Ball masque

Chapter five Breakfast

Legolas smiled and embraced Aragorn. “I haven’t seen you since I’ve come here. I thought they had lied to me and you hadn’t even left your house.”
Aragorn smiled and looked at Legolas. He decided his friend looked troubled. “With Arwen harassing me? No thanks.”
Legolas smiled. “I heard she is pregnant again. Congratulations.”

He saw Arwen talking to her father and swallowed. He had no desire to see Elrond today, not after last night, but he did needed to congratulate Arwen. He swallowed and moved forward, forcing his walk to remain steady. “Arwen. It’s been too long.”
Arwen smiled when she saw him and embraced him tight. “Legolas. Indeed it has. How’s your father? And Mirkwood?”
Legolas smiled. “They were fine when I left, Arwen. Congratulations by the way.”
Arwen’s eyes twinkled. “I’m surprised you didn’t run after me last night. I must say I strongly believed you to have abandoned our friendship.”
Legolas’ eyes grew wide. “Never, Arwen, never. I just didn’t instantly recognize you. In fact, I never would have guessed it was you with the big belly if I hadn’t been informed. You look great.”

Arwen smiled and hugged him tight. “We simply must talk. Sit next to me?”
Legolas nodded, hoping it didn’t place him next to Elrond. He relaxed when he found out he was wedged between Elladan and Arwen. Aragorn pouted when he realised he wasn’t sitting next to his dear friend eveneven suggested Elrond and Legolas changed places. Elrond shook his head and wisely ignored it.

He saw the worried glances Galadriel and Celeborn kept throwing into Legolas’ direction but couldn’t phantom why. Suddenly Elladan’s eyes started twinkling and Elrond’s narrowed. Now what was his son up too?

A servant carefully walked in and coughed. “Forgive me the intrusion, my lord, but we’ve found this in the garden and we don’t know who it belongs to.” He held up the burgundy robe. Elladan smirked and winked at his brother. They noticed Legolas getting uncomfortable.

Elrond rose and grabbed the cloak, glaring at Elladan. “I ask you one simple thing and you don’t even do that yourselves. You and Elrohir take the credits for this well succeeded feast when in reality you had nothing to do with the organisation.” His eyes spat fire and the twins wisely held their tongues. They knew it wasn’t the smartest move to argue now. “You shall go the other hall and clean up. NOW!” They jumped up and threw an apologetic glance around the table.

Elrohir stifled a smirk when Haldir rose. “This is getting interesting.” Celeborn frowned at the words but, following his gaze he nodded.

Haldir approached the head of the table and cleared his throat. “Forgive me, but I clearly recognize this cloak. Glorfindel, do you remember?” Glorfindel nodded and continued eating.
Haldir smirked at Elrond. “It seems to me last night was hardly fair, my lord.”
Elrond’s eyes settled on him and a smile curved his lips. “I never said it was my cloak, Haldir. You assume too much. And do you even for one moment believe I would have given you what you wish?”
Haldir smiled calmly. “I spotted you last night. You wore that cloak and if it isn’t yours, then please inform us all whose cloak it is.”
Elrond took a step closer to him and literally towered above him. “Careful, March Warden, before you find yourself at -my- mercy. I need not inform you whose cloak this is. The knowledge it is not mine should be sufficient. But fret not, I shall give you your wish none the less. I am sure Celeborn will lend me some rope so to tie you to my bed whilst I take my pleasure from you.” His tone was calm, but everyone who knew him recognized the dangerous undercurrent, warning all to stay out.

Arwen felt Legolas stiffen next to him and placed her hand over his in a offer of comfort. His eyes briefly settled on her and through the gratitude she could see panic.

Haldir was unaware of Elrond’s dangerous mood and smiled. “Ah, but my lord, that would not be my wish.”
Elrond’s eyes narrowed and his lips curled upwards in a sadistic smile. “No, you only derive pleasure when it is you who does the taking against other people’s wishes. I think it is time you are given a taste of your own medicine, March Warden.” He took a step closer so he could whisper in Haldir’s ear. “Perhaps Boromir should have killed you.”

He turned and reclaimed his seat, declaring Haldir for done. His tone became casual again. “My, this breakfast is exquisite. Give my compliments to the cook.”

Haldir stood glued to the spot and his eyes narrowed. He walked around the table and stopped behind Legolas’ chair. He was unaware of Elrond’s calculating look following him. Haldir knelt and placed a hand on Legolas’ leg. “Been telling lies, little Prince?”
Legolas nearly dropped his cutlery and forced his tone to be cold and even. “I know not what you speak of.” Arwen frowned and exchanged a look with Aragorn who turned on his chair, ready to intervene should Legolas need his aid.
Haldir smiled. “Come on, walk the gardens with me. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other last. And I came here for a purpose.” He moved his hand upwards.

Legolas pushed his hand away and jumped up. “Don’t you ever touch me again, Haldir.”
Haldir smirked. “Come on Legolas. Don’t play all innocent with me. It’s not nice leading people on like that.”
Legolas trembled and Aragorn jumped up to remove the March Warden, but before he could place his hands on him Elrond’s voice rode the air. “ENOUGH! Celeborn, Galadriel, it’s bad enough you two can’t control your people enough for me to enjoy my breakfast, but if my guests are harassed I take double offence.” His eyes spat fire.

Celeborn nodded and smirked. “I’m sorry, Elrond, but Haldir’s got a mind of his own, I fear. You shall ready our departure now, Haldir.”
Haldir stood and bowed. He leaned in to Legolas. “I shall see you before we leave.” He jumped when Elrond’s voice was in his mind. `Come near him and I’ll make good my threat, March Warden.` Haldir turned and he locked eyes with Elrond, who ate calmly. “I think you’ve disturbed breakfast enough.”
Haldir crossed his arms. “I know not what I’ve done wrong. First last night, when the rules clearly stated I won, but all right, I won’t push it. But this is insane.”

His eyes widened when he felt himself falling towards the floor. Turning quickly he stared at Legolas’ enraged face. “Are you calling me a liar?”
Haldir shrugged. “I certainly didn’t take advantage of you as everybody seems to think.”
Legolas trembled in rage and his eyes became liquid fire. He would have launched himself at Haldir but felt a restraining hand on his shoulder. “Haldir, clearly you have other ideas of the concept ‘taking advantage’. But I, like everybody else, would not agree to sleep with someone who is obviously drunk. Now go and do your lord’s bidding before I have you removed.” Elrond’s tone was dangerous and this time Haldir recognized it and quickly left, shaking his head in disbelief.

Elrond guided Legolas back to his chair and whispered in his ear. “He’s not worth your anger, Prince.”
Legolas calmed down and looked at Aragorn in gratitude but the king of Gondor shook his head. He sat down on the chair Elladan had vacated and leaned in and touched Legolas’ hand. “It wasn’t me, Legolas, but adar.”
Legolas’ eyes widened in shock. /He knows. Elladan, Elrohir, you promised./ He stared at his plate throughout breakfast, ashamed to look up and catch Elrond’s look of loathing.

Elrond smiled and let it be for a while. He nodded when Celeborn and Galadriel took their leave. He smiled at Aragorn and Arwen, his eyes telling them to leave as well. Arwen’s eyes settled on Legolas, begging her father to behave. Elrond gave one curt nod.

He rose and claimed the seat Arwen had left. He placed his hand on Legolas’. “The food does not bite, Legolas.” His voice was filled with compassion and Legolas’ head snapped towards him with an alarming rate. The blue orbs were wide in disbelief. Elrond smiled. “Elladan kept his promise. He did not tell me.” He shrugged. “He wrote it down.”
Legolas’ eyes widened and he shook his head. “I should have known.”
Elrond pulled his chair closer and shrugged. “They’ve grown highly skilled at avoiding promises. My own fault for teaching them the value of them, I suppose.”

He smiled at Legolas. “Has your appetite left you?” He grinned when Legolas’ stomach proved him right and pushed the plate towards the Prince. “Eat.”
Legolas sighed and ate, curious about Elrond’s sudden change. /Had he known it was me? He could have removed my mask./

Elrond smiled. “Did you get much sleep? Their habit of talking all night long has kept me up more than I wish to remember.”
Legolas smiled and shook his head. “I slept.” He did not mention the nightmares he’d had, keeping them from their rest.

Elrond smiled and stood when he saw Legolas’ appetite had gone, even though the Prince was still hungry. He extended his hand. “Come, let us take a walk outside. I have not been very hospitable to you.” He smiled as Legolas tried hard to suppress his surprised look, but last night’s activities had left his mark and it shone through. He wisely ignored it for now. “Galadriel and Celeborn leave this day; their yearning for their home always forces them away too soon.”
Legolas nodded. “I’m sure Elladan and Elrohir will be upset. I know they like them.”

Elrond nodded. “You’ve met them there, haven’t you?”
Legolas nodded. “I had no idea who they were and neither did they knew me. Only after we’d become friends did we find out.”
Elrond frowned. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing. You rather wouldn’t be friends with my sons?”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay, I mean yes, I mean…” /Calm down, Legolas, calm down!/ “I enjoy their friendship a lot and am grateful for it, but truth be told I never expected you to accept it.”
Elrond continued his walk. “I see.”

Legolas sighed. /Great! Any good fibres he might have had are now gone. Just great./ “Forgive me my boldness, my lord, but why do you hate us so?”

Elrond closed his eyes and stayed silent. All the accusations the twins had thrown his way ever since they’ve befriended Legolas came back to him. He sensed something brushing his leg and smiled, seeing the burgundy robe he still held. He raised it. “Why did Haldir assume it was mine?”
Legolas shrugged. “He expected it.”
Elrond nodded. “Correct. And yet it is not so.” He sighed and sat down, signalling for Legolas to do the same. “Haldir’s actions were based on that expectation.”

He looked at Legolas and his eyes were warm, shocking Legolas. “My actions towards you and your father were also based on expectations. Lately I found myself wrong. I apologize for my harsh words, Legolas.”
Legolas blinked several times and even pinched himself to see if he was awake. His eyes narrowed but Elrond smiled and stood back up, hissing as he did so. “I have to change my clothes to see my family off. I would ask you a favour, Legolas.”
Legolas inclined his head and Elrond placed his hand on his shoulder. “Could you try and persuade Arwen to have her baby here. I do not have much trust in the human healers.”
Legolas smiled. “I’ll try, though I doubt she’ll take my advice.”
Elrond smiled. “that is all I ask, Legolas.” He turned and walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elladan blew out air and leaned on the broomstick. “Maybe I should have waited before telling adar.”
Elrohir grinned. “Don’t be such an idiot, Adan. I’ll happily sweep the floors for this. Adar actually was kind towards Legolas. Maybe last night cleared some things up between them?”
Elladan shook his head. “I doubt it. He didn’t even know it was Legolas. Why hadn’t he removed his mask and told adar.”
Elrohir sighed. “Perhaps because he was afraid. Adar is not the easiest elf to please. And for some weird reason he resents Legolas. Poor Legolas.”
Elladan nodded. “Indeed. Especially because he’s in love with adar.”
Elrohir gasped and looked at his twin as had he grown a second head. “No, you jest. That was a joke Elladan. A reason to do this.”
Elladan shook his head. “No jest. I’ve never really given it much thought but I do believe he’s been attracted to adar ever since we first brought him here. Do you remember? He was somewhere else the entire time and we had to keep nudging him.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, but he knew adar wouldn’t like him. I too would wish to be somewhere else.”
Elladan grinned. “Aye, that’s what I thought, but remember his eyes. Remember his eyes every time he came here.”

Elrohir’s eyes glazed over in thought and slowly a smile formed on his face. “I think you are right. Remember that one time in ‘Lóriën. We had persuaded adar to come as well and Legolas had been there.” He grinned as he remembered the experience.
Elladan narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “Really Elladan, you must still remember. We had seen him and had decided to surprise him, remember. And when we were nearly there he swayed.”
Elladan nodded. “I think it’s because he’s not really used to the bridges there.”
Elrohir rolled his eyes again and hit his twin over the head. “You’ve got brains. Use them. No, Adan. He swayed because he had just seen adar ride. What would you do when you see the one you admire suddenly within your view when, I might add, you do not expect it?”
Elladan grinned. “I would sway.” He jumped when he heard his name behind him and grinned when the object of their talk walked towards them.

“Elladan, I need to talk to Arwen. Have you any idea where I might find her. They aren’t in their rooms. They haven’t left yet, have they?”
Elrohir smiled and shook his head. “Nay, Eldarion would throw a tantrum even adar wouldn’t be able to surpass. No, they are somewhere in the gardens. How are you?”
Legolas smiled, and gave him a polite answer before leaving.
Elladan closed his eyes. “We have to look after him, bro.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, he’s hiding a lot of pain.”

End chapter 05
TBC