16. Sticky Situations
Meril let out a dismal sigh, pressing her eye to the crack in the door. She had come down to the storeroom after an apple, the fresh ones had just come in from the orchard that morning. She had planned to find a quite spot somewhere with her lute and soothe her frayed nerves a bit.
Apparently tension was a state she would simply have to grow accustomed to.
She had only just found the barrel of new apples while plotting how best to entrap Legolas and simultaneously ward off Orophin when the Lorien elf's voice had drifted to her down the corridor. Not wanting to be trapped with him in such a confined space she had retreated into the wine cellar.
Rumil and Orophin were now busily rummaging through bins and hissing at each other in low whispers, only paces from her hiding place. Why did this wretched elf always have to spoil her plans?
"I've found some rope!" Rumil grinned, tugging furiously at the coil wedged in a corner of the shelf. "Have we found everything else?"
"I do not have..." Orophin frowned, climbing up the shelf until he could reach the top and searching several bins. "wait, here it is."
"We must hurry," Rumil said frantically as he coiled the rope around his arm. "We will lose him."
"He has not got as far as the stone bench, we will easily reach it before him." Orophin snorted, "calm down, grab some apples and a loaf, I want some wine before we go."
"We do not have time." Rumil snapped, stuffing food in a bag.
"We will likely be sitting out there half the day, I want a drink and I won't broker arguments." Orophin replied, striding to the cellar door. He threw it open, descending the steps and slipping past the shelves of perfectly stacked bottles.
"The old elf doesn't keep the finery down here does he?"
"Would you please grab a bottle so we can get out of here?" Rumil demanded angrily. Orophin shrugged, snatching up a wine flask and following his brother out of the storeroom. Their hushed voices were soon silenced by the heavy oak door and in moments even their footsteps could not be heard.
On the far end of the wine cellar one of the old mead barrels rolled slightly on it's side. The wooden lid came loose, clattering away across the floor and Meril crawled out on her hands and knees, a bit dusty and her normally perfect hair rumpled. She blew a stray lock out of her eyes with a menacing frown.
"I hate that elf."
**********************************************
Elladan hurried down the stairs, from his room, straightening his tunic. He had traded his torn leggings for a new pair and the bruises from his fall were healing rapidly thanks to the salve he had concocted.
He had wasted precious time with Indelin and though he didn't regret it, he felt a bit guilty that all of the burden had fallen on his twin. Elrohir would be beside himself if Arwen did not turn up soon, but then he would be none too pleased himself.
"Elladan?" he turned at the sound of his name, cursing inwardly as Eirien approached him.
"Elrohir." he said quickly, Eirien frowned, looking him over carefully.
"Why are you dressed like your brother?" she asked pointedly.
"Bad planning." he replied hastily. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Don't be so cross." she sniffed, giving him a rather annoyed glare "I was looking for your brother, he promised to meet me." Elladan cringed, he didn't have time for this right now.
"Well I haven't seen him." Elladan replied, trying to brush her off.
"Elladan do you have a minute?" Elrond asked, approaching them from his study.
"Elrohir." Elladan sighed. He was thankful he was not mortal, the Valar would condemn him for eternity for this. Elrond stared at his first born, a confused frown creasing his face.
"Why does everyone keep confusing the two of you?" Eirien asked, her frown deepening.
"It happens all the time." he lied, rubbing his forehead, "you get used to it."
"I was looking for your sister and Legolas." Elrond said, shaking off his distraction "have you seen them?"
"The last I saw Legolas he was in the gardens." Elladan replied, trying not to grin, here was his chance to remove the Mirkwood prince from the hunt and prevent him from stoking the fires of romance.
"Well, I'm sure Arwen's with him." Elrond shrugged, looking completely unconcerned "If you see them, let them know I'd like to speak to the both of them." Elrond turned to go, a slight smile on his face that Elladan found troubling.
"Elrohir have you seen Estel?" Erestor asked with a frown, leaning out of the door to the Library.
"Ella... no I haven't seen him since last night." Elladan replied, catching himself quickly. Eirien threw him a slightly suspicious look and he gave her a smile he desperately hoped was friendly.
"He has one of my Queyna manuscripts, maybe I should check his room." the older elf mused, his frown deepening.
"No!" Elladan said, Erestor and Eirien were both staring at him as he made a desperate recovery "I mean, you know Estel, he hasn't cleaned his room since the Last Alliance. You'll never find it."
"Elrohir are you feeling well?" Eirien asked uneasily.
"No, I mean yes..." he stared at her blankly a moment "I am sorry, what was the question?"
"Tell Estel I need that manuscript when you see him." Erestor said slipping back into the library.
"Well, would you tell Elladan I will meet him in the courtyard before dinner?" Eirien smiled.
"Yes, of course," he replied rubbing his temples "I have to go." he didn't even look back as he hurried down the hall toward the rear porch. He stopped as soon as he was outside, panting as he leaned against the wall.
"If I survive this it will be an act of the Valar." he breathed.
****************************************************
Rumil and Orophin crouched in the bushes near the river, watching the empty trail with baited breath. They could hear the soft rustle of elven feet not far away and they tensed in anticipation.
"Wait, how do we know it is Legolas?" Rumil asked, they paused squinting into the trees.
"Arwen?" a faint voice called as it approached.
"It is him." Orophin said with a grin. The elf drew closer and both brothers slid down on their stomachs, watching his booted feet on the path. He took a few unsuspecting steps as Orophin drew his knife and severed the rope tied to the tree. There was a harsh cry of surprise as their snare tightened around the ankles of their prey, drawing him into the trees and sending leaves raining down onto the path.
Chuckling madly the Lorien brothers stole away, as fleeting as shadows, making for the house and safety with all speed.
**********************************************
Arwen smiled happily to herself as she made her way back from the stables, Estel had stopped to check on his horse and she had decided to go back to the house without him. She wasn't entirely certain why she was uncomfortable with the idea of others knowing of their friendship but she decided not to bother about it.
Estel had shown her a hidden path out of Imladris that he had found under the falls and she was delighted with the new discovery. It came out in back of the stables near her favorite tree and they had pilfered lunch from the armory and sat together by the river for quite a while.
As she came to the courtyard she was nearly run down by her favorite Lorien wardens who were panting as if they had been fleeing from orcs.
"Rumil, Orophin," she said with a smile. "dare I ask what mischief the two of you have been creating?"
"We were only having a foot race, my Lady." Rumil defended, his expression turning at once guilty. Orophin nodded in agreement as he gasped for air. She didn't believe them for a moment.
"I don't suppose either of you has seen Legolas?" she asked. She had put off their conversation last night and by now he was probably livid with her. She hadn't meant to be so long but she had lost track of time.
"I believe I saw him in the woods chasing one of the housekeepers." Orophin said with a wolfish grin.
"Only one?" Rumil asked in surprise "He must not be feeling well, he can usually manage three or four at a time." Arwen stared at him open mouthed. Of course she knew Legolas had trysts on occasion but this was a bit more risque than she had expected.
"Well, you know Legolas." Orophin shrugged, throwing his brother a venomous glare as Arwen looked away, hiding the deepening blush of her cheeks.
"Yes well," Arwen replied, trying desperately not to look shocked "I know Legolas. If you'll excuse me." She shook her head as she mounted the steps, that particular conversation was painting pictures in her mind she didn't really care to have.
"Three or four?" Orophin hissed as she walked away. Rumil glared back at him.
"I am not taking any chances."
Arwen climbed the stairs, humming to herself. It had been such a lovely morning. She would change her clothes and take a book out to the gardens, with any luck she would find Legolas, preferably with the vast majority of his clothes on. She opened the door to her room with a happy sigh.
"Undomiel, I am detecting a disturbing pattern." Legolas said darkly. He was sitting in one of her chairs near the fire, his arms crossed over his chest and a deep frown on his face.
"Mellon, what are you doing in here?" she asked with a giggle, setting her bow and quiver against the wall.
"I am waiting for you." he said drily "as I recall it is much the same thing I was doing last night."
"Legolas, I am sorry, I lost track of time." she replied, coming to sit down across from him.
"It seems to be a recurring problem for you." he snapped.
"Mellon nin, please do not be angry." she soothed "I was having a bit of a practice and a nice walk. I did not forget about you, I was only delayed."
"After last night I was worried." he sighed, his voice turning gentle as he leaned forward in the chair, taking her hand "Undomiel, I can not bear to see my best friend hurt."
"I am quite all right." she assured, giving his hand a squeeze "You should not worry so, you know how temperamental I can be." He shook his head as he settled back in the chair with a smile.
"You are not temperamental." he chuckled, "and I can not help but worry over you. I have been doing it for so very long it has become a habit."
"Did your Naneth not warn you against bad habits?" Arwen teased.
"I find it to be a rather good habit," he grinned, "And you did too when your brother's evil pranks were involved."
"Whatever would I have done all these years without you?" she giggled.
"No doubt you would still be sewn to your bed sheets." he teased. Arwen let out a laugh at the memory, leaning close to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"My hero," she sighed adoringly "I never did thank you for rescuing me."
"And now you are going to replace me with some other elf who has swept you off your feet." he said pretending to pout and making her laugh. "and worst of all I do not even know my competition."
"I would do nothing of the sort." she said with a twinkling smile "You will always be my dearest friend, nothing can change that."
"So you are not going to tell me who you were trysting with in the garden last night?" he asked with a wicked grin.
"Legolas, I am surprised at you." she replied, pretending to be shocked "I was not trysting, I was merely enjoying the company of a charming companion."
"A companion you wish to remain anonymous." he smirked.
"I do not recall you ever telling me of your conquests." she shot back with a sly smile.
"That is because there have not been many." he said, his face flushing "Ada would kill me if he thought I ever behaved like that." Arwen tried to hold in a laugh as she remembered her conversation with Rumil and Orophin.
"Well Mirkwood is a long way from here." she grinned. "isn't it?"
***************************************************
Erestor frowned as he surveyed the library. Books and papers littered the table he was working at and he folded his arms over his chest. He needed those manuscripts from Gondolin if he was ever to finish this. He let out a perturbed sigh. He would simply have to search Estel's room on his own.
**************
Author's Note - Whyte Ivy Has a really good story called Estelio Ammen, I know she'd appreciate getting some feedback from all of you. Of course, Haldir is in it so what's not to love? Oh, and I have a one shot I posted while I was down with the flu called Life is But a Dream. If you need a good laugh you might want to take a look.... writing under the influence of Vics, yummy.
**************
jesla - I'm so glad you noticed, I tried to mimic Tolkien's use of Aragorn's names but I have it easier since he only has two at this time.
Cerridwen - Elladan may be a little dense but he really is a good guy. How can you get mad at a girl for doing badly at something you talked her into?
pua lahi lahi - if 'better' means 'more confusing' then I'd have to say yes.
grumpy - Oh, you live in the snow? No wonder you're grumpy. I live on the beach. (please don't yell at me.)
TSS - Indelin is pretty clueless which is kind of normal at her age. Elrohir is just in love and stupid, a bad (but common) combo.
Converted - Ah, grasshopper, you wish to know the secret to prolific story production? The answer is simple, I don't go to school (though I keep talking about going back to finish my masters), I don't have a husband or kids, all my friends are online, I have a low stress job, I hate TV, I'm not particularly fond of pro sports, and most of all, I don't sleep. In short, I have no life. Since I don't get out much (work doesn't count) my sources of entertainment are limited to the internet and books... Any questions?
Aranel3 - They are haughty, uptight buggers, we're just sneaking in to watch them when their guard is down.
Whyte Ivy - Meril annoys me too, that's why I like her. Come to think of it all four ladies (Arwen included) are doing things that make me roll my eyes. It's part of the fun. I'm afraid by the time I finish this story my eyes will be permanently rolled. (And no, I'm an only child, Elladan is just feeding one of my childhood fantasies.) I think you can just forget about the age differences. Aragorn is 20 and Arwen is 2700. The twins are 2811, no one else has their age listed in cannon so I made them up. Legolas 2701, Haldir 2705, Orophin 2667, Rumil 2660 Meril 210, Eirien 175, Indelin 49 oh, and Glorfindel is roughly 6500, give or take. Whoever we marry the girls off to it's going to be a huge age difference. Not that I can think of a good reason why elves would care.
Meril let out a dismal sigh, pressing her eye to the crack in the door. She had come down to the storeroom after an apple, the fresh ones had just come in from the orchard that morning. She had planned to find a quite spot somewhere with her lute and soothe her frayed nerves a bit.
Apparently tension was a state she would simply have to grow accustomed to.
She had only just found the barrel of new apples while plotting how best to entrap Legolas and simultaneously ward off Orophin when the Lorien elf's voice had drifted to her down the corridor. Not wanting to be trapped with him in such a confined space she had retreated into the wine cellar.
Rumil and Orophin were now busily rummaging through bins and hissing at each other in low whispers, only paces from her hiding place. Why did this wretched elf always have to spoil her plans?
"I've found some rope!" Rumil grinned, tugging furiously at the coil wedged in a corner of the shelf. "Have we found everything else?"
"I do not have..." Orophin frowned, climbing up the shelf until he could reach the top and searching several bins. "wait, here it is."
"We must hurry," Rumil said frantically as he coiled the rope around his arm. "We will lose him."
"He has not got as far as the stone bench, we will easily reach it before him." Orophin snorted, "calm down, grab some apples and a loaf, I want some wine before we go."
"We do not have time." Rumil snapped, stuffing food in a bag.
"We will likely be sitting out there half the day, I want a drink and I won't broker arguments." Orophin replied, striding to the cellar door. He threw it open, descending the steps and slipping past the shelves of perfectly stacked bottles.
"The old elf doesn't keep the finery down here does he?"
"Would you please grab a bottle so we can get out of here?" Rumil demanded angrily. Orophin shrugged, snatching up a wine flask and following his brother out of the storeroom. Their hushed voices were soon silenced by the heavy oak door and in moments even their footsteps could not be heard.
On the far end of the wine cellar one of the old mead barrels rolled slightly on it's side. The wooden lid came loose, clattering away across the floor and Meril crawled out on her hands and knees, a bit dusty and her normally perfect hair rumpled. She blew a stray lock out of her eyes with a menacing frown.
"I hate that elf."
**********************************************
Elladan hurried down the stairs, from his room, straightening his tunic. He had traded his torn leggings for a new pair and the bruises from his fall were healing rapidly thanks to the salve he had concocted.
He had wasted precious time with Indelin and though he didn't regret it, he felt a bit guilty that all of the burden had fallen on his twin. Elrohir would be beside himself if Arwen did not turn up soon, but then he would be none too pleased himself.
"Elladan?" he turned at the sound of his name, cursing inwardly as Eirien approached him.
"Elrohir." he said quickly, Eirien frowned, looking him over carefully.
"Why are you dressed like your brother?" she asked pointedly.
"Bad planning." he replied hastily. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Don't be so cross." she sniffed, giving him a rather annoyed glare "I was looking for your brother, he promised to meet me." Elladan cringed, he didn't have time for this right now.
"Well I haven't seen him." Elladan replied, trying to brush her off.
"Elladan do you have a minute?" Elrond asked, approaching them from his study.
"Elrohir." Elladan sighed. He was thankful he was not mortal, the Valar would condemn him for eternity for this. Elrond stared at his first born, a confused frown creasing his face.
"Why does everyone keep confusing the two of you?" Eirien asked, her frown deepening.
"It happens all the time." he lied, rubbing his forehead, "you get used to it."
"I was looking for your sister and Legolas." Elrond said, shaking off his distraction "have you seen them?"
"The last I saw Legolas he was in the gardens." Elladan replied, trying not to grin, here was his chance to remove the Mirkwood prince from the hunt and prevent him from stoking the fires of romance.
"Well, I'm sure Arwen's with him." Elrond shrugged, looking completely unconcerned "If you see them, let them know I'd like to speak to the both of them." Elrond turned to go, a slight smile on his face that Elladan found troubling.
"Elrohir have you seen Estel?" Erestor asked with a frown, leaning out of the door to the Library.
"Ella... no I haven't seen him since last night." Elladan replied, catching himself quickly. Eirien threw him a slightly suspicious look and he gave her a smile he desperately hoped was friendly.
"He has one of my Queyna manuscripts, maybe I should check his room." the older elf mused, his frown deepening.
"No!" Elladan said, Erestor and Eirien were both staring at him as he made a desperate recovery "I mean, you know Estel, he hasn't cleaned his room since the Last Alliance. You'll never find it."
"Elrohir are you feeling well?" Eirien asked uneasily.
"No, I mean yes..." he stared at her blankly a moment "I am sorry, what was the question?"
"Tell Estel I need that manuscript when you see him." Erestor said slipping back into the library.
"Well, would you tell Elladan I will meet him in the courtyard before dinner?" Eirien smiled.
"Yes, of course," he replied rubbing his temples "I have to go." he didn't even look back as he hurried down the hall toward the rear porch. He stopped as soon as he was outside, panting as he leaned against the wall.
"If I survive this it will be an act of the Valar." he breathed.
****************************************************
Rumil and Orophin crouched in the bushes near the river, watching the empty trail with baited breath. They could hear the soft rustle of elven feet not far away and they tensed in anticipation.
"Wait, how do we know it is Legolas?" Rumil asked, they paused squinting into the trees.
"Arwen?" a faint voice called as it approached.
"It is him." Orophin said with a grin. The elf drew closer and both brothers slid down on their stomachs, watching his booted feet on the path. He took a few unsuspecting steps as Orophin drew his knife and severed the rope tied to the tree. There was a harsh cry of surprise as their snare tightened around the ankles of their prey, drawing him into the trees and sending leaves raining down onto the path.
Chuckling madly the Lorien brothers stole away, as fleeting as shadows, making for the house and safety with all speed.
**********************************************
Arwen smiled happily to herself as she made her way back from the stables, Estel had stopped to check on his horse and she had decided to go back to the house without him. She wasn't entirely certain why she was uncomfortable with the idea of others knowing of their friendship but she decided not to bother about it.
Estel had shown her a hidden path out of Imladris that he had found under the falls and she was delighted with the new discovery. It came out in back of the stables near her favorite tree and they had pilfered lunch from the armory and sat together by the river for quite a while.
As she came to the courtyard she was nearly run down by her favorite Lorien wardens who were panting as if they had been fleeing from orcs.
"Rumil, Orophin," she said with a smile. "dare I ask what mischief the two of you have been creating?"
"We were only having a foot race, my Lady." Rumil defended, his expression turning at once guilty. Orophin nodded in agreement as he gasped for air. She didn't believe them for a moment.
"I don't suppose either of you has seen Legolas?" she asked. She had put off their conversation last night and by now he was probably livid with her. She hadn't meant to be so long but she had lost track of time.
"I believe I saw him in the woods chasing one of the housekeepers." Orophin said with a wolfish grin.
"Only one?" Rumil asked in surprise "He must not be feeling well, he can usually manage three or four at a time." Arwen stared at him open mouthed. Of course she knew Legolas had trysts on occasion but this was a bit more risque than she had expected.
"Well, you know Legolas." Orophin shrugged, throwing his brother a venomous glare as Arwen looked away, hiding the deepening blush of her cheeks.
"Yes well," Arwen replied, trying desperately not to look shocked "I know Legolas. If you'll excuse me." She shook her head as she mounted the steps, that particular conversation was painting pictures in her mind she didn't really care to have.
"Three or four?" Orophin hissed as she walked away. Rumil glared back at him.
"I am not taking any chances."
Arwen climbed the stairs, humming to herself. It had been such a lovely morning. She would change her clothes and take a book out to the gardens, with any luck she would find Legolas, preferably with the vast majority of his clothes on. She opened the door to her room with a happy sigh.
"Undomiel, I am detecting a disturbing pattern." Legolas said darkly. He was sitting in one of her chairs near the fire, his arms crossed over his chest and a deep frown on his face.
"Mellon, what are you doing in here?" she asked with a giggle, setting her bow and quiver against the wall.
"I am waiting for you." he said drily "as I recall it is much the same thing I was doing last night."
"Legolas, I am sorry, I lost track of time." she replied, coming to sit down across from him.
"It seems to be a recurring problem for you." he snapped.
"Mellon nin, please do not be angry." she soothed "I was having a bit of a practice and a nice walk. I did not forget about you, I was only delayed."
"After last night I was worried." he sighed, his voice turning gentle as he leaned forward in the chair, taking her hand "Undomiel, I can not bear to see my best friend hurt."
"I am quite all right." she assured, giving his hand a squeeze "You should not worry so, you know how temperamental I can be." He shook his head as he settled back in the chair with a smile.
"You are not temperamental." he chuckled, "and I can not help but worry over you. I have been doing it for so very long it has become a habit."
"Did your Naneth not warn you against bad habits?" Arwen teased.
"I find it to be a rather good habit," he grinned, "And you did too when your brother's evil pranks were involved."
"Whatever would I have done all these years without you?" she giggled.
"No doubt you would still be sewn to your bed sheets." he teased. Arwen let out a laugh at the memory, leaning close to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"My hero," she sighed adoringly "I never did thank you for rescuing me."
"And now you are going to replace me with some other elf who has swept you off your feet." he said pretending to pout and making her laugh. "and worst of all I do not even know my competition."
"I would do nothing of the sort." she said with a twinkling smile "You will always be my dearest friend, nothing can change that."
"So you are not going to tell me who you were trysting with in the garden last night?" he asked with a wicked grin.
"Legolas, I am surprised at you." she replied, pretending to be shocked "I was not trysting, I was merely enjoying the company of a charming companion."
"A companion you wish to remain anonymous." he smirked.
"I do not recall you ever telling me of your conquests." she shot back with a sly smile.
"That is because there have not been many." he said, his face flushing "Ada would kill me if he thought I ever behaved like that." Arwen tried to hold in a laugh as she remembered her conversation with Rumil and Orophin.
"Well Mirkwood is a long way from here." she grinned. "isn't it?"
***************************************************
Erestor frowned as he surveyed the library. Books and papers littered the table he was working at and he folded his arms over his chest. He needed those manuscripts from Gondolin if he was ever to finish this. He let out a perturbed sigh. He would simply have to search Estel's room on his own.
**************
Author's Note - Whyte Ivy Has a really good story called Estelio Ammen, I know she'd appreciate getting some feedback from all of you. Of course, Haldir is in it so what's not to love? Oh, and I have a one shot I posted while I was down with the flu called Life is But a Dream. If you need a good laugh you might want to take a look.... writing under the influence of Vics, yummy.
**************
jesla - I'm so glad you noticed, I tried to mimic Tolkien's use of Aragorn's names but I have it easier since he only has two at this time.
Cerridwen - Elladan may be a little dense but he really is a good guy. How can you get mad at a girl for doing badly at something you talked her into?
pua lahi lahi - if 'better' means 'more confusing' then I'd have to say yes.
grumpy - Oh, you live in the snow? No wonder you're grumpy. I live on the beach. (please don't yell at me.)
TSS - Indelin is pretty clueless which is kind of normal at her age. Elrohir is just in love and stupid, a bad (but common) combo.
Converted - Ah, grasshopper, you wish to know the secret to prolific story production? The answer is simple, I don't go to school (though I keep talking about going back to finish my masters), I don't have a husband or kids, all my friends are online, I have a low stress job, I hate TV, I'm not particularly fond of pro sports, and most of all, I don't sleep. In short, I have no life. Since I don't get out much (work doesn't count) my sources of entertainment are limited to the internet and books... Any questions?
Aranel3 - They are haughty, uptight buggers, we're just sneaking in to watch them when their guard is down.
Whyte Ivy - Meril annoys me too, that's why I like her. Come to think of it all four ladies (Arwen included) are doing things that make me roll my eyes. It's part of the fun. I'm afraid by the time I finish this story my eyes will be permanently rolled. (And no, I'm an only child, Elladan is just feeding one of my childhood fantasies.) I think you can just forget about the age differences. Aragorn is 20 and Arwen is 2700. The twins are 2811, no one else has their age listed in cannon so I made them up. Legolas 2701, Haldir 2705, Orophin 2667, Rumil 2660 Meril 210, Eirien 175, Indelin 49 oh, and Glorfindel is roughly 6500, give or take. Whoever we marry the girls off to it's going to be a huge age difference. Not that I can think of a good reason why elves would care.
