Friendly Wagers

Chapter Five
Merry and Pippin strolled down the corridors, smiling cordially at those who nodded to them or addressed them by name. As they went, they peeked into open doors as they could, on a mission to find the kitchen. Gandalf had wandered off with Gimli following Legolas’ explanation of the sudden festival, with little more to the hobbits than a warning for them to keep out of trouble. The mushroom hunt hadn’t gone as expected, more precisely, it had never begun. This meant that their stomachs were in full control of the navigation of their furry little feet. Turning a corner, they could make out the slender, yet broader than most figure of an elf admiring a tapestry that spanned the height of the wall, and much of the length.

“Hey, Pip – isn’t that the fellow we met in the golden woods? The one who led us to Galadriel?”
Pippin squinted. “Merry! I think you’re right! Now, what was his name again…” Pippin rubbed his chin in thought, while Merry scratched his head. “Wait! I’ve got it!” Pippin hurried down the hall as the figure began to turn and head the way he had come. “Daro! Mr. Haldir!” Pippin raced up, and skidded to a stop. He was quite pleased at himself that he had remembered that bit of elvish from his first visit to Lothlorien. “Hello, Mr. Haldir! Good to see you again! I had heard you’d had a nasty time of things at Helm’s Deep, but it’s great to see you well!”

Merry had joined him at this point, and was nodding emphatically to the elf, then furrowed his brow when he noticed the elf had not said a word back, nor changed his expression. “Is something the matter, Mr. Haldir?”

“Forgive me,” began the march warden, “but I do not speak Westron.” Turning on heel to head back the way he’d come, Haldir made his way out of the hall and around the corner fast as he could. The last thing he wanted to be doing was talking to hobbits – especially since he didn’t well remember which two these were. It was difficult to keep track of everyone you met these days, as well as those you’d met a thousand years past. He knew they were in the fellowship, but which ones, he could not say. All hobbits tended to look alike to him.

“Didja hear that, Merry. He doesn’t speak Westron. What a shame.” Pippin shrugged, then looked around. “So, which way should we look for the kitchen now?”

Merry didn’t answer Pippin. He was already walking, though the kitchen was no longer his destination. “Come on, Pip. He does so know Westron – probably one of the few elves who speaks it fluently, too.”

Pippin blinked, confused. “But, he just said he doesn’t know Westron.”

“And how did he say it?” Prompted Merry, continuing down the hall.

“Very…casually?” guessed Pippin.

Merry stopped, sighed, and walked back toward Pippin. “He said it in Westron.” Merry threw an arm around Pippin’s shoulders and began to escort him down the hall. “Now, all I can think of is that he’s up to something, and he’s just looking for ways to keep from having to tell anyone what he’s up to.”

“Oh…right, right. That makes sense, Merry.” Pippin nodded. “Let’s follow him, then – but only until we find the kitchen…”


---


“Invitations?”

“I will have them all sent upon the fastest horses in Gondor come the morning. They s arr arrive the furthest destinations by the week’s end.”

“Food?”

“I left your lists in the care of the kitchen staff. No doubt they will be able to handle the needed tasks.”

“Entertainment?”

“With Gandalf here, that can safely be left in his care.”

“Wine?”

“Gimli assured me that-“

“Gimli?!” spat out Arwen. “You’re letting a dwarf in charge of the alcohol? Oh, no. No, no, no.” she uredured to herself, shaking her head as she settled it on folded arms upon the table. “Next you shall tell me you allowed my father to decide upon the décor.” Elessar bit his lip as his wife raised her head to look up at him, turning his eyes up to study the ceiling. “Oh, Elbereth, no…” Arwen’s head sunk back down.

Elessar pushed back his chair and came around behind Arwen, placing his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them soothingly. “He did a fine job of Rivendell, my lady.” Reasoned Elessar.

“That wasn’t him!” she sobbed into her arms, “That was mother!”

Elessar winced. “Well, how was I to know? I’d assumed he’d done something with the place during the last few millennia.”

“Glrfnl.”

“Beg your pardon?” Elessar stooped a bit to better hear, continuing to knead Arwen’s shoulders.

“Glorfindel. He’s changed things a bit, but father never did much to the original design.” Arwen raised her head finally, leaning back into Elessar’s ministrations. “I remember hearing my father say something not long after mother had gone to the West about a yellow kitchen with violet curtains and blue rugs. And I remember Glorfindel threaten to tour Elrond around Mandos if ever such a thing occurred in Rivendell. Hence, Glorfindel has handled all aspects of décor in the Last Homely House since my mother’s departure.”

“Ah.” Elessar let his hands drop to his side. “Then perhaps it is good that Legolas is assisting him with the task.”

Arwen groaned again. “Wonderful. Between them, everything will be green, and nothing will match!” She sighed, slumping against the chair. The door to their private dining chambers was knocked upon, giving Elessar reprieve as he walked to the door to answer it.

Legolas was on the other side, frowning, with arms crossed. “Why is it that I am being punished by having to deal with my father being invited, yet Lord Elrond hides here safely from his in-laws?”

Elessar practically shoved Legolas out of the way so that the door could be shut behind him, then, resisting the urge to pull him into one of the empty rooms down the hall, merely pointed to one and followed as Legolas marched himself to it.

“Arwen can not know that Celeborn and Galadriel have not been invited!” hissed Elessar once the room was secured. “I thought we had discussed as much earlier.”

“That we had,” replied Legolas, “But ‘twas before finding a horse and rider bound for Mirk- Greenwood,” he corrected himself, “that I decided I didn’t much care.”

“Legolas, please, I do not think your father will come.” Insisted Elessar. “He is quite elusive, more so even than most elves of Lothlorien.”

“And yet much enamored with the lives of men, and will indeed come, if I know him as I know I do.” Legolas pouted silently for a bit, then suggested, “If you are in the mind to invite him, the least you could have done was asked him to bring some of that brew from Lake Town with him.”

Grinning, Elessar chuckled. “And it is said elves can not be bribed.”

“It is said elves cot bot be bribed easily.” Legolas corrected, holding out a scroll to Elessar. “I hope you don’t mind, I rewrote the invitation to him for you, but you shall have to sign and seal it.”


---


Haldir’s plan had been to familiarize himself with the lay of the castle before too many guests had arrived. It had seemed that he was among the first to arrive, but while down a particularly long hallway, he found that hobbits, two at least, had been invited to this celebration as well.

At first, he aimed to ignore them, suspecting they would pass by and he would resume his tour. Once they spoke, he realized he was supposed to know these hobbits – these were two of the fellowship that had passed through the golden woods. But these hobbits all seemed fairly similar to him, and he doubted he could have remembered any of the names, regardless. Frogo? Merriagrin? Hobbits had such odd names, and silly ones at that, he doubted he was getting close at all. The problem was he hadn’t paid attention at all to the halflings, except for the fact one of them was dense enough to be plodding around Arda with the one ring on a chain around his neck.

Casting the thoughts about hobbits aside, Haldir found a room with a half-open door and the glow of a fireplace seeping through the crack. He chose to enter, and shut the door behind him carefully. It wouldn’t take long for the hobbits to determine he did indeed speak Westron, though he would easily pass it off as a joke, just as soon as he found out their names and enough about them to be able to seem as if he remembered them.

[“From whom does the bold captain of Lorien hide from in the late afternoon hours?”] questioned Elrond from a comfortable leather chair. It was the library that Haldir had hidden, and the other current occupant was amused by this unexpected visitor, yet did not show it upon his face. [“Come, find yourself a book and join me at the fire.”] He advised, not expecting an answer to his question.

Haldir slowly moved from the closed door to the shelves of books lining the walls. The center of the room was filled with cozy chairs and small ornate tables perfect for holding a few books and a cup of tea. The fireplace was situated at the center of the back wall, emanating just enough light for those of unelfly origins to distinguish the objects and tomes in the room. No light came in through the windows, for they were all covered with heavy dark curtains. Haldir browsed the collection absently, letting his fingers run over the bound volumes that lined the walls. Behind him, Elrond cleared his throat.

[“If you like, I can suggest a title if there is a subject you are interested in.”] offered the Lord of Imladris. [ “Most of the books here are my collection – I did not think it would be wise to take them all with me to the West when I leave. They will be of better use here.”]

[“Do you plan to leave soon?”] asked Haldir, glancing over his shoulder at the half-elf.

Elrond nodded slowly. [“The time of the elves is at an end. Those of us left delay our final journey, but know it is soon to come. Do you not plan to leave with the Lady Galadriel?”]

[“Nay, though I have not said, she knows I will not follow her to Valinor, but will continue to stay in Lorien until the time that the sea does call to my heart.”]

Raising a brow, Elrond questioned further. [“And your brothers?”]

Haldir bit down firmly upon his bottom lip, plucking a book from the row he was looking upon. [“They must take into consideration the welfare of their families. Though I would be pleased to have them here with me on Arda, I will not stand in the path they choose.”]

[“If I may make an observation?”] Haldir nodded before Elrond continued. [“I think I shall see the three brothers Lorien walk upon the shores of Valinor one day arm in arm.”] Haldir’s mouth turned up in a tight smile, and Elrond rzed zed the discussion was making the young elf homesick. Deciding to change the conversation, he motioned to the nearest seat – a couch covered with a downy throw and laden with soft pillows. [“Which book have you chosen?”]

[“I do not know – there was no title, only the picture of a tree. Which is likely why I was so drawn to it.”] Haldir sat upon the couch, thecidecided instead to lounge, for did not the Lord Elrond have his feet upon a stool, and, he now noted, completely bare, too. He would not be faulted for relaxing. Opening the small volume, he frowned. “It is in Quenya.” He said, closing the book, but Elrond reached forward and pulled it from him.

[“You do not know Quenya?”] Elrond’s tone was even, where Haldir expected the question to be condescending.

[“I can speak it, though I have difficulty in reading it.”] Admitted the march warden.

[“Then I shall read it for you, if the story is of interest, and if you are of mind to listen to an old man orate.”] Elrond turned to the title page and smiled. [“Ah, it is a collection of Noldorian poems. If I do recall, there are a few in this book by Glorfindel, and at least one by the Lady Galadriel herself, though it would have been penned under her previous name. Do you wish for me to recite them?”]

[“I would not ask to burden you such.”] Halassuassured him. [“I can easily find another tale to read.”]

Elrond nimbly turned the page. [ “It is no burden to me, my friend, for some might say I enjoy hearing myself speak. It is only those who listen upon which it may be an annoyance.”] The Lord began to read from the pages, and Haldir listened with great interest to the flowing words. Hardly any time seemed to have passed as Haldir watched Elrond close the book. [“There is a second volume – perhaps tomorrow, you might take a turn at reading, even if you must make pause through passages. It will help improve your skills.”]

[“I would enjoy that, Lord Elrond.”] Agreed Haldir. [“At this same time?”]

[“And at this same place.”] Elrond stood, placing the book back in it’s spot on the shelf. [“I believe that supper is ready, or nearly so. Shall we make our way to the hall?”] Elrond felt a slight bit of guilt, knowing that Legolas and Gimli were likely at dinner, ready to pounce upon the unsuspecting elf – or, have someone else pounce, rather – in an attempt to settle what likely was a silly bet. The concept was silly, so whatever they were wagering was likely just as silly, Elrond had concluded. Thus, Haldir’s answer caused him some relief.

[“Nay, I find I am not hungry at this time, for my appetite has been quelled with new knowledge instead. Perhaps I shall stay here a while, if you would be so kind as to send my apologies to Elessar and Arwen, but it is they who should be faulted for having such a spectacular library.”]

Elrond nodded, admiring the fact that the guardian always seemed able to place blame upon others for his transgressions in a most eloquent manner. [“I shall deliver your message to them and see you again tomorrow in the afternoon. Good evening, Haldir.”]

[“Good evening to you, Lord Elrond."]


---


Orophin made his way carefully down the rope and gently set his foot upon the ground. He flexed up os tos toes a bit, testing the ankle. It was still healing, but he could manage to walk by himself without much discomfort. Rumil was already helping their replacements to dismount and carry fresh supplies to the guard talans.

[“Where is my horse?”] Orophin asked in a puzzled voice as he surveyed the party. Rumil’s mount was nuzzling about the ground in search of fresh clover, while the other horse looked around a bit nervously as his former rider headed up the rope to the flet.

[“Your horse did not see fit to partake on this small journey.”] Laughed his replacement, a guard named Solunim. [“She did not come when called, and once we were packed to go, galloped merrily through the city with muddied hooves. Although this steed is young and yet untamed, he proved more domesticated than your fiery mare.”]

Orophin sighed and patted the horse in a gesture to show he meant no harm. [“If he can but return me to Caras Galadon in one piece, I shall be satisfied.”]

[“You could ride my horse.”] Offered Rumil, loading a few items of theirs into the saddlebags of his own mount.

[“Nay, I shall be fine.”] Orophin gingerly mounted, mindful of his ankle, then waited for Rumil before whispering soothingly to this new horse in an attempt to get him to return home. Toungoung horse took an uncertain step forward, and two back. Orophin blinked, then turned to Rumil. [“A little help here.”]

Rumil edged his horse up to Orophin’s, a bent down, coaxing the horse forward. As one leg was shakily lifted and set, Rumil continued his murmurs of encouragement until he’s managed the animal into a comfortable trot.

[“Perhaps you missed your calling, dear brother.”] Orophin mused as they made their way through the woods. [“Perhaps you should have studied with Elrond and become an animist.”]

Rumil shook his head. [“I would have been lonesome, without my siblings to tease and taunt me so.”]

[“Nay, Haldir was a thorn in both our sides. Though a plnt tnt thorn at that,”] Orophin decided, [“for between the two of us, things would have been most boring, and I perish the thought of being eldest and having to have taught all of the ways of the world to you, for I tend to believe I would have forgotten something of importance.”]

[“Aye, but you would not have instructed with such severity.”] Rumil assured him.

The pair continued to their destination for some time before Rumil gave a great sigh. [“Oh, Orophin, I am unsure of telling you this, but I do so miss having that thorn in my side.”]

[“I would not say miss, but, aye, it does not go unnoticed. Pray, what do you think our brother is up to at the moment?”] Orophin asked.

[“Likely scouring the castle for an unsuspecting young lad to share his bed with him this eve.”] Ruglanglanced at the older elf. [“And your thoughts on his doings?”]

Orophin grinned. [“If I know my brother, and I know him well, he has done his searching and is enjoying the company of a lovely elven maiden. I would most certainly place a wager on that.”]

Rumil cocked his head for a moment, in thought. [“Shall we then?”]

[“Hmm? Place a wager?”] Orophin nodded. [“A friendly wager, of course. But, what shall it be?”]

[“I could tame your horse for you.”] Rumil offered. [“Though, I am well aware that you have been having great success thus far, I would be able to speed up the process.”]

Orophin narrowed his eyes slightly. [“She has been tamed, she has been with me many seasons.”]

[“Forgive me, brother. Then I congratulate you on your skills as a horseman, for not even I have found a way to train a mount to run and hide from me when called.”]

Again, they rode in silence, until Orophin answered, [“If you have guessed right about our brother, then I shall finally seek the time to carve for you one of those arrow chests you have always longed for me to build you.”]

Rumil smirked. [ “Then I shall find a suitable log for you when we reach home so that you may start your work.”]