Special, Just Like Everybody Else
Author: Icy
Ch.7
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Legolas placed a hand on his guard's shoulder to stop her from harassing a guest. Sure it was their responsibility to protect him from enemies and unwanted suitors but to assault random elves was getting ridiculous. Not that he saw his father's over protective rules regarding the company he kept as sane. Why did he have to have limited company when his brothers had such free unrestricted visitors? Why were they so special?
Snorting at his thoughts he flushed under the strange looks he received. Deciding to switch the conversation in a more Legolas friendly direction he cleared his throat.
"Now I'm sure that he didn't mean anything by it, did you sir?"
The elf before Legolas was the same one from the kitchen, and his singing lesson, and his garden. That smug elf that was so cold to him. The prince groaned inwardly, he'd just saved this fool from the danger of overprotective Mirkwood guards. It just figured that he would come across trouble like this on his celebration day. Growling at his own stupidity he merely gestured for his sect of guards to continue. Before they could move on though the elves stood in front of him.
"Greenleaf, where is Tathar?" one of them asked.
"Rumil!" chastened another. They looked liked the elves his brother had planned on showing him the day after his singing lessons with Yaniul. It seemed so long ago but it hadn't even been years but days that he had snuck out to see the Lothlórien elves. Shaking his head he scowled only those closest to him referred to him as such. Legolas was too shocked to be addressed by them so informally. It had originated from a nickname his mother had given him before passing.
:::::A Birthing Years Ago:::::
An elf lay in a bed, face very flush. Her breathing was coming in quick pants, hands clenching the bed sheets.
"Oooh Thranduil you worm!"
A blonde elf near her side winced. "You out of my sight!"
The king began to inch away from her, afraid of what to do. It wasn't a second later she was screeching for him to stand by her side like the elf that he was suppose to be. He gulped and moved back towards her side, scooping up her hand.
"Uuuuuh! He's coming! Oooh, where's that laaaaazy ooouch, miiiidwiiife! Son of an orc!"
A chubby elf passed through the door and set right to work, ignoring the cringing husband and screeching wife. Recognizing her as the midwife Thranduil stood by his beloved's side, stroking her hand.
Halfway through the birth the midwife called in more assistance, beckoning for more support. It wasn't until their numbers had more than doubled and the bedding was being constantly replaced that the king became worried. None of the other births that his wife had gone through seemed to last this long or cost so much in lifeblood. It wasn't until a time of great mourning had pasted that Thranduil realized just how bad things had gone.
The doctor pulled the king aside, trying to explain the situation to his ruler as easily as he could, but Thranduil was having none of that. Once he grasped that his beautiful, spirited and loving wife would no longer gaze at the rising of the sun, nor share the night's last kiss with him any longer, he emptied the room of everyone. Before departing a nursemaid propped the tiny baby elf in her king's arms.
Approaching her bedside he didn't even glance at the bundle in his arms. Her knowing silver eyes looked wearily up at her husband, giving him a reassuring smile. The queen lifted her arms up, wishing to hold their baby. Running her fingers over his tiny blonde head, and fiddling with his tiny toes and fingers she blinked as tears trailed down her face; knowing she'd never be around to see the beautiful elf he'd become. Never see him as he bonded and had elflings of his own. Neither would the ruler view his awkward adolescent centuries. Her little boy would grow into a strapping young elf without her influence, she was leaving this world; so very swiftly.
"My…little…Greenleaf, I won't be there for you…but your father always will. I…love you."
Thranduil breathed in deeply as tears trailed his cheeks, grief so overpowering at the touching moment of a mother bidding farewell to her newborn. His mind froze, how should he react, what should he be doing? Was there something he could do to stop this, turn back the time. This couldn't be happening. He felt his heart seem to stop, know understanding why couples often followed one another into the next world. How would he ever life without her? He couldn't, there was nothing left for him in this life. It was over. He would join his adored one. Decision made he almost missed her last words.
" 'rand," she gasped as pain racked her body, his attention refocused," make sure you watch over my Greenleaf. Be there for him."
Thranduil froze, his dear wife had known what he had planned to do and stopped him. Why would she? As he gazed down at her his gaze fell upon the bundle that had caused him such a great lose. For some reason though he could not hate this elfling. No matter that he had robbed him of his bonded one. His hands shook as they reached down and plucked up the newborn.
As his finger grazed the cheek, startlingly alert deep blue eyes followed him movements. When they met his own a smile found its way to his face. "My Little Greenleaf, Legolas Greenleaf. Yes, that is what you shall be called little one."
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Only after Legolas flustered his teacher by asking where little elves came from and having it explained to him and the prince began questioning why he had no mother; did his father take time out and explain it to him. Having learned the name bestowed on him by the mother he never knew, Legolas treated it as an incomparable treasure, gifting few with the privilege to use it.
Someone he didn't directly know calling him by this name was enough to make him see red but being stressed from the upcoming dance he was about to pounce. Gritting his teeth he took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. It wasn't working.
"Excuse me, I'm sure I heard incorrectly," Legolas said frostily, employing every fiber of snotty behavior he could, " I could have sworn you just called me—"
A midnight haired maiden stepped up to Legolas, linking her arm around his waist.
"Guess who got back three days early!"
The prince stopped mid rant, words stuck in his throat as he looked to his side. Myiseth, one of his closest friends, was grinning widely up at him. Face paint decorated her features beautifully, her mother was known for her skill and had passed on many of her talents to her daughter. The warrior's long hair was wrapped back into four braids, all very hard won in battles defending Mirkwood. She was in one of the few battalions his father must have recalled to restore the energy and disposition.
Forgetting about the slip up from the Lórien elves he continued onto the dance, chatting enthusiastically catching up on what had been going on since they had last parted ways. Or it seemed he had forgotten until he turned around and shot the brothers a nasty look.
--
An unnatural hush fell over the crowd of Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlórien elves; a mix of royalty, warriors and commoners. The King and his family fixed their gaze on the stage, awaiting the appearance of their Little Leaf.
Eight elflings pranced out to the middle. They all had bright smiles on their faces, slowly and in unison they began to chant softly. As the tempo was set more and more elves were gathering on stage. The beat sent their bodies twisting and twirling in magnificent patterns. The beats were slowly twining together, created solely by those on stage.
Legolas took a deep breath, steeling himself for the performance he was about to give. This would be it. His knees felt weak and head airy. Clutching the curtains he watched as others fell into their places, picking up the tempo slightly. Legolas felt a hand land on his arm, jerking over he looked to see who it was. A thin elf with iron hair grinned at him, recognizing him as one of his many dance partners Legolas tried to return the smile, albeit shakily.
"Your performance shall outshine us all, Greenleaf. You needn't worry."
Legolas felt himself rise up, and stand taller upon hearing the praise. "Thanks Areith."
Areith nodded, the peak of the performance arrived, and he pushed the prince on stage as their cue was signaled. Legolas joined the throng. A circle was created around him of moving bodies. Legolas never stopped; his entire body was constantly in motion.
Legolas flew across the stage, feet a moving with a fury all their own. Several pseudo suitors approached Legolas as he danced, but to the viewers his quick thinking and moves spared him an unwanted pairing, bringing him out of reach of them all. Some double team methods were used with swift actions, while a few of the other dancers grouped even more but Legolas leaped over them in easily. The audience gave appreciative gasps as the blonde dancer leapt higher and higher into the air.
It was truly a sight to behold. Flexing his legs and bending backwards, Legolas allowed himself to be pounced upon by Areith. The iron-haired elf winked, softly releasing his catch.
His body twisted and his feet glided. The tempo slowed until only the dancers feet tapping on the ground could be heard, keeping a beat all their own. The failed and rejected suitors fell away. It was truly amazing to see such astounding feats of aerobics. Legolas felt his body bend and twirl in ways he wouldn't have thought possible before he began to learn the steps to this dance. Now though, as he curved his spine, he could only imagine the creativity that was required to create these moves.
As a pair of arms lifted him up into the air for the last scene he felt his spirit soar. He wasn't about to mess up; this was going just as they'd practiced. Sure a few elves had made minor mistakes but the dance was still beyond description. Legolas was surprised at the scenery; it was so bright and cheery. There were lights glowing, their flashing adding to the atmosphere. The prince had to blink a few time, it was still very bright out. Only outlines of the crowd showed up though his blue eyes focused on his partners as they pranced before him.
While he faced off with his final partner, smaller elflings pranced about in a wide circle. His feet carried him through the last steps, his mind fly. This had been exhilarating. All the elves sprang to the stage for one last bow. The crowd roared appreciatively. A swelling of pride filled his bosom.
-
Tathar sat with his family and a fewer of the high up suitors and visitors. He applauded liberally with the crowd grinning wildly. He leaped from his seat and wiggled through the masses to the stage. Leaping up he grinned and grabbed his brother in a bear hug. Swinging him around until Legolas' feet left the ground. Several elves had stopped congratulating their friends and family to and were now looking on to the two royals.
"Caaal!' bleated Legolas, glomping him in an attempt to slow down the spinning. The prince stopped and laughed heartily at his brother's antics. A few more friends came up to compliment him on his performance and a job well done. Legolas' other brothers came up as well, patting him on the back and hugging him. All seven blondes were milling about one another. It was not often the royal family was all in one place at the same time. Often duty called and dragged more than one of them off to far corners of the kingdom. Tathar smiled as he watched his little brother bask in the glow. Even rarer than getting together was when the attention was given solely to one of them, though not especially Greenleaf.
-
Haldir looked up at the stage in shock. He did not think that the General would make up with his husband so swiftly. As he appraised the wanton Greenleaf, the Marchwarden began to see why forgiveness would be so fast in coming. Wetting his lips he tore his gaze from the stage to his brothers as the both elbowed him roughly.
Tearing his eyes from the sight on stage he looked crossly at them. Orophin had a raised eyebrow, questioning his brother's sanity, why was he so openly gawking at Tathar and his mate? Rumil had a grin on his features.
"Just what were you thinking?" Rumil asked. Before he could answer him Orophin butted in. "Perhaps, brother, we should be asking the General about the elusive one Thranduil is throwing this celebration for, instead of standing around gaping about."
Haldir paused before answering; unsure himself of what had been crossing his mind. There was no way that he could have been lusting after the treacherous Greenleaf? True his outside was quite beautiful, stunning. Haldir would be lying if he didn't admit that he was enchanted, but he had been disloyal to his bonded, his life mate. No, he couldn't have been watching the blondes.
"I was thinking."
"Yes well it can be hard the first time." Rumil smirked.
Haldir scoffed. "How should you know?" Rumil pouted but Orophin poked him in his puffed up cheek.
Haldir coughed, hoping to drag their attention back to their original topic. Motioning he lead them through the joyous crowd, unknowingly toward the seven royal princes of Mirkwood.
-
After having freed himself from his brother, family, and friends not least of all admirers, Legolas collapsed in his room. Gwibess scuttled about the floor, watching her master in concern. Groaning quiet loudly Legolas rolled onto his back, stretched out on his bed.
Soon he would need to start picking out his finery for tonight. His father said that tonight he would be representing all of Mirkwood at the feast. It wasn't often that his father would lay such responsibility on his shoulders. Not wanting to disappoint him, or his people, he opted to gain the help of Myiseth. When they met up before the recital he asked if she would be willing to help him with his appearance that night.
Taking out his tunic he began the lengthy progress of dressing. His friend Myiseth would be arriving in a few moments to help with his hair and face painting.
"Pft traditions." Legolas scoffed, buckling on an ornate dagger. Some of these family customs were surly outdated. He looked down at his clothing, lined with many jewels and riches. His father's obsession was obvious.
When he finished dressing Legolas decided that if he was representing all of Mirkwood tonight their guests might get the wrong impression, especially because he looked like a blob of golden coins and jewels stuck on someone. He was about to give up when one of his guards knocked on his door.
"Myiseth is requesting permission to enter your rooms, my prince."
"Allow her entrance." Legolas commanded, facing the doors as the opened. A raven-haired maiden bounced into his living area, smiling broadly. His eyes widened in fear at the mischief reflecting in her own. Backing up a step he accidentally fell against his bed.
"That's right, just plop your derriere down and prepare to be amazed."
"I have a feeling I should be afraid, very afraid." He gasped, Myiseth pulled at his shirt with something akin to disgust.
"Just what are you wearing Greenleaf? This looks like it belongs in your father's treasure wing, not plastered to your body."
"Tell me about it." Muttered the prince. "I want to make a good impression on the visiting elves."
She snorted, rather loudly and highly unladylike, "You mean the visiting suitors." Legolas sniffed, turning his head but not verbally denying her retort. Letting it drop Myiseth dove into his closet, basically trashing it and flinging just about every tunic, leggings, belts, robes and just about everything else a prince might need to wear for an occasion about his room. Cringing at the thought of having to clean this up Legolas tried to focus instead on what his friend would choose for him to wear. Just when he was started to worry she might have gotten lost and attack by a random dust bunny he popped out of his closet.
"Coming out of the closet are we?"
Sticking out her tongue she hefted up the outfit she had in mind. "So…you likey?"
Legolas looked over it. A pair of light gray leggings along with a silver tunic trimmed with emeralds and viridian stitching. Soft slate boots and his hoary ancient circlet in hand. Nodding his head he snagged the outfit and disappeared into another room. "What have you heard of the suitors Seth?"
Biting her lip the warrior stalled. "How does it fit? Better than the last 'outfit'?"
"It feels a bit snug. Much better though." There was a pause as the prince walked back in, outfit on. Slowly looking over her friend, head to toe giving him a once over. Motioning with her hand for him to turn around he awkwardly he did so, feeling oddly vulnerable.
"Will…will it do?"
"The real judge isn't my reaction but the suitors." Myiseth said with a wink. "Though if petitions were being accepted by females I'd sign up!" Legolas quickly felt a flush fill his cheeks at her lavish praise.
"Yes well we best get started on your hair, wouldn't want your ego getting too big, now would we?"
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The long awaited dance performance! Hope it didn't go over like a lead balloon. Never actually seen a dance…or been all too proficient at it, so hope everyone enjoyed!
I was looking over my stats when I noted that I hadn't updated this in FOREVER. I didn't realize how lazy I'd been until now. I sat down after that over Turkey Day break and wrote until this was complete. I'm kinda ashamed that this took so long.
Thank you everyone who took the time to review and respond to my concerns. I really appreciate reviews, they make my day. Plus it makes me feel guilty for not updating! A major plus for readers! grins
I'll have another chapter up before the year's end! Promise.
grins glomps readers waves
Later yo,
Icy