Title & Chapter Number: Wish Upon The Stars (Part 2 of the 'Pilgrim' story arc) 9/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: The Woodland Chronicles
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Middle-earth and all its inhabitants are Tolkien's, not mine. I don't mean to steal them; I'm just borrowing them for my enjoyment.
Warnings: Lots of character development, not much sex. Sap and angst. Twincest
Betas: Jilly. Still the best.
Cast: Haldir, Legolas, Rúmil, Orophin, Celeborn, Galadriel, the entire Lothlórien bunch. Elladan/Thranduil/Elrohir are the only ones getting it on for now, though. There might be new pairings as the story develops.
Timeline: Third Age, approx. 440 years prior to the Fellowship.
Spoilers: Nope.
Summary: Legolas arrives in Lórien to begin his training as a warrior under Haldir's supervision. In the process, he discovers things about himself he'd never dreamed of. Haldir, in the meantime, finds that even one immortal is never too old to learn.
Notes: 1: The official LotR-timeline in Appendix B tells us that about 2570, T.A., "Dragons reappear in the far North and begin to afflict the Dwarves." So in 2582, the year in which the events described in this chapter take place, this is still fairly recent.
2: Dorwinion was indeed an existing region in Middle-earth, located at the Western side of the Sea of Rhûn, bordering Rhovanion in the South-West. It boasted some of the best wines in Middle-earth. The region was famous because of this, and Dorwinion vintage, as is seen in this chapter, ensured a good and pleasant party; especially for Elves, who don't need much help anyway to have a blast!
3: The Autumn Song I wrote myself. I tried to find an existing poem to fit my needs, but I couldn't find a suitable one; so I figured, I had to write it myself. However, I was slightly inspired by John Keats's autumn poem, it's one of his best-known ("Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness..."). Oh, and the fourteenth verse of the song is definitely a reference to the famous Aesop fable.
4: Haldir's ability to play the transverse flute is unrecorded in Tolkien's work. The Professor did, however, mention the Elves' talent for music, and when I had to think of an instrument for my favorite Galadhrim, my muse insisted it had to be a transverse flute. Don't know why, but when my muse speaks, I listen. When she says "Jump," I say, "How high?" *g* Hence, my choice for this beautiful instrument. Whether it could have existed in Middle-earth, I care not.
5: Some names and their meaning, for the interested: Rimsilith (silvery lake), Rusceleg (swift fox), Gwilbrin (butterfly), Ercirion (lone sailor), Dúlinn (nightingale), Ôlnathron (dreamweaver), Ruigaul (hunting wolf), Celairmir (brilliant jewel), Tinuril (shiny little star).
Chapter 9 - Music, Maestro!
Lórien
The whole month of August, Thranduil stayed in Lórien. In addition to leasure time spent with Legolas, Haldir, and his old friend Anyriand, he also consulted with Celeborn and Galadriel and their Council on political issues; the growing of darkness and evil in the surrounding lands, and the necessary courses of action. These weren't happy meetings.
The end of August was drawing near. An assembly of Elves was seated around an oval-shaped table, the Lord and Lady side by side on high-backed chairs. Thranduil sat at Celeborn's right hand. The other Elves were mostly Lórien politicians, the members of the Council. All had proven their dedication to the Golden Wood and its people over the years, and were held in high esteem because of that. Anyriand was one of them, beautiful in his ivory-silver robes. But he, like the others, was wearing a slight frown on his brow.
At the other end of the table, opposite Celeborn and Galadriel, sat four Elves, clad in less formal clothing; no robes, but tunics and plain leggings. They were the captains of the main patrols; Haldir was one of them.
"... And there was another incident two months ago." Celeborn was the one speaking. "Rimsilith, weren't you the one leading the East Patrol at that time?"
The Elf sitting on Haldir's left nodded and started recounting what he and his warriors had found during one of their hikes along the eastern border, two months earlier. The night watch had sensed that there was a restlessness in the forest; birds flying up from the branches, disturbed, calling to each other as they circled above the tree tops. A scouting produced nothing; morning's light showed trampled grass, broken twigs and prints of uncaring feet leading eastward, where they were last seen in the mud of the river bank.
"They are scouting," Rimsilith said with grave certainty. "They are mapping our whereabouts, studying our customs, but they avoid confrontation with us."
The other captains nodded. They had drawn the same conclusion.
"A similar thing is happening in Mirkwood," Thranduil said. "The enemy used to stay far away from our settlement, but their increasing numbers make them bolder. There have been no physical encounters with our patrols yet, but it seems like only a matter of time before that happens."
"This does not bode well," Celeborn said. "We knew that the Mountains have been a dangerous passage for many years, but now Orcs are drawn eastward from their mountain caves; more every year. Is it coincidence, or a dark scheme of some sort?"
"In both cases, caution is required," Galadriel said. "We must keep a watchful eye; not only to the East, as we always have done, but just as much to the other wind's directions these days. I beg that our northern kindred in Mirkwood is alert as well, Thranduil."
"Have no fear, my Lady," Thranduil said grimly. "We are, alas, not unfamiliar with threats surrounding us. They change with the wind. Word has it of late that the beat of dragon wings can again be heard in the North."
"I have heard that, as well!" said Rusceleg, one of the Council members. "Is it true, Lord Thranduil? Are there dragons nesting again in the mountains of the North?"
"Whether it is true or mere spinster's talk, I know not," Thranduil said. "We have no better informants than the Men of Esgaroth. They live in fear of the dragons, and fear is a furtile ground for rumor to grow in. But Dwarves often pass through Esgaroth, and if they spread word of the dragons' reappearance, then it must be true. They inhabit the mountains that dragons prefer as their home."
The assembly nodded pensively. Elves and Dwarves avoided the sight of each other whenever possible, but the bearded mountain-dwellers were no people to willingly cause such uproar just for the fun of it. Especially when it meant so much anguish for the people of Esgaroth, with whom the Dwarves had rather stable trade connections.
"But dragons are not our first concern," Thranduil said. "We have more pressing matters to deal with."
They spoke for at least another two hours, deliberating and discussing, until at length, Galadriel rose gracefully and addressed the assembly.
"Long have we sat here," she said, "and I insist that we speak no more of this tonight. Words alone do not drive the darkness from this Earth, nor do swords and spears and arrows suffice. The Moon is high and our city lies in peace at the moment. Let us end this gathering for now and go out to find our loved ones. Let merriment soothe the concerns in our hearts tonight, enjoy some light-heartedness and peace after this meeting. As long as hope lives within us, we will stand strong; and as long as we stand united together, in arms but also in song and dance, darkness will not so easily conquer light."
The assembly received this counsel with nods of agreement, and all rose from their seats, relieved to put the matter to rest for the moment. Thranduil and Anyriand, after bidding the Lord and Lady goodnight, left the talan together; Haldir followed close behind with the three other captains.
"I think we should take the Lady's words to heart," Anyriand said as they descended. "This meeting has put me in a grave mood and I long for something of a more light-hearted nature. Some hours spent in good company, with meaningless pleasantries and a glass of good wine, will be very welcome."
"I fall in with that," Thranduil said, his voice uncharacteristically tired. "No more talk of war, tactics and strategies this night. So what do you propose, mellon?"
"I propose a gathering in my talan," Anyriand replied. "I happen to have a good supply of wine, which my generous cousin has brought for me from a voyage to Dorwinion, some weeks ago. I think we can make good use of it tonight."
"Bless your cousin," Thranduil said gratefully. "Dorwinion! The most famous of wine regions in Middle-earth, and with good reason. A good plan, Anyriand; you have my vote."
Anyriand turned to the warriors behind them. "You are invited, as well," he said. "Two will not make a very lively gathering, and if I recall correctly, you do have some skill in song and music, which will be very welcome. Feel free to bring others with you. Gwilbrin, will you bring your mandoline and delight us with a tune?"
The hazel-haired captain beamed and nodded. "Gladly," he said.
"And you, Haldir," Anyriand said to the Marchwarden, "are you and your brothers available for one of your highly-praised performances? It's been a long time since the three brothers were heard together."
"Because the youngest and least talented of them is terribly out of practice, my lord," Haldir replied with a smile. "I will disgrace my brothers and myself."
Thranduil raised and eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't known that Haldir played an instrument. But Anyriand laughed.
"I am not fooled by your false modesty, Haldir! I insist that we will hear you at least once tonight. Will you consider it? If not, I will rely on the wine to make you bolder."
"It is not a matter of cowardice, lord Anyriand," Haldir said. "I merely fear for the ears of the audience."
"My curiosity is roused, now," Thranduil interjected. "I, too, have a desire to hear the apparently gifted brothers."
"There you have it," Anyriand smiled. "Will you still offer resistance now, Haldir?"
Haldir inclined his head in acceptance. "Very well, my lords. I will seek out Rúmil and Orophin. If they are willing, I will no longer attempt resistance."
"It is settled then," Anyriand grinned. "Rúmil and Orophin will not let this opportunity pass them by. All the modesty your parents had to give, was bestowed on you, Haldir. Your brothers missed that boat completely!"
Haldir smirked good-naturedly. "That is true. I will see you shortly then, my lords." And with another slight bow, he was gone, dropping lightly to a lower path that supposedly led to his brothers' whereabouts. The other captains removed themselves as well, leaving Anyriand and Thranduil standing alone.
"Legolas, of course, cannot be missed either," Anyriand said, turning to Thranduil. "I don't believe he has engaged in many gatherings since his arrival, and I wouldn't have him miss this one."
"He does not interact much with the Galadhrim, does he?" Thranduil said. "I believe he strongly prefers to spend his evenings with Haldir, privately."
"He does, he does..." Anyriand agreed, nodding slowly. "Ah, and who can blame him. One half of Caras Galadhon would like to be in his shoes. Haldir is one of the fairest..."
"And the other half?"
"The other half desires Haldir's place," Anyriand laughed softly. "Your son has made an impression, Thranduil."
"I know," Thranduil said pensively, remembering Legolas's words, spoken that first evening. "So is there gossip? Rumors concerning the bond between the Marchwarden and my son?"
Anyriand cocked his head to the side. "Some," he replied. "But not very serious. We all know where Haldir's heart lies."
Thranduil frowned. "I am more and more getting the impression that I'm missing something important. The Lady Galadriel was mysterious about Haldir's past, as well. It unsettles me."
Anyriand hesitated. "If Lady Galadriel chose not to tell you, then I must remain silent as well, I'm afraid," he said. Patting Thranduil on the shoulder, he continued, "I am sorry, mellon. But you need not worry. We care for Legolas and would not see him hurt. Haldir least of all. And tonight there will be no more time for concerns. We will all show Legolas the delights of a true elven party!"
Thranduil smiled. "Very well, then. Let us go find him."
~*~*~*~
Eventually they found Legolas not at home, but in a secluded, open spot between the trees, doing movement practices with his two long knives. He twirled them in his hands, threw them up and caught them again as they came tumbling down, the blades making swish-swish sounds as they sliced the air. They were his own possession and he cherished them as he did his bow. They had been a gift from Haldir; the armorers of Lórien had crafted them according to Haldir's precise instruction. The slightly curved hilts were of dark, polished mahogany to match his bow; Legolas's name was engraved in them, elvish characters in fine silver filigree, enclosed on both sides by a small leaf. It was a thoughtful gift, and an overjoyed Legolas had expressed his appreciation by hugging Haldir powerfully.
Wanting to become accustomed to their feel and weight as soon as possible, Legolas practised often with his new knives. Now, as Thranduil and Anyriand strode up to him, he caught the knives firmly in his hands and held them there.
"Hallo!" he greeted them cheerfully. "Is the meeting over?"
The two older Elves smiled. Unaware of the grave mood in which the assembly had split up, Legolas was all carefree and high-spirited, and it was already infectious.
"It is over," Anyriand nodded. "And now we are going to pursue some activities of a different nature, to lift our spirits. Your presence is desired, as well."
"Come." Thranduil, smiling, took his surprised son by the shoulder and started to lead him away from the open spot. "I am going to change into something more comfortable..." - he looked down at his long, kingly robes -"... and you are going to put those away. No more weapons tonight."
"I will see you both later in my talan," Anyriand said, then turned away and disappeared into the direction of his own home.
~*~*~*~
Legolas's smile wavered a little when he and his father entered the talan where the Elves were gathered. He had not expected to see so many; at least thirty of them, and for most faces he knew no matching name.
Anyriand had actually two talans at his disposal; his private chambers in the lower one, and one higher-located, where he now received his guests. It had no roof and only one movable screen as protection against a possible wind. Countless lights shimmered in the branches above. There was murmur and laughter when Thranduil and Legolas stepped onto the floor, but a silence fell when they were perceived and all rose hastily to pay the Elf Lord and his son respect. While Thranduil was dragged along by Anyriand and introduced to Elf after Elf, Legolas, who felt a little lost among so many strangers, was rescued by Haldir.
"Legolas!" Haldir greeted, coming over to him.
Legolas eyed the other Elf in amazement. "You are here?" He had not expected to see him.
"As you see." Haldir chuckled. "Actually I had no choice. Your father and Anyriand practically commanded me to come."
"I'm glad you've come," Legolas said happily.
"Let me introduce you to some people." Haldir put a hand on Legolas's shoulder and ushered him to two blond Elves with features slightly similar to Haldir's. "Here are my brothers. You already know them."
"Rúmil, Orophin," Legolas greeted. He did not see Haldir's brothers regularly, but he knew them well enough to know that they offered pleasant company.
"Legolas," they replied, smiling. "Good to see you."
Pulled along by Haldir, Legolas now recognized some faces. They were members of Haldir's patrol, and Legolas remembered seeing some of them for the first time in Mirkwood, two years earlier. They regarded him curiously as Haldir introduced them.
"... Ercirion, Dúlinn, and Ôlnathron and Ruigaul. And these are Celairmir and Tinuril. They are cousins."
"I see the resemblance," Legolas said. "Mae govannen."
"Mae govannen, Prince Legolas," the warriors greeted him back.
"Would you like to sit with us?" the one called Dúlinn asked him then.
Legolas beamed. "I would like that."
They sat down. Pillows and rugs had haphazardly been laid out on the floor in something that resembled a wide circle, and the Elves of Haldir's patrol had claimed a spot near the western edge of the talan. Seeing that Legolas was being taken care of, Haldir went over to his brothers. Soon, there was again the murmur of many conversations taking place at the same time, and Legolas found himself sitting cross-legged with a goblet of Dorwinion wine in his hands, talking to the members of Haldir's patrol. To his surprise, they were much kinder than they had appeared to be at first sight; he remembered that all those Lórien warriors had been rather distant during the first introduction two years earlier.
"According to the captain, you're progressing well with the blade," Ruigaul said.
It could have been an illusion, but Legolas seemed to grow a few inches at these words. "Does he say that?"
"Isn't it true then?" Celairmir laughed.
"Well... Well, yes, I'm getting better. But I'm still a beginner, and there's much I yet have to learn."
They nodded. "The patrol is the best learning opportunity," Dúlinn said. "You will learn faster than you can imagine now."
"'Tis said that you are already an advanced archer," Tinuril said.
"I'm competent," Legolas said, surprised by the hint of smugness in his voice. He *was* proud of those skills.
"I look forward to seeing you wield the bow," Ercirion said. "How long have you been doing it?"
Legolas hesitated. "I'm not sure. I was very young when I began practising." He chuckled. "My father says I showed a natural inclination, and he has the stories to prove it."
"Ohh, stories?" Ôlnathron said. "Do tell us more."
Thranduil, who was sitting nearby with Anyriand and some other Elves, noticed the gazes in his direction and raised his eyebrows questioningly.
"Prince Legolas tells us you have an amusing story concerning his early archery interest, my Lord," Dúlinn said.
Understanding came into Thranduil's face then, and he smiled. "I don't know why Legolas would call it amusing," he said. "He was too young to remember it and I derive no happiness from the memory either."
Haldir came over now, together with Rúmil and Orophin, and they sat down with the rest of the patrol. "How is it going here?" Rúmil inquired.
"Lord Thranduil is about to entertain us with a story," Ruigaul said.
"It is rather humiliating for me," Thranduil confessed. "Legolas was still an infant when he got his hands on one of my arrows one day. How it came within his reach, as he was sitting in his box, is still a mystery to me; but he must have thought it an interesting plaything. My wife had the fright of her life when she discovered it and she was cross with me for days, speeching about responsible parenthood and the dangers of arrows lying around in the house."
"Was Legolas unharmed?" Ôlnathron wanted to know.
"Yes, safe and sound. Not a scratch," Thranduil said. "*That* was the funny part, in fact; he was so smitten with his new toy that he was unwilling to relinquish it, and when it was forced from his hands, he got *very* indignant. His indignation had my ears ringing even hours afterwards."
The patrol members laughed heartily. "Oh, it sounds like he was an adorable babe," Tinuril said.
"As I recall, you weren't a lamb either, cousin," Celairmir said.
"He still isn't one," Haldir said. "I've had easier Elves in my patrol."
Tinuril looked dismayed. "What do you mean by that, my captain?"
"I mean," Haldir laughed, "that you had to learn a few hard lessons before you found your place."
"Do you regret choosing me for the patrol, then?"
"No," Haldir replied. "I always choose my warriors with great care and I've never regretted my choices until now. You all bring in your own qualities and I wouldn't want to miss them."
"Which qualities will Legolas add to the patrol then, captain?" Dúlinn asked curiously.
"Legolas..." Haldir said pensively. "Legolas will infect us with his enthusiasm and dedication. And he could teach you lot a lesson in perseverance, too."
At the sounds of protest and indignation from his warriors, Haldir turned to Legolas smiling, only to find that Legolas wasn't paying attention at all. He sat staring at the floor with a somewhat sad expression on his face, his thoughts obviously elsewhere. Brought there by Thranduil's story, Haldir suspected, and reaching out, he gently put a hand on Legolas's knee to bring the young Elf back to a happier place.
"I happen to know that Legolas is also a good singer," he then stated.
Legolas, who'd totally missed the previous conversation, gave him a baffled look. "... What?"
The patrol members were enthusiastic.
"Is that true, Legolas?"
"We can always use a good singer in the patrol, to entertain us in the field."
"Can you give a demonstration right now?"
Legolas blinked. "A demonstration?"
"Excellent!" Anyriand exclaimed. "It's time for some singing. Why don't our Mirkwood guests grace us with the first song of the evening?"
There was approving murmur. "Yes, a duet. A Mirkwood song!"
Legolas, not sure whether he liked the sudden attention, looked doubtful; but Thranduil smiled and suggested the Autumn Song.
Legolas smiled then, as well. It was a well-known Mirkwood song every child learned from his parents, and it was sung every September, on the threshold between Summer and Autumn, to celebrate the coming of the new season. Legolas loved that song, and so did Thranduil. It was a good choice, and Legolas nodded his agreement.
All grew quiet now. Elves dearly loved music and song, and the Lórien Elves were no exception. To hear a song from the northern woodland realm would be interesting indeed.
"I would accompany you," Orophin said, indicating his harp, "but I do not know the melody."
"I do," Anyriand said. "I will accompany them." Receiving the harp, he let his fingers glide over the strings, testing their tune; then he began to play, a sweet, joyful melody.
Legolas sang the first verses. He began hesitantly, for it had been a while and he had to sing them an octave lower than he used to, but his voice soon grew steady and more certain. It was a lovely, clear voice with a rich, fluent timbre that reminded of a clarinet.
"Season of Sun-beams and season of rain, Season of maize and mushrooms and grain; The time of year when leaves come whirling down, Crimson and orange and yellow and brown."
Thranduil took over then, his sensual deep baritone a striking contrast with Legolas's youthful tenor:
"Oh! Autumn, bring us your ev'ry delight: Sun-spiced day and crisp clear night, The heavy sweet scent of damp grasses and pines, A good harvest of honey, and rich-laden vines."
The last two stanzas they sang together, their so different voices uniting in unexpected harmony:
"Ground crickets' song, robin's sweet whistle, Chestnut, clematis, and silver-star thistle; Hedgehogs and mice in the fallen leaves dry, The twitter of swallows in the afternoon sky.
The gath'ring of food for the Winter begins, The industrious ant; the grasshopper sings. Beech-nut and acorn for squirrel and deer; Oh, let all sing and rejoice; Autumn is here!"
When they had finished, the audience applauded appreciatively; it was a charming, light-hearted song, and the two Mirkwood Elves were very pleasant to listen to.
"That was lovely!" Orophin enthused. "Why haven't we heard you sing before, Legolas?"
Legolas shrugged, grinning apologetically.
"Of course you realize that you won't succeed in shirking any longer," Rúmil said good-naturedly. "We will want to hear more songs from the Mirkwood repertoire."
"But first," Thranduil interjected, "a song from our Lórien kindred. Haldir, Rúmil, Orophin - will you do us the honour?"
"With pleasure." Orophin already sat fingering his harp, and Haldir produced an instrument Legolas had never seen before. It was a flute, but very different from the common flutes Legolas had seen being played in Mirkwood; it was longer, and not made of wood, but of some sort of metal, and it was silver-plated. A precious piece of craftsmanship, without doubt. Another surprise awaited Legolas when Haldir lifted the instrument to his lips, holding it not in front of him, but horizontally to the side.
Rúmil, who was the best singer of the three, then began singing a song about a beetle that left his home to seek adventure. Haldir and Orophin accompanied him on their instruments, the tunes intertwining sweetly. They brothers had clearly performed together before, as they knew how to please the crowd. The song had suspense as well as humor to it, and while Rúmil delivered the tale with skill, adding the right gestures and movements to his expressive, fluid voice, Orophin and Haldir's subtle play supported the song and gave it more dimension; cheerful, hopping tunes to visualize the light-hearted moments and slower, sadder melodies for the more serious ones. Legolas was rapt.
It wasn't a short performance, but the brothers succeeded in keeping the audience's attention from beginning to end, and when it was done, there was enthusiastic applause.
"That was wonderful," Legolas told Haldir as the latter lowered the flute to his lap. "You should play more often."
Haldir smirked. "Is that a subtle way of telling me that I need practice?"
Legolas laughed. "You know very well that was not what I meant!"
"I must admit I enjoyed it more than I thought I would," Haldir said, his eyes sparkling. "Perhaps I'll play more regularly after tonight. We'll see."
The following hours were spent with more music and song, and while the wine as well as the tunes and melodies flowed, the spirits of the Elves present were lifted higher. The Moon looked down from her seat among the stars and glowed softly with contentment as the Elves in the mallorn tree praised her, the trees, the flowers, the friendly creatures with song; celebrated life and light in Middle-earth.
On the balcony outside their talan stood two tall figures clad in robes of fine-woven light, listening silently to the sounds of merriment that were in the air this night. Fragments of laughter and fragments of song, not disturbing the peace but adding to it. Both Elves felt it profoundly.
"Everything is as it should be tonight," Galadriel said with a smile.
With a slow, graceful moving of his arm, Celeborn took his wife's hand in his palm and lifted it to his lips. A light, lingering kiss on the back was the only reply required.
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