The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 46

Glorfindel stood in front of the looking glass in his talon and straightened out his tunic for the 50th time since he’d put it on. Today it was Legolas 500th birthing day and the young prince’s coming of age feast. For the past two days Glorfindel had done nothing but concentrate on getting well enough to attend the festivities Celeborn and Elrond had arranged for the prince. To Glorfindel it was as if Legolas and himself had begun their friendship again from the beginning. When the prince hadn’t been out with Haldir enjoying his fathers company Legolas had been by Glorfindel’s side helping the elder elf heal. They had exchanged stories between one another by the fire learning each other’s personality and history through jokes and tales. Glorfindel immensely enjoyed the prince’s company and wished only that he had been allowed to meet Legolas properly the first time in Mirkwood. Despite himself Glorfindel had become enchanted by the young prince all over again and his heart swelled with joy every time Legolas’ smiling face appeared at the talon door way.

Today Glorfindel had not seen Legolas at all. According to the traditions of the Lorien elves Legolas had spent the day with Haldir and the other male elves out on a hunting party. Glorfindel would have enjoyed being with Legolas to see his rite of passage that came with his first kill but both Lord Elrond and Erestor had forbidden him from attending. According to the healers his back was still too fragile for the rough movement of horse riding and as Gandalf had said this morning it would be a long time yet until he would be able to pick up a bow again and defend himself. So he had obediently stayed behind with Erestor helping the Lorien elves organize the last details of the feast and festivities for when the hunters returned.

“You look your usual stunning self.” Glorfindel blushed lightly as he smiled at his friend’s reflection in the looking glass. Erestor leaned against the doorway of Glorfindel’s talon himself already dressed ready for the night ahead.

“Thank-you you look very fine as well. Is the robe new?” Glorfindel turned away from his own reflection and smiled appreciatively over Erestor’s appearance. Unlike himself the scholar before him wore a deep purple robe, trimmed with silver and held neatly together with a matching mithiral sash. Like always the dark haired elf had braided his hair in the fashion of his own lineage, with the rest of it hanging freely down his back. Erestor blushed and a crimson colour under Glorfindel’s attention and involuntarily reached up to touch the white shell clasp that held his braids back from his face.

“Yes. It is another present from Imaldris, they sent it via messenger for me. It only just arrived, do you think it suits me I do not usually wear this colour.” Glorfindel chuckled at his friend’s embarrassment and wandered quietly over to where Erestor was now looking critically at himself in the looking glass. Glorfindel had never known Erestor to be so embarrassed about lovers before and the blush that coloured the advisors cheeks was a look Glorfindel would never tire of seeing on his friend. If only everyone had the luxury of seeing Erestor without his cold emotionless mask then perhaps he would have more secret admirers than just one.

“It suits you my friend, you should wear colours more often. You will out shine Legolas at this rate.” Erestor rolled his eyes unbelievingly at Glorfindel’s reflection before turning around to face his friend.

“Oh I am in no danger of out shining Legolas, just look at you. Immaculately presented as always.” Erestor pointed an accusing finger at Glorfindel who clutched his chest in mock offence, causing both elves to begin laughing.

“Aye it is nothing special just one of Orophin’s spare tunics that he has lent me for the evening.” Erestor looked suspiciously unconvinced as he glanced over Glorfindel’s appearance. The seneschal was dressed in his own pair of silver leggings and a deep royal blue tunic trimmed gol gold trimming and buttons. Like Erestor Glorfindel had braided his hair in the traditional style of his family and had clasped his hair back with a pretty green leaf pin, obviously borrowed from Orophin’s personal collection as well. “So tell me how was Legolas rite of passage today?” Erestor took a seat on the edge of Glorfindel’s bed as he watched his friend poor them both a glass of wine from a warm decanter hanging over the fire. It was too be a cool evening, and Glorfindel had pre empted a long night in the cold and prepared the fire in his room early so ti would be warm to return to when ever he chose.

“Oh it was interesting.” Glorfindel raised an intrigued eyebrow at his friend as he sat next to him on the end of the bed after handing him a glass of wine. “Legolas is a good tracker as he spotted the rabbit before the rest of us.” Erestor paused as he took a draft of the warm wine and swallowed quickly. “Although I do not think he will make the best of hunters. When Haldir commanded him to take a shot the prince let his arrow fly with such precision it killed the rabbit instantly.” Confused Glorfindel cocked his head to the side in questioning.

“Well why do you say he is not a good hunter if his aim was so sharp!” Erestor bit his lip before draining the rest of the wine fighting back his amusement at the events that had happened that day.

“Because the prince passed out before his arrow had even struck the rabbit dead. Apparently he does not like killing helpless animals for mere sport and only agreed to come hunting with us because it was tradition. We spent the rest of the day lazing by the mirrored pools.” Glorfindel groaned and rolled his eyes before chuckling to himself. The young prince had a lot to learn still about life but Glorfindel still found it funny to know that Legolas despised hunting as much as he did. The pair sat in silence for a while enjoying each other’s company as they drank the warm wine. It was Erestor however who broke the silence.

“Thranduil has left Lorien, he and his two sons left this morning without word to anyone. A patrol saw them and their escort crossing the boarder this afternoon.” Glorfindel sighed heavily and lowered his head in quiet reflection. He had known Thranduil didn’t intend to stay in Lorien. Legolas had made up his mind to stay with Haldir and Thranduil had been powerless to object. It was sad that Thranduil was shutting Legolas off because of his decision but Glorfindel could not help but be a little happy at their separation considering the past.

“Aye well we knew he would not stay. Perhaps with time Legolas will forgive him and go and visit his home, he is still a prince of Mirkwood and it would be a shame for him to totally forget his heritage.” Erestor nodded understandingly knowing already that Legolas being the elf that he was would forgive his father eventually. The sound a bells ringing through-out the city was a signal of the commencement of the feast and so Erestor and Glorfindel rose to their feet. Both elves were reluctant to leave the warmth of Glorfindel’s talon on this cold evening but both understood it was for Legolas sake that they were making an appearance. With a final check of their appearances both elves made their way from the talon to head towards the great hall of Lothlorien.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.