The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 48

“If you do not ask him to dance soon Glorfindel, he will be worn out!” Glorfindel rolled his eyes and glared at Orophin from above the rim of his wine glass.

“He has a point my friend.” Erestor’s voice piped in quickly from the other side of him and Glorfindel turned his glare from Haldir’s second brother to his best friend instead.

“True too. That is the fifth dance in a row this time around. And I’d be careful Glorfindel I think that young maiden there has taken quite a fancy to him, she’s danced with him three times tonight.” Glorfindel groaned in frustration as Rumli leaned over the back of the chair in front to join in the conversation.

”Can you just leave me be! You are giving me indigestion with your incessant pestering!” Glorfindel hastily drained what was left of his wine and stood abruptly from his chair, stunning his three friends with his sharp tone of voice. Snatching up another glass of the sweet red elixir from one of the passing servant trays Glorfindel began a confident stroll around the edg the the banquet hall. So far the night had been wonderful although he had not been able to talk to Legolas for more than a few moments without an eager well wisher interrupting. Over the course of the feast Glorfindel had hardly spoken two words together with Legolas. Being the guest of honour Legolas had sat beside Lord Celeborn and his wife at the head of the table along with Haldir and Lord Elrond. Due to lack of seating at the head table Glorfindel had been resigned to sitting at the next tableng wng with Erestor and Haldir’s brothers and some of the patrol captains. To Glorfindel it would not have been so wholly bad if he had not been seated with his back to Legolas. It would have been more than a little obvious to everyone if the seneschal turned back and forth when he felt the need to see Legolas, so instead Glorfindel sat starit tht the meal in front of him with disgust and merely listened to the beautiful sound of Legolas voice.

Slowly Glorfindel wandered the perimeter of the dance floor his eyes roaming the colourful array of elves that danced in sync together in the middle of the floor. There were elvan dignitaries from far and wide mixed with the common folk of Lorie. Even the dwarves had sent four representatives from their realm. Glorfindel would not be surprised if Legolas did not know half of the people in the room, Glorfindel himself struggled to name but a handful. In a mass of swirling colours the dances continued their rhythmic formation and somewhere in the middle of it all was Legolas. Every so often Glorfindel had caught a flash of golden hair but whether he’d seen Legolas or another elf was impossible to tell. Continuing to sip from his wine Glorfindel paused and leaned against one of the wooden pillars, which marked the balcony of the great hall. Outside it was bitterly cold the wind blowing so forcefully it made the heavy tapestries covering the entrances sway like thin parchment. However inside the frenzied activity, voices and thousands of candles made the room glow with an inner warmth.

Finally the song came to an end with a joyous around of applause and cheers of jubilation as the dances bowespecspectively towards where Celeborn sat looking thoroughly bored at the end of the hall. Lord Elrond too looked none the happier but joined in the clapping anyhow and put on a brave smile. The two Lords looked all the world like they didn’t want to be there and Glorfindel could hardly blame them. Such events as these were of no amusement to those elves still required to perform their formal duties during them, when all they really wanted to do was dance as well.

Glorfindel was too busy staring out into the night sky that he did not notice his approaching company until a familiar face appeared in front of him, blocking his view of the stars.

”You look very glum this evening Glorfindel? Do I dare ask what my brothers have done to irritate you this time?” Haldir’s face was rosy and pink, and Haldir himself was a little out of breathe. Obviously Haldir had been among the dancers and had sought Glorfindel out having first talked with his brothers.

“I am merely tired that is all and my back is a little sore still.” Glorfindel purposely avoided eye contact with the blonde marchwarden knowing for sure that Haldir would easily be able to read his lie if he was forced into facing the other elf. Haldir rose a suspicious eyebrow at his friend but said nothing as he watched Glorfindel’s gaze scan the great hall his eyes seeking out someone in particular. “I hope Legolas is enjoying himself I believe he was looking forward to this event.” Glorfindel hastily continued the conversation when it became apparent Haldir was not going to reply. Haldir did not take the bait however as he watched Glorfindel’s gaze settle upon Legolas, who was standing talking with Lord Elrond and Erestor obviously being introduced to some of the other regal elves. For a moment Haldir watched as Glorfindel’s gaze softened considerably and a wistful glaze washed over the seneschal’s green eyes.

“He is stunning isn’t he? I confess I am proud of him, he will make a fine warrior.” Glorfindel merely nodded having not really heard Haldir completely, so lost was he in watching the prince’s mannerisms as he spoke with his elders. Haldir chuckled to himself at his friend’s lack of attention and prodded Glorfindel hard in the arm to bring the seneschal back to him. “Did you hear what I just said Glorfindel or where you too busy eyeing my son?” Glorfindel turned and glared pointedly at Haldir.

“I was not eyeing anyone, merely admiring his tunic and taste in dress.” Haldir raised his eyebrows unbelievingly in Glorfindel’s direction but remained silent as Glorfindel continued. “And as for being a fine warrior? After Erestor told me about your hunting trip, that description is somewhat optimistic don’t you think.” Glorfindel smiled knowingly at Haldir who frowned pointedly in reply.

“Well I admit he will need a little work, being stuck in a palace for 500 years has done him little good but still I believe anything is possible. Perhaps you may wish to help me bringing him up to date on his skills?” Haldir smiled smugly as Glorfindel turned to him a knowing glint in his eyes. Glorfindel had known Haldir long enough to understand when Haldir wanted something from him and this was one of those looks.

“If you are trying to play matchmaker like your bothers Haldir I am not interest. I do not care if it has been predicted in scrolls from the dawn of time, or if it is the wish of the valar. I will do things at my own pace and I will not be pushed into something that does not feel right.” Haldir was shocked at Glorfindel’s outburst unclear about what he had said to cause it. Glorfindel downed half the cup of his wine in a single gulp as he watched as Legolas was led around groups of elves by Erestor being slowly introduced to them as they went.

“That’s not what I was getting at Glorfindel. I merely asked if you’d help me train Legolas.” Glorfindel swallowed guiltily as he shifted his gaze from Legolas to glance gingerly back at the marchwarden. Haldir was staring at him angrily and Glorfindel knew he’d put his foot into it. He had been so frustrated all night that the alcohol he was drinking had severely loosened his tongue, with disastrous consequences.

“Sorry I don’t know why I said that.” Glorfindel gingerly apologised to Haldir and guiltily avoided eye contact as he wisely chose not to take another glass ine.ine. Haldir sighed heavily and gestured towards where Legolas and Erestor were slowly making their way towards them.

“Frankly Glorfindel I don’t care why you said it, we all have our moments. I’m not pushing you into anything, none of us are. We’re simply witnessing your growing relationship with Legolas and encouraging it.” Glorfindel sighed heavily and glanced longingly towards where Legolas was giggling at something Erestor had just whispered into his ear. It was only a split second but Legolas looked up the very moment Glorfindel was staring at him and their eyes met across the crowded room. Glorfindel felt a shudder run the length of his spine and his breath hitch as Legolas smiled at him and waved innocently before going back to his conversation with Erestor. Haldir watched the exchange with delight and placed a gentle hand upon his friends shoulder. “I want the best for Legolas, he deserves only that. However I will let him make up his own mind in matters of love. He likes you, Filgree said Legolas told him he’d been thinking about you in the bath this afternoon.” Glorfindel chocked back an amused snort at Haldir’s information and merely shook his head in refute.

“Wonderful I’m sure but what does that have to do with his love?” Haldir rolled his eyes and glared pointedly at Glorfindel. Sometimes the seneschal had no thought processes what so ever.

“It doesn’t matter.” Exasperated Ha dro dropped the subject knowing full well Glorfindel was in no mood to decipher riddles. Glorfindel watched in horror as Haldir stepped forward from them and beckoned Legolas over to him with a curt wave of his hand. Instantly Legolas excused himself from the conversation he was partaking in and began making his way towards them. “If you are not going to be good company tonight Glorfindel will you at least ask Legolas to dance.” Glorfindel did not have time to reply as Legolas came to stand still in front of them his face beaming brightly.

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Legolas had been thoroughly enjoying the evening although he would have liked to have seen Glorfindel more. The blonde seneschal looked amazing and Legolas had taken every opportunity possible to seek out the warrior if only to admire his image. There were so many people at the celebration all of them showering him with gifts despite him knowing hardly any of them. Luckily Filgree had known most of the people and had been taking notes on which gifts had come from who so that Legolas could thank them later. In light of Filgree’s advice to him Legolas had taken the hand of the first maiden he’d come to when the dancing had begun desperate to get in a quick few practices why he plucked up the courage to ask Glorfindel to dance. It was unfortunate though that the quick first dance had turned into several long ones each with a different partner and none of them Glorfindel. He had lost sight of Glorfindel in the twirls and loops of the dance and when he had finally been released from the energetic Lorien maidens Erestor had talked him into meeting a few of the dignitaries. It seemed as if Legolas had never sat down since dinner had finished constantly being the demand of attention where ever he went. The young prince was not used to such attention and was beginning to find it all a little overwhelming. That was until his father had beckoned him over rescuing him from the boring conversation of the councillors.

Legolas stopped in front of Haldir and smiled warmly at his father before averting his gaze to Glorfindel, unable to be so close to the seneschal and not admire his features. They had hardly been within a few meters of each other all night until now and Legolas felt his pulse quicken at the prospect of being so close to the elf he’d thought constantly of these last few days.

“Lord Glorfindel I have not seen you all night.” Legolas cursed himself for sounding so childish and bit his lip nervously as he watched Lord Glorfindel smile at him.

“Aye your presence is in great demand tonight, perhaps I should take a number and get in the line to talk to you.” Legolas blushed a crimson colour and lowered his head in embarrassment.

“You do not need a number Lord Glorfindel I will talk to you anytime.” Legolas cursed himself again at his stupid reply. He did not know what had come over him so suddenly to make him act so childishly. Not a moment ago he had been chatting easily with Erestor and Lord Elrond, why now could he not string two words together in the presence of Glorfindel? Legolas caught an unfamiliar look that passed between Haldir and Glorfindel shortly before Glorfindel cleared his throat and gestured to the dance floor behind Legolas.

“Would you care to dance with me Legolas?” Legolas looked up sharply from where he was staring at the floor in embarrassment, now shocked that Lord Glorfindel had asked him to dance. Lord Glorfindel looked almost nervous as he stared at him waiting for a reply. It was only after an extended stare that Legolas kicked himself into motion and nodded mutely, unable to form coherent sentences without embarrassing himself further. Legolas watched amazed as Lord Glorfindel smiled widely at his acceptance the nervousness in his features disappearing instantly. Legolas could not help but beam up at his father as Glorfindel casually handed his empty wine glass to Haldir before outstretching his for for the young prince to take.

“All these people are looking at us.” Legolas spoke quietly to Glorfindel as they walked slowly into the middle of the hall. The young prince had danced nearly every dance since the feast had finished and only now did he notice how many people were staring at him. Glorfindel smiled secretly to himself as he glanced knowingly across to where Haldir’s two brothers and Erestor were now sitting watching them. As if a cue had been given several other couples joined Glorfindel and Legolas for the dance.

“Ignore them they are only jealous of your talents.” Glorfindel’s voice was barely above a whisper as the dancers all turned and bowedpectpectfully towards Lord Elrond, Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel. Legolas blushed a pale shade of red at the Lord’s praise, too busy readying himself to remember the dance steps to notice the knowing glances that passed between Lord Elrond and his seneschal. A lone harp and beautiful elvan voice signalled the beginning of the dance and Legolas took a deep steading breath as Lord Glorfindel took his hand and they began to circle one another.

Complete silence had descended upon the onlookers as the dance in the middle progressed at a steady pace. Glorfindel felt acutely the stares of all those around him but chose to ignore them and merely smile reassuringly at the nervous prince whenever the dance steps allowed. Legolas could hardly take his eyes off Lord Glorfindel for the entire dance. So focused was the prince on the feel of the blonde elders hand in his that he never even noticed when the harp’s song trailed off and the dance came to an end. Glorfindel’s hand felt warm against his, soft but yet hardened with years of sword practice. Legolas involuntarily ran his thumb across the small bump on the elder’s index finger that matched his own, a physicality only found in archers. Legolas wondered silently what it would be like to kiss a hand like Glorfindel’s or better yet what Glorfindel hand would feel like touching his body.

Glorfindel bowed respectfully to his partner at the end of the song as all of the couples did around him. Only Legolas remained as a statue staring at where his hand was still entwined with Glorfindel’s with an almost wishful gaze. Glorfindel straightened himself but did not attempt to remove his hand from Legolas’ but merely watched as the young prince’s gaze turned slightly wicked, the gentle smile turning into something Glorfindel could only read as desire. Sensing their audiences intense gaze Glorfindel cleared his throat to catch Legolas attention. Almost instantly Legolas’ head snapped up, his expression turning into one of utter humiliation as he met Glorfindel’s questioning sapphire blue eyes. Nervously Legolas glanced around him all the faces in the room staring at him with the same questioning stare. Legolas searched desperately for his tutor looking for guidance in the situation. He found Filgree standing by the side of Lord Erestor and Haldir on the far side of the hall their faces telling him what he already knew. He had embarrassed himself terribly. Without warning Legolas tore his hand from Glorfindel’s aware now of something uncomfortable beneath his leggings, that would surely be visible to all those looking on.

“Sorry.” Legolas whispered softly in elvish to Glorfindel before turning around and literally running from the hall. He did not want to see Glorfindel’s reaction even less to hear what the Lord had to say. Pushing his way through the guards at the door Legolas ran onto the balcony and stealthfully scaled down the ladder to the forest floor below. Behind him he could here people calling his name but he didn’t care. He felt odd like someone had punched him in the stomach winding him. Tears stung his eyes as he continued to run, the cold night air stealing his breath away with every lungful he took. He did not know where he was running to he just knew he needed to be away from them all. He had embarrassed himself at his own coming of age feast, having allowed himself thoughts he’d never allowed himself to think of before. His body’s reaction to the thoughts had scared him even more. Filgree had once told him that a reaction of that kind was best kept behind closed doors, to be handled in private. What would they all think of him now, having probably embarrassed them all with his body’s stupid reaction that considering the day, he should be capable of controlling now that he was in his majority.

After a long time of running in any direction Legolas slowed down to a jog and carefully listened for signs he had been followed. Nothing but the strong wind howling in the trees above him could be heard and Legolas thanked the valar that they had not forced him into more embarrassment. Wiping the tears from his eyes Legolas glanced around the forest to try and discern where he had come to. The sound of a bubbling spring nearby sent him a few more steps forward until he came upon the small little glade. The shining pool in the centre bubbled occasionally with the rising warm water, the steam from the pool trailing up like in spirals into the dark night sky. Legolas shivered as a particular strong cold wind blue up the back of his tunic. The prince wished silently that he had brought his cloak with him when he had fled but at the time he had been in no shape to consider the weather outside. Glancing around the glade Legolas looked for signs of anyone but thankfully found none. It was obvious everyone was at the feast, further cementing his embarrassment knowing that all of Lorien had seen his icamicament. Hastened by the cold Legolas moved over to the edge of the warm pool and kicked off his shoes and rolled up his leggings. The flattened rocks around the edge of the pool were toasty warm and so Legolas sat down on them and dangled his lower legs into the warm water as he began to replay the events of the evening.

Everything had gone wrong. This morning everything had been fine but after an incident like this no one would ever want to talk to him again. Haldir would be embarrassed to have him as a son, Erestor and Glorfindel would certainly not want anything to do with him and as for the rest of them well they would think less of him now than they did when they didn’t known him. Legolas sniffled back more tears as he stared at his reflection in the pool. He was beginning to think he should have returned to Mirkwood with Thranduil, and gone back to his old life. So it may not have been exciting and full of new and interesting things but at least he had been safe there hidden away from humiliation and other people’s scornful gazes. Unable to stop his tears Legolas began to sob now truly miserable. He had been kidding himself to think Glorfindel could have been a friend; their age gap alone was something unforgettable and now he’d ruined it all by his stupid hormones. The only thing he was presently glad about was that the uncomfortable tightness of his leggings had gone due to his own humiliation. Sadly Legolas pulled the stupid circlet of gold from his head and dropped it into the grass beside him. Thranduil would never want to see him again after such a humiliation in front of the enemy and Legolas would certainly be deemed not worthy enough to wear a symbol of his position. Miserably Legolas closed his eyes and continued to sob in silence, lost in his own pitiful state of mind.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) Sorry it's only one chapter tonight guys but I'm tired and I have cramp in the little pinky I broke so I'm not feeling crash hot. Anyway I'll try and get some more written tomorrow after the pain killers have kicked in. Hope you're still enjoying this story and there's still a few surprises in store yet as well as the promised smut.