Thief Prince

Lizlego: Of course! Bygones be bygones :) Enjoy!

Kira: Hmm. Good idea. Maybe I'll add something like that in, with credit to you, of course.

I just saw a trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean, holy shit! Orli looks hot!

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Morning found the encampment aleady broken and a few of the Elves, Rumil and Orophin included, glancing at their brother and chosen Prince. The two had returned to the camp early, and all knew why they had left in the first place. But the depths of Mirkwood was no place for two lovers.

"We should stop and pick up supplies," Elrohir observed. He was absently one of his javelins with what remained of his well-worn whetstone.

Elladan pulled one of the straps from his pack, making a face of disgust at the sight of the half torn leather. "I agree. And though I loathe to sat it, I would like a warm bed."

The elder twin glanced where Haldir stole a quick kiss from Legolas while the latter was trying to braid his hair. Elladan smiled, "And I think I'm not the only one. Will you two stop that?"

Haldir and Legolas both just stuck out their tongues, the other Elves laughed as they went about their preparations. When the two blondes came over to the twins to sit, and for Haldir to threaten Legolas with bodily harm unless the younger Elf ate.

"We've come to the agreement that we should stop somewhere to restock supplies," Elrohir said, just loud enough for a few Elves that were listening to nod in agreement.

Legolas nodded, "Of course. But to the East are enemies, where would you suggest we stop?"

"Lorien would offer asylum," Haldir said. "The Lady Galadriel would not turn us away."

The twins nodded, "It is better that we stop soon. Perhaps later on, we should pass the mountains, as Adar would not turn us away either," Elladan said.

"When the spring thaws are over," Legolas said. "A message had been intercepted earlier. Tuilinnion is calling for the aid of Men and Dwarves now. The Dunedain have replied with their consent."

"We can decide what further actions to take once we've gotten council from Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn," Haldir said.

Legolas nodded and stood, getting the attention of the others. "Is everyone in agreement that we should stop in Lothlorien? Perhaps when the snows melt, we will venture to Imladris, but that will not be for another two months."

There was a round of agreements and Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin smiled. The small group shouldered their packs and started moving South and West.

"I hope I can get some of those lembas with cinnamon and that neat creamy filling," Haldir mused.

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Galadriel smiled and ascended the steps from her little grove that housed her mirror. Celeborn was waiting for her at the top of the steps patiently.

"We should have those special lembas Haldir likes made."

Celeborn smiled, "So they're coming here, then? Let's hope the forest can accomadate such a band of youths."

Galadriel kissed her husband's cheek, "You'll manage, dear."

"Me?"

"You are the Lord of Lorien. It is your diplomatic task to see to guests."

Celeborn raised an eyebrow and fell into step next to Galadriel. "And, pray tell, is your duty?"

Galadriel gave Celeborn a mischievious smile, "Too look beautifully mysterious. You are the hero, my Lord. I am simply your prophetic wife."

"I see...."

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Aragorn shielded his eyes from the harsh light reflecting off of the melting snows, Mirkwood's vast expanse could be seen across the small gap between the forest and mountains.

"Are you certain of this, Aragorn?" Halbarad asked. A small group of the Dunedain were breaking camp behind the pair.

Aragorn sighed, "No. I have heard naught but bad tales of this new King. But until I can e the that he is an unfit ruler for myself, I think we should take this offer."

"You've also heard word that the leader of these thieves is one of Thranduil's heirs."

"True."

Halbarad cocked his head, "Yet you still accept to hunt him?"

Aragorn smiled, "Tuilinnion thinks we are slow-witted. Hunt does not mean catch, and he was not specific. We can use this to learn more, perhaps find out if Elrond's concerns were founded in reality."

"As you wish," Halabarad said. "But I still think it's a bad idea."

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Shorter than I would have liked, but here you go!