The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 94

Across the table Legolas watched on in disgust as the men ate their food noisily, eating their meal with their hands before proceeding to wipe them on their own clothes as if not to care for their appearance. Like Legolas most of the elves gathered around the banquet table had been thoroughly put off their own meals by the sight of the men and so most sat quietly merely sipping their wine. As usual not much had been said during dinner and although Legolas had been late neither Glorfindel nor Elrond had questioned the prince’s tardiness, which Legolas thought was a miracle. Conversation was short and clipped; interaction between the two races kept to a minimum, the men one-side of the table the elves theer. er. Unlike a dinner spent with friends and allies this dinner was heavily guarded, armed warriors stood waiting at every corner of the room their eyes never leaving the uncaring humans. There was an awkward silence that fell about the room and Legolas felt Glorfindel shift at his side uncomfortable. Legolas had not missed the concealed knives that Glorfindel had taken to wearing beneath his robes at all times. His trust of men was none existent and Legolas had never seen his lover so uptight as he was at present. Comfortingly Legolas reached his hand beneath the table and rested it on his lover’s knee, watching in relief, as Glorfindel seemed to relax a little before returning the gesture out of sight.

There had not been men in Imladris for millennia and none were happy about it now. The entire city was on edge even Lord Elrond’s usually calm and collected resolve was slowly beginning to waver as the men’s extended visit drew on. Legolas finishes ths third glass of wine and watched cautiously over the rim of the empty goblet as Candolin and his father sat back from their clean plates having finally finished their meal. No sooner had Candolin finished his meal and was reclining back in his chair that his gaze automatically lifted to Legolas, the smug evil smirk that the prince hated so much returning to the man’s thin red lips. The smirk was beginning to make Legolas angry and instead of turning away as he would had done instead he leaned forward and stared unashamedly back at the scruffy man. The stare however was broken by the loud belch that reverberated around the dining hall from one of the lower ranking men further down the taas has he too finished his meal. The disgusting display shocked the entire elvan ensemble at the table, Elrond even choking on his wine as he watched in disgust as the men burst out laughing and proceeded thus to congratulate the feral human on his display.

“I must congratulate you on another splendid meal Lord Elrond, we were not aware the elves could ssuchsuch hospitality.” Lord Felinor’s comment was surely meant as a cutting remark to the elvan race but being the gracious host and knowing well his position Lord Elrond merely inclined his head in thanks, while attempting to bring a fake smile upon his face. Legolas sighed heavily as Felinor struck up a conversation with Elrond obviously intent on stringing out the dinner as long as possible. Feeling his stomach grumble Legolas reached for one of the apples in the middle of the table but stopped mid way as he watched Candolin picking up the exact apple he had intended for himself. Legolas glared angrily at the man across the table from him as Candolin tossed the apple to and fro in his hands, teasing Legolas with it as if it were a toy.

“Here Legolas have this one.” Legolas sat back down in his chair slowly as Elrohir reached over to the fruit bowl in front of his father and picked up a similar apple to the one Candolin was now busily munching on, the one Legolas had wanted for himself. Smiling his thanks Legolas accepted the apple from his friend before briefly polishing it on the sleave of his robe before taking an angry bite from it. Again Candolin’s stare never left Legolas the entire time it took for him to devour the apple all the while teasing Legolas with spiteful eyes. The conversation around him seemed to fall silent in his mind as Legolas glared daggers at the man before him, wishing him dead as he remembered all the terrible things men had done to him and his family during his life. Legolas was too lost in his angry gaze at Candolin that he didn’t notice Felinor addressing him, the entire table now silently staring at Legolas who had not heard the Lord’s question.

“Tell me Candolin.” Legolas didn’t even register the entire tables attention as he finally put voice to his annoyance of the human who persisted on staring at him like he was hunting trophy. “Men from Rohan keep the hair of their elvish slaves above their beds it is said. A man such as your self would keep many slaves would you not?” Legolas heard the gasp from the elves sitting around him and did not miss the horrified glances that his friends threw in his direction. Legolas rejoiced in the moment of shock that wiped the smile off Candolin’s face but it was a brief moment and the man soon recovered.

“Yes we have several but I prefer the silken hair of your kind still upon the head of its owner for it makes a much better sight in my eyes.” Legolas could not restrain the snort of disgust that came from between his lips as Candolin merely raised his eyebrows in challenge of him uncaring of the angry looks all the elves were now throwing in his direction.

“You keep elvan slaves my Lord Felinor?” Lord Elrond spoke next and he sounded almost shocked that the men had admitted freely of the acquisitions of their household.

“Aye my lord Elrond. In fact we have recently acquired several of your own wayward people from a travelling band that passed Rohan a few months ago. A fair price we got too, for six pretty warriors such as those that stand behind me.” The instant the words fell from Felinor’s lips all the elves were on their feet calling insults and threats in elvish to the smug men across the table from them. In the raucous most missed the whispered words that passed between Felinor and his son but Legolas did not, being the only elf still seated. It took a while but Elrond finally calmed down the angry crowd persuading most of them to sit back down again, although most had left in disgust, leaving only the main household at the table.

“Do you know how these elves were captured?” Elrond snapped nastily across at the men his patients have long run out with the presumptuous smug men sitting at his table.

“Aye they were taken from their posts after raid on your borders a few months ago. Most are injured in some way but we are nursing them to health, they are no good to us hurt.” As Felinor finished his explanation a single name issued softly from Glorfindel’s lips.

“Echthelion.” The name was hardly above a whisper but the elves all knew the truth as Glorfindel instinctively reached for his chest where not long ago Echthelion sword pierpierced him through. Echthelion had obviously taken the elves from their posts before the main attack, and while they had been feared dead it was obvious the men left from the slaughter had sold their prizes on for money. Legolaifteifted closer to his lover and comfortingly place a hand upon his knee beneath the table.

“Name your price Felinor. What do you want from us to secure their freedom?” Elladan stood hastily from his seat beside Elrond and slammed his fists into the table making the glasses shake and a few bottles fall over. Still comforting Glorfindel Legolas watched intently as Felinor laughed throatily at Elladan, who only seemed to get angrier with the insult.

“Your eldest son is for forthright Lord Elrond. Perhaps his mentors were too light handed in his teachings.” Les sas saw Erestor flinch slightly in his seat beside Elrond as Felinor’s comment was purposely directed at him.

“Nay Lord Felinor my son’s teachings were of a high standard. What you mistake for lack of discipline is rather a strong attachment to his kin and their safety.” Lord Elrond’s calm tone had returned once more to his voice although Legolas could see the elvan lord struggling to maintain it as Felinor merely brushed his comment aside.

“Still what you ask of me elfling is not mine to give. You must ask my son the elves in question were purchased by him.” Legolas was not surprised at hearing Felinor’s declaration and could only sigh heavily as Candolin, smiled smugly at Elladan.

“And what say you Candolin, what price would you have for their freedom.” Elladan asked again this time more irritated having been labelled an elfling in front of the entire ensemble. Legolas felt dread fill him as Candolin looked up to the roof of the hfor for a moment as if thinking about the proposition, however the moment the man’s gaze fell back down to lock onto Legolas, the prince knew what Candolin was going to ask for and it made his stomach churn.

“I will secure their free passage back to Imladris as you ask, Elladan, but my asking price is high.” Candolin’s gaze drifted back to Elladan who was eagerly leaning on the table ready to give whatever the man asked.

“Riches are no matter to us Candolin when our kin suffer the indignantly of being owned like property. Now tell me now what you want in exchange.” Candolin laughed at Elladan’s comment and Legolas shivered from head to toe his hand falling away from Glorfindel’s beneath the table as he felt Candolin’s gaze once again coming to rest on him.

“That is all very well Elladan but it is not riches I want, for I have my own wealth of that kind.” Candolin paused and Legolas lowered his head further to stare fearfully at his half eaten plate of food still on the table in front of him. “In return for their freedom I ask for a single night with Prince Legolas.” There was a horrified gasp that rang throughout the hall at Felinor’s demand but all sound was drowned out when Glorfindel rose from the table swiftly his concealed daggers in his hands as he slammed them into the table both of their barely missing Candolin’s hands.

“How dare you ask for such a thing you animal? If you were less important to these negotiations I would slit your throat and let you suffocate on your own foul blood.” Glorfindel’s voice roared around the room and Legolas physically cringed as Glorfindel protectively placed a hand upon his shoulder after the outburst.

“Glorfindel!” Elrond harshly chastised his seneschal but Legolas could see that he was reluctant to do so. Still standing protectively over Legolas Glorfindel pulled his daggers free of the table and stood up straight again to glare down at Candolin, who looked no less, smug from being on the receiving end of Glorfindel’s temper. “Legolas is already bound to another Candolin and what you ask is impossible to give. You will have to rethink your request.” Elrond was blunt but Candolin merely shook his head in amusement.

“I do not want anything else Elrond. If Legolas is so attached to his mate and there is no room for negotiation then I shall merely keep my slaves and the matter will be forgotten.” Candolin reclined back in his chair a satisfied smirk crossing his face as his gaze lingered lustfully on Legolas. Legolas shivered in abhorrence of the man’s gaze and Glorfindel felt it acutely. There was a stagnant silence around the table but Glorfindel’s voice once again broke sharply through it after a moments thought.

“Filgree, please escort Legolas back to his chambers see that he is comfortable for the night.” Stunned Legolas obediently stood up from the table as his lover calmly addressed Filgree, who was seated a few elves down from them at the table. Instantly Filgree stood and bowed respectfully to Lord Glorfindel who’s cold gaze had not left Candolin the entire time.

“Yes my lord.” With a small gesture of his hand, Filgree bade Legolas to join him at the exit of the hall his face telling Legolas of the worry he had for the situation in the hall. Legolas went to join Filgree but was halted by Glorfindel’s hand on his waist. With a swift movement Legolas found Glorfindel’s lips upon his own passionately claming his mouth in a searing kiss. At first Legolas was very much aware of the audience watching them intently but Glorfindel’s talented tongue soon had him forgetting everyone but his lover as he closed his eyes and he surrendered to the passionate kiss. Finally after a few moments Glorfindel broke away from the kiss and Legolas felt himself panting a little breathlessly after the exertion. Glorfindel hardly ever kissed him with such force and while it was a little uncomfortable with such an audience it had quite aroused Legolas lust.

“Go to your room. Filgree will stay with you tonight.” A feeling of dread swept through Legolas body as Glorfindel whispered softly to him before gently pushing him towards Filgree. From the way Glorfindel was acting it was obvious that something was going to happen and knowing Glorfindel it was something very bad. Reluctantly Legolas looked back at his lover and the household still gathered around the table as he met Filgree at the entrance to the hall. Although Glorfindel smiled at him lovingly Legolas knew it was hiding something and though he wished to stay Filgree was already ushering him quickly out into the corridor and slamming the doors to the hall loudly behind him. The moment the doors were closed behind them Legolas turned to his old tutor.

“Filgree what is going to happen? Why did they all look so dreadfully angry? It is not as if I will accept such a request.” Wary of the fact that they were still too close to the hall Filgree placed a calming hand upon the prince’s shoulder and began to direct them back up the staircase towards where Legolas’ room now lay in Elrond’s wing of the house.

“It is nothing that you should see Legolas.” Legolas frowned unhappily as Filgree lead him easily to the small room Legolas called home while the men were in Imladris. Pushing aside the thick tapestry Filgree led the way inside and promptly dismissed the two maids who were in the middle of preparing Legolas’ bed and stoking the fire for the night. Bowing to their superior the two maids left leaving Legolas and Filgree alone. It was then that Filgree turned back to face Legolas who was still looking gravely concerned for his lover. “Candolin has compromised your honour as a bound elf Legolas and as such Glorfindel being your mate must reclaim it through a direct challenge.” Confused Legolas took the offered seat beside his old tutor on the end of the bed eager to understand what Filgree was explaining. Picking up the silver comb from Legolas’ night stand Filgree began to undo the intricate braids of Legolas’ hair in order to comb it through.

“What does this challenge involve? I have never heard of such a thing before?” Filgree sighed heavily and continued to comb Legolas’ hair as the prince tried desperately to turn back around so he could see his face.

“They will duel Legolas. The first to draw the others blood will win but many believe the loss of the others life is the only form of justice to be won.” Legolas spun around sharply at Filgree’s solemn reply and shook his head in shock.

“This is folly we must stop them.” Legolas rose from the bed determined to go back downstairs and prevent such stupidity but Filgree was quicker and instantly stepped in front of the prince blocking his path.

”No Legolas, you mustn’t interfere or you too will be injured. Glorfindel is strong and wise Candolin is no match for his years of practice. It will all be over in the morning and Glorfindel will be well, trust in him.” Legolas sighed heavily and reluctantly nodded his agreement. Filgree’s rationalizing was the truth. Glorfindel was a far superior warrior to the young man he would fight, and Legolas knew there was no possible way Glorfindel would loose the duel, although he still worried greatly. “Do not fret Legolas, all will be well. Now come along and ready yourself for bed, it has been a long day and tomorrow will be an even longer one.” Sighing heavily Legolas wandered quietly around to the far side of the bed, as Filgree went about finishing what the maids had not. Too distracted about his worried thoughts for Glorfindel Legolas had completely forgotten about his bump and was just about to pull his robe ohis his head when he remembered. Filgree was standing near the washbasin and was holding his sleeping robe while watching him undress. It had been such a natural thing to undress in front of his tutor as Legolas had done it for most of his life but now with his secret there was no possible way he could allow Filgree to find out.

“Turn around.” Unsure of how to ask for privacy Legolas said the one thing that came to mind and although he meant for it to be a polite request it came out kind of harsh. The look of shock on Filgree’s face was hardly concealed and for a moment the tutor merely stared at him unmoving. “Please will you turn around? I do not wish you to watch me undress.” Trying again Legolas tried to sound less demanding and pompous but failed miserably. However this time Filgree goe mee message and Legolas watched in sad reflection as Filgree bowed to him in apology and turned sharply away from him. Never in his life had Legolas enforced his authority over Filgree, and while he had attempted it in Lorien the day he had come of age he had still regretted it fiercely every time he remembered the event. Now was no exception and the prince felt infinitely empty inside for making Filgree feel inferior to him. Still there was no helping the situation and so with a sigh Legolas began to undress quickly. Once naked Legolas hastily pulled a thin nightshirt over himself before climbing hastily into bed and pulling one of the fluffy pillows down into his lap so that the bump would be hidden from view. “Now you may turn back.” At Legolas words Filgree turned slowly back around to stare at the prince now cuddled nervously up in bed.

“Will you require anything else from me before I leave my lord?” Legolas sighed sadly as Filgree addressed him with the formality he usually on used when they were in company. Legolas hated what he had done and it was obvious that Filgree was hurting inside.

“No thankyou but will you tell Glorfindel I wish to see him in the morning after breakfast.” Filgree nodded and bowed in understanding before turning to head for the entrance again. Feeling suddenly guilty Legolas called to his tutor halting his exit from the room. “Filgree.” The dark haired tutor turned slowly back to his once young charge his eyebrow raised in question. “I am sorry. I am fee feel uncomfortable with people watching me now, what with Candolin and the others.” Legolas knew what he said was only partly the truth but it was at least a small effort to undo the damage he had just caused with his hasty demand.

“There is no need to apologise my lord. You are no longer an elfling and sometimes I forget my place. It will not happen again.” Sadly Legolas watched Filgree bow again before he disappeared from view. Outside in the hallway Legolas could here Filgree meet Lindar and thought for a moment that he’d heard Glorfindel’s name mentioned but the conversation was soon gone as the pair of elves moved away from Legolas’ chamber, leaving the prince staring silently at the canopy above his bed in silence. It was only in the dead of night that sleep finally claimed Legolas into it’s comforting arms.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.