Special, Just Like Everyone Else
Author: Icy Flame
Ch. 3
~~~
Breathing in deeply Legolas began the last chorus. His voice trilled as the notes rose higher and higher. His teacher's fingers flew across the accompanying instrument, testing his skill with the arrangement. Legolas knew it was a difficult one; after all, he had composed it himself. It had been on one of the magnificent summer day that his father had forbidden him from spending outside. There had been a mob of wild men storming the forest. In honor of all those who were defending Mirkwood Legolas had taken the task of creating a dirge depicting their efforts. His ending results were fifty-two sections of an untainted harmony. It had an accompaniment for either the piccolo or soldier's flute. The climax was pending when Legolas felt his throat start to tighten. The song required the singer to hold a range of eight octaves. Not only the large range but also a hefty lung capacity. The vocalist let out the last note, trying to hold back a gasp
Yaniul clapped Legolas on the back, nodding at his accomplishment. He gave the young elf one of his rare winning smiles.
"You have a rare gift, Greenleaf. You should treasure it always; few elves have been such a miraculous talent. Oh course you could use a great deal of practice, youngling, do not get cocky."
Legolas smiled at his teacher. Not only did he have a sweet bun waiting for him but also Yaniul had been delighted with his performance. It was not often that his teacher praised his pupils. He was very strict when ever he taught, not giving away any of his thoughts. He would constantly bark out commands, training Mirkwood's singers like a drill sergeant. It was tough, but Legolas found himself enjoying his lessons. It was not often he had someone who didn't treat him as if he would break at a moments notice.
He had been afraid upon returning that his father had discovered that he'd skipped his dance practice. He would no doubt be furious, with so few days left until the actually performance it was considered vital that everyone attend. His instructor would no doubt be furious, but for obvious reasons there was not much that could be done about it. Legolas was the main performer in the dance so he could not be replaced. Legolas felt a little guilty about skipping out, but he was sure that if he had the chance he would do it again. There would be no other way he could have seen the foreign elves. There was no way his father would permit him to greet that many male elves, especially since they were not of Mirkwood. Thranduil had forbid any unsupervised contact he had with outsiders long ago. It had taken decades for Legolas to even convince or rather wheedle his father to let him met those of his realm. He already knew the steps by heart at this point; his dance instructor had been pleased at his performance. Several generations had attempted to use the Mirkwood's late queen's final arrangement for their own coming of age celebrations with no successes. It would have been foolish to waste such a brilliant day with stretching and awaiting others to fix their last minute mistakes. The instructor had been polishing up everyone's moves for the last several weeks. His lessons was almost over and Legolas was pleased. His feet were beginning to protest.
"That is enough, I would suggest having a drink of ezilativer to ease your throat."
Legolas nodded Yaniul's advice was always wise to take. Stroking his throat in hopes of soothing it, he grinned. The Prince turned, prepared to return to his rooms for a nap and get the prescribed drink. It would be several hours before dinner and he wished to be well rested. He didn't know whom he would be meeting tonight; perhaps his father would allow him to sit near an Lórien elf! Silently praying this was true, he almost missed his brother at the door. There were three other elves with him, all Lórien and all male.
Putting on his most charming smile, he walked over to group. He was aware of his father wasn't planning on pairing him off with a female elf. For understandable reasons too, shaking his head he turned his attention to the three new elves. It didn't bother him that his life mate would be male; he was rather pleased with the decision actually. He walked up to his brother, hugging him in excitement. He would finally be around some attractive, hopefully single and interesting young chaps. He tired of the constantly same company.
"It is" Legolas started before be broke out coughing. "Good to see you, Tathar." He finished dryly.
"What ever is the matter, Little Leaf?" asked Tathar, concerned he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Legolas' shoulders.
Yaniul stepped forward, laying a hand on Tathar's shoulder.
"Cease your worry, young one. He merely has to follow my instruction and your Little Leaf's voice shall be returned."
Bobbing his head to show he understood, the General turned to the three Marchwardens. Bowing slightly he, straightened.
"I am afraid I must postpone the showing of my brother's skill. I…that is, I wish to care for my—"
"Of course, we will see you tonight, Tathar." Rumil agreed, moving out of the way as they left to return to their rooms. Rumil received a dirty look from Haldir and was about to ask why when he went past him. Exchanging a look with his other brother he silently asked what he'd done wrong.
"Haldir wished to converse with the General on the Royal family. Your quick acceptance of dismissal obstructed his plans."
"Pft, you know as well as I he doesn't have to marry within the Mirkwood Royal Family. After all, any old elf would do!"
"You know, as well as I, youngest brother that with his position as Captain of the Guard he is required to have a mate of certain…status."
~~~
Looping an arm around his waist and grabbing the other one, Tathar led the youngest prince towards his living quarters. Halfway their Legolas slipped out of his big brother's grip, sending him an annoyed glare. With an apologetic look he continued to guide his brother to his room, looking around occasionally as if he felt someone were planning on ambushing them from the corners. Legolas graced him a weary stare but let his brother lead onwards. With a casual glance backwards he noted that his trusty spider was still trailing them, concerned eyes on his elven master. The younger prince felt their concern and flustered, it was just a sore throat, what was the big deal?
Upon arriving at his quarters he was tucked into a cocoon of blankets.
Searching the selves Tathar attempted to locate the ingredients. It was difficult. While Legolas was rarely allowed out of the castle grounds he did own a garden. The land was cared for quite diligently by the young elf. He spent many hours in the garden. It was one of his few escapes inside his father's domain. Whilst he couldn't go into the forests and climb into the mighty trees, Little Leaf was allowed a few outside activities. Besides dancing and singing lessons, he was skilled in many forms of art. Battle tactics came naturally to the Mirkwood elf, this was mainly because of his realm's deep need for warriors. Legolas had been on very few outings in the woods, but the skills were deemed essential if he were to stay in the dark lands, along with many other scholarly talents.
Due to the restrictions on his hobbies though, tending his herb garden had been a major pastime. His guard was mainly cut down to one or two elves. He was afforded a great deal of privacy while caring for his plot. The patch of land was undeniably beautiful, sprouting plants for most of the year. Every so often the golden haired elf would take some herbs from his garden to be used as medicines. He had a gift for creating
A round of coughs in the other room stirred Tathar from his musings. Spotting the leaves he needed on the eighth self he scooped them up. Gently placing the dry herbs into the stone bowl he began to grind them. A fragrance rose from the bowl, it was pleasing to the nose but it held a tart taste. He knew from experience that it wasn't the greatest tasting of the elven medicines but it was very affective. The general took the powder and shoveled into a mug. Turning towards the fire he lifted a kettle that held water. Pouring it into the cup he stirred the powder with the water. An inviting plume of steam rose from the mug as he crossed the room to his brother.
Carefully extending his arm with the cup he passed the hot liquid to Legolas.
"Drink"
Nodding at Tathar he tipped to contents back and swallowed it. A twisted expression covered his features.
"Erg, what was in that?" he squawked, groping his throat. Tathar threw him an indignant look and frowned.
"Fine, from now on you can make your own cures."
Sensing that he had hurt Tathar's pride in his potion he frowned. Apologetically he crawled across the cushioned bed. Wrapping his arms around his brother's shoulders he squeezed.
"I didn't mean to be ungrateful brother, I'm sorry. I really appreciate your care."
Tathar, melting from his brother's praise grinned. Returning the hug he messed up his hair.
"Aright, let's get you back into bed. You'll need your rest if you intended to attend the feast tonight."
Legolas grunted in reply, consenting to be tucked back in bed.
~~~
Thranduil looked out at the guests, frowning on the inside while he gave the crowd a smile. Tipping his head graciously at the Lady and Lord of Lórien he tried not to grit his teeth in annoyance. Taking up his goblet he raised it to the masses and muttered an elvish phrase. A great cheer swelled from the multitude and the King choked back his wine. It tasted sour and tart to his tongue. His sons were set out before him, mingling with the visiting elves. It was a rare occurrence for those not of this realm to dine there but once in a while the King would relent and allow company.
His subjects were cherishing the rare chance to exchange news and stories with old friends. There would be few such chances soon. As he turned to his youngest, for the first time tonight, the King of Mirkwood smiled.
Picking up a piece of brown bread he recalled his son's absence from his practice that morn. He tried to go over any possible reasoning for this. As he thought before, it was one of his son's most favored pass times. Stopping his attendance was inconceivable; in fact Legolas was normally early. The King had been greatly shocked upon hearing that he skipped. He'd sent out a patrol at once, demanding they search the grounds for the youngest heir. All he had learned was that Legolas had been wandering the halls with his spider. He was determined to discover where he had been earlier, or more precisely who with. Thranduil went over his approach; after all, it wouldn't do to just blurt it out. Not to mention that, as a king, he had learned certain skills! If he was anything, it was discreet.
Leaning forward he delicately motioned for Greenleaf's attention. Legolas, who had moments before, been speaking to one of his brothers heatedly.
"So Greenleaf, who was he?"
The youngest prince faltered in his conversation, staring at his father aghast. The others at the main table also stared. Someone down the table began to cough hoarsely. Was the King implying what they thought he was? Legolas gaped at his father, mouth open and hand loosely gripping his spoon. He felt blood rushing to his face as his face heated up.
"I don't believe I understand what you are referring to."
"You did not attend dance today, I am inquiring as to why Greenleaf. Who were you with Greenleaf?"
~
Haldir sat with his brothers at the feast, amongst the few that were allowed the pleasure to join the high table. It was filled mainly with royalty and noble, though high ranking military were sprinkled about the table. The tables were loaded an exotic fare that left their mouths watering. Gracefully sitting in a chair he surveyed those in his vicinity. There were a number of Mirkwood warriors to his immediate left, nearing the end of the table. Looking to his right he saw that his Lord and Lady were settled in next to the King. The rest of the Mirkwood royalty was nestled in between some of the visiting lords and highborn.
Rumil touched his hand, shaking him from his trance.
"You look tense brother, whatever the matter, you can tell me."
Rumil's sincere concern for Haldir touched him deeply, warming his heart. He sent him a warm smile.
"Thank you for your concern brother, but there is nothing to report, I fear it is misplaced."
"If you believe so…" he trailed, scooping a rose colored gravy onto his plate.
"So Greenleaf, who was he?"
Rumil started to cough, grasping at his throat. Haldir whacked him on the back a few times; making sure it was nothing serious he turned his attention back to the King of Mirkwood. His attentions were focused on one elf. It was the one from this morn and the lesson! That was the General's mate, the one sharing his horse.
"I don't believe I understand what you are referring to."
"You did not attend dance today, I am inquiring as to why Greenleaf. Who were you with Greenleaf?"
Haldir exchanged a confused look with his brothers, why would the King be so interested in his General's mate? Or what he did that day? It seemed odd to Haldir that he would take it upon himself to discover whether this elf was hanging out with other males? This was very suspicious. Haldir examined Greenleaf closer and noticed a dark red filling out his cheeks. 'He must have been with someone else.'
Haldir frowned; being adulterous was greatly looked down upon by elves. Most saw it as something that was uncouth and a trait of only the crass. To be unfaithful to one's chosen partner showed not only disrespect to your mate but also your family. With such long lives, family honor was held in the esteem of most. The gruesome act was taken as an insult to the family name and often dooming. If what the King was insinuating was true than the marriage between the General and the two-timing Greenleaf would be null and void. Greenleaf's indiscretion would force him from the realm and in Ages past all those of elven kind. He would be forced to spend his sinful life amongst the other creatures of Middle Earth. Some kingdoms have lightened the punishment of late, raising the tolerance of faithless mates. As of yet, Lothlórien was steady in the old ways concerning these things. Haldir, himself, disapproved of a mate being unfaithful. He felt that if such an event were to occur than it was obvious that the two were not meant to join in such a bond. There was no excuse for such conduct to lay with another if you were bound with a mate. That was not to say that elves were celibate race, far from it. Often they engaged in acts of passion. Lust was a main factor in their acts. But to break the sacred bond between a mated pair was unpardonable.
~
Legolas was staggered by his father's implications. Did his father really think he held such loose morals? He did not wish to get anyone in trouble, if he were to tell that he was with his brother what would happen. To not reply would be implying that he had, well done it with someone and was too ashamed to fess up. That his deed was with someone that was below mention to others. Legolas looked grim, he understood the dangers of lying with another, especially before his coming of age. He glanced at his brother pleadingly; Tathar looked like an elf about to be executed but nodded his consent.
"I was with Tathar, as the Lórien party arrived, you can ask any that were present."
"Lieutenant Niecal,"
"Sir?" the lieutenant looked startled, looking up from his meal to the king's gaze. Tathar's hand rest lightly on his bonded one's knee. The tense nature of his muscles loosened.
"Do you recall Greenleaf's presence during the journey to escort the Lórien party?"
Niecal shrank back, truthfully he hadn't seen the youngest prince. That didn't mean Legolas wasn't present, just that he had not been noted. If he were the one to tell the king that his favorite had been playing hooky it would not doubt somehow be perceived as his fault. Mirkwood's king had never been viewed as rational or very sensible when it came to Greenleaf. His shrewd nature flew as speeds even eagles would amaze at.
"I did return early, sir." He replied, reluctant to leave his brother-in-law in the lurch.
"I do not recall asking if you returned early, Niecal. Was or was he not present?"
"No, sir. Not while I—"
"That is all I requested of you, Lieutenant!" The king growled.
Niecal flushed under the slight. Tathar bristled from his father's lack of tact towards his mate. He was starting to rise from his seat, glaring heatedly at the King when it happened.
~
Haldir watched on, intrigued and appalled by the brash display. When the lieutenant began to protest the result of his words, the three Marchwardens looked on in interest. It was never wise to fall out with royalty. Haldir could recall the former Captain of the Guard complaining of the use of his guards when Elrond's twins came for a visit. The Captain had been thrown out on her pointy ear, never welcome back in the Golden Woods. Haldir wasn't surprised when he saw the General stand to protect his beautiful mate's honor, shielding Greenleaf from the outright slur.
Right when it was truly getting juicy Greenleaf stood up from his spot at the table, thumping his hands down on the table's surface loudly.
"I just went out to see the Lórien elves, I don't see why you must make such a big deal out of it! It was only one practice out of hundreds! I know the dance."
With that said the beautiful elf hastily retreated from the room. Silence, which had moments before descended upon the feast, was now replaced with murmurings. The lieutenant looked flustered, the General peeved, and the King regretful. Haldir having taken in all he could for one night informed his brothers that he would be turning in early. The nodded in understanding, and returned their gazes to the spectacle, it seemed that the King's councilors were debating something heatedly.
~~~
Chapter End
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Again, took a long while but school work is first priority and my professors seem to enjoy dishing it out. I know this chapter wasn't very well…entertaining but I was trying to set up some plot so it would make better sense later on. It's not as long as my previous chapter, but pretty darn close! I've got chapter five done so it should be up the following day! Thanks for sticking around; I know the updates have been erratic. I might try something to get them out quicker but I won't tell you just that you'll be happy with it. It won't work for long but for the next couple chapters it will.
Sorry no over-protective King, that landed in the next chapter! *grins cheekily* You'll have to read it to find out! *dashes off*
Thank you kind reviewers! I was so happy when I saw them! It made me finish this. I tend to get lazy and just read fics instead of writing my own. There's just so much slash out there! *smiles*
Later yo,
Icy