The Curse
Good for nothing
Chapter 6: Good for nothing
Elrohir watched as his brother paced back and forth like a caged animal, only to shake his head in disapproval, “I don’t understand why you’ve taken it upon yourself to care for this… this…”
Elladan raised a brow at his twin, “This Elf? This prince?”
Elrohir rolled his eyes at his brother, but refrained from continuing the conversation. Elladan insisted on being stubborn on the matter and Elrohir knew more than well that if Elladan had made up his mind about something there was no changing it… but still Elrohir couldn’t comprehend why his brother would invest such time in an Elf who beds whoever comes to him for it and disgraces his lineage by doing so.
He had tried understanding it, believing his twin to have a bit of a crush on the stunning Elf, but Elladan had assured him it was more than that. More?
He shook his head again, “I’m happy ada will be joining us soon, perhaps he’ll be able to talk sense into you”
Elladan remained silent. He didn’t understand why everyone judged Legolas the way they did when clearly there was so much more to the situation at hand than him just being a slut.
It was hard not to care and react whenever someone in his company threw insult at the golden-haired beauty.
It was a strange thing, but Elladan knew he wanted to make more of this. His every thought seemed to stray to the prince. He couldn’t help it.
He had denied it was a crush, but lately he found himself wondering if his twin hadn’t been right. What cause did he have for falling for the Elf that wasn’t based on physical appearance?
Legolas barely spoke at all, never more than answering questions he’d been asked, Elladan couldn’t suggest this great affection he felt was based on Legolas’ great personality.
He was just as shallow as the rest of them, even if he didn’t care to hurt the Prince the way others did.
Lord Celeborn was many things, but he wasn’t cruel and though he had jumped at the opportunity to procure a new slave he would never force it upon one who was unwilling.
He looked at the Elf before him who had fallen into heavy sobbing, “No Elf should have to endure what you have unwillingly. Though I have purchased you ‘tis not my desire to see you fade under my care. From this day forward you shall be your own Elf, I shall expect you to make the most of this new opportunity and not to damage my thrust in believing your story”
Lord Celeborn knew –of course- that Legolas was truthful in his story, if his words did not give it away his appearance sure did. The Elf was withering. Still the Lothlorien Lord would not risk his Grandson falling under this creature’s charm so easily. Victim and royal though he might be, Legolas was beneath royalty now and might never again rise above his embraced position as a slave.
Legolas looked at the Lord briefly, head tilting curiously as he tried to find ‘the catch’, “I… I’ve never… I do not know that I can…”
The Lord raised his hand, “Do not be troubled, Legolas, within the realm of Lothlorien we have many forms of training, I am certain we should be able to find something… First however I shall ask for yourself to be guided to your talan, your home to be used as pleased… within reason of course. You shall find an attire there to suit your needs, it should do you good not to be reminded of the past”
Though not so sure he agreed Legolas stood, inclining his head, “Thank you, my Lord…I shall forever be indebted to you”
Again the Lord silenced him, “It is not I who deserves your gratitude, were it up to me your life might not have been all that different from what it was… It is another who believes in your capabilities that encouraged me to see that, too. Do not be so quick to speak of debts, Legolas, for others might not be as honourable in declining such a thing”
Another nod followed, “I understand, my lord, hannon le”
With that the two moved down the flight of stairs where they were greeted by the twins. Lord Celeborn looked to Elladan, “’Tis as I feared”
A look of sadness came to Elladan’s eyes that puzzled the Mirkwood prince, but he remained silent as Lord Celeborn called upon Rúmil, “Rúmil, show our new resident to his talan, if you will, after… Would you be so kind as to give him a tour of the land and visit some of the training sessions?”
Rúmil bowed his head, “Yes m’lord” before he instructed Legolas to follow him.
Elladan watched all of this with mild annoyance before he looked to his Grandfather, “You are to keep him?”
The Lord of Lothlorien offered a nod, “Ay, I believe it shall do him good to find a new home, shelter. He is a Wood Elf, he shall be at home here in our realm.”
The dark-haired Elf looked positively furious as he looked at his Grandfather, “You knew of my intentions”
Another nod, “I did”
Elladan just didn’t understand, “You mean to stop me from pursuing them?”
Another nod, “I do”
But the Half-Elf wasn’t as easily convinced, “You cannot stop what is meant to be”
Approaching the talan he heard Rúmil’s light chatter, no doubt meant to ease the prince. Perhaps his Grandfather was right. He shouldn’t pursue the golden-haired beauty. He didn’t love, he didn’t feel true emotion, everything he felt was based on the Elf’s appearance… But by the Valar he couldn’t stand the idea of spending life without him now.
A light knock to the door caused Legolas to look up in a hint of fear, but Rúmil shook his head, “We do not condone violence within our borders. You have nothing to fear here.”
There was a pause even as Rúmil moved to the door, “Our people… we have slaves here, too… But, all of them have chosen that path for their own satisfaction and that of others. Nothing can be forced upon them, but they willingly serve. That kept in mind, they shan’t have a need to bother you. Not with the risks. Not unless you encourage or request it.”
Legolas gave a light nod, watching as Elladan entered the talan.
His heart fluttered, but he ignored the sensation even as he heard Elladan tell the Galadhrim to take his leave for he would show Legolas everything he needed to see.
Though Rúmil left it seemed he was hesitant to do so, strangely protective of the Elf it seemed.
Elladan looked at Legolas, now wearing beautiful dark blue leggings and a pale blue tunic that only added to the prince’s allure, “You are beautiful”
A light blush tinged the prince’s cheeks, betraying just how unusual it was for the golden-haired beauty to receive such a compliment, but Legolas surprised him by brushing it off, “Let us go…”
Though Elladan nodded, he wished Legolas would take his compliment to heart.
They walked through the forest until they came to the first training ground. Sword fighting.
Elladan looked at him, “Come, let us try this”
The prince was initially eager, but his excitement soon vanished under mocking words of the other trainees as he could barely hold the sword up.
Elladan hadn’t considered that the Elf would’ve been weaker than others, “Let’s try the knives, my prince”
Though there was a moment hesitation at the title, Legolas nodded, picking up the two knives and following Elladan’s instruction. Softly while they trained he whispered, “I do not think I am cut out for this. My father is right, I am good for nothing”
The Half-Elf frowned at those words, “Do not say that. You are. All of those you see now excelling weren’t born greatly skilled. Everyone has needed training to perfect what skills they have now. Let us see what else we can find, hm?”
The Prince had lost all sense of eagerness in the last hour, tired of being laughed at, tired of failing, but Elladan’s confidence in him was contagious and so they moved to the next area, “These are the short bows… Let’s try these”
It was Haldir who approached the pair, “Are you new to the art of archery?”
Though Legolas hesitated, he gave a nod, “I had a bow in Mirkwood, but ada never let me try it”
The prince listened as the Marchwarden explained the necessary steps, but as he pulled the string taut before letting the arrow fly Legolas failed. Again.
Angry with himself and upset over failing again he dropped the bow.
Elladan raised a brow at the sudden outburst, but Haldir demonstrated a remarkable patience as he looked at the Elf, “You pulled the string too far… With a short bow you lose aim when you do so.”
The Marchwarden moved away, returning with a bow that was far larger, “This is a longbow, it has greater speed, but requires a better aim. You pull this one back as far as you did with the short bow, concentrate on your target and it’ll never fail you. Try it.”
Though skeptic Legolas was eager to try as he followed the instruction given by Haldir, pulling back the string, focusing before letting the arrow fly, hitting the center of his target.
Excited and on impulse he hugged Elladan who cheered him on before they both seemed to realize the implication of their embrace. It was Haldir who saved the moment from awkwardness as he spoke, “Good. Again”
Legolas seemed to hesitate, stunned by Haldir’s method of teaching that wasn’t focused on compliments, but rather repetition and so Haldir elaborated, “You hit it once, if you can manage it twice more at least then you may call yourself skilled, talented”
Legolas nodded, “Hannon le” He once again readied himself to release the arrow, watching when he did with a light anticipation as the new arrow split the old one, burying itself in the center, “Good. Again.”
Another nod, another arrow, another perfect hit.
By then more Elves had gathered around the prince, “Once more.” Legolas offered a nod, making another perfect hit before Haldir bowed his head to the prince, “It seems you have a great talent for Archery, prince of Mirkwood”
Another light blush even as a round of cheers resounded around him, “Hannon le, Haldir o Lorien… I could not have managed without your instruction”
The Marchwarden seemed to offer the hint of a smile, “You honour me, prince of Mirkwood. I shall suggest to Lord Celeborn that your main training shall be here. We could always use archers, especially ones with a perfect aim you possess.”
Legolas bowed his head, “Hannon le, I would be most honoured to train under your guidance”
Elladan couldn’t help it, that hint of jealousy that grew as he watched the exchange between the two Elves. It was selfish and entirely wrong for he had no claim on the prince, but he couldn’t help it, “Haldir, we must be moving on, there’s still a lot to see”
Though the Marchwarden nodded there seemed to be a hint of amusement in his eyes before he looked to the prince, “I shall look forward to seeing you here”
Legolas inclined his head, bowing in a show of respect, before following after Elladan, “To think I would’ve given up if it hadn’t been for his guidance”
Elladan looked at him then, “Your talent rivals his own, perhaps surpasses it even. You would’ve discovered it on your own, too.”
The prince offered a nod, but then he used the moment to speak of things he hadn’t dared mention before, “Lord Celeborn says I owe you my thank you, for his purchase of me and the life it offers me now. I shan’t forget it…. But I have to ask… Why?”
Because as it was, Legolas just didn’t understand it.
TBC…