Chapter 42: Llama

Legolas lay on not a horse or pony, but a wooly llama. The llama seemed to scare Haldir's horse, which continued to back away from the llama every time he neared him.

"I thought you wanted to go for a horse ride?"

"Ada says I'm too small to ride horses."

"Then...why not ride your pony?"

"Pony is sleeping, and other pony Galion says has a cold."

"So... who is this you are riding?"

"My llama! His name is Twig, but Ada calls him Fimbrethil cause he said I should have given him an elvish name... but I still like Twig!"

Haldir smiled at the name the elfling chose to give his steed. Twig was and original name, he was certain of that, though he hoped he began to name his horses properly when he became the age to have one, for Legolas would certainly be mocked if he named a horse 'Shoopuff' or 'Kooser' [which two names my friend and I invented during our last year in school, which was not too long ago].

"Whas you horse's name Haldiw?"

"Uh... Rill."

"Okay."

Haldir smiled as the elfling sat properly on his llama. Legolas kissed Twig on the top of his head and then ordered him to follow Haldir's horse. Rill was not very pleased with this idea, so ran much faster than Haldir commanded.

"Daro Rill. DARO!"

Legolas tried to get his llama to hurry so he could follow Haldir's horse, but the llama was much to slow. Soon Rill and Haldir where out of sight and the elfling was alone in the courtyard and scared.

"Haldiw? Rill? Twig... I'm scared!"

Legolas embraced his llama's neck and began to sob.

Finally, after many cuts from tree branches and many times of falling off and barely managing to get back on, Haldir settled his horse down. He knew he broke something when what seemed like the millionth time he fell off and hit a tree. He refused to tell the elfling though. Little Legolas really wished for Haldir to play with him, and having gotten a third injury would worry the elfling sick.

Haldir turned his horse around. He knew where they where, as this was the path he had taken to arrive at the palace. It seemed Rill had had plans to return home.

Haldir whispered to his horse that the llama was good and so was the elfling. He tried to calm him down and it worked, Haldir somewhat pleased of that.

When he returned to the courtyard he immediately tied his horse down to a tree as soon as he laid his eyes upon the sad prince crying on his llama.

"Legolas!"

"H-Hal...diw?"

"Yes, I am back."

Legolas wiped away his tears and ran over to Haldir. He jumped up and barely got caught for his just was low and sudden. Haldir cuddled the elfling in his arms then carried him over to his horse; wincing often for the pain in his foot – his toe to be precise – was harsh.

"What are you doing Hal?"

"Showing my horse that you are friend. Let him smell your hand yellow leaf."

Legolas cautiously stuck his hand out in front of the horse's nose, which smelt him and allowed his to stroke him gently. Legolas smiled and kissed Haldir's horse upon his head.

Haldir placed the elfling on the snow and then fetched his llama. The llama was heavier and hurt his broken toe much more, as well as his now re- located shoulder and his broken finger, which was healing fast.

He placed the llama next to his horse and eventually Rill got used to having Twig and Legolas pacing back and forth beside him.

Haldir helped Legolas mount Twig, than untied his horse from the tree and mounted him. Legolas followed Rill around the courtyard, over and over again. Then, the elfling fell off.

"Legolas! Are you hurt?"

"No... b-but I got snow... in my...c-coat...and down my leggings... an... my b-bum is cold and snow... is... Everywhere!"

Tears formed in Legolas' eyes. Before they even dared to spill, Haldir scooped the elfling gently and cradled him in his arms, whispering elven words to the scared and cold prince.

"Maybe we should go in now. Our pancakes should be ready, and I have a few... minor injuries, that need to be cared for."

Haldir placed the prince on his horse, making sure he would not fall off, and every now and then ordering him to have good posture, as Legolas often would slump over to one side or hang over the horse.

Haldir guided his horse with Legolas on him and Twig the llama back to the stables, feeding his horse an apple and water, and giving the llama some llama food and water. He then took Legolas into his arms and carried him inside.

The trip inside was painful. Legolas was amused with Haldir's cuts on his forehead, and every so often he would put a finger onto the cut, making Haldir's cut burn and make him wince, which Legolas would was like a very amusing button that could make Haldir 'seem' he was in pain, though he was truly in immense pain from his broken toe and cuts.

Once Haldir arrived inside, he placed the elfling on the floor and unbuttoned his jacket, took off his boots and all the rest of his snow clothes – even managing to get his blue hat with the pompom off.

Haldir did not need to struggle with his own winter garments. Legolas was more than pleased (wouldn't anyone be?) to unbutton Haldir's winter garments. He even took off his boots and tried to take off his tunic (he is so lucky to have this opportunity), but finally, since Haldir did not feel the need to be stripped by the elfling, so he gave the elfling's wrist a small slap of his hand, which made Legolas take his hand away and gently nursing it in his arms.

"You hit me."

"Please stop unbuttoning my tunic."

"Sorry Haldiw. I will stop if you don't hit me."

"I will stop, just behave and keep your hands from my tunic buttons."

Legolas allowed Haldir to pick him up, off the ground, and gently rock him as he walked to the kitchen, where the table was set for four and pancakes, covered in butter and syrup, lay on the table in four different plates, along with a glass of milk for each plate...

To Be Continued...