WARNING: You may find Legolas' character to not be what you see of him in
the books or movie, but I can imagine he is quite the charmer in elven
lands, almost a young Glorfindel. Something has to be pleasing all those
people in the dark forest to keep them untroubled by the world around them...
also, Nindë bashing, but that is not so much a warning! ;-)
Chapter 4- Elleths
Legolas sat with Aragorn and Gimli the next morning while they shared a meal at the dining talan. That was of course after Gimli had complained about all the flights of stairs he had to climb to reach his food. He found it quite preposterous that elves had to place the dining hall so high up in the trees, especially when he did not particularly enjoy heights.
Everyone's spirits had been lifted since the previous evening, and he was glad for that, but he knew it was only because of the power of the lady cleansing their spirits and the complete ability to forget the world around them, knowing they were in one of the safest lands in Arda. He had woken early as most of his kin did and took a long walk inside the city, rediscovering its beauty from the last time he had been here. It had seemed so long ago now, but it could not have been more than forty years since he accompanied Vanima, Master Targon's wife and Indilisse's mother, here. He could not believe he had forgotten how lovely it was under these great mallorn, and the incredibly secure feeling one got under the golden- leafed branches. Even in the growing dark state of the world, Lothlórien still was full of grandeur, laughter and light.
A clay mug was set in front of him, interrupting is thoughts and he looked up at the giver, finding that it was a rather petite she-elf with long brunette hair. She giggled and scurried away to fetch something else. Legolas watched her leave, the flows of her pale dress moving about in the breeze she created by moving so quickly. He smiled and called to her, "Hannon le, lirimaer."
"I do not understand you, princeling." Gimli said, stroking his beard.
Legolas raised a curious eyebrow. The elf maiden returned and set down a kettle of tea, and brushed his leg suggestively as she poured his cup. Legolas looked up at the elleth's grey eyes and smiled, "What is your name?"
"Lotea." She smiled and moved away from him again, this time walking away from them for good, now sitting and talking with her friends.
Aragorn chuckled, "I have known him far longer than you, Gimli, and even I do not understand him."
"Well, my friends, then we are all equal, because I have not a clue as to what you two are talking about." Legolas replied, glancing back at the maiden.
"Do you find it your goal to personally speak to every she-elf in Arda before you pass into the west, only to continue there?" Aragorn asked, "Even last eve you were busy speaking to that elleth."
Legolas smiled as he remembered the previous night Even though he was still so full of grief over the past few days in Moria, and worried about the discouraging meeting with the Lord and Lady, he had found that elleth to be quite to his liking, even if she was a bit young. The innocence in her eyes was remarkable, as though she had been untouched by any bad thing to happen in this world, like she had never quarreled or had experienced one sad moment. And the way she had looked at him with such surprise when at first he steadied her, and then when she realized who he was, made him smile. She needed a teacher... a good teacher...
"She was quite beautiful, though." Legolas replied.
"She was very young, Legolas." Aragorn said, "It was apparent that she had not even reached full ripeness for your kind yet."
"Do you think I did not notice that?" He asked.
Aragorn sipped his tea, and mumbled into his cup, "She has barely even reached the age of maturity for my people!"
"I do not see the problem, Aragorn." Legolas defended, "Why can I not be pleasant to my kin of Lórien... to all of my kin of Lórien... despite their age?"
"I did not say that you could not, mellon." Aragorn replied, "But only if that is what you wish to do."
Gimli set his cup down and looked at Legolas carefully, "Females are trouble anyway."
Legolas sighed and got the sneaking suspicion that Aragorn knew something he did not. Pushing is from his mind, and admitting that his friends were right, he said, "I have lived at least sixty of her lives, friends, I would seem ancient to her."
Aragorn grunted, "Do you think that fools me, dear friend? I have seen you go to bed with many elleths just past their fiftieth begetting day."
"Ah-ha! I knew you were not as perfect as you made yourself out to be!" Gimli remarked. "Our prince has a fondness for young ones, does he?"
"So? They have all been of age. I do not see your problem." Legolas shook his head and turned his attention to the fruits in front of him, picking a red berry, inadvertently reminding him of the night before. "Aragorn, you know I have no interest in such an elleth."
Aragorn sighed and looked at Legolas, "What I am trying to say is that maybe you build people's hearts up to far, especially when they are as young as that elleth's was, and then you do not care when it all ends with you going away or you telling them that you do not wish to see them any longer. You like playing with emotions."
He was silent and internalized what Aragorn had said. Aragorn was right in what he was saying. Any elleth that had showed even the slightest bit of interest in him, he would end up usually playing with her like a puppet, and the young ones were especially easily to do this to, but he had never meant it in a harming way. If that was what other people made of it, Legolas thought he might try to stop using elleths in such a way. Maybe he would try to actually become friends with them. Legolas looked up at Aragorn, "You are right, Aragorn... do you know that it is sometimes hard to tell that you are only eighty-seven? Sometimes you speak with more wisdom than Lord Elrond."
Aragorn smiled, "Well, I did learn from the master himself."
"Aye, you are just an Elrond in human form, I forget." Legolas laughed and picked at the food in front of them again. The rest of the meal was lighthearted and by the end, he had nearly forgotten of the task appointed to him. Feeling fine enough, he said his farewells to Aragorn and Gimli, and went searching for a few of his friends to catch up with them. He was walking towards a long staircase when he spotted on of his targets for the day and smiled. "Indilisse."
"Legolas!" She exclaimed, running towards him and pulling him into a close hug. The honey-brown haired elleth pulled away and smiled, "I should not hug you so close, my husband is easily made jealous."
Legolas chuckled, "Jealous would not be the word, mellon. More along the lines of easily infuriated."
"Aye, do I not know that." Indilisse laughed. "How have you been since you left last, Legolas? Still visiting the healers on a daily basis?"
He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm, "Hourly on some days."
She smiled as they started walking slowly through the small connection bridges and staircases, not having any place in particular where they were going. "No binding as of yet?"
"Nay." He sighed, "But the betrothal still stands between the princess of Lindon and me, though I have delayed it immensely by certain things taking my attentions."
Indilisse nodded, "I take it you do not like the princess?"
Legolas guffawed sarcastically at her question, "Liking the princess and being able to 'endure' the princess are two different things. At this point, I cannot even endure her."
"You will be fine Legolas." She said, "You could warm even the coldest of hearts with who you are, but please do not try that when you meet an orc in battle. They know nothing more than killing."
He laughed, "I understand, mellon, but I think that this princess just might be an orc in disguise."
"I would hate to have that revealed to me on the night of the binding ritual." Indilisse joked.
"I am sure Ada would verify all that out before we had the ceremony." Legolas said.
She looked up at him curiously, "Your father requests the full ceremony?"
He shrugged and sighed heavily, "All I know is that they have practiced the betrothal rights... why would they stop now without a reason to have a grand affair. That is considering that the dark forces have not taken over Arda. My father would not even waste an excuse for a celebration even if that were to happen!"
Indilisse grinned, obviously amused at his exasperated exclamation. "Thranduil does quite like excuses to have music, dancing and wine all at one sitting."
"Oh, I should not worry, though. There are far more troubling things that must be dealt with before I can even think of journeying back to Mirkwood." Legolas remarked thoughtfully, gazing up at the tall trees and golden sunlight filtering through the golden leaves, the brilliance of these appendages of the trees gleaming ever brighter. His heart warmed even more, and he sighed happily. "Though by the time I return, I hope Círdan finds it better to look elsewhere for an Elf Lord to wed his daughter, or that she had traveled to Valinor."
"We should introduce her to Glorfindel." Indilisse glanced quickly up at him and their eyes caught for moment before they both burst into peals of laughter.
He rolled his eyes and turned his head forward, "If he did not melt her heart, then I would be certain she was an orc. What are his new tactics these days, Indilisse? Sweet talk and Miruvor, or flexing his arm muscles and Miruvor?"
"It is different with every maiden he meets, Legolas. You should know that." She blushed slightly.
"But for me, I use sweet talk and a little of my father's best Dorwinion wine." Legolas smiled down at her as they entered into the Lady's garden, even now, in the dead of winter, in full bloom.
Indilisse sighed, "So have you been doing this pursuing lately and that is why you are so reserved to the betrothal?"
"Nay, I have not actually." He said, "But I must say that the wealth of beauties in Lórien is astounding to me now that I have gone so long without knowing the touch of a female."
"I am sure there would be many happy to oblige you." She said, "Though the most obliging has gone to Mirkwood. I am surprised you have not fallen in her entrapment."
Legolas chuckled, "If you speak of Nindë, then you need not be worried. She has tried her hand at seducing me, but I do not find her to my liking. Not after my last journey here."
"What do you mean?" Indilisse asked.
"Let us just say I did not hear too polite a conversation about what she would like to do to you if you were to become more serious with a certain March Warden." Legolas answered. "And while I am very glad she did nothing to harm you or Haldir, I have been vexed by her existence as one of my personal servants in the cave."
She frowned and squeezed his arm sympathetically. "Oh how I would have loved to see her do hard labor for one day. I think that she never dirtied her hands her entire life in Lórien, well unless she was pleasuring one of the visiting nobility or high-ranking wardens. But that is another story."
Legolas sighed again and looked down at her for a long while, before letting a small smile cross his lips. "It is good to have your friendly face here, Indilisse. It helps soothe my worry and my weary spirit."
"Whatever I can do, your highness." She bowed mockingly, "Just think of it as one of your extended stays in the healing house of Amon Thranduil."
"Do not make me relive those painful days, oh evil healer," He said.
"Nana, Nana, Nana!"
They both turned at the sudden loud outburst coming from of the entrances to the gardens. Legolas caught glimpse of the small elfling first and smiled at his youthful vigor. Even the evening before when Indilisse had brought him down to greet Haldir, it had put a smile on his face to witness how happy the youth was to see his father back from the borders. It made him want his own family, and to have his own son, but visions of the impending battles he would have to fight filtered through his mind. Maybe some day he would have that...
"What is it, ion nin?" Indilisse knelt to his level as he stopped in front of her. Legolas saw the small leather quiver attached to his back, a child's bow in his right hand.
"Have you seen Ada?" He questioned, slightly out of breath.
"He has an important engagement to take care of today, Thoron." Indilisse smiled, brushing back a piece of his fine silver blonde hair.
Thoron frowned, his bottom lip beginning to waver. "But..."
Legolas braced himself for the crying to start, but the elfling did nothing more than pout incredibly well. That was indeed one of Indilisse's traits.
"Go ask one of your uncles, I am sure they would love to help you with your archery." Indilisse said.
"Uncle Rúmil said that he was busy with Aunt Narië." Thoron said, "And Uncle Orophin is helping the smith with the repair of his weapons."
Legolas cleared his throat and waited for both pairs of eyes to focus on him. He smiled, "I am an able-bodied archer. I would love to help you."
Indilisse smiled, "Ion nin, this is Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. Do you remember me speaking about him?"
The elfling nodded his head slowly, his eyes wide with a amazement, "Is it true you live in a forest where there are huge spiders?"
Legolas chuckled, "That is true. They are quite grotesque when they drop out of the trees too. The have eight huge hairy black legs and they come right up to you and look at you with their beady eight eyes..."
"Legolas," Indilisse silenced him. "Please try not to disturb my son so greatly that he has nightmares tonight. For it is not you that will be made to deal with it if he does."
"Aye, my lady." He smiled mockingly and bowed his head to her. "Is it acceptable that I take Thoron here to practice his archery?"
She nodded her head, "Maybe you can teach him differently. Haldir has worked for days with him and still he has not hit the target once."
Legolas looked at the still wide-eyed Thoron, and remembered the first day he had met the Balrog Slayer, when he was an elfling only about the age of Thoron. He thought that Glorfindel was the greatest elven warrior to walk this side of Arda. The way Glorfindel told of his stories in battle enraptured Legolas so much so that his mother had to literally pull him away from Glorfindel's feet in the Hall of Fire when it was time for him to rest. All Legolas had wanted to do was sit and listen to this elf talk. He did not even care if it was about battle after a while, as long as he got to be in the presence of the great warrior. His father had even nearly had to physically tie him to his horse when they were leaving Imladris so that he would not jump and run back to Glorfindel to ask for another story. He hoped that Thoron did not think so highly of him though, because Legolas knew he was hardly worthy of such adoration.
Such fond memories. Legolas smiled, "I will do my best. Come, Thoron. I must go collect my bow and quiver."
"Make sure that he comes back as he is now... not pierced or scratched or branded in anyway you males see fit." Indilisse replied as they started out of the garden. "Oh, Legolas?"
Legolas turned back to her, "Yes?"
"Haldir and I would be honored if you would come and share the evening meal with us this night." She said.
"I shall be there, unless of course I receive a better offer!" He called and turned back to Thoron, hearing Indilisse's indignant snort. Legolas smiled to himself, gazing down at Thoron. "Tell me, pen neth, what has your naneth told you about me?"
Thoron looked up at him, "She said you were one of the best archers in all of Arda, save for Ada and a few others that I do not know."
Legolas chuckled, "There are many others who deserve that title more than I."
"She also said that you live in a huge cave in a dark forest and you are the Captain of the warriors there." Thoron paused, "And that you battle those spiders at least once a day!"
Legolas smiled to himself, turning his attention to the path in front of him. They reached the practice field sometime later, only to find Aragorn shooting at the targets with his own bow and arrow. Aragorn had the skill of an elf when handling the bow, though he much preferred the use of his broadsword and daggers to any other weapon, and Legolas knew that only when hunting or in need of diversion from something troubling would the bow be in use. Being the skilled Ranger that he was in sensing when others were close, Aragorn turned to them and gave them a feeble smile on their arrival.
"Suilaid." Aragorn said and bent to one knee, his eyes leveling with the elfling. "You must be Thoron. I heard much about you from your adar."
"Really?" Thoron asked. Legolas watched Aragorn speak with the child, knowing that one day his friend would make a fine king, and even better father. Legolas only wished he thought that of himself.
Thoron told Aragorn of their reason for coming to the practice field, and Aragorn stood up and smiled at Legolas. "I should much like to watch this."
Legolas glared at him, even though he knew the human was right. He had patience, but not a great amount of patience when it came to trying to teach small children... or dwarves... something. "You should just keep your mouth shut, Aragorn, or I will have you help."
Yes, that worked sufficiently at quieting the Ranger until Thoron tugged on Aragorn's trouser leg. They both glanced down at the Thoron and the elfling said, "You are Aragorn?"
"Aye." He replied smugly. Legolas instantly felt a pang of jealousy toward his friend, now that the wide-eyed attention was transferred to Aragorn.
"My nana says that you are in love with Lady Arwen." Thoron said.
All of Legolas' jealousy flew away at that very instant, now that he saw Aragorn's face drop and his grey eyes cloud over. The subject of Arwen had been a touchy one for his friend for sometime now, but Legolas knew now that Elrond would plead for his daughter to go West, forsaking her love for Aragorn. Aragorn had tried to do the noble thing by telling her to go with her kin and live happily in Valinor. Their last meeting in Imladris was heart wrenching, neither knowing what would come of this world, or if Arwen would forsake her immortal life or her love. It pained even Legolas to witness the despair his friend had to bear every day, with the weight of helping the ring bearer (now leading the Fellowship), of his lineage to take up the throne that was rightfully his, and the probability of never seeing his true love ever again.
Legolas' problems back in Mirkwood all seemed to pale in comparison.
Aragorn sighed, "I am in love with the Lady Arwen."
Thoron smiled, "She is very pretty."
"Aye, she is, Thoron." Aragorn responded, "Well, I take my leave of you two ellyn now. I have attentions that lie elsewhere."
Legolas watched his friend depart and let out a long sigh. He felt that, in the end, everyone would make a wise decision, even if it meant a father losing his daughter. Legolas turned to Thoron and began his lesson, hoping to forget some of what had just transpired.
----
Ada, adar- Dad, Father
Nana, Naneth- Mom, mother
Ion nin- my son.
Lirimaer- lovely one
Suilaid- Hello, Welcome
Amon Thranduil- Cave/Kingdom/Stronghold of Thranduil
Chapter 4- Elleths
Legolas sat with Aragorn and Gimli the next morning while they shared a meal at the dining talan. That was of course after Gimli had complained about all the flights of stairs he had to climb to reach his food. He found it quite preposterous that elves had to place the dining hall so high up in the trees, especially when he did not particularly enjoy heights.
Everyone's spirits had been lifted since the previous evening, and he was glad for that, but he knew it was only because of the power of the lady cleansing their spirits and the complete ability to forget the world around them, knowing they were in one of the safest lands in Arda. He had woken early as most of his kin did and took a long walk inside the city, rediscovering its beauty from the last time he had been here. It had seemed so long ago now, but it could not have been more than forty years since he accompanied Vanima, Master Targon's wife and Indilisse's mother, here. He could not believe he had forgotten how lovely it was under these great mallorn, and the incredibly secure feeling one got under the golden- leafed branches. Even in the growing dark state of the world, Lothlórien still was full of grandeur, laughter and light.
A clay mug was set in front of him, interrupting is thoughts and he looked up at the giver, finding that it was a rather petite she-elf with long brunette hair. She giggled and scurried away to fetch something else. Legolas watched her leave, the flows of her pale dress moving about in the breeze she created by moving so quickly. He smiled and called to her, "Hannon le, lirimaer."
"I do not understand you, princeling." Gimli said, stroking his beard.
Legolas raised a curious eyebrow. The elf maiden returned and set down a kettle of tea, and brushed his leg suggestively as she poured his cup. Legolas looked up at the elleth's grey eyes and smiled, "What is your name?"
"Lotea." She smiled and moved away from him again, this time walking away from them for good, now sitting and talking with her friends.
Aragorn chuckled, "I have known him far longer than you, Gimli, and even I do not understand him."
"Well, my friends, then we are all equal, because I have not a clue as to what you two are talking about." Legolas replied, glancing back at the maiden.
"Do you find it your goal to personally speak to every she-elf in Arda before you pass into the west, only to continue there?" Aragorn asked, "Even last eve you were busy speaking to that elleth."
Legolas smiled as he remembered the previous night Even though he was still so full of grief over the past few days in Moria, and worried about the discouraging meeting with the Lord and Lady, he had found that elleth to be quite to his liking, even if she was a bit young. The innocence in her eyes was remarkable, as though she had been untouched by any bad thing to happen in this world, like she had never quarreled or had experienced one sad moment. And the way she had looked at him with such surprise when at first he steadied her, and then when she realized who he was, made him smile. She needed a teacher... a good teacher...
"She was quite beautiful, though." Legolas replied.
"She was very young, Legolas." Aragorn said, "It was apparent that she had not even reached full ripeness for your kind yet."
"Do you think I did not notice that?" He asked.
Aragorn sipped his tea, and mumbled into his cup, "She has barely even reached the age of maturity for my people!"
"I do not see the problem, Aragorn." Legolas defended, "Why can I not be pleasant to my kin of Lórien... to all of my kin of Lórien... despite their age?"
"I did not say that you could not, mellon." Aragorn replied, "But only if that is what you wish to do."
Gimli set his cup down and looked at Legolas carefully, "Females are trouble anyway."
Legolas sighed and got the sneaking suspicion that Aragorn knew something he did not. Pushing is from his mind, and admitting that his friends were right, he said, "I have lived at least sixty of her lives, friends, I would seem ancient to her."
Aragorn grunted, "Do you think that fools me, dear friend? I have seen you go to bed with many elleths just past their fiftieth begetting day."
"Ah-ha! I knew you were not as perfect as you made yourself out to be!" Gimli remarked. "Our prince has a fondness for young ones, does he?"
"So? They have all been of age. I do not see your problem." Legolas shook his head and turned his attention to the fruits in front of him, picking a red berry, inadvertently reminding him of the night before. "Aragorn, you know I have no interest in such an elleth."
Aragorn sighed and looked at Legolas, "What I am trying to say is that maybe you build people's hearts up to far, especially when they are as young as that elleth's was, and then you do not care when it all ends with you going away or you telling them that you do not wish to see them any longer. You like playing with emotions."
He was silent and internalized what Aragorn had said. Aragorn was right in what he was saying. Any elleth that had showed even the slightest bit of interest in him, he would end up usually playing with her like a puppet, and the young ones were especially easily to do this to, but he had never meant it in a harming way. If that was what other people made of it, Legolas thought he might try to stop using elleths in such a way. Maybe he would try to actually become friends with them. Legolas looked up at Aragorn, "You are right, Aragorn... do you know that it is sometimes hard to tell that you are only eighty-seven? Sometimes you speak with more wisdom than Lord Elrond."
Aragorn smiled, "Well, I did learn from the master himself."
"Aye, you are just an Elrond in human form, I forget." Legolas laughed and picked at the food in front of them again. The rest of the meal was lighthearted and by the end, he had nearly forgotten of the task appointed to him. Feeling fine enough, he said his farewells to Aragorn and Gimli, and went searching for a few of his friends to catch up with them. He was walking towards a long staircase when he spotted on of his targets for the day and smiled. "Indilisse."
"Legolas!" She exclaimed, running towards him and pulling him into a close hug. The honey-brown haired elleth pulled away and smiled, "I should not hug you so close, my husband is easily made jealous."
Legolas chuckled, "Jealous would not be the word, mellon. More along the lines of easily infuriated."
"Aye, do I not know that." Indilisse laughed. "How have you been since you left last, Legolas? Still visiting the healers on a daily basis?"
He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm, "Hourly on some days."
She smiled as they started walking slowly through the small connection bridges and staircases, not having any place in particular where they were going. "No binding as of yet?"
"Nay." He sighed, "But the betrothal still stands between the princess of Lindon and me, though I have delayed it immensely by certain things taking my attentions."
Indilisse nodded, "I take it you do not like the princess?"
Legolas guffawed sarcastically at her question, "Liking the princess and being able to 'endure' the princess are two different things. At this point, I cannot even endure her."
"You will be fine Legolas." She said, "You could warm even the coldest of hearts with who you are, but please do not try that when you meet an orc in battle. They know nothing more than killing."
He laughed, "I understand, mellon, but I think that this princess just might be an orc in disguise."
"I would hate to have that revealed to me on the night of the binding ritual." Indilisse joked.
"I am sure Ada would verify all that out before we had the ceremony." Legolas said.
She looked up at him curiously, "Your father requests the full ceremony?"
He shrugged and sighed heavily, "All I know is that they have practiced the betrothal rights... why would they stop now without a reason to have a grand affair. That is considering that the dark forces have not taken over Arda. My father would not even waste an excuse for a celebration even if that were to happen!"
Indilisse grinned, obviously amused at his exasperated exclamation. "Thranduil does quite like excuses to have music, dancing and wine all at one sitting."
"Oh, I should not worry, though. There are far more troubling things that must be dealt with before I can even think of journeying back to Mirkwood." Legolas remarked thoughtfully, gazing up at the tall trees and golden sunlight filtering through the golden leaves, the brilliance of these appendages of the trees gleaming ever brighter. His heart warmed even more, and he sighed happily. "Though by the time I return, I hope Círdan finds it better to look elsewhere for an Elf Lord to wed his daughter, or that she had traveled to Valinor."
"We should introduce her to Glorfindel." Indilisse glanced quickly up at him and their eyes caught for moment before they both burst into peals of laughter.
He rolled his eyes and turned his head forward, "If he did not melt her heart, then I would be certain she was an orc. What are his new tactics these days, Indilisse? Sweet talk and Miruvor, or flexing his arm muscles and Miruvor?"
"It is different with every maiden he meets, Legolas. You should know that." She blushed slightly.
"But for me, I use sweet talk and a little of my father's best Dorwinion wine." Legolas smiled down at her as they entered into the Lady's garden, even now, in the dead of winter, in full bloom.
Indilisse sighed, "So have you been doing this pursuing lately and that is why you are so reserved to the betrothal?"
"Nay, I have not actually." He said, "But I must say that the wealth of beauties in Lórien is astounding to me now that I have gone so long without knowing the touch of a female."
"I am sure there would be many happy to oblige you." She said, "Though the most obliging has gone to Mirkwood. I am surprised you have not fallen in her entrapment."
Legolas chuckled, "If you speak of Nindë, then you need not be worried. She has tried her hand at seducing me, but I do not find her to my liking. Not after my last journey here."
"What do you mean?" Indilisse asked.
"Let us just say I did not hear too polite a conversation about what she would like to do to you if you were to become more serious with a certain March Warden." Legolas answered. "And while I am very glad she did nothing to harm you or Haldir, I have been vexed by her existence as one of my personal servants in the cave."
She frowned and squeezed his arm sympathetically. "Oh how I would have loved to see her do hard labor for one day. I think that she never dirtied her hands her entire life in Lórien, well unless she was pleasuring one of the visiting nobility or high-ranking wardens. But that is another story."
Legolas sighed again and looked down at her for a long while, before letting a small smile cross his lips. "It is good to have your friendly face here, Indilisse. It helps soothe my worry and my weary spirit."
"Whatever I can do, your highness." She bowed mockingly, "Just think of it as one of your extended stays in the healing house of Amon Thranduil."
"Do not make me relive those painful days, oh evil healer," He said.
"Nana, Nana, Nana!"
They both turned at the sudden loud outburst coming from of the entrances to the gardens. Legolas caught glimpse of the small elfling first and smiled at his youthful vigor. Even the evening before when Indilisse had brought him down to greet Haldir, it had put a smile on his face to witness how happy the youth was to see his father back from the borders. It made him want his own family, and to have his own son, but visions of the impending battles he would have to fight filtered through his mind. Maybe some day he would have that...
"What is it, ion nin?" Indilisse knelt to his level as he stopped in front of her. Legolas saw the small leather quiver attached to his back, a child's bow in his right hand.
"Have you seen Ada?" He questioned, slightly out of breath.
"He has an important engagement to take care of today, Thoron." Indilisse smiled, brushing back a piece of his fine silver blonde hair.
Thoron frowned, his bottom lip beginning to waver. "But..."
Legolas braced himself for the crying to start, but the elfling did nothing more than pout incredibly well. That was indeed one of Indilisse's traits.
"Go ask one of your uncles, I am sure they would love to help you with your archery." Indilisse said.
"Uncle Rúmil said that he was busy with Aunt Narië." Thoron said, "And Uncle Orophin is helping the smith with the repair of his weapons."
Legolas cleared his throat and waited for both pairs of eyes to focus on him. He smiled, "I am an able-bodied archer. I would love to help you."
Indilisse smiled, "Ion nin, this is Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. Do you remember me speaking about him?"
The elfling nodded his head slowly, his eyes wide with a amazement, "Is it true you live in a forest where there are huge spiders?"
Legolas chuckled, "That is true. They are quite grotesque when they drop out of the trees too. The have eight huge hairy black legs and they come right up to you and look at you with their beady eight eyes..."
"Legolas," Indilisse silenced him. "Please try not to disturb my son so greatly that he has nightmares tonight. For it is not you that will be made to deal with it if he does."
"Aye, my lady." He smiled mockingly and bowed his head to her. "Is it acceptable that I take Thoron here to practice his archery?"
She nodded her head, "Maybe you can teach him differently. Haldir has worked for days with him and still he has not hit the target once."
Legolas looked at the still wide-eyed Thoron, and remembered the first day he had met the Balrog Slayer, when he was an elfling only about the age of Thoron. He thought that Glorfindel was the greatest elven warrior to walk this side of Arda. The way Glorfindel told of his stories in battle enraptured Legolas so much so that his mother had to literally pull him away from Glorfindel's feet in the Hall of Fire when it was time for him to rest. All Legolas had wanted to do was sit and listen to this elf talk. He did not even care if it was about battle after a while, as long as he got to be in the presence of the great warrior. His father had even nearly had to physically tie him to his horse when they were leaving Imladris so that he would not jump and run back to Glorfindel to ask for another story. He hoped that Thoron did not think so highly of him though, because Legolas knew he was hardly worthy of such adoration.
Such fond memories. Legolas smiled, "I will do my best. Come, Thoron. I must go collect my bow and quiver."
"Make sure that he comes back as he is now... not pierced or scratched or branded in anyway you males see fit." Indilisse replied as they started out of the garden. "Oh, Legolas?"
Legolas turned back to her, "Yes?"
"Haldir and I would be honored if you would come and share the evening meal with us this night." She said.
"I shall be there, unless of course I receive a better offer!" He called and turned back to Thoron, hearing Indilisse's indignant snort. Legolas smiled to himself, gazing down at Thoron. "Tell me, pen neth, what has your naneth told you about me?"
Thoron looked up at him, "She said you were one of the best archers in all of Arda, save for Ada and a few others that I do not know."
Legolas chuckled, "There are many others who deserve that title more than I."
"She also said that you live in a huge cave in a dark forest and you are the Captain of the warriors there." Thoron paused, "And that you battle those spiders at least once a day!"
Legolas smiled to himself, turning his attention to the path in front of him. They reached the practice field sometime later, only to find Aragorn shooting at the targets with his own bow and arrow. Aragorn had the skill of an elf when handling the bow, though he much preferred the use of his broadsword and daggers to any other weapon, and Legolas knew that only when hunting or in need of diversion from something troubling would the bow be in use. Being the skilled Ranger that he was in sensing when others were close, Aragorn turned to them and gave them a feeble smile on their arrival.
"Suilaid." Aragorn said and bent to one knee, his eyes leveling with the elfling. "You must be Thoron. I heard much about you from your adar."
"Really?" Thoron asked. Legolas watched Aragorn speak with the child, knowing that one day his friend would make a fine king, and even better father. Legolas only wished he thought that of himself.
Thoron told Aragorn of their reason for coming to the practice field, and Aragorn stood up and smiled at Legolas. "I should much like to watch this."
Legolas glared at him, even though he knew the human was right. He had patience, but not a great amount of patience when it came to trying to teach small children... or dwarves... something. "You should just keep your mouth shut, Aragorn, or I will have you help."
Yes, that worked sufficiently at quieting the Ranger until Thoron tugged on Aragorn's trouser leg. They both glanced down at the Thoron and the elfling said, "You are Aragorn?"
"Aye." He replied smugly. Legolas instantly felt a pang of jealousy toward his friend, now that the wide-eyed attention was transferred to Aragorn.
"My nana says that you are in love with Lady Arwen." Thoron said.
All of Legolas' jealousy flew away at that very instant, now that he saw Aragorn's face drop and his grey eyes cloud over. The subject of Arwen had been a touchy one for his friend for sometime now, but Legolas knew now that Elrond would plead for his daughter to go West, forsaking her love for Aragorn. Aragorn had tried to do the noble thing by telling her to go with her kin and live happily in Valinor. Their last meeting in Imladris was heart wrenching, neither knowing what would come of this world, or if Arwen would forsake her immortal life or her love. It pained even Legolas to witness the despair his friend had to bear every day, with the weight of helping the ring bearer (now leading the Fellowship), of his lineage to take up the throne that was rightfully his, and the probability of never seeing his true love ever again.
Legolas' problems back in Mirkwood all seemed to pale in comparison.
Aragorn sighed, "I am in love with the Lady Arwen."
Thoron smiled, "She is very pretty."
"Aye, she is, Thoron." Aragorn responded, "Well, I take my leave of you two ellyn now. I have attentions that lie elsewhere."
Legolas watched his friend depart and let out a long sigh. He felt that, in the end, everyone would make a wise decision, even if it meant a father losing his daughter. Legolas turned to Thoron and began his lesson, hoping to forget some of what had just transpired.
----
Ada, adar- Dad, Father
Nana, Naneth- Mom, mother
Ion nin- my son.
Lirimaer- lovely one
Suilaid- Hello, Welcome
Amon Thranduil- Cave/Kingdom/Stronghold of Thranduil