„Mertose!” Thranduil yelled at his oldest son for not paying attention, again. Mertose’s blonde head slowly lifted up from his arms.

“Yes father?” he said disinterestedly. His father sighed.

“Mertose will you not listen to our discussion; let alone me?” he said gesturing to his advisors, then himself. Mertose rolled his eyes; he hated listening to there boring discussions about how they could improve the market and government.

“Sorry father,” he said, trying to sound as sincere as he could. “What was it you said?” He sat up, his dark blue shirt with green leaves embroidered on the cuffs and dark purple vest over it now visible.

“I asked you for your opinion about the trade between us and Rohan. It seems our horse count has been lower than usual.” Mertose wanted to groan but held it in. ‘What here these silly advisors putting into my father’s head now?’ he asked himself, then said:

“The trade has been fine, father. I don’t see why you’re so upset with a few less horse. If that’s even true!” he sneered at the advisors, “And besides, we elves are much more quiet on the ground,” he stated, sitting back and watching his father. Thranduil was quiet for a while, till he finally nodded.

“You know, I think you’re right,” he smiled, “Now, see, this is why you should listen to us; so we don’t make frivolous decisions.” Oh! How Mertose wanted to disagree, but he didn’t fell like arguing. Instead he gave a half-hearted smile and asked.

“Umm… father… uh, Legolas and I had planned to go hunting today… um … could I be excused?” Mertose stared at his father hoping he believed him. Thranduil nodded and waved him away, then busied himself with papers. Mertose sighed with relief, and quickly got up and out of the congested room.

He took a deep breath then quickly went out of the palace. He decided to go find his brother anyway, and knew exactly where he was, the training grounds. So off he went his observation being right. Legolas was helping a younger elf with his bow as Mertose went up to greet his little brother. Without looking at Mertose, Legolas said:

“I see you’ve escaped father once again,” he smiled as he lifted up the elbow of his pupil before he let his arrow go.

“I’m running out of excuses, unfortunately,” Mertose sighed as he watched the arrow hit almost the center of the target.

“Better,” Legolas said to his companion, “Remember to keep that elbow up. Keep practicing I’ll be back later.” He then turned to his big brother, and they began to walk away from the training grounds, and more towards the woods. “Be careful brother, or father will catch on,” he smirked. Mertose laughed.

“Lets hope not. And how come you never have to come?” he asked a bit annoyed.

“Because, I’m the younger one and I’m not as smart as my older brother!” Legolas laughed ruffling Mertose’s hair. Mertose just growled, pushing him away. “So, what did you talk about? Lord Rilten and his lovely daughter from Rivendell coming to stay with us?” Legolas teased, emphasizing the part about Rilten’s daughter.

“Ugh, I forgot all about them. You obviously know father is going to push her in my direction!” Legolas chuckled, and Mertose punched him in the arm, “It’s not funny just wait till your turn!”

“I will but until then I’ll enjoy torturing you!” Legolas began to run since Mertose started to chase him. Mertose soon caught up with him and tackled him to the ground. After awhile of yelling, kicking, and punching, Mertose finally got his younger brother in a headlock.

“Do you give up?” he panted, holding Legolas tight as he squirmed. Unfortunately he never got to answer because the next sound they heard was…

“Mertose!! Legolas!!” Thranduil’s voice boomed through the trees and into the younger elves’ ears.

The two quickly stood up, Mertose giving Legolas a look of ‘will finish this later’. Their father soon appeared, a smile gracing his face.

“There you are! How’s the hunting going?” Mertose’s eyes grew wide as Legolas’s grew confused.

“What are- oof!” Legolas was quickly cut off as his brother’s elbow collided with his ribs.

“Haven’t found too much yet,” Mertose said in a cheesy voice, “but it’s… uh… good exercise!” He gave a glare to Legolas urging him to play along. Legolas finally smiled and nodded.

“Good, well I just came out to inform you of supper so don’t take much longer!” Thranduil smiled then turned on his heels and walked back inside. Mertose sighed, and then glanced at his brother who was glaring at him.

“What?” his big brother asked innocently.

“Next time you make an excuse, don’t put me in it!” Legolas exclaimed. Mertose just laughed earning him a good punch in the arm, which nearly knocked him off his feet. He began to run and was quickly followed by his baby brother, both laughing all the way!

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