilmandra - I love your portrayal of Elrond in "History Lessons." Absolutely wondrous! I admit to enjoying this little romp with him, and I like that his wife still has an air of mystery about her, and can charm them all if she so chooses. Girl-Power! ;)
Angaloth - Thranduilrim is indeed a mouthful. I must have been in an odd mood when I penned it! :) Surely Elrond must giggle sometime. Life would be so much more boring without getting the giggles. Even for an elf-lord! I don't think that Iaeth giggles though. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - Sorry that the last one was so short. It truly wasn't my fault! I think that most of the elf-women must have some sort of power. Tolkien certainly wrote many of them that way!
Dragon_of_the_north - Verliebter Trottel, yes, that sounds like Haldir! Poor elf! ;) Well, you know of the twists and turns my mind has taken on this tale and well, I still don't know for certain what will happen, but I think I begin to know. Yes, poor Erestor! I think that Iaeth is a very proper elf and doesn't like anyone to act oddly, which Elrond certainly was in the last chapter. I suspect he would be happier in Lorien, though it is Celebrian that holds his heart. . . so to speak. ;)
MadMaddie - A lot is going to happen I fear. So much in fact that I don't have it all figured out! The ladies of light should have something to say about that!
shirebound - As I get older I find amusement in more things than I used to. Great age must do that to you. Though I think Elrond was a bit "giddy" in that last chapter.
erunyauve - Yes, it is quite true that Galadriel has ascended into goddess- hood, as it were, while Thranduil barely gets any notice. I think that there are enough of us who know the truth of the matter though, and are working to rectify this. . . just not me . . . in this story. :/ I fear I will end up ridiculing them all equally! ;)
Irena - Are you still @apathetic.com? I hope not. I am glad that the Major Thom makes you light up! Does the Major Thom know this? I hope he lights up for you! ;)
Fadesintothewest - Haldir will be involved in the mischief. I hope to make them all involved in it to some degree. Not what I originally planned, but the story is telling itself. Haldir is very levelheaded, and very perplexed right now. Poor dear!
Mickie - I have since watched the Lorien scene in the extended DVD, and I believe you are right. He looks more obsessed than I made him sound! :D Haldir will be here for the duration of the fun in Imladris, so your heart can continue its rythme: 'Hal-dir, Hal-dir.'
Gwyn - Things are going to get very interesting! VERY interesting! ;D
Anya -Ring of Sarcasm - It would be nice to see the twins and Legolas glowing! LOL I will hold out hope for the third movie!
bryn - I am glad you like Bastryn's name. My son would like Legolas to have one of the big moths as a pet, and it seems that you agree with that. Perhaps I can work that one in somewhere. I suspect that the leash that is put on the spiders is more like a harness. But as I have never tried to put a leash or a harness onto a spider, I am not quite certain myself. ;)
gershwin - I LOL'd at your new word "begaladrielled". That is the perfect word for what is afflicting poor Haldir. ;) Might I use it? Elrond is definitely impish, though he is fun when he gets like this. Comeuppance is coming! And I think you just honed one of my plot bunnies! Thank you! :D
Lutris - I am glad you enjoyed that last chapter. Things are going to get even more interesting for these elves in Imladris!
Hel - Elrond was acting a bit odd in the last chapter. Must be the birthday excitement! I admit that your Mirror comment gave me an idea. Thank you! I too anticipate how Galadriel will react to Bastryn. He isn't as well behaved as he should be.
Karina - There are very few elves I have met that I didn't like either. ;) Makowyl is definitely one of them! :( Elrond was rather mean to poor Haldir, but he couldn't help himself! Even elf-lords have to have some fun! I am very glad to hear that Glorfindel is getting a bigger part in your story! That makes me very happy!
WeasleyTwinsLover1112 - Dorwinion is a ME wine. It is from Dorwinion, the land on the northwest shores of the Sea of Rhun. When Thranduil finds out he won't be a happy elf monarch. . . or will he find out? ? ? ;)
Kate - I had to laugh at your comment at wanting elf hair in the tea! You have handed me a plot bunny! Perhaps an unexpected one! ;)
the evil witch queen - I am afraid that no one fell off a cliff, or was pushed. Someone was pushed into the stream. Is that close enough? ;) You have more story ideas than I do! The twins will find something to occupy them in this tale, never fear!
amlugwen - You know I had to laugh at your comment that Haldir looks a little like he tried some pipeweed. Yes, he looked a bit odd there, didn't he! ;D There will be more of the "glow"ing-thing. You are rather wicked! You want the Lady of Light to drink that tainted wine? ? ;)
Ubiquitous Pitt - You are wicked! I am sure you did have pointy red horns sprouting from your brows for such a thought! I was LOL over your deciding that it is the fault of those Silvans that they all rather resemble one another in their inscrutability! Yes, that is it entirely! ;) " . . . merciless destruction of all characters who even pretend at being 'serious' . . . Now seriously, you enjoy that? :/ Good! So do I! I can't wait until you pick on poor Haldir's unhealthy fixation. It should be a hoot! But tell me, just exactly what did you mean when you said that Tanglinna rats me out every time for a new set of charcoal pencils and a glass of Dorwinion? ? O-o
Pseudonym Sylphmuse - Yes, women are easier to worship and admire. And the ladies seem to enjoy it. . . a little too much perhaps? ? ;) I was LOL at your reaction to Glorfindel's little bit of spider fear! He is an arachnophobian, at least for my tales. ;) It seemed too fun to pass up!
Jessica - I do have to ask. Were you glowing for Celeborn or Galadriel? ? ;) Cirdan, hm? You aren't the only person that mentioned him. . . Plot bunny indeed!
Shalemni - I am glad you liked the worshipping admiration of Galadriel and Celebrian. Elf-witches can be quite fun at times! I am relieved that no one is taking this fic too seriously or I might have a problem with those worship-worthy ladies! ;)
Ithilien - As to what Brethil was thinking when he sent the Dorwionion. . . well, he was looking at the pretty labels. No one thought to inventory what was sent as no one would ever suspect it being other than what Legolas told him to find. Thranduil's party certainly didn't go the way anyone had planned, so they were all a tad distracted. Legolas will have other things to deal with while the "mess" is happening in Imladris.
Elberethia - LOL I will have to watch for that look on Aragorn's face. I suspect he knows all about Galadriel's hold over her elves! ;) I suspect the Ranger even glows when he speaks of Arwen! She is Galadriel's granddaughter after all. Don't send in the assassins. Thranduil and Tanglinna made it into this chapter, and Legolas is in the next one! Of course, if you carried him away . . . . ;)
Zoya - I am glad you have found this humorous! That was my intent! ;)
Gwilwileth - I wish Gimli had been there to say "So I told you she was a witch!" He was right! It seems like the Noldor you keep company with don't' consider themselves "greedy"! There will be a Bells update soon!
Anarril - I have to agree about the twins. They won't be able to behave! LOL Galadrielitis, hm? Gimli did indeed have it quite bad! It seems you might have a mild case of it yourself! ;) Tanglinna did make it into this chapter. I am glad that you like both he and Brethil. Perhaps you should check out Dragon_of_the_north's story called "House of the Silver Bow." I think you will like what she has managed to do!
Erik's-lil-rocker - Lord Elrond was having a lot of fun in that last chapter. He deserves it. There is indeed a look that I would term a Tanglinna look so it is entirely believable that Edmund in Las Vias Del Amor would have it. If he does then I am sure he does remind you of Tanglinna. He certainly sounds very similar! Legolas is not unsupervised as Tavor's grandmother is there to keep things in line. But is she up to the task? ? ;)
AndromacheCassandra - Haldir is a bit worried about what he is doing, only now that his Lady of Light has arrived he is rather distracted! ;)
Skye - You needn't apologize for not reviewing every single chapter. I know how hard and time consuming that gets to be. I was LOL at your "beautiful Elf with that "donuts"-look of Homer Simpson. . . ." Now that planted an image in my head! LOL Bastryn is. . . well, he will . . . Let me just say that Arwen is trying! ^-^
annakas - The twins might try a little harder to behave, but I wonder if they can keep themselves from mischief! Grandparents seem to be more indulgent than parents! Thank you for complimenting the picture on my bio page! :)
123 - Well, I fear the spider has already been sent! Glad you are enjoying this tale!
Lorraine - I am happy to hear that you like little Brethil and Bastryn. They are great fun to work with! I am also glad that you liked Glorfindel's minor case of Aralithus! ;D
sirithiliel - I am glad you like this story. It has been fun writing it :)
Lord Elrond Peredhil had managed to keep the most inappropriate smile from his face as he greeted his revered in-laws, though the touch of Galadriel's fathomless eyes on his was nearly his undoing.
~I should have told Erestor to have Haldir stay away if I wished to remain in control of myself, ~ he thought as he fought a soundless battle with his rebellious lips, which wanted to twitch upward into that amused smile. Even as he thought this his eyes slid to the younger Lorien elf, who was positively glowing as he gazed upon his "Lady of Light".
Elrond felt a slight nudge at his side and knew that Celebrian was trying to tell him that he, Elrond Peredhil, was about to embarrass them all with his unseemly giggles at Haldir's expense in front of the Lord and Lady of Lorien, and that was no way for the Lord of Imladris to behave. Indeed young Haldir's gaze slid to the 'Lord of Imladris' suddenly, the wide grey eyes filled with dismay as he wondered what elusive rule of Imladris etiquette he had broken now; the long slender fingers jerked slightly and Elrond knew that Haldir was wondering about his 'glowing' countenance. He would always wonder now.
Celeborn sighed quietly and shook his silver head. He too could feel his lips twitching but, as he had more experience in these matters, he managed to look as cool and aloof as always. His quicksilver gaze moved from his son-in-law to Haldir. Yes, it would be Haldir, wouldn't it?
~Really, dear heart, ~ his thoughts sped to his wife, ~must you always choose poor Haldir for this display? ~
Galadriel's lips did turn up in a smile as she embraced her daughter.
~He does it so well, ~ she commented silently. ~You can see how much he enjoys it. ~
Celeborn refrained from replying to this as he bent to kiss Celebrian's over-warm cheek. He greeted Elrond and then waited for his wife to say something, for he could feel the tinge of amusement on the edge of her thoughts as she regarded Elrond.
"This will be quite a gathering," she said, her melodious voice rivaling the birdsong about them, and indeed the birds did fall silent as her dulcet tones sounded on their ears.
Celeborn looked to Haldir once more and saw the enraptured look on his fair Silvan face at the utterance of his wife's voice. He pursed his lips slightly, but, after all, she had to be indulged at times, and as she had said Haldir did seem to enjoy it. Truly though, he did look rather foolish.
"When are Thranduil and his son arriving?" Galadriel asked suddenly, her eyes on Elrond's. The tall Lady of Light was rewarded by her son-in- law's slight start of surprise at this statement.
Elrond could feel the minute vibration at his arm, which told him that Celebrian was trying not to laugh . . . at him. He frowned and lifted his chin.
"Very soon I am sure," he said in a tight voice, resisting the urge to say "Why don't you tell me?"
"You had better send towels," Galadriel said enigmatically before turning to take her daughter's arm and walk slowly away.
Elrond watched as they departed, Haldir on their heels.
"What does that mean?" he asked Celeborn.
"Only the wise know," the tall silver-haired lord answered, watching his formidable wife and lovely daughter laughing quietly together as they turned into a nearby garden. Just before they disappeared from view, he saw Galadriel turn and say something to the young march-warden. Even from here, Celeborn could see the intensity of the glow increase and the young one's eyes widen in delight, the finely drawn lips parting in an adoring smile.
"Then you don't know either," Elrond concluded, frowning after the females and their prey of choice. To his surprise, Celebrian then turned to regard the young elf from Lorien, and Elrond's frown deepened as she spoke to Haldir, her blue eyes locked on the silver ones. ~I wonder if this hurts him? ~ he thought, seeing the glow increase once more.
Celeborn turned to look at his son-in-law, his eyes filled with the wisdom of the ages. Suddenly he smiled, his face lighting with amusement, and a rich chuckle escaped his throat.
"No, I don't know. Shall we?" He gestured after their wives. "I don't want to leave poor Haldir all alone with them when they are in a playful mood. So. . . Thranduil is coming, is he?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
King Thranduil Oropherion was smiling quite contentedly as he donned one of the rich robes he had packed for this journey to Imladris. First impressions were very important and he knew how to impress when he so chose. He brushed out his golden hair, and then chose a circlet that complimented the dark blue tunic he wore. He had chosen blue purposefully. He knew that Elrond favored that color, but he also knew that he, Thranduil, looked much more comely in it than did Imladris' lord. He chuckled, imagining what he might find when they passed the gates of Imladris. He hadn't decided yet if he hoped Elrond had already drunk the Morn Nen wine or not. Either possibility would be amusing, but there could be a slight problem if he hadn't sampled it yet- a silver-haired problem that stood a few feet away with a rather intense look of pain on his face. The king sighed as the archer swiftly began to braid his long silver hair.
"Tanglinna, what are you doing now?" Thranduil asked, his voice colored with exasperation. "That looks suspiciously like your 'battle braid.' We are not going into battle so why do you persist in this nonsense? It is because I have not told Elrond about the Magic Spider Water in his wine, isn't it? You are punishing me for it? You are trying to irritate me? Well, it won't work. I don't care how you are behaving. This is going to be most fun, regardless of you and your little games of guilt." When Tanglinna refused to look at him, Thranduil sighed more loudly and turned to regard Aralith.
~Not again, ~ the prince thought wearily. Too often on this trip he had been caught in the middle when these two got started with one another, but when Tanglinna would refuse to 'rise to the bait' as his father called it then Thranduil would turn on his son, who was not as good at the clever exchange of quips his adar expected in this verbal parrying. On the rare occasions Aralith managed to come up with a clever reply to something that his father had said, he would receive encouraging smiles from Calenthar and Cuil, a snort of laughter from Thranduil, and congratulatory smile from the Master Archer. Those were good times, but when his mind failed him . . . . The prince frowned unhappily. ~I cannot do this any longer! Oh, why did I have to be the one to come on this trip?! If only I could find something to occupy me so I could ignore him . . . . ~
Then he recalled the letter from Legolas to the twins. Perhaps he should check to make certain that he still had it. Yes, it had seemed rather important, and he wouldn't want it to be mislaid somewhere in their preparations to enter Imladris. He started to tell Thranduil this, but the look in his adar's blue eyes stopped the words in his mouth. Thranduil may say that Tanglinna's behaviour wasn't bothering him, but it obviously was. Aralith swallowed and turned quickly away, practically tripping over Cuil who was kneeling by their small fire.
Thranduil's frown deepened as Aralith managed to evade him, and he muttered something to himself before moving to stand by the shallow stream they had camped beside. He folded his arms over his chest glaring across the water. It seemed no one wished to speak with him this morning.
Aralith dug in his pack for the letter and, finding it, pulled it forth and unfolded the rather crumpled paper. What he read chilled his blood even more than the thought of another verbal confrontation with his adar.
"Dear Elladan and Elrohir,
I NEED YOUR HELP! Please! We accidentally sent all of my adar's Dorwinion to your adar and I need you to get him to drink it! My adar, that is! As soon as you can! For it also has Morn Nen water in it, which will make him forget everything! If your adar has already drunk the wine then you know this, or if he has not tell him not to drink it, or he will forget everything! But, please, dear sons of Elrond! Get my adar to drink some, but whatever you do DO NOT tell him it is the Dorwinion! He will be very angry if he finds out, and you do not want to see him when he is angry!
Sincerely,
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood
Aralith gaped at the letter in his hands. A horrified look came over his face as he swung his head to look at his father. They had sent ALL of the Dorwinion to Imladris? That couldn't be! ALL of the Dorwinion?! He swallowed in a throat that had suddenly gone dry. All of the Dorwinion! His eyes slid to Cuil and Calenthar who were talking quietly as they put the fire out; Cuil's eyes were alight with excitement and Aralith knew he must be thinking of Teleriel, the elf maiden he had met the last time he had accompanied the king to Imladris. Obviously they didn't know what had happened, but Tanglinna . . . . Aralith's gaze moved to the tall elf who had finished his braid and now stood staring at nothing, his brows knit, mouth turned down in a troubled frown. Was this perhaps what had been bothering him the entire trip? Did the archer know about the Dorwinion?
~What am I to do? ~ Aralith thought desperately, crumpling the letter in his hand slightly. ~ I can't tell Adar, he would be furious! Oh, Little Greenleaf! How could you do this!?!? ~
While Aralith was fretting over what he could do to diffuse this situation, Tanglinna was wondering what he could do to remedy the situation, or at least forestall the inevitable. He knew that Thranduil wouldn't let him get anywhere near Elrond nor anyone else for that matter, to tell them about the wine, since the king seemed determined to see Elrond in a most forgetful state. If only there was something to distract the king long enough for Tanglinna to tell someone - anyone! - about the Morn Nen wine, then perhaps all of the problems could be averted. Except, of course, for the fact that the last four bottles of Thranduil's precious Dorwinion were part of the problem. And therein lay the greater problem. Elrond, if he wasn't forgetful yet, would certainly comment on the Dorwinion.
The Master Archer grimaced and yanked on the long braid that lay over his shoulder. What was he to do?! Thranduil would not be so very 'amused' by that one little fact. If only there were a way to distract him, and perhaps Elrond as well, just long enough for Tanglinna to tell someone the situation! He watched as the king stared over the cool waters of the stream, admiring his reflection. A small trickle of an idea was born in that instant, and Tanglinna knew that if he stopped to think about it, or the consequences of what he was about to do, he would never be able to do it. He swallowed, drew a deep breath, and strode toward the king.
Aralith had stood, intercepting the archer, having decided that he already knew about the Dorwinion, and deciding that if he didn't he should know about it. That way Aralith wouldn't have to come up with a solution on his own.
"M. . .Master Tanglinna? Please, look at this," he said, thrusting the letter at the silver-haired elf. "It. . . it is important. . .I think. . . I know. . . ."
Tanglinna frowned, not liking the delay in his plan, iffy as it was. He sighed and took the piece of paper. He scanned it, his eyes widening in disbelief. He stared up at Aralith, who smiled weakly.
"I didn't know what to do about it, Master Tanglinna. What . . . what. . . ?" Aralith felt a moment of panic knife through him when the oddest expression came over Tanglinna's face. It was the exact look he had seen on Legolas' face too many times when he was planning something that would assuredly get him into trouble if he were caught at it. "Master Tanglinna?"
The archer was grinning, if somewhat maniacally; the silvery eyes were over-bright, and for a moment Aralith wondered if this were the look that the sons of Feanor had worn in their quest for their father's Silmaril. Then Tanglinna bent toward him and whispered, "This is perfect! Whatever happens, Prince Aralith, do not tell anyone about that letter until you can speak to the twins. I think perhaps your brother may have a good idea for once."
Aralith nodded and eased slowly backward. Since when did anyone regard Legolas' harebrained ideas as 'good'?
"As soon as," Tanglinna continued, warming to the ideas in his own head, "I manage to . . . well," he gazed at the prince and smiled apologetically. "I am about to make your father very angry with me, but it is necessary I fear. You must ride for Imladris and fetch Elrond at once. Tell him that he will need to come bearing one of the bottles of Dorwinion. But! He must put the wine in another bottle first! That is most important! Your father cannot know that it was the Dorwinion that was sent by your brother. Then you must tell Elrond that he is to make your father drink it, no matter what the king may say. I only hope. . . ," Tanglinna's face contorted slightly. "If Elrond has already had the wine. . . well, I won't worry about that until we can see for ourselves. Do you understand me, nin caun?"
Aralith stared at him wide-eyed, but nodded anyway. One had to humor mad elves, after all. And for some reason, Tanglinna's 'plan' sounded entirely too much like one of Little Greenleaf's. It was sure to fail!
"Good," Tanglinna clapped him on the shoulder, smiling once more. "Then prepare to ride. . . in all haste. And remember what I have told you!" The archer squared his shoulders and turned, lifting his chin as he strode toward Thranduil. "I can do this," Aralith heard him muttering. "I can do this. It is for everyone's best interest. Truly, I can do this!"
Thranduil turned when he felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. He gazed impassively at Tanglinna, who looked slightly discomfited. The king, thinking that Tanglinna was going to apologize to him, which was a rarity to be savored for certain, smiled slightly and folded his arms over his chest. He raised one brow imperiously and gazed down his nose at his contrite, or so he thought, archer.
"There is something you wish to say, Tanglinna?"
The silver eyes shifted away slightly, which assured Thranduil that he had been correct in his assumption about the apology.
"No . . . ," Tanglinna's brows knit and he clenched his teeth. This was going to be harder than he had thought. "Your Majesty," he began slowly, his hands clenching slightly.
"Yes? I don't have all day, so please begin."
Tanglinna stared at him in confusion.
"Begin what?" he asked, truly perplexed, wondering if the king had surmised his plan.
"Your apology, of course. I am waiting."
The silver brows winged upward.
"Apology? And what apology is that, hir nin (my lord)?"
Thranduil felt a touch of annoyance and the blue eyes narrowed dangerously.
"If this is some game you are playing at, you will be very sorry," he said. "If this is some ruse to get me to soften in my determination to have some small measure of fun at Elrond's expense, it won't work." The king smiled then, seeing the slightly panicked look in the other's eyes at the mention of Elrond and the mischief ahead. "So apologize to me and be done with it. I am ready to ride out."
Tanglinna drew a shaky breath and steeled himself, allowing his own annoyance to surface. He was in the right after all, and therefore the king had brought this on himself. It wasn't his fault at all.
"I wasn't going to apologize to you. . . not yet, anyway. I thought I would save it until after. But if you prefer, I can apologize now. I am so sorry."
Thranduil was about to ask what he was talking about when he found himself flying backwards, arms flailing. Tanglinna had dared to push him! Just before he splashed into the icy water of the little stream, he grabbed Tanglinna's tunic and drug the other elf down with him.
They landed with a loud splash.
Aralith had backed slowly toward his horse, shoving the letter to the twins inside his tunic. His heart was pounding rather wildly and he wondered why he felt so . . . trapped. He himself had jumped when his father and the Master Archer had gone into the water together. Cuil and Calenthar were watching the exchange between Thranduil and Tanglinna with enjoyment.
"Relax, Prince Aralith," Calenthar called to him with a grin. "They won't hurt one another. Now if that were Oropher instead of your adar, then we might have a slight problem," he continued, winking at Cuil who laughed lightly.
"Aye, those two might well have drowned one another," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Unless they strangled one another first, of course."
Aralith stood unmoving, watching as his father and Tanglinna thrashed about in water which only reached to their knees. They had both gone down and come up spluttering. Thranduil's wet face, once the shock had worn off, turned very red with anger. He was pinned beneath the rather stunned Tanglinna, who was hovering over him on his hands and knees.
"I. . . that. . . ," the archer stammered. "That wasn't part of the plan!"
Thranduil growled and shoved the other elf off him.
"You had better have an excellent reason for what you just did, Tanglinna Thindalagosion! Or else!"
Tanglinna knew that he was now treading perilously, but since he had gone this far he might as well see it through to the bitter end.
"Do I need more of a reason for this other than your own pig- headedness, Thranduil Oropherion?!" he demanded, glaring down at the king.
Thranduil's face darkened even more, the blue eyes shining with a most unholy light.
"You. . . you. . . you dare to speak thus to ME!?!?! You. . . you . . . stubborn Silvan !" He reached up and grabbed a handful of Tanglinna's braid and yanked hard, managing to shove the archer over onto his back, maneuvering so that he was straddling the archer. Thranduil felt a thrill of vindication at the rather surprised look on Tanglinna's face before he went beneath the water.
Aralith gasped, his eyes widening in shock. He glanced at Cuil and Calenthar who seemed very unconcerned as yet, even though their king was grappling in the water with the Master Archer and they did indeed look like they were trying to drown one another as they struggled in the knee-deep water.
~Master Tanglinna said to ride for Imladris with all haste, but surely he didn't mean for them to fight like this! Or did he? Elbereth, help me to know what to do! They didn't teach us anything about this in warrior training! ~
Cuil chuckled and glanced at the distraught prince, whose hands were clenched on Cuil's tunic. He extricated the prince's hands and smoothed down his rumpled clothing.
"Don't worry, Prince Aralith. If they need anyone to intervene Calenthar will do it. We don't want you to get wet as well. At least one member of the royal household must look dry and . . . royal."
Calenthar snorted at this and protested, saying that it was Cuil's time to separate the combatants as he remembered having done this duty the last time Thranduil and Tanglinna had disagreed about something.
Aralith was anything but reassured by their jesting, for he wondered if they were jesting. Was this the way Tanglinna had planned it? It didn't seem like it was planned.
~I will go to fetch Elrond. He can stop this madness! ~
But before he could move to mount his horse, the sound of merry singing voices filled the early morning air.
"O! What are you doing,
With robes all a-dripping?
Morning's doves are cooing!
Your feet are all slipping!
O! tra-la-la-lally
here down in the valley!
Ha! Ha!
O! What are you playing?
And why are you fighting?
You seem to be slaying,
And snarling and biting!
O! tril-lil-lil-lolly
the valley is jolly,
ha! ha!
O! Where were you going,
Good, wise King Thranduil?
The river is flowing!
This looks like a scandal!
O! tril-lil-lil-lilly
this is really too silly!
Ha! ha!"
At the sound of the rather ridiculous song, which was punctuated by entirely too much laughter, Thranduil and Tanglinna released their holds on one another and stood, water dripping from clothing and hair. Three young elves drifted into the campsite and stood surveying the scene before them, fair faces lit with delight. Thranduil glared at them, adjusted his circlet which hung askew over one eye, and raised his chin imperiously. He tossed his sodden hair over one shoulder and stepped onto the bank.
Tanglinna grimaced slightly, wondering if anything could be salvaged from this, as Aralith, instead of riding away as he had been instructed, stood on the grass looking stricken. Perhaps this little altercation would be enough of a distraction. He moved to climb back onto the bank. Thranduil held out one hand to assist him, his face unreadable. Tanglinna smiled apologetically at his liege and reached for the hand. But the moment his feet touched the bank, Thranduil shoved him hard. He tumbled back into the water with a "Woof!" and landed with a loud splash.
The three Imladris elves laughed merrily to see the Master Archer sit up, spitting water and looking very like a drowned cat.
"Welcome to Imladris, King Thranduil," one of them said, stepping forward and handing Thranduil a thick towel. "The Lady Galadriel said you might need one," he offered by way of explanation, before bursting into joyful peals of laughter.
TBC
Many thanks to al my beta. Long live Add A Comma indeed. :/ I was afraid to count them, as I fear it would take all day.
Author's Note - The song is The Hobbit, and has been doctored a bit to fit this tale.
Response to Reviewers
None -I did have to laugh that you think that Laerlend deserved the mud she had dumped on her in Tricksy Tales #1. Now is that a nice thing to think about a cute, little girl?? ;) She did deserve something. But she is really not that bad. Do not worry. Little Greenleaf is hardly forgotten. Do you think he won't get into trouble merely because his ada isn't there?? I suspect that Oropher could let a good yell loose on occasion. . . in fact I know he did! ;) Legolas' note is included in this chapter just for you.
daw the minstrel - I think most of us consider Galadriel scary, or perhaps I should say. . . formidable. Her visits would worry me. I am glad that the thought of the Dorwinion is making your mouth twitch. I hope it will amuse everyone concerned. ;)
JastaElf - Somehow your glowing didn't surprise me at all. ;) I hope that you were satisfied with the wet mad king in this one. I will have to rectify that at some point and make him more. . . acceptable. Though wet is good. ;)
Dot - Well, the gang is all here, so to speak and things should get interesting. I did feel rather sorry for poor Haldir, but he does get that look and well, we shall see how he handles what is ahead. Elf-witches beware!
Phoenix23531 - The ladies do have their charms, and Haldir is indeed bewitched, and Elrond is in for a most wonderful time. . . or not! ;) I guess reminding Thranduil of the incident with his mother's favorite shrubbery worked as his part took up most of this chapter.
SperryDee - I wonder if Celebrian will think her husband has gone crazy. . . or is he just bewitched? ? ;)
Venyatuima - Actually there was a point to that last rather silly, short chapter. It might not seem like it, but that was a plot bunny in itself. Strange how these things work out! And you want Galadriel's lovely golden hair in the tea? ? O.O ^-^
petite-hikarie - I find that I take much pleasure in studying what appears mundane and making it into something interesting. Sometimes that yields something that is great fun!
Nadra - Elrond bashing? ? Elrond bashing?! Really? Yes, some 'tea'- sing is in order! Very clever, nin mellon! :D And you love Galadriel?? *worried look* Well . . . well . . . :/ Okay. I do admit that I like her more than I did once. :/ But. . . well, you will have to wait and see.
Aria - I am glad you enjoyed that last chapter so much. Gimli did try to tell them about that elf-witch, but no one seemed to listen. It is no wonder he and Haldir weren't exactly chummy!
Nilmandra - I love your portrayal of Elrond in "History Lessons." Absolutely wondrous! I admit to enjoying this little romp with him, and I like that his wife still has an air of mystery about her, and can charm them all if she so chooses. Girl-Power! ;)
Angaloth - Thranduilrim is indeed a mouthful. I must have been in an odd mood when I penned it! :) Surely Elrond must giggle sometime. Life would be so much more boring without getting the giggles. Even for an elf-lord! I don't think that Iaeth giggles though. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - Sorry that the last one was so short. It truly wasn't my fault! I think that most of the elf-women must have some sort of power. Tolkien certainly wrote many of them that way!
Dragon_of_the_north - Verliebter Trottel, yes, that sounds like Haldir! Poor elf! ;) Well, you know of the twists and turns my mind has taken on this tale and well, I still don't know for certain what will happen, but I think I begin to know. Yes, poor Erestor! I think that Iaeth is a very proper elf and doesn't like anyone to act oddly, which Elrond certainly was in the last chapter. I suspect he would be happier in Lorien, though it is Celebrian that holds his heart. . . so to speak. ;)
MadMaddie - A lot is going to happen I fear. So much in fact that I don't have it all figured out! The ladies of light should have something to say about that!
shirebound - As I get older I find amusement in more things than I used to. Great age must do that to you. Though I think Elrond was a bit "giddy" in that last chapter.
erunyauve - Yes, it is quite true that Galadriel has ascended into goddess- hood, as it were, while Thranduil barely gets any notice. I think that there are enough of us who know the truth of the matter though, and are working to rectify this. . . just not me . . . in this story. :/ I fear I will end up ridiculing them all equally! ;)
Irena - Are you still @apathetic.com? I hope not. I am glad that the Major Thom makes you light up! Does the Major Thom know this? I hope he lights up for you! ;)
Fadesintothewest - Haldir will be involved in the mischief. I hope to make them all involved in it to some degree. Not what I originally planned, but the story is telling itself. Haldir is very levelheaded, and very perplexed right now. Poor dear!
Mickie - I have since watched the Lorien scene in the extended DVD, and I believe you are right. He looks more obsessed than I made him sound! :D Haldir will be here for the duration of the fun in Imladris, so your heart can continue its rythme: 'Hal-dir, Hal-dir.'
Gwyn - Things are going to get very interesting! VERY interesting! ;D
Anya -Ring of Sarcasm - It would be nice to see the twins and Legolas glowing! LOL I will hold out hope for the third movie!
bryn - I am glad you like Bastryn's name. My son would like Legolas to have one of the big moths as a pet, and it seems that you agree with that. Perhaps I can work that one in somewhere. I suspect that the leash that is put on the spiders is more like a harness. But as I have never tried to put a leash or a harness onto a spider, I am not quite certain myself. ;)
gershwin - I LOL'd at your new word "begaladrielled". That is the perfect word for what is afflicting poor Haldir. ;) Might I use it? Elrond is definitely impish, though he is fun when he gets like this. Comeuppance is coming! And I think you just honed one of my plot bunnies! Thank you! :D
Lutris - I am glad you enjoyed that last chapter. Things are going to get even more interesting for these elves in Imladris!
Hel - Elrond was acting a bit odd in the last chapter. Must be the birthday excitement! I admit that your Mirror comment gave me an idea. Thank you! I too anticipate how Galadriel will react to Bastryn. He isn't as well behaved as he should be.
Karina - There are very few elves I have met that I didn't like either. ;) Makowyl is definitely one of them! :( Elrond was rather mean to poor Haldir, but he couldn't help himself! Even elf-lords have to have some fun! I am very glad to hear that Glorfindel is getting a bigger part in your story! That makes me very happy!
WeasleyTwinsLover1112 - Dorwinion is a ME wine. It is from Dorwinion, the land on the northwest shores of the Sea of Rhun. When Thranduil finds out he won't be a happy elf monarch. . . or will he find out? ? ? ;)
Kate - I had to laugh at your comment at wanting elf hair in the tea! You have handed me a plot bunny! Perhaps an unexpected one! ;)
the evil witch queen - I am afraid that no one fell off a cliff, or was pushed. Someone was pushed into the stream. Is that close enough? ;) You have more story ideas than I do! The twins will find something to occupy them in this tale, never fear!
amlugwen - You know I had to laugh at your comment that Haldir looks a little like he tried some pipeweed. Yes, he looked a bit odd there, didn't he! ;D There will be more of the "glow"ing-thing. You are rather wicked! You want the Lady of Light to drink that tainted wine? ? ;)
Ubiquitous Pitt - You are wicked! I am sure you did have pointy red horns sprouting from your brows for such a thought! I was LOL over your deciding that it is the fault of those Silvans that they all rather resemble one another in their inscrutability! Yes, that is it entirely! ;) " . . . merciless destruction of all characters who even pretend at being 'serious' . . . Now seriously, you enjoy that? :/ Good! So do I! I can't wait until you pick on poor Haldir's unhealthy fixation. It should be a hoot! But tell me, just exactly what did you mean when you said that Tanglinna rats me out every time for a new set of charcoal pencils and a glass of Dorwinion? ? O-o
Pseudonym Sylphmuse - Yes, women are easier to worship and admire. And the ladies seem to enjoy it. . . a little too much perhaps? ? ;) I was LOL at your reaction to Glorfindel's little bit of spider fear! He is an arachnophobian, at least for my tales. ;) It seemed too fun to pass up!
Jessica - I do have to ask. Were you glowing for Celeborn or Galadriel? ? ;) Cirdan, hm? You aren't the only person that mentioned him. . . Plot bunny indeed!
Shalemni - I am glad you liked the worshipping admiration of Galadriel and Celebrian. Elf-witches can be quite fun at times! I am relieved that no one is taking this fic too seriously or I might have a problem with those worship-worthy ladies! ;)
Ithilien - As to what Brethil was thinking when he sent the Dorwionion. . . well, he was looking at the pretty labels. No one thought to inventory what was sent as no one would ever suspect it being other than what Legolas told him to find. Thranduil's party certainly didn't go the way anyone had planned, so they were all a tad distracted. Legolas will have other things to deal with while the "mess" is happening in Imladris.
Elberethia - LOL I will have to watch for that look on Aragorn's face. I suspect he knows all about Galadriel's hold over her elves! ;) I suspect the Ranger even glows when he speaks of Arwen! She is Galadriel's granddaughter after all. Don't send in the assassins. Thranduil and Tanglinna made it into this chapter, and Legolas is in the next one! Of course, if you carried him away . . . . ;)
Zoya - I am glad you have found this humorous! That was my intent! ;)
Gwilwileth - I wish Gimli had been there to say "So I told you she was a witch!" He was right! It seems like the Noldor you keep company with don't' consider themselves "greedy"! There will be a Bells update soon!
Anarril - I have to agree about the twins. They won't be able to behave! LOL Galadrielitis, hm? Gimli did indeed have it quite bad! It seems you might have a mild case of it yourself! ;) Tanglinna did make it into this chapter. I am glad that you like both he and Brethil. Perhaps you should check out Dragon_of_the_north's story called "House of the Silver Bow." I think you will like what she has managed to do!
Erik's-lil-rocker - Lord Elrond was having a lot of fun in that last chapter. He deserves it. There is indeed a look that I would term a Tanglinna look so it is entirely believable that Edmund in Las Vias Del Amor would have it. If he does then I am sure he does remind you of Tanglinna. He certainly sounds very similar! Legolas is not unsupervised as Tavor's grandmother is there to keep things in line. But is she up to the task? ? ;)
AndromacheCassandra - Haldir is a bit worried about what he is doing, only now that his Lady of Light has arrived he is rather distracted! ;)
Skye - You needn't apologize for not reviewing every single chapter. I know how hard and time consuming that gets to be. I was LOL at your "beautiful Elf with that "donuts"-look of Homer Simpson. . . ." Now that planted an image in my head! LOL Bastryn is. . . well, he will . . . Let me just say that Arwen is trying! ^-^
annakas - The twins might try a little harder to behave, but I wonder if they can keep themselves from mischief! Grandparents seem to be more indulgent than parents! Thank you for complimenting the picture on my bio page! :)
123 - Well, I fear the spider has already been sent! Glad you are enjoying this tale!
Lorraine - I am happy to hear that you like little Brethil and Bastryn. They are great fun to work with! I am also glad that you liked Glorfindel's minor case of Aralithus! ;D
sirithiliel - I am glad you like this story. It has been fun writing it :)