Rivendell
Thirty years past and Legolas came of age, left his parents' talan and was given his own nearby. His relationship with Thalion changed, but not necessarily for the worse. Legolas was not longer the little brother who needed minding, they were equals and they sparred together often. Thalion was amazed by the strength in his little brother and his accuracy with the bow was unprecedented. Now that Thalion was working his way up the ranks in Thranduil's guard though Legolas saw him less and less. The young prince was indulged every whim by his mother to make up for some of Thranduil's behaviour. When Legolas had wanted a new horse he was given the finest money could buy. When Legolas wanted to learn to shoot the best archer was pulled from duty and Legolas picked up the art. When Legolas decided that he wanted his flet in that particular tree, it was built and furnished according to the prince's taste. It had not gone unnoticed by some members of the court that Legolas was growing up a touch too spoilt, although no one dared to speak to the Queen on the matter.
It was five springs after Legolas had come of age that his father had had an invite from the legendary Elrond of Imladris to spend time there and hopefully to forge a friendship between the two realms. Elrond saw this more as a pledging of friendship, but Thranduil had other ideas. The trip to Imladris would not be without danger as orcs patrolled between Greenwood and the west of the Misty Mountains, but the pass was well watched by members of the Rivendell household and it the Royal family hoped to get there without incident. Suddenly Legolas found himself spending dawn till dusk with his former tutors and instructors as well as regular visits from tailors and lectures from his father on how to act like a proper prince. The more Thranduil fussed the more and more Malnarthan became greatly concerned with the lengths the King was going to with Legolas and the pact with Elrond Peredhel Half-Elven.
One night, a week before they were due to leave Malnarthan confronted Thranduil after she had spent the entire day trying to get one minute with her son only to be held back by his constant stream of engagements. Thranduil had a study in the large institute the Wood-Elves housed their books of lore and the volumes of work accumulated over millennia. Malnarthan pressed her ear gently to the heavy wooden door to check that Thranduil was not busy and then had her presence announced by the guard standing by. She entered the room, but her husband did not look up from the parchment he was studying. She stood and folded her arms, knitting her brows until he said,
"Melethen my love, what do you wish?" Still his eyes did not leave his work. She took a seat opposite him, sinking into the soft fabrics and rested her elbows on the arms of the chair. Finally Thranduil took the hint and laid down the papers. He fixed his eyes on his wife's and she began,
"Thranduil, why are we going to Imladris?"
"Malnarthan, I thought I had explained. Elrond and I will sign an alliance and pledge to aid each other in times of strife."
"It is not simply the signing of papers and the exchanging of gifts though is it Thranduil? What do you have planned for Legolas? I am not blind! You have not paid this much attention to Legolas since he was a young elfling. I demand you tell me what you have planned for our son! And he deserves to know too. I will not stand by and allow you to use him as a pawn in your diplomacy!" The colour had risen in Malnarthan's cheeks and she emphasised her words with her fists on Thranduil's desk, making the papers rustle and the inkpot clatter. Thranduil was taken aback, his wife had not questioned any of his decisions in this manner before. He did not know what to say. He could not simply tell her his plan, he knew he could not make it sound as good to her as it sounded in his thoughts. Thranduil took a deep breath,
"Rînnen My Queen, Penmillen My One-Love, you know I love both our sons very much. I just want to see them happy. Legolas does not seem to want to marry any of the young elves here so I thought what was the harm in taking him with us to Rivendell and showing him off to the ladies there. I only want him to be as happy as you and me and Thalion and Eiliant."
"Thranduil, do you not think that it would be best for them to love the real Legolas? The one who comes home from riding looking like he spent the entire time being dragged behind his horse, the one who smiles and laughs at every little thing even at the most inopportune moments, not the clean and proper Prince you have been trying to create in his talan this past month. He is not Thalion. That elf was born with the serene look of an heir to the throne. Legolas is not like that. He was born with a wide smile on his face and laughter on his lips. Thranduil, I know who it is you wish his love to fall upon, but I tell you this; let love take its own course or you and Legolas will both suffer the consequences. Do not confuse yourself with what is best for your kingdom and what is best for your son!" Malnarthan had clearly not been pacified by Thranduil's sweet-nothings and this last threat of hers made his temper rise. How dare she question him. Thranduil rose and so did she,
"Do you question the judgement of your King?" he demanded, "Do you question me?"
"Nay my lord," she said coolly, her steely eyes fixed on his angry ones, "I question your motives only. We all want peace, but if you force Legolas into marriage against his will, then," her voice cracked, she could not bring herself to utter what would happen. Legolas would ultimately fade and his spirit would leave for the Halls of Mandos along with that of his bride. Thranduil had got the point and Malnarthan saw this and left him to his thoughts.
After she had gone, Thranduil sat for a moment and then went to a small side room from his study. A pitcher of water had been left in the corner and he filled the small basin with it. Splashing his face with water Thranduil thought to himself, "Have I really gone too far? Is Malnarthan just over reacting? Legolas needs a respectable wife, who could be more respectable than Arwen Undómiel, Evenstar of her people? And then peace would truly be forged between our kingdoms. Legolas is a prince of this kingdom and he needs to provide for the people. A marriage to Arwen would ensure security. Nay 'tis not folly for me to wish for his desires to fall on her. And where is the harm in helping him a little along the way?" Thranduil looked in the mirror as he dried his face and said aloud, "She is just being an overprotective mother, that is all."
Eighteen days later, the King, Queen and Legolas were received by Elrond in Rivendell. Thalion had been left behind to watch over the Wood in Thranduil's stead with the King's most trusted advisor to guide him. Elrond was tall and his face showed little of the ages that Legolas knew it had seen. In him ran the blood of Men, Elves and the Maiar and the light of Valinor was in his face and in the faces of his children, Elladan and Elrohir, his famed twin sons and Arwen Undómiel. On Elrond's left forearm rested the forearm of his wife, the Lady Celebrían, daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn who dwelt in Lothlórien. Legolas followed his father and mother as they dismounted their horses and walked towards the steps that led into the first building of Rivendell. Simultaneously almost all the Rivendell elves bowed their heads in a silent salute and recognition of the presence of the visiting royalty. Elrond alone remained upright, a sign that he was not subservient to Thranduil and that they were equals. Finally the peredhel spoke,
"Welcome Thranduil, Malnarthan, it is a pleasure to see you once more. It has been far too many years since we met face to face. The endless stream of messengers is never as effective I feel. You know my wife, Celebrían and these are my children Elladan," the dark haired elf bowed, "Elrohir," an identical elf stepped forward, "and Arwen." Arwen curtseyed beautifully to the visitors and then let her eyes fall on Legolas. As if answering her question Thranduil said,
"Elrond, let me present my second son Legolas." Legolas bowed and Elrond smiled,
"Welcome to Rivendell, Legolas Greenleaf. I am sure Elladan and Elrohir will be able to entertain you during your stay." Legolas did not know what to say, he bowed once more and looked at Elrond's sons. The one he thought was Elladan whispered to his brother who smiled. Elrohir seemed to have more of a twinkle in his eye that the other and Legolas hoped there were not involved in any mischief. Celebrían turned and she led them all into the house. Stable hands had taken the horses and servants had led off the ponies with their luggage and Legolas moved to follow his parents when he felt a tug at each arm,
"You do not wish to follow them," a voice said in one ear. An identical one in the other ear said,
"Trust us. We have seen it before. Adar will just tie your father down with papers and such and our mothers will want to talk of dresses."
"That is the way it always is," said the first voice again with a hint of mock-tragedy in his tone. "I am Elrohir." Legolas finally found his voice,
"No you are not. You are Elladan." The twins laughed loudly,
"Legolas you are the first elf we have met that has managed not to be fooled by that."
"I am impressed," said the real Elrohir, "I can see we shall get along well. How was your ride? Did you have any problems on the pass?" Legolas shook his head as the twins guided him to a different part of the house he had seen his parents go into,
"No we did not see anything. We must be grateful for the vigilance of the people here, without it the journey would have been much more difficult." Legolas tried to bow once more but Elrohir caught him by the elbow,
"Come Legolas, you need not be formal with us. Doubtless your father has told you of the formalities of the court of Elrond Half-Elven, but that is all father's business. With us, we only ask that you are yourself." Legolas was comforted by that. He had spent the entire journey to Rivendell listening to his father lecture him about the proper protocol for the most obscure occasions while his mother sat tight-lipped on her horse on the other side of Thranduil. There had been evident friction between his two parents in the past couple of weeks but try as he might, Legolas could not find out what it was, even his own brother had no idea. Elladan broke the short silence addressing Legolas,
"Legolas, do you shoot?"
"Excuse me?" Legolas asked,
"Archery Legolas, do you practise archery?"
"Oh," Legolas replied with a smile, "yes I do, although I have not been learning long and I doubt that I am as skilled at it as you." Elrohir snorted,
"Legolas you are so courteous! I did not think that was the way of a wood-elf. The ones we have encountered always pointed the arrow first and asked questions later!" The twins both laughed and Legolas was unsure whether to join in or not. Had they just insulted him or wood-elves in general? They saw his indecisiveness and laughed more, but eventually they began to take pity on him and steered Legolas in the direction of the shooting range. The elves of Rivendell moved away from the party as they moved through the buildings. It was late afternoon and the warm Sun glanced off the leaves showering the place in a calming green light and in the shade gathered groups of elves, laughing and singing, or solitary elves with heads buried in books or in sheets of parchment.
After a short tour of the important parts of Rivendell, the kitchens and Great Hall and such they came out into a small courtyard that over looked the valley. Passing down a long set of stairs which looked like they had grown from the valley wall itself they came to a flat plain at the foot of the gorge carved by the Bruinen River and there were the training fields for the elves of Rivendell. A group of elves still not come of age sparred together in the space created by a circle of beech trees and others called out words of encouragement or comments on their technique. This was on the right, quite close to the steps and the rest of that side of the valley was given over to swordplay of all sorts. Legolas saw fighters training in blindfolds learning to listen and think as they fought, not just see and there were a few elves trying to impress some young she-elves with their knife work and seeing who could turn a dagger fastest in his fingers. The left hand side of the valley was for archery, thus ensuring that no elf was accidentally skewered by a stray arrow. This was where Elladan and Elrohir led Legolas, to three targets side by side. They positioned Legolas between them and then called for their bows. A servant stepped forward prepared and handed not only the exquisitely crafted bows belonging to the sons of Elrond but also Legolas' own. It looked poor in comparison. The leaves of Greenwood that the carpenter had lovingly carved into the bow seemed almost childish when seen next to the grand figures in the bows of Elladan and Elrohir.
"Well let us put the skills of Rivendell and Greenwood to the test," said Elladan as Legolas shrugged on his quiver of arrows, many of which he had whittled himself. Legolas prepared himself for a humiliation. He knew there was no way that a few years of practice for him could compare to the centuries the other two had had and the quality of his arrows surely could not be as good as the arrows of the twins. "In your own time friends," and Elladan strung his first arrow and let it fly. Legolas could not bring himself to watch it fly. He took a deep breath and thought about how angry his father would be if he humiliated himself in front of Elrond's sons. Legolas drew the first arrow from his quiver and it hit the centre of the target. This gave him confidence and he loosed arrow after arrow until his quiver was empty. Slightly breathless, Legolas turned and saw that the twins were watching him closely,
"What is wrong?" Legolas asked. Images of an arrow stuck in someone's arm and blood pouring from it flooded through his brain and then Legolas heard the voice of his father. A hand pulled him along by the elbow in the direction of the targets. Legolas had not paid attention to where he had hit, only hoping that the arrow would stay in the target, but then he saw the three targets sitting on three stands. The central circle of Legolas' target had disappeared under many arrows while other shafts were deeply embedded into the next ring. The other two had shot their arrows accurately but without the same ferocity and the gold of the centre was still partly visible. One of his father's instructions had been not to show up the elves as they were proud and quick to anger. There was a tense silence and Legolas looked between the twins and they looked at each other. Elladan raised an eyebrow and finally they both laughed. Legolas let out the breath he did not know he had been holding and smiled bashfully.
"It seems centuries of hard work does not make up for pure talent Geinith Young Terrors." Legolas spun round and found himself staring into the deep, wise eyes of a tall, blond elf. Elladan quickly made the introduction,
"Glorfindel this is Legolas Thranduillion, and you are right. There is no making up for talent." Elladan looked closely at the target again, as if unbelieving, "I have never seen an elf shoot so well. He has put us all to shame." Legolas bowed as the legendary Balrog-slayer acknowledged his presence and then said,
"You credit me with too much Lord Glorfindel. I had a good teacher and there are still elves in my father's service who far surpass myself."
"Then this is a warning to all. Beware the quick bows of the elves of the Greenwood for they are strong and accurate." There was a change in the elf's eyes and Legolas saw the mirth that appeared, "Perhaps while you are here you will be able to pass on some of your talent to Elrond's Geinith and maybe they will become quicker with their bows than they are with their tongues." Legolas risked a laugh as Glorfindel laughed loudly and shook his head. "Legolas I believe your father is storming around Rivendell looking for you. You had best go and see him before he begins tearing the place apart. The Geinith will see to your bow and quiver." Legolas hesitated. What could his father want from him? They had hardly been in Imladris more that two hours, he could not have done anything wrong yet, could he? Legolas bowed to the other three, much to Elrohir's amusement and hurried back up the valley to the main buildings of Rivendell.
Legolas heard his father before he saw him. Every word of the unmistakable voice of Thranduil could be understood from the bottom of the corridor that the visitors' rooms were off. Legolas sighed as he heard,
"Where is that confounded son of mine? I have searched all of Rivendell and had countless servants looking for him. I swear Malnarthan that he is a changeling baby. Surely no son of mine could be this unreliable!" Legolas could hear soft murmuring which he presumed to be his mother trying to calm his father, but to no avail. Thranduil took a loud breath and started again, "He is wandering somewhere, completely out of control. What sort of an image of an image is he giving to Elrond? That I let my children run wild? I am sure he already disapproves of the ways of the Silvan folk of the wood, does he think I am bringing Legolas up as one of those as well?" The door opened and one of his mother's waiting women came out. Legolas moved back from the opening so his father would not see him, but the servant did. She curtseyed and gave Legolas a sympathetic look. Legolas was horrified, he did not want her pity. He tuned back into his father, "One day that boy is going to get what is coming to him. He spends all day roaming the forest, going this way and that, exploring, or so he calls it. It is no wonder that he has no wife because no woman would put up with his wandering mind and body. If only he could be more like," but Thranduil did not get the chance to finish. Legolas stepped into the room and completed his sentence for him,
"Thalion. If only I could be more like Thalion. Is that what you want father? Another elder son? If so, you should have prayed to Elbereth for twins like Elrond. I am not Thalion, and he is not I. I am sorry that you feel like this father. If I had known you had wanted me to find a wife I would have looked harder in Court. I suppose not all the daughters of your advisors can be as vile and insipid as the ones you insist on introducing me to. And for your information, I was on the archery range with Elladan and Elrohir shooting and the only reason I am here now is because Lord Glorfindel feared that you would tear Rivendell to pieces looking for me." Legolas' cheeks were flushed and Thranduil looked aghast,
"Legolas Greenleaf, how dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am? I am your father and your king and you have absolutely no right to speak to me in that manner. I am disgusted by you. And how do you think Lord Glorfindel felt, being reduced to a simple message runner? You have brought shame on our entire visit here. Get out of my sight and go dress for dinner. I expect you to behave better then Legolas. I thought you have learnt better."
Legolas turned and left his parents' room. He could hear the normally melodious voice of his mother berating his father in harsh tones that he had never heard used before. Choking back the emotions he managed to reach his room further down the corridor and closing the door Legolas leant back on the heavy wood and let his knees give way. Hugging his legs to his chest Legolas rested one cheek on top of his knees and sighed deeply. He had always known that Thranduil preferred his brother, but he had just put that down to him being the firstborn. He could see how it was natural that the first time one became a parent it would be more special than the second, third or fourth time. But did Thranduil's hatred for him run that deep? He was not married, he took no interest in the politics of running the Greenwood nor the daily running of the guard. There was too much to explore in the forest to be held down by books and pieces of paper. He was not envious of Thalion and all the responsibility thrust upon him. He felt the door press into his back and Legolas jumped up and away from it. Turning he prepared himself for the next round with his father, but it was his mother's face that appeared through the door.
"Legolas, your father, he means well. He is under a lot of pressure at the moment. He believes Elrond is going to make all sorts of demands on him because he knows how important this alliance is to your father. Legolas do you understand? Your father did not mean what he said. He is very proud of you."
"Yes, but he would be prouder if I were happily married and settled and I could spend more than five minutes looking over a report without falling asleep."
"Legolas, please, be reasonable. Your father is under a great deal of pressure."
"Yes Naneth, you have already said that, but if anyone needs to get a grip on reason it is Adar. I was only doing what he asked me to. Elladan and Elrohir asked me to go shooting with them and I did. Did he not tell me to be polite and courteous to Elrond's children especially? Now if you will excuse me I must dress for dinner. I shall show up Adar if I am not properly attired."
Legolas turned his back on his mother and threw open the door into his small dressing room. He dismissed the servant who came to help him dress preferring to choose his clothes himself and braid his own hair in a style he chose, not the one Thranduil had previously ordered the servant he would wear. To spite his father Legolas chose a simple outfit, not the elaborate one that the tailor had fitted him for several months ago. It was the traditional dress of the people of the Greenwood, his people, he reminded himself, the people he was prince of and commanded. Legolas scoffed at his reflection. Only the braids in his hair marked him out as a member of royalty, if it was not for them then he could have been mistaken for an ordinary member of Thranduil's Court on a special occasion. A poorer member, Legolas reminded himself, because a richer one would have been wearing a specially woven set of clothes for the event. There was a knock at the door and Thranduil walked in without being asked,
"I trust you have remembered how to behave. Legolas what are you wearing? You simply cannot go to dinner dressed like that, it is unacceptable. You look like common member of Court!" Legolas said and did nothing except watch the colour rise in his father's cheeks. Legolas was saved by the bell for dinner and he looked at his father expectantly. "There is no time to change now, you will have to go dressed like" Thranduil's nose wrinkled in disgust, "like that." Legolas smiled simply and walked past his father, but Thranduil had not finished. He hissed angrily in Legolas' ear, "Make no mistake, hên child, we will be discussing this further."
They met his mother in the corridor and she smiled tentatively and took her husband's arm. Legolas trailed behind them, secretly hoping that the twins would engage him in conversation over dinner and he would not be drawn into Thranduil's engineered conversations with the people at the table. They were shown to their seats at the table of Elrond on a platform above the others of the hall. Elrond sat at one end of the table and Celebrían at the other. Thranduil sat on Elrond's left, Glorfindel opposite him. Malnarthan escaped to the other end of the table, near Celebrían, away from the conversations of their husbands. Legolas was seated nearer to Elrond sandwiched between members of the Peredhel's household, but opposite him was a beautiful she-elf and Legolas knew he was gazing into the eyes of Arwen, daughter of Elrond, whose face was the likeness of Lúthien Tinúviel of ages past. She smiled gently as Legolas bowed and sat down, her grey eyes revealing not only great beauty, but also wisdom and strength.
The food was set before them and everyone began to eat. Legolas could hear both his parents chatting away amiably at the ends of the table but he did not know how to start a conversation with the people around him. Legolas began to wonder what his brother was doing, but this was soon stopped when has was addressed by the elf on his right. It was an elf to whom Legolas had not been introduced but he still had audacity to address him.
"I was just thinking, Prince," and the elf sneered, "It was good of you to wear the traditional clothes of the Silvan folk." He stressed the words traditional and Silvan so they sounded dirty and unworthy of Rivendell. The conversation around them dimmed as everyone turned to see how Legolas would handle this affront. Legolas turned to answer him and as his head turned his eyes fleetingly met his father's. Thranduil's eyes were full of anger, but Legolas also detected that this was less directed towards him than to the elf on his right. Legolas took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice as steady as possible before saying,
"My Lord, I wear these clothes as a sign of my people, after all that is why I am here with my father." Legolas let his eyes catch Thranduil's again who answered with a slight nod of approval. A lilting voice then said,
"Legolas Thranduillion, you must forgive Erestor's behaviour. He should know that his small-minded prejudice is not allowed at my father's table."
"As always, lady Arwen," Erestor simpered, "you are right. I was merely considering the interesting choice of clothes for a prince."
"Perhaps you should also consider how commendable it is that someone so young cares so much about his people." Arwen held her father's councillor's eyes for a moment longer before Erestor looked away and back to his food. Arwen smiled gently at Legolas and addressed him again, "Legolas I have a message for you from my brothers. It seems that they are otherwise engaged this evening. They saw reason to check that the patrols towards the mountains were adequate during your stay to ensure the safe passage of your family home. They will be gone till tomorrow afternoon. It is strange how they always find a reason to ride off when father has important guests such as yourself and your family. I cannot think why." Her eyes twinkled and Legolas could not help but smile and feel at ease around Arwen.
The rest of the meal passed off without incident and as the plates were cleared and as the guests rose Legolas' eyes once more met his father's. Thranduil frowned and inclined his head slightly at Arwen. Legolas got the hint and rushed round the table past Elrond and his father and bounded up at Arwen's side,
"My lady, may I escort you from the hall?" Arwen laughed gently at his zeal and took the arm he proffered,
"Of course your highness. I believe we shall be in the Hall of Fire this evening. Have you seen this room before?"
"No my lady."
"There is a fire lit in there always, day or night, winter or summer and during the day it can be used for people looking for peace to read or think, but tonight it will be filled with song and laughter."
"May I be so bold as to claim a dance with you lady Arwen?"
"A dance Legolas? We do not dance in Rivendell." Again Arwen's laugh tinkled in Legolas' ears and he coloured red.
"I apologise, I did not realise. We dance much in Greenwood and I enjoy it greatly."
"Your apology is accepted," Arwen smiled lightly, "Now if you would excuse me I believe my mother needs me." Legolas bowed as Arwen took her arm from his and drifted across the room towards her mother. Thranduil and Malnarthan appeared beside Legolas and Thranduil said,
"You seemed to be getting along well with Arwen over dinner, Legolas."
"She had a message for me from her brothers. Did you know they do not dance in Rivendell?" He asked his father,
"Yes Legolas, and I did tell you so at least five or six times. You did not embarrass yourself by asking Arwen for a dance as if she were one of the she-elves in Court did you?" Legolas silence said it all and Thranduil let out an exasperated growl, "By Elbereth Legolas can you not do anything you are asked? I am beginning to wonder what would be worse, leaving you at home to run things in my absence or bringing you with me on trips like this. Honestly hên sometimes I cannot believe you are my son."
"Now Thranduil, you do not mean that," Malnarthan cut in, "Legolas is as much your son as he is mine. Legolas ignore your father. He had too much of Elrond's wine."
"I have had no such thing Malnarthan. Legolas I do not wish to see you again tonight. Go take your leave from Elrond and retire. I have had enough of being disappointed for one day."
"Yes Tauren my king. Goodnight Naneth." Legolas gave his mother kiss on the cheek and went in search of Elrond. He feigned tiredness from the ride and a wish to lie down and rest which Elrond accepted unconditionally and Legolas left the Hall of Fire and tried to find his way back to his room. Instead though he found himself outside in the gardens wandering among the great trees in the valley sides and Legolas felt more relaxed than he had since they had left the Greenwood. He listened to the voices of the trees as some of them chattered while the others dozed in the soft light of the twilight. Sitting down underneath a tall tree that reminded him of the one his talon was in back in the wood Legolas sighed and loosened the tight collar of the shirt he wore. Legolas pulled one knee up to his body and rested his entwined hands on it and his face on them. He thought over Thranduil's words that day and all the previous ones since the trip to Imladris had been conceived. The lessons, the new clothes, his father's sudden interest in which ladies of the Court Legolas found the most pleasing and finally Thranduil's anger at him not sitting with Arwen that night.
"Oh I am a fool!" Legolas cried aloud and threw his head back in frustration,
"Surely not," said a gentle voice behind him, "Thranduil would rather hand over piles of jewels than raise a fool."
"Lady Arwen!" Legolas was stunned by her presence. He noticed for the first time that she wore no adornments and that the light that appeared to emanate from her was purely of her own creation. She was beautiful, but he could never love her. She was too perfect, Legolas felt he might break her if he danced with her let alone the other things that come with marriage.
"Sit down Legolas, and please dispense of the 'lady' when you address me, there is no need. It is just something my father insists on." Legolas sat back down against the tree and Arwen chose a spot on a green patch of moss a little way away from him. "Speaking of my father, am I mistaken or did I not hear you tell him you were tired from riding and wished to return to your room for the night to rest?" Legolas shifted slightly thinking of what to say. He twirled a blade of grass through his fingers and uttered,
"As you say Arwen, fathers insist on many things." Legolas concentrated on the grass between his fingers, twirling it one way and then the other. The green shaft was wound tightly round his index finger when there was a loud snap and Legolas pulled his finger free with the strand still wrapped tightly at it. He looked at it and then at Arwen. She too had been watching his hand but now she let her eyes meet his and very gently she began,
"My father wishes that I find a husband and marry and beget him grandchildren to dote over, but I do not want that yet. There is something that warns me that I shall not marry for many years and my heart forebodes that perhaps I may share the fate of Lúthien, my forebear who I am declared to be the image of." She paused for a moment and Legolas took his turn to speak,
"Arwen you are wise beyond your years and you see much. I, on the other hand, am young and naïve. I thought my father had brought me here as a treat, so I could see some other parts of Middle-Earth, not just Greenwood, but no. He brought me here so I could find a wife." Legolas looked into Arwen's steely-grey eyes, "He brought me here to enchant you and carry you back to Greenwood as my betrothed."
"And you will not. That is unfortunate, I think that could have been fun. Ada would have had something to say about that." Arwen smiled wryly and then laughed. "This is ridiculous. We are both out here in the woods practically hiding from our fathers,"
"I am not hiding, he sent me away," Legolas reminded her.
"Of course, but did he mean for you to be out here?" She did not wait for Legolas' reply before continuing, "We could of course agree to make your stay here a bit more bearable for both of us," Arwen broke off hoping that Legolas had the wits to follow her meaning. He caught on quickly and said,
"Of course, they will see what they desire to and what they do not know cannot hurt them. When we leave here, painful though the parting may be," Arwen giggled to herself, "I am sure that they will both bear it will."
"Very well my good prince, lui 'elirin heriar dû hen happy times start this night." Legolas smiled and helped Arwen to her feet. She needed to return to her mother before she began to worry. Arwen walked with Legolas as close to the buildings of Rivendell as they dared in case they were seen together and Arwen set Legolas on his way to his room. After the disaster of the day, his stay in Rivendell was beginning to look much better than he had expected it to.
The next morning Legolas rose with a new sense of purpose. All he had to do was keep enough company with Arwen and his father would not mind and then at the time of parting he would simply say that she was not the elf meant for him and everything would be accepted and Legolas left to move on. Legolas breakfasted in his own room and then dressed and went in search of a friendly face. He knew the twins were not expected back until that afternoon and it would pacify his father if he spent time with Arwen. He found her surrounded by her maids sewing in the corner of one courtyard. She wore a forest green dress and the darkness of her hair stood out against it. She rose when she saw Legolas coming and giving her work to a young elf said,
"Suilad Greetings Legolas. I hope this morning finds you well rested?"
"It does, thank you for your kind words Lady Arwen. I hope it finds you the same." She nodded her head in ascent and Legolas continued, "My lady, I was wondering if I could trespass on your time some more and if you would consent to give me a tour of this wonderful place?" She smiled and the colour rose in her cheeks,
"Why of course Legolas! It is remiss of me not to have done so before. I apologise sincerely for my rudeness. Your father has nothing he wishes you to do?"
"My time is yours, my lady," and Legolas bowed slowly. He went and took Arwen's arm and led her away up some steps and back onto one of main walkways. Carefully looking around her Arwen said,
"How long were you thinking of those sweet words Legolas? All night of just over breakfast?"
"After breakfast, while I dressed. I think best on a full stomach." They both laughed as they walked about the corridors and Arwen pointed out the rooms and made introductions to many members of the household. After a while she stopped a servant who bustled down the corridor with a mop in one hand and a bucket in the other,
"Please tell me, where do my father and King Thranduil meet today and at what time?" The servant stopped and looked flustered saying,
"My lady they are in your father's study, but begging your pardon, I do not think that they would wish to be disturbed."
"What makes you say that?" Legolas asked. The poor young girl curtseyed to both Legolas and Arwen before saying,
"Begging your pardon my lady, my lord, but I was just passing there when I heard shouting. It did not sound like Lord Elrond, madam, but then there was a great crash and the next thing I knew a mop and bucket had been sent for. I am on my way there now."
"Sounds like the sort of thing my father would do if he was not getting all his own way. You had best get on your way before he breaks something else." The servant looked at Arwen for her to acknowledge Legolas' suggestion, which she did and the servant was on her way. Arwen watched her go and then said,
"How long will it take your father to calm down and the meeting to recommence?" Legolas thought for a moment,
"It is hard to say. It could be immediate, it could take several days, it depends on how your father reacts."
"Ada is a good diplomat. It will not be long." Arwen said with certainty, "In the meanwhile though it does not mean that we do not have to give him something to be cheerful about. My father's study overlooks a secluded courtyard. Perhaps we should take a walk there?"
"That sounds like a very good idea Arwen. Lead the way."
Arwen led Legolas along some more walkways towards the private quarters of Elrond and his family. She pointed out the small, round building that formed Elrond's study. It had windows on all but one small side that joined it to rest of Rivendell. If they walked in the courtyard for a few minutes they could not fail to be seen. Legolas tightened his grip on Arwen's arm and she moved closer to him as they moved down onto a path outside where they could go to the courtyard without arousing suspicion. They walked between two tall evergreen trees, beautifully manicured, and Arwen took up a commentary as if she had been giving Legolas a tour of that part of the grounds,
"And this is part of the private buildings that belong to my father and the rest of my family. It is very peaceful here. That is Ada's study. No one comes here in case they disturb him. That is why it is so peaceful." Arwen smiled beautifully and Legolas laughed. She joined in and their voices echoed around the stone walls of the garden. Stealing a quick glance at the window Legolas noticed that their presence had attracted the attention of both the occupants of Elrond's study. Hoping that these belonged to his father and Elrond he allowed Arwen to show him a few of the statues in the walls of the courtyard as she explained who was who from her family history and then when they both felt their stay had drawn them enough attention she leant into his arm and said loudly, "Legolas, would you come with me to lunch? I am sure I have heard the noon bell and I am beginning to feel hungry."
"Of course, Arwen, that would be delightful."
Legolas followed Arwen back into the main centre of Rivendell and once they were out of earshot of their fathers said,
"Do you not feel guilty about any of this?" Arwen stopped walking and looked Legolas straight in the eyes,
"Legolas what would you rather have happen? Your father shouting and screaming at you for the rest of your stay here or spending a bit of time with me to get him to relax a bit and to stop my father worrying about me as well. Please Legolas? If you will not do this for yourself then do it for me. Think how bad it has been for you these few days and now think how bad that would be if it lasted centuries. That is what it has been like for me. My mother, Elbereth watch over her, tries her best to speak to my father about this but to no avail. It would not be so bad if he was the same with my brothers, but he seems perfectly happy to let them go about as they please. I will not marry who he tells me or to provide an alliance, I will marry for love and passion and" but Legolas did not let her finish. He caught her by the arm and stopped her as tears sprung to her eyes and the colour rose in her cheeks,
"Hush Arwen. I will do this. Be calm now, it was a silly question, I had no idea how bad things were for you, I did not think." Legolas pulled out a scrap of material and wiped away the tear that had fallen from her right eye and took her hand and brought it to his lips, "Arwen, we will do this charade and we will do it well. Let us go for lunch. Perhaps your brothers will be back to cheer you up." Arwen smiled as she thought of Elladan and Elrohir's faces when they heard the rumours she felt sure were spreading through Rivendell about her and Legolas. She would let them in on the plan of course, they might prove helpful.
Elladan and Elrohir returned in the early afternoon and they wasted no time in finding their sister and hearing if the news their stable boys had passed them was correct. They found Arwen sitting with Legolas in a small glade in the woods. Both sat with a book in their lap and jumped visibly when they heard someone approach. Like two guilty children they hid the books behind their backs and leaped to their feet. Elrohir leant against a tree in the clearing and looked at his brother. Elladan folded his arms across his chest, making sure Legolas had seen that he still wore his arrows and sword from their ride. Legolas looked at Arwen, hoping she would take charge of the situation. He did not want to be on the receiving end of Elladan's sword. Arwen quickly saw the anger flash through he brother's face and took a step towards him,
"Elladan, my brother, it is not what you think. Legolas is just keeping me company here."
"You have serving women and maids to do that, Arwen thêl nîn my sister. You do not need this wood-elf who you have only known for one day." Elladan twisted the word wood-elf so it sounded as bad as if Legolas were an orc.
"Elladan you are too hasty. There is more here than meets the eye if I know our sister," Elrohir added. He slung his quiver and bow from his back and undid his sword belt letting them fall on the grass, "Let her confess." Elladan looked from Legolas to his brother and back to his sister. Arwen went to him and placed a calming hand on his arm and explained to him,
"Elladan, my brother, what is the one think about my life that father would have me change?"
"You are not married."
"Exactly. And you know he would not have me marry just anyone do you not? They would have to be of royal descent at least."
"I do."
"Now how many visiting, unmarried members of royalty do you know?" And it suddenly dawned on Elladan,
"Just one. One, who if the tattle of the servants is anything to go by, is also under pressure from his father to get married. Arwen, Adar will be very angry if he finds out."
"Which is why he is not going to. Both of you must promise me that you will not breath one word of this to anyone, ever. When Legolas leaves we will tell our fathers that it was not meant to be and that we will never be anymore than friends. Please do this for me. You know how hard it is for me to have to listen to Ada's lectures about when a she-elf should find herself a husband."
"You have my word," said Elrohir, "and any help I can give."
"Aye and mine too," said Elladan grudgingly.
"But you had best let him off the leash for a while Arwen or Adar will guess. I promise we will look after him though," Elrohir smiled broadly at his sister and at Legolas who still shifted uncomfortably eyeing Elladan's sword. Arwen saw this and frowned at her brother. Elladan's hands moved to the buckle of the belt and the sword fell to the ground clattering on a stone. He extended one hand towards Legolas who took it and shook it firmly,
"Welcome to the family Legolas," he said dryly.
For the rest of the afternoon Arwen returned to her sewing and once the twins had changed from their ride Legolas joined them on the archery range. He arrived there to find them admiring the arrows in his quiver,
"Where did you get these from Legolas? They are quite remarkable." Elrohir held one up to his eye and ran his hand along the shaft to see how smooth and straight it was.
"I made them myself. Everyone in Greenwood does. You only have to whittle them down and put the flights in."
"How did you do this? If you compare them to ours, well, ours are not really arrows," said Elladan.
"And yet you still manage to shoot very well with them," said Legolas. "I can show you how to make them if you like," he said shyly.
"What an excellent idea!" cried Elrohir, "Perhaps we can ask our sister along. She might enjoy a walk in the woods," he added with a smirk on his face. Legolas coloured and did not know where to look. To any casual observers he looked like a suitor caught out by his intended's family, but the three of them knew better. Legolas looked at the ground and scuffed his foot in the soil and muttered something to himself.
"I did not quite hear that Legolas? What did you say?" Elrohir's smirk grew larger.
"I said that now I understand why Lord Glorfindel called you two the Geinith. You are terrors." Elladan and Elrohir laughed at him as he coloured further then Elladan said,
"I think that our sister has spent enough time in the woods today we can leave her behind I think. Besides, Legolas will have an eternity to spend with her, he can be without Arwen for an afternoon." Legolas had had enough. Drawing his bow he pointed an arrow at Elladan's heart,
"You will stop, Elladan, and you Elrohir," Legolas said, moving to aim the arrow at Elrohir's throat, "or else," but Legolas could not threaten them further. The laughter began to bubble up inside up and it seeped through his lips. His shoulders sagged and the bow was lowered and the string became slack. Legolas laughed loudly like he had not in quite a while and tears came to his eyes. The twins joined in and soon there were three hysterical elves giggling merrily as they dashed off into the forests that surrounded Rivendell.
That afternoon Legolas taught the twins to search for the right sort of branches and twigs to make their arrows and then to forage for the feathers in the pens of Rivendell's geese. Returning to the armoury of Rivendell he then sat them down with knives and showed them how to create their arrows,
"You must make the arrow shafts straight and smooth and they will fly through the air further." So Elladan and Elrohir smoothed out their twigs. "You must arrange the feathers in a spiral pattern and then trim them. The arrow will spiral in the air, but this improves the accuracy." Legolas marched behind them as they worked barking out instructions and issuing corrections to their work. At one point Elladan threw his knife down in disgust and turned to face Legolas,
"Where did you learn to be such a hard task master? Your father?" Legolas coloured and sat down, ceasing his pacing round the small room, but he still gave orders from the three-legged stool across the table from the twins.
After a few hours the arrows were ready and they returned to the archery range to test them. As they had the day before they lined up with three targets side by side and fired their arrows until there were none left. Eager to see the results of their labour that afternoon they jogged down the range to lift the targets from their stands. Every single arrow had struck the centre of the target and the twins were amazed. They took the targets and stalked back up to the main buildings with Legolas bobbing behind them asking what they were doing. The twins were conferring quietly, ignoring what Legolas said. He noticed they were heading towards the parts of the house that belonged to their family and Legolas became more wary of what was happening. They passed down the same walkway he had walked down with Arwen that morning, but instead of going down into the courtyard the twins stopped in front of a large oak door, intricately carved with a large brass handle. There were two guards stationed either side of it, one wearing the livery of Rivendell and the other bearing the emblems of Greenwood.
"We wish to see our fathers," Elladan said haughtily to the guards who bowed and entered the room.
"We do?" said Legolas quietly in Elrohir's ear, who appeared not to hear him. The guards returned and showed the three in. Elrond and Thranduil stood up and Elrond said,
"I trust there is a reason for this interruption my sons."
"Yes Adar. If you and King Thranduil will just move over here we will show you. Legolas help me lay these targets on the floor." Legolas laid the three targets from that afternoon while Elrohir laid out another three that Legolas presumed to be from the day before.
"As you know Adar, your highness, Elrohir and I are much older than Legolas and have been practising archery for much longer than he, but you will imaging our surprise when this happened yesterday when we shot together. These two targets here are ours and this is Legolas." Elladan pointed out the marks he and his brother had made and then the ones Legolas had. Elrohir continued the story,
"As loath as we were to admit that his young elf was better than us we discussed this as we road last night. Today we confirmed what we had thought, Legolas arrows were far superior to ours. Now you imagine our surprise when we found out that he had made them himself." Elladan took up the tale again,
"We spent this afternoon learning how to make our own arrows and have the cuts and calluses to prove it and then took them out to shoot ourselves. These are the targets from this afternoon." Elladan pointed to the other three targets on the floor, "These two are ours and this is Legolas. We switched his arrows for ours without him knowing."
"I knew something felt different!" Legolas exclaimed.
"Therefore Adar," Elrohir said, "we have come to the conclusion that by learning the skills of arrow manufacture from the elves of Greenwood we would improve our accuracy and hence the efficiency of our archers."
Thranduil and Elrond both circled the targets several times and then sat down again. Legolas looked at his father directly for the first time, but he could not read the expression on his face. It could have been a new type of anger Legolas had not experienced before, but maybe he detected a flicker of pride in Thranduil's eyes. Elrond clasped his hands together on the desk and then looked at Thranduil followed by the three others,
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is definitely something we should discuss. It is almost dinnertime, you should all change. I expect both of you," he said frowning at his sons, "to be there. No sudden trips to the outposts or great urges to go on a hunt." Elrond turned his attention to Legolas, "Legolas I would like you to escort my daughter to dinner tonight." The matter was closed. Legolas bowed and left followed by Elladan and Elrohir who grasped him by the elbows and almost dragged him down the corridor,
"Someone is in favour with our father," Elrohir said sarcastically.
"Never mind that, I cannot believe you switched my arrows. I want them all back in my quiver and stored properly before the end of the day." Elrohir laughed,
"Do not worry Legolas, it will all be done."
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