Legolas Greenleaf, Agent of MESS, in
The Span of Solace
:::::::::::::::::::
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, therefore it never actually happened. Legolas and associated characters were created by JRR Tolkien. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming. Legolas' appearance belongs to Orlando Bloom in a wig.
Author's Notes: As you may have guessed, the chapter title and some of the musings were borrowed from 'Guys and Dolls', one of my favourite shows. I was playing in the band for a production when I wrote this chapter, so that's why. This is my attempt at a Flemingesque card game. Please bear in mind that I haven't played poker in years and was following a book's instructions. Any variations from the normal game can be construed as Middle-earth variations.
Review replies: Idlewild: You saw Sauron's body, didn't you? He got burned to a crisp. Afraid I've got another holiday coming up as well. I'm glad you like Elliane. She will keep insinuating herself. More of her in this chapter.
Nemo Returning: I'm sorry, did I give you nightmares? Heh, sorry about that.
theinklesspen: Yes, it is over East. Do you think that's an important plot point or something?
:::::::::::::::::::
Chapter 3. Luck Be A Lady Tonight
There was one space left at the poker table, between a tall, rather pale man and a short squat one. Greenleaf took it, nodding at the Elf who stood in charge of the table. A soft pair of lips were suddenly pressed against his cheek and he turned, surprised.
"For luck," whispered Elliane, straightening up. She stepped back to stand with the rest of the observers.
Greenleaf sighed inwardly. No chance of staying even slightly in the background with that lady on his arm. He regarded his fellow players. Aside from the two he sat between there were three others. Clockwise from where he sat there was the pale man, a Gondorian, a portly red-faced man, a man who looked to be of Haradrim origin, and the squat man on Greenleaf's right.
"Ante your stakes please, gentlemen," requested the Elf in charge. He was a dark-haired Noldor whom Greenleaf didn't know.
The Haradrim placed a small jewelled dagger in the centre of the table. The portly man brought out a diamond as big as his thumbnail. The others put various combinations of coins on the table. Greenleaf selected a ruby and pushed it forward. The Noldor Elf picked each stake up and examined them through a small lens. Finally he nodded. They were all good. He picked up the deck of cards from the table and shuffled them, passing them expertly through pale fingers. He dealt a card face up to the pale man. It was the six of clubs. The next card, to the Gondorian, was the ten of diamonds. The portly man received the seven of spades. Then the Haradrim was dealt the jack of clubs. He would be the dealer for this game. The Noldor took in all the cards and shuffled them again. The Haradrim took them and also shuffled them.
Greenleaf watched as the cards were dealt out, five to each player. His nerves were tingling pleasantly. There was a certain buzz he got from gambling, as much as he liked to deny it. Winning or losing; it all hung on the turn of a card. Flimsy pieces of stiff paper could destroy a man, or it could make him. Innocent symbols –hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs- could become weapons of a downfall.
Greenleaf had his own theories about luck as well. There was only one definition of it for him: she was a lady. She could be warm and loving, giving him a brilliant run, only to turn cold and distant and go off with someone else. He accepted it as the only thing, while doing all he could to keep her by his side. There was only so much skill a gambler could use before he could do no more and he was relying on Lady Luck. And that was when he either flew or fell. Luck makes a fickle mistress.
Greenleaf picked up his hand and studied it. Two aces, hearts and clubs, the jack of hearts, the five of diamonds, and the seven of spades. Not too bad. He could work with that.
He glanced at the other players' faces, but didn't learn much. The squat man on his right was scowling at his cards, while the others remained impassive. The dealer took a long look at everyone round the tale then reached into his pouch.
"Raise," he grunted, "two gold coins."
He pushed them forward, and then looked to his left at the short squat man.
"Raise one gold and two silver coins," said the short man.
The attention turned to Greenleaf, who paused for a moment just for effect.
"Raise one ruby," he said.
The pale man reached into his pocket slowly, pulling out a couple of coins. He pushed them forwards with barely a word.
The Gondorian next in line fidgeted nervously. He tucked his hair behind his ear and licked his lips before making a decision.
"Fold," he whispered, laying his cards face down.
There was little reaction from the other players. He got up quickly and left the table. Greenleaf didn't predict much of a future for him on the gambling tables. At least, not a future involving him winning much money. The play now turned to the portly man.
"Raise one emerald," he said. He was difficult to read, Greenleaf decided, deceptively jovial.
The dealer nodded, his black-rimmed eyes flicking once round the players before he laid two cards face down on the table and taking two from the top of the pack.
"Three," said the next man in line, the short one, discarding three and receiving his new cards.
Greenleaf laid down the five of diamonds and the seven of spades. The ace and the jack of hearts were worth hanging onto, as was the ace of clubs.
"Two," he said, and took them. They were the king of hearts and the ten of the same suit. Inwardly, he rejoiced. That wasn't bad.
The tale pale man on Greenleaf's left asked for and received two cards. Though his reaction was not obvious, he wasn't pleased with them.
"Three," said the portly man, his fingers rubbing at a gold ring on his thumb. His chins wobbled a little.
Greenleaf followed the play, which had reached the Haradrim dealer again.
Another flicker of the dark eyes then the almost guttural sppech. "Raise five gold coins."
There was an audible gasp from the watchers who had gathered around. That was a large increase.
The squat man was clearly nervous. There was a delicate beading of sweat at his temples. After a long silent pause, in which he glanced at the pool at the centre and again at his hand, he laid his cards down with obvious regret.
"Fold," he said, and left the table. He went as far as the crowd where he stopped and turned to watch. Play fell to Greenleaf.
He was feeling quite confident, and he happily met the Haradrim's stake.
"Raise two sapphires." He pushed them forwards. The setting sun caught them, shining through their facets.
"Fold," said the pale man almost immediately. He had obviously already made his decision and had taken the option of abandoning what money he had already put down rather than losing more.
The portly man, with a sideways look at Greenleaf, raised his stake by another diamond. Play moved to the Haradrim again. He placed three cards down and took three more.
Greenleaf took a long look at his cards. If he got the one he wanted then his hand was perfect. Though if he abandoned that idea he would still have a pair of aces. Taking his decision, he laid the ace of clubs face down on the table. Luck would have to be his lady tonight. The dealer slid one red- backed card across the table. It looked like a tongue poking out mockingly, daring him to pick it up. He did so and, keeping his face impassive, looked at it.
It was the wrong lady. The Queen of Spades gazed balefully back at him. With her his hand was worth nothing. He had to hope that the portly man had no wish to call his hand yet.
He was lucky in that at least. The man laid down a card and accepted another. His face gave no sign as to his fortunes. It was as impassive as a freshly slaughtered slab of meat, sweating apparently only from the heat. His eyes were small and dark, set close together in the wide face. They passed, seemingly disinterested, over his cards, his two opponents, and back to his cards again. His fingers were twice as thick as Greenleaf's and mostly adorned with glinting rings. Greenleaf studiously ignored the play of light on the jewellery. It was a common ploy, to distract the opponent. Greenleaf was wise to it though, and didn't allow it to take his attention from the game.
It was the Haradrim's turn again. He moved his head a little, slowly and definitely. A large golden ring dangled from his right ear, gleaming momentarily in the last rays of the sun as it sank behind the hills. His left hand, which rested on the tabletop, twitched slightly, each finger lifting and falling in turn. He blinked deliberately.
"Fold," he said eventually. His cards were laid down before him, faces kissing the green felt. He stayed in his seat, beside the deck of cards.
It was now Greenleaf's turn to either raise or fold. He was faced with a similar decision to that of the last round, though from a worse position. He didn't even have a pair to fall back on. He could raise his bet and take a chance, or he could fold and let the other man win. And putting it like that gave him no choice. Greenleaf didn't particularly like the look of the man, and to let him win so easily would just be wrong. Greenleaf reached into his pouch, smiling a little to disguise his trepidation.
"Raise two rubies," he said, pushing them forward to join the rest of the pot.
The portly man's jowls wobbled as he considered his position. The fingers against the backs of his cards beat a brief tattoo and he gave the appearance of being a little nervous. Greenleaf examined the man's face carefully. He wasn't convinced with his performance. The man was confident underneath.
"Raise one diamond," said the man, chins jiggling. The sparkling jewel joined the pile in the centre of the table.
Greenleaf knew what his next move would be. He placed the Queen of Spades on the table face down. It seemed a little impolite, but he was sure she wouldn't really mind. The dealer slid him another card. Greenleaf hardly dared pick it up, but pushed aside the foolishness. With dry fingers that didn't shake in the slightest, he picked it up.
It was his lady, the one he had been waiting for. She regarded him calmly, as if completely unaware of how much he'd wanted her. He kept his face as blank as hers.
The portly man also discarded one card and received another. For all the movement in his face, it said very little about what he felt. He watched Greenleaf carefully after glancing down at his new card. Greenleaf returned the compliment, trying to ascertain whether it was confidence or bluff. Although his own hand was good, very good in fact, there was still a chance of being beaten by a five of a kind. He couldn't afford to get cocky, but he was fairly sure of himself.
"Raise two emeralds," he said levelly.
"Raise one ruby, one sapphire," said the portly man almost immediately after. He gave Greenleaf a calculating look. "Care to raise any further?"
Greenleaf returned the gaze. Confidence or bluff, that was the question. Was the man really that sure of his cards or was he trying to make Greenleaf crack? Either way, the Elf wouldn't let him succeed.
"If you're happy to match it," he said. He reached into his pouch. "Raise three diamonds."
There was a reaction from the watching crowd, though Greenleaf barely noticed it. He was concentrating on what the man would do. He had deliberately raised the stake that much just to see how confident the man was.
"Raise two diamonds, three gold coins," came the reply, after only a short pause.
Then it was time, Greenleaf knew, to call his hand. The man seemed satisfied with his hand, shown by the way he had raised the stakes again.
"I'll call," said Greenleaf.
"I also," said the portly man. "After you."
Greenleaf laid his cards on their backs with his elegant fingers. Staring up were the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of hearts, their red badges of suit gleaming in the light of the candles that had now been lit.
"Tirith Flush," declared Greenleaf quietly.
There was barely a sound from the observers. It remained now only for the portly man to call his hand. He paused, knowing the drama of the moment, and then sighed.
"Four of a kind," he said, laying them down, "you win." On the table lay an eight of each suit and the four of clubs. It would have been a good hand had Greenleaf not had a better one.
There was a brief smattering of applause from the watchers before they began drifting away. Greenleaf and the portly man both stood as the Elf in charge of the table began collecting up the cards.
"A good game, my friend," said the portly man, clapping Greenleaf on the shoulder. Something in the way he said 'friend' indicated that he didn't mean it.
Greenleaf just smiled and gathered up his winnings. Elliane came up to stand beside him.
"That was wonderful!" she exclaimed. "You're a very good player."
"I try my best," said Greenleaf modestly, wishing her voice wasn't quite so high pitched.
"Do you know who you just beat?" she asked, seizing his arm as they walked away.
"No," admitted Greenleaf. "Anybody important?"
"Frank Scarmang," said Elliane conspiratorially, "he's very rich. Comes from somewhere in Gondor, I think." She laughed. "You'll have to watch out. He doesn't like losing."
"Doesn't he? Oh dear. If I'd known I'd have let him win," joked Greenleaf. He was suddenly rather glad of her company. She probably knew absolutely everybody there. That could be useful.
"Let me buy you a drink," he suggested gallantly, leading her towards the bar.
"If you insist," she sighed, though her eyes were bright.
"Wine?" asked Greenleaf.
"Are you good at choosing?" asked Elliane, tilting her head a little.
"I try my best," he said. "A red?"
"My favourite."
The bar Elf smiled as he recognised Greenleaf. He put down the glass he held –no matter where or who bar staff will always be wiping a glass with a cloth- and came over to serve them.
"Same as before, sir?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you," said Greenleaf, "it is a fine vintage."
"I am afraid I cannot take the credit for that," said the bar Elf, "I only serve it."
"But you serve it magnificently," said Greenleaf.
The bar Elf chuckled and poured the wine into two glasses. "I'll put it on your tab," he said.
"Thank you," said Greenleaf. He passed one of the glasses to Elliane, and then strolled with her to sit by one of the windows. The chairs had a view of the whole room.
Elliane took a sip of the wine. "It's very good," she said. Her tongue slipped out to rescue the few drops that lingered on the edge of her lips.
Greenleaf was struck by how arranged her pose was. Her knees, under the elegantly draped red silk, were drawn demurely together, though her left hand was placed on her thigh and slightly adapted the image of innocence. She held the wineglass almost carelessly, her elbow crooked artistically. Her neck, arms and the top of her bosom were all bare, all smooth, pale flesh. Greenleaf decided that an artist would pay a great deal to have her as a model. He wasn't so impressed, but didn't show it.
"A Mirkwood vintage," he said, "the '69. It's one of the best, if rather strong."
"I suppose you're used to it," she said. "Do you drink it often?"
"It is something of a vice of mine," he admitted. It was the only one he allowed himself. He leaned back in his chair and glanced around. "You seem to know a lot about all the guests here," he said conversationally. "Are any of them particularly interesting?" He smiled. "Aside from your good self, of course."
She giggled a little then settled into that women's prerogative: gossip.
"Well, that man there –you see the one in the red and gold tunic?" She indicated with a subtle twist of her head. "He's Lord Ernest Bloaf. Very rich. I believe his mother comes from somewhere over by Rhûn, but his father comes from the West. There was quite a scandal at the time, from what I've heard."
Greenleaf didn't doubt that she'd heard a lot. He glanced over at Lord Bloaf. The man was fairly large of face and his expression not quite pleasant. His hair was short and black. He didn't seem a particularly cheerful chap, scowling darkly as he got up from the roulette table.
"And that woman there," continued Elliane in a colder tone, "is Lady Compton. The man with her is her sixth husband, as far as anyone knows. There may be more but no one's quite sure. Rumour has it that she's on the hunt for another, having got bored of that one." She gave the husband a look over. "Don't blame her really. You'd better look out."
"Me?" asked Greenleaf, surprised by the sudden turn in conversation.
"She'd find an Elf quite a catch, and she keeps glancing across at you," said Elliane, looking smug.
"So do half the people in the room," answered Greenleaf, "there aren't any other Mirkwood Elves around here. I probably stand out rather a lot."
"It's not just that," said Elliane, her eyelashes lowering and raising slowly, "unless every Elf in Mirkwood is as handsome as you."
"There are plenty more handsome Elves there."
Elliane laughed. "Now that I doubt extremely. You should not do yourself down, Legolas, you are most well-favoured in face," she smiled, "and form."
Greenleaf inwardly winced at the familiar use of his name and the compliments. "You are too kind," he said, "but I do not think so highly of myself. I am far from perfect."
"If you mean that scar on your cheek," put in Elliane pointedly (Greenleaf started: he hadn't meant that), "then you need not worry. It quite becomes you, makes you seem dashing and dangerous."
Luckily, before that particular vein of conversation could be pursued, there was a distraction in the form of a woman moving away from behind them. She was fairly squat, with scraped back ginger hair. Elliane had a sneer on her face as she watched her go, but smiled cheerfully when she noticed Greenleaf's questioning glance.
"That's Rose Khelek," she explained coolly," I don't know much about her, no one does. I don't think she spends much time in these sorts of places. She's clearly not used to it."
"Isn't she?" asked Greenleaf. "I hadn't noticed." He glanced across the room and noticed with relief that Aragorn was entering at the other end of the room. He looked across and saw them.
"That's Estel," said Elliane, leaning over to mutter in Greenleaf's ear, "I don't know much about him, only that he seems very much part of the family here. There's something else to him as well though. It's a pity he seems to be taken."
"Yes, Arwen is quite protective of what's hers," said Greenleaf, glad to be able to pull her up short in her gossip spree, which he had, admittedly, prompted.
"Oh, so you know him?" asked Elliane, to her credit barely missing a beat.
"A little," answered Greenleaf, smiling. He stood as Aragorn reached them. "Estel," he greeted him.
"Legolas," responded the man in kind, "and Elliane." He gave a little bow. "How does your evening go?"
"Quite well so far," said Greenleaf.
"Legolas had a wonderful win at poker," put in Elliane, "you should have seen him. He's got nerves of steel."
"I don't doubt it," said Aragorn wryly. He grinned at Greenleaf.
"And as the winner," said Greenleaf, "I shall stand both of you a drink. The same again, my lady?"
"Oh no," replied Elliane, "it is too strong for more than one glass. I think one of the house whites would be best."
"I shall choose the most suitable." Greenleaf touched Aragorn's arm subtly. "We shall return forthwith, my lady."
They strolled towards the bar, neither too fast nor too slow. As soon as they were out of her earshot, Aragorn spoke.
"What do you think of our dear Elliane then?" he asked.
"She's useful," replied Greenleaf, "she knows a lot about everyone."
"Put business aside for a moment," said Aragorn, "I want to know what you really thought of her."
"I wasn't aware of her morals at all," said Greenleaf conversationally, "she was warning me about Lady Compton while being what I can only describe as overcomplimentative to me. Called me 'well-favoured'."
"You'd better watch out," warned Aragorn, chuckling.
"I can cope," said Greenleaf, "and as I said, she's useful."
"And she could be the one who put the spider in your bed."
"I don't think so. I'd imagine she's rather repulsed by insects and their ilk. Although it could be a wonderful act."
"And on that topic," said Aragorn as they reached the bar, "have you recognised anyone or seen any likely suspects?"
Greenleaf didn't answer straightaway, but spoke to the bar Elf first. "Same as before for me, and the Rivendell white '78 for the lady. Estel, what will you have?"
"The same as Elliane," answered Aragorn, "that Mirkwood stuff of yours is deadly."
"And the '78 also for my companion." The bar Elf went off to get them. "Lightweight," muttered Greenleaf to Aragorn, before turning to the man's earlier question. "I haven't seen anyone familiar, no, but there's a charming bunch of people here. Lord Elrond must love having them around."
The drinks arrived and with brief thanks to the bar Elf they took them and walked back towards Elliane.
"But otherwise," said Aragorn, "a successful evening?"
"Financially, yes," replied Greenleaf, "it was a rather good win. And even if I haven't spotted anyone I've got a good idea who's around. Supposing there is actually anything to worry about."
"It's always worth being careful," said Aragorn, seeing Greenleaf's meaning, "and I don't think that spider got into your bed by chance."
"No," said Greenleaf quietly.
Aragorn gave him a look. "I know what'll cheer you up," he said, "Arwen and I were planning on a picnic tomorrow, out in the woods. Why don't you come along?"
"Wouldn't I get in the way?" Greenleaf raised an eyebrow.
"Not at all," said Aragorn, "Arwen suggested it actually."
"But still," said Greenleaf, "a picnic?"
"A picnic?" asked Elliane. They had reached her without noticing.
Greenleaf suddenly smiled. "Yes," he said, "Estel was just suggesting I go on a picnic with him tomorrow. I don't suppose you would...?" He artfully left the point unfinished.
"I'd be delighted," she answered, "oh, Legolas, a picnic would be wonderful. I love picnics!"
"As do I," said Greenleaf.
"Now I simply must have a fling on the roulette," said Elliane, "do come and be lucky for me, Legolas. You did so brilliantly earlier."
"I shall endeavour to be at my luckiest for you," said Greenleaf, offering his hand to help her out of her chair.
She took his arm his arm and practically swept across the floor with the Elf in tow. Aragorn followed at a safe distance. More than a few heads turned as the striking couple crossed the room. One pair of eyes was fixed only on Greenleaf. Their owner, having heard the entire conversation, stared at the Elf for a few minutes then turned and abruptly left the hall. No one noticed.
Elliane went straight up to the table while Greenleaf stopped at the rail that separated the players from the watchers. Aragorn joined him. They watched as Elliane placed a bet on red.
"What was that for?" questioned Aragorn quietly. "Asking her to come along."
"Like I said," answered Greenleaf, "she's useful. And occasionally amusing. There's nothing like hanging around humans to amuse you."
"Well, thank you very much."
Greenleaf laughed. "Oh, don't panic about it. I'll get Gimli to come along as well."
"You're actually enjoying her company, aren't you?" asked Aragorn.
"Yes," said Greenleaf, after a brief consideration, "yes, I am. Not through any merits of hers, I assure you, but I find her, well, fascinating. In the same way that you can't take your eyes off a crashing cart. You just have to know what'll happen next."
"That's true enough," agreed Aragorn. He sighed. "At least she won't make passes at me with Arwen there."
Greenleaf rolled his eyes. "I shall have to rely on Gimli to guard my honour."
"What, tell him to bring his axe?" asked Aragorn.
"He's tried it before," said Greenleaf, "he claimed that it was a cultural artifact and as much a part of his clothes as his shirt."
"Did it work?"
"Yes." Greenleaf smiled. "Though they were probably more scared of him than anything else. Afraid for their kneecaps, I suppose."
Aragorn laughed. "You had fun then," he said, "on your little jaunt round Middle-earth."
"Oh, we did. Though I have to say, I've seen my fill of caves."
"How come you didn't get in touch?"
Greenleaf pulled a face. "I felt like a holiday," he answered, half- defiant. "Besides, what was the worst she could do? Sack me?"
"You know she wouldn't," said Aragorn.
"Precisely," said Greenleaf, "and even if she did then I'd find something to do."
"Really?" Aragorn gave him a sceptical look.
"Well, maybe." Greenleaf pushed the question away. He smiled brightly as Elliane came up to them. "A good game?" he asked.
"Really, weren't you watching?" She gave a mock pout. "I suppose you two were talking about something dreadfully serious. Well, it doesn't matter. I had some wonderful wins."
"Congratulations," said Greenleaf.
Elliane took his arm. "Come one, I don't want to lose this fabulous run of luck you've given me."
Greenleaf, with a rueful grin at Aragorn, let his escort pull him away and into the room. All around the business of gambling went on, with some winners and some losers. Money went from hand to hand as the players sought the favours of luck, each in their own different ways. Prayers went up from many, selfishly pleading for monetary wealth. All the worst qualities of men, and others, were brought out into this airy hall where candles were lit as the light failed.
:::::::::::::::::::
The Span of Solace
:::::::::::::::::::
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, therefore it never actually happened. Legolas and associated characters were created by JRR Tolkien. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming. Legolas' appearance belongs to Orlando Bloom in a wig.
Author's Notes: As you may have guessed, the chapter title and some of the musings were borrowed from 'Guys and Dolls', one of my favourite shows. I was playing in the band for a production when I wrote this chapter, so that's why. This is my attempt at a Flemingesque card game. Please bear in mind that I haven't played poker in years and was following a book's instructions. Any variations from the normal game can be construed as Middle-earth variations.
Review replies: Idlewild: You saw Sauron's body, didn't you? He got burned to a crisp. Afraid I've got another holiday coming up as well. I'm glad you like Elliane. She will keep insinuating herself. More of her in this chapter.
Nemo Returning: I'm sorry, did I give you nightmares? Heh, sorry about that.
theinklesspen: Yes, it is over East. Do you think that's an important plot point or something?
:::::::::::::::::::
Chapter 3. Luck Be A Lady Tonight
There was one space left at the poker table, between a tall, rather pale man and a short squat one. Greenleaf took it, nodding at the Elf who stood in charge of the table. A soft pair of lips were suddenly pressed against his cheek and he turned, surprised.
"For luck," whispered Elliane, straightening up. She stepped back to stand with the rest of the observers.
Greenleaf sighed inwardly. No chance of staying even slightly in the background with that lady on his arm. He regarded his fellow players. Aside from the two he sat between there were three others. Clockwise from where he sat there was the pale man, a Gondorian, a portly red-faced man, a man who looked to be of Haradrim origin, and the squat man on Greenleaf's right.
"Ante your stakes please, gentlemen," requested the Elf in charge. He was a dark-haired Noldor whom Greenleaf didn't know.
The Haradrim placed a small jewelled dagger in the centre of the table. The portly man brought out a diamond as big as his thumbnail. The others put various combinations of coins on the table. Greenleaf selected a ruby and pushed it forward. The Noldor Elf picked each stake up and examined them through a small lens. Finally he nodded. They were all good. He picked up the deck of cards from the table and shuffled them, passing them expertly through pale fingers. He dealt a card face up to the pale man. It was the six of clubs. The next card, to the Gondorian, was the ten of diamonds. The portly man received the seven of spades. Then the Haradrim was dealt the jack of clubs. He would be the dealer for this game. The Noldor took in all the cards and shuffled them again. The Haradrim took them and also shuffled them.
Greenleaf watched as the cards were dealt out, five to each player. His nerves were tingling pleasantly. There was a certain buzz he got from gambling, as much as he liked to deny it. Winning or losing; it all hung on the turn of a card. Flimsy pieces of stiff paper could destroy a man, or it could make him. Innocent symbols –hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs- could become weapons of a downfall.
Greenleaf had his own theories about luck as well. There was only one definition of it for him: she was a lady. She could be warm and loving, giving him a brilliant run, only to turn cold and distant and go off with someone else. He accepted it as the only thing, while doing all he could to keep her by his side. There was only so much skill a gambler could use before he could do no more and he was relying on Lady Luck. And that was when he either flew or fell. Luck makes a fickle mistress.
Greenleaf picked up his hand and studied it. Two aces, hearts and clubs, the jack of hearts, the five of diamonds, and the seven of spades. Not too bad. He could work with that.
He glanced at the other players' faces, but didn't learn much. The squat man on his right was scowling at his cards, while the others remained impassive. The dealer took a long look at everyone round the tale then reached into his pouch.
"Raise," he grunted, "two gold coins."
He pushed them forward, and then looked to his left at the short squat man.
"Raise one gold and two silver coins," said the short man.
The attention turned to Greenleaf, who paused for a moment just for effect.
"Raise one ruby," he said.
The pale man reached into his pocket slowly, pulling out a couple of coins. He pushed them forwards with barely a word.
The Gondorian next in line fidgeted nervously. He tucked his hair behind his ear and licked his lips before making a decision.
"Fold," he whispered, laying his cards face down.
There was little reaction from the other players. He got up quickly and left the table. Greenleaf didn't predict much of a future for him on the gambling tables. At least, not a future involving him winning much money. The play now turned to the portly man.
"Raise one emerald," he said. He was difficult to read, Greenleaf decided, deceptively jovial.
The dealer nodded, his black-rimmed eyes flicking once round the players before he laid two cards face down on the table and taking two from the top of the pack.
"Three," said the next man in line, the short one, discarding three and receiving his new cards.
Greenleaf laid down the five of diamonds and the seven of spades. The ace and the jack of hearts were worth hanging onto, as was the ace of clubs.
"Two," he said, and took them. They were the king of hearts and the ten of the same suit. Inwardly, he rejoiced. That wasn't bad.
The tale pale man on Greenleaf's left asked for and received two cards. Though his reaction was not obvious, he wasn't pleased with them.
"Three," said the portly man, his fingers rubbing at a gold ring on his thumb. His chins wobbled a little.
Greenleaf followed the play, which had reached the Haradrim dealer again.
Another flicker of the dark eyes then the almost guttural sppech. "Raise five gold coins."
There was an audible gasp from the watchers who had gathered around. That was a large increase.
The squat man was clearly nervous. There was a delicate beading of sweat at his temples. After a long silent pause, in which he glanced at the pool at the centre and again at his hand, he laid his cards down with obvious regret.
"Fold," he said, and left the table. He went as far as the crowd where he stopped and turned to watch. Play fell to Greenleaf.
He was feeling quite confident, and he happily met the Haradrim's stake.
"Raise two sapphires." He pushed them forwards. The setting sun caught them, shining through their facets.
"Fold," said the pale man almost immediately. He had obviously already made his decision and had taken the option of abandoning what money he had already put down rather than losing more.
The portly man, with a sideways look at Greenleaf, raised his stake by another diamond. Play moved to the Haradrim again. He placed three cards down and took three more.
Greenleaf took a long look at his cards. If he got the one he wanted then his hand was perfect. Though if he abandoned that idea he would still have a pair of aces. Taking his decision, he laid the ace of clubs face down on the table. Luck would have to be his lady tonight. The dealer slid one red- backed card across the table. It looked like a tongue poking out mockingly, daring him to pick it up. He did so and, keeping his face impassive, looked at it.
It was the wrong lady. The Queen of Spades gazed balefully back at him. With her his hand was worth nothing. He had to hope that the portly man had no wish to call his hand yet.
He was lucky in that at least. The man laid down a card and accepted another. His face gave no sign as to his fortunes. It was as impassive as a freshly slaughtered slab of meat, sweating apparently only from the heat. His eyes were small and dark, set close together in the wide face. They passed, seemingly disinterested, over his cards, his two opponents, and back to his cards again. His fingers were twice as thick as Greenleaf's and mostly adorned with glinting rings. Greenleaf studiously ignored the play of light on the jewellery. It was a common ploy, to distract the opponent. Greenleaf was wise to it though, and didn't allow it to take his attention from the game.
It was the Haradrim's turn again. He moved his head a little, slowly and definitely. A large golden ring dangled from his right ear, gleaming momentarily in the last rays of the sun as it sank behind the hills. His left hand, which rested on the tabletop, twitched slightly, each finger lifting and falling in turn. He blinked deliberately.
"Fold," he said eventually. His cards were laid down before him, faces kissing the green felt. He stayed in his seat, beside the deck of cards.
It was now Greenleaf's turn to either raise or fold. He was faced with a similar decision to that of the last round, though from a worse position. He didn't even have a pair to fall back on. He could raise his bet and take a chance, or he could fold and let the other man win. And putting it like that gave him no choice. Greenleaf didn't particularly like the look of the man, and to let him win so easily would just be wrong. Greenleaf reached into his pouch, smiling a little to disguise his trepidation.
"Raise two rubies," he said, pushing them forward to join the rest of the pot.
The portly man's jowls wobbled as he considered his position. The fingers against the backs of his cards beat a brief tattoo and he gave the appearance of being a little nervous. Greenleaf examined the man's face carefully. He wasn't convinced with his performance. The man was confident underneath.
"Raise one diamond," said the man, chins jiggling. The sparkling jewel joined the pile in the centre of the table.
Greenleaf knew what his next move would be. He placed the Queen of Spades on the table face down. It seemed a little impolite, but he was sure she wouldn't really mind. The dealer slid him another card. Greenleaf hardly dared pick it up, but pushed aside the foolishness. With dry fingers that didn't shake in the slightest, he picked it up.
It was his lady, the one he had been waiting for. She regarded him calmly, as if completely unaware of how much he'd wanted her. He kept his face as blank as hers.
The portly man also discarded one card and received another. For all the movement in his face, it said very little about what he felt. He watched Greenleaf carefully after glancing down at his new card. Greenleaf returned the compliment, trying to ascertain whether it was confidence or bluff. Although his own hand was good, very good in fact, there was still a chance of being beaten by a five of a kind. He couldn't afford to get cocky, but he was fairly sure of himself.
"Raise two emeralds," he said levelly.
"Raise one ruby, one sapphire," said the portly man almost immediately after. He gave Greenleaf a calculating look. "Care to raise any further?"
Greenleaf returned the gaze. Confidence or bluff, that was the question. Was the man really that sure of his cards or was he trying to make Greenleaf crack? Either way, the Elf wouldn't let him succeed.
"If you're happy to match it," he said. He reached into his pouch. "Raise three diamonds."
There was a reaction from the watching crowd, though Greenleaf barely noticed it. He was concentrating on what the man would do. He had deliberately raised the stake that much just to see how confident the man was.
"Raise two diamonds, three gold coins," came the reply, after only a short pause.
Then it was time, Greenleaf knew, to call his hand. The man seemed satisfied with his hand, shown by the way he had raised the stakes again.
"I'll call," said Greenleaf.
"I also," said the portly man. "After you."
Greenleaf laid his cards on their backs with his elegant fingers. Staring up were the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of hearts, their red badges of suit gleaming in the light of the candles that had now been lit.
"Tirith Flush," declared Greenleaf quietly.
There was barely a sound from the observers. It remained now only for the portly man to call his hand. He paused, knowing the drama of the moment, and then sighed.
"Four of a kind," he said, laying them down, "you win." On the table lay an eight of each suit and the four of clubs. It would have been a good hand had Greenleaf not had a better one.
There was a brief smattering of applause from the watchers before they began drifting away. Greenleaf and the portly man both stood as the Elf in charge of the table began collecting up the cards.
"A good game, my friend," said the portly man, clapping Greenleaf on the shoulder. Something in the way he said 'friend' indicated that he didn't mean it.
Greenleaf just smiled and gathered up his winnings. Elliane came up to stand beside him.
"That was wonderful!" she exclaimed. "You're a very good player."
"I try my best," said Greenleaf modestly, wishing her voice wasn't quite so high pitched.
"Do you know who you just beat?" she asked, seizing his arm as they walked away.
"No," admitted Greenleaf. "Anybody important?"
"Frank Scarmang," said Elliane conspiratorially, "he's very rich. Comes from somewhere in Gondor, I think." She laughed. "You'll have to watch out. He doesn't like losing."
"Doesn't he? Oh dear. If I'd known I'd have let him win," joked Greenleaf. He was suddenly rather glad of her company. She probably knew absolutely everybody there. That could be useful.
"Let me buy you a drink," he suggested gallantly, leading her towards the bar.
"If you insist," she sighed, though her eyes were bright.
"Wine?" asked Greenleaf.
"Are you good at choosing?" asked Elliane, tilting her head a little.
"I try my best," he said. "A red?"
"My favourite."
The bar Elf smiled as he recognised Greenleaf. He put down the glass he held –no matter where or who bar staff will always be wiping a glass with a cloth- and came over to serve them.
"Same as before, sir?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you," said Greenleaf, "it is a fine vintage."
"I am afraid I cannot take the credit for that," said the bar Elf, "I only serve it."
"But you serve it magnificently," said Greenleaf.
The bar Elf chuckled and poured the wine into two glasses. "I'll put it on your tab," he said.
"Thank you," said Greenleaf. He passed one of the glasses to Elliane, and then strolled with her to sit by one of the windows. The chairs had a view of the whole room.
Elliane took a sip of the wine. "It's very good," she said. Her tongue slipped out to rescue the few drops that lingered on the edge of her lips.
Greenleaf was struck by how arranged her pose was. Her knees, under the elegantly draped red silk, were drawn demurely together, though her left hand was placed on her thigh and slightly adapted the image of innocence. She held the wineglass almost carelessly, her elbow crooked artistically. Her neck, arms and the top of her bosom were all bare, all smooth, pale flesh. Greenleaf decided that an artist would pay a great deal to have her as a model. He wasn't so impressed, but didn't show it.
"A Mirkwood vintage," he said, "the '69. It's one of the best, if rather strong."
"I suppose you're used to it," she said. "Do you drink it often?"
"It is something of a vice of mine," he admitted. It was the only one he allowed himself. He leaned back in his chair and glanced around. "You seem to know a lot about all the guests here," he said conversationally. "Are any of them particularly interesting?" He smiled. "Aside from your good self, of course."
She giggled a little then settled into that women's prerogative: gossip.
"Well, that man there –you see the one in the red and gold tunic?" She indicated with a subtle twist of her head. "He's Lord Ernest Bloaf. Very rich. I believe his mother comes from somewhere over by Rhûn, but his father comes from the West. There was quite a scandal at the time, from what I've heard."
Greenleaf didn't doubt that she'd heard a lot. He glanced over at Lord Bloaf. The man was fairly large of face and his expression not quite pleasant. His hair was short and black. He didn't seem a particularly cheerful chap, scowling darkly as he got up from the roulette table.
"And that woman there," continued Elliane in a colder tone, "is Lady Compton. The man with her is her sixth husband, as far as anyone knows. There may be more but no one's quite sure. Rumour has it that she's on the hunt for another, having got bored of that one." She gave the husband a look over. "Don't blame her really. You'd better look out."
"Me?" asked Greenleaf, surprised by the sudden turn in conversation.
"She'd find an Elf quite a catch, and she keeps glancing across at you," said Elliane, looking smug.
"So do half the people in the room," answered Greenleaf, "there aren't any other Mirkwood Elves around here. I probably stand out rather a lot."
"It's not just that," said Elliane, her eyelashes lowering and raising slowly, "unless every Elf in Mirkwood is as handsome as you."
"There are plenty more handsome Elves there."
Elliane laughed. "Now that I doubt extremely. You should not do yourself down, Legolas, you are most well-favoured in face," she smiled, "and form."
Greenleaf inwardly winced at the familiar use of his name and the compliments. "You are too kind," he said, "but I do not think so highly of myself. I am far from perfect."
"If you mean that scar on your cheek," put in Elliane pointedly (Greenleaf started: he hadn't meant that), "then you need not worry. It quite becomes you, makes you seem dashing and dangerous."
Luckily, before that particular vein of conversation could be pursued, there was a distraction in the form of a woman moving away from behind them. She was fairly squat, with scraped back ginger hair. Elliane had a sneer on her face as she watched her go, but smiled cheerfully when she noticed Greenleaf's questioning glance.
"That's Rose Khelek," she explained coolly," I don't know much about her, no one does. I don't think she spends much time in these sorts of places. She's clearly not used to it."
"Isn't she?" asked Greenleaf. "I hadn't noticed." He glanced across the room and noticed with relief that Aragorn was entering at the other end of the room. He looked across and saw them.
"That's Estel," said Elliane, leaning over to mutter in Greenleaf's ear, "I don't know much about him, only that he seems very much part of the family here. There's something else to him as well though. It's a pity he seems to be taken."
"Yes, Arwen is quite protective of what's hers," said Greenleaf, glad to be able to pull her up short in her gossip spree, which he had, admittedly, prompted.
"Oh, so you know him?" asked Elliane, to her credit barely missing a beat.
"A little," answered Greenleaf, smiling. He stood as Aragorn reached them. "Estel," he greeted him.
"Legolas," responded the man in kind, "and Elliane." He gave a little bow. "How does your evening go?"
"Quite well so far," said Greenleaf.
"Legolas had a wonderful win at poker," put in Elliane, "you should have seen him. He's got nerves of steel."
"I don't doubt it," said Aragorn wryly. He grinned at Greenleaf.
"And as the winner," said Greenleaf, "I shall stand both of you a drink. The same again, my lady?"
"Oh no," replied Elliane, "it is too strong for more than one glass. I think one of the house whites would be best."
"I shall choose the most suitable." Greenleaf touched Aragorn's arm subtly. "We shall return forthwith, my lady."
They strolled towards the bar, neither too fast nor too slow. As soon as they were out of her earshot, Aragorn spoke.
"What do you think of our dear Elliane then?" he asked.
"She's useful," replied Greenleaf, "she knows a lot about everyone."
"Put business aside for a moment," said Aragorn, "I want to know what you really thought of her."
"I wasn't aware of her morals at all," said Greenleaf conversationally, "she was warning me about Lady Compton while being what I can only describe as overcomplimentative to me. Called me 'well-favoured'."
"You'd better watch out," warned Aragorn, chuckling.
"I can cope," said Greenleaf, "and as I said, she's useful."
"And she could be the one who put the spider in your bed."
"I don't think so. I'd imagine she's rather repulsed by insects and their ilk. Although it could be a wonderful act."
"And on that topic," said Aragorn as they reached the bar, "have you recognised anyone or seen any likely suspects?"
Greenleaf didn't answer straightaway, but spoke to the bar Elf first. "Same as before for me, and the Rivendell white '78 for the lady. Estel, what will you have?"
"The same as Elliane," answered Aragorn, "that Mirkwood stuff of yours is deadly."
"And the '78 also for my companion." The bar Elf went off to get them. "Lightweight," muttered Greenleaf to Aragorn, before turning to the man's earlier question. "I haven't seen anyone familiar, no, but there's a charming bunch of people here. Lord Elrond must love having them around."
The drinks arrived and with brief thanks to the bar Elf they took them and walked back towards Elliane.
"But otherwise," said Aragorn, "a successful evening?"
"Financially, yes," replied Greenleaf, "it was a rather good win. And even if I haven't spotted anyone I've got a good idea who's around. Supposing there is actually anything to worry about."
"It's always worth being careful," said Aragorn, seeing Greenleaf's meaning, "and I don't think that spider got into your bed by chance."
"No," said Greenleaf quietly.
Aragorn gave him a look. "I know what'll cheer you up," he said, "Arwen and I were planning on a picnic tomorrow, out in the woods. Why don't you come along?"
"Wouldn't I get in the way?" Greenleaf raised an eyebrow.
"Not at all," said Aragorn, "Arwen suggested it actually."
"But still," said Greenleaf, "a picnic?"
"A picnic?" asked Elliane. They had reached her without noticing.
Greenleaf suddenly smiled. "Yes," he said, "Estel was just suggesting I go on a picnic with him tomorrow. I don't suppose you would...?" He artfully left the point unfinished.
"I'd be delighted," she answered, "oh, Legolas, a picnic would be wonderful. I love picnics!"
"As do I," said Greenleaf.
"Now I simply must have a fling on the roulette," said Elliane, "do come and be lucky for me, Legolas. You did so brilliantly earlier."
"I shall endeavour to be at my luckiest for you," said Greenleaf, offering his hand to help her out of her chair.
She took his arm his arm and practically swept across the floor with the Elf in tow. Aragorn followed at a safe distance. More than a few heads turned as the striking couple crossed the room. One pair of eyes was fixed only on Greenleaf. Their owner, having heard the entire conversation, stared at the Elf for a few minutes then turned and abruptly left the hall. No one noticed.
Elliane went straight up to the table while Greenleaf stopped at the rail that separated the players from the watchers. Aragorn joined him. They watched as Elliane placed a bet on red.
"What was that for?" questioned Aragorn quietly. "Asking her to come along."
"Like I said," answered Greenleaf, "she's useful. And occasionally amusing. There's nothing like hanging around humans to amuse you."
"Well, thank you very much."
Greenleaf laughed. "Oh, don't panic about it. I'll get Gimli to come along as well."
"You're actually enjoying her company, aren't you?" asked Aragorn.
"Yes," said Greenleaf, after a brief consideration, "yes, I am. Not through any merits of hers, I assure you, but I find her, well, fascinating. In the same way that you can't take your eyes off a crashing cart. You just have to know what'll happen next."
"That's true enough," agreed Aragorn. He sighed. "At least she won't make passes at me with Arwen there."
Greenleaf rolled his eyes. "I shall have to rely on Gimli to guard my honour."
"What, tell him to bring his axe?" asked Aragorn.
"He's tried it before," said Greenleaf, "he claimed that it was a cultural artifact and as much a part of his clothes as his shirt."
"Did it work?"
"Yes." Greenleaf smiled. "Though they were probably more scared of him than anything else. Afraid for their kneecaps, I suppose."
Aragorn laughed. "You had fun then," he said, "on your little jaunt round Middle-earth."
"Oh, we did. Though I have to say, I've seen my fill of caves."
"How come you didn't get in touch?"
Greenleaf pulled a face. "I felt like a holiday," he answered, half- defiant. "Besides, what was the worst she could do? Sack me?"
"You know she wouldn't," said Aragorn.
"Precisely," said Greenleaf, "and even if she did then I'd find something to do."
"Really?" Aragorn gave him a sceptical look.
"Well, maybe." Greenleaf pushed the question away. He smiled brightly as Elliane came up to them. "A good game?" he asked.
"Really, weren't you watching?" She gave a mock pout. "I suppose you two were talking about something dreadfully serious. Well, it doesn't matter. I had some wonderful wins."
"Congratulations," said Greenleaf.
Elliane took his arm. "Come one, I don't want to lose this fabulous run of luck you've given me."
Greenleaf, with a rueful grin at Aragorn, let his escort pull him away and into the room. All around the business of gambling went on, with some winners and some losers. Money went from hand to hand as the players sought the favours of luck, each in their own different ways. Prayers went up from many, selfishly pleading for monetary wealth. All the worst qualities of men, and others, were brought out into this airy hall where candles were lit as the light failed.
:::::::::::::::::::