The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 87

Legolas had hardly been able to sleep all night for the excitement in his body. Unbeknownst to Glorfindel Legolas had spent most of the night sitting on the balcony of the room staring at the stars and dreaming of the adventures he was going to have at the borders. As an elfling he had listened to the wonderful things his friends had seen at the borders during their duty. He had longed to see sunrises of far away lands, and the ocean he had craved the beautiful sight of the water his ancestors had travelleon son so long ago. Some spoke of other races, little people who lived in round little holes in the hills, Hobbits in the commongue.gue. Now he had the chance to explore and while he knew also of the horrors that sometimes befell those at the borders he did not dwell on them.

Morning had come all too quickly along with the routine, which came with the rising of the sun. Like always Legolas had dressed himself in the bathroom before Glorfindel had even awoken, having spent half an hour fighting the nausea and the headaches, which came with it. Dressed in his new travelling garb, his hair braided as war warriors did in Mirkwood Legolas had received the breakfast tray from the maids and proceeded to lay the small table near the window that he and Glorfindel always ate at in the morning.

Glorfindel had risen with the smell of food and after spending a few moments embracing his lover had then sat down to eat the last decent meal they would consume for a good two months. In silence they had eaten neither one speaking of the coming departure. Glorfindel had commented on Legolas’ braids but had merely smiled in approval after Legolas had told them what they were. Glorfindel’s mood from yesterday had seemed to disappear much to Legolas’ relief. The seneschal before him was now a proud lover again. Legolas had spent much of yesterday following Glorfindel around Imladris helping prepare for their departure. While they had spent most of the day in silence when they had retired to their room after dinner Glorfindel had apologised for his behaviourhoughough did not offer explanation for it. Not wanting to anger his lover again Legolas had kept wisely silent. They had made love also and Legolas had found Glorfindel extremely needy for some reason. The seneschal had been desperate for contact and Legolas could do little to refuse the stely ely desperate reflection in Glorfindel’s emerald eyes. Not unlike other nights Glorfindel had ridden him hard several times before collapsing completely sated into a fitful sleep. Something was bothering Glorfindel, Legolas was sure but he did not know what and was reluctant sk. sk. Still he had put the night aside for thoughts focused on the next day.

After dinner Legolas had helped Glorfindel dress in his own travelling garb before together they donned their respective weapons and headed downstairs.

The house was, as usual in utter chaos. Most of the patrol were already mounted on their steeds in the courtyard when Legolas and Glorfindel appeared. Elladan bar barking out orders in frenzied preparation while stable hands and servants scurried back and forth from the house insuring the full readiness of all those leaving for the border. Elrond and Erestor were also in conversation with the centurions and councillors on the steps to the house, giving last minute instructions to all those leaving. Legolas couldn’t help get get caught up in the moment and shyly grabbed for Glorfindel’s hand as his elder lover lead him down into the mayhem of the courtyard towards where Filgree and Elrohir were strapping their remaining things to the horses.

“Lord Glorfindel I hope you slept well.” Filgree bowed respectfully to Glorfindel and Legolas watched cautiously as Glorfindel nodded and smiled at the tutor and Elrohir. Legolas knew that Glorfindel had sle slept very well at all, the elder having tossed and turned all night in restless slumber, still Legolas merely nodded in agreement when the question was asked of himself.

“Well father says it will stay fine at least till the end of the week but a rain storm follows hard on the heels of the group of men heading towards us. Elladan already plans to be well camped down before then.” Legolas reluctantly let go of Glorfindel’s hand as Filgree held the reigns of Glorfindel’s horse while the seneschal easily stepped up onto the dark stallion’s back.

“Aye I heard that also Elrohir but it may be good grace that the rising water down the river will deter the men from crossing it.” The group nodded understandingly as Glorfindel gestured for Legolas to mount ‘Iest’. Far less eloquently than Glorfindel Legolas climbed up onto his faithful mare a present from his father so many years ago. Upon his horse and comfortable Legolas felt suddenly powerful and proud of himself as he surveyed all those around him, dressed similarly as himself and Glorfindel. “Wait here I must go speak to Elrond.” Glorfindel’s authoritative tone had returned the instant he had mounted his horse and Legolas sighed as he watched Glorfindel move through the group on his horse up to where Elrond was talking with Elladan and Erestor. Filgree and Elrohir remained by the side of Legolas horse.

“You look very well Legolas, your father would be proud.” Legolas smiled down at Filgree who was practically beaming up at him like a new father would to his son. Blushing a little Legolas pushed a stray braid back behind his ear and nodded understandingly down at his old tutor. “Promise me you will stay close to Glorfindel though, and think before you act this is not training anymore.” Legolas rolled his eyes as Filgree pulled him down a little so that he was able to press a soft kiss toolasolas cheek in well wishes.

“Yes I doubt Glorfindel will let me go anywhere without him.” Both Filgree and Elrohir chuckled knowing full well that Glorfindel had indeed set many rules down regarding Legolas trip to the borders.

“Aye that he will Legolas but I will join you in a few days when fathers spies come back with news and maybe then Glorfindel will allow you a little freedom to come scouting with me.” Elrohir beamed excitedly up at the prince who nodded enthusiastically at the scheme. This time it was Filgree who rolled his eyes and groaned before looking sternly between the two younger elves at his side.

“I did not hear that Elrohir and I would appreciate you keeping Legolas out of trouble rather than leading him in to it if you don’t mind.” Elrohir smiled smugly up at Filgree who shook his head in repute before turning back to Legolas with a serious expression on his face. “Do not upset Glorfindel Legolas, he has enough to worry about on this trip without you doing foolish things as well. Remember that this is a privilege and you would do well to act in a mature manner less you never be allowed out again!” Knowing that Filgree spoke the truth and that his privilege even now balanced on a precarious edge Legolas nodded in understanding. Elladan’s call into formation had the flurry of activity come to a stop as the mounted elves drew into their respective positions in the party. Not knowing where his position was in the group Legolas remained where he was and waited for Glorfindel to come to him.

“Be careful Legolas.” From across the courtyard Legolas saw Glorfindel beckon him over to the front of the patrol. With a last smile to the concerned faces of Elrohir and Filgree Legolas tightened his hands on the reigns of his horse and trotted easily over to Glorfindel’s side at he head of the group.

“Stay close to me Legolas and do not get ahead of the scouts.” Glorfindel glanced seriously across at Legolas who nodded in understanding. With an elvish cry Glorfindel set the party in motion Elladan slightly ahead of them while the centurions flanked both Glorfindel and Legolas closely as they began filing out of the courtyard and onto the trail that headed into the forepastpast the waterfall. Turning slightly Legolas glanced back at those in the courtyard and smiled as he watched Elrohir wave to him as he left. When the group in the courtyard were finally out of sight Legolas turned his attention completely to the road ahead. He would prove to them all that he could do this, he would show all those that ever doubted him that he was just as strong as any warrior. He was Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and a warrior not to be messed with……

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