Chapter Four - Rumors

Legolas sat on his bed. He couldn't understand why those two could act so childish. Least of all, he couldn't understand why his father had laughed the way he had. The elfling hadn't heard him laugh like that in a very long time. In a way, he was quite jealous.

He didn't notice when Aenil and Eloadle came in.

"I can't believe that guests of the king would act like that Aenil," Aenil suddenly began to laugh. "Whatever is so funny?"

"Evidence of what happened is right before us! Prince Legolas, why have you not cleaned yourself up yet."

"I can't believe you partook in what those two . . . other twins did,"

"I didn't. I ended up calling for my father. All he did was laugh," Legolas stated miserably.

"I think you should have participated," Both looked at Aenil. "Did I say anything wrong?"

"It would get Legolas in even more trouble sister,"

"Oh, as to why we came, what is your punishment this time,"

"We get stuck polishing the weaponry. As if that was something new."

"They are my punishment. This caused the Mirkwood twins to look at each other.

"What exactly is that supposed to mean Legolas?" Eloadle frowned.

"It means I must keep those two company while they stay. I would much rather have the second punishment I got for talking back to Lord Thranduil."

"And that is?"

"Watching Arwen when Lord Elrond needs me too,"

"You had best get cleaned up before the noon time meal. Have you seriously been sulking here that long?"

"Oh, and though my brother has forgotten, we have weapons practice afterwards, the twins are invited. Lord Elrond and Lord Thranduil have already agreed that they will participate," Legolas groaned.

M

Elrohir and Elladan were in the kitchen scrubbing the breakfast dishes. This was, along with having had to clean the dining hall, their punishment assigned to them by their father. It was then that they over heard the kitchen staff talking. Only the head cook realized they were there and avoided the conversation.

"I cannot believe that our elven king invited them here. They're in alliance with ... her."

"She is a curse to the existence to all elves,"

"I bet it is not only Lord Thranduil she has spelled, but Lord Elrond."

"What does that mean?"

"He is married to her daughter. Look at the two devils that came from that union. They caused that mess,"

"Aye, and we are right here listening to everything you say,"

"None of it is true,"

"Ellaodan, we should play our next trick on the kitchen staff"

"I am glad that we have finished then"

M

Lord Thranduil sat at the table, waiting for the lunch to be served. Already his guests were getting hungry. As for Legolas, who preferred not to eat much, it was quite obvious he was bored to death. It was then that some servants brought in the food consisting of bread and fruit.

"If the meal was only this, why did it take so long to bring,"

The servant turned red. "Well, your highness ..."

"Out with it?"

"Someone switched all the spice jars. Someone else put geese in the pantry so that when we opened it, they were flying everywhere," At this statement from the servant, Elrond glared at his two sons.

"Elrohir! Elladan!"

"Elrond, it was an innocent little prank,"

"But still,"

"Let them eat and they can be off to weapons practice,"

An exasperated crown prince's head hit the table.