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Princes Three: In the Shadows of Mirkwood	By : nuwing Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 4141 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter 2

Mirkwood 2150 III
Legolas opened his eyes slowly, reluctant to wake from the first deep sleep he had enjoyed in nearly a moon�s time. He and his guards had reached the Halls late the previous night. Exhausted, hungry and dirty, the woodland prince had scarcely greeted his family before being ordered to eat, bathe and sleep by a concerned Thranduil.
Stretching lazily, he sighed, remembering the last time he had slept in a bed. In Imladris. Raising his right arm, Legolas traced the curve of mithril that adorned his forearm, the etched gold and blue insets glowing in the sunlight that filtered into the concealed dwelling. Since leaving the hidden valley, he had rarely removed the cuff, save to bathe, and not always then. �Tis a part of Imladris I can keep with me always� , he mused, fingers idly worrying the thin, flexible metal.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Aye? Who is there?", the prince called, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.
"�Tis Ada, Legolas. Are you waking?", a deep, musical voice answered. "I have breakfast with me."
Padding to the door uncovered, Legolas threw the bolt, then hurried back to the bed. He sat and pulled the sheet to his waist, then called "Come in, h�ren ." As Thranduil entered the room, bearing a tray of fruits and breads, as well as a pot of tea, the prince�s smile widened. "Hannon chen, Ada. There was no need to bring breakfast to my chambers, though. I am quite fit enough for the hall."
The woodland king grinned, his emerald green eyes sparkling. "Nay, Legolas. Allow a father to spoil his son, eh? I am glad to have you home, ionen, and I wish to hear of Imladris. Dress yourself, pen neth, before the tea cools."
Slipping into leggings and a light tunic, Legolas quickly braided his hair into a single golden plait, tying the end off carelessly with a strip of lacing. Turning to find Thranduil regarding him quizzically, the woodland prince arched one golden eyebrow at his father in silent question.
"You look for all of Arda like a golden-haired Peredhel," the king chuckled, gathering his own waist-length golden hair in demonstration. "Eyebrow and all, I might add."
"I beg to differ, Ada,� Legolas retorted, not knowing whether to be amused or dismayed. "The braid is a convenience, and I am wearing the colors of Taur-na-Fuin, am I not? Besides, you arch your eyebrows, too."
"Aye, but not so expressively. 'Tis a talent of Elrond and his whelps," Thranduil said, still smiling. "Come sit down and eat with me, ionen. How did you find Imladris? �Twas your first extended stay there since you were an elfling."
"�Tis a magical place, Ada," Legolas replied, his eyes shining. "Such a lot of waterfalls, and the trees�there are many types which do not grow here, and gardens, and�", with a sigh he ended, "I did not like to leave, much as I missed Taur-na-Fuin."
Looking thoughtfully at the cuff that spiraled around his son�s arm, the king smiled slightly. "Aye, it is a wondrous place, pen neth. And Elrond a gracious host. May I see your new bauble?"
Hesitating only briefly, the prince slipped off the mithril cuff and handed it to his father. Studying the finely engraved oak leaves, and the flawlessly set lapis lazuli, Thranduil nodded appreciatively. Though his own preference was for gold and emeralds, the woodland king could acknowledge artistry, whatever the form.
"�Tis the work of a master, indeed. Quite a gift, ionen," he said, handing the cuff back to Legolas. "I recognize the symbolism, of course. �Tis a blending of the colors of Imladris and the token of Taur-na-Fuin, is it not?"
"It is," the prince answered shortly, busying himself with breakfast. Stopping suddenly, he asked, "Ada, have you spoken with Lord Elrond since our arrival? To let him know we arrived safely?"
"Aye, I reached him for a moment this morning, pen neth. He was most relieved to hear of your safe return, and sent word that you are sorely missed," Thranduil replied, sipping his tea. "Tell me, how were Elladan and Elrohir? What did the three of you get up to, with no yrch to kill?"
"They are well, Ada," Legolas said with a smile. "We will be having a visit from them as soon as may be. I promised to show them around Taur-na-Fuin, as they have shown me Imladris. And we found much to do in the valley."
Looking at Legolas thoughtfully, the king asked no more questions, listening instead to the stories his son chose to tell.
When they had finished eating, and Thranduil prepared to go, Legolas laid a hand on his arm. "Ada, can you teach me to farspeak?", he asked hesitantly. "Is it an art I can learn, or a birth-gift?"
"�Tis an art, ionen, but one that does require some innate talent. I am not so accomplished as Elrond, but I manage, so it is reasonable to assume that you could learn, also, in time." His intense green gaze focused on his son, the king continued gently, "Is there something you would like to tell me, Legolas?"
Drawing a deep breath, the woodland prince shook his head silently. Seeing the conflict in the blue-green eyes, Thranduil tried again. "Is there something you should tell me, ionen?"
"Mayhap," Legolas sighed. "Probably. But let it be for the moment, Ada. Please?"
"Aye, for the moment, pen neth," the king answered, squeezing the prince�s shoulder affectionately. "Your siblings are most anxious to see you. We will await you in the courtyard."

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Descending the curving steps to the courtyard, Legolas looked around the woodland Hall, relieved to be home after the long journey. Contrary to popular rumor, the elves of Thranduil�s realm did not live underground. Their stores were kept in well-lit caves, and they had secure caverns to flee to if need be, but their lives were lived among the trees and plants of the great wood.
Guarded by the gated entrance that dove deep into the earth, as well as the skill of elven bow and knife, the inhabitants of Taur-na-Fuin had built a concealed, yet comfortable refuge in the heart of the forest. Dwellings were to be found at all levels in the woodland settlement, from ground to canopy. The center of the Halls was a large courtyard, open to the sun and dotted with fountains. It was near one of these fountains that Legolas� siblings waited with Thranduil.
As the prince reached the courtyard level, he was nearly knocked over by an exuberant armful of young elleth. "Golas!", she shouted exuberantly, ignoring all efforts to shush her. "You are home!"
Chuckling, Legolas picked up his youngest sibling, twirling her gently. "Aye, Galueth, I am, indeed," he said with a smile, brushing back his sister�s mahogany hair. "And how are you, pen neth? Have you behaved yourself whilst I was away?"
"Aye, Golas, I have. Ada only locked his study door one time," she answered soberly, her sky blue eyes twinkling. Hugging her tightly, Legolas pressed a kiss to the flowing tresses. Galueth was the image of their mother, who had died in an orc attack shortly after birthing her. Left with only one parent, she had been raised- and spoiled, some said- by her doting father and brothers.
"Let him breathe, th�l dithen ," an amused voice teased. Smiling in answer, Legolas lowered the youngling to the ground and caught his younger brother in a fierce hug. "And how fare you, Barangolas?"
Grinning, the copper-haired elf returned his brother�s embrace, emerald eyes twinkling. "I am well, t�ren . And you seem very well indeed, for an ellon just returned from a hard journey. We have missed you." Lowering his voice, he continued, "And I expect to hear all about your trip later." At Legolas� questioning look, he tapped the mithril cuff. "All about it. I feel there is surely a story here."
"Welcome home, t�r dithen ," a voice interrupted, and Legolas turned to clasp his elder brother�s arm in greeting.
"Anteruon," the prince said, laying a hand on the other�s shoulder. "You are looking well."
"I am well," the Crown Prince replied, gripping his brother�s arm in return, his grey-green eyes warm. "Did you find the Peredhil celebration to your liking?"
Sighing, Legolas reminded himself silently that his brother rarely meant to be as arrogant as he sounded. The eldest of Thranduil�s children was much like Oropher, with his dark, almost metallic gold hair, and his often inflammatory manner of speaking.
"Aye, I had quite an enjoyable time, muindor," the second-born prince answered easily, ignoring the faint ring of insult in the tone of �Peredhil�. "How was the celebration here in Taur-na-Fuin?"
"It went very well�", Anteruon began, but his attention was diverted when a chance sunbeam glinted on Legolas� mithril cuff. Lifting his brother�s arm to inspect the piece closely, the Crown Prince raised both eyebrows in teasing interrogation. "�Tis quite a hunk of mithril, Legolas. And just what did you do to earn such a tribute, t�r dithen ? Did you have to bed all the artisans of Imladris, or only her fascinating fea-sharing princes?"
His patience with the eldest prince at a deadly low, Legolas grabbed his brother�s tunic, his blue-green eyes glittering dangerously. "If I thought you understood just how insulting that sounded, muindor, I would kill you," he spat out, his face close to Anteruon�s astonished countenance. "As it is, I will say that your lack of couth has reached new depths. You speak loosely of people and things that are dear to me. Do not make such a mistake again."
"Legolas," Thranduil said quietly, "Release him. Now."
Turning to Anteruon, he frowned. "And one day, ionen, your mouth will be your ruin, if you do not learn to weigh your words. If he were aught but your kinsman, you would likely be maimed now. You owe Legolas an apology."
"I am sorry, muindor," the Crown Prince said stiffly. "I meant no harm."
Looking at his brother soberly, Legolas finally nodded, though his face remained grim. "Aye, I know. That is why you are bearable. Most of the time."

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Barangolas settled into his chair, handing Legolas a glass of deep red Dorwinion wine. Grinning broadly at his elder brother, he said, "So? Tell me all about your trip."
"�Twas a celebration, muindor, just like the one here," the golden-haired prince replied. "I had quite a good time."
Shaking his head in exasperation, the youngest of Mirkwood�s princes retorted, "Very well, I shall be more direct. Tell me about that," he insisted, pointing at Legolas� arm. Holding out his hand, Barangolas waited impatiently while his brother removed the mithril cuff, handing it over with a sigh. "�Tis beautiful, t�ren, " he said appreciatively, running a finger over the smooth inlays.
"Aye, it is, indeed," Legolas agreed proudly, much to his brother�s delight.
"So, where did you get it?", the younger brother asked encouragingly.
"�Twas a gift," the other answered, offering no further information.
Frustrated, Barangolas said, "Even I know that, t�ren , and I was not there! A gift from what elf? For what reason?" When Legolas remained silent, biting his lip in indecision, his brother turned back to the mithril piece. "Hmm, �tis oak leaves on gold, surrounded by lapis lazuli and mithril. Tokens of Taur-na-Fuin surrounded by the colors of Imladris."
Jerking his head up at his brother�s words, so like those Glorfindel had used to describe the cuff, Legolas found himself gazing into an exultant face. "�Tis from one of the Imladrian Princes, is it not? And not a token of friendship, either, I would wager. Talk, Legolas. Which one? How did you choose?"
"Barangolas," Legolas began, unable to tell an outright lie, "Please, t�r dithen , let it be, hmm? I must consider how to tell�"
Suddenly the younger elf broke in, his eyes wide above a rapidly growing grin. "You didn�t choose, did you, t�ren ? �Tis from both of them, is it not? Come, Legolas. You have never been successful at deceiving me. I am right."
Looking intently at his brother, the prince sighed. "Aye, you are right." At the youngest prince�s delighted chortle, Legolas raised a hand. His face stern, he continued, "And if you tell anyone, Barangolas, anyone, �twill be no force on Arda that can save you. Do you understand me, t�r dithen ?"
"Very clearly, indeed." Laying a hand on his brother�s arm, Barangolas said seriously, "It is not just for fun, is it, muindor? �Tis about hearts?"
"Aye, �tis about hearts," Legolas agreed, smiling softly.
"You love them, then?", the youngest prince probed gently.
"Aye, that I do," the golden-haired prince answered, looking his brother full in the eye.
"I am very happy for you, Legolas. You love them both?", Barangolas asked again, a slight smile on his face.
Nodding, Legolas gripped his brother�s arm affectionately. "Aye."
Breaking into a full blown grin, the younger prince said, "Tell me, t�ren, do you love them at the same time, or separately?"
Legolas nearly caught him before he made the door.
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Names:

Galueth - beloved of the gods (Legolas� sister)

Barangolas - "ginger leaf" , as in the red-brown color of ginger (Legolas� younger brother)

Anteruon - gift of Eru (Legolas� elder brother)

Elvish Translations:

Ada, Adar - Dad, Father

h�ren - my lord

Hannon chen - Thank you

pen neth - young one

ionen - my son

Taur-na-Fuin - Mirkwood (wood of nightshade)

yrch - orcs

orch - orc

th�l dithen - little sister

t�ren - my brother

ellon - male elf

t�r dithen - little brother

muindor - brother

t�r einior - elder brother
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Princes Three: In the Shadows of Mirkwood