A.N. I don't own any of the characters or settings! I imagine in this fic that Legolas is the equivalent of a young teenager while Tauriel is the equivalent of a 6-year-old. Enjoy!
Thranduil was power napping. He didn't look like it, but he was. To the casual observer, he seemed to be having an intense staring contest with anything or anyone that happened to be in front of him, but all the elves who worked closely with him knew better. And woe to anyone who dared to wake him from his esteemed repose! Yet for all that, no one really minded when the Elvenking zoned out in the middle of meetings and other such dull affairs. In fact, it was something of a rare treat when he did.
Especially for Legolas. Actually, he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. For the past century or two, it seemed that Thranduil was always aware of his surroundings, which was absolutely necessary for someone of his position. However, that meant a delay in Legolas' private plans; for he had a plan, and it was crucial that his dear ada was napping when he carried it out.
After making sure no one was around, Legolas crept into the throne room. Thranduil was sitting motionless, his eyes glazed over in sleep. The young elf waved his hand in front of his ada's face.
Nothing.
A wicked little grin grew on his face, and he hurried out of the room. "All is well! Las 1, report for Phase One of Operation Mallorn," he whispered.
A tiny, fiery-haired elleth emerged from a nearby corner and saluted smartly. "Reporting for Phase One, Las 2," she answered.
"Shhhh, not so loud penneth. We do not want to wake him," Legolas hissed.
"Sorry," mouthed Tauriel.
The youngsters snuck back into the throne room where their unsuspecting target still napped. They scrambled up the stairs leading to the throne, smothering giggles as they did so. It was now time for Phase Two to commence. Tauriel reached into her pocket and fished out a beautiful golden hairclip that was shaped like a small ivy branch. She reached up as high as she could, but her little arms could barely touch the throne's armrest.
"I can't do it. He's too big," she whispered loudly, causing her accomplice to cringe.
Legolas put a finger to his lips, and Tauriel clapped a hand over her mouth. "Here, let me help," he said, and he boosted her up to the same height as Thranduil's head.
Phase Two of Operation Mallorn was carried out silently and swiftly- at least as swiftly as a young elf and a much younger elfling could accomplish. At one point, they froze as a few guards marched towards the throne room, their merry songs alarmingly loud in the silence. But to the two conspirators' relief, they passed by without so much as a glance in their direction. Their work done, Legolas and Tauriel scurried down the steps and hid in the shadows. This was going to be so much fun to watch…
Thranduil blinked and looked around. Good gracious, he must have been asleep! And on his throne too, how uncomfortable.
Galion entered the room. "The shipment of plums has arrived, aran nin," he announced brightly with a little bow, "Long has it been since I have seen such delectable fruits. So plump and juicy, you can't imagine! They will be a fine addition to-." The butler stopped mid-sentence and gawked at the Elvenking for a few seconds. Then a queer look came over his face.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "Something amuses you?" he asked suspiciously. Galion began to answer, but burst out laughing instead. The Elvenking patiently waited until he had contained himself sufficiently to answer any further questions.
"Now then mellon, what is it that amuses you so?" he asked again with a chuckle. Galion's laughter was so contagious.
"Geheno nin, I shouldn't laugh at your new change in fashion, but I can't help it!" chortled the butler.
"My new change in fashion?" Thranduil was thoroughly flummoxed now.
"If I may have your leave," Galion said as he darted out of the room. He soon returned with a little mirror. "There! Now what have you to say about this?" he demanded triumphantly, holding it up.
Thranduil scrutinized his reflection. Nothing looked out of place as far as he could tell. But wait, was that a flash of gold? Now it was his turn to stare. There it was: a fine elleth's ivy branch hairpiece in his hair! "What… how? I could have sworn it wasn't there before!" he stuttered.
Suddenly, both elves heard a high-pitched giggle from somewhere in the throne room. They turned towards the direction it came from, confused. Then they exchanged knowing looks, and Thranduil rose to his full height.
"Why do you linger in the shadows, penneth? Out you come!" he ordered. The giggling erupted into shrieks of merriment, and Tauriel popped out of nowhere, looking immensely pleased with herself. Following closely behind her was Legolas, who was trying to maintain an innocent expression and failing miserably.
Thranduil glowered at them. "So you are the culprits who dared to play such a monstrous prank on me," he said accusingly. He descended slowly from his throne and looked sharply at Legolas. "And I presume it was your idea, ion nin?"
The younger elf winked at his pint-sized accomplice. "Aye, that is true," he admitted somewhat sheepishly. Then he squirmed a little as Thranduil continued to glare at him. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
A smile tugged at the Elvenking's lips. Then he began laughing! Legolas and Tauriel joined in heartily as he playfully tweaked their ears. "You young rascals, you. That was an excellent prank." he said shaking his finger at them, "But do not think that I will let this go unpunished. Galion and I will surely find a way to bring you to justice!"
"Ai, no," squeaked Tauriel, backing away.
"Ai, yes. Now off you go. I'm sure Galion would like to show you the nice plums that have arrived for tomorrow's feast." Even Legolas looked interested at this bit of news, and the youngsters gave their farewells to Thranduil as they followed Galion out of the room
The Elvenking smiled again as he returned to his throne. He removed the hairclip and toyed with it a little. It had been a while since he laughed so hard. Perhaps a little mischief was what he needed, for it already did him a great deal of good.
Elvish terms (rock on!):
ada – dad
mallorn – a type of tree (found in Lothlórien, of course)
elleth – female elf
penneth – little one
aran nin – my king
mellon – friend (easiest password ever; take note, Gandalf)
geheno nin – forgive me
ion nin – my son (I wonder what "atom" would translate to, hehe. Get it?)