Special, Just Like Everyone Else

Author: Icy

Ch.2

~~~

As a ruler one has certain obligations. They hold a responsibility to look out for their people. For their people willingly give their lives and obedience to this King not freely, but in exchange for protecting and expected loyalty. Kingship is bond that requires the citizens to be trusting of their ruler's intent. One may enter into it if they give up everything. As a King, of either Men or Elves, there are no halfway grounds. One must make sacrifices that are neither pleasant nor satisfying. It was a harsh agreement, holding those who make it to their word. It was a taxing position, full of customs and tradition. Often it is this bond that makes a leader give up what they would otherwise not. King Thranduil, of the Mirkwood realm was no different.

Thranduil rested his chin on his hand. He was still in a meeting, the meeting that had been in session since lunch ended. The king's mind wandered, thinking back to the meal he'd had. Of late the brown bread had been supreme, he'd have to remember to have some for dinner. His councilors drowned on about recent orc attacks; apparently they were becoming more frequent in the woods nearest Laketown. They would have to send more reinforcements soon, or they would break through their defenses. Nodding his consent to send four more battalions of warriors the following morn, the king continued to think of the bread. It had been so mouthwatering, cream spread over the top, steam rising off invitingly. He would defiantly have bread brown at all his feasts.

At last one of his councilors stood, indicating that he wished to speak. The others fell silent after a moment, turning to see what he wished to add.

"I do believe we have discussed all that need be, for this session. I shall speak with you all on the morrow."

Thranduil snapped his attention up. Ah, that was why. It was Yaniul, one of his most respected councilors. He had been on the board since his father's time. Often the King took his guidance, he was a wise even for an elf. Oddly enough, Yaniul was one of Mirkwood's teachers. He was the most respected musician in the land, having a talent for picking out and creating wonderful melodies.

The others on the board began to file out of the room, muttering and waving scrolls at one another. They seemed reluctant to go, even though the meeting had spanned for hours already. Smiling at Yaniul, he motioned for him to come forward.

"Old friend I do believe we have much to discuss, concerning my youngest," he stated.

"Yes, of course my lord." He bowed and then stood, gazing up at him.

"As you well know, the eve of Legolas' coming out is upon us, and know many new responsibilities shall land on his shoulders-"

"I understand, your majesty, Legolas shall cease his lessons—if that is your wish." He interrupted, looking regretful.

King Thranduil looked appalled. Shaking his head he laughed at the elder councilors grim appearance.

"You mistake me, friend. As long as my Little Leaf resides in Mirkwood I wish for his lessons to continue." Yaniul perked up at hearing this, smiling brightly at the king. Thranduil returned the smile, geniuly pleased to reassure his friend, he had such a wonderful smile. It was truly a shame not to see it more often. His presence, like his children, warmed his soul.

"That is wonderful, I am glad to hear it is so, my lord."

"I would also like to ask you about-"

The doors to the meeting room were thrown open, banging against the walls brutally. An out of breathe guard rushed up to the king, hunched over and panting. He was decked out in dark breeches, a lighter tunic belted over a cream shirt. Ornaments were carefully pinned up and down the shirt. His hair was even in the typical fashion used for battle, which should not have been considering he was not currently engaged in battle. The king scowled, warrior traditions were to be respected. This mutinous elf would have to be severely punished as proof that insubordination for the traditions would not be accepted. Looking generally bedraggled and put out, the elf wheezing against his knees.

"What is the meaning of this?" Growled the king, puffing up in irritation.

The guard was frightened enough to cease his gasping, looking at the King in alarm.

"I uh there is a-a p-problem w-w-with the"

"Cease your stuttering, you disrespect the King with your incoherent speech." Growled the councilor, glaring at the blathering guard.

The elf seemed to sober at the attack, his shoulders sinking from the reprimand.

"There is a problem, your majesty, with the celebration dance."

Looking closer at the elf the king realized that this was not a true guard, but one of the dancers who was playing a guard in the dance. It was the most important part of the coming out celebration. Due to the complexity of the moves and speed at which an elf must perform, the elves chosen for it our picked out twenty years before the performance. It takes a limber body and high stamina for the feat, and only the most proficient are chosen. Because of the Queen's death the King chose the dance, although usually the female or carrier picks it. Thranduil has chosen the final dance his Queen had designed herself, which was unfortunately the most complex to date. The feat would last four hours and had over two hundred dancers included.

Legolas had to attend several practices a week to learn and keep up with the dance. There were five hours of required 'upkeep' that those involved had to take on also. Most swam or worked out, finding the least dangerous ways to keep them fit. Understudies were in the hundreds, each practicing the whole time also. One needed to stay in shape. Often extra 'practices' were thrown when the dancers felt the need to work out a certain sequence or pattern. A succession of injuries from an orc attack made a near-fatal blow on the ranks of performers. With forty broken bones and seventy less brutal injuries, many dancers were forced to give up their spots. It had caused a disturbance for some time before the King was able to settle things down by declaring that anyone injured could attempt to get back their position but would be required to attend nine more practices to catch up.

"What is the cause of this disturbance?" roared Thranduil suddenly irritated.

"It seems that Prince Legolas has not attended his latest practice, my lord. The instructor is most irate."

Nodding, the king sighed. It was unlike Legolas to miss practice. It was one of the few chances that his youngest was allowed around so many, many males. He shook his head, annoyed by the danger presented to his son. The king was very protective of his Little Leaf; every one in Mirkwood knew this. There were more guards posted during the dance practices than any other of Prince Legolas's actives. Nonetheless the Prince loved to dance, if there were some gorgeous looking male elves there it was merely a plus. Thranduil puzzled over why his son would skip such a chance. There had to be a reason behind this recent disobedience.

The Prince was by no means perfect. On several occasions he made a fool out of the king and his court. Like the time he'd let the black squirrels into the thrown room, or when his spider spit webs over all the councilors chairs. Even one time he wove a rash inducing vine in the royal crown. Once he even went so far as to put water in from one of the hidden ponds that made the bowel movements extremely violent for two weeks.

~~~

The hallways of the Mirkwood palace were nothing if not extensive. They were fully furnished with tapestries, but mostly they tried to enhance to beautiful wood walls. At this particular moment the youngest prince of Mirkwood was walking down a hall that had several murals of feasts in flowers covering it. His faithful spider trailing behind, chittering in it's own language. Legolas grinned at the beastie, shaking his head.

"You know I would not leave you on purpose Gwibess! A chance of riding is such a scarcity, I simply forgot you momentarily." The spider squeaked out something, which only seemed to encourage the Prince.

Patting the spider on the head he grinned belligerently. He almost missed seeing someone come down the hallway. For a moment, Legolas panicked, he'd never met someone without his guards. What if who ever it was coming would harm him? What was he to do? His father would be furious if something happened to him, and several elves would no doubt lose their lives. Legolas frowned, he hadn't even considered meeting up with someone in the palace, which was of course ridiculous--what with all the guests showing up. Pacing back and forth in annoyance at his lack of foresight Legolas screamed when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

"Aiiiiii!"

"Prince Legolas, please! Cease your screaming, my old ears can not take it."

Legolas turned around to meet the gaze of his teacher, Yaniul. Letting out a deep breath, and feeling stupid for getting so frightened, the young prince smiled at him. He always liked his father's old council member. Out of the bunch he was the only one that seemed to make sense. While the others tried to manipulate the King to gain more power and prestige, Yaniul was the only one that cared for the kingdom. Legolas frowned for a few seconds; it was common knowledge that Mirkwood was in trouble. The orcs had been growing steadily worse as the years went by. It was scary how quickly a kingdom that was once so great could fall so swiftly. Turning his thoughts to happier times he forced a smile out for his teacher. Before he could get a greeting out though, Yaniul spoke.

"Legolas, about your classes, your father has spoken with me about it."

"Yes?"

"He wishes for you to continue, as long as you remain in Mirkwood that is."

Legolas lost his smile, was his father so ready to rid of him? He was already discussing what was to happen to him? Was he really such a burden?

"You shall be there tonight?"

"I shall do as my father wishes, Yaniul."

Legolas drifted past his teacher, head down and sighing. Gwibess trailed after him, chittering softly to the prince.

Yaniul frowned at the prince's attitude. Normally he had to be pried from his side, being one of the few males the king felt him safe around, Greenleaf rarely departed of his own will. Either another appointment or meal separated the two. Yaniul grinned fondly; the youngster had an air about him that could soften even the hardest of spirits. His own King was a prime example of his wondrous effects. He shook his head and put it off as coming out jitters.

~~~

Haldir reclined in a chair. His brother, Rumil wandered into the room, having come from the resting quarters. Next to him laid his other brother Orophin, relaxing from their journey.

"Mirkwood has most gracious rooms," Rumil said, "though a talan would be more comfortable."

"Homesick so soon?"

Rumil just rolled his eyes at his brothers  excitement.

"The rooms are not what we should concern ourselves with. Finding this elusive youngest of Mirkwood is much more worthwhile." Orophin stated, standing up from his seat, only for his stomach to rumble.

"Perhaps some refreshments would be in order."

"I shall retrieve some snacks from the kitchen," Haldir offered, getting up also and heading to the door.

"Ah, good plan younger brother. You gather up some refreshments, while we go find out what there is to know about this elf." Rumil grinned, sprinting out the door before either could stop him.

Haldir looked over at his older brother.

"Perhaps you should follow him, make sure he does not get in too much trouble. It wouldn't do us any favors to have the Mirkwood elves against us." Haldir pointed out.


Orophin turned out the door, heading after his youngest brother. Haldir going the other way, headed to the kitchens.

He arrived there to see elves running back and forth as if their lives depended on it. Twice he was bumped into and hastily apologized at. Tantalizing smells rose up from the fires, beckoning to him. Dinner would be a splendid feast. He caught the attention of a small elfling, an apprentice in the kitchens.

"I need refreshments for myself and brothers."

"Oh course milord." The little elfling scurried off into the madness.

The door swung open again to allow someone to come in. Curious, Haldir turned to see the most exquisite elf he'd seen come in the door…trailed by a spider! He went to reach to his side where his sword normally was only to remember he'd taken it off in his room. Looking around for a suitable weapon he noticed that no one moved to kill the spider. Confused he watched as the elf said something in a musical voice and the spider…responded. The beauty grinned and playfully ruffled the hair on the giant spider.

Haldir was so entranced that he didn't notice the young elfling had returned with a basket until it was forced into his hands and he was practically shoved forcefully from the kitchen. Snorting at the rude manners of elflings he headed back to his suite, looking forward to hear what his brothers had found.

~~~

Legolas giggled at his spider's squeaks, cheering up right away. They entered the kitchen, Legolas looking around for Ermil, the young apprentice elfling in the kitchens. He'd be able to get a few sweets from her if he asked the right way. As he searched his eyes landed on one of the Lórien elves. The prince blushed as he spotted the elf, he was very handsome, not to mention that he seemed familiar somehow. Which was impossible, Legolas had been sheltered by males all his life, not to mention he's never seen a foreign elf before this morning's ride. Dance lessons were the only chances he got to see any of males. Dancing lessons! Legolas smacked his head, he'd forgotten. Father would not be pleased. He'd probably be suspicious too.

Looking up to hopefully get another glance at the Lórien elf, Legolas saw only air in the spot he had stood. He quickly turned around to see Ermil shoving him out of the room. He giggled at the elf's actions.

"And why, Ermil, do you show such disrespect to the Lórien elves?"

She huffed, placing her hands on her hips, looking utterly ridiculous considering she was coved in flour.

"I wouldn't a done it if he 'and't of been lookin' at you like your ada's does 'is gems!" she puffed.

Legolas blushed. "He was doing no such thing!"

"'ow would you know, you were givin' 'im the same look!" she grinned.

"I-I-I was not!" protested the beet red prince.

Giving him a break she changed the subject.

"Is there something you came 'ere for?"

"There wouldn't happen to be any sweet buns made already, would there?" He asked, blinking his eyes innocently.

"Not a chance. I made those myself and if the 'ead chef sees me given them to you, she'll 'ave my 'ead!"

"Aww, come on, just one? Gwibess and I missed a meal! Look at us, were practically starving!" he pleaded, lifting up his tunic to reveal a lithe chest, patting his stomach for emphasize. Ermil blushed.

"You best not be doin' that 'round 'ere!" she scolded, yanking his top down, "Ooh fine! I'll get you one!"

Legolas grinned at his success. People always worried when he started begging them; oddly enough all he had to do was show a little skin and bam he got what he wanted. Not an everyday practice to be sure, but in desperate situations one must call upon desperate measures. Getting dessert early was definitely a desperate situation, or so Legolas explained to his spider. Gwibess rolled her eyes, nudging her master.

"One for Gwibess too!"

Ermil grumbled but got the additional pastry. Wrapping them in cloth she handed them over to the prince.

"You better get on to your lessons! Or Yaniul will have your 'ead!"

Grinning with a mouthful of sweet bun he thanked her and left, Gwibess trailing once more.

~~~

Haldir returned to his suite, slightly in a daze and grinning. That elf from the kitchen had been the stunning. He'd have to see him again. There was no question in his mind about that, now if he only knew that beauty's name.

The three brothers gathered back into their room, sharing what they had learned. Rumil seemed to have gotten the most information from people while Orophin kept him out of trouble. Over all the information they discovered about Mirkwood's royalty was that it was there were several princes and even a supposed princess. They couldn't find out whom the youngest was, just that they were stunningly handsome and talented with a bow; not to mention the king was wrapped around their finger.

 Haldir sighed when he heard this. Elves were all beautiful. All Mirkwood elves were good with a bow. It went unsaid that the warrior realm created the strongest of warriors. Occasionally other kingdoms would send their own elves to Mirkwood or on the off chance that they could persuade one, higher a soldier to come to their own land and teach them. Even though their were rumors of a darkness perverting the Mirkwood the elves were extremely reluctant to abandon the land.

Overall they were unable to find suitable information on who the celebration was being thrown for. It was odd, considering that coming out elves were one thousand years old, so they collected quite a history; about this elusive elf they could only gleam a few events. Haldir felt uneasy about the whole ordeal. The situation was starting to make them stir crazy, in order to ease the tensions that were building between the three brothers they decided to leave the room. Their options were severely limited due to their limited knowledge of the vast land. Only certain places were deemed necessary for the Marchwardens to know which are: the kitchens, the thrown room, the meeting room, the archery fields, and the horse buildings. They only knew a couple other locations. Having already eaten, all three went to the archery fields in order to restock the arrows lost from today's battle.

~~~

Tathar Calmcacil pulled back his bow and released another arrow. After returning from his guide duty he had calmly walking down the halls, when suddenly he overhead a group of dancers conversing over the subject of the Prince missing a practice that day. Tathar had frozen, if his father found out that he had helped or participated in Legolas' adventure he would be in for it. While Greenleaf was often disciplined, any who assisted in his misdemeanors were ludicrously punished. Using archery practice as relaxation, he went to pull another arrow from his quiver, grasping only thin air he grunted in annoyance.

Signaling to his partner, he moved out of the shooting range and over towards another area. Out of the practice range and now in the refill station, the prince noticed a trio of Lórien elves. Curious, he stepped closer; perhaps he would be able to 'overhear' some information on some of the Golden Woods' suitors.

"Practically nothing! It's utterly depressing. I do so hope that in my years passed a memory of myself has been firmly planted in all I've crossed." One muttered, seemingly the youngest of the group.

"Fear not, after crossing paths with the likes of you, known would be as lucky as to forgo their memories."

"Nay brother, their nightmares!" crowed the third one.

The three turned to the elf in charge of the supplies. After requesting a journey elf's set, they were appalled to find their order wouldn't be filled until three to four weeks. Following a further questioning they discovered it was due to the King requesting that four battalions go forth the next morn they understood. The elves would be hard pressed to stock their own warriors without worrying about visitors.

Tathar, having eavesdropped on their previous bickering smirked in amusement. Schooling his features he turned to the three.

"Seeing as there are no extra sets, would it be possible to lure any of you in an archery competition?"

They looked shocked to have company. Tathar hid a laugh. Legolas would be rolling when he heard of this. Often the two brothers gathered with one another, discussing the occurrences of the days. His brother would love to hear about the dumbfounded foreign group.

The silvery Marchwarden from this morning stepped forward, holding a quiver of arrows.

"It would honor us greatly to compete with a Mirkwood general."

Ah, so they did remember him. He smiled, nodding at the Marchwarden. This would almost be too easy.

"If you would kindly follow me, I shall bring you…"

~~~

Tathar slid his bow onto his back, trying not to smirk at the overconfident Marchwarden. Who he had just happened to defeat in archery, Mirkwood wasn't known for its archers for nothing. Signaling his partner once more, he moved forward to retrieve the arrows used. To give credit where it was due, Tathar hadn't seen such a talented archer that hadn't trained with those of his land in a long while. He told him so.

"You speak too kindly, General."

"Tathar, you may call me Tathar."

"Then you must do myself the same honor, Tathar."

"Oooh, us the same as well!" squawked Haldir's youngest brother. The General smiled.

"Then it is so. But if you think my skill with a bow is impressive then you must see my youngest sibling's. That is a skill unheard of in archery, even from Mirkwood."

Haldir smiled, a better archer? He wasn't the Captain of the Guard without holding an interest in the skills of battle. It would be impressive to see such a display.

"If it would be possible, Tathar, I would very much enjoy seeing this."

"I thought as much, if you three will once more follow my lead, I shall bring you to the practice, it soon ends."

They agreed and followed the prince from the archery fields, after he signaled once more to his partner. He took them pass the horses and library, nodding every now and then to a passerby. The Marchwarden's were shocked at the detail and designs that went into the constructions. The Golden Woods were decorated in ways dedicated to the peaceful practices of their people, while these woods had many of the warrior aspects drawn out.

Haldir was entranced to hear a silvery song echoing from the halls. He, being an elf, was used to heavenly songs, but this seemed…beyond reality's ability. Haldir was at once captivated by the tune. He unknowingly picked up his pace, wishing to hurry their journey. As soon he met the General's sibling he would excuse himself to find that divine voice. They were approaching a building, which Haldir knew not, his brow creased in confusion. He had been sure the General had been referring to one of the barracks, the practice being that of a warrior's. Why was Tathar bringing them to this musical place then? The beautiful song increased in volume.

"The voice, it is most pleasing." Haldir noted, hoping to get the General into conversation.

He did not seem to wish to speak too much on the singing and, his reply was short.

Tathar smiled fondly, "Yes, I feel it is the best our halls' have. Though, I fear I am biased in my judgment."

The melody was stunning. The singer's voice rose, singling the ending of the song. As the final note was sang, they arrived in front of an archway. The foursome halted. Haldir peered into the room, searching for the owner of the miraculous voice. What lay before him was the most pleasing.

~~~

That is all for this installment, sorry for the long wait. My dad's computer was wiped clean of all my information. So it took me a while to restore this story.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to review, it was very encouraging through the not so easy patches on this chapter. The next will be up sooner, I promise. The gap between ch. 2 and 3 was too long in my opinion. I made this one like 2 ½ longer than the normal chapters I write. I hope you enjoyed, and look forward to hearing more of your kind words!

I was very pleased to see Gwibess was well liked, don't worry Legolas' loyal spider shall make more appearances. Sorry about the chapter switch-mix-up. Next chapter: Over protective King, watch out suitors!

Later yo,

Icy