Chapter 3

Never Back Down

Legolas stood tall and proud, no sign of the unsettled emotions within him showing in his outward demeanor. Only the light bathrobe gave away his discomfiture. His bright grey eyes did not flinch from those before him. Suiauthon held him in a sharp gaze for what seemed decades before turning his attention to the small lidded container on the desk. Legolas felt his own eyes turn and a frown marred his smooth brow.

“I find it most disturbing that we are here. We should both be enjoying the feast, not revisiting this matter. Do you care to explain yourself… or can you?” Suiauthon’s voice broke the silence that had filled the commander’s office.

Legolas gulped and reminded himself he was not at fault here. His bright grey eyes lifted and locked with those of his commander. “I must admit Commander, I am at a loss. I do not understand it myself.” At Suiauthon’s raised brow, the prince continued, “As much as it might seem I disobeyed orders, I was unaware of the creature’s presence until it presented itself to my wife. She is most unhappy with the situation, as well.”

“She threw you out of your chambers, unless I am mistaken!” Suiauthon’s eyes narrowed as he recalled being summonsed from his preparations for the feast to ‘deal’ with the situation. “Whatever happened, I do not believe you placed the creature deliberately on your bed to frighten Princess Celin, though Prince Tirien seems to think this.”

The prince blinked. “My son thinks I…” Legolas stopped as his face flushed in anger.

“HOWEVER,” Suiauthon resumed his opinion on the matter. “I do wonder how you managed to hide the creature to get it home! You can never back down when it comes to these creatures, can you?”

Legolas took a deep breath, using everything within him to restrain his anger. “Sir! I would respectively remind you that I have not admitted to bringing this creature home intentionally! I did not! The last I saw of the spider was in the nest with you and Alyan… how it managed to get here is beyond me!”

“You honestly expect me to believe this?” the commander asked incredulously.

“You honestly accuse your prince of lying?”

The voice behind them caused both prince and commander to freeze, dread filling their hearts for different reasons. Both swallowed thickly as from the shadowed doorway King Thranduil stepped into the office, his all knowing green eyes taking in the situation calmly.

“Commander Suiauthon.”

“Yes, my king?” Suiauthon flinched ever so slightly as his eyes met those of Thranduil.

“I will hear a FULL report from you on the morrow concerning whatever happened on this latest patrol, and I will decide what discipline if any is deserved for any actions of this captain. Concerning these other matters, it is a family affair and none of your concern. You may join the feast. Dismissed!”

“Yes, my lord!” Suiauthon saluted the king and spun on his heel, grateful to leave, though dreading tomorrow’s conference. For a brief moment, he felt pity for the prince but it did not last long. Prince Legolas deserved whatever came from this incident.

“Legolas.” Thranduil’s voice was that of a king, a disgruntled king at that.

“Yes, my lord?” The prince’s eyes never left the desk nor the container sitting near the corner.

“This is not how I wished to spend this evening.” The king’s piercing eyes never left his son’s face.

“Of course not, my lord. I am sorry to have caused such a disruption.” Legolas sounded genuinely sorrowful, and indeed his heart was more than heavy.

“Disruption? Is that what it is called? You wife removed you from your quarters, your son thinks it is all a game and a great joke, you brother is disgusted with you and the people are wondering why my youngest son has yet to make an appearance!” Thranduil fumed.

“Forgive me, my lord, I swear these were not my plans for the evening. I had something entirely different in mind, I assure you.” Legolas brought his eyes to his father’s pleading with him to understand.

Thanduil sighed heavily and sat on the edge of the desk. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, a small smile teased the corners of his mouth. “No, I am sure this was not how you wished to spend your first evening home with your wife. Fortunately, your granddaughter loves you greatly and I cannot deny her anything. You will join us immediately… well, as soon as you dress yourself properly at least.” He gestured to the light robe barely concealing the prince’s form beneath.

Legolas let out a slow breath in relief and started to turn towards the door. The kingÂ’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Celin awaits you in your chambers to assist you. Do not be long.” Thranduil smiled as his son all but ran from the room.

Chuckling to himself at the absurdity of the whole matter, King Thranduil stood from the desk on which he had been perched and walked to the door. Behind him a small lidded container balanced precariously on the edge of the desk before dropping to the ground. The soft sound of its landing was muffled by the click of the door closing.

Slowly, a very shaken little spider peered out of the now open lid and climbed out into the dark office. He did not like this place! He needed to get back to the one who had saved him. Moving silently along the edge of the room, he made his way to the door. Carefully, the spiderling eased itself underneath and began to track the kind elf with the golden hair and the huge warm bed.

TBC

Cast

Legolas – Captain of the ‘spider patrolÂ’, a patrol dedicated to eliminating Mirkwoods unwanted eight legged critters. Married to Celin. Father of Alassien, Lindariel and Tirien.

Suiauthon (Soo-ee-ow-thonn) – means ‘warlikeÂ’. Commander of the Mirkwood patrols.

Celin (Kay-leen) – LegolasÂ’ wife, mother of Alassien, Lindariel and Tirien.

Tirien (Tear-ee-ehn) – LegolasÂ’ youngest son. He is married to Dinlaer and is father of Calanon and Raina

Dinlaer (Deen-lire) – TirienÂ’s wife, mother of Calanon and Raina

Raina (Rine-ah) – TirienÂ’s daughter and LegolasÂ’ only granddaughter. She is currently unmarried.

Thranduil (Thrahn-doo-ihl) – if you donÂ’t know this one you shouldnÂ’t be reading LOTR fan fiction! The king of Mirkwood and father of Legolas and Arandur.