Ok, I forgot to put this in my first chapter, but this story takes place
many, many years before the fellowship is created. And I don't own any of
Tolkien's characters, I just own my own, so please don't sue me
Chapter 2: Maikatasaire Arrives
The palace of Mirkwood was in an uproar. Everyone was busy; servants were scrubbing the palace floors, walls, windows, and anything else that could be washed, Thranduil was barely seen outside of his study, and no one could forget Cuephel, who had been strutting about the palace, bragging to anyone who would listen to him about his 'wife to be'. Legolas quickly grew tired of all the chaos, and found himself spending more time at the archery ranges with his bow than at home with his family. The only good thing out of all this commotion was he could get away with not fulfilling his duties as a prince without being punished since no one noticed if he did them or not.
The day of Maikatasaire's arrival finally came; the palace walls shimmered in the little sun that reached the forest floor, the trees and hedges were clipped, and all of Thranduil's sons were clean and presentable. Well, most of them were, anyway. "Legolas!!" Thranduil roared when he saw his youngest son. "Can you not keep clean for a mere two hours?! Ai, Valar, you are no different than a small child!" Legolas blushed a little when his brothers and others around them stifled back a laugh. He had been out riding around the palace grounds on his favorite stallion, Silithien, and had 'accidentally' fallen in a rather large mud puddle. His hair was plastered to his head by dried mud and the rest of him wasn't in much better condition, not to mention his silver-grey formal tunic was completely ruined.
"I-"
"Do not even say you are sorry," Thranduil interrupted before Legolas could apologize. "Just go get washed up and changed, and try not to get dirty on your way back, and make haste!" Encirthion clapped Legolas on the shoulder as he ran by him to his chambers. Legolas quickly pealed off his mud caked tunic and took a bath. When he finally succeeded in getting all the mud out of his hair, which took far longer than he had anticipated, he got out and changed into one of his favorite forest green tunics along with brown leggings with green embroidery on them. He didn't have time to dry his hair, so he braided it anyway then made his way back down to where his father was waiting. Thranduil let out an exasperated sigh when Legolas returned. When he had said get changed, he had meant change into something formal not to mention his hair was dripping wet, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. He shook his head to clear his mind then spoke. "Alright, my sons," he said, looking at all six of his sons with pride. "Lord Maikatasaire will be arriving within the hour, so be on your best behavior." He gave Legolas a pleading look when he said this. "Please act like gentlemen; I want you all to make a good impression on the Lord."
"Of course we will all behave, Father," Cuephel said with an obviously fake smile. "We wish only to make you proud." Thranduil smiled at his son and Legolas rolled his eyes.
"Suck up," he muttered under his breath. Thranduil looked over at him and Legolas closed his mouth quickly. Thranduil and his sons waited patiently in the entrance halls of the palace to greet Maikatasaire and his daughter when they arrived, except for Legolas and Encirthion, who were too busy talking about archery and other weapons. For two and a half hours they waited in the huge, highly decorated entrance halls for Maikatasaire until Thranduil finally said something.
"I am beginning to get worried," he said, a frown on his noble face. "They should have been here hours ago."
"Perhaps they are lost, Father," Dimthule, Avardo's twin brother suggested. "Mirkwood's paths can be quite confusing."
"Yes." Thranduil agreed. "That is probably true. Legolas!" Legolas had been sitting and he jumped to his feet and looked at his father.
"Father?" he asked, wondering what he had done this time.
"Legolas, my son, I need you to go fetch one of the servants to go and look for Lord Maikatasaire," he said to his youngest son. "Go quickly and see it is done." Legolas nodded and began to walk away, then turned around again.
"Father, instead of sending a servant to look for Lord Maikatasaire, why not have me go?" Legolas suggested, hoping his father would allow him. He would have done absolutely anything to get out of the palace right then. "I know the woods far better than any of the servants, and wouldn't it be better for a prince to greet the Lord first?" Thranduil was silent for a moment, considering this.
"Alright, Legolas," he said after a moment of thought. "You may go, but please, please do not get into any trouble." Legolas smiled.
"Trouble? I do not know what you are talking about, Father," he said with a laugh. "Do not worry, I will be back with the Lord of southern Mirkwood soon." With that, Legolas ran out of the palace and to the stables where he nimbly climbed onto Silithien's back. He nudged his loyal stallion forward into a trot and began to ride out onto the main path in Mirkwood.
Legolas rode down the path, singing softly to himself , when all of a sudden he heard what he had been straining to hear: horse hoof beats coming from farther down the path. He pushed Silithien to go faster and soon saw the source of the noise. A rather old looking elf was riding toward him on a brown horse, a look of distress on his face. When he saw Legolas, he too quickened his pace to reach the elf prince. "Is something wrong, sir?" Legolas asked politely, concern visible on his fair face.
"Yes, I seem to have gotten separated with my two daughters," the old elf replied, a bit of panic surfacing in his voice. "I'm afraid they do not know this area very well and may have gotten lost." Legolas studied the elf's face, for he did not recognize him and he knew everyone in his father's kingdom. His face lit up when he noticed the heavily jeweled crown that sat on the elf's head.
"Excuse me, sir, but might you be Lord Maikatasaire of southern Mirkwood?" he asked.
"Yes, that is me," the elf lord replied, a little surprised Legolas knew his name. "My daughters and I were on our way to the palace of Mirkwood to see the King when we were separated. I can not continue there until I find them." Legolas bowed his head to the lord to show respect then looked him in the eyes.
"My lord, I am Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil," he said with formality that would have surprised anyone who knew him. "I have been sent to look for you and your daughter by my father, the king. If you wish to go the palace, I will gladly search for your daughter."
"Daughters," Maikatasaire corrected. "I have brought both of my daughters with me on this journey. But I thank you, Prince Legolas, and I accept your offer. I will go to the palace now, and if you do not find my daughters soon, I will have your father send out a search party." Maikatasaire bowed his head to Legolas then began to trot away on his horse toward the palace. Legolas rode off too, but in the other direction to begin his search for the lost elven ladies. He had been riding for at least 20 minutes when a sound of high silvery laughter met his ears. He halted Silithien and remained still to listen. When he heard the laughter again, he dismounted his horse and followed the noise. He soon heard voices also, and they seemed to be coming from a thicket near the path.
"If Father finds out about this sister.." came the voice of a young woman.
"He won't find out if you'd be quiet," snapped a second voice, also a woman but somewhat deeper and older sounding. He stood there for a moment still listening when the familiar sound of a bow being shot reached his ears. He jumped to the ground just in time to see an arrow go flying above him where he had just been standing.
"Why did you do that?!" the voice of the first woman shrieked. "You might have hurt someone, you idiot!"
"I saw something move over there," came the second voice. The bushes parted and out came two beautiful elf maidens, both staring down at Legolas in shock. They were as opposite of each other as any two people could be. One was extremely tall for a maiden, with dark, waist long hair, wearing a pale green gown and holding a short bow of incredible craftsmanship in her hands. The other was much shorter, with long blonde hair that was twisted into many elegant braids, wearing a sky blue gown with silver embroidery. The only thing Legolas noticed they had in common was their large emerald green eyes.
"See, you've shot him!" the blonde maiden exclaimed. "Father is going to kill you for this, Taraancaiel!" The dark-haired maiden, knelt beside Legolas, a look of worry on her face.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir," she said and she truly looked it. "Are you alright?" Legolas nodded and she helped him up and dusted him off, blushing for she was still embarrassed she had shot at him. "Did I hurt you?" she asked, looking him over, expecting to see an arrow sticking out of him.
"Nay, I got out of the way in time," Legolas replied, then smiled. "But may I congratulate you, that was a mighty shot!"
"Thank you, kind sir," the maiden replied, flushing slightly. "I am even better a shot when I have time to aim and shoot properly. That shot was a bit hurried."
"Well, you won't have time to shoot properly when you are trapped in a spider's web and a great spider is advancing on you," Legolas said with a twisted grin. "You know, these are dangerous woods, you ladies shouldn't be out here alone. Spiders or orcs could attack you and no one would know." Fear crept onto the face of the blonde maiden and she looked around quickly.
"Spiders?" she asked, her voice shrill with fear. "Are there really spiders here?"
"Yes, there are indeed," Legolas answered, thoroughly enjoying scaring the maiden. "They have been known to feast on elves. They especially like the maidens." The blonde girl squealed and ran to Legolas.
"Please direct us to the palace of Mirkwood!" she begged, grabbing his arm. "We were separated from our father and we are lost. Don't let the spiders get us!" Legolas looked at both the maidens and noticed small jeweled headbands on their heads and realized these were Maikatasaire's daughters. He silently cursed himself for scaring the one, he was certain his father would hear of it and he'd be in trouble. He suddenly remembered his manners and bowed before them.
"I beg your pardon, ladies," he said with all the politeness of a prince. "I did not realize you were the daughters of Lord Maikatasaire. I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and I would be more than happy to escort you to the palace."
"Thank you, Prince Legolas," the blonde elf replied. "I am Aralondwen, youngest daughter of Maikatasaire. This is my older sister, Taraancaiel." She pointed to the dark-haired girl who was looking at Legolas.
"I see you also know the joys of royal living," Taraancaiel said sarcastically."
"Yes, I'm afraid I do," Legolas replied with a sigh. "Are the spiders near?" Taraancaiel asked, looking around curiously.
"Nay, do not worry," Legolas reassured her. "I was only trying to frighten you, I am sorry. The spiders dwell quite a ways from here." Aralondwen stiffened angrily at hearing this but Taraancaiel looked slightly disappointed.
"That is too bad," she said. "I have greatly wished to see the giant spiders of Mirkwood. I have heard many stories about them, you know."
"Really sister," Aralondwen said with a shake of her head. "You must get over your fascination with dangerous things. One of these days it will be your downfall." Taraancaiel scowled at her sister, then disappeared into the thicket. She re-emerged with two horses, a white mare and a black stallion. Aralondwen went to the white horse and climbed onto its back as Legolas went back to Silithien and he too mounted his horse. Taraancaiel, however, stood unmoving on the ground, her arms crossed stubbornly.
"Are you not coming, Lady Taraancaiel? Legolas asked, staring down at the scowling maiden.
"Nay, I am not," she replied, glaring up at him. "I refuse to go to yet another marriage proposal. I am not some object that shall be paraded around, given to someone I do not even know."
"Oh come now, sister," Aralondwen said, rolling her eyes. "Let's not get into this again. Stop being so stubborn and come with us." Taraancaiel stuck out her tongue at her sister, an act that greatly surprised Legolas, then turned around and began to walk in the opposite direction. Legolas watched her go for a moment then trotted up beside her.
"I can not force you to go to the palace," he said, trying to reason with the stubborn elf. "But it is I who will get in trouble if I return without you." Taraancaiel looked up at Legolas and sighed.
"I will make a bargain with you, Prince Legolas," she said, a smile creeping onto her face. "I will accompany you to the palace if you promise to take me to see the spiders tomorrow."
"What?!" Legolas asked, genuinely shocked. "The spiders?! I can't take you to see them! They're very dangerous!"
"Fine then," Taraancaiel replied, looking away. "I guess you and Aralondwen will be going without me." Legolas thought over the consequences of each choice carefully for a moment. If he took her to see the spiders, there was a chance nobody would find out, but if he didn't and returned to the palace without her he would surely be in trouble.
"Fine," he said quietly, annoyed that he had given in to her. "I will take you to see the spiders." Legolas silently wondered if this was how he made his father feel. Taraancaiel suddenly smiled up at him, a pleased look on her face.
"Alright then, Prince Legolas," she said as she climbed onto the black stallion's back after returning to where her sister was waiting impatiently for them. "You may take us to the palace now." Legolas lead the two elvish ladies down the wooded path and they were soon talking and laughing merrily. They soon reached the palace and a servant greeted them as they got on the palace grounds.
"Allow me to take your horses to the stables," he said, bowing before them. Legolas got of his horse as did the ladies, but Taraancaiel gave the servant an unsure look.
"Perhaps I should see my horse to the stable," she said doubtfully. "My horse needs rather..forceful handling. And he's not very fond of strangers."
"Do not worry, Lady Taraancaiel," Legolas said, taking her arm and leading her away from her horse. Our stable hands are quite capable of taking care of your horse." Legolas began to lead the two ladies into the palace when a loud cry from behind caught their attention. They turned around to see the servant lying on his back while Taraancaiel's horse was reared up on its hind legs, looking murderous.
"Dartiro!" Taraancaiel cried, running back to her jet black horse. He calmed down and nuzzled her head as soon as she reached him and began to talk to him soothingly. She shot Legolas an icy glare then helped the fallen servant to his feet. Legolas ran over to the servant, followed by Aralondwen.
"Perhaps you should lead your horse to the stables," Legolas said with an apologetic grin. "I will go with you." Much to Legolas' and Taraancaiel's surprise, Dartiro reached out his long neck and began sniffing Legolas' hair, then gave his head a good lick. Legolas laughed as he tried to push the horse away from him, but Dartiro just snorted and nuzzled Legolas' hands.
"That is very odd." Taraancaiel said quietly. "Dartiro never let's anyone touch him but me; he won't even let Aralondwen go near him." Legolas smiled.
"He must be a good judge of character," he said, still smiling widely at her. Taraancaiel rolled her eyes as she quickly began to lead Dartiro and the other horse to the stables. Legolas and Aralondwen went with her, and when Dartiro, Silithien, and Aralondwen's white mare were all safely in the stable, they made their way back to the palace. When they entered the palace, everyone Legolas had left there was exactly how he had left them, and Lord Maikatasaire was pacing back and forth nervously.
"Ai, finally you two are here!" Lord Maikatasaire exclaimed, running to his daughters. "I was very worried about you."
"We are quite capable of taking care of ourselves, Father," Taraancaiel said as Aralondwen hugged their father. "We are not children."
"Er.yes, well, allow me to introduce to you King Thranduil, Ruler of Mirkwood," Maikatasaire said and both his daughters curtsied politely. Thranduil bowed in returned and motioned for his sons to step forth.
"We are pleased to have both of you in out palace," he said with a warm smile. "These are my sons: Cuephel, Encirthion, Avardo, Dimthule, Calenfuin, and Legolas. If you ever need anything, I'm sure they will be happy to help you." Thranduil looked at all of his sons sternly as if telling "or else". Cuephel stepped forward and took Aralondwen's hand in his as he gawked at her. He knelt before her and gently kissed her hand then spoke.
"My dear Lady Taraancaiel," he said, gazing up at her as if in a trance. "I am very pleased to meet you, I have been anxiously awaiting you arrival and hope you and I will get to know each other better over the next few days."
"I am not Taraancaiel," Aralondwen said, eyeing Cuephel in disgust. "I am Aralondwen, her younger sister."
"Oh," Cuephel replied, turning a deep shade of red. Legolas snickered along with Encirthion and Cuephel shot them a dirty look. He stood up quickly and noticed the other elf maiden in the room looking at him as if he were orc. He decided it might be better if he talked to the real Taraancaiel later.
Thranduil cleared his throat loudly and everyone focused their attention on him instead of the blushing Cuephel. "I'm sure you three are very tired after such a long journey, allow one of my sons to show you to your rooms." Thranduil turned to his sons and looked at them. Encirthion stepped forward and Thranduil smiled gratefully at him. Not to be outdone, Legolas too stepped forward and Thranduil gave him a smile also as Encirthion shook his head, grinning to himself.
"Please follow us Lord and ladies," Encirthion said and offered his arm to Aralondwen to be polite. She accepted with a sweet smile and gently placed her hand on his arm. Legolas knew he must do the same in order to show respect and offered his arm to Taraancaiel, although he was not too thrilled about it. She was still rather angry about the horse incident, but she decided if Dartiro liked him, she should try to, too, so she rested her hand on his strong arm and smiled warmly at him. He returned the smile, feeling a little friendlier towards her, then followed Encirthion down the corridor, especially enjoying the look on Cuephel's as he did. After seeing Lord Maikatasaire and his daughters to their rooms, Encirthion and Legolas both returned to their own chambers for a night's rest.
Ok, this chapter was a little boring, and I know they didn't ride horses in Mirkwood, but it made the story more interesting in my opinion. Once again, please review or email me at demoness33@hotmail.com to tell me what you thought. I really enjoy hearing what you think and your opinions, and thanks to those who have already reviewed, you're all awesome!! ^^
Chapter 2: Maikatasaire Arrives
The palace of Mirkwood was in an uproar. Everyone was busy; servants were scrubbing the palace floors, walls, windows, and anything else that could be washed, Thranduil was barely seen outside of his study, and no one could forget Cuephel, who had been strutting about the palace, bragging to anyone who would listen to him about his 'wife to be'. Legolas quickly grew tired of all the chaos, and found himself spending more time at the archery ranges with his bow than at home with his family. The only good thing out of all this commotion was he could get away with not fulfilling his duties as a prince without being punished since no one noticed if he did them or not.
The day of Maikatasaire's arrival finally came; the palace walls shimmered in the little sun that reached the forest floor, the trees and hedges were clipped, and all of Thranduil's sons were clean and presentable. Well, most of them were, anyway. "Legolas!!" Thranduil roared when he saw his youngest son. "Can you not keep clean for a mere two hours?! Ai, Valar, you are no different than a small child!" Legolas blushed a little when his brothers and others around them stifled back a laugh. He had been out riding around the palace grounds on his favorite stallion, Silithien, and had 'accidentally' fallen in a rather large mud puddle. His hair was plastered to his head by dried mud and the rest of him wasn't in much better condition, not to mention his silver-grey formal tunic was completely ruined.
"I-"
"Do not even say you are sorry," Thranduil interrupted before Legolas could apologize. "Just go get washed up and changed, and try not to get dirty on your way back, and make haste!" Encirthion clapped Legolas on the shoulder as he ran by him to his chambers. Legolas quickly pealed off his mud caked tunic and took a bath. When he finally succeeded in getting all the mud out of his hair, which took far longer than he had anticipated, he got out and changed into one of his favorite forest green tunics along with brown leggings with green embroidery on them. He didn't have time to dry his hair, so he braided it anyway then made his way back down to where his father was waiting. Thranduil let out an exasperated sigh when Legolas returned. When he had said get changed, he had meant change into something formal not to mention his hair was dripping wet, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. He shook his head to clear his mind then spoke. "Alright, my sons," he said, looking at all six of his sons with pride. "Lord Maikatasaire will be arriving within the hour, so be on your best behavior." He gave Legolas a pleading look when he said this. "Please act like gentlemen; I want you all to make a good impression on the Lord."
"Of course we will all behave, Father," Cuephel said with an obviously fake smile. "We wish only to make you proud." Thranduil smiled at his son and Legolas rolled his eyes.
"Suck up," he muttered under his breath. Thranduil looked over at him and Legolas closed his mouth quickly. Thranduil and his sons waited patiently in the entrance halls of the palace to greet Maikatasaire and his daughter when they arrived, except for Legolas and Encirthion, who were too busy talking about archery and other weapons. For two and a half hours they waited in the huge, highly decorated entrance halls for Maikatasaire until Thranduil finally said something.
"I am beginning to get worried," he said, a frown on his noble face. "They should have been here hours ago."
"Perhaps they are lost, Father," Dimthule, Avardo's twin brother suggested. "Mirkwood's paths can be quite confusing."
"Yes." Thranduil agreed. "That is probably true. Legolas!" Legolas had been sitting and he jumped to his feet and looked at his father.
"Father?" he asked, wondering what he had done this time.
"Legolas, my son, I need you to go fetch one of the servants to go and look for Lord Maikatasaire," he said to his youngest son. "Go quickly and see it is done." Legolas nodded and began to walk away, then turned around again.
"Father, instead of sending a servant to look for Lord Maikatasaire, why not have me go?" Legolas suggested, hoping his father would allow him. He would have done absolutely anything to get out of the palace right then. "I know the woods far better than any of the servants, and wouldn't it be better for a prince to greet the Lord first?" Thranduil was silent for a moment, considering this.
"Alright, Legolas," he said after a moment of thought. "You may go, but please, please do not get into any trouble." Legolas smiled.
"Trouble? I do not know what you are talking about, Father," he said with a laugh. "Do not worry, I will be back with the Lord of southern Mirkwood soon." With that, Legolas ran out of the palace and to the stables where he nimbly climbed onto Silithien's back. He nudged his loyal stallion forward into a trot and began to ride out onto the main path in Mirkwood.
Legolas rode down the path, singing softly to himself , when all of a sudden he heard what he had been straining to hear: horse hoof beats coming from farther down the path. He pushed Silithien to go faster and soon saw the source of the noise. A rather old looking elf was riding toward him on a brown horse, a look of distress on his face. When he saw Legolas, he too quickened his pace to reach the elf prince. "Is something wrong, sir?" Legolas asked politely, concern visible on his fair face.
"Yes, I seem to have gotten separated with my two daughters," the old elf replied, a bit of panic surfacing in his voice. "I'm afraid they do not know this area very well and may have gotten lost." Legolas studied the elf's face, for he did not recognize him and he knew everyone in his father's kingdom. His face lit up when he noticed the heavily jeweled crown that sat on the elf's head.
"Excuse me, sir, but might you be Lord Maikatasaire of southern Mirkwood?" he asked.
"Yes, that is me," the elf lord replied, a little surprised Legolas knew his name. "My daughters and I were on our way to the palace of Mirkwood to see the King when we were separated. I can not continue there until I find them." Legolas bowed his head to the lord to show respect then looked him in the eyes.
"My lord, I am Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil," he said with formality that would have surprised anyone who knew him. "I have been sent to look for you and your daughter by my father, the king. If you wish to go the palace, I will gladly search for your daughter."
"Daughters," Maikatasaire corrected. "I have brought both of my daughters with me on this journey. But I thank you, Prince Legolas, and I accept your offer. I will go to the palace now, and if you do not find my daughters soon, I will have your father send out a search party." Maikatasaire bowed his head to Legolas then began to trot away on his horse toward the palace. Legolas rode off too, but in the other direction to begin his search for the lost elven ladies. He had been riding for at least 20 minutes when a sound of high silvery laughter met his ears. He halted Silithien and remained still to listen. When he heard the laughter again, he dismounted his horse and followed the noise. He soon heard voices also, and they seemed to be coming from a thicket near the path.
"If Father finds out about this sister.." came the voice of a young woman.
"He won't find out if you'd be quiet," snapped a second voice, also a woman but somewhat deeper and older sounding. He stood there for a moment still listening when the familiar sound of a bow being shot reached his ears. He jumped to the ground just in time to see an arrow go flying above him where he had just been standing.
"Why did you do that?!" the voice of the first woman shrieked. "You might have hurt someone, you idiot!"
"I saw something move over there," came the second voice. The bushes parted and out came two beautiful elf maidens, both staring down at Legolas in shock. They were as opposite of each other as any two people could be. One was extremely tall for a maiden, with dark, waist long hair, wearing a pale green gown and holding a short bow of incredible craftsmanship in her hands. The other was much shorter, with long blonde hair that was twisted into many elegant braids, wearing a sky blue gown with silver embroidery. The only thing Legolas noticed they had in common was their large emerald green eyes.
"See, you've shot him!" the blonde maiden exclaimed. "Father is going to kill you for this, Taraancaiel!" The dark-haired maiden, knelt beside Legolas, a look of worry on her face.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir," she said and she truly looked it. "Are you alright?" Legolas nodded and she helped him up and dusted him off, blushing for she was still embarrassed she had shot at him. "Did I hurt you?" she asked, looking him over, expecting to see an arrow sticking out of him.
"Nay, I got out of the way in time," Legolas replied, then smiled. "But may I congratulate you, that was a mighty shot!"
"Thank you, kind sir," the maiden replied, flushing slightly. "I am even better a shot when I have time to aim and shoot properly. That shot was a bit hurried."
"Well, you won't have time to shoot properly when you are trapped in a spider's web and a great spider is advancing on you," Legolas said with a twisted grin. "You know, these are dangerous woods, you ladies shouldn't be out here alone. Spiders or orcs could attack you and no one would know." Fear crept onto the face of the blonde maiden and she looked around quickly.
"Spiders?" she asked, her voice shrill with fear. "Are there really spiders here?"
"Yes, there are indeed," Legolas answered, thoroughly enjoying scaring the maiden. "They have been known to feast on elves. They especially like the maidens." The blonde girl squealed and ran to Legolas.
"Please direct us to the palace of Mirkwood!" she begged, grabbing his arm. "We were separated from our father and we are lost. Don't let the spiders get us!" Legolas looked at both the maidens and noticed small jeweled headbands on their heads and realized these were Maikatasaire's daughters. He silently cursed himself for scaring the one, he was certain his father would hear of it and he'd be in trouble. He suddenly remembered his manners and bowed before them.
"I beg your pardon, ladies," he said with all the politeness of a prince. "I did not realize you were the daughters of Lord Maikatasaire. I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and I would be more than happy to escort you to the palace."
"Thank you, Prince Legolas," the blonde elf replied. "I am Aralondwen, youngest daughter of Maikatasaire. This is my older sister, Taraancaiel." She pointed to the dark-haired girl who was looking at Legolas.
"I see you also know the joys of royal living," Taraancaiel said sarcastically."
"Yes, I'm afraid I do," Legolas replied with a sigh. "Are the spiders near?" Taraancaiel asked, looking around curiously.
"Nay, do not worry," Legolas reassured her. "I was only trying to frighten you, I am sorry. The spiders dwell quite a ways from here." Aralondwen stiffened angrily at hearing this but Taraancaiel looked slightly disappointed.
"That is too bad," she said. "I have greatly wished to see the giant spiders of Mirkwood. I have heard many stories about them, you know."
"Really sister," Aralondwen said with a shake of her head. "You must get over your fascination with dangerous things. One of these days it will be your downfall." Taraancaiel scowled at her sister, then disappeared into the thicket. She re-emerged with two horses, a white mare and a black stallion. Aralondwen went to the white horse and climbed onto its back as Legolas went back to Silithien and he too mounted his horse. Taraancaiel, however, stood unmoving on the ground, her arms crossed stubbornly.
"Are you not coming, Lady Taraancaiel? Legolas asked, staring down at the scowling maiden.
"Nay, I am not," she replied, glaring up at him. "I refuse to go to yet another marriage proposal. I am not some object that shall be paraded around, given to someone I do not even know."
"Oh come now, sister," Aralondwen said, rolling her eyes. "Let's not get into this again. Stop being so stubborn and come with us." Taraancaiel stuck out her tongue at her sister, an act that greatly surprised Legolas, then turned around and began to walk in the opposite direction. Legolas watched her go for a moment then trotted up beside her.
"I can not force you to go to the palace," he said, trying to reason with the stubborn elf. "But it is I who will get in trouble if I return without you." Taraancaiel looked up at Legolas and sighed.
"I will make a bargain with you, Prince Legolas," she said, a smile creeping onto her face. "I will accompany you to the palace if you promise to take me to see the spiders tomorrow."
"What?!" Legolas asked, genuinely shocked. "The spiders?! I can't take you to see them! They're very dangerous!"
"Fine then," Taraancaiel replied, looking away. "I guess you and Aralondwen will be going without me." Legolas thought over the consequences of each choice carefully for a moment. If he took her to see the spiders, there was a chance nobody would find out, but if he didn't and returned to the palace without her he would surely be in trouble.
"Fine," he said quietly, annoyed that he had given in to her. "I will take you to see the spiders." Legolas silently wondered if this was how he made his father feel. Taraancaiel suddenly smiled up at him, a pleased look on her face.
"Alright then, Prince Legolas," she said as she climbed onto the black stallion's back after returning to where her sister was waiting impatiently for them. "You may take us to the palace now." Legolas lead the two elvish ladies down the wooded path and they were soon talking and laughing merrily. They soon reached the palace and a servant greeted them as they got on the palace grounds.
"Allow me to take your horses to the stables," he said, bowing before them. Legolas got of his horse as did the ladies, but Taraancaiel gave the servant an unsure look.
"Perhaps I should see my horse to the stable," she said doubtfully. "My horse needs rather..forceful handling. And he's not very fond of strangers."
"Do not worry, Lady Taraancaiel," Legolas said, taking her arm and leading her away from her horse. Our stable hands are quite capable of taking care of your horse." Legolas began to lead the two ladies into the palace when a loud cry from behind caught their attention. They turned around to see the servant lying on his back while Taraancaiel's horse was reared up on its hind legs, looking murderous.
"Dartiro!" Taraancaiel cried, running back to her jet black horse. He calmed down and nuzzled her head as soon as she reached him and began to talk to him soothingly. She shot Legolas an icy glare then helped the fallen servant to his feet. Legolas ran over to the servant, followed by Aralondwen.
"Perhaps you should lead your horse to the stables," Legolas said with an apologetic grin. "I will go with you." Much to Legolas' and Taraancaiel's surprise, Dartiro reached out his long neck and began sniffing Legolas' hair, then gave his head a good lick. Legolas laughed as he tried to push the horse away from him, but Dartiro just snorted and nuzzled Legolas' hands.
"That is very odd." Taraancaiel said quietly. "Dartiro never let's anyone touch him but me; he won't even let Aralondwen go near him." Legolas smiled.
"He must be a good judge of character," he said, still smiling widely at her. Taraancaiel rolled her eyes as she quickly began to lead Dartiro and the other horse to the stables. Legolas and Aralondwen went with her, and when Dartiro, Silithien, and Aralondwen's white mare were all safely in the stable, they made their way back to the palace. When they entered the palace, everyone Legolas had left there was exactly how he had left them, and Lord Maikatasaire was pacing back and forth nervously.
"Ai, finally you two are here!" Lord Maikatasaire exclaimed, running to his daughters. "I was very worried about you."
"We are quite capable of taking care of ourselves, Father," Taraancaiel said as Aralondwen hugged their father. "We are not children."
"Er.yes, well, allow me to introduce to you King Thranduil, Ruler of Mirkwood," Maikatasaire said and both his daughters curtsied politely. Thranduil bowed in returned and motioned for his sons to step forth.
"We are pleased to have both of you in out palace," he said with a warm smile. "These are my sons: Cuephel, Encirthion, Avardo, Dimthule, Calenfuin, and Legolas. If you ever need anything, I'm sure they will be happy to help you." Thranduil looked at all of his sons sternly as if telling "or else". Cuephel stepped forward and took Aralondwen's hand in his as he gawked at her. He knelt before her and gently kissed her hand then spoke.
"My dear Lady Taraancaiel," he said, gazing up at her as if in a trance. "I am very pleased to meet you, I have been anxiously awaiting you arrival and hope you and I will get to know each other better over the next few days."
"I am not Taraancaiel," Aralondwen said, eyeing Cuephel in disgust. "I am Aralondwen, her younger sister."
"Oh," Cuephel replied, turning a deep shade of red. Legolas snickered along with Encirthion and Cuephel shot them a dirty look. He stood up quickly and noticed the other elf maiden in the room looking at him as if he were orc. He decided it might be better if he talked to the real Taraancaiel later.
Thranduil cleared his throat loudly and everyone focused their attention on him instead of the blushing Cuephel. "I'm sure you three are very tired after such a long journey, allow one of my sons to show you to your rooms." Thranduil turned to his sons and looked at them. Encirthion stepped forward and Thranduil smiled gratefully at him. Not to be outdone, Legolas too stepped forward and Thranduil gave him a smile also as Encirthion shook his head, grinning to himself.
"Please follow us Lord and ladies," Encirthion said and offered his arm to Aralondwen to be polite. She accepted with a sweet smile and gently placed her hand on his arm. Legolas knew he must do the same in order to show respect and offered his arm to Taraancaiel, although he was not too thrilled about it. She was still rather angry about the horse incident, but she decided if Dartiro liked him, she should try to, too, so she rested her hand on his strong arm and smiled warmly at him. He returned the smile, feeling a little friendlier towards her, then followed Encirthion down the corridor, especially enjoying the look on Cuephel's as he did. After seeing Lord Maikatasaire and his daughters to their rooms, Encirthion and Legolas both returned to their own chambers for a night's rest.
Ok, this chapter was a little boring, and I know they didn't ride horses in Mirkwood, but it made the story more interesting in my opinion. Once again, please review or email me at demoness33@hotmail.com to tell me what you thought. I really enjoy hearing what you think and your opinions, and thanks to those who have already reviewed, you're all awesome!! ^^