Ball masque

Chapter two Lunch

Erestor pushed the twins away. “All right already. I’ll arrange the sleeping arrangements. But just stop harassing me.”
Elladan smiled. “Thank you Erestor. What would we do without you?”
Erestor shook his head and closed the door behind them. He did not wish to be disturbed.

Elladrinnrinned at his twin. “Ok, what else is on our list?”
Elrohir took out a piece of paper. “Food, check. Drink, check. Tables and tablecloth, check and check. Enough glasses and plates, check. A stand for the musicians, check. Musicians, check. Invitations out, check. Rooms and contents thereof, check and check.”
Elladan frowned. “Are you sure. Erestor said only that he’d take care of the rooms, not the contents.”

Elrohir frowned too and walked back. He opened the door without knocking. “Erestor, sorry for disturbing but we want to place a little gift in everybody’s room. Is it possible we…”

Erestor threw a heavy volume his way and Elrohir closed the door. “YOU’LL GET A BLOODY LIST! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!”

Elladan laughed. “Wow, we’ve sure caught him in a bad mood.”
Elrohir smiled and nodded, turning his attention back to the list. “So, check and check. Let’s see, what else do we have. A prize!”
Elladan nodded. “Let’s do some shopping then.”
Elrohir nodded. “But we have to hurry. In two days everybody arrives.”

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That night Elrond smiled at his bed. “I don’t suppose I can develop an illness within the next two nights…” He sighed and climbed in. “I should have gotten involved. Things will go wrong, something will go wrong. Tomorrow I must make sure they have enough food and that they’ve thought of enough beverages and such.”

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The next morning Elrond found himself stunned when he found the twins not only had everything under control and arranged, but that they had handed almost everything out. The cook was going crazy thinking of a meal for the elves for the early dinner and also for all the snacks she had to present at the table. It was important to her to keep Imladris’ standard high in that area.

Elrond also found Erestor in charge of the sleeping arrangements, which had been an excellent choice of the twins. They had gotten Glorfindel to formally steer everythinat eat evening because they themselves had to be in disguise, or so they claimed. Therefore they could not speak up and ruin everything.

Elrond smiled. He would not have thought of that. He smiled and sat behind his desk. Tomorrow everybody would arrive and everything seemed to be going smoothly. He nodded and sighed. /But they also take care of the mess afterwards. And no delegating those tasks./ Little did Elrond know they were already doing just that with the staff.

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The next morning there was a smell of excitement in the air and Elrond involuntarily got caught. “So, who is coming?”
Elladan smiled. “Well, everybody that is interested can come, but we’ve officially invited grandpa and grandma and extended the invitation to their escorts, and I think Haldir and his brothers will be amongst them.” Elrond nodded, pleased they had thought of that.

Elrohir took over. “And we’ve send an invitation to our friend Legolas of Mirkwood. We’ve stated that his father and any guard he’d be travelling with were also very welcome, but I strongly think Legolas will be travelling alone.”

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Legolas smiled when he saw Imladris’ border. He inclined his head in greeting at the tree in which he alrealready spotted the guards. Three arms appeared between the leafs and Legolas waved back. /Imladris is so casual. I guess it’s part of its beauty./

He grinned when he came past a small lake and decided to bath before continuing. He could already see Elrond’s look if he arrived with the entire road upon him.

His smile vanished as he undressed and waded into the water. Even though the twins were amongst his best friends their father never really accepted him into his house. He grimaced as he remembered all the daunting remarks Elrond had uttered to him and the remarks he had heard Elrond speak behind his back were even worse.

Legolas sighed. He did not know what he had done for Elrond to dislike him so. He had even gone so far as ask his father, if perhaps the battle, if one could call it that, he and Elrond had was result for the harsh words but Thranduil had shaken his head and told him he did not know the reason behind their dispute either.

Legolas allowed the water and wind to caress and soothe him. No matter how much the ruler of this land despised him, Legolas was glad the land welcomed him none the less.

He took a deep breath and got out the water. He got out a brand new set of clothes; no use bathing only to get back in the road dusty clothes, and he tugged in the worn ones.

He smiled when he saw his masks and clothes he had the tailors made especially for the feast. After conveying his desires the tailors had made several patterns, sketches and Legolas had been unable to decide between three of them so he had them all made and now three sets of clothes lay in his pack, along with three matching masks.

He smiled, he would probably need the rest of the day to make up his mind, changing into one after the other. Not because he was so picky and vain but because he wanted to impress Elrond. He hung his head, already knowing he would fail.

He got on his horse and urged it into a slow canter. At least the twins would be here.

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Everybody had dressed up to greet their visitors.

Elrond smiled, knowing everything was in order. He stood up front, as protocol demanded. Next to him stood Elladan and Elrohir and one step behind them Erestor and Glorfindel. Arwen was still in bed, sleep was very important to her and Aragorn had looked so weary Elrond had drugged his drink last night, just to make sure Aragorn got some decent shut eye. He would have liked to have Eldarion here but his grandson had begged him to allow him to explore the Valley instead. Already Elrond found it hard to deny him.

His smile widened when he saw Galadriel and Celeborn coming towards them.

Celeborn smiled and hugged Elrond tight after dismounting. “Elrond, how have you been? Great idea this masked ball. Absolutely splendid.”
Elrond grinned. “Not my doing. All praise as well as the complaints must go to Elladan and Elrohir. They are fully in charge.”
Celeborn smiled at them. “Any particular reason you wanted a masked ball?”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, we want adar to be unrecognisable so he can fully rewind. He needs a small break.”
Galadriel smiled and kissed their cheeks after hugging Elrond. “Right you are. He does look tired.”
Elrond rolled his eyes. “Shall we go inside?”

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a worried look. Legolas was supposed to be here already. Where was he?
Glorfindel grinned at their expression. “Aha. Got you.” Their guilty expressions made him laugh. “Don’t fret, pyn-neth, I am sure Legolas will arrive before the lunch.”
Elladan sighed. “I sincerely hope so, Glorfindel. I really do.”

Elrohir seated himself by the window arches and looked outside, constantly hoping a golden haired elf would wide towards them. He had almost given up when a small gallop entered their hearing.

Elladan jumped up. “He’s here. Adar. Legolas is here.”
Elrond sighed and stood up. “Forgive me, Galadriel, Celeborn. I have to play host to a spoiled prince brat.”
Galadriel closed her eyes but knew better than to comment on the words. Experience has showed that would only worsen it for poor Legolas.

Celeborn sighed and made contact with his wife. `I still don’t know what Legolas has done to deserve this treatment.`
`Or Thranduil for that matter. If it were the other way around and Thranduil and Legolas hated Elrond I could be able to understand, but this…`
`Well, we’ll be here to intervene should things get out of hand.`
`Perhaps that’s the real reason they wanted this to be a masked ball?`
`Perhaps…`

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Legolas smiled when he saw the happy faces that were so identical. He dismounted and looked to each of them and smiled. He bowed respectfully before Elrond. “Lord Elrond. It is a privilege to be here again.”
Elrond’s look became haughty and he snorted. “Of course it is. Welcome. Now excuse me.” He snorted again and turned on his heels.

Glorfindel and Erestor shook their heads and threw Legolas an apologetic look filled with disbelief and non-understanding. They too had no idea why Elrond behaved like that. But they also knew better than to address him on it.

Elladan and Elrohir hugged their friend tight. “It’s been too long, Legolas. Come, we’ll show you your rooms. We were afraid you wouldn’t come anymore. Ata’da and nona have already arrived.”
Legolas smiled. “Than why are you here? Go to them. I know you’ve missed them.”
Elladan nodded. “But we’ve missed you too. What are you going to wear tonight?”
Legolas shrugged. “Don’t know yet. Couldn’t pick between three. Help me pick?”
Elrohir grinned. “Don’t tell me you’ve brought three sets of clothes here?”
Legolas smiled. “No, six, including the one I am wearing. Which reminds me: I’ve bathed before coming here. I didn’t want to come here looking like a vagabond.”

Elladan smiled. “Why trouble yourself? Adar is impossible. Just don’t pay any attention to him. Come let us see those outfits.”
But Legolas shook his head, having changed his mind. “No, that wouldn’t be really fair, you knowing how I look and I not being able to recognize any of you. No, I think I have to go through this alone.”
Elrohir shrugged. “Well, lunch is in an hour. Be on time.”
Legolas nodded. “Same hall as last time?”
Elladan nodded.

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Galadriel smiled at the luxurious table settings. “Did you two do that?”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, we found those flower arrangements yesterday and hired the girl to do it. She’ll be among the guests tonight. It’s open for all who are here.”

Celeborn nodded and looked down. “And name tags, my, my. You’ve wasted no effort.” He looked at the tags and smiled, finding himself seated next to Galadriel and Elrohir. Next to Elrohir sat Glorfindel, who normally sat in Galadriel’s seat, on Elrond’s right.
Walking around the table he saw Erestor seated next to Elladan, who sat next to Legolas, who was placed at Elrond’s left.

He looked at the twins. “I don’t think this is wise. And why don’t I see Arwen’s name?”
“Because we have a reason and Arwen and Aragorn are pick nicking with Eldarion.”
Celeborn smiled but his gaze was stern. “I still don’t think this is wise.”
Galadriel nodded but shrugged. “Too late now. Here the others are.”
Celeborn wondered if he could switch places with Legolas but that wouldn’t do so he walked to his seat, hoping Elrond would behave himself.

Elrond smiled as he sat down and started a conversation with Galadriel.

Elladan beamed when Legolas entered and walked towards him. “You look smashing. A true jewel of Mirkwood. Come, you sit next to me.”
Legolas could already see which chair that meant and he panicked. Though inwardly he boiled over and his thoughts were reeling, none of it showed in his attitude, which was as poised as always. He nodded respectfully to everyone before claiming his seat.

Elrohir winked and immediately drew his grandfather into a interesting conversation at the same time as Elladan started talking to Erestor and Glorfindel.
Legolas sighed, knowing what they were trying to do. He looked at his plate in agony. Why was he not a half-elf like them? Than he could easily fake a disease and leave the table.

Galadriel felt sorry for him and smiled at him. “Legolas, I was just commenting Elrond on his flowers. I think they are exquisite and wonder what he’s been doing with them. Perhaps the twins have told you?”
Legolas smiled at her. “Nay, my lady, they have not. Though even though Imladris’ beauty goes beyond any other I don’t think Lord Elrond has done anything special to achieve it.”
Elrond glared at him. “Why you foulmouthed creature, I should have your…”

Galadriel ‘accidentally’ spilled her juice. “Oops, I can be so clumsy. I am so sorry, Elladan, Elrohir, for staining the beautiful cloth. But Elrond, I think you are misunderstanding our Prince.” Elrond snorted but did not commend.
Legolas sighed and went back to staring at his plate.
Galadriel stood. “I’ll go get this stain out my dress. Elrond, you are also the host. Do your duty.”

Elrond knew what she wanted and he shrugged. “So, Legolas, you find Imladris fair, do you?”
Legolas had to summon all his strength not to melt under that gaze, filled with loathing. “Aye, I do. I’ve not seen a realm fairer and my travels have taken me far.”
Elrond nodded. “I’m surprised you could make it.”
Legolas managed a polite smile. “I had just returned from a journey when the message arrived. I am glad I returned early or I would have missed it. It’s been long since I’ve seen your beauty last.” Realising his mistake he hurried to add. “Aye, forgive me my bad choice of words, I meant your realm’s beauty.” Elrond’s eyes darkened even further and Legolas really panicked. /How do I save myself out of this one./

Elladan saved him the trouble by nudging him. “Sorry, adar, but Erestor and I need his opinion on some matter. Legolas, do you think I would look better in green or in yellow? For tonight.”
Legolas’ eyes widened. “How would I know Elladan? I’ve never seen you in either colour.”
Elladan nodded. “But what do you think? Ro thinks yellow, Glorfindel green and Erestor says I should go for a mix. What do you think?”
Legolas shook his head. “Really Elladan, you’ve never taken my advice before. Why should today be any different? And since all options have already been opted I shall refrain from adding mine.”
Elrond laughed. “Spoken like the coward that you are. Elladan, neither colour would look good on you. Excuse me please.” He stood and left them behind.

Celeborn instantly claimed his seat and laid a hand on Legolas’ shoulder. “Don’t take his words to heart, Legolas. We know it isn’t true and we wish there was a way to change Elrond but I’m afraid we’ve already tried it all.”
Legolas sighed and smiled at Celeborn. “Take you, my lord, for your kind words but I think I’ll retire now. My appetite has left me.”
Elladan grabbed his shoulder. “Take a walk with us in the garden. Ro and I have missed you and we need to catch up.”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay, I still need to change.” He stood and his expression was one of misery.

Galadriel passed him on the way back and she looked at the others questioningly.
Celeborn sighed. “You need to ask? Elrond again. That tongue of his is lethal. Too bad he only uses it on Legolas.”

Elladan and Elrohir walked away, their faces determined and angry.

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Legolas closed the door behind and sat down on his bed. Elrond’s words had hurt him more than he had led on. Always Elrond belittled him and called him a coward. Not even volunteering himself to protect the Hobbit had been enough for Elrond. He had resigned himself to the fact it would never change. But that did not take away the pain.

He retrieved his father’s note and read it, his eyes watering. Flinging himself at his pillow he asked himself if there ever had been a night when he hadn’t cried himself to sleep in Imladris? And it wasn’t even night yet. Why had he come?

But then a sparkle of light entered his mind. Tonight they would all be in disguise. Maybe Elrond would not recognize him and he could talk to him?

A new determination was born and Legolas put back his father’s note and retrieved the clothes and masks.

After trying them all on and several mixtures of the three he decided on the light green leggings, embroidered in the same colour according to the ‘Lórien style, the light blue tunic, embroidered in the same colour as his trousers but according to Mirkwood style, and a burgundy robe, which fell open at the waist to show his tunic and leggings, making them look even lighter. It was embroidered according to the Imladrian style in gold and dark red.
He wore a pair of black boots and a black belt to finish the attire and he smiled at his own reflection. He did not braid his hair and now set to work on the mask. He would wear the black one to go with his boots and belt but use the light touches the other two had, using the colours to go with his tunic and leggings.

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Elrond growled as his ink jar fell over. Only his elven reflexes saved the papers he was working on. “Don’t you two ever knock?”
Elladan glared right back at him. “Why do you have to be so hostile to him, adar? What did Legolas ever do to you?”
Elrond sighed and stood. “If you are going to bug me about that imp you can leave.”
Elladan shook his head. “He’s not an imp and you know it. I don’t know what you have against him and I am not asking you to like him, but you could at least be polite.”
Elrohir nodded. “Adan is right. Legolas is our friend. Won’t you at least try for us?”
Elrond shook his head. “Don’t ask for the impossible, pen-neth. I love you two dearly and that’s the only reason I even allow that coward in my realm.”
Elrohir raised himself to his full height. “Don’t you call him a coward. He’s anything but. Do you even have the slightest idea how scary you are like this? How much courage he shows by coming before you and talking to you, knowing it is a wasted effort. If he truly was a coward he would not have come at all. And adar, all we asking is that you hold your tongue around him. If you can’t do that than don’t speak but nod and shake only. Is that so difficult?”

Elrond closed his eyes. “I shall try.”
Elladan and Elrohir smiled, weakly because they knew this talk was a wasted effort. How many times had they had similar conversations? They’ve lost count. “Let’s get changed.”

End chapter 02
TBC

Translation:
Pyn-neth is Sindarin and means little ones.