Chapter Five:
Imladris, or Rivendell as the humans called it, was always a place Legolas could go when the burden of palace life and princely duties weighed heavily on his shoulders. He waved to the border guards as they allowed his small company passage through the large front gate. He loved his father, but he had no interest in ruling. Thranduil had been grooming Legolas to take over the kingdom since he was an elfling, but Legolas had much preferred adventure. That was where Elrohir and Elladan came in. Border patrol in the Greenwood, or Mirkwood as some now call it, had become increasingly more dangerous as evil filled the forest. He had growth tired of patrols, so when he pleaded with his father to allow him to travel to Imladris as an ambassador of sorts, really he only intended to spend his time causing trouble with Elrond's terrible twins. Legolas smiled to himself as he remembered all the mischief he caused with those two when he was younger. Crossing the bridge to the courtyard, he spied Elrohir and Elladan patiently awaiting to receive him and his traveling company.
"Legolas! How fare you, mellon nin?" Elladan embraced him after he dismounted, clapping him firmly on the shoulder, a bright smile on his face. Next, Elrohir did the same, greeting him in kind.
"We have missed you around here," Elrohir smiled. "Elladan has been causing enough trouble for the both of you since his injury. It appears bed rest does not suit him." The elf smirked over to his twin. It was true, Elladan has been giving his father considerable grief the past few months. He knew his brother wold much rather be with him on patrol, and his father would likely agree.
"It has been too long!" Legolas smiled at the two, missing their brotherly antics. "I look forward to the change of scenery. Imladris is always beautiful this time of year."
"It seems to be more beautiful than usual as of late, wouldn't you agree brother?" Elladan gave a devilish smirk as he prodded Elrohir with his elbow. Elrohir rolled his eyes. Legolas had a confused look on his face, so Elrohir opted to clarify.
"We have a guest staying with us currently," he provided, Legolas nodding in realization. "Elladan, would you send someone to fetch Lady Laurel? I am sure Legolas would like to make her acquaintance." As his twin stepped away he turned his attention back to Legolas. "I must speak with my father soon about the border patrols, but I can accompany you to the stables before I take my leave," he offered. Legolas smiled at his old friend, shaking his head at the offer.
"Thank you, mellon nin, go speak with your father, I would not wish for you to keep him waiting. I remember where the stables are, and I will come find you after your meeting." Elrohir gave him a smile and clapped his friend on the shoulder, turning and heading toward his father's study. The company of guards Legolas had travelled with had already stabled their horses and moved on to the dining hall while he reconnected with the twins. Legolas patted his large white horse on the neck and lead him over to where he remembered the stables to be.
The stables were nearly full to capacity with his guards horses added to those of the Imladris guards. The last remaining stall was at the very back, next Elrohir's steed. Legolas tugged lightly on the reins to lead his horse down the aisle to the stall. Before he reached the end, he spotted two small green slippers. Odd, he thought. Why were there a pair of elleths' shoes laying on the floor of the stables. Still deep in thought, he heard soft breaths coming from the stall to his left. But Elrohir's horse was not there. Legolas stepped closer to the stall and found the missing horse settled comfortably in the corner of the stall with a young woman in a green dress sleeping against his neck.
Legolas was transfixed by the sight. Elrohir's stallion had never been known to be an overly friendly sort, so this was quite a sight indeed! The young woman had deep brown hair that shimmered in the light, the ends of her curls resting on the straw beside her. Who was this elleth? He had never seen her before. Maybe she was a servant that fell asleep tending the horses? But then why was she dressed in a fine silken dress? Legolas cleared his throat.
Celeg, Elrohir's horse awoke, neighing at the familiar sight of Legolas. The sleeping woman suddenly jumped, heading whipping around her as if she did not know where she was. Her eyes finally focused and settled on him, going wide. She had bright, lime-green eyes, he noticed, something he had never seen before. The frightened woman dashed behind Celeg, who had moved to stand upon waking.
"I apologize for startling you, my lady, that was not my intention," Legolas quickly apologized. He really hadn't tried to scare her as much as he obviously had. He threw his horse's reins over a hook on the wall next to him and opened Celeg's stall door. The woman noticed his advance and quickly backed as far as she could into the corner. Legolas stopped. He didn't wish to spook her any further. She was more skittish than a wild mare. Legolas raised both his hands in a peaceful gesture, showing her he intended no harm.
"Please, my lady, I am truly sorry for frightening you. Please come out from there before you are injured by this horse. I have had many dealings with him, and he is a loyal steed, but not the friendliest one I have known," he said with a soft smile. Her bright green eyes studied him over Celeg's withers. It was clear that she didn't trust what he was saying. As a show of good faith, Legolas took a step back from her, watching her shoulders become a little less tensed at the gesture. "My name is Legolas, what is your name?" He smiled expectantly at her, but received no answer. She stood there silently, watching him. She held a hand up to the horse between them and closed her eyes for a moment. Celeg let out a whinny and she opened her eyes once more. She brought her gaze back to the elf in front of her.
"My name is Laurel," she said softly. Legolas' eyebrows shot up for a second. Wasn't that the name of the guest Elladan and Elrohir were talking about? He watched as she brushed some of her wavy locks behind her ear. She was human! Not an elleth at all! He appraised her form once more, taking in her rounded ears, soft, pink skin and slightly shorter stature than most elleths'. But, she didn't look like any human women he had ever seen. She was much more beautiful, taller than most, and had those mysterious green eyes, but now they were an emerald green instead of the bright lime-green they once were.
"Lady Laurel," Legolas bowed his head to her, "would you allow me to escort you to the dining hall? I believe Elladan and Elrohir are looking for you at present." That seemed to get her attention. Slowly she nodded, patted Celeg once more and moved out from behind him. Legolas smiled as she finally came up to him and he presented her his arm. She took it, looking up at the tall, blond elf. Laurel studied his face for a moment, taking in his elven features. His hair was so light of a blond it looked nearly white that hung down passed his shoulders, and his eyes were a grayish blue that reminded her of the sky outside her tower on cloudy days. He had a strong jaw and broad shoulders. He was not overly muscled, but it was clear that he had a strong build that denoted his many years of training and battle. Overall, he was a very handsome elf, the most attractive one she had seen yet, she decided to herself. Laurel glanced down at her feet, feeling a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Were those your shoes in the aisle, Lady Laurel?" Legolas gestured outside the stall. Laurel's nose scrunched in dislike when he mentioned the shoes. She was also unsure about this 'Lady' title. She had never been called that by Saruman, and she knew she was not of noble birth and so undeserving of the title. She looked back up to the blond elf, nodding slowly in regard to the shoes. Stupid, uncomfortable shoes, she thought with a huff. Legolas guided her out of the stall and scooped up the aforementioned footwear.
"Here you are, my lady," he handed her the small, green slippers. "Excuse me for one moment as I stable my steed." Laurel gave a polite nod as she took the shoes from him. She stuffed her feet into the slippers, feeling the pinch of her toes. She groaned internally, realizing she would need to wear them almost constantly from now on. Legolas returned to her side, offering his arm again, which she took again, out of politeness of course. Laurel figured all elves must be extremely handsome or beautiful, she had yet to encounter one that was not.
Legolas glanced down at the young woman. She was very quiet. She had only said four words to him so far and he hoped it was not due to his carelessness in waking her from her slumber.
"Might I ask why you were in that stall, Lady Laurel?"
"Laurel," she interjected, looking straight ahead.
"What?"
"Just Laurel," she clarified. "I don't deserve the title, so I would prefer just 'Laurel'." Legolas gave a surprised look. But he conceded to honor her wishes, after all, he had introduced himself as 'just' Legolas and not 'prince' Legolas.
"Well then, 'just Laurel'," he gave her a smile as he glanced down at her, "Is Celeg better company than Lord Elrond's mischievous sons?" Laurel was still looking ahead, but she felt the corners of her lips lift in a small smirk. She liked this elf.
"On occasion," she answered, glancing up at him. His smile grew at her answer.
"Where are you from?" he asked. He watched her smile disappear suddenly. This made him frown as well. Had he offended her somehow? Maybe there was a bad memory attached to her home? "I apologize if I have offended you, my lady," he tried. She was about to correct him on the 'lady' thing again, but Elrohir appeared before she could.
"Ah you've found our guest I see!" Elrohir laughed. "Lady Laurel, where have you been? Elladan spoke to the servants and none of them said they saw you after dinner last night." Laurel looked down, a blush on her cheeks. She didn't realize so many people would notice her comings and goings so meticulously.
"Just Laurel, mellon nin," Legolas spoke up, drawing the other elf's attention. Elrohir gave him a confused look. "She prefers to be called 'Laurel' rather than 'Lady Laurel'," Legolas informed him, casting a small smile down tot he young woman.
"Oh! I had not known that," Elrohir glanced at Laurel. He was slightly put off by the notion that she had told that to Legolas after only just meeting him, but not to he who had rescued her and offered food and shelter. All three looked up when they heard Elladan coming toward them from down the hall.
"You've found her!" Elladan exclaimed, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "We had been worried, Lady Laurel!"
"Just Laurel," Legolas and Elrohir said in unison. Elladan glanced between the two then down to Laurel.
"Alright then!" he smiled, unfazed by this new information. "How does breakfast sound? Father is awaiting our arrival in the dining hall."
"That's alright, I'm not very hungry," Laurel spoke up. Legolas raised his brows at her answer. Not hungry?
"But you haven't eaten since you awoke earlier," Legolas said with concern.
"And you have not eaten since we found you yesterday afternoon," Elrohir added, a slight frown on his face. Laurel felt her face start to heat up. She slipped her hand off Legolas' arm and took a few steps away from the three elves.
"I-, um, I...," Laurel stammered, looking at their concerned faces. "Please excuse me." She quickly turned and hurried down a hallway to her left, leaving Legolas and the twins in the hallway, confused by her strange behavior. She had no idea where she was going. She still couldn't remember where her room was, she would have to ask a servant, if she could find one. Laurel walked up and down three different hallways before she spotted someone that resembled one of the maids here.
"Excuse me," she said softly, getting the maid's attention. "I was wondering if you could help me find my room, please?" The elleth gave her a smile and nodded.
"Of course, my lady. This way." Laurel followed after her. She was a tall, blonde elleth, and she carried a large basket full of what looked like bedsheets as she trotted down the hallway. She must have known who she was since she didn't ask her for her name and she seemed to know where she was going, and for that Laurel was grateful. After a minute or two, they rounded a corner and there was her room!
"You wouldn't happen to know if there are any tunics and a pair of breeches somewhere I can wear, do you?" she asked the made hopefully.
"I'll see what I can find," the maid said with a smile, hiking the laundry basket higher up on her hip and scurrying off down the hall to find what she asked for. Laurel smiled as she entered her room. Finally some time alone where she could avoid all these nosy elves! She sank onto the bed, which was far more comfortable than the stable floors, and let out a contented sigh. How much longer could she hide her secret from these elves? She couldn't answer any of their questions, that mean, blond elf at dinner practically forced her to eat that piece of lettuce. She shivered at the awful memory. And the twins had pieced together that she hadn't eaten anything since her arrival. She needed to leave before it was too late.
A knock at the door brought her back to reality. "Come in," she called, knowing it was probably the maid here to bring her the clothes she had asked for. The door opened and the tall, blonde elleth smiled, holding up three tunics and three sets of breeches for her. Laurels face lit up in a bright smile.
"Thank you very much!" Laurel said, offering her a genuine smile.
"You are most welcome, my lady" she nodded to Laurel and left the room to resume her duties. Laurel laid out the clothes on the large queen-sized bed and surveyed her options. Hmm, there was a brown tunic, a blue tunic and a green one. Oh, green, definitely! She put the green tunic to the side, then laid out the breeches. Grey, brown or slightly darker brown? She grabbed the lighter brown pair and the green tunic and headed for the bathroom. She quickly stripped off the green dress and the godforsaken slippers. Donning the tunic and pulling on the breeches, she felt normal again. This was much better, she sighed in relief.
She walked back out into the large room, going over to the window to see what she could she. There was a large stretch of gardens visible, only a short distance away, she only needed to find the door in this place that would let out into those gardens. Or, she smiled mischievously, she could just repeat her escape from her tower. Laurel spied some vines that were creeping up the stone walls outside her window. She stretched out her arm toward them, willing them to grow in her direction. The little green tendrils slowly crept toward her, moving their way over the smooth stones of the wall and curling around each other. Laurel guided the plants into the room, wrapping the ends around the foot of the bed.
Once she was satisfied that the vines were thick and strong enough, she propelled herself slowly down the wall, careful to watch for anyone that might see her. Once her feet hit the ground, she lovingly stroked the vines, sending them her gratitude. She took a deep breath, smiling to herself. She didn't get to practice with her gifts very often. She spotted the large waterfall in the distance that was beyond the gardens, so she headed in that direction. She marveled at all the colors and smells of Imladris' beautiful grounds. She had never seen this many plants before! She let her fingers brush against the different ferns and flowers as she walked, giggling at the ones that tickled her fingertips. She saw a large oak tree up ahead and walked over to it. Laying her hand against the bark, she could feel how content the tree was. It was happy here, Lord Elrond took very keen care of these gardens it seemed. She smiled softly at that. Lord Elrond was a very kind elf, she decided.
She spied a small plant next to the oak tree, just under the shadow of its large canopy of leaves. It was a beautiful plant, with large green leaves and wrinkled maroon flowers. She stroked its leaves, frowning when she felt suddenly weary, as if all her energy had been sapped from her body. She glanced up at the tree branches that cast shade over the little plant.
"That just won't do will it?" she said to the little plant. She walked back over to the the oak tree, laying her hand against its trunk once more. "Would you be so kind as to move some of your branches so our little friend here can get some sunlight?" She felt the tree understand her request and heard the groaning and creaking of the bark as its branches shifted. A strong beam of sunlight shone through the gaps in the branches, illuminating the little plant below. She grinned as she watched its leaves turn slightly toward the light and the wrinkled, maroon flowers opened up to reveal they were actually bright red flowers, all they needed was a little more light to reach their full potential. Someone cleared their throat behind her. Startled, Laurel whipped around to find Lord Elrond watching her, a small smile on his lips.
"Perhaps you would like to join me for a stroll."