Mending a Heart

Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted


The prince’s first day in Rivendell passed quickly.

Arwen had felt tha was was imperative that Legolas have an extensive tour of the house, and also be introduced to every servant under Elrond's charge. If Legolas was bothered by Arwen's hospitality, he did not show it.

The next morning was as beautiful as the one before. With the sun spreading its beams into the multiple windows of the manor, Elrond and his children made their way to the dining hall to partake of the morning meal.

"Where is Legolas?" Elladan asked, sitting down at the table.

"I'm sure he will be along soon," Elrond remarked pensively.

*What is on father's mind?* Elladan looked at his father curiously.

"Good morning," Legolas said with a smile, entering the dining hall. "Am I late?" he asked, concd whd when he realized that the entire family was already seated at the table.

"A bit," Elrohir chided, "but we shall ignore your indiscretion this time."

"Elrohir?" Legolas said teasingly, clutching his chest as if in pain. "Do not tell me that you are no longer my ally. I had hoped that we could rally against your brother."

"What makes you think **that** is Elrohir?" Elladan asked, looking at the prince piercingly.

"I already told you, **Elladan,** your guise does not fool me," Legolas stated plainly, as servants emerged from the kitchen and began to serve the elves.

Elladan shook his head in dismay but looked at the prince in amazement.

Elrohir smiled at Legolas; he was impressed.

Everyone began to eat in silence.

"So, Legolas?" Arwen asked politely. "Did you sleep well?"

"Uh. . . " Legolas began and then stopped abruptly, looking apprehensively at Elrond.

Elladan looked from the prince to his father curiously.

"Aye, Arwen," Legolas replied slowly, returning his attention to the female. "I slept quite well."

Legolas smiled, but everyone in the room knew that it was a farce. It seemed, however, that Elrond was the only one who knew the reason behind the prince's tale.

Legolas looked down at his plate and sighed, looking troubled.

"Excuse me, Lady Arwen?" A servant said politely as she entered the dining hall.

"Yes?" Arwen asked.

"Miss Zera is here to see you," the servant announced courteously. “May she enter?"

"Yes, please," Arwen replied kindly. "Would you have her wait for me in the parlor? I will be there shortly."

"As you wish, milady," the servant said and exited the room.

"Legolas, would you like to meet Zera?" Elladan asked, still seeing the distress upon the prince's face. "If it is okay with you, Arwen,” Elladan added quickly.

"'Tis a lovely idea, Elladan," Arwen said, smiling at the prince. "Only if you want to meet her of course, Legolas," she remarked, also noticing the prince's melancholy demeanor.

"Aye," Legolas said, cheering up noticeably. "It would be a pleasure to meet your friend."

"We can away now," Arwen said, looking at the prince. "That is, if you have finished your repast?”

Arwen, Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir looked at the prince's plate. He had eaten very little.

"Aye," Legolas replied uncomfortably, noticing the way the others were observing his platter. "I am ready."

"Alright," Arwen said, standing up.

"I have some matters that require my attention," Elrond said, getting to his feet as well. "I shan't see you until the evening meal."

"We will see you later then, Father," Elrohir remarked.

"Aye," Elrond said, eyeing the twins carefully. "Stay out of trouble, you two," he ordered as he turned to leave the room.

"Father?" Elladan asked innocently. "Whatever do you mean?"

The twins and the prince stood and made their way to the parlor with Arwen leading the way.

As they walked, Legolas observed the beauty of the manor. High ceilings, ornate archways and marble floors made the structure seem stately without seeming too flamboyant. The building, like most of the structures in Rivendell, was perched on top of a mountain, overlooking numerous waterfalls that led into the vast river below.

Legolas inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. He was determined to enjoy this day. He would not think about nightfall.

Elladan watched the prince, trying not to be too obvious. He felt his heart swell with empathy.

The four elves entered the parlor. It was a large room with a comfortable looking settee, flanked by two plush armchairs. A low wooden table was strategically placed in front of the divan, and two smaller tables sat in between the chairs.

A female about Arwen's age was sitting in the center of the settee when the others arrived. She had waist length red hair, rosy cheeks, blue eyes and fair skin.

"Hello, Zera," Arwen said smiling brightly.

"Hello, Arwen," the female replied, standing and embracing Arwen. "Hello, Elladan. . . Elrohir."

The twins nodded politely at Zera.

"Allow me to introduce Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood," Arwen said courteously.

Legolas smiled and bowed. "'Tis a pleasure.”

"Aye," Zera replied flirtatiously, curtsying politely.

Everyone sat down.

"Legolas?" Arwen asked, seeing Zera's longing gaze. "Perhaps you would like to see some of Zera's needlecraft. She is very talented."

"Nay, Arwen," Elladan said quickly, "Elrohir and I already have a full day planned for the prince. In fact, we must away at once, lest our plans be spoiled."

Elladan and Elrohir stood immediately. The eldest elf gave Legolas a look that implored him to stand as well.

"What plans do you have for the prince?" Arwen asked, irritated.

"Things that must be done today," Elladan stated, trying to avoid Arwen's quizzical gaze.

"You are lying, Elladan," Arwen said flatly. "You only wish to get the prince alone so that you may berate him all day long and probably well into the night."

Legolas looked at Arwen and smiled at her protective tone.

"I warn you Arwen," Elladan said coldly, "you would not survive in a verbal joust with me. I suggest that you away to your needlepoint at once, lest our tempers collide."

"You do not frighten me, Elladan," Arwen spat.

"Ah, the wit begins," Elladan remarked sarcastically.

"What will you do all day?" Arwen asked icily. "Call him an orc and grapple with him on the ground?"

"'Tis a wonderful idea, Arwen. You are truly brilliant," Elladan replied mockingly.

Legolas and Zera's eyes met. She shrugged and shook her head, smiling faintly. The prince realized by the look on her face, that she had witnessed the siblings’ arguments before.

"He has been through enough, Elladan," Arwen said angrily. "Your foolhardy jests may harm him more."

"And your needlepoint won't?" Elladan asked scathingly. "Honestly, Sister. . . you truly amaze me sometimes. King Thranduil sent the prince here and would probably prefer that he comes back in one piece. If you and Zera subject him to endless hours of sewing and inane babble about fashion and hair care, I suspect that he will kill himself this very night. Or perhaps, if chance is on his side,” Elladan continued, “he will simply die of sheer boredom. Maybe, under your tutelage, he would have knitted the king a stunning new tunic. In which case, he will die a most terrible death at the hands of his own father!"

Elrohir laughed.

The prince noticed that the argument was getting more and more heated. Legolas began to fear that Arwen would strike Elladan at any moment. *This has to end.*

"You’re just jealous because you don't know how to sew!" Arwen shouted.

"I do not sew, I bow. . . archery, now that's a **real** skill." Elladan retorted sardonically.

"Father does beautiful needlecraft, and is a highly skilled archer,” Arwen fumed. “Just because you are limited in your abilities does not mean. . . "

"'Tis alright," Legolas said stepping in between the siblings. "I have a solution. I shall away with Elladan and Elrohir this morn and accompany Arwen and Zera at midday."

Legolas looked from Arwen to Elladan. "Agreed?" skedsked.

"Agreed," Arwen said, glaring at Elladan and crossing her arms across her chest irritably.

"Agreed," Elladan said, mimicking Arwen by crossing his arms and glaring at his sister.

"That's it!" Arwen shouted and lunged at Elladan.

Elladan leapt back in surprise.

Legolas moved directly in front of Arwen to thwart her attack.

"Elladan? Elrohir? Please leave," Legolas said firmly. "I will meet you on the veranda in a few moments."

Before Elladan could protest, Elrohir grabbed his brother's wrist and led him out of the parlor.

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"Elladan," Legolas said walking out onto the veranda and facing the elf, "that wasn't funny. Save your repartee for Elrohir or me. Do not loose it on your younger sister, especially on my behalf."

"But I saved you from unknown peril. Will you not thank me?" Elladan asked in mock horror.

"Nay," Legolas said calmly. "I like Arwen. She ind tnd to me. Furthermore, I have never had a sister. And although I am not her brother, I would like to act as one while I'm here."

"Why?" Elladan asked sarcastically.

"Do not fight over me again, Elladan," Legolas said sternly.

Elladan met the prince's eyes, and realized that Legolas was serious. "Alright," Elladan said dejectedly. "I am sorry. I was only jesting. I love Arwen. I did not mean to offend her. Have I offended you?"

"Nay, Elladan," Legolas said, standing directly in front of him. "But your apology should be directed toward your sister, not me," Legolas said gently.

"I know," Elladan said honestly. "I will apologize right away."

As Elladan took a step toward the entrance hall, Legolas grabbed his wrist abruptly. "She is gone," Legolas remarked, still holding Elladan's wrist. "She and Zera decided to go for a stroll."

"Oh," Elladan said, gazing deeply into the prince's eyes. "Then, I will apologize when I see her tonight."

Legolas and Elladan stood facing one another, maintaining an intense stare. Legolas still held on to his wrist, not noticing that they were being watched very carefully.

"Ahem," Elrohir said, startling both Legolas and Elladan.

The prince let go of Elladan’s wrist at once and turned to face Elrohir.

“Shall we be off, then?" Elrohir asked, smiling with amusement.

"Aye," Legolas said, embarrassed.

“Where would you like to go?” Elrohir asked Legolas.

“Well,” Legolas said quietly, looking down at the ground; he was trying to avoid the laughter in Elrohir’s eyes. “I would like to see my horse.”

“A wonderful idea,” Elrohir said in approval. “To the stable then.”

Elladan stared at the prince's back as they made their way to the stable. His wrist was still tingling from Legolas' touch.

"Legolas? May I ask you a personal question?" Elrohir asked politely, deciding to test the prince.

"Aye," Legolas said slowly.

"Are you in a relationship with anyone?" Elrohir asked, glancing back at the prince.

Elladan's curiosity was peaked. The tingling sensation that he had felt suddenly disappeared when all of his attention shifted to what Legolas was about to say.

"Nay," Legolas said, eyeing Elrohir curiously. "Why?"

"Because I think that Zera fancies you," Elrohir continued. "Did you see the way she looked at you when Arwen introduced you to her?" Elrohir asked.

"Aye," Legolas admitted.

"If you are interested in her, perhaps I can arrange a pairing of some sort." Elrohir offered courteously.

Elladan suddenly felt the urge to hit his brother.

"Nay," Legolas said warmly, "although I do appreciate the gesture. Should I change my mind, I will let you know at once."

Elrohir smiled and nodded. Legolas had passed his test. The younger twin had seen the way the prince and his older brother had looked at one another on the veranda, and was curious about whether or not the prince was in a relationship.

Elladan sighed with relief. He was pleased that Legolas had rejected Elrohir's offer.

“And you, Elrohir?” Legolas asked curiously. “Are you courting someone?” He was hoping that this line of questioning would eventually lead to Elladan.

“Aye,” Elrohir said, smiling wistfully. “Her name is Ellaria.”

“**Ellaria?**” Legolas asked smiling.

“Aye,” Elrohir replied, narrowing his eyes guardedly. “Why?”

“No reason,” Legolas said quickly, “please continue.”

“I wish to wed her, but I must first gain her father’s approval,” Elrohir said shrugging.

“And how will you do that?” Legolas asked.

“Ellaria’s father is a nobleman, and will only accept a suitor of the highest character for his daughter,” Elrohir stated matter-of-factly.

“Do you not wonder **why** Ellaria would choose Elrohir then, Legolas?” Elladan asked comically.

Elrohir looked at his brother, annoyed.

“Ellaria’s father wants to have a talk with me,” Elrohir continued, “but chooses to do so when he is ready. I await his visit everyday,” he said hopefully.

“And. . . and what of you, Elladan?” Legolas asked, trying not to sound overly interested. “Are you courting someone as well?”

“Nay,” Elladan said, meeting Legolas’ eyes.

Elrohir could not hide his smile as he could see the relief in the prince’s eyes.

The three elves arrived at the stable and Legolas gasped audibly. "This is a stable?” Legolas asked the twins, bewildered.

"Aye," the brothers said in unison.

"'Tis a palace!" Legolas exclaimed in awe upon entering the massive structure.

The stable was extraordinary. Like all of the structures in Rivendell, the stable featured ornate elvish architecture. Each horse was separated into its own private stall. A narrow wooden staircase led up to an upper level that had multiple balconies and haylofts.

Numerous stable hands made their way in and out of the structure, tending to the animals.

"Yon!" Legolas exclaimed upon seeing his horse. The prince ran over to his steed and patted him affectionately on the nose.

Yon nipped Legolas' hand affectionately.

"He is a beautiful horse," Elrohir said approvingly, looking at the white stallion.

"Thank you," Legolas said, looking deeply into Yon's eyes. The prince began to laugh and patted Yon on the head lovingly.

"What amuses you so?" Elladan asked Legolas curiously.

"Yon," Legolas said smiling. "He likes it here."

"And how do you know that?" Elladan asked suspiciously.

"He told me," Legolas remarked, continuing to lavish attention upon the horse.

"You can speak to him?" Elrohir asked in shock.

"Aye," Legolas answered.

“All elvish horses can understand simple commands. But there have been tales about gifted elves that can actually converse with animals," Elrohir said in awe.

"Prove it then," Elladan demanded.

"What?" Legolas asked.

"Just because you can look at a horse and laugh does not mean that you can speak to it," Elladan said flatly. "If you are gifted, then demonstrate it to us."

"Alright," Legolas said, accepting Elladan's challenge.

The prince began to look around the stable carefully. Upon seeing a particularly docile horse, Legolas approached the stall. He patted the horse gently and began to look at it in the eyes. The prince burst out laughing and the horse nudged him playfully.

"Well?" Elladan demanded. "Can you prove your skill? What did the horse say?"

"Well," Legolas responded, still chuckling to himself. "First of all, the horse I was speaking to is yours, Elladan. You got her as a gift from your father. Elrohir's horse is over there," Legolas continued, pointing at the stall directly across from where he was standing.

Elrohir's mouth fell open.

"Do not believe his tale, Brother," Elladan said reproachfully to his twin. "Perhaps Arwen told him that the horses were a gift. And how do we know that he was not here last night speaking to the stable hands?"

"What would you have me do then, Elladan, so that you may believe me?" Legolas asked sincere
"
"Have my steed tell you something that only I would know," Elladan replied.

"Alright," Legolas said, turning to face the horse again.

After only a few moments, Legolas faced the twins.

"When your father gave this gift to you," the prince began slowly, "you were angry. Elrohir got a hardy stud and you a docile mare. Your father was very excited about giving this gift to you, and you had not the heart to tell him that you preferred a fiercer steed. You have grown to love her, though," Legolas added, "as you have come to trust her in battle."

Elrohir turned and looked at Elladan in disbelief.

"Aye," Elladan said nodding his approval, "You **are** gifted, Prince. I only have one more question for you.”

"Alright," Legolas said.

"Why were you laughing after you spoke to my horse?" Elladan asked curiously.

"Oh," Legolas said chuckling. "'Tis just your horses' names."

"What about them?" Elladan asked defensively. "What is wrong with their names?"

"Ellie and Eliad," Legolas said teasingly. "Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Ellaria, Ellie and Eliad," Legolas continued, laughing. "Perhaps, if I am to fit in, I should change my name from Legolas to
Elgolas!" The prince roared with laughter.

Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another knowingly. Before the prince could regain his composure, the twins were upon him.

Laughing and wrestling playfully, the three elves rolled around on the stable floor.

"Ai!" Legolas shouted from underneath the elves.

Elrohir stood up quickly. "What is it, Legolas? Are you hurt?" he asked, concerned.

Elladan rolled Legolas onto his back, straddling him. His eyes were also full of concern.

"Nay," Legolas said smiling. "I just twisted my wrist. 'Tis nothing to worry about."

"Let me see," Elladan said.

"'Tis fine, Elladan," Legolas said, propping himself up on his elbows.

"Let me see," Elladan demanded firmly, holding out his left hand.

"Oh, alright," Legolas said, sighing with exasperation and extending his right arm.

Elladan began to examine the prince's wrist. With the kindness of a mother and the skill of a healer, Elladan cradled it in his hand and began to probe it gently.

Legolas couldn't help but watch Elladan in fascination. Even though he had a sharp tongue and a haughty demeanor, Legolas could see the kindness in Elladan’s eyes. It was obvious that his crude façade protected a gentle heart.

Without warning, their eyes met.

"Are you alright?" Elladan asked Legolas gently.

"Aye," Legolas replied, never shifting his gaze from Elladan's grey orbs.

Elladan smiled and felt his heart race when Legolas said, ‘aye.’ He wanted to hear him say that word over and over again.

"Umm. . . " Elrohir said, chuckling with amusement, "shall we away now?"

Elrohir's words broke their trance. Neither Legolas nor Elladan had realized how intimately their bodies were positioned.

Elladan jumped up quickly and carefully helped Legolas get to his feet.

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"What time of day is it?" Legolas asked a few hours later, looking out of the open stable doors and up at the sky.

"'Tis almost midday," Elrohir responded.

"I'd better go back to the manor at o" Le" Legolas said. "Arwen and Zera will be expecting me soon."

"Aye," Elladan agreed disappointedly.

"We will accompany you back to the manor then," Elrohir said sincerely.

The three elves walked out of the open stable doors. Moments later, they arrived at the manor and the twins bid the prince farewell.

"If Arwen asks," Elladan said, calling after the prince, "do not tell her about our wrestling folly!”

Elladan watched the prince pensively as he entered the entrance hall.

Elrohir smiled understandingly at his twin and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.

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Later on that evening, as Elladan and Elrohir were heading to the dining hall for the evening meal, they came upon Legolas and Arwen who were conversing jovially.

"Arwen, can I speak with you for a moment?" Elladan asked his sister seriously.

"Alright," Arwen replied.

Legolas excused himself and headed down to the dining hall with Elrohir. He couldn't help but look back at Elladan. He hoped that the siblings’ conversation went well.

"Don't worry, Prince," Elrohir said, misunderstanding the look on Legolas' face, "he'll be along soon."

Legolas looked at Elrohir quickly.

Elrohir smiled teasingly as they disappeared down the long corridor.

Elladan waited until Legolas and Elrohir were out of sight before addressing his sister.

"Arwen, I apologize for my conduct this morning. I behaved badly," Elladan said, looking at the floor.

Arwen looked at her brother carefully. “As did I,” she replied honestly.

"It is just that, I. . . " Elladan broke off and sighed.

"Yes?" Arwen asked concerned.

"I. . . I am attracted to Legolas," Elladan said slowly.

Arwen looked at her brother in surprise.

"I didn't want to share him," Elladan continued sheepishly. "Especially when I saw the way Zera was looking at him."

"Elladan," Arwen said gently. "I am so happy for you.”

"Why?" Elladan asked forlornly. "Perhaps he will not return my feelings."

"If he sees in you the goodness that I see,” Arwen said warmly, "then he will have no choice but to love you."

Elladan smiled and embraced his sister. All was well.

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In the wee hours of the morning, Elladan awakened. Unable to sleep, he walked out onto the terrace that extended from his bedchamber. Elladan looked out over the moon-illuminated beauty of Rivendell when something caught his eye. In the distance, he could see someone entering the stable. With his keen elvish sight, he realized that it was Legolas. Dismayed, Elladan wandered back to his bed. *What is Legolas doing at this hour?*

---
TBC. . .