Reviewer responses for Chapter 16:
Pirate Gyrl: Glad you were missed by the storm...so were my family and friends for the most part. Glad you liked the chapter and yes you are right the Hobbits were having difficulty behaving!!
Mornflower: ROTFLMAO...I love that little dialogue your review had in it! VERY cute. As for the air shield...just wait and see what they do about it.
Deana: Thanks for the continuing reviews...here you are...
InsanePirate624: The quickest update on eh? Well, I dunno but I guess I can be fast sometimes. Glad you enjoy my battle scenes...they are the best things to write too.
Kelsey: Hope you made out well with on starting high school. You are sure in for a ride for the next...what...four years!? Enjoy that and I hope no one DOES manage to stuff you in a locker. Anyway, glad you liked the chapter...sorry if sometimes characters come off as a bit modern in their speech...guess that's me coming through! (THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE CHAPTER 15 ONE)
Gozilla: Glad you liked...thanks for reading.
Chantal1409: Glad you liked that teaching the Hobbits bit. It was So fun to write that!!!
Dragonfire1214: Thanks for reviewing again! Glad you like this story. I promise you will get some Legolas injury in this chapter!!! I am glad you liked the bit with Gimli and the kids too...that was just a perfect thing with his height!
Kelsey AGAIN: This is for chapter 16 review...Sorry bout the cliffie! (Not REALLY...I do that on purpose SOMETIMES...) You shall see what happens with the air shield in this chapter...enjoy.
Zammy and Karone Evertree: Thanks for reviewing and here is your updates...enjoy them!
Chapter 17: The Hammer-stroke Falls
Why didn't I wait a little before calling on Gweluthand? She warned me of this and I did not take heed, now we are about to be attacked and the Hobbits and the others are beginning to feel the shadow once more. Even I am becoming affected.
Legolas was seated in a tall tree, looking out at the advancing Orc army. It had been within his sight for a while now; he knew that Aragorn, if he was looking that way, would now be able to discern it easily. It was only a matter of maybe an hour before they were under attack.
Please, speak to me, Gweluthand! I need guidance, what do I do without you? He pleaded that he would be heard. For long moments, there was no reply. Then, faintly he heard something.
: I am not able to come back until regenerated. But Cellnen knew one way to speed up my regeneration; he would lend me his strength. : There was a pause as if Gweluthand was gathering strength to continue. : It will mean you will be vulnerable in the fight. :
Legolas didn't care. He had to save his friends and the Hobbits. "Please, tell me." He whispered aloud. "I will do anything."
: All right, I will explain to you what must be done. Listen carefully, for I only have the strength to tell it once. : That said Gweluthand began to tell the Elf what he would have to do and how he would do it. His face fell at what she said.
"Where is Legolas? Have you seen him!?" Aragorn called to Gimli over the growing din of the Orc army on the doorstep of the Shire. "The shadow is beginning to overtake the Hobbits!" He watched with unease as some of the nearest Hobbits began to chatter about visiting the Green Dragon.
Gimli shrugged, not having a clue where the Elf was, a sense of foreboding growing inside him. Then, out of nowhere, Legolas materialized. He looked unaffected by the shadow, his eyes as clear as ever. Taking his spot between Gimli and Aragorn, he spoke quickly.
"I know what I must do, though I loathe doing it. You both may need to cover me, for I will not be able to fight as I usually do," the Elf glanced at his friends, not wanting to elaborate. "Do not ask why; only promise me you will at least try."
Both nodded and Legolas took a deep breath. He began to speak in Elvish, so quietly and quickly that even Aragorn could not follow his words. The man noticed then, to his dismay that Legolas' natural radiance seemed to diminish.
He no longer seemed to have that Elven glow to his skin and his shoulders slumped a little. He stopped speaking and looked at Aragorn. The man gasped. The Elf's eyes were almost lifeless, dark and glazed, more akin to human eyes then Elf ones.
"What have you done?" Aragorn asked as he felt the shadow disappear and saw Gweluthand suddenly reemerge, strong as before.
Legolas looked at him sadly. "I have given Gweluthand strength by forsaking my Elven abilities. I can no longer see nor hear things at great distances, nor do I have my usual light-footedness. I am essentially a man, no offense Aragorn. By using what I gave her, Gweluthand can shield us for a few more hours."
Aragorn looked at his long time friend with a new respect. "You are indeed a good friend, mellon nin, to give up these things on the eve of battle when you have never fought without their aid. Gimli and I will try to watch your back. May the Valar be with us all."
He turned toward the Hobbits, glad to see them shaking off the shadow and holding their weapons at the ready. Soon, the first of the battle was heard when the Orcs met with the first line of defense, the Rohirrim and Gondorians.
Gimli was still looking at his friend in shock. I hope this is not permanent, I can not imagine Legolas without his Elven abilities. He hoped that his friend would be able to fight without them.
The first of the Orcs came charging up the road, shrieking and growling. Aragorn and Legolas, along with the line of Hobbit archers, notched their arrows and prepared to fire. When the Orcs were close enough, Aragorn gave the order and arrows flew through the air.
Gimli chuckled, watching Legolas' arrow hit an Orc square between the eyes. "At least you haven't lost your skill with a bow!" The dwarf laughed, shifting his weight as he watched more Orcs flow toward them.
When they were too close for arrows, swords, axes and daggers were unsheathed and metal clanged. Merry and Pippin charged into the fray with shrieks of "the Shire!" Frodo and Sam were on their heels.
Aragorn saw Sam's father, the Gaffer, plunge his sword into an Orc and pull it free, surprised that he had succeeded in killing his enemy. He quickly recovered and sidestepped another Orc, surprise on his face.
Legolas was still fast and agile with his daggers, relying on over two millennia of training and experience, spinning on his heel and plunging one of the blades into an Orc's soft neck. But he lacked his usual gracefulness and ease of movement, finding his movements hindered.
He just managed to avoid a nasty cut to the back, turning and killing the Uruk just in time. Gimli, seeing this falter, frowned. Maybe he is not himself, though the bow shots did have me fooled. He swung his axe into an approaching Orc and grunted as he pulled it back out. Aragorn was trying to keep an eye on his friend and the Hobbits as well.
They are fighting well, the shadow is at bay, and we may yet still win this! He thought to himself. Swinging his sword in a fast arc, he sliced an Uruk's head from its body, spinning on his heel and stabbing blindly behind him to take out another.
Gimli was so preoccupied watching over Legolas that he missed the blade of an Orc careening toward his legs. He suddenly felt the biting pain of the blow and cried out. Legolas spun toward his friend and his eyes widened.
His eyes then darkened and he flung a dagger at the Orc, hitting it in the throat. Hurrying to Gimli, he caught him as he fell. "Gimli!" The Elf cried in anguish. "Please, Gimli!"
The Dwarf pushed him off. "I am fine. Just a little cut! Don't worry about me too much, you are not your usual self and I have seen you faltering already." He struggled to his feet, putting some weight on his leg and grimacing. "Fight at my side if you must."
Legolas nodded and pulled an arrow from his quiver quickly, though not with his usual lightning speed. Thrusting it forward, he plunged it into the eye of an Orc, then notched it and sent it careening into an Uruk that had been advancing on the gaffer.
The Hobbit looked toward his benefactor and smiled, waving lightly. The moment's distraction was his undoing. Legolas cried out a warning, but it was not in time. An Uruk blade sliced into the Hobbit's shoulder, plunging deep.
A pained scream was torn from the gaffer's throat as he was forced down onto his knees by the blow. The Uruk pulled free his blade and prepared to finish the attack when an arrow hit him in the forehead.
But it was not an arrow from the bow of Legolas or Aragorn. Pippin stood, his eyes ablaze, with the bow still pointed in the direction of the Gaffer. Tears were in his eyes and he cried out a strangled battle scream as he lunged at the nearest Orc with his short sword.
Legolas searched for Sam, surprised that he had not heard his father's scream. He was fighting beside Frodo to the Elf's left. It was only a matter of time before he saw what happened. They had been fighting for nearly half an hour now; the Hobbits were brave but beginning to tire.
The Elf knew that Gweluthand could only shield them for an hour, two at the very best, with the strength he had given her. He cast the worry aside, blocking the blows of another Orc, his arms strangely tired.
It must be the lack of my elvish abilities! Now I know what it feels to fight long battles as a man would. I feel fatigue in my muscles and pain in minor cuts. How does Aragorn survive like this every time we fight? He spun on his heel, landing a punch to an Orc's face just as it was about to attack Gimli.
The dwarf was losing his battle to stay conscious. Legolas would not let him fall while he himself still stood. He glanced toward his friends, seeing the Hobbits faring well and Aragorn fighting with an energy born of sheer desperation.
We will not last much longer! If only I could call on magic now! He longed for his Elvish abilities. If there was ever a time he could use a little magic, now was it. Suddenly, to his great relief, he was assaulted with sound.
The Elf faltered in his step, drawing the attention of Aragorn and his other companions. He shivered, though not because he was chilled, his glow returning as his abilities came back to him. Thank the Valar it wasn't permanent! Aragorn breathed a sigh of relief.
Until he saw the threat that Legolas did not. Calling out, he ran toward the Elf, but knew he wouldn't reach him in time. An Orc blade, aimed for the Elf's exposed back, flashed in the waning sunlight.
Still reeling from the shock of his returning senses, Legolas did not see it. He suddenly felt a blinding pain and screeched, becoming fully aware. He surged forward, pulling himself from the blade, fully intending to kill his injurer as he spun on his heel.
There was no need. A dagger flew within inches of the Elf's face and struck the Orc in the throat. Legolas' eyes turned his benefactor and widened in shock. There stood his father, leaning forward clutching his chest. Behind him were Lord Elrond and his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, his advisor Erestor, Gandalf, Galadriel and an odd looking creature.
A swath of dead surrounded the newcomers, though they were quickly engaged in battle as well, with Elladan and Elrohir rallying around Thranduil as the King tried to regain control of his pain. Legolas, his senses and strength returned to him, knew now was the time to end this, he could feel his wound bleeding, saw Gimli and the gaffer unconscious and his father reeling.
Though a powerful group had arrived, the Hobbits were faltering. It had to end. Legolas squared his shoulders and spoke forcefully, his voice commanding attention. The Orcs and all those around continued to fight, but half-heartedly.
Meanwhile...
The small group that had set out from Rivendell had reached the Shire late in the morning, and was now riding as fast as they dared with their injured companions. Elladan had spotted the trail made by the orcs, and the Elves were paralleling the course, riding over the hills to avoid coming up directly on the flanks of the Orcs.
The din of combat reached the ears of the Elves and the whole group quickened their pace more. Thranduil and Erestor, adrenaline rushing, barely felt their wounds, but Elrond was conscious of them and tried to hold them back.
"Stay behind the twins and I you two, we do not want you injured any more." Elrond directed his gaze mostly to Thranduil. The King was a warrior by nature, whereas Erestor was not. The Elf Lord worried that the Elven-king would take drastic measures if he saw his son in danger.
Thranduil glared at the Elf but did not answer. Nor did he shake his head in agreement. Elrond was about to push the matter when they crested the hill and slowed to a surprised halt.
Hobbits, Gondorians, Rohirrim and the old members of the Fellowship were all fighting together; a mixture of weapons and skill levels mingling against the Uruks and Orcs of Graelath.
And it looked like the small alliance was faltering under the attack of the Orcs.
Without further ado, the newcomers hurried to their aide. Gandalf, the twins and Elrond took point, laying into the enemy with a vigor that hid their worry and their fatigue. As of yet, they had not seen Arwen.
It doesn't mean she isn't here...it doesn't mean anything happened to her... Elladan thought as he ran an Orc through with his sword. He glanced momentarily at Thranduil who was actually hanging back as Elrond had ordered.
Satisfied that the King was safe enough for the moment he turned his attention back on the battle.
Thranduil, being in the back as he was, and partially protected by his companions, was able to observe the combatants. He saw Aragorn fighting like a mad-man; Hobbits swinging swords and some, to his surprise, shooting arrows almost effectively; and of course the soldiers of Rohan and Gondor.
Then his eyes lit upon a scene that would plague his dreams for the rest of his immortal life. Legolas, standing protectively over a Dwarf, stumbled as his Elven glow seemed to strengthen.
Stumbled and missed the Orc behind him.
Thranduil knew that shouting a warning would do nothing and before he even realized what he was doing, he pushed past Elladan, Elrohir, Gandalf and Elrond, ripping a dagger from the other lord's belt as he moved.
Taken by surprise by the King's actions, Elrond wasn't fast enough to stop Thranduil from seizing his dagger, even though he had more than half expected the King to join the fray.
In the clear, Thranduil ignored everything around him, taking a split second to aim, and then flinging the dagger with all his remaining strength, even as he felt an explosion of pain, though he didn't take his eyes off the knife. He clutched his chest in pain, watching the Orc stab his son in the back, seeing Legolas pull forward and away, intent on turning to kill the Orc, then seeing his own blade hit the Orc in the throat.
Legolas turned quickly, surprise on his face. The surprise grew and the Elf's eyes widened when they locked on the King's form. Thranduil smiled lightly, pleased and relieved that his son was saved.
He wheezed in pain as his companions recovered and moved to protect him while he caught his breath and stilled his trembles. Then he looked up to see resolve appear in Legolas' eyes as the younger Elf began to speak.
Galadriel, Elrond and Gandalf watched in silence. They knew the power of Elvish magic, though they had not seen it wielded in this manner in a long time. He reminds me so much of Cellnen, Galadriel thought as the Elf prince began to glow a little brighter.
No one was quite sure what he was going to do. Aragorn had seen the magic at work, but it didn't seem to always take the same form. To his great surprise, he saw the Orcs and Uruks around him clutching at their throats, their beady eyes wide in fear.
Thranduil, who had somewhat recovered from the strain of throwing the dagger, looked at his son with interest. I didn't know Legolas spoke Quenya! The king thought to himself. He too had seen the magic in action before and was amazed at how it differed each time.
Legolas continued to speak, his eyes locked on the Uruk in front of him, who looked to be a leader of sorts. As he spoke, the enemy began to fall, slowly at first, then in droves. Soon, there were few left standing, but Legolas had no strength left to continue so he left it to his companions to finish these off as he slid to the ground in exhaustion, clutching blindly for his wound.
Aragorn hurried over to him, the newly arrived Elves on his heels. "Legolas?" He called, coming to a stop and kneeling by his friend. "Once again you save us when we are in dire need, and at the expense of your own health."
Legolas smiled wanly. "Yes, so it would seem. What ever would you do without me?" He was being sarcastic, that was a good sign. His eyes clouded and his gaze fell on Gimli. "He is hurt worse; I will be all right until he is tended to." He grimaced as his father fell to his side and began to fuss over him.
A strangled cry broke the silence. All eyes turned toward Sam, who was kneeling beside his father, cradling the bloody Hobbit in his arms. "No! You can't be dead, you can't be!" He was muttering, tears falling down his cheeks. Legolas looked pointedly at Lord Elrond.
"Please." He whispered, gently pulling the Elf's hand from his back.
Elrond nodded and stood, hurrying over to the fallen Hobbit. Galadriel, heeding Legolas' plea, went to Gimli, leaving Aragorn and Thranduil to tend to Legolas. Though Thranduil was really just getting in the way of Aragorn's tending.
The two friends glanced at each other, sorrow in their eyes. Sam was a dear friend and they hated to see him in such despair. Frodo appeared at the blonde Hobbit's side. "Sam, you must let him down so Lord Elrond can help him!" He pleaded, pulling Sam back, looking to Merry and Pippin with begging eyes.
They didn't hesitate to grab hold of their friend and help Frodo drag him back a few steps, giving Elrond room to work. Frodo pulled Sam's tear-streaked face toward his own. "He saved my life after I was stabbed with a Morgul blade," the dark-haired Hobbit said. "He is powerful; he will do all that can be done for your father."
Sam buried his face in Frodo's shoulder and wept as Lord Elrond struggled to save the Gaffer, his voice speaking urgent Elvish words as all present, save Aragorn and Galadriel, watched. A gentle wind picked up, bringing a clean, wholesome smell to the battlefield. Legolas observed the glowing of Vilya as Elrond called on the power of his Ring. He knew that the elf lord bore the Ring, so this was no shock to him. Everyone else was watching the face of the Gaffer, and seemed not to notice the sapphire glowing with its warm golden light.
For a time, there was no change in the Gaffer, he lay deathly still. Then, he began to draw deeper breaths and his body relaxed onto the ground. Elrond stopped speaking, turning to Merry and Pippin. "Do you know anything about herbs? Could you fetch some for me?"
To his surprise, Sam wiped tears from his face, squared his shoulders and stepped forward. "I am a gardener Mr. Elrond. I know more about plants than most, what do you need?"
Elrond gave Sam a small, reassuring smile, laying a hand on his shoulder. "I will tell you what I need. Do not worry, I feel we arrived soon enough and I will be able to revive him before long."
Sam nodded, a little reassured, but not entirely.
Legolas watched the scene unfold, but as soon as he heard a low groan from his right, he immediately turned toward it. Gimli was waking up and he was wrinkling his nose in pain. Then, the dwarf's eyes widened and he stuttered.
"Milady!? How...why...when...," he stopped, not able to form words. Legolas and Aragorn smiled and the Elf queen answered with a laugh.
"We arrived after you had already lost consciousness, dear Gimli. A long time it has been since we last parted, a hard parting it was for you. But rest easy, I am tending your wound and the battle is over."
Gimli, seeing Legolas sitting beside him with Aragorn tending a wound, frowned. "You got yourself hurt again...seems like you can't keep out of trouble when I'm not around."
The Elf prince shot his friend an evil look promising a talk later. Right now, he was exhausted beyond words and did not feel like answering. Aragorn sighed and moved in front of him. "Your wound is dressed; take care not to disturb it. And I am ordering you, mellon nin, to get some rest, you have drained yourself quite a bit."
Gimli's head snapped up at this last statement. "Drained? You aren't non-Elf anymore!? Thank the heavens; I thought I'd have to deal with you without those abilities of yours! That would be a challenge, you would whine to no end if faced with mortal problems!"
Thranduil narrowed his eyes at his son. "Non-Elf? Mortal problems? What does that mean?"
Gimli's eyes narrowed as well, and he continued speaking, overriding Thranduil's words. "Drained though? You used your magic?!"
Legolas groaned, knowing that he was about to get grilled, and frankly he didn't much feel like that at the moment, so he bowed his head and smiled. "Yes, Gimli, on both accounts. I have my abilities back and I did use magic. But I am all right, you are all right and our friends are all right. We have lost relatively few, which comes as a welcome surprise, though any loss of life is a grievance."
Thranduil wasn't so easily satisfied however, and shot a glare at the dwarf for interrupting him. "I want an answer Legolas. What does he mean?"
Galadriel interrupted. "There will be time enough for that later, Thranduil. Both of them need rest, and you need to be checked over as well, after being so foolish to get into the battle while injured, especially after being warned by Elrond about that." Thranduil glared at her as well, but couldn't meet her cool gaze for long, and finally glanced away.
The dwarf sighed, cringing as a wave of pain danced through his leg. "Well, I think I'll heed Aragorn's advice as well and get some rest. That is, if you are finished, milady?" He turned his eyes on Galadriel.
"Yes, Gimli, I am finished, I will help Lord Elrond tend to the Hobbits," her eyes turned on Legolas. "Long has it been since I saw the use of magic of that nature. There is no doubt in my mind there is a connection between you and Cellnen, though I do not know what exactly that connection is, blood or otherwise. But you remind me so much of him."
She raised a hand, quieting Legolas' question before he asked it. "There will be time to discuss such things later, though precious little it will be. Right now, you and Gimli must come inside and rest."
Aragorn helped Gimli up and kept a watchful eye on Legolas as they entered the Green Dragon, which had become a makeshift healing ward. Injured Hobbits and men lay all around, but most were not grievously wounded, to their relief.
The Gaffer was resting peacefully in a corner, Sam at his side, closely monitoring his father. Frodo, Merry and Pippin were with him, smiling in relief when they saw Legolas and Gimli moving mostly on their own.
"We were lucky," Aragorn commented. "Casualties could have been far worse." His eyes fell on a small creature hovering near Elladan and Elrohir. I wonder who that is. He must have an important part to play if he is here and came with such company.
Gandalf came over to where the three were sitting. As if he had read their mind, he looked over at the creature and spoke quietly. "That is Lowgala, a near relative to a Hobbit." He looked closely at his friends. "He has been lost in the Misty Mountains for a long time. Gwaihir brought him to us after we left Rivendell."
Aragorn's eyes widened and he was about to speak, but he was cut off by a voice at his left. "Where is Arwen?"
Lord Elrond and the twins were standing there, looking expectantly at Aragorn. The king's eyes fell and his shoulders shuddered. Legolas took pity on the man and looked into the eyes of the Elf Lord. "She was taken, kidnapped by the Uruks of Graelath on our journey to the Shire. We could not pursue them; the risk to the Hobbits was too great."
Elrond's eyes fell and Galadriel looked down, but the twins paled. Great was their sorrow at this news, but greater then Aragorn, Legolas and the rest of the Fellowship knew.
Lord Elrond spoke haltingly, looking at Aragorn. "Estel, come with me, I must tell you something. I am not sure even if Arwen knew it, but you must know, for I can no longer keep it secret."
Aragorn's face paled and he nodded, following the elf lord as Elrond crossed to the far side of the room, out of ear-shot of everyone. They bent their heads together, and Elrond said something to his foster son. Aragorn's head shot up, and he looked completely distraught. He stared at Elrond in shock for a long moment, then turned and fled the pub. Elrond looked sadly after him, then came and rejoined the others.
Legolas moved to get up, but Galadriel put a hand on his shoulder. The prince turned to Elrond. "What did you tell him? Never have I seen him act like that."
Elrond gazed steadily at the prince, his eyes full of sorrow and deep wisdom. He glanced at his sons as well, then spoke, his voice wavering. "Arwen is with child."
All eyes snapped up or widened, focusing on the Elf Lord in shock. Elladan was the first one to think of something to say. "But she is being held captive! Does Graelath know? Is that why he had her kidnapped?"
Elrond shook his head. "I do not see how he could know. Lady Galadriel and I only knew of it because of the blood connection that we share with Arwen, and the power granted to us by our Rings. But it will not be long before he finds out, I am sure."
Legolas attempted to rise again, only to be stopped again by Galadriel. "No, Legolas. He needs to be alone. This is a most unfortunate turn of events. This news will surely affect Aragorn's judgment in all things he does from now on. He will be weakened, just as Graelath hoped."
Elrond, keeping his emotions surprisingly in check, spoke quietly. "But there is one thing he does not yet know."
"We know where he dwells." Elladan's eyes were dark and his hands clenched as he spoke. He has my sister; if he harms a hair on her head...
His brother put a hand on his shoulder. His eyes echoed his brother, but he was a hair calmer. "And we will get her back and destroy him before Graelath is able to destroy Rohan or Gondor."
With grim faces, they all tried to get a little rest. The next leg of their quest would be a race against time.
Legolas was exhausted, but worry for Aragorn kept him from sleep. Still, he did not feel he had the strength to hold a conversation so he simply lay on a make-shift cot and watched his father.
Thranduil had overdone it when he had thrown that dagger to save Legolas and Gimli. Elrond had examined him after taking care of the Gaffer and he found that the King had torn a few stitches, which the Elf quickly fixed before ordering the King to a bed.
Now, Thranduil was half-laying, half-sitting in a bed beside Gimli of all people. The Elven-king eyed his neighbor quietly, knowing of the deep bond of friendship between Legolas and the dwarf.
Why did it have to be a dwarf? The King thought, shaking his head.
Gimli, unfortunately, caught the movement and grumbled. Legolas was about to interject, afraid that there would be a fight, when Gimli suddenly spoke. "So, King Thranduil, I believe I owe you thanks."
Thranduil's eyes widened. "Whatever for, Master Dwarf?"
Grunting again, Gimli shifted uncomfortably, not quite sure what possessed him to speak to this Elf who was notorious for not liking Dwarves. "Well, you saved my best friend. Don't you think that merits a thank you?" He quickly added, "I know he's your son and all, but I wanted to thank you too. If you hadn't saved him, we'd have both been killed."
The King was speechless. Probably for the first time in his long life. "Well, I...I...you're welcome," he muttered, not sure what to make of this situation.
The two stared at each other, both red in the face. Then, they started to laugh.
Hard.
Thranduil clutched his chest, laughing through the pain and Gimli tried desperately to stop shaking.
Legolas kept quiet, amused by this exchange.
Thranduil looked to Gimli. "Well, knowing my son's penchant for getting injured these days, I am certain I owe you thanks for saving his life sometime." He looked over at Gimli, smiling. "So, thank you Master Dwarf, for any and all times you saved Legolas' life."
Gimli bowed his head and smiled. "You are very welcome." Seeing that their conversation was not going unnoticed, he smiled and said with much mirth in his eyes, "So, tell me about Legolas when he was a child? Was he as prissy and troublesome back then as he is now?"
Legolas' eyes widened.
Thranduil laughed. "Worse, Master Dwarf. Let me tell you about the time he climbed a tree with an abandoned spider's web in it and was stuck fast in the web for hours before we found him!"
Legolas' eyes widened even further. "Adar!"
Two sets of bright, feigning-innocent eyes turned on the Elf Prince. "Yes?"
"I...what...you can't tell him that story!"
Thranduil laughed. "Sure I can. Just how do you plan to stop me?"
Legolas' mouth hung open. Then, he sputtered and muttered darkly. "Of all the luck...my father, infamous Dwarf jailer; conspiring with my dwarf friend, son of one of those long-ago inmates, and telling him embarrassing stories of my childhood. Who'd have thought?"
Gimli and Thranduil laughed out loud at that and then hunkered closer as Thranduil began the tale of Legolas and the spider web.
