Mending a Heart

Chapter Two: The Arrival


The sun shone overhead making Rivendell look especially beautiful. Birds chirped merrily, building their nests. Butterflies frolicked on the wind, and flowers birthed new buds in hues of yellow, pink and blue. The trees stood tall and magnificent, bearing the sturdy body and soul of a warrior; each one adorned with a new, lush crown every spring to commemorate its everlasting journey.

Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond stood outside on the large veranda that extended from the entrance hall of the manor. The family was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the prince of Mirkwood.

“I would ask that you treat the prince with kindness,” Elrond said earnestly to his children. “He has come a long way and his loss is recent. Please do not forget that.”

“So you are concerned that he will be like Thranduil?” Elladan asked, noticing his father's apprehension.

“Of course,” Elrond remarked honestly. “‘Tis possible that he will be difficult. But as I said before, I will assume that he is a kindly elf unless I observe otherwise.”

“Why are **you** here anyway, Elladan?” Elrohir asked flatly. “Shouldn't you be off, setting about your numerous plans?”

“I am here, dear brother,” Elladan said scathingly, “so that I may see the look upon your face when the prince arrives. I have not laughed onodayoday, and my heart craves a good jest.”

Elrohir glowered at his brother.

“I believe they are coming,” Arwen said nervously as the sound of riders on horseback drew near.

Then, in the distance, two figures languidly approached the manor. In unison, all four elves leaned forward, trying to get a glimpse of the prince.

“Perhaps we should go inside,” Arwen suggested, noticing that they were being indiscreet.

“Running from your charge already?” Elladan asked teasingly.

“Elladan!” Elrohir exclaimed in disgust.

“No, Elladan,” Arwen replied patiently. “I only mean to say that our presence may intimidate the prince. . . the way we are all standing here. Let us away into the entrance hall, and then emerge when he approaches the veranda.”

“’Tis an excellent idea, Arwen,” Elrond agreed.

With that, the four elves entered the foyer of the manor, still listening carefully for the arrival of their guest.

Minutes later, the elves heard horses approaching.

"Should we wait a bit longer?" Elrohir asked Arwen.

“Nay, let us emerge,” Arwen replied.

Thus, they came out of the entrance hall, trying to cloak their uneasiness and curiosity behind placid smiles.

“Oh, hello there,” Glorfindel said cheerily.

Legolas was unlike the family's preconceived notion of him. Handsome and regal, the prince was not a youth. Nor did he look impaired in any way. Instead, he had the bearing of a warrior. His eyes were as blue as the sky and his hair as golden as the sun.

“Uh. . . yes, hello Glorfindel,” Elrond said. “I trust that your journey from Mirkwood was safe?”

“Aye,” Glorfindel said brightly. “The prince's brothers accompanied us until we reached the borders of Rivendell. A kindly lot they are,” Glorfindel said smiling. “All three of them scolded me for riding to Mirkwood alone to fetch the prince. I told them that I am a long-time warrior; I do not fear the perils of this world. They laughed!” Glorfindel continued, his smile widening. “And then, they insisted on escorting us most of the way. So charming they were, I could not refuse.”

Glorfindel gave the prince a pat on the back and dismounted; the prince dismounted as well.

Immediately, stable hands and chamber servants appeared. Four servants relieved the horses of their burdens and hurried into the manor, while the other two attendants led the animals away to the stable.

“Allow me to introduce King Thranduil's son, Prince Legolas Greenleaf,” Glorfindel said beaming. He had obviously taken a liking to the prince.

Legolas smiled brightly at the family.

“Welcome to Rivendell, Prince Legolas,” Elrond said warmly. “I am your host, Lord Elrond.”

“Thank you, Lord Elrond,” Legolas said, bowing graciously. “’Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Allow me to introduce my children,” Elrond continued pleasantly. “This is Arwen.” Elrond motioned to the female who was standing directly to his right.

Legolas smiled genteelly and bowed respectfully.

Arwen curtsied.

“This,” Elrond continued, moving further to his right and placing his hand on his youngest son's shoulder, “is Elrohir.”

“’Tis a pleasure to meet you,” Legolas said graciously and bowed again.

“Likewise,” Elrohir said politely and bowed.

Elrond moved to the right once again and placed his hand on his eldest child's shoulder. “This is Elladan.”

“Greetings,” Legolas said courteously and bowed once more.

“You're not a babe.” Elladan stated abruptly.

“Begging your pardon?” Legolas asked dismayed.

“You must be at least two millennia. What is your age?” Elladan continued inquisitively.

“Elladan!” Arwen protested.

Legolas smiled and shrugged, “I am two thousand and seven.”

“Only a bit younger than we. . . Elrohir and I, that is to say,” Elladan remarkedh! Yh! You are older than Arwen. Father,” he said accusingly, “your guess was off by more than a thousand years! He is no infant; he is of the age of majority.”

Arwen winced at Elladan's bluntness while Elrond blushed slightly at his son's announcement. Elrohir shook his head in embarrassment. The three elves hoped that Elladan had not offended the prince.

Legolas laughed melodically.

“So, did you fear I would be girded in infant cloths?” Legolas asked mischievously.

“Aye, he did,” Elrohir said, smiling deviously and looking at Elladan.

“Elrohir!” Elladan said, shoving his brother roughly.

“’Tis alright, Elladan,” Legolas said understandingly. “Luckily, my infant cloths were put away long ago. I only use them now when necessary. But I will be sure to seek your assistance when needed. Do not fret, for I should only require your care once or twice a day.”

Elladan looked at Legolas stunned.

Legolas laughed at Elladan's shock, as did Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond.

“You have a quick tongue prince,” Elladan said mockingly.

“I have three older brothers,” Legolas responded simply. “I am well versed in the ways of quick wit.”

“Then, methinks that you will be in for quite a challenge if you hope to outsmart twins,” Elladan remarked haughtily.

“Twins?” Legolas asked looking from Elladan to Elrohir. “Ah, yes. You are twins.”

“You did not notice?” Elladan asked incredulously.

“Nay,” Legolas replied honestly. “So, you are identical twins then?” Legolas asked still looking from Elladan to Elrohir.

“You jest!” Elladan exclaimed. “Most elves cannot tell us apart, even when they have known us for many years.”

“Is that so? Your physical cloak does not fool me,” Legolas said, smiling teasingly. “You may bear a similar likeness, but your essence is different.”

“Indeed?” Elladan said sarcastically. “And you have in your possession the command of soul reading, have you?”

“Nay,” Legolas remarked honestly. “I have finely honed the power of perception. One must only be still and silent to learn it. Perhaps when you change my loin cloths I will teach you.”

Elladan looked at Legolas in nishnishment.

Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond laughed heartily.

“You have bested Elladan twice with your cleverness, Prince!” Elrohir exclaimed impressed. “You are a most welcome addition to our home.”

Legolas smiled.

“I admit,” Elladan said sheepishly, “that you are cunning. I look forward to more banter, Prince, as I do not take defeat lightly.”

“I welcome the challenge, Elladan,” Legolas said playfully, looking at Elrond's eldest son in the eyes. “Time spent with you will be enjoyable indeed.”

Legolas' words were innocent, but Elladan saw a hint of flirtatiousness in the prince's eyes. He blushed slightly, as he too found the prince alluring.

“Come Legolas,” Elrond said leading the prince into the manor. “You must be weary from your journey. Perhaps you would like to go and rest in your chamber; it has already been prepared for you.”

“Nay, Lord,” Legolas said quickly. “I only wish to partake of some sustenance and bathe if I may?”

“Of course,” Elrond said gently. “And please, call me Elrond. You are an extension of my family during your stay. You need not use my title.”

Legolas nodded, smiling at the lord.

“Allow me to show you the way.” Elrond and Legolas disappeared into the kitchen.

“He is very cordial,” Arwen said relieved.

“Aye,” Elrohir agreed. “I like him.”

“As do I,” Elladan said truthfully.

“Indeed? Will you give your hand, then, and assist us with the prince?” Elrohir asked curiously.

“I already have,” Elladan said looking at the closed kitchen doors.

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TBC. . .