Author's Note: Same Disclaimer… still want my elves…
ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.
Haldir stayed in the stable to get the horses ready for their ride, as Legolas went into the house with Elrohir to help him should he need it. Presently, the Mirkwood elf was sitting upon the counter watching his brunette counterpart quietly, hands clasped before him and resting in his lap. "Are you growing tired of us yet?" he asked Elrohir finally, a soft smile on his face as he reached out to pull a piece of lint from the dark strands of hair. "I imagine we can become tiresome fairly quickly," he admitted with a chuckle.
He gave a slight toss of his head to help shake his hair back from his face, before sliding from his perch to stand beside his darker-haired host, watching him get everything ready. He knew the tune of the song Elrohir hummed, but couldn't decipher it. He had no doubt that if he thought about it the name would find him, but he didn't bother with it at the moment, for his mind was on other things.
"Can I offer my help?" the blond queried then, with a lift of his eyebrows, and a slight smile. "What shall I carry?"
Elrohir glanced up from wrapping some slices of meat in thin cheesecloth, and then did the same with a quarter of the bowl of berries brought in. In addition, three apples were collected, and the same number of fresh rolls, slipping them into a leather satchel to bring on their ride. The juice they'd drink was poured into three canteen-like skins, and once assured it wouldn't spill, he passed one to Legolas. "No... I'm hardly "tired" of either of you. Actually, I'm enjoying having both of you here. Just simply knowing you're here... and Haldir... has been wonderful. It's strange, really - even when I didn't remember a thing about you, not even emotions, I felt better to get to know you both. But no, you don't have to help, except carry your own water-skin... err... juice-skin? I think I've got everything ready now."
The son of Elrond twisted lightly, fingers lifting to ghost over the fair-colored prince's cheek a moment, a warm smile on his lips. "I think even the family's getting to love you both, and the village will come around once the novelty of newcomers here wears off. But -- let's get to the stables before Haldir starts pacing holes in the floor from waiting for us. It'll be nice to get out and ride simply for the sake of riding." And with that he flashed the youthful looking elf a quick grin and slipped away, leading them both back to the stables and back into Haldir's presence.
A skin of juice was handed to the Marchwarden, Silathil's own expression warmer toward his friends as he moved to Chance's side (as he was the most quick to unseat strangers) and patted him over, as if to claim that particular horse for the ride, leaving Legolas with the sweet-natured Princess, whose gentleness was only rivaled by her vanity... hence the reason braids would be woven through her mane on occasion. "Everyone ready?" And he led Chance out of the stables, mounting quite easily and waited for the other two to emerge.
Haldir accepted the juice with a nod of thanks and followed Elrohir out of the stable, leading Thunder behind. After them, Legolas emerged with Princess, the two of them staring at each other quietly as he caressed his fingers over her cheek. "I like this horse," he announced more to himself than to anyone else.
Haldir had to bite his tongue as he mounted Thunder easily and glanced back at the fair Prince, keeping himself from making some comment about how Legolas WOULD like a horse named Princess, as he didn't want the horse to take offence just because he wanted to goad his companion on. Haldir wasn't entirely rude. He could be sometimes, yes, but he knew when to keep his mouth shut.
Once Legolas had mounted his own horse, he led her up to stand beside Elrohir, as Haldir tended to stay behind them, once again eyeing the villagers that had taken it upon themselves to stare at them. He, of course, made it obvious that he was staring back. "We are ready when you are," Legolas told Elrohir kindly, reaching up to brush back a lock of his own hair. It had almost completely dried by then - only wet underneath - and again that was barely so. He stared out at the distant mountain range, leaning forward slightly to pat the side of Princess's neck.
There were a few of those staring that Silathil recognized as simply curious, others who were more than wary of the new elves, and still more - usually children - who simply were in awe of beings such as elves. But he knew the less time in the limelight, the better for relations between the elves and villagers. A soft click was made between tongue and teeth, urging Chance to trot off toward the end of the earthen path and into the trees a few dozen yards away. A couple of the older children trailed behind the three, as if they simply wanted to look a bit more, but fell back and returned to work once the elves had slipped past the tree line.
Elrohir couldn't blame them, really. New things were always in question, regardless of what it was – creature or object or person. Had they been human travelers, there would still be some suspicion, though certainly less awe! He chuckled softly at the thought as he led his mount through the woodlands, picking his path carefully. "I think they're going to like you two... once they realize you're not a threat to them." The comment was made just loud enough for the pair to hear, his gaze darting around the forest curiously, a more peaceful feeling than he'd ever had in a long while washing through his form. Though he still was unsure as to who he was, whatever it was he knew he could be that being around Legolas and Haldir without question or comment, unless it were some playful joke they two seemed fond of sharing.
As they rode, Haldir chuckled quietly to himself from time to time, looking out at the scene around him in contentment. It was a huge comfort to be amongst the trees once again. So much so that he was considering finding a tree suiting enough, and building a talan in it, just so he could feel more like himself. Unlike Legolas, who was used to living closed up in a hill, he had never been closed in at all. But, who knew how long they would be here? It would make no sense to build something, and then leave when it was done.
"What are you chuckling about back there?" Legolas asked, bringing Haldir from his thoughts.
"I was laughing because there is a village girl that seems to go into a trance every time she gets sight of you, Prince," Haldir answered good-naturedly, settling his sight on the blond elf to see that he was half turned on his mount and staring at him.
"That's a fib," Legolas replied with a laugh.
"Nay, it's no lie," Haldir assured him. "Each time she sees you, she drops the bundle she's holding. Just this last time she dropped a bundle of clothing, only to be clucked at by an elderly woman."
Legolas laughed again and then shook his head, turning to face forward again and glancing to Elrohir with a slight roll of his eyes. "Haldir likes to tease me about women," the Mirkwood elf informed him, smiling slightly.
Elrohir snickered at the description of the girl who'd apparently been smitten by Legolas' looks. Even he'd noticed when the bundle of clothing was dropped, but he hadn't seen who the girl was staring at when it happened. Apparently, Haldir had. "Oh, but Legolas, surely you aren't so blind as to not notice when a girl is smitten with you? I don't think anyone here has seen folk as fair as you and Haldir are... and I'm sure a few of those gawking at you both were doing so simply because of your looks."
He was only half-jesting, for what he spoke was true, regardless of the fact they more than likely wouldn't believe him. A nudge was given to Chance's side though, and the horse sped his pace slightly, eager to go as fast as his handler would allow. Like Thunder, Chance liked to run, even if he never could keep up with the midnight-hued horse. On he rode, ducking a low branch here, brushing aside a slender twig there.
"Well, they couldn't have been gawking at Haldir's looks." Legolas reasoned matter-of-factly, "There's nothing there to gawk at, unless they were trapped within their amazement that there actually are ugly Elves." He was smiling slightly, ears perked to hear the sound of disgust that would come from Haldir behind them. He wasn't disappointed, as it came almost immediately.
"Yes, yes, yes," Haldir hissed, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "The ugly, unmarried, egotistical elf. At least you can see me for what I really am. Thank the Valar for Legolas's all seeing sight." With that, he let out a sigh, shaking his head as he patted Thunder gently. Legolas was smiling as he looked down towards Princess, his hands in her mane as he braided designs in it casually.
One more, Silathil felt Legolas had gone too far with his teasing of Haldir's looks. If any asked him, he didn't think Haldir was ugly at all, though it may have been some consensus amongst other elves. And so he decided to question the darker blonde, knowing that he had a fifty-fifty chance of embarrassing the jesting Prince. "And Legolas... are you married?" He doubted the elf was, for his actions spoke of the life of a bachelor. One who never had to worry of someone back home who fretted for their safe return. Not that Elrohir ever had that feeling, but he'd seen more than his fair share of humans who displayed the same attitude Legolas did, and others who were less carefree and had a look in their eyes when they left the village that spoke of love. Legolas had not that glimmer within his vision that told of some amour awaiting his arrival somewhere. And if he had no wife, then teasing Haldir of not being wed would suddenly seem quite silly, wouldn't it? At least it would give Haldir a moment or two to gloat, as Legolas had spent much of their time together. He wondered silently if they could go more than thirty minutes awake without teasing each other in some manner, or could somehow put aside their jesting to make some sort of serious decision. But he awaited the prince's response, knowing that if his assumptions were correct, he'd at least be witness to a smirk from the Marchwarden.
Legolas seemed surprised to of been asked if he were married. And suddenly, he became aware that he must have offended Elrohir with his incessant teasing of Haldir. This brought a huge grin to his face, for it was exactly as it should be. He could tell by the soft sounds mirth behind him, that Haldir had noticed it too. It had always been Elrohir, in their youth that would chastise both Legolas and Elladan for taking their jesting of the Marchwarden too far.
"No," Haldir spoke quickly in answer to Elrohir's question, smirking. "He is not married."
Legolas laughed jovially. "No," he agreed, "I'm not, but it is of my choice. I have been approached on the matter several times. I have yet the time to settle into that, what with all my traveling. Perhaps in Valinor, I will settle down..." He paused for a moment, and then extended his teasing hand just one last time carefully, a smirk upon his own fair features. "Though...Haldir, you do not travel as much as I, having spent most of your time in Lothlorien. Not to mention you're a fair amount older than I..."
Haldir expression changed to a smug look upon his face, and made a disgusted sound as Legolas laughed softly. "I don't like you," Haldir told him plainly, and to that Legolas took to laughing completely. Haldir had never told him that before. It was utterly priceless.
"Yes, you do. Why else would you tolerate me?" he asked.
Haldir smiled slightly. "I have to tolerate you...because no one else can." They were both laughing then.
"Well, I don't like you either, then," Legolas chuckled.
"Fair enough," Haldir agreed. After that, things seemed on the up and up again.
Both brows shot up at the exchange, before Elrohir shook his head in disbelief. "I fear I will never understand either of you, whether my memory returns or not!" The entire parry of words was both comical and baffling, and Elrond's son couldn't begin to figure out the logic behind it. After all, it was obvious they enjoyed the other's company, though they made it seem as though they couldn't be left in the same room together for a full day without someone saying or doing something to offend. Why they couldn't admit it, he'd never know.
"I don't understand it either, really," Legolas admitted thoughtfully. "Sometimes I think I cannot stand him and then for some reason, if he is around, I always find myself near him."
Haldir seemed to think he had the answer. "You tease me because you envy me," he uttered arrogantly. This brought about a twinkle of laughter from the fair prince.
"And what, pray tell, is there to envy?" He asked, looking back at the Marchwarden with a smile. Haldir smiled back, finding the answer to this easy too.
"Why, everything, of course." This bit of jesting was just that. Jesting. There was no motive to goad the other on, and secretly, they were both thankful for that. It was beginning to wear thin on them both.
After a moment paused and queried quietly, "How long had you both been traveling before you found me? You seemed fairly happy to sleep in a bed, which means it was almost definitely more than a couple of weeks..."
Legolas barely paused before answering the question posed to him. "I can't answer for Haldir, but I'd been traveling for a month," he told Elrohir. "There were a few places I wanted to go, before I left Middle-earth for good. I met up with Haldir only 4 days ago."
"I had been traveling for about the same. A month," Haldir called from behind, reaching up to brush his finger tips over some leaves.
"Honestly," he informed Elrohir then, "I was finished with my travels, and heading home. As was Haldir - that's why we'd decided to travel together. Both of us concur that it wasn't one of our more intelligent ideas. I think we've bickered the entire time." Though Legolas couldn't see him, Haldir was nodding his agreement behind them.
"Yes. I think we have too." he agreed blandly, raising his head to look at the sky through the breaks in the branches above his head. He wanted to come out here at night and look at the stars. Off handedly he wondered if Orcs roamed this forest at night.
Elrohir was mildly amazed at how long both had been traveling, casting a sympathetic look toward the lighter being behind him. "No wonder you were so eager to leave..." He grinned then, knowing the Prince would wish to protest the comment, and raised his hand slightly before he could. "I would be, too... if I were on a quest to see as much as I could in a short while. But I'm glad you did stay... I can't recall the last time I felt so at ease and alive before." He offered a light upturn of his lips once more before twisting his attention back to front, fingers rubbing along Chance's neck comfortingly as the horse seemed all too happy to go where ever they were going as quickly as he could carry the elf.
To give the horse a bit more exercise, he nudged Chance up a steep incline, the horse clipping up the soft soil happily, as it stretched his muscles and gave him something a bit more daring to do.
The climb took a few minutes of their time, and Silathil at the very least spent his voice in soft words to the horse beneath him as he pulled them both up the slope. Finally, a plateau was reached and Chance trotted over the flat surface in his pride, his head tossing merrily for a moment or two as if to say 'see! I can do anything you ask me to!' The clearing he was headed for was only a few minutes away now, and he looked forward to simply sitting upon the soft green grass that littered the place - one of the few places grass grew in the wood - and relax. Maybe the tranquil atmosphere would mellow the two playfully bickering elves along with him!
As they trotted up the incline, both Haldir and Legolas were blessedly silent, just taking in the scenery around them. Thunder seemed to enjoy the climb, and even more the space of flat land before them, and Haldir had the suspicion that if he weren't so well behaved at the moment, he would have taken off running with nary a care in the world. He couldn't imagine what he would think of the Plains of Rohan. Thunder would probably run all the way across and back again, even if it took him three days to do it.
Silathil chuckled softly as it seemed the sparring of words had ended to give way to more pleasant teasing, and then silence. Though there were still trees littering the place they were in, each could see the promising green place they were approaching like an emerald among grays. Chance all but leapt for the grassy spot, drawing a yelp of surprise from the elf on his back. But a more merry call was given toward the two behind him and within moments they'd all reached the clearing. Sunshine filtered down upon the place, washing the shadows of the forest away, and the horses were allowed to graze where they wished once their handlers had finally slid from their backs. There was no mud here, thankfully, as any moisture would drain from that place quickly, and so Thunder would be safe from the grime they'd washed from him only an hour or so ago.
The satchel of food was slung from Elrohir's own back, and once he'd sat down, it was opened, though he waited for the other two to reach him before taking items out of the leather bag. "No children... no one here but us. And thankfully, no one knows of this place but me... none of the villagers can coax the horses up the incline to get here, and their curiosity isn't great enough to get them to climb up by themselves. ... It's one of the few places I can go without being bothered, if I have some free time." His tone was one of affection for the place, and reverence.
It truly was the only place he could go to escape from the babble of the villagers sometimes, as they would often try to question him of things he did not know the answer to, simply because he was "Elven". It could be a pain at times, but he did understand their curiosity and sometimes their expectant looks that he might hold some answer. After all, he did well with animals they had trouble up to their eyeballs with, and he was always willing to pitch in when he could, if his help was needed.
Haldir was quick to slide from Thunder, sending him off to do as he will with a gentle pat to his snout. Legolas however, lingered on Princess to finish his braiding, reaching back to pull the tie from his own hair, to secure what he'd done for her mane. "There you are then..." Legolas told her gently with a smile as he hopped off of her. "As Royal, and as fine as any Queen I have laid mine eyes upon." He gave an affectionate nuzzle against her cheek before he sent her off to graze with the other horses.
"It's a fine spot." Haldir mentioned Elrohir thoughtfully, as he stood near to where the dark haired elf was sitting. And it was too. The lad spoke of solitude, the warmth of the sun bleeding down over them in quiet rays, comforting the blonde elves immensely. Legolas took a seat near to them, and hugged his knees to his chest momentarily as he looked this way and that at everything around them. "If it was feasible, I would suggest bringing the beds out here," he chuckled before he sprawled out on his back, closing his eyes to soak up the sun languidly.
Haldir smiled to that as he sat as well. "Yes. I was already fantasizing of building a talan up in the trees," he admitted. "The children could always use it as a tree house later, when we're gone."
Legolas chuckled, nodding. "That they could," he agreed.
Elrohir chuckled as he passed a roll each to the Prince and Marchwarden, eyes flickering over Legolas for a moment or two. "You will win every heart in the household before you leave!" he uttered as Princess skipped off to frolic with the other two horses. But then the mention of constructing some sort of solitude-promoting flat within the trees was brought up. It was a good idea, in some ways, but would the children's parents enjoy two elves teaching their offspring to roam through the treetops as though they were elves themselves? He wasn't sure, but perhaps he could bring the idea up? He would make the two promise to keep the peaceful place a secret within the family, though... it wouldn't do to have dozens of people disturbing the beauty and quiet the place provided.
"I think Daine and Aram would adore something like that left to them when we leave... if you're serious about building something out here, I can always talk to their parents. Perhaps it won't be just a dream, after all?" Though he did enjoy his bed above the warm, cozy stables, he knew the two would be homesick for the trees after a while, if they stayed more than a few weeks, and a talan, though he remembered not what it was, might aid in bringing a bit of home to this overly-human dwelling space they were in. Even if it was simply to escape for a few hours a day, if he could not sleep out here. But the ideas were cast aside for a moment as slices of meat were passed around, along with the apples. "And of course, they won't be told of it till shortly before we do leave... so it will be left alone to you to find the peace you wish when you desire it."
He smiled then, watching his newest-yet-oldest friends settle themselves beneath the sun, relaxing upon the cool grass. This was what made life worth living... times like these when you could take a deep breath, lay back, and let the world go on without you for a few precious hours.
Haldir gave a chuckle, and then offered a shake of his head. "No, it is only a dream I'm afraid. For the type of tree needed for what I am speaking of exists not in this forest," he informed the dark-haired elf. "I have no doubt that something could be built, but I am not too keen to building such a thing, for I do not plan on staying that long."
Legolas looked to him curiously then, his brows furrowed as he sat up quickly. "What do you mean? Are you leaving here soon?" he asked, seeming completely put off by the idea. "Surely you're not leaving! Are you!?"
Haldir laughed out right and looked to Legolas with obvious amusement. "Not soon, no, but not long enough to build a home in the tree tops." He reached out then to caress the backs of his curled fingers over Legolas' flushed cheek softly. "I'm not leaving you, Legolas," he told him gently, "And I'm not leaving Elrohir, either... I simply mean that I will grow used to sleeping in the stable." He looked to Elrohir then with a wink. "After all, a tree house is no place for children, especially a talan. They have no banisters." Legolas reached up and touched Haldir's hand as he lowered it before looking to his roll. A moment later he tore a piece off and ate it, seeming more settled.
Now Elrohir was certain the two cared more for each other than they let on. If it wasn't clear at first, the concern they showed for each other during brief moments showed that they did, indeed, carry some sort of friendly affection for each other.
The small berries were also passed around soon after, once he was sure they had the free hands to take them, and the lost Lord simply enjoying the time he had with the pair. It felt like time off, as if they were actually taking a full break instead of merely taking lunch while they were doing chores. The ride had been pleasant and his companions - once neutral ground had been reached - seemed to be enjoying each other's company as much as Elrohir was theirs.
Once his food was eaten he stretched, took a drink of juice, then lay upon his stomach, arms folding upon the soft grass and resting his head upon the crossed limbs. "After this, all there is to do is get the children to take care of the blankets - which isn't much work except to talk them through it - then we've the rest of the evening to ourselves, save for supper... and so the question must be asked: What would you two like to do with our free time?" His gaze was lazily cast between the blondes, now that he was secure in the fact that Haldir would definitely stay for the while Elrohir wished to, and now that Legolas was comforted with the same fact.
Haldir, too, was lounging in the grass - now on his side, propped up on his elbow facing them both, while Legolas sat with his back propped up against Haldir's body. He was still slowly eating his berries, not seeming to be in a hurry to finish them.
"Hm. More of this?" Legolas offered, seeming sad that they would have to leave here. Haldir didn't seem to even hear the question as he stared off deep in thought, a hand absently playing with Legolas' hair. The fair Prince set his berries aside and pulled his knees up to his chest once more, crossing his ankles as his arms hugged the limbs to him. He rested his chin on the top of his knees.
Haldir closed his eyes, and rested his head on his curled arm lazily. "What would you like to do?" Legolas asked Elrohir, extending a foot then to gently poke his brunette companion with the toe of his boot. "You have been here longer, and know what there is to do. You are also the one with the chores. We're just merely following your example." He smiled at him softly and reached up to brush some of his hair back from his face.
Silathil couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "There is little to do unless a festival is approaching, and there isn't one for a few months yet. Also, it's dangerous to travel through the forest more than an hour after dark - Orcs and some other creatures wander the woods then: ones I'd not enjoy running into alone. Though if the problem gets too great, the men of the village and I band together for a hunt. Usually, I'm in my room reading at night, which is why I asked... I haven't had many I could talk to like this... or do things with in a long while, though... I do want to learn how you do some of those braids. I know how to pleat hair fairly well, but only the simple braids... and as I said when you did this one," he gestured to the tight, clean weave within his own hair as he arched an eyebrow to Legolas, "this is not something so simple. You seem to have a knack for it, really... I've never seen Princess so content with her mane before!" He chuckled, wriggling a few inches closer to the pair. They appeared so adorable together... Elrohir had to smile at the image. When they weren't bickering, they did, indeed, seem quite sweet.
Legolas smiled proudly, and gave a sudden great stretch of his body, his sudden movements causing Haldir to drowsily open his eyes and look at him, before shifting his gaze to Elrohir. "I will teach you to weave hair then tonight," Legolas told him assuredly, glancing back to Haldir long enough to push the blonde elf onto his back so he could use his chest as a pillow. He motioned for Elrohir to come share him as well, and Haldir just closed his eyes again, not seeming to mind.
"I can teach you how to knot hair as well," the fair Prince continued. "Your father was fond of knotting his hair. You do not need ties for that skill. It comes in handy when you are in the wild." He smiled at him and crossed his ankles, popping a berry into his mouth before gazing off thoughtfully at the horses as they grazed contently nearby. "Perhaps one night, we can hunt orcs," he rambled absently, before returning his gaze to Elrohir. "We can hide up in the trees after dark, and pick them off one by one. They would never know what hit them, especially if we hide in different areas near to one another. They probably think elves do not linger here."
Silathil seemed hesitant at first, unsure if Haldir would object to the forward use of his form as a pillow, but he seemed to enjoy it to a degree, or at least he showed enjoyment as much as Haldir usually did without smiling. And so Silathil drew to Legolas's side, finding the Marchwarden's chest quite comfortable a place to rest his head upon. Then again, he should have known, as he had fallen asleep quickly upon the Galadhrim's shoulder the night before. And now he was getting a firsthand experience as to how alluring the Prince's voice could be, understanding how someone could simply focus upon the tone as he spoke to them, and ignore everything else.
Legolas had a gift, if you asked Elrohir, and one that was indeed pleasant to the ear. "I'd like that..." he mused in response to the royal's offer to teach him to weave hair - and then to knot hair, however that was done. And then the subject of orcs was returned to, bringing a faint shudder to his form. He hated orcs more than any other being in Middle Earth, both for what they did to him and their general temperament. They were vicious, disgusting, war-mongering creatures, and Elrohir would be glad if they never ventured out of Mordor again. "Hunting orc... I think we ought to at least once while you're here... if we don't, the villagers will do so, I'm sure."
Indeed, Haldir did not mind that he was being used as a pillow. He would welcome the closeness as he often did, for it was not frequent that one wanted to be close to him. Most were off put by his seemingly humorless, always serious, snide, often arrogant attitude. (Save one particularly stubborn minded, almost hilariously relentless Elven woman from Lothlorien that had already sailed over the sea.) But he was Captain of the Marchwardens, and he had to seem somewhat unapproachable as to intimidate unwanted parties. Unfortunately, the habit of being that way had formed in him at a young age, becoming part of who he was, and he ended up turning away, unintentionally, any advancements of friendship--or otherwise--that were cast his way. He'd grown used to it, and accepted it, and it no longer bothered him the way it used to.
Haldir opened his eyes and glanced down to see both Elves using him, and raised a hand to fiddle his fingers around in both their hair, twisting the dark and light strands together.
"I would like a good hunt with you again," Legolas admitted, the smile he wore on his face bright and lovely as he looked over at the brunette elf. "We used to tarry for days tracking them, taking them out when they least expected it. And they never got a look at us." The deep blue of his eyes were flashing with the light of excitement.
"I haven't hunted orc in a long while," Haldir confessed softly, watching as Legolas turned his ear to his chest to listen to the soft, deep, booming of his voice therein.
"Neither have I," the fair prince agreed, then turned to his side to face Elrohir, placing a hand upon his shoulder just to have the contact.
Elrohir lay there peacefully for a few long moments, listening to their voices. Suddenly he began to laugh full and merrily, more than likely startling both his guests. Without even looking, as he knew they were both staring at him at that point, he reached to lace fingers between those of Legolas, controlling his bubbling mirth enough to utter a few words. "This morning... you were asking about sleeping with limbs tangled, and now look at us..."
Though they weren't exactly tangled, they certainly were a sight to see, and Elrohir was more than amused at the idea. He did enjoy the comfortable position, though, and nuzzled his cheek lightly against the fabric coating Haldir's chest before finally turning ever so slightly to face Legolas. "Hobbits, you said? Perhaps they had the right idea?" He was still snickering lightly, though his laughter had certainly died down a bit, content to remain there as long as Haldir - and their horses - would allow.
He was glad they came, and happier still that they agreed to stay. He was learning quite a bit concerning who he was and what he was, as well as learning some of the crafts and abilities limited mostly to elves, such as the intricate braiding that few men could attempt to imitate. And Legolas' bow was a work of art as well as a deadly weapon. Fabric weaving, as well - he'd noticed how quickly their clothes began to dry, as well as the fine weave and intricate stitching. Their speed, their grace... it was all part of him and one he'd not seen in others since he could remember... save for the brief flash of his brother. He was in awe of the two, and never wanted to part from them, even though he'd only just "met" them yesterday.
Legolas and Haldir had indeed begun staring at Elrohir once he started laughing, both wondering separately if he'd lost his good sense, even though they both knew that couldn't be the case. And then at Elrohir's words, Legolas let himself laugh too. "Yes, look at us. And we're all getting along." He was suddenly shushed by the gentle press of Haldir's forefinger against his lips, and the soft uttering of, "Shhh," that came from his lips.
"Don't talk about that, Legolas," the warden chuckled softly with a slight shake of his head, his eyes closing once more. "You'll jinx us and we'll bicker again...and I don't want to bicker anymore with you right now."
Legolas smiled softly and reached up, taking the Marchwarden's hand in his, pressing a gentle kiss to the finger that was over his lips. "Alright, that's a fair request," he agreed before releasing the hand to let it lay in Elrohir's hair. "Oh!" he exclaimed suddenly, looking wide eyed at Elrohir as if he'd just thought of something. "I never told you what a Hobbit was! And I believe you asked me, did you not?" he inquired apologetically. "By sea and stars, that was early this morn!"
Elrohir smiled lightly at the displays of affection each elf was showing. They seemed much more content with each other, and surprisingly had gone a good deal of time without exchanging verbal war with the other. As Haldir had admitted, it was a pleasant change and one that it seemed no one wanted to let go of just yet. He brightened a bit at the exclamation Legolas let out, nodding slightly as they rested. "Yes... it was long before either of you were dunked in the basin water... before any of us began mucking stalls... And if you do have the time to tell me of them, I would enjoy hearing you describe what Hobbits are. I think I might get along with them if they typically sleep as we're resting here now. It's comfortable." He spoke candidly, listening to the beat of Haldir's heart and the musical tones of Legolas's voice, both lulling him into a pleasant daze. Were he tired, he would be asleep in moments like this! "How do you know of them? Do you know if any might live near here?" The inquiries came and finally he seemed satisfied with the number of questions, falling silent to await the fair prince's response.
"Hobbits are little people, that live way up North, in the Shire. Halflings they are called, Shire-folk, or Periannath as we call them. They are good natured, content to lead a simple life, and highly pleasant to be around. Their hair tends to be curly, their breeches short, and their spirits high," Legolas explained as Haldir smiled during his description of them. "The single thing I found a Hobbit to enjoy most is eating, and in fact, they have several times during a single day that they like to do so. That would be Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, and Supper...Did I miss any?" Legolas asked, more to himself then to either of them, and was counting them all off on his fingers as he went. He gives a shrug, not sure, and continued.
"There were four Hobbits in our Fellowship of Nine. Meriadoc, or Merry as he was called. Peregrin, or Pippin, or then again, simply Pip. There was Samwise, or Sam, and Frodo, who was actually the Bearer of the One Ring. I found them all to be brave, and admirable, and I will always regard them fondly. Frodo, and his uncle Bilbo, sailed over the Sea to Valinor, as they were ring bearers - Frodo inherited the One Ring from that uncle. And later, after the passing of his wife, Sam went too, for he also bore the ring for a short while. Merry, and Pippin were made knights of Gondor, and it was there that they died of old age, happy, and content. It was a hobbit, Elanor, that was your Sisters dress maid. She was the daughter of Sam." Legolas piped down after that, seeming to think back on them all reflectively, a certain somberness clinging to the edges of his features.
Haldir reached out to caress his blond companion's hair. "The Lady Galadriel, your grandmother, gave to Sam a Mallorn seed and soil from Lothlórien, for he was a Gardener." Haldir told Elrohir, "Frodo's gardener, actually. He planted the seed in the Shire, and there remains the grandest Mallorn tree of them all. It is the only place in Middle-earth that has one, besides Lothlórien." Legolas nodded, smiling softly.
"You both sound very fond of them..." Elrohir murmured softly, fingers brushing gently over the prince's own as if to offer some sort of support as the fair one remembered times long before. "I have heard tales of Halflings before, but only in the stories of the War of the Ring -- though the tales were vague by the time they managed to reach here." He sighed lightly, snuggling a bit more against the two elves, for though Haldir was the only elf beneath him, Legolas provided a most welcomed warmth at his side. His lips kept in a languid smile, lashes drifting shut to rest upon his cheeks as he lay there.
"It sounds like something grand to see..." he drifted after Haldir's description of the Mallorn tree. A sigh drifted past his lips, those light digits that had brushed along Legolas' hand now doing a blind examination of the prince's own fingers, idly tracing the outline of each slender form, memorizing each curve and ridge where bones met, or nails gave way to skin. Any more tranquil and he'd be seconds from falling asleep like that, despite the fact he was not tired! "If we could, I'd stay like this for weeks...as it is, I'm dreading having to return."
"Aye, I am very fond of them...You may see them, in time, when we travel from Lothlorien and to the Grey Havens. Our path will lead us near the Shire." Legolas told him hopefully. "I will be happy to look upon their fair faces once more, even if they are not the faces of friends passed." He opened his eyes and looked at Elrohir as he snuggled closer to him, and offered a soft smile, spreading his fingers for him. "Unless of course you remember your past before then..." he said, "For then, you will recall the hobbits as fondly as I do, both in their glory and in their antics."
Haldir spoke then, his voice very soft in his relaxed state. "I would like to go there, on the way to the Grey Havens," he admitted. "I would like to see the mellyn before we leave the Middle-earth..," he opened his own eyes then, tilting his head down slightly to look at them. "And you may see your old friends yet, Legolas," he spoke reassuringly to the flaxen haired Elf. "Not in the way you imagine, but in the faces of their children, and their grandchildren."
Legolas smiled softly and gave a nod of his head, seeming content with that. "I hope so." He sighed, pressing closer to Elrohir and turned his face into Elrohir's dark hair, curling into him some in such contentedness.
Elrohir, feeling the shift in the companion to his side, glanced down at the snuggling prince, and after a moment wriggled his arm - which had been resting between him and Legolas - to slip beneath the prince's waist, resting alongside Haldir's form as it did so. Yes, a tangle of limbs they would be after much more of this! His hand bent lightly to wrap about the slim curve of the prince's body. It simply felt good to lie like this!
End Author's Note: Hey! I know, I know. It's been too long! Just when I think I'm going to be able to crank out chapter after chapter of this, life gets in the way. But it's a long-ish chapter! Let me know if you catch any problems with the tenses used, though. I tried to remove them all.