Creature Comforts

Chapter 3

Rising early the sweet song of morning awakens my spirit. I
yawn and stretch languidly upon my bed before swinging my legs from under the
covers and rising to my feet. As always my neatly pressed and washed garments
lie awaiting my attention on the back of the chair in the corner. It used to
unrest me knowing that young elf maidens were coming and going from my room at
night while I slept to deliver clothes, stoke the fire and refill my water
pitchers, now however I find it quite fascinating. Taking my robe I quickly
wrap it around my naked body before moving to open the balcony doors and stare
out upon the glittering city of Rivendell. The sun is already licking at the
edges of the hills as the inhabitants of the valley below begin to stir. My
silent solitude is interrupted as movement in the hall outside my chambers
indicate the already awake householders. Yawning once again I move quickly to
wash and refresh myself from the silver basin of cold water before dressing
myself in the more regal attire reserved for times when I am not wandering the
wilderness. A knock at my door hastens my dressing before I move to answer it. GoodGood morning, Strider! Did you see the stars last night,
weren’t they beautiful in the sky.” Quite shocked I step back from the door as
Merry hustles his way quickly into my room without waiting for an invitation.
Despite his rudeness I ignore it for the comfort that his excited demure brings
to me this morning. After all I am sure he did not mean to intrude.

“I did see them Master Brandywine, in the sky like they
usually are when I am here in Rivendell.” I chuckle quietly as Merry inspects
my room with cautionary glances before turning back to me confused somewhat.

“Your apartments are spacious, it is highly unfair that I
must share with Sam, Pip and Frodo as well, while you share with no one.” The
indignant look on Merry’s face makes me laugh heartily at the obvious disgust
he shows towards his roommates. I finish getting dressed as Merry climbs up
onto my bed and bounces a few times before climbing back down to the floor.

“Is everyone at breakfast yet?” Merry watches me brush my
hair before I turn back to him and raise my eyebrow in questioning. I watch as
he nods enthusiastically before pausing thoughtfully and decides to shake his
head instead.

“Well yes, everyone except that Prince of Mirkwood and
Elrond’s son’s. I saw them down at the stables just before I came to find you.”
Nodding understandingly I follow Merry out of my chambers and towards the main
hall. It is good that Legolas will not be at breakfast, it means I can speak
freely with Elrond about my discomfort at Legolas inclusion with the
fellowship.

 

It is only a short walk to the dinning hall and I am greeted
with several smiling faces as I take my place next to Arwen at her fathers
side. Merry sits with Pippin further down the table and begins instantly
snacking on the breakfast delights that Elrond’s chefs have come up with.

“Good morning Estel, I hope your slumber was fruitful.” I
nod graciously at Elrond, as Arwen places a gentle hand on my knee beneath the
table.

“As well as could be considering the snore of the dwarf.”
The table laugh heartily at my joke as Gimli grunts his disapproval through a
mouth full of fruit. The table falls into easy conversation about Rivendell’s
beauties. As Merry had noted earlier Legolas’s absence among the diners is
clear with the position next to Boromir absent of its intended occupant. It is
only a few minutes before three elves appear at the entrance to the hall,
silencing the conversation as they bow respectively to Elrond at the head of
the table.

“Father we wish to be going earlier to scout the perimeters,
may you excuse our presence from breakfast.” One of the dark hair elves
addresses his father, while the familiar blonde stands stoically at his side,
their bows and quivers purposely held in their hands. Unlike Elrond’s son’s
Legolas is dressed in a warrior’s green tunic and leggings traditional with
wood elves, his hunting leathers also attached to his wrists and back. Unsure
of Elrond’s response I continue to eat waiting a reply from the lord. After a
moments consideration he speaks after drinking from his chalice to clear his
throat.

“You may go but I would have enjoyed Legolas’ company at
this breakfast.” The comment made is more a polite request that a statement
with purpose and we all watch as Legolas straightens himself and bows his head
in respect to Elrond’s request. For a moment we all expect acceptances of the
Lords subtle request however I am personally surprise as Legolas refuses quite
plainly.

“You shall excuse me also my lord, I care not for food this
morn, but fresh air and open spaces. I fear I may have stayed indoors to long.”
Expectantly we all glance back to Elrond unsure of his reaction to Legolas
insolence but confusion is obvious as Elrond sighs and turns his attention back
to his meal.

“Very well, be sure to watch your backs there will be enough
injuries to note after the fellowship has departed without adding more while
still inside Rivendell’s boarders.” Elrond’s seeming disappointment does not go
unnoticed by myself and before the trio can leave I hastily address the blonde
elf.

“Would you not benefit from substances anyhow Legolas? Or
are Mirkwood’s elves accustomed to starving themselves before undertaking
activity.” At my voice Legolas spins hastily around his glare disturbing in
it’s coldness as it shifts from me to Elrond and back again. I am quite
unprepared for the retort that he replies with and am left quite embarrassed
under the gaze of those at the table.

“No Estel, not as accustom as Rangers are to sneaking around
at night listening to private conversations.” I swallow hard the spite Ird
rd
last night returning once again to the elves’ tone. Lowering my gaze I become
painfully aware of Elrond, Gandalf and Glorfindel staring at me angrily. “But
as you seem so concerned by my health I shall be sure to stop by the kitchens
on my way out.” The smug smile of success that plasters Legolas face is purely
evil. From the passive demure of innocents that addressed the council only a
few days ago, seems to have given way to a darker side only reflected in King
Thranduil himself. It is obvious now that my presences last night did not go
unnoticed as much as I would have liked. His steel blue eyes seem to pieces me
and they send a shudder of both fear and desire through my body. It seems his
beauty is only heightened by his anger, which is intriguing to say the least.

 

When the three elves have gone I hastily excuse myself
without waiting for leave and retire quickly to a private part of the garden
outside to be alone with my guilt. I heard the murmuring begin as soon as I had
stood up and I intend to stay clear of all participants for at least a few days
until I can face Lord Elrond again. Sitting staring down at the small stream
under the willows, I do not notice my company until they have positioned
themselves next to me and are lighting a pipe.

“Your solitude will not help you Aragorn. Wallowing in self
pitty does not make the soul lighter of guilt.” I sigh heavily as Gandalf looks
at me patiently from beneath his bushy grey eyebrows.

“I was only suspicious of his motives when entering Lord
Elrond’s chambers so late at night, the guards seemed most willing to allow him
access.” My pathetic attempt at defending myself earns a small chuckle from
Gandalf who shakes his head in repute.

“Their willingness Aragorn stems from a long arranged
agreement between Elrond and Legolas” Confused by the agreement Gandalf speaks
of I turn to sit facing the wize old man before me, willingly awaiting his
teaching. He takes a long drag from his pipe the smoke rising from beneath this
beared as he slowly sighs. “They were lovers once, Elrond and the young
prince.” A gasp catches in my throat as my eyes grow wide, the sudden
explanation from Gandalf causing the events of last night to make sense. “The
young prince was entrusted to Elrond’s care by order of Galadrial. It was meant
as a union to join both bitter realms of Mirkwood and Rivendell after the
political debacle that was the last alliance. Legolas was to be a steward and
learn the ways of both realms.” Taking another breath of smoke Gandalf pauses
and closes his eyes a painful memory seeming to disturb him before he continues
sadly. “Elrond was lonely he had lost his wife many moons before, it was not
his fault as his heart fell into love again this time for the young Prince.”

“What happened?” Unable to keep quiet I intently seek an
answer. It is obvious that there is still love there but they are not together
at all, something grievous must have come to pass to keep them apart. Gandalf
smiles lightly and turns to stare at me sadly.

“Thranduil found out about the relationship and condemned
it, calling Elrond’s abuse of his son, who was not yet in his majority. So Elrond
released Legolas from his commitment to him for the sake of Legolas future in
his fathers house.”

‘That is terrible being denied love for a simple
disagreement of governmental affairs.” I swallow hard as Gandalf raises a
knowing eyebrow in my direction.

“Does it reflect your own unrequited love Aragorn?” He
pauses purposefully allowing me to relate my own stranded situation with Arwen
to that of Legolas and Elrond. “Apologise to him Aragorn for you actions. You
and he share a common tie. He seeks only to marry for love as do you. He will
be an asset to the fellowship with his skills but you must make peace with him
before we leave.” Gandalf stands and gently rests a hand on my shoulder in
comfort. I know what has to be done and I am surely guilty of assuming the
worst of the young prince.

“It does not excuse the way he spoke of me to Elrond last
night in the chamber. His accusations where quite malicious in their nature.”
My attempt at grumbling goes no further as Gandalf shakes his head and heartily
laughs at my foolishness.

“Aragorn you are a fool, Legolas knew well before the guards
informed him that you were eaves dropping last night. Did you think he’d
confess his new heart to a man he once gave it to, while the object of his new
affections stands listening at the door? Nay, Legolas may be King Thranduil son
but he is not so stupid as his father.” It takes a few seconds for the
comment’s message to sink in but when realization sets in I am horrified. Shocked at what Gandalf has just suggested I
stand hastily to protest out right what he has just said however before I can
make words he has swiftly disappeared back inside leaving me opening and
closing my mouth like a fish starved of air. Legolas’ new affections? That is
beyond conception considering the way in which Legolas has acted towards me in
the past few days and considering that we have only just formally met. Shaking
my head in repute I push Gandalf’s words aside as teasing, just as Glorfindel
jest was last night.

 

Finally resolved to apologise to Legolas for my rudeness
last night I quickly head to my chambers to grab my riding cloak and sword
before running to the stables. No doubt the stewards know which direction the
three elves rode towards and with luck my skills as a ranger will lead me to
them swiftly.

Once I have mounted my steed I smile thankfully at the stewards and take a last
glance at the homely house aware now of my audience of Elrond and Glorfindel on
the balcony above me. I wave to them easily before chuckling to myself at the
repeated words of Gandalf that flash through my mind. “Love attraction? Indeed
I think not”. With a hasty heel I take flight towards the furthest edges of
Rivendell determined to put right a rift that could potentially split the
fellowship if it is not resolved.

 

TBC……………………..