Wild Justice
Chapter 13: Excuses
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It was nearing the lunching hour when the young Prince of Mirkwood and Lord of Imladris entered the Last Homely House once again. Legolas felt the calmest yet since his stay in Imladris, the presence of Lord Elrond, as opposed to being nerve-wracking and tense (though it had started that way), had infact relaxed him, making his worries melt away into the backdrop of his mind and allow him to focus solely on the company he kept.
Lord Elrond had been the one to do the most speaking, but Legolas was thankful for it, adding his comments when the conversation required it, but otherwise he just listened and enjoyed. His smile had become a permanent, though small, fixture during their walk, his eyes sparkling merrily and taking away from the tension and stresses that had been playing over his face.
Even his stance had improved; he stood, taller and prouder, though still careful to make his ever-growing stomach non-noticeable. Lord Elrond had been speaking about unrelated topics for the most part, although the topic of his sanctuary had come up. Thankfully, the Elven lord made no advances upon his requesting for sanctuary within Imladris, only mentioning it in order to inform Legolas that arrangements were being made for him to move into more permanent quarters.
As entitled to these as he was, Legolas could not help but feel as if he were putting the Imladrarian lord to trouble with his stay, and thus his thoughts had turned once again to his predicament and what Elrond would think of him once he discovered he were with child.
So he had, of course, tried to dissuade the Elven Lord from moving him rooms, to save him the inconvenience as well as to ease his own guilt of not being totally honest with him. He spoke his words self-consciously but humbly yet the Elven Lord had brushed aside his words politely, informing him that the rooms he currently resided in were designated to him due only to the abruptness and hour of his arrival. He also told that they were not befitting of one bearing his status and that for one staying at length as he was he needed more permanent quarters.
Legolas couldn't thank him enough, nor quell the urge to both flush like a child caught in trouble, and confess his true reasons for fleeing Mirkwood.
He did neither, though the urges were great.
Legolas had just finished saying his good-day's to Lord Elrond, preparing to head back to his rooms and ease the small ache in his back and fatigue in his muscles. He had not just that minute departed Lord Elrond's side when lo-and-behold who should come strolling down the corridor but his own two sons.
The young elf felt a distinct feeling of dread settle upon him as he slowed in his walking and prepared to face those he would rather avoid.
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Elladan was the first to notice and recognize the hooded stranger as being Legolas Greenleaf, and thus he raised his hand in greeting, a smile upon his lips as both he and his brother approached closer. They were just on their way to the kitchens to pick up something for lunch before intending to proceed outside to enjoy the nature of their homelands.
"Greetings, cousin!" Elladan spoke as he and Elrohir stopped before the cloaked Elf. "How doth thee fair today? Well I hope?"
"Greetings, my lords." He responded formally, his eyes wondering warily over Elrohir as if hoping to read something off him that would tell whether or not he had told. "I am well, yes. And thee?"
Elrohir shrugged, "Bored actually, Elrohir and myself have been studying some philosophies in the library." He shook his head. "No matter how much he tries he shall never convert me to the paths of knowledge. I prefer knowing what I need to know when I need to know it."
Both Elrohir and Legolas scowled openly at this and Elladan laughed lightly whilst Elrohir turned to him with a shake of the head. "And try I have, dearest Legolas! Perhaps next time you shall help me out?"
Legolas smiled sensing nothing outward about Elrohir, but still unable to meet his friend's eye. "Maybe I shall." He replied sweetly, smiling quietly in that way Elrohir had always adored.
"Would you care to join us on a walk? Having fled rather hastily from our last meeting, we were rather hoping to catch up with you once again?"
Legolas' expressions were immediately schooled behind a mask of perfection. "Forgive me, my lords. I was not feeling myself just then."
"Ah! Then a walk we shall have?"
"I must beg your pardon on the matter, I have just been out walking and wish now for rest."
"Come! The day is young, surely someone of your youth and strength can walk the boarders of these lands thrice without rest!"
Legolas shook his head distractedly, keeping his eyes downcast as he declined once again and excused himself from their company.
The two dark-haired elves watched the young prince go and with a shared look of significance began to converse in hushed tones. Unknown to them both, another Elf in likeness of appearance to the twins, though older and more mature for his years, stood observing them from the shadows of the hallway. His sharp hearing caught the words: clothes... honestly looked tired... most unusual for him... you may just be right... come we must plan.
The twins left, still in the direction of the kitchens. A thin finger traced a pair of lips distractedly; eyes clouded in thought though senses still sharp. So, Lord Elrond thought to himself as he made his way towards his study room. Even my sons are suspicious of the young prince.
Elrond turned the corner leading to his rooms only to be confronted by two very ruffled and angry elves. Elrond pushed his thoughts to the side, to be thought upon later that day as he spread his arms wide and smiled at Lords Glorfindel and Erestor.
"Ah! There you are, I have been looking all over for you two!" he spoke in a way that almost put the other two elves at fault for his neglecting of work.
Erestor threw the Elven lord a sharp glare and Elrond ginned a little before allowing the elves to lead him away to his work.
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To Be Continued...?
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Peace,
CS WhiteWolf
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