Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far. I am really pleased you are enjoying this so far. Thank you to María for her ideas and comments as I wrote this and it appears one of her obsessions has rubbed off in my writing :o). Anyway, here is Chapter 3. I hope you all enjoy it. Please leave a review, to let me know what you think of this because I love hearing your responses. Enjoy!
Em xxx
The Last Night
During the next fortnight Legolas divided his time between Arwen and Elladan and Elrohir, much to his father's approval. Thranduil was beginning to see that it had been a good idea to bring Legolas along on the trip, though he was loath to admit it. The incident with the arrows had proved a good bargaining point and Elrond had been glad something had appeased Thranduil's seemingly uncooperative manner. Their discussions became easier over time and both sides were able to make valuable contributions to the alliance that was being drawn up between them. There was one sticking point, the matter of Lothlórien. It was ruled by Amroth, the elder son of Galadriel and Celeborn and brother of Celebrían. Thranduil was suspicious because of the frequency visits of Galadriel and Celeborn to the wood and the changes that came about while they were there. He did not want "that Noldo", as Thranduil called Galadriel, messing in the affairs of the Greenwood as well, which no doubt she would given half a chance. Elrond gave in eventually knowing that in a time of crisis Thranduil would welcome any help he could get and neither Amroth nor his parents were expecting Thranduil to roll over on this point.
Finally after fourteen days of talks between Elrond and Thranduil and conferring with advisors the final treaty was signed and both leaders shook hands pledging to aid each other in times of need and to allow the sharing of knowledge and skills between the two realms. There was to be a lavish feast to celebrate.
Legolas had chosen to wear the outfit his father had planned for him to wear onr their first night for this celebratory feast. He was braiding his hair as his father knocked and entered his room. This was the first time they would have been alone together to speak since their first fractious night in Rivendell. Thranduil closed the door behind him and waited for Legolas to tie off one of his plaits before his sat down on the bed and said,
"Ionnen My son come and sit by me." Legolas put down the hair he was about to plait and sat next to his father on the bed. The soft covers dipped and accommodated him as he sat down nervously. "Legolas, I have decided to leave tomorrow. I have done what I wished to accomplish and I am anxious to get back to the Wood and see how your brother is doing in our absence. Do you understand what that means?" Legolas frowned, puzzled,
"It means we are going home Adar."
"Yes and I do not think we shall be back here for sometime."
"That is a shame Adar, I quite like it here. There are not enough trees, but it is quite beautiful."
"Yes it is Legolas, but it is not the trees here that I am speaking to you about." Legolas feigned stupidity just to hear what his father would say, "If you have formed any," Thranduil struggled for the word, "attachments here then now is the time to speak up Legolas. Do you understand?"
"Yes Adar, I shall bear that in mind. Thank you." Thranduil stood up hurriedly,
"Then I will leave you to finish dressing and to think."
Legolas waited until the door had closed itself and his father's footsteps died away before he started to laugh. His poor father, he thought, that would really be the icing on the cake for this visit. Not only has Thranduil got Elrond to make several concessions on relations with Lothlórien but now he thought his second son would be carrying off Elrond's only daughter. Legolas would have felt sorry for his father except for the fact that Thranduil had brought this on himself.
Soon after, the bell rang for the feast and Legolas made his way to Arwen's room. He had taken to escorting her to dinner every night. Legolas raised his hand to knock on the door, but it was opened before his fist made contact and he stumbled into Celebrían leaving her daughter's room. Legolas bowed low and apologised. She smiled briefly at him before making her way down the corridor. Legolas called in,
"Arwen? Arwen are you ready?" She stepped out from her dressing room into the main room dressed in a soft grey dress and her hair was adorned with flowers she had picked that afternoon. Legolas smiled, he had enjoyed pretending to be in love with her, it was not hard to fake but tonight he felt sad that it was coming to an end. "You look beautiful," he said to her as he took her arm, "but I feel I should warn you that Adar thinks I am going to propose to you tonight." Arwen smiled gently,
"I have just had a visit from my mother. She decided to reminisce about falling in love with my father and the importance of love when two elves join for eternity."
"Well at least the plan is working then." Legolas said as he felt Arwen's indecisiveness.
"I know. I just did not want to hurt my mother in this. I think she is quite taken by you. She always listens to what I or my brothers have to say about you."
"She hardly knows me!" Legolas cried in despair, but seeing Arwen's sobering look, "I understand what you mean. I think my mother is the same. We started out trying to teach our fathers a lesson, but we shall just end up hurting our mothers. I am sorry Arwen."
"Aye, me too. Our mothers do not deserve this."
"No I am sorry for you because now things will go back to how they were before."
"Do not pity me Legolas, that is all I need," she said in jest but her heart was heavy. "Thank you for these two weeks of peace from my father. You know you are welcome to come back here and repeat them any time you feel."
"Thank you for the invitation. If ever Adar gets too bad I know have a new place to escape to. You are always welcome in the Greenwood, Arwen, you never have to ask."
The had stopped outside the Great Hall in Rivendell and both took a deep breath and drew themselves up to their respective heights. Arwen tightened her grip slightly on Legolas' arm and they swept into the bustling hall. As inconspicuously as they could they made their way to the table on the platform where they sat, Legolas held out Arwen's chair for her to sit down and then made his way to his own seat opposite. After the first night when Erestor had been so unforgivably rude Legolas had been pleased to see himself seated between Elladan and one of Elrond's more sympathetic counsellors. Elrohir was on Arwen's left opposite his brother and Erestor was well out of the range that permitted conversation at such a long table.
"We will ride out to the mountain pass with you tomorrow," Elladan said to Legolas.
"We fancied a hunt, you see," said Elrohir. "You see we have been stuck here for a full fortnight entertaining the most boring of guests."
"And my father told me so much of the legendary courtesy and civility of the elves of Imladris," Legolas said wryly. Elrohir continued,
"We are travelling north for a few months. You could join us if you wanted. I am sure your father would…"
"…drag him back to the Greenwood by the tips of his ears," Arwen finished for her brother wryly. She smiled at Legolas and he arched an eyebrow and raised his glass to her a half-smile playing on his lips.
Dinner was soon over and they moved into the Hall of Fire, again being used for such an important occasion, as Elrohir and Arwen related an amusing incident where Elladan had tried jumping from a tree to his horse and ended up rolling on the floor in agony for quite some while. Legolas laughed merrily and the noise caught his father's attention. Thranduil nodded his head to Legolas imitating he wanted a word. Legolas took his arm from Arwen and moved to the side of the room to speak to his father,
"Legolas, that talk we had before dinner. You do remember that this is our last night here do you not?"
"Yes Adar I do. Did you and Naneth enjoy the feast? I thought the meat was divine. You must get the recipe to bring home."
"Legolas do not change the subject. Do I have to spell this out letter by letter for you?" Legolas showed his father a look of pure innocence and confusion, "Very well," Thranduil said with a hint of impatience. "Legolas if you love Arwen you must tell her and tell her tonight. The sooner the better for she may decide to retire soon as you were both outside today. Legolas do not let this chance go. Do you even realise how important a marriage this would be for Greenwood? You owe it to your people to speak up, even if you are only beginning to fall for her. She is pretty enough, I suppose. Legolas this is the time for you to do your duty." And with that Thranduil swept off to re-join his wife who was talking gaily to some members of the Court of Rivendell. Legolas was left shocked at what his father had said, but there was one person who leant against a pillar nearby and smirked to himself. This was a gem of a piece of information that he was not going to resist passing on.
Erestor tapped Elrond on the shoulder, "My Lord, there is something urgent that requires your attention." Elrond excused himself from the people around him and followed Erestor out of the Hall and into one of the corridors that led to it. Erestor turned back into the Hall and said, "Your daughter seems to be enjoying the company of the young Silvan prince very much."
"He is Sindarin Erestor as, may I remind you, are you. I am glad Arwen is enjoying his company. He seems a very decent sort of elf."
"Yes my Lord, but under his father's control a bit too much. He seems very eager to please him."
"Yes, but he has a lot to live up to. He is the second son after all." Elrond paused and then switched is gaze from the laughing group of his children and Legolas to Erestor, "Does this conversation have a point?"
"My Lord, I am concerned for your daughter," and he relayed the conversation he had overhead, with his own spin on it of course. To Elrond it sounded like Thranduil was plotting to have his younger son carry off his daughter back to the Greenwood to be married. Anger clouded his face and his eyes flashed. Between gritted teeth Elrond managed to grind out,
"How dare he? How dare he? I have spent the past two weeks, every daylight hour, listening to Thranduil rant and rave about the poor deal he has been given and how if given her way Galadriel, mother of my beloved wife, would gladly take over the rule of the Greenwood and oust Thranduil and his family. I had to sit there and listen to him insult and belittle my family and it took me to the end of my tether and back again. And now," Elrond stopped to draw breath, "and now he has the gall to suggest that his son is good enough for my daughter." Elrond's face flashed anger as few have ever seen. Erestor saw now why Elrond was as fierce a warrior as he was and why foes flied at the sight of his countenance.
"My Lord, calm yourself!" Erestor said but it was in vain as Elrond stormed back into the Hall of Fire. Erestor tried to hide another smirk as he followed Elrond back in, but not very well. He had been waiting to get revenge for being put down by the up-start prince from the uncouth and backward realm of the Greenwood where it was said that the elves ran naked in the forest like savages as they danced frenziedly to wild and terrible music. Elrond stormed across the room, heading straight for his daughter and Legolas. Celebrían saw her husband from the other side of the room and crossed to his side,
"Melethen, My love what is wrong, what ails you?" Elrond pushed his wife aside and continued making a beeline for the happy group seated in the corner of the room. The twins saw his appearance and stood up immediately, knowing something was wrong. This drew Arwen's attention and in turn Legolas'. Elladan spoke first,
"Adar, Naneth, what is wrong?" Elrond ignored him and took his daughter's arm.
"Arwen you will come with me. Legolas I want a word." Legolas threw a worried glance at Arwen, but her bewildered and frightened expression did nothing to help. "Elladan, tell Thranduil to join me in my study, now. Come on you two." Elrond dragged Arwen along as best he could while she struggled to loosen his tight grip and Legolas hurried along after them. Celebrían followed up quickly behind but not without having time to throw Malnarthan a worried glance. Elrond's grip had practically brought tears to Arwen's eyes and Legolas finally said,
"Lord Elrond, you are hurting her!" Elrond stopped and turned to face Legolas with an absolute look of disgust on his face,
"Legolas I do not think you are in any position to lecture me about hurting people." Legolas was shocked,
"Please, my Lord, you are clearly upset, but you are hurting Arwen." Elrond did not say anything and started dragging Arwen along the corridor again. Celebrían could do nothing. By this time Thranduil and Malnarthan were following up quickly behind too. Elladan and Elrohir had stood a moment shocked by their father's behaviour. It was rare that he got this angry and they knew that they had to find Thranduil quickly and tell him of the danger his son and their sister was in. Worried for his relations with Rivendell, Thranduil excused himself and his wife and hurried to see what trouble his son had caused this time.
Elrond pushed open the door to his study, "Sit down," he ordered Arwen and Legolas. Celebrían hovered nervously by the door, moving aside to let Thranduil and Malnarthan in. Unbeknownst to them all Elladan and Elrohir had stolen into the small courtyard to hear the proceedings as well. Elrond stood up in front of Arwen and Legolas and fixed his eyes on Thranduil and said, "Thranduil, one of my loyal counsellors overheard a conversation this evening between yourself and your son. He reported it to me out of concern from my daughter's welfare. It appears you have been plotting to carry Arwen off to Greenwood to marry her to Legolas."
"No!" came the unison gasp of Celebrían and Malnarthan. The first out of fear for her daughter's safely and the latter for fear that Thranduil's want to see Legolas married had gone too far. Thranduil simply laughed,
"My dear Elrond, there has been a mistake. I was simply reminding Legolas that as it was our last night here it was important for him to speak up if he had made any attachment to any of the ladies here in your fine home. Tell him Legolas." Legolas raised his eyes to Elrond, he had been too scared to look at him until he had to.
"'Tis true my Lord. But rest assured I have no," Legolas paused searching for the right word, "designs on your daughter of any sort."
"What?" Thranduil exploded less than quietly in the corner. Elrond's eyes narrowed, searching the face of the clearly shaking elf in front of him. Legolas risked a quick glance at Arwen and her look said everything he needed to know; their charade had gone too far. Elrond's arms folded themselves across his chest and his gaze switched quickly between the two in front of him. In a hard, hollow voice he said,
"I want an explanation and I want one now." Arwen and Legolas looked at each other. Arwen took a deep breath to calm herself, then she took another one and began,
"Adar, King Thranduil, this is my fault. I persuaded Legolas it would be a good idea. He is a good elf and one day I am sure he will make someone a wonderful husband. He is a credit to his parents. I knew that one of the reasons he was here was because his father was hoping he would find wife and Adar you are always telling me that I should get married. I convinced Legolas that if we acted as if we were courting for the time he was here then we would both receive a break from the nagging of our parents. This is my fault and I am sorry. I apologise to all of you, but especially to Legolas because I have used him this past fortnight to gain a rest from your endless lectures on the time of life an elf should marry." Arwen's cheeks flushed as she finished venomously and Elrond's face coloured at her attack on him. His lips thinned visibly and the blood left them. Legolas could not let Arwen take all the blame,
"Lord Elrond," he began, but Arwen placed a hand on his arm.
"Do not, Legolas. You do not have to defend me." Her eyes went to her father's, "Let Ada do with me as he wishes."
"Did your brothers know of this?" Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other in silent horror from their positions under the windowsill of the study.
"No Adar." Elrond's eyes narrowed again in disbelief. He would deal with his sons later. The twins silently let out their breath. Thranduil cleared his throat,
"Well Elrond if your daughter has finished leading my son astray I think it time we retired. We need to be rested for the ride tomorrow so," but he did not get to finish his sentence,
"Leading your son astray? Thranduil how dare you insult my daughter like that! Can you not see that she is lying to save your son further punishment from your foul tongue?"
"My what? Now who is hurling insults?" Each wife went to the side of their husband and placed a hand on his arm, but these gestures were shaken off and Elrond and Thranduil strode towards each other until they met in the centre of the room. Arwen and Legolas turned to watch and even the twins risked looking over the sills into the room. "I am pleased Legolas is not in love with your daughter because I would not welcome a liar into the family." Elrond's eyes bulged and both children stood up in unison and cried,
"Adar, please stop!" But the two elves began to circle each other like two wild animals and exchanged glares.
"Thranduil if you came here with even the slightest hope that I would let my daughter marry your son and live in the Greenwood with a bad-tempered father-in-law like you as a princess of the Silvan people of the Greenwood then you are severely mistaken. They are far more civilised in Lothlórien. Perhaps that is because they are better ruled and their ruler better advised." Thranduil growled in the back of his throat like a wild cat ready to pounce,
"I am sure your opinion of the Galadhrim would be much lower if you were not married to one." Malnarthan gasped. She silently thanked Elbereth that her husband did not have his sword, but something needed to be done.
"Daro! Stop! Thranduil that is enough. You and Elrond have had a hard time preparing for these negotiations and then the talks that have been necessary. May I remind you both that earlier today you signed a peace pact and took an oath that cannot be broken? Do not let the foolishness of two young elves destroy that." Elrond and Thranduil both flung heated glances at their children. Malnarthan continued, "I want you both to shake hands. We leave tomorrow morning and I do not wish to leave knowing that our trip here had been entirely wasted. Celebrían do you agree?"
"Absolutely, Malnarthan. I think our children have been immature enough for all of us without you two old things joining in as well." She tried to keep the conversation light but there was a hidden threat in there. Make peace, we do not support you. Elrond, the better diplomat, gave in first and held out his hand. It took Thranduil another sharp look from his wife before he shook it.
"I suggest we all retire now," said Malnarthan. "We will see you an hour after sunrise tomorrow. Legolas?" His mother's voice roused him from the frozen state he had been in and he followed his parents from the room.
The heavy wooden door shut behind him and before they had got very far down the corridor they could hear Elrond exploding at his daughter. Thranduil remained tight-lipped until he had seen Legolas into his room. Legolas stood in the centre of the room looking back at his father by the door. Thranduil rested on the doorframe and Legolas could see his mother trying to get him to leave their son in peace to rest. Legolas saw his father's eyes shine and become wet. He had never seen his father cry before and it frightened Legolas more than he could possibly have imagined. How could someone so strong shed tears? Legolas heard his mother say,
"Thranduil, melethen, come to bed. You need to rest and so does our son." Thranduil shook his head absentmindedly,
"I do not understand, Malnarthan. How could he do this to me?" His tone changed from sad to angry and firm, "I wash my hands of him completely. He is not my son."
The door closed behind Thranduil and Legolas was left staring at the back of it, his father's last words ringing through his head. Legolas knew this had gone too far, he had been wrong from the beginning. He should have just told Thranduil that he felt nothing for Arwen and she for him since the start of their visit and now Arwen would have to face the severe temper of her father. He did not know which was worse, Elrond's shouting or his father's stunned silence. Legolas' head swam and it seemed to him that the walls of the room were closing in around him. Throwing a cloak around his shoulders Legolas stole out of the window, dropping silently onto the dewy grass underneath.
Checking for guards, Legolas quickly made his way away from the buildings of Rivendell and up the slopes that enclosed the valley. When he was far enough away so he could no longer hear the merry singing of the elves who still remained in the Hall of Fire and the lights of the corridors and rooms were merely points, Legolas stopped and found himself in a small glade in the trees. Each tree was a tall and straight beech tree like the one his flet was built in back in the Greenwood. Legolas had the sudden wish to be back there, laughing in the firelight with some of his friends, the elves who he had grown up with, but instead he was hiding in the woods of Imladris unwilling to face up the decisions he had made. His father was right. He was a terrible prince and he should be more like Thalion. Legolas spread his cloak out on the wet grass and leant his head back on the tree trunk behind him. He let out a long, sad sigh and closed his eyes. Legolas let the voice of the tree behind him calm him as it chattered to itself and its neighbours, allowing the deep, wooden sound to lull him into his dreams.
Legolas' reverie was interrupted by the sound of a snapping twig somewhere not all that distant in the woods. Legolas immediately sprung to his feet and looked for a less conspicuous place to hide, cursing himself for forgetting his bow. There was the sound of two sets of feet heading in his direction and they were speaking quietly to each other, but then Legolas caught the sound of him own name being called gently,
"Legolas? Legolas Greenleaf are you here? It is Elladan and Elrohir." Legolas let out his breath and called as loudly as he dared,
"Keep heading up the slope. I am in a small glade not far from where you are." Soon enough the twins entered the little copse and they saw Legolas had resumed his position under the tree. They approached him like herders do to their animals so as not to frighten them and sat down a little way away from Legolas. The twins looked at each other in silent conference and then Elladan spoke first,
"Arwen sent us to find you, she did not want to risk being caught with you. She said to look among the beech trees because you seemed to prefer them the most."
"My flet is in a beech tree back home. It is strong and tall like these. I like to listen to their voices," Legolas said, not paying attention to the words that tumbled from his mouth. The twins exchanged another glance. Elrohir tried speaking to Legolas,
"Legolas, she says she is sorry. Arwen did not mean to upset you."
"I am not angry with Arwen. If anything I pity her. Was your father harsh on her?"
"No, he ranted and raved for a bit, but he has calmed down now. He is sorry about the entire incident, especially for you and your father. He is just thankful that the deception is over and the alliance was sealed before this all happened." Legolas nodded distractedly. Elladan said,
"We heard what happened in Adar's study. We sneaked into the courtyard outside. Arwen took all the blame Legolas and she stuck to that. Your father should have nothing to be angry at you about." Legolas looked Elladan in the eye and fixed him with a look that Elladan thought was a mixture of anger, sadness, regret and fear and said in a hollow voice devoid of the emotion his eyes displayed,
"I am not my father's son. He told me so not an hour ago."
Neither twin knew what to say to this. They had been on the receiving end of their father's temper many times over the years, but never once had he said that he did not love them or wanted to disown them.
"He is angry Legolas," Elladan said gently, "he will forgive you."
"He will forgive me when I become more like my brother," Legolas spat out.
"Legolas he does not mean it," Elrohir said persuasively.
"Yes he does. But I am not my brother and I will make him see that," Legolas said bitterly. Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a worried look and Elladan said sharply,
"Legolas what do you have planned? Do not do anything you will regret."
"You need not worry. I will be out of your hair in a few hours and I doubt I will be coming back very soon."
"Legolas be reasonable! You need to be focussed on the journey home, the mountain path is dangerous despite what we do," Elrohir pleaded. Legolas was not paying attention though and his stood up,
"Excuse me, but I shall retire now. We set out in the morning. I do not think it would be a good idea for you to come with us to the mountains. Goodbye, thank you for entertaining me during my stay. I have enjoyed your company greatly and I wish that things did not have to end this way. Please give my greetings to your sister." Legolas bowed and left, leaving the twins sitting on the forest floor in utter confusion.
Legolas returned to his room by climbing a tree near to his window and throwing his body at the ledge. It was a desperate and dangerous thing to do, but he really did not want to get caught roaming the corridors of Rivendell after the night he had had.
A servant roused him from his dreams before sunrise the next morning and Legolas was present with a light breakfast on a tray in his room,
"Highness, everyone is leaving as soon as it is light. Your belongings have all been taken to the horses, all you need to do is wash and dress."
"Thank you," Legolas said, rolling out of the soft covers. He did not want to leave the warmth of the blankets and face his father that morning, but he would have to. He would have to endure a seemingly endless time with him as they went slowly back to the Greenwood, unless he could think of an alternative. Staying longer in Rivendell was definitely not an option. The sky began to lighten from a deep inky blue to a clear crystal blue and then the red of the dawning Sun streaked across the eastern horizon. Straightening his clothes Legolas left his room and made his way to the entrance of Rivendell where the path back to the Wild began. There he found gathered his parents, their guards, Thranduil's advisors who had come with them and Elrond.
Legolas strode to greet his father and mother. His mother turned acknowledging him and she flattered his collar. Thranduil, however, kept his back to Legolas and ignored the "Good morning," Legolas said in his direction. Malnarthan's eyes darted towards Elrond where he was instructing the guards on how to get from Rivendell to the pass over the Misty Mountains and on their way home. As Legolas moved towards him Elrond's eyes lifted in his direction and there was a vague twitch of the lips to form a smile in recognition. When he had finished briefing the guards Elrond turned to Legolas,
"Good morrow Legolas."
"Good morrow Lord Elrond." There was an uncomfortable pause and Legolas found he could not meet the other elf's eye. He found his courage however and said, "I am sorry for hurting you sir. That was not the intention." A kindness spread though the peredhel's features and a warm smile was on his lips,
"I know Legolas. We all make mistakes of judgement and I think you will be paying for it harder than Arwen. I have learnt my lesson at least; my daughter is not one to be contended with." Elrond's smile grew broader as he thought about the dressing-down that he had been given first by his daughter and then privately by his wife the night before. "You are always welcome here Legolas Greenleaf. I bid you safe journey home."
"Thank you Lord Elrond, you have shown me great kindness." Legolas bowed low to say goodbye. He would miss Rivendell and the children of Elrond.
His mother came to his shoulder and said, "Legolas we leave now. It is time to mount your horse." Legolas nodded and made his way to where a stable hand guided his horse Mîr, jewel a gentle mare he had broken himself a few years ago. Jumping lightly onto her bare back and feeling her soft hair poke through the light breeches he wore tickling his skin. She snorted and shifted beneath him to accommodate the new weight. Legolas patted her gently and rubbed her neck saying,
"I know miren my jewel it is too early for me too."
The party left Rivendell in the exact reverse of how they had arrived, as if they were strangers sneaking off into the twilight where the light was deceiving, even to an elf. They found the path to the mountains with ease and struck off at a good pace allowing the loaded ponies to keep up with them. On the way Thranduil had been talking non-stop to Legolas, but now the silence around them was unnerving. Only the occasional snort from a horse or call from a bird could be heard. The Misty Mountains loomed in front of them and they passed various elves wearing the livery of Rivendell riding during the day. The stopped briefly and Thranduil and the head of the guard gained information about the pass from them. It seemed to be quite clear. The orcs that lived there were deep down in their tunnels at this time of year and if they had luck with the weather they could be over the mountains in a day. Therefore it was decided that even though they had reached the feet of the range by mid-afternoon they would camp early and start again at sunrise the next day.
Legolas had been thinking to himself all day about how he could escape the silence that deafened him and made his head ache as if he had a hundred dwarves pounding iron inside it. He approached his father for only the second time that day as he was speaking to his mother, both sitting on the grass,
"I was wondering if I could go on ahead please. I would like to get back and see Thalion." Thranduil looked at him as if he was a stranger he had never seen before in his life,
"Do as you please," he said and let his attention go to something else. Malnarthan although taking pity on her son was also concerned for his safely,
"Not until we are over the mountains and you will take three guards with you." Her stern look told Legolas that he was not in a position to protest in the delay in his freedom. He went and chose three of the guards he knew were friendly with his brother and asked if they would be willing to come with him. Eager to get home to their wives and families all three agreed and they decided that they would ride hard to get to the western edge of the forest before night fell on the next day. From there it was a day's ride on the forest paths back to their homes.
Legolas thought the next thirty-six hours would never pass. The night was hot and uncomfortable for him and Legolas longed to be by the forest river talking with his brother or simply wandering barefoot on the cool moss on the forest floor as he had done when he was little. Next day, the mountains were grey and bleak and all around him stretched rock and low cloud. The air became cooler as they went higher, but reaching the top Legolas could see the green of the forest basking in the midday sun and he smiled thinking of home. The Sun blazed as they went down the eastern slope and reaching the bottom Legolas sought out his mother. She nodded her head in agreement without having to hear his appeal and Legolas called to the guards who were to escort him. He sang as Mîr galloped across the plain before they reached the forest. As his father became smaller and smaller behind him so did Legolas' heavy heart. The forest was close and the trees of his home started to call to him.
As night fell they camped close to the edge of the forest. Legolas could not rest but the guards insisted on taking the watch themselves, leaving the prince to wander through the trees. Staying close to the forest road Legolas examined each tree in turn, feeling the way the trunks twisted and turned as each vied for light and air in the dense forest. Legolas did not feel the pricks from the coarse bushes, only the brush of the soft leaves on his skin and the springy moss beneath his feet. The guards changed over the watch and still Legolas was wandering and listening to the trees.
During the darkest hours of the night Legolas decided to stop walking though the trees and he sat down to rest. A cool breeze brushed against his face like the tender touches of his mother, or the love he did not yet know. Legolas scoffed at himself with this thought. He had no need for the love of a she-elf, he was perfectly content with his life as it was and he vowed to himself not to take a wife for many a long year to spite his father further. Instead Legolas sat back, ignoring the sharp shards of bark that pushed into his back and let his memories flow over him. His thoughts were of his time with Thalion when he was younger, playing in the forest during the day, sparring together and during the nights sitting and talking, singing or sometimes saying nothing at all, such was the closeness between the brothers.
Legolas thought back only a few of years when Thalion had taken him merry making for the first time. He had had a strange attraction to them ever since he was very young, but Legolas had been forbidden to ever go by his father until he came of age and once he had done so he was eager to go. Thalion was married by this time and often on duty during the hot nights the elves went merry making, but he had promised Legolas they would go together for the first of Legolas' visits.
It was a hot sticky night at the height of summer, a time of year Legolas detested for he could not find rest in the humid dark-hours. Thalion had come back from one of the forest out-posts earlier that afternoon and Legolas forced him to hold to the promise they had made when he was very young. Eiliant had declined to come with them, sensing it was a time for the brothers to be alone together, and she waved both of them off into the dark of the forest, following the light of the torches and the music that floated through the trees. Legolas hurried along, dragging his brother with him and as they reached the clearing where all the elves had congregated Legolas' eyes widened and his mouth dropped. Fires had been lit all about the clearing and the leaves of the trees swaying in the slight breeze cast dancing shadows across everyone there. There were elves dancing and swaying to music that seemed to appear from the trees itself because the musicians were sitting high in the branches. Some sat in groups singing, drinking, laughing and talking. Legolas' eyes lit up and he did not know where to go first. He felt a tug on his arm and Thalion pulled Legolas in the direction of a group Legolas vaguely recognise. They were elves Thalion had known growing up who were now scattered across the kingdom on various duties for the King. For the first time all evening Legolas felt a pang of nerves. Would these elves accept him into their circle or would he be left, as ever, on his own at the side?
As the group saw the two approach they automatically widened their circle to accommodate them and Legolas sat down between his brother and a she-elf he did not know. She smiled gently at Legolas, recognising a newcomer and as Thalion rejoiced in the reunion with his friends he did not forget to introduce his little brother to them. They were kind to Legolas and he fell easily into conversation. The elves with him were older than most of his friends and for a change Legolas felt like he was accepted by them, welcomed almost as a new addition to their group. He sat laughing with them and drinking the strong Dorwinion wine for a while but after a time he felt a pull on his arm and a pretty elf was asking him to dance. Legolas felt he could not refuse and Thalion smiled, reassuring him in his choice to leave the circle for another. The elf smiled at Legolas and introduced herself, but the poor Prince was too shy to utter a single word. She laughed kindly at his timidity, but did not need an introduction, everyone could recognise the second in line to the throne.
She led Legolas by the hand to join a group of young elves dancing to a tune Legolas new well, but they did not follow the set steps he was used to the Court of his father. In Halls it was a sober dance, the partners barely even registering each other, but in the forest it was wild and unrestrained. The elves let go of their inhibitions and let the music guide their steps. Legolas loved it.
Legolas returned to his flet a few hours after dawn the next morning, a contented smile on his face, still feeling the effect of the wine he had been drinking. He did not remember when Thalion left to spend some time with Eiliant, but it had been several hours before sunrise. Thalion had checked on his brother several times during the night, finally letting him know he was leaving and pointing out the friendly faces that still remained in case of trouble. Legolas stumbled up the steps to his talan and collapsed on his bed, giggling as he remembered the conversations and laughter of the night before. The air was still as hot and humid as it had been all through the night, but Legolas shut out the Sun and fresh air, closing the drapes around his bed, and letting his good mood lull him into his dreams.
Sitting the lightening forest thinking this memory over Legolas had a smile on his face. That was what he wanted to do; spend his time in the forest, day or night being a simple elf, not the prince, Thranduil's son and having fun. He had not had such fun as he had had in Rivendell for a long time, if ever. There, among Arwen and the twins, he felt as if someone other than his family, excepting his father, appreciated him. Well, Legolas thought to himself, if he was no longer his father's son he could no longer be a prince and with that came the right to be treated like an ordinary elf and not to spend his time worrying about what Thranduil would think. To Legolas this sounded like a very good idea.
Returning towards camp he found the guards dismantling it. The Sun had risen and it was time for them to return home. Legolas sang under his breath one of his favourite songs from the merry making as he wished Mîr a good morning and brushed down her coat. Legolas swung himself onto her bare back and stroked her mane now singing his song jovially in her ear. She snorted at his voice and shook her head to try and swat his face away. Legolas laughed and patted her gently nudging her to walk to join the other guards who were ready to leave. They picked their way carefully along the beginning of the forest path, which the elves had allowed to get slightly overgrown. A little way in and the road opened up and it allowed the four to ride side by side. They did not push the horses too much until after they had stopped for lunch, the number of elves they saw becoming more frequent and the desire for an early return home growing in their hearts.
Legolas stopped them a little way short of the palace and turned to the guards and said,
"Your captains think that you are still with my father who is at least a day or two's ride from here. If you return without them knowing then you may perhaps be able to have two days off to spend with your families. I suggest we go quietly now, one at a time, return our horses to the stables and sneak off into the trees." Legolas paused and tried to judge their reactions. "Does anyone have a problem with that?" All the guards smiled and shook their heads, their hearts warming to the prince, and they decided who would go in which order. Legolas went first and he would tell the soldiers that he had ridden on alone and no guards came with him, leaving the others free to go in as they wished as no one would be on the look out for them.
The plan was carried out flawlessly and when Thranduil returned two afternoons later he found three of his best guards absent without leave and his younger son missing.