Author's Note: Same disclaimer. Same everything. Please, please, review? I'm having the same problem with getting reviews as I did the last time! Makes me wonder – if I cranked out crap with bad spelling and horrific plot structure… would I get more reviews? I should try that sometime.
Warning: Thar be fluff ahead, maties. Secure tha' riggin'!
ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR.ARASR
Warmth.
It was the first thing Elrohir's mind registered as it crawled from the darkness of sleep. He was surrounded by warmth. It enveloped him, held him, pressed along one side of him as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and he found himself snuggling against the source of the cozy heat like a moth to a flame. His cheek brushed along a soft and smooth surface, drawing a quiet sigh of comfort from his lips. He couldn't remember ever feeling this content, even surrounded by blankets, and he tried desperately not to fully wake for fear he'd have to give the pleasant sensations up. Instead, he kept his eyes closed, fingers curling in strands of what felt like silk beneath his fingers, murmuring sleepily of his pleased state of mind.
It wasn't like the night before, where he woke and that was it, though he had the nice exchange with Haldir till Legolas woke up and shoved him out of bed.
Haldir.
That was who the heat was from... and that was who he nuzzled so blissfully. And Legolas would be on the other side of the comfortable Marchwarden, more than likely in the same state of sleepy delight as he was, if not more. The more friendly words they exchanged and the affection the elf tried to hide in regards to the Galadhrim were more than obvious, and Elrohir almost chuckled against the skin he snuggled against, wondering when Legolas would realize Haldir meant more to him than just an annoyance. Whether or not it was as a friend... more... he didn't know, and only time would tell for that. But that was thinking a long ways ahead of the current time, and he quickly pulled himself back into the present, pretending to be asleep that much longer so as not to break the snuggling moments. Yes, Hobbits definitely had something when they slept in "a tangle of limbs". It certainly was pleasant.
Still dark... It was what Haldir had first registered when he realized he was becoming aware. He was looking up towards the ceiling of the stable room, the dreams still lingering in the dark places of his thought, and though they were desperately slipping away, it was images of his brother he could see. The youngest one.
Rumil was walking away from him, his hair being lifted by an unfelt breeze, and waving just slightly like he were waving good-bye...goodbye...With a start he was completely awake, taking in a sharp breath as his eyes came into proper focus. He looked first towards the window, tried to move his hands but he realized they were buried deep in the silkiness of hair, and with that realization came the slow understanding. Elrohir and Legolas. They were using him - again - as a pillow, and as he tilted his head just slightly to look at them, a soft smile found his lips. Carefully he released the dark and light strands, and smoothed down the tangles he had to have made, just letting his arms remain draped around them loosely.
What could he remember of the night before? He didn't remember laying down, or the soft conversation that usually took place before sleep, or getting undressed. But all three must have happened, because here he was - laying down and cuddling two elves, half dressed. He moved the arm that was around Legolas carefully and pressed that hand to the center of his own chest, scratching gently. Curious... where was his shirt? He looked down towards his body, an odd look passing his features as he lifted the blankets apprehensively, peering beneath. A sigh of relief was released to see that, yes, he still had his pants on. That being established, he became aware of the soft shaking against his side, and one look at Legolas told him he was laughing, just the slightest bit, silently. His eyes were squeezed shut, as though he were still trying to pretend he was asleep - and badly, mind you.
Haldir arched a brow at this.
Elrohir groaned on the other side of Haldir as Legolas began to tremble, knowing full well the elf was awake. One eye cracked open, his gaze focusing on the dark blonde elf laying across from him. "You're impossible..." The words were half whispered, though he didn't dare leave Haldir's side, just straightened a bit to nuzzle into Haldir's throat like a child clinging for his parent. "Do we have to get up? This is too comfortable..." The words tumbled past hazy lips while he clung softly to the body beside him, eyes falling closed once more.
As Haldir's motions finally registered that he was contemplating what had happened last night he grinned, though didn't come close to the laughter Legolas was trying to hold back. "You fell asleep while we practiced on your hair... so we got you ready for bed. Nothing more." The assurance, he hoped, would be more than welcome despite the laughter that threatened to erupt from the other's lips. "Legolas seems to be afflicted with a serious case of the giggles, and I must say, I've no idea why."
He smiled just that much more then, tilting his head slightly to press a kiss to Haldir's cheek. "But ... good morning, sleepyhead." The greeting, though commonly used mostly among humans, was very apt that morning, though he certainly wasn't one to talk. He wouldn't be moving from his place for some time... nope. Unless something drastic happened, he was staying right where he was.
Haldir looked to Elrohir chuckling softly as the blond at his side came fully to life, pressing closer as well as he stretched, laughing out right in a soft, cute giggle. He motioned to the blanket, and then just kept laughing, turning into Haldir more to bury his face in the hair at the other elf's ear. Haldir seemed slightly disturbed at the giggling, though it wasn't clear why.
"I've no idea either," he admitted, his voice husky and a little deeper than usual from sleeping. He cleared his throat softly and smiled as he pressed his cheek to Elrohir's lips, accepting the kiss. He hugged him gently to his side, and returned the kiss against his temple. He was glad to see that Legolas had momentarily stopped his giggling, but not so glad that he was breathing in his ear, as it was giving him the chills. He reached up, and batted his hand at Legolas face, trying to move his head away from him.
"Stop it," he hissed, shaking his head and sliding his hand over his ear.
This made Legolas giggle again and he raised his head just enough to peer at him, dark blue eyes twinkling in mirth, his nose pressed to his jaw. "What would you have done if your pants were missing?" he asked in that lighthearted voice. Oh, so that's what this was about. He'd seen Haldir check.
Haldir suddenly smiled, understanding now. "I'm not sure," he admitted sheepishly. "I would have thought I drank too much mead."
Legolas grinned, and shifted his gaze to Elrohir as if to say, 'next time we claim his pants, just to see what he does the next morning' and winked secretively.
Elrohir managed a few soft chuckles, though he didn't dare budge from where he was - even if it meant he could poke the prince across from him for such naughty thoughts. He understood at the same time Haldir had, though he only assumed that the elf had checked once he discovered he was lacking a shirt. Mock-offense drifted over his lips then, though he didn't lean back in the slightest. "And you would think Legolas and I had drunk too much mead, as well?" But of course he was only joking, and nuzzled along the Marchwarden's shoulder lightly as if to prove as such. "Though, with how giggly Legolas is, I don't think he'd need any mead."
Ah, there was the jesting, playful elf they'd all remembered, but hadn't seen in so long. It felt wonderful to tease them both, though he made sure he didn't cross any lines that would offend. "How soon till dawn?" he questioned, stretching his form lightly along side Haldir's before resettling and returning to clinging lightly to the toned body that lay in the middle of the two beds. Yes... Hobbits definitely had something good when they began cuddling at night, and he doubted even Legolas would joke of their mess of limbs again after the past day.
Haldir laughed fully at Elrohir's comment, and hugged him tightly to his side, pressing a kiss to his forehead once more, and leaving his lips pressed there for a moment. "Hmm, you wake up, not knowing how you got here, and find yourself half dressed, and then tell me that you wouldn't check." He chuckled, his laugh fading, and then returning fully at the giggle-y Legolas comment, his body shaking slightly with it.
Legolas gasped in his own faux-indignant act, placing a hand on Haldir's chest to half sit up, and look at Elrohir, trying not to smile. "Well! I never...That's scandalous!" He gaped at him. "I would have to be drugged, out of it, and drunk beyond rational thought to take off his pants." He informed him before looking at Haldir, and took on a deep, serious, Gandalf-inspired voice, his brows furrowing with it, "Who knows what horrors will awaken in the deep of the Marchwarden's pants."
A lovely red blush flushed it's way across Haldir's skin as he chuckled softly, hugging Legolas back down against him a little too hard, clearing his throat. "Yes, well, as fun and colorful as this conversation is getting, let's try to steer it away from my attributes. Please," he uttered pleadingly. Legolas laughed again, fully, and buried his face in Haldir's throat, his face hidden by the Marchwarden's hair. He pressed a kiss there. "Sorry ... yes, let's change the subject."
Elrohir burst into laughter at the imitation of Gandalf. Though he'd never met a wizard before, or Gandalf himself (that he could recall), the deeper voice was utterly comical coming out of the blonde prince's mouth. "All right... Though let's not get up just yet? It still seems a while till sun-up... and I plan on enjoying this time. No one needing us to muck stalls... no one requesting us to hunt... no Thunder knocking us into water basins..." He rambled a minute or so before sighing in contentment against the Galadhrim's shoulder. "This is perfect. Right here... right now."
His eyes fluttered closed, a smile on his lips as his features moved into an overly-savoring expression, as if willing the moment into memory, just because. "Mmmhmmm... perfect..." And indeed, he seemed quite happy to spend all eternity like this, though he knew he'd have to move at sunrise. Could they freeze time? Lashes drifted back open, though, and he peered across the slender column of Haldir's neck to meet the other prince's gaze, his own features forming an almost-shy look now, casting a tiny smile over to him. "Maybe the children will be too tired to ride today?" Such a hopeful tone! But who could blame him, situated in a snuggly collection of elves that had massive cases of the giggles?
"No" Haldir agreed with a soft sigh of contentment, adjusting his body slightly. "Let's not. I'm happy to lie here for now." One of his hands raised slightly, the fingers of it noodling around in the dark hair behind Elrohir's ear. His other hand was curled around Legolas's shoulder, holding the Prince against him gently. His eyes were closed for the moment. Legolas had his lips still pressed into his hair, though his eyes were on Elrohir thoughtfully. He smiled softly then.
"Yes. Maybe they will find other things to preoccupy themselves, and we can lounge the day away here." With that, he too closed his eyes and nestled his face more into the hair, wanting to hide in the cool darkness. His motion made Haldir tilt his head away and against Elrohir's slightly as his hand trailed its way up over the blonde Prince's throat - into his hair to cup his head, welcoming him to nuzzle away. Legolas opened his eyes again, and moved his head like he would kiss his jaw, but he cut a look over to Elrohir and thought better of it, his face flushing slightly. One could easily get the wrong impression of all the kisses he was bestowing on his friend.
Including himself, and... he...
…
…Just wanted to drop it, thank you very much!
Haldir didn't notice - too busy combing his fingers through the black silk that was Elrohir's hair. In fact, it did fall like a black waterfall, just as the Lordling thought their hair did, and the Marchwarden seemed momentarily fascinated with it.
Legolas had not spoken aloud. He didn't dare to. Haldir would have no understanding of what he was speaking about, and this was something he sure as the Shire didn't want to explain to him.
/I would hate to give the wrong impression,/ Legolas explained to Elrohir, ridiculously. Haldir for his part, was blessedly unaware, as he smiled slightly, spurred on by contented sounds Elrohir was making. His finger tips played in gentle circles over the brunettes scalp, twisting up his hair, and combing through it again. He knew how lovely it felt to have your hair played with, especially first thing in the morning. It was like feeling for the first time, so nice were the sensations. His other hand remained still in the flaxen strands of Legolas' hair, only once in awhile adjusting their position in it.
Elrohir's eyes went wide for a moment, stiffening as he heard Legolas - not aloud, though he doubted the elf would ever speak such an admission - but in his mind. Now wasn't the time to allow shock to determine his actions though, and he furrowed his brows while holding softly to the blissfully oblivious Haldir. He relaxed once more, nuzzling against the attentive fingers that toyed with those autumn-kissed-obsidian strands. His mind was buzzing, trying to do what Legolas had - send something mentally to the blonde royal, hiding within the strands of Haldir's locks. Though it was his first attempt, he reached out tentatively with his mind - focusing on Legolas and only Legolas.
/And what impression is that? You care for him, friend... though you won't let him know, I can see it. Are you afraid he will turn you away? Or think it just some heat-of-the-moment tryst? I assure you, he will not./ Wow, such a mouthful! But he felt it had to be said... or thought, at least. He knew he would probably scare Legolas off completely, but at least the elf could not hide from what he was keeping even from himself. Not any longer. His tiny, cooing sounds continued within the reality outside their minds however, enjoying the sensation more than ever. Haldir was certainly a beautiful person, inside and out, he realized, praying the Marchwarden would not cease the gentle administrations.
/I don't want him to get the impression that it could mean more than it does. I care not for him in the way you are insinuating though. Nothing more than friendly...Besides, what gives you the impression that he would not turn me away?/ The last comment was asked more gently, a well known hint that it was the most serious of his words, where the others had been merely voiced out of careless fear. He lifted his head from the hair slightly to look at Elrohir quietly; his brows lifted just the slightest bit in inquiry. If he had seen the look of shock upon Elrohir's fair face only moments before he would have been lost in another fit of giggles. It had never occurred to him that he'd never communicated this way before, or at least did not remember doing so. Though, that should have been apparent, as he was the only elf here. How many times had he voicelessly said something to someone, and not realized it?
Haldir was pulling his hand gently from Legolas' hair and tracing the tips of his fingers over the curve of his spine gently as he continued his molestation of Elrohir's hair. Again his eyes were closed, the hand in his hair fully, and lightly massaging his scalp. And he was still blessedly unaware, even though slowly he was staring to come to the realization that Legolas had been uncharacteristically quiet.
Steel grey met azure as Elrohir's gaze focused upon that of Legolas, fingers tentatively reaching outward to brush over the cheek of his friend, shivering faintly as the touch of the Marchwarden continued to provide nearly overwhelmingly pleasant sensations.
/Why do you think your jabs injure him more than if someone else said them? That he quiets when you make some comment on his looks, or the fact he stays unattached? He values your opinion greatly for a reason, Legolas... maybe more than anyone else, for I doubt he would allow such comments to bother him as it has here. His self esteem would have been crushed if he did. He cares just as much for you as you for him./
The words formed in the other elf's mind, fingers drifting to brush along his lower cheek, skirting the prince's jaw line in a sweet caress that let on just how much Elrohir cared for him. In truth, Elrohir was growing quite attached to the two, which is exactly why he had always been the peacemaker between their bantering and jesting insults. Why he would never say anything overly biting, though he still did not remember this very role he played.
Legolas was watching Elrohir tentatively, seeming to absorb all that he said before he was looking off at nothing, and then seeming -once more- to be considering what had been said. It was apparent that Elrohir was still sharp as a well-whetted knife, as he'd never been able to hide anything from him before, either. Thank the Valar that Haldir was incredibly dense when it came to things like that. Either that or he just didn't pay that much attention to Legolas to notice. This thought seemed to worry him suddenly.
Haldir had always been sharp about everything else...why not this?? This was proof enough to Legolas that he really didn't give a hoot.
/Why has Haldir not noticed all this if you have, then?/ He asked earnestly, no longer attempting to deny all that Elrohir said was true, but not owning up to it yet either. He reached up and grazed his fingers over the other elf's, before twining them together. His head lifted then - just a little- to press a kiss to Elrohir's palm. Then pressed the hand to his own cheek.
/Haldir doesn't care like that about anyone,/ he added, convinced in that fact.
Elrohir sighed. /Take the blinders from your eyes and see him for who he is to you, Legolas Thranduilion./ A full name. The very thing that made children gulp and pay attention. Hopefully it would have the same effect upon the prince before him, for he knew anything less would simply bounce off the stubborn will of the blond, who seemed to want to see only the impossible when it came to Haldir. Elrohir offered a soft, encouraging smile, his thumb brushing lightly over the archer's lips before drawing that hand back to rest light as a feather upon Haldir's chest. The ball was in Legolas' court, and it was up to him what play would be made, if any at all. It had not even occurred to him that he had used a name he was not supposed to have remembered.
Legolas' full name was thrust at him. Indeed it had the effect Elrohir was seeking. He really was Elrond's son: that fact was beyond plain now, if there had EVER been a doubt. He let his hand go as he laid it over Haldir's chest and looked away, his lips becoming pouty and somewhat cute in his distress.
/And what would you have me say? I can't yet say it, because I cannot yet make sense of it./ He sighed then, and shakes his head, feeling Haldir's eyes on him in curiosity, though he doesn't look up to meet his gaze.
'Yes,' Haldir thought to himself, 'Yet again, I have completely missed something.'
Elrohir's silvern eyes sparkled in amusement at the next question posed to him, and a mental impression of a head-shake was sent, though he didn't dare do so in the real world, for he was enjoying the Marchwarden's touch entirely too much.
/The humans have a phrase here... though I don't know how intense emotions are between you two, I think they've nailed what's happened. "Love is blind." Has Haldir ever experienced someone caring about him? Besides his parents? You don't have to say anything, either, Legolas. Words are clumsy... awkward. Show him how you feel, for even your confusion can be felt if you wish it to./ He finished his little lecture, his eyes closing as the mental "scolding" ended, his mind drifting between both elves.
When did he begin to feel so protective and strongly for them? Did he always feel this way and simply never said anything before his disappearance? Or did the pair know something of his past and simply not bring it up, hoping he would remember on his own? His confusion washed through his thoughts as he nuzzled over the Marchwarden's shoulder once again, hoping Legolas would swallow his fear and pride to take his advice.
Legolas closed his eyes, and let out a soft sigh, hiding his face once again in Haldir's throat, nuzzling his nose through the hair to the smooth flesh below it. With a deep breath in, he let Haldir's comforting scent wash over him, as he thought about what Elrohir said. This was ridiculous. He didn't feel like that...did he?
And...Haldir was old as dirt. How could he have not have had SOMEONE interested in him? Well, besides the obvious. There was the Elven woman from Lothlorien, but she'd sailed over...Who was to say that when they joined them over the sea, that Haldir wouldn't kindle interest with her?
What if he did!? Legolas half sat up suddenly, looking first at Elrohir, and then Haldir who had jumped slightly, startled by the sudden movement. The hand in Elrohir's hair had stilled quickly, and the hand on the fair princes back had slipped off to allow him room. What the--?
"What are your feelings about Menelwyn? What will happen with her when we sail over the sea?" He asked, brows furrowed slightly. Haldir seemed completely confused at the seemingly out-of-the-blue question, caught off guard. For this reason only, his voice faltered.
"Er...Menelwyn?" He asks, brows furrowing. Why was he asking about her? He really had missed something. "Nothing? She's young...I'm sure she's betrothed by now, Legolas," he answered.
"And what say you about that?" Legolas asked, eyebrows lifting.
Haldir's confusion was becoming more apparent by the passing seconds. He lifted his hands slightly in a motion to say who cares. "Nothing...I don't think about her, period," he admitted. "It was a crush. I was a challenge to her. You see?"
Legolas said nothing else, seeming to think about it for a moment before he was laid back down, leaving the poor Marchwarden even more confused than he'd previously been.
Elrohir had only gaped as Legolas nearly unseated them all in his sudden need to question the Marchwarden about his love life. Again. But Elrohir was through playing matchmaker. If the blond prince was too stubborn to see that Haldir cared quite deeply for him, then far be it for Elrohir to press the issue. Instead, he re-settled his head upon Haldir's shoulder, listening contentedly to the strong, steady beating of his heart and the soft inhale and exhale of air. At least he'd given Legolas something to chew on for a while... and who knew?
Maybe he'd actually take his advice. If he could swallow that blasted pride of his and make his feelings known to Haldir. Oh, yes, the Galadhrim would be shocked at first, he'd no doubt about that. But once the shock was over, he knew the Marchwarden would accept Legolas's affections with no further hesitancy. How he knew this when no one else could see the emotion between the two, he didn't know or understand. All he knew was what he'd already said, and he would not waste his advice if someone didn't feel like taking it.
Rather, he left Legolas to his thoughts and brushed a light kiss to the cheek of the pale being he was using for a pillow before taking in a deep breath as he saw the sky begin to lighten out his window. "Dawn is approaching... we're going to have to get up soon, unfortunately."
Confusion?
Check.
Curiosity?
Check.
Worry?
Check.
Haldir's emotions were a line of check-marked squares at the moment, and for the life of him, he could not figure out Legolas' reasoning for suddenly questioning him about an elf he'd not seen in centuries, and had never really cared for, aside for an amusing friendship. What he'd said hadn't been a lie. The Elven woman had seen him as a challenge, and was clear about that from the beginning. Oddly enough, they'd actually become friends out of the whole ordeal, and it had never gone beyond that. He hadn't wanted it to, and upon her leaving, she'd become cozy with his brother Rumil. He had no doubt that she'd been the reason the younger brother had left before he and Orophin, and he had no doubt that across the sea somewhere they were married.
"I'll always love you, Haldir" She'd told him as they'd left, her tone had been jesting. It was the first admission of love he'd ever received...and it had been fake. He smiled reflectively, once again pressing his cheek to receive the kiss bestowed upon him from the dark-haired Lordling, his hand finding movement again in his hair as it had before, to attempt coaxing him to stay in bed longer.
"Ah, the dawn is cruel to us," he teased. "I say today we smite the dawn in protest."
Legolas, who was much more calm now, was watching the two of them quietly, obviously thinking hard about something. He was studying them as if they were a book. Like he were trying to see something Haldir doesn't notice.
Elrohir submitted without a single protest the minute that hand began to sift through his hair, and those muscles that had tensed in order to rise went lax again as another soft coo tumbled from his lips. Goodness, he could have been a pet rather than an elf at this rate! But he was laughing at the comment of smiting the dawn, those intense slate orbs glittering as if possessed by the mirth that took him.
"Smite the dawn? If you could, fair Haldir, then I shall call you my hero for today." He was completely taken by the joke, giggles trembling through him as badly as they had Legolas earlier, imagining quite vividly Haldir with his bow, aiming a fine arrow-tip toward the breaking day and trying desperately to intimidate it so as to keep it at bay. Even the mere thought of such antics had him fighting off the faint quivering of laughter, nuzzling into the hand that kept him enrapt with staying in bed.
"It's not entirely fair, how you keep me here... You cheat! Though I can't complain, for I've never before had such a pleasant time being cheated." The admission came between soft chuckles as his display of mirth died down, and he took another soft breath before his form sank back into the mattress, eyes drifting closed as if to will the day to slow its approach. "Legolas... surely the day would keep itself away knowing you were here to provide your sunshine to the world...?" And now he was simply being overly corny, though each compliment he gave came from the heart, even if it was uttered in a jesting manner. Indeed - he thought Haldir quite fair and Legolas like the morning sun itself, beautiful even if it could be somewhat annoying at times.
Haldir was smiling as his eyebrow arched slightly in amusement at how much Elrohir loved his hair being played with. Some things would never change, not even with amnesia - he was sure. "Shall I dress and call forth the Elven army to smite the sun into setting again?" he teased further with a chuckle, pressing a kiss to his forehead, before he looked to Legolas who was staring down at a lock of his hair, and tracing a finger over it. He was smiling at the sun comment.
"I could poke my head out the window," the blonde Prince offered to continue the jest. "And shake my hair about like a dog flinging off water." He looked up to Elrohir, his dark eyes twinkling.
"Well," Haldir joked, "Like I always say, it's better to embrace your heritage, than to suppress it." He was trying desperately to fend off the smile that threatened as he watched Legolas struggle through that comment to come across its hidden meaning.
He gasped softly in realization, smiling in disbelief, unable to help it. "I did not spring from the wombs of dogs!" the blonde chuckled, shaking his head and lightly punching the Marchwarden in the chest. "And even if I did, it would be better than being born of cave trolls."
At this, Haldir laughs also. "I know I'm bigger than average, but a cave troll I am not." He assured him. Legolas grinned, and pressed his nose to the other's jaw, watching him quietly.
"What?" Haldir asks after a moment, his fingers tracing patterns of the Tengwar over Elrohir's scalp gently. Legolas gave a slight shake of his head.
Elrohir was torn between drifting back into dreams from the delightful motion of Haldir's fingertips upon his head and through his hair, and of breaking into laughter once more from the teasing the two had yet again engaged in. And what a situation that was! "Just when I think you two have finally run out of comical insults for each other, you prove me wrong. Where does the supply come from? For I swear the world will go dark forever before either of you exhaust your jests for each other." But he was more than happy now. They'd not attacked each other deeply for hours - almost a full day, and he was looking forward to a day free of the more harsh jabs that had been wielded before.
But soon enough the sun was over the horizon, and he wriggled reluctantly from the Marchwarden's tempting fingers to place a kiss first on Haldir's temple, then upon Legolas' nose. "Come... both of you, or we'll have children crawling into the bed with us, pulling at our hair and poking our sides incessantly till we rise." He offered a light wink before slipping past the two to dig through his dresser, putting the tunic he wore yesterday away, then pulling out a new set of clothing and changing quickly. The comb used the night before was rigged through his hair to work out the knots. "Unless, of course, you want two children worming around between you?"
"Run out of insults!?" Haldir asked incredulously, eyes widening some as he turning his head slightly to look at Elrohir. "There is no such thing as running out of insults," he informed him with a wink before looking to Legolas who was nodding in agreement, his eyebrows lifted.
"I don't think we've ever run out of them...have we?" he asked, his gaze shifting from Elrohir, and to Haldir.
"Not that I can recall." Haldir replied.
Legolas smiled, and pressed a kiss to his jaw line, before looking up to watch Elrohir climb out of the bed. Haldir whined, but did sit up, therefore making Legolas arise as well. Neither were happy to be vertical right now.
"I'm not fond of getting out of bed...but I'm even less fond of a child jumping on me," Haldir informed them both as he wormed out of bed, and approached the area his things were in. Both blondes changed into their clothing, happy to once again be wearing the garb of their people - Legolas's being a silver shirt, green tunic and darker green pants. Haldir's were variants of grey and smoky green, embroidered with silver.
"Are we still doing archery today?" Legolas asked, picking up his quiver and strapping it on, before drawing out his knives and giving them a menacing twirl, then studied the carved blades for possible nicks. Haldir looked up while fastening his belt, immediately interested. This was the first he'd heard about any archery. It must have been discussed when he wasn't around, or when he was asleep.
When the two had finally dressed and Elrohir saw them standing in the clothing - now clean thanks to their unexpected dip - they'd worn when he found them, he quite literally gaped. He felt he should be bowing or fawning over them, for they indeed looked like kings, even though he knew the gear was simply travel-wear.
It amazed him.
His own clothing he'd sewn himself, though he only had local material to work with. That and the clothing he'd been found in, which he repaired to the best of his ability without making it seem awkward. Though humans could never duplicate the Elven fabric, the family that had adopted him strived every generation or so to improve upon their own based on the cloth he'd worn, even in its age still sturdy. In fact, he'd stitched his current tunic - a dark blue that reminded him of the night sky - in a similar pattern, leaves of deep grey lining the edges... It still wasn't anything compared to how regal the two before him looked.
"No wonder the villagers stare at you both so much... The morning sun is put to shame by both of you..." His comment came before his mind could catch up, and when it finally did, he blushed and shook his head, clearing such thoughts from his mind. "Yes, if you like, we can use the practice targets to the northern area of the town... there's enough room to set them far enough back to prove a slight challenge, though they're still fairly easy compared to what lurks in the forests at night." He offered a light shrug, bending to reach for his own bow and quiver resting beside his dresser, working the straps to hold securely to his form before glancing toward the two and gesturing down stairs. "Let's go appease the children, for they should be up and moving about the stables any minute now."
Haldir was smiling now, always ready to shoot arrows at things, moving or not. At the promise of archery he picked up his own quiver and strapped it on. Next came the huge Lórien long-bow of ornately carved and gilded wood. Legolas followed his example and grabbed his bow as well, though his was not so large and its wood was darker, but no less carved and gilded. There was difference, too, in their arrows. Where Legolas' were thinner, their plume dark green and red, Haldir's were long, and thick and the plume of them white.
"Do the children have little bows?" Legolas asked as he hastily braided his own hair, smiling and unable to help it. "I would teach Aram to shoot if I were allowed," he elaborated on his reasoning, dark blue eyes focused on the brunette elf hopefully. "Or, I could teach him to throw knives...though...I think he is still too young yet for that."
"Daine is already a fair shot at the targets and clay disks, but she refuses to shoot in the wood, despite her aim. She dislikes shooting animals herself. Aram, on the other hand, is more likely to shoot your foot than come close to the target. Though perhaps teaching Daine how to fight with long knives would be good for her. There are many dangers besides orcs, and a knife well-wielded could prove to be more beneficial than a bow many a time." The answer was given to the Prince's question before aiming for the stairs.
Haldir was chuckling as he made his way over to Elrohir patting his shoulder. "Legolas, not all children are capable at throwing knives perfectly by the time they are 4, as you were." He commented.
Legolas couldn't suppress his proud grin. "Was that a compliment?" he asked hopefully, eyebrows rising slightly.
"Not by any means," Haldir answered. The frown that found Legolas' face was immediate and he looked away from them, trying to seem interested in the tie of his tunic.
"A compliment would be more along the lines of ..." He paused for a moment, seeming to be thinking of something he could say, and while he was quiet, Legolas looked back up at them.
"See? You can't even think of--" He was halted by the lift of Haldir's hand.
"The shades of blue in the sky could never rival the shades of blue in your eyes, so lovely they are," Haldir interrupted with a smile before turning and heading down the steps, leaving Legolas standing there, slightly dumbfounded.
Elrohir's forward motion was instantly halted by Haldir's words, turning back as Legolas seemed fairly incredulous that the Warden could think highly of him in any regard. And then came the poetic utterances that rendered the younger elf speechless and stunned. Even Elrohir had to admit that had those words been intended for him, his heart would have skipped a beat or two. As it was, it seemed to have a similar effect upon Legolas. The dark-tressed prince grinned impishly then, offering a quick wink at the shocked blonde before following Haldir down into the stable area, musing on the ability the Galadhrim had in silencing Legolas in such a pleasant manner.
All this poetry. Legolas was swooning, first from Elrohir's lovely comment about the sun... and then his other completely lovely comment about the sun, and then Haldir's comment about the sky...There was nary a thing that could be said to bring his spirits down today, and he pitied the poor fool that should ever try. The wink that Elrohir sent his way did not go unnoticed, and he felt just the slightest twisting of anticipation-apprehension-worry-disbelief-hope in his gut.
Wasn't it silly, though?
He'd heard it before from others. But this wasn't from others. And Haldir was not one to go around giving compliments...poetic ones at that. He would take it for what it was: a compliment. He wasn't about to dig into it and make it anything more, or anything less. At least, not yet.
"I think you may have stunned him a bit too much, Haldir... any greater a compliment and I fear he would have dropped his bow." Elrohir offered a light grin to the one he spoke to as he exited the staircase, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't think he ever imagined you found anything in him worth complimenting in all the days you knew him. You just made his century... and possibly the next," he informed the elder elf before silencing himself as he heard Legolas begin to move upstairs and head down himself. Okay, so he wasn't completely through playing matchmaker. A little hint here... a sly remark there... eventually, he figured they would see the attraction between them both that was blatantly obvious to everyone but the two of them.
Haldir was petting Thunder as he listened to Elrohir considerately, looking down towards the hay quietly. "I had many other compliments to choose from, but that one seemed less lengthy, and fluffy," Haldir admitted with a chuckle. "He should know that he is hard not to admire, and that everyone he comes across has a compliment for him. Even I." He looked up at the dark Lord then, and offered him a smile. "Also, do not sell yourself short, Elrohir, you are as lovely as the day is bright. Though, I appreciate your earlier compliment. It did not go unnoticed."
It was then that Legolas made his way sprightly down the steps with a new zest, smiling brightly.
"Where are my children?" he asked of the kids, referring to them as his own in a rather adorable manner.
Elrohir couldn't help the slightly pink tinge his cheeks turned at Haldir's words. Verily, it seemed the captain had a kind word for each of them this morning, and he would be mad to turn them aside. A smile was cast toward the archer before his counterpart trotted downstairs in the best of moods, earning the Marchwarden a quick brow-raise in a silent "I told you so."
Indeed, Legolas seemed in the highest of spirits, and it did seem it was all because of Haldir's compliment, though he was certain other events had to have played a small role. "'Your' children will be here very soon... they're typically scampering in here shortly after sunri--"
And before he could even finish, the two came skittering and skidding into the stables, Daine obviously after her brother for something - though she managed to keep herself from yelling around the horses. Instead, she managed to corner the younger, hands on her hips and a glare in her eyes.
"Give it here, Aram..." came the demand, her voice soft but quite angry. The four year old glanced first to Elrohir, who shook his head and stayed back as if indicating he was in no way about to defend him against an outraged Daine, then to Legolas and Haldir, who were quickly warned not to interfere with a quick hand-gesture from Silathil.
"Fine... fine..." And he dug into his pockets, removing a small token and placing it into Daine's waiting fingers. It was a small figurine - carved from a very hard wood in such a delicate manner that could easily be mistaken for Elven handiwork. It was a small, cylindrical cage with a dome top, only two inches big, with an itty-bitty bird nested upon a bar within. Her papa had made it for her for her sixth birthday, and she'd kept it safe on her dresser since... until today. She said nothing of thanks when the item was handed over, but stalked over to one of the walls to look for a bag proper enough to hold the token till their ride was over, and gently slipped it inside before whirling on her brother.
"If you ever touch that again, I swear to you that you shall not see the next morning." Such words for a seven year old! But she certainly looked older than her age as she stared her little brother down, wind tugging at her hair as if it were its very own plaything. Her eyes closed and she appeared to be trying to calm herself... and did so successfully, turning with an apologetic smile to the three elves who had watched the entire scene.
"Sorry about that... Aram hasn't learned respect for people's treasures, yet..." To this Aram just sulked, lower lip jutting outward in a pout. Silathil shook his head once more, kneeling down in front of Daine to get her attention. "So long as no one got hurt, right? But next time, try not to threaten Aram with death... especially in front of guests?" He reprimanded gently, and the girl just grinned.
"Sorry, Sila... But there shouldn't be a next time, anyway." So confident! But then, that was Daine for you.
As the spat took a turn for the ugly, and then leveled off at a tolerable level, Legolas made his way over towards Haldir to stand with him and watch. Haldir, on the other hand, didn't watch them, and kept his eyes towards Thunder as he tried not to laugh to himself. So much like Elladan and Elrohir...He could remember one particularly hilarious spat they'd gotten themselves into – at four years old! - over one of their father's arrows. Little fists both clutched the long shaft before Elrohir had been drug a good three feet, and fell over a walkway, and into the grass. The angle at which he landed snapped the arrow in half, and the both of them had a startled pause before they took to a united wail. He, Glorfindel, and Figwit had been standing nearby watching, all three with their eyebrows raised in slight amusement. Celebrian had rushed out, skirts lifted in her hurry to see what the commotion was about, and why one of her boys was sprawled out on the grass.
"You three! Standing here letting them bicker like that." She'd scolded like a mother as she gathered the little twins to her and hugged them, pressing a kiss each to their foreheads. The arrow was lifted then and she ushered the boys off with a shake of her head tutting all the way. "Elrooond!" She was calling, no doubt about to scold her husband for leaving an arrow lying where the boys could get them. This had brought about quite a round of amusement from the three elves, and sure as the rain, when they saw Elrond later, he'd been holding a wounded look upon his dark features, and was particularly short with the three of them. Silently, Haldir let this memory find its way to Elrohir, wanting him to experience it as he couldn't remember it. He wasn't sure if it would play out like a scene as it did in his own, but it was definitely worth the attempt. Legolas was chuckling, his arms folded over his chest. They were cute...even as they threatened each other with doom. Only children could be cute thus.
Aram looked like a frightened rabbit when threatened by his sister and the very minute she relinquished her hold upon him, he bolted, aiming right for the chuckling Legolas, wrapping tiny arms about his calves and making full certain that he was between Daine and himself.
As Elrohir stood his eyes fell closed, letting whatever memory Haldir wished to send him - for he was certain it was Haldir's remembrance - wash through him. He saw himself as Haldir once saw him, only a rugrat's age and struggling with carbon copy of himself over an arrow. One arrow. He winced as he saw himself dragged till the ground disappeared beneath him and down he went, landing with a crack upon the grass below. Luckily for the two of them, the crack had been the arrow and not a bone. But that action seemed quite grievous, as both children began to bawl, their toy gone. When his eyes finally opened, he cast an appreciative smile toward the Marchwarden before glancing around, seeing both children were now shuffling through the stables, getting their chosen horses (Butter and Sundancer) saddled up and ready.
Daine, of course, was finished first and seemed to have forgotten her gripe with her brother (or put it behind her) to help him get the saddle atop Butter, who stood patiently for her young master to get her ready. She was used to the slow process, and could wait hours if need be. But soon both horses were ready, and each child looked eagerly to the three elves to do their inspection of their work. Silathil knew from experience that so long as Daine was helping, the only thing that might need fixing would be a cinch that was slightly too loose or a stirrup that hung just an inch or so too low and, keeping that in mind, he looked over both horse's gear - with the help of Haldir and Legolas - making minor adjustments if they were needed before giving a nod of approval. "You're both ready to go. Just be back before lunch, and don't go too far away... If we can't hear you, we won't be able to help you if you need it." To this, the girl just nodded, helping her brother into his saddle (he looked dwarfed by the large horse!) before swinging up onto Sundancer as if she'd done it hundreds of times... which she probably had. Once the kids had ridden the horses out of the stables, Elrohir turned to both elves, raising both eyebrows expectantly.
"Archery?"
Haldir gave a nod of his head to Elrohir at the warm smile cast his way, seeming very pleased that the memory-thing had worked. He would have to do it again, so he could see people he'd known in the past, and maybe awaken memories by their faces. It, just like the last, was worth a try.
And if it didn't work?
Well, he would have a few things to refer to, if he ever wanted to feel what it was that he had been. Carefully, both blond Elves went to work checking the horses, and seeing that the children were on well enough, but while Haldir backed away to give them room, Legolas lingered by Aram clucking about him like a hen. "Be very careful," he was stressing, telling them both some elvish commands for anything they could possibly need them for. Haldir found this all quite funny, yet terribly endearing.
Then the children were gone, having rode out excited about their ride. It was time for the Elves to have fun now, and archery was just the way to do it. At least, Legolas thought so.
"Yes!" he smiled brightly, "Archery!"
Haldir gave a nod of his head quickly, then walked to stand beside Legolas and clapped his hand against the back of his shoulder gently. "Yes, let's go," he encouraged.
So, there's Chapter 10. If anyone here read the original version of this, you might realize that I've combined a few chapters. This makes them quite a bit longer, and I hope a bit easier to read. I'm trying to include everything that happens in one location per chapter, if at all possible. Because we're staying with all three elves for a great portion of each day – with few breaks – it makes it difficult to pick places to stop the story. It's not like stories that will span over the course of a few months, or even years. This entire story will possibly span the course of about two weeks of the elves' lives. Maybe three. Only then will I have some time jumps – but by that point, the story will almost be over! So bear with some of the more abrupt chapter endings. Like this one. O.O yup. Oh yeah! And… YES, I need a beta!!!!!! Anyone who wants the job, just Private-message me or something, or see if they'll let you see my email (I've been having a lot of trouble with that feature as of late) and get in contact with me ASAP!