New Insights

"I thank you, mother," Le'ariel said in between bites, "and so does my stomach!" As she entered the western kitchen by word through Legolas, the female elf found a plate of food waiting for her.

"You are welcome, my dear," her mother watched in amusement. Her daughter's table manners were a little less than perfect given the tempting morsels laid out on the table. "There is still enough food to feed the Royal Army, young one, so do slow down."

"I cannot help myself. After centuries of your cooking, mother, it is still the best I have ever eaten," she replied.

Dalorien laughed softly. "There are a few younger cooks in the kitchens that are doing well with their own special dishes, but I have yet to find one to match my recipes," she said. "Finish your meal while I get you something to drink."

Le'ariel smiled her thank you and after reaching for a napkin, she accidentally dropped her fork. She bent down to pick up the utensil when she noticed a darker area near the corner of the table. The discolored area she figured was from Legolas and Keldir's mishap with the cauldron. The servants who helped clean the mess they made forgot to sand the table thoroughly, leaving a small reminder of the incident.

"Here you are, darling." Her mother returned with a glass of wine.

"Wine, mother? We are not allowed to drink this…" She hesitated taking it from her.

"Oh, do not worry so much, child. It was saved for you."

"Saved for me?" questioned Le'ariel.

"Yes, by Legolas."

"Prince Legolas? Why?"

"Although the prince has a little mischievous streak in him, he also has a guilty conscious. After a few minutes of my looking for him he finally came to me and apologized for eating my pie. Not to mention how you withheld his whereabouts from me," she raised a disapproving eyebrow.

Le'ariel slowly lifted her eyes to meet her mother's. "I did not mean to lie to you mother, I—"

Dalorien stopped hers with a raised hand. "Legolas takes full responsibility for everything."

"Really?"

"Did he help you with the washing earlier?"

"Yes, he did. But, how did you..."

"Know?" she cut in. "Sirawen. She explained to me how the prince came looking for you saying that he needed to right his wrong by helping you somehow."

"I see. Well, yes, he did help and was immediately called by Keldir just before we finished."

"Good."

"Mother, can I ask you a question? Is the elf-prince often like that?"

"Often like what, dear?"

"Well, helpful?"

"Yes, sometimes. Why do you ask?"

"Well, because never before have I seen him do anything of the sort."

"What? Help a servant?"

"Yes."

"You have much to learn about our prince," Dalorien smiled. "He was raised by his mother to appreciate what was given to him and to show equal compassion to those who treat him with respect."

"This appeared to be true today from what I saw today, but his manners during the late hours of the night, it does not seem to me that he takes what he was taught into account," Le'ariel responded in a somewhat bitter tone.

"I understand Legolas can get a bit…outgoing when it comes to certain things, but you cannot expect him to be a servant to his crown in a lifeless body; not with the amount of pressure put on him by his father. I do not condone his behavior, but he is still young and simply wants to enjoy the time he has doing what he chooses to, away from his daily obligations."

"I suppose."

"If you are referring to those maidens who often throw themselves at his feet like helpless animals seeking refuge, he is not entirely to blame. They know very well what they are getting themselves into."

"And he does not?" Le'ariel retorted.

Her mother sighed. The old cook knew the issues Le'ariel had with Legolas. "I am sure he does, my dear," she sat down next her. "It takes two do an act but what can you do? He is the Prince of Mirkwood. You cannot give him orders just as much as you cannot ask Lady Minar to finish your chores for you or decide to take the day off doing nothing."

"I know, mother. I just believe the prince has the ability to choose more wisely," the female elf answered quietly. "From what I have discovered about him from you and this past morning, he should be with a maiden who will appreciate him and all he has to offer…aside from his crown. That is all."

"And he will eventually find that maiden when he is ready. We all know that he does not like the pressures of marriage, especially coming from his father. Legolas may have his childish ways about him, but deep down he is a strong, responsible prince and protector of our realm. He might not show it but he truly cares about matters that will affect not only his life, but the lives of his people," her mother explained. "If he can better the lives of the Wood-elves, he would. And who knows? He might one day when he becomes king."

"How do you know so much about the prince, mother?" Le'ariel wondered. Did they often talk to each other?

"Legolas has learned to confide in me after spending so much time in here," the cook chuckled. "While I feed his hungry stomach, he tells me his stories. If you take the time to get to know the prince you will see his faults seem nothing compared to the real elf that he is."

"If you say so, mother."

"He is not so difficult to understand. In time you will see." Dalorien squeezed her hand and stood to leave. "I must finish my own chores now of making sure everyone has cleaned up their stations. When you are done eating, make sure to wash your plate and glass."

"Of course, mother," Le'ariel nodded. "But, wait! I have one last question to ask you before you leave."

"What is it, child?"

"What exactly was the punishment you gave Prince Legolas and Keldir?"

Dalorien merely smiled and walked away.

I I I

"This is utterly nauseating." Keldir complained.

Their punishment was to clean the stables without gloves or boots and to get the horses groomed before supper.

"I would rather be shot in the arm by an arrow then continue this." Legolas added to his whining.

Keldir smiled, "You know very well that I would never let that happen to you."

"Why? Because it is your sworn duty to protect the prince?"

"No, because if you were shot by an arrow in the arm I would be left here alone to tend to this punishment while you sit in the Houses of Healing relaxing and enjoying yourself!" laughed the guard.

"Do not worry, my friend, I would gladly order someone to shoot an arrow through your arm, as well!" Legolas playfully shoved him.

"A nice hot bath is in order after this foul punishment." Keldir made face at the smell. "But, I would gladly steal another one of Dalorien's pies."

"So would I." Legolas threw a strand of hay toward his friend. Keldir was about to take it out of his hair to throw back at the prince when the stable master entered.

"The sun will soon set over the horizon. The longer you take, the longer you will remain here. I, myself, do not mind for I can think of other chores to give you both if you prefer," said Galthan, looking very annoyed.

"We are almost finished," Legolas politely bowed with his head.

"We will report to you once we are done," smiled Keldir politely.

"Very well…" Galthan slowly eyed them before leaving.

Once he was out of sight, Keldir threw the same strand of hay in his hair at Legolas, soon making the stables look the way it did when they first entered it that afternoon.