Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings. Work of a genius. A genius by no other name than Tolkien.
Author's Notes:
Ok I managed to scrap up a bit more…I'm trying…more will come in due time…I couldn't update sooner also cos FFN got all clogged up. I couldn't access anything…they really need to get a larger server or something.
Farflung: Thank you for your patience.
FrodoBaggins87: I think it is kinda weird too but I thought all the Elves have braids in their hair and they kinda vary in style, so I just got this idea. Plus I get the feeling Legolas is still young and it is hard to braid your own hair, ever tried it? It gets really messy.
PrincessSerenaXavior: Thanks a lot.
Starlit Hope: Your review was so cute. I love Elrond and Legolas.
Lady Light: You were first to review last chapter! Thank you.
De@D EyeS SEe No FutURe, Blaaarg and anyone that I have missed: Thank you for adding me to your favourites! Its an honour I appreciate very much!
Thranduil is back! …Legolas' thoughts are in italics.
**In Mirkwood, Thranduil's bedroom**
Thranduil was already awake. He had barely slept that night, like a lot of nights. Ever since Legolas had left for Imladris an uneasy feeling had been stirring in his heart. It was guilt and he knew it but he didn't want to admit that he was wrong. Deep in his heart he longed to see Legolas, his one and only son.
The king tossed again, not wanting to get up. He needed to know the results of the peace treaty and soon. If I form an alliance with Imladris, it would make Mirkwood stronger. But if Elrond does not consent…Thranduil frowned. He had not thought of that. What if Elrond did not want to form an alliance with Mirkwood? The king turned over in his bed, the doubt seeping into his mind like a sponge soaking up a puddle of ink.
**In Imladris, Great Hall**
Elrond walked in the Great Hall with Legolas. No one on the table was surprised. Glorfindel had already finished his breakfast and had gotten some for both of them.
"We were almost finished!" Glorfindel said hurriedly. "You are late and you are going to make us late for that meeting with your advisors!"
"Glorfindel." Elrond raised his eyebrows calmly as he spoke. "I can postpone the meeting until this afternoon. Don't stress. You are always telling me not to." He smiled. "Plus, wasn't the meeting set for…uh…tomorrow morning?"
"WHAT?!"
"I think that you might have gotten your dates mixed up. I am sure that it was tomorrow."
"Then what…how…" Glorfindel looked ready to pull his hair out.
"Don't worry about it. I'll check the schedule later." Elrond said practically.
Glorfindel relaxed but he still looked a little tense. The twins snickered evilly before giving their father an innocent smile. Legolas looked puzzled. Elrond serenely sat down to have his breakfast, taking his time.
**In Mirkwood, Throne Room**
Thranduil was still worried about the outcome of the treaty, convinced that something was going to go wrong. He didn't know why he felt so insecure, his confidence was failing him.
"My king…" an advisor approached Thranduil hesitantly.
"Yes," Thranduil said tiredly. He looked distractedly out the window, unconsciously looking in the direction of Imladris. "What now?"
"You missed your breakfast, My King. Would you like me to bring it for you? It is late morning…"
"No, I am not hungry."
"Perhaps you would like an early lunch?"
"No, I do not think that I will be hungry for a while. Thank you." The king waved his hand in dismissal.
"Very well." The servant quickly exited the throne room. The king is really agitated today. He must have too much on his mind, he thought.
In the throne room, Thranduil was pondering again. A sudden realisation made him stop in the midst of his thoughts. If Elrond refused to agree to an alliance…it could create unrest and rivalry between the two Elven cities. To make matters more complicated, Legolas was staying in Imladris. This would give Elrond the upper hand in the matter because he has a hostage to bargain with and to ensure that Mirkwood did not attack, Thranduil was obsessively theorising in his head. The king was horrified at the possible outcome it the treaty was botched. He began to formulate a plan in his mind to solve this problem.
**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**
The healer began to clear the dishes away with a smile. "You finished your breakfast…almost," she added when she saw that a tomato had been uneaten. "You should eat all your vegetables," the healer said sternly.
Herendil and Meleris looked at each other.
"You should," the healer said more firmly.
"Later," both of them said in unison.
The healer rolled her eyes in annoyance and amusement. Secretly, she was pleased about her patient's progress although she would admit it. Just in case.
Meleris took out his book and continued to read aloud. Herendil listened intently, captivated by the stories.
**In Imladris**
Elrond had just finished his breakfast.
"You certainly took as long as possible," Glorfindel muttered under his breath. "You probably did it on purpose."
"I heard that," Elrond said.
The twins laughed as they saw Glorfindel being given the well-known Elrond glare. It was the one they were often at the receiving end of, except this one was friendlier.
"You have lessons today-" Elrond began.
"But Ada!" The twins protested loudly.
Elrond held his palm up to silence Elladan and Elrohir. "I know. As I was saying, you have lessons today, just like a normal day, but I have decided that your lesson time will be halved."
"Wha-"
"Let me finish talking. Don't interrupt me. Where was I? Yes - Your lessons will be shortened so that they only run from after breakfast to lunch. From then on you are free to spend the time as you like."
"What about Legolas?" Elladan interrupted.
Elrond gave the elder twin a warning glance, his patience was wearing down.
"I'm sorry." Elladan bowed his head.
"Never mind, just don't do it. If Legolas does not mind, he could probably accompany the both of you in your lessons," Elrond suggested.
"I don't mind. I had to take lessons in Mirkwood as well," Legolas consented. Etiquette lessons, history, diplomacy…learning to be a Lord is almost the same as learning to be a King right? In any case, Elladan and Elrohir will be going too. I wonder what it is like to have lessons with more than one pupil…
"Well then, everything is set," Elrond said. He looked at the twins who appeared to be disappointed. They were both looking downcast. "I know you don't like lessons but you need to take them. You just had a holiday, I can't always give you days off."
The twins sat in a sullen silence.
Finally Elrond succumbed. "Oh alright," he sighed. "You two will be the death of me. Your lessons will begin tomorrow."
"Thank you Ada." The twins stood up to give their father a crushing bear hug. "We love you."
"Now go off to play," Elrond said.
When all the elflings had gone, Glorfindel remarked, "You spoil them too much. They are manipulating you. You realise that they weren't really that upset about your decision…right? They probably just wanted more time off."
"I know," the Elven Lord moaned. "I fell right into their trap without realising it. They know that I hate to see them sad. I love them too much."
"It is better than loving them too little. At least they might behave better with Legolas attending their lessons," Glorfindel said optimistically.
"I hope you are right. Imagine triplets running around Imladris…" Elrond said curiously.
Glorfindel groaned loudly.
** In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**
The healer walked into the room, hating to disturb the peace between the two friends. "I am truly sorry for my interruption but the King wishes to see you Meleris. He said that it was extremely urgent and important," the healer told him.
Herendil was curious. "Is it about the…" he stopped at Meleris' silencing look. He decided to change the question. "Why does he want to see you again so soon?" he asked his friend.
"I honestly don't know," Meleris replied in relief.
"You have not been summoned, Herendil, and you have not healed adequately to leave the Healing Rooms. You cannot go," the healer said gently. She knew that Herendil really wanted to go with Meleris.
"I will be back soon," Meleris promised.
"Tell me everything," Herendil said insistently.
"I will. Every detail," Meleris reassured confidently. As he left he could hear Herendil wishing him luck and he smiled, despite his nervousness.
"Don't stress yourself in his absence," the healer warned. "He can take care of himself. The king just wanted to talk to him. Your friend will keep his word. He cares a lot about you."
"How do you know?" Herendil asked inquisitively.
"Because…" the healer said with a mysterious grin. "You should know the answer anyway." She did not answer Herendil's probing look. Instead she left, leaving Herendil to search the silence for an answer.
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