Feathered Antics
“Bob, you are a plant, you don’t need to be on the bed too.” Weasley was at his feet and there were three, no, four phoenixes who decided that he would make a great place to perch for sleep. Fawkes for once was the somewhat sensible one on the bed frame. If he was entirely sensible he’d be on the perch. Apparently the nest was for hatching but not for sleeping as he now had all the chicks and Hedwig wanting to share his bed for the night. Gilriant could tell Haldir was highly amused by the whole situation, especially when he started arguing with Bob.
He could understand why it might be beneficial for the chicks, considering they might need the magical energy. Hedwig often slept on him or by him when she was growing. So the chicks, yes that at least made sense. As did having their mother nearby keeping an eye on them. Gilriant was just glad elves could be very light sleepers when they wanted to be. Even having waking dreams which were more of a trance state than what one would consider true sleep. Either way, it made it far safer for the chicks than if he had still been a human wizard. As for Weasley, well he was a cat and was going to do what a cat did. The plant on the other hand . . .
The small venomous tentacula rattled at him in defiance. “You can not be on the bed, but if you want to be on the nightstand, that I’ll allow.” It would be nice if they allowed him the illusion of being in charge. At least some of the time. Gilriant was fairly certain at least some of them saw him as the pet. Bob considered the offer and then used his vines to help him get up on the nightstand and settle there. “Thank you.”
While typically he was the one that liked to curl up, this time with the chicks and Hedwig using him as a bed Haldir was using his shoulder as a pillow. “Thank you for not laughing at me,” He murmured softly to the marchwarden. The humor laced warmth and affection he got back put a smile on Gilriant’s face. It was difficult for him to say no to those that genuinely wanted to be in his space. Not because of who he was, but just to be with him. It was something he never wanted to take for granted.
*
Elladan and Elrohir considered the abandoned nest. “You know it really is a work of art, wouldn’t you say?” Elrohir considered his twin’s words and gave a nod. “Absolutely, it would be a shame if it were dismantled, or not properly appreciated.” The pair looked at each other and grinned, they knew just the spot for it.
Elrond was walking down the hall when he paused at the sight of the addition. Considering the ‘artwork’ he decided this was one of the twin’s more harmless pranks. Additionally all of Imladris would find it entertaining to see how guests reacted to it. Who was he to stand in the way of that? He continued his walk.
*
“Do they have names yet?” Legolas settled by Haldir on the bench. “Hedwig has yet to approve of any of the suggestions. Though I think they are waiting also to see if they have any strong elemental affinities.”
“Oh, they definitely have those.” The disgruntled voice of Gilirant caused the pair to turn. The young elf was an absolute mess. Mud streaked all over him, clothes and hair in disarray and soaking wet. The bright blue chick was perched on his shoulder, attempting to preen his hair. “Go ahead and laugh if you want to.” Legolas lifted his eyebrows. “I was not going to, what happened?” Haldir just had a slight smile on his face, which Gilriant glared at him for.
“I left the other two with Hedwig. They were having some sort of disagreement and I made the mistake of getting between them right as they decided to really get into it. So I ended up in a dust spinner. Dirt from one, air from the other.” Haldir tilted his head, “And the water?” The blue chick on Gilriant’s shoulder gave a cheerful chirrup. “Was apparently an attempt by this one to help me clean up.” Legolas tried not to laugh. “I see.”
“So now I need to go clean up and get fresh clothes. I’m not sure who is supervising who at this point.” He looked to the chick on his shoulder as he gestured to the two elves. “Do you want to stay with Haldir or Legolas?” The chick responded with some peeping chirps. “Right, fine then. But the water stays in the bathtub. Not outside it. Deal?” The cheerful churr didn’t seem to fill Gilriant with much confidence. “I’m holding you to it.” With a sigh the young elf headed off, the chick chirping at him.
Haldir looked over to Legolas. “Shall we carefully see how the other two chicks are doing?” The woodland prince considered, “As long as you don’t plan on getting between them. Even if I would be curious to see what they can do.”
*
“You know it would be helpful if you told me what actually does appeal to you all.” Gilriant eyed Hedwig, who just fluffed her feathers out. The blue chick was currently perched next to her, and giving him the exact same look. The golden one was actually trilling at Bob who appeared to be listening intently and the greenish yellow one was watching Weasley’s tail slowly move back and forth. Which the young elf was keeping an eye on. “I didn’t realize naming anyone would be so difficult.” Legolas commented. “Though I suppose elflings don’t typically have any input on their names as they are not able to raise objections at the time they are given it.”
Of course the chick wasn’t content to just watch and chose that moment to pounce on Weasley’s tail. The cat yowled and jumped up, Legolas diving to scoop up the chick. While Wealsey was smart enough to know these were babies and not want to hurt any of them, still probably best to remove temptation. The chick of course protested the rescue churring irately to their rescuer. A breeze started to stir, pushing Legolas’ hair back. “Well agalospen, you are not big enough to win any kind of conflict against a cat, at least not yet.” The breeze gave one last tug of the elf’s hair before dying down as the chick chirped cheerfully at him.
“Well, at least that one seems to finally like something.” Hedwig trilled and Gilriant inclined his head. “Forgive me, at least she seems to finally like something.” Legolas gave him a baffled look. “What?” “Agalospen, she seems to like that name.” Wind storm one seemed like a great name for that particular chick. When Hedwig trilled her agreement, it was nice to get at least one name settled on. “I did not intend to give her a name,” The older prince demurred. “Too late!” Gilriant told him cheerfully. “She likes it, her Nanath likes it, and I have had enough difficulty getting everyone to agree to anything so we will go with that.
Legolas smiled slightly at the chick in his hands. “Well, who am I to argue with that? Just try not to go jumping on anything with claws for awhile yes?” Gilriant chuckled at the quick chirp that answered that particular warning. “I think that is the equivalent of saying she makes no promises.” “I suppose not.” The elven prince was still smiling and tucked the chick close so he could gently scratch around the chick’s head.
“Well that’s one done, so now we have to work on two more.” Gilriant turned his attention to the blue chick sitting with Hedwig. “Are you sure you don’t have any thoughts about what you might like?” The little one stretched out their wings before churring at the young elf. Then Hedwig trilled as well. “Hmmm, how about Nemirchon then?” Water jewel brother should fit. With the blue color, element and the fact this chick was apparently male, that should make for some beautiful coloration. The chick considered and then bobbed his head. “Great, two down, one more to go.”
The golden brown chick turned their head from Bob to chirp at him. “What do you mean you already have a name? When did that happen?” The chick chirped again cheerfully. Hedwig gave an amused trill as well. “Well you could have told me that two hours ago instead of just saying what I came up with wasn’t right.” The chick churred cheerfully at him and he made an exasperated sound and went to pick them up. “Alright let’s go find Haldir, apparently he’s the one that came up with a name she likes.” At Nemirchon’s trill Gilriant scooped up the blue chick as well, putting him on one of his shoulders. Hedwig claimed Legolas’ shoulder for herself as they headed out.
As they traversed Imladris looking for Haldir, Hedwig chose to use it as an opportunity to instruct her chicks. Trilling as they traveled. Nemirchon paid the most attention with his golden brown sister doing a fairly decent job. In Legolas’ hold, Agalospen appeared to be more interested in their surroundings. Adding the occasional chirp and flapping of her wings.The elven prince adjusting her position slightly when it looked like she was contemplating jumping to make that more difficult.
Gilriant tracked Haldir to the training salle, where he was talking with Maethel with the rest of the young elf’s personal guard practicing nearby. “You know if you are going to give one of the chicks a name you could have told the rest of us.” The marchwarden turned towards them at Gilriant’s dry tone. “If I had realized I had done so I probably would have told you.”
“Just probably?”
Haldir smiled, “So which am I supposed to have named.” The golden brown chick chirped cheerfully and Gilriant passed her over to the marchwarden. “Oh, I didn’t realize you liked that.” He drew her close to his body and the chick proceeded to latch on and climb her way up to his shoulder. “Are you going to share with the rest of us now?” Legolas asked in a quietly amused voice. Haldir watched the chick’s climb progress, one hand held out in case she slipped. “Was it Sartamar that you liked best?” At the affirmative chirruping he gave a nod and looked to his bondmate. “Looks like that stuck.” Steadfast earth was an interesting choice but the young elf couldn't dispute this seemed to be the accepted choice.
“Oh do they have names now, we should have a party for that.” Mellessin was approaching and caught part of their conversation.” Aliramdir bounced on her hip. “Parties are fun, with lots of music and dancing. I like the dancing.” Gilriant smiled at the elfling. “You like being spun around in circles until you are dizzy you mean.” She giggled in response to that. “Ask your Ada and Lord Elrond if we can have a party if you want one.” The young elf advised her. That really was the best way to get a party organized after all. “Okay! Can I hold one of the hatchlings?” At Nemirchon cheerful chirrup Gilriant looked to him and nodded before looking back at Aliramdir.. “Just be gentle, okay?” He helped the chick transfer to the elfings hold, smiling at the giggles as the young phoenix tried to preen her hair.
Hedwig for her part had focused on Maethel, she launched from Legolas’ shoulder and landed on the elleth’s. Giving her a once over, the ice phoenix started trilling excitedly. Gilirant blinked, focusing on the captain of his guard. “Seriously?” He pinched the bridge of his nose as all the phoenixes were now focused on her. “What’s going on?” The young elf contemplated how to answer that. He gave Haldir a little mental nudge and got an affirmative response in reply.
“Right, well, the good news is we can all agree I work well with my personal guards and don’t need any additional ones, right?” With a puzzled expression Maethel nodded slowly. “For most situations yes, not all as was proven not that long ago.” Gilriant inclined his head, “Yes, but that’s not what I am talking about. I’d rather not have guards at all, but I have the feeling at this point there is no getting rid of you all.” At that she relaxed and smiled, “At least you have finally accepted that.” “Right, so whatever you decide down the road I think I will be fine with four guards.”
Now Maethel frowned. “There are six of us.” The rest of the guard had drifted in during the conversation and they shared her frowns. “Yes but you and Gonben are going to need to take the next century off, at least.” The captain’s frown only deepened even as Mellessin gasped and put her hand over her mouth, eyes wide. “I don’t understand.” Gilriant looked over to Hedwig. “If you could please go fetch it?” She launched herself in the air trilling cheerfully before disappearing in a flurry of snowflakes. “What is she getting?” Alirmandir asked curiously. “You’ll see,” Haldir had a touch of mischief in his tone.
“I just want to say, this is not my fault. Also, catch.” When the burst of snowflakes appeared above them Maethel reached up and caught the staff that smacked into her hand. A bright laugh escaped Mellesin as the captain lowered her hand, staring at the object she held. “What?”
“That’s a pretty stick, what is it?”
“That, my little elfling, is the whacking stick. Gilriant got it for me when I was pregnant with you to help deal with elves that were not getting the hint that they were being overbearing.” Aliramdir’s face scrunched up. “That was by Hedwig’s nest when she was having her babies.”
“Yes it was.”
“Does that mean Maethel’s going to have a baby?”
“I do think that is what they are trying to tell her.”
Maethel was still staring at the staff in her hands, Gonben had moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Hedwig landed on Mellessin’s shoulder with a happy trill. “I, truly?” Gilriant smiled at her. “Yes. If you want I’m sure my brother can confirm it.” Her breath hitched then with a free hand she reached and yanked him in for a hug. Gonben shifted around to hug both of them. With a soft laugh he returned the hug. “Just do me a favor, blame this one on Hedwig hatching eggs?”
“What are we blaming on Hedwig’s eggs?” They unfurled from the hug and the Lord of Imladris spotted the whacking stick that Maethel still had a hand on. “Ah. Well healing halls for a full check up then?” She nodded and moved to follow him, Gonben walking with them.
“I will let Lindir know we should have a party for the hatchlings’ naming. If you want to include this news at the same time, you can decide and let us know.” At that Maethel paused and gave Mellessin a slight smile. “Considering what I have with me, I think the news will travel quickly.” “I’m still going with Hedwig hatching her babies helping here,” Gilriant interjected. “She doesn’t mind.” Hedwig gave an amused trill in apparent agreement.
“You just do not want anyone wanting a child focusing on you considering both Mellessin and Maethel are associated with you.” Legolas observed. “Exactly. Especially elleths that may decide to try and court me after that. I’ve had enough of that nonsense.” The Greenwood’s prince stiffened slightly as Gilriant brought that up. Haldir’s lips twitched in a smile as he took that in. Instead he chose to comment, “At least in Imladris everyone seems to respect your personal space.” Maethel just inclined her head with a smile. “As you wish, my prince.” She then resumed walking with Elrond to the healing halls.
Ferdil looked at Erecthel, Amathleg and Roitaro, “Well my friends, looks like we will be training extra hard with just the four of us as the personal guard for some time.” They then looked at Gilriant. “If you don’t want us drafting more permanent additions, you will need to listen and take extra guards whenever we go anywhere.” Gilriant hummed thoughtfully and looked to Haldir. “Think your brothers might want to go on a few trips with us?”
“While I am sure they would be happy to, we have time to make those decisions. You already said we would not be doing any travel at all until the chicks reach the one year mark. At that point we might as well stay for Maethel’s baby.” Haldir pointed out. “I’m starting to think there is a slight conspiracy to keep me in Imladris for some time.” Gliriant joked lightly.
“You have to stay and play with me!” Aliramdir pouted. “Daughter of mine, you do not get to demand that. Though I am sure Gilriant will be happy to play with you while he is here.” Mellessin gently admonished the elfling. “Even when I go places, I will return and spend time in Imladris. After all, my family is here.” Mellessin’s face held a hint of mischief. “I suppose The Greenwood is another one of those places you will spend time in?”
“Yes, I will be spending time in the Greenwood as well.” Gilriant answered seriously. “It’s become a second home and I told King Thranduil as much.” “What?” The young elf turned to see Legolas’ wide-eyed expression. “Well I have put much work into the Greenwood, I do have a certain responsibility to it. It is also your home and theirs.” The young elf indicated the guard. “I will not deprive you of it. It is bad enough I already keep Haldir from Lothlorien.” Before the marchwarden could object Gilriant turned to smile at him. “Yes I know how you feel, and what you have said.”
“I see.” Mellessin laughed lightly. “Nana, what is so funny?” “I just thought of a joke your Ada will like, we need to go talk to him anyways.”
*
Haldir received a few strange looks as he stopped to pick up half a dozen small pots. It could be because it wasn’t a typical item for him to be collecting. There were undoubtedly a few that wondered if it would include some sort of prank. Though it was more likely to do with the fact that even when he was still, his hair would be moving though there was no breeze. Odder still he held up one of the pots and was talking to it? “What do you think, good enough for Bob?” Apparently his hair gave a chirruping reply to that.
The Lothlorien elf had a serene smile as he gave a small nod and walked off with his pots. Collecting a few more odd looks as his hair kept moving in strange ways. Of course when he stuck a purple berry in there, elves just decided to steer clear for now.
*
Legolas lunged forward and deftly caught the greenish yellow chick in his hands. “Agalsopen, what do you think you are doing?” She cheerfully chirruped and churred in his hands spreading out her wings and flapping them. As she did so a light breeze swirled around them, tugging at the elven prince’s hair and clothes. “Yes, I’m well aware you have some control over the wind. However your flight feathers are still a long way off from being able to hold you in the air. Wind power or no.” She just cheerfully chirruped at him again and made as if to jump and he swiftly pulled her closer to his body. “There will be plenty of time to do that later. After you have flight feathers.”
As a weight settled on his shoulders he looked over to see Fawkes had chosen him as a perch. “Please explain to your daughter that she does indeed need to stop leaping off high places, at least for a while.” The fire phoenix leaned towards the chick and the two shared a conversation back and forth before Fawkes gave a nod. They both looked at Legolas expectantly. “Why am I suddenly sure you decided something was my job?” In the tree overhead came a laughing quork. “Smart elf!”
Legolas looked up to see a handful of ravens observing them. “Care to translate for me then?” The ravens quorked among themselves and then one shook their head. “You will find out.” The chick in the meantime had started climbing up his shirt to his free shoulder. Once Agalospen reached it, she leapt off with a cheerful chirrup. Quickly the elven prince reacted and caught her. “Well, I suppose that is better than you picking a different spot.“ He freed up a hand to point at Fawkes. “You should not be encouraging her.” The fire phoenix just gave a cheerful trill in reply.
*
The patient had a rather bemused look on his face at the small blue chick that was currently perched on his knee as Elrond tended to them. Nemirchon was fluffed up, keeping up a litany of chirrups and churrs. “My lord, is there something wrong?” Elrond’s voice was serene, “I do believe you were being told off for taking foolish risks.” The ellon blinked slowly and looked at the chick. “I am sorry?” There was another chirrup and churr. “I do believe that he accepts your apology, but you had best avoid repeating what brought you here to me in the first place.”
“Yes my lords, I will be more careful in the future.”
After the patient left, Elrond resettled the chick on his shoulder. “Well you are always welcome to help. I do believe that was the most contrite I’ve seen that particular patient. The true test will be how long he can keep from needing tending again.”
*
A wondrous duet filled the Hall of Fire accompanied by harp and flute. Hedwig was perched on top of the harp along with her chicks as Fawkes balanced carefully on Glorfindel’s shoulder. The two adult phoenixes were singing to each other in turn and together. Weaving their songs with the playing of Maglor and his flute accompanist. Warm feelings of love, home and family resonated with all that listened to the phoenix song.
The three chicks were quiet and still as they rarely were as they listened. Absorbing the music, magic, and sense of belonging that resonated with the melody. When the song ended a hush filled the room. It was broken by the enthusiastic chirrups and churrs of the hatchlings and the appreciation of the elven audience. Maglor laughed, a light carefree sound that brought a smile to Glorfindel’s face. “Well my friends, that was well received, should we try another?” Fawkes considered the golden haired captain’s suggestion and trilled to Hedwig. She considered it as their children’s chirps verged on excited peeping. Her answering trill was filled with amusement even as she nodded.
“Well my love, are you ready as well?” Maglor didn’t quite blush at the endearment, but he did have a small smile on his face. “Yes, let’s continue.” The chicks settled down as he started playing again.
*
Agalospen and Sartamar enjoyed the treats at the tea party, but they all quickly found out that the sisters would rather be doing something else. Their brother on the other hand seemed fascinated by the whole event, enjoying it. Often holding still when Alirmandir wanted to pet him, or offering his opinion along with Hedwig when fashion was discussed.
“I’ve noticed that Agalospen is often with Legolas, and Sartamar chooses to go with Haldir. Nemirchon however doesn’t seem to have a particular favorite.” Gilriant set his tea cup down at Arwen’s observation and considered the bright blue chick. “No, he does not. At the same time he seems equally pleased to be included in things and spend time with everyone.”
“He also seems to get into far less mischief. I would say he strongly takes after Hedwig personality wise.” Lindir commented, with a slight smile. “Do not forget the fussing over people. One of Elrond’s patients has actually managed fewer visits to the halls after he started doing that.” Celebrian mentioned with a small smile. Nemirchon fluffed his feathers at that, giving a pleased churr. “Yes you are doing an excellent job,” Gilriant laughed as Hedwig preened her son proudly. “Is it because he is water and Hedwig is ice?” Mellessin asked as she sat for her turn at Aliramdir’s braiding practice.
“I’m not entirely sure. If we go by logic he’s equal parts his parent’s magic as you combine fire and ice and you get water.” Gilriant explained thoughtfully. “Then should we think the other two got infected by your chaos Uncle?” The young elf huffed at Arwen. “You do realize that in some ways both of them show some of Fawkes personality traits. Agalospen the most strongly considering that she is still cheerfully throwing herself off high places. Thankfully there is always someone nearby.”
“At least they should be getting full flight feathers soon, if I recall Hedwig did within four months. She had most of her growth then and started flying strongly.” Lindir contributed as he poured them more tea, including for the two phoenixes. “Yes, but she had flown before when she was an owl. Different body but the knowledge of how to do it as an experienced flyer.” “So the babies will need more practice?” Aliramdir asked curiously. “They will be fledglings then but yes, they will. Everything is brand new to them.”
*
Fawkes knew that the fiery nest-guard needed extra looking after. His elf felt better knowing that he helped take care of him. He was also aware that the fiery nest-guard could lack confidence in some areas. So of course, being the good assistant that he was, he would help. In particular there was this necklace that the nest-guard had spent a great deal of time making. Making and remaking as it was. Often discarding his work to start anew.
The nest-guard had finally finished that, but had done nothing with the necklace. Now Fawkes had a pretty good idea that it was a gift, and who it was for. Even he could recognize the carefully wrought harp and flute that made up the pendant. While the nest-guard played the harp, the one that he was in a courtship with played the flute. Elves were a little strange in how they courted but he was smart enough to recognize that the shiny one was trying to court the nest-guard long before the nest-guard did.
Magic flowed differently in this world. Fawkes could see that it even flowed and was used by the elves differently than it had been for the human wizards. One thing he liked about it, it was easier to see and feel the connection between various elves. The one between the nest-guard and the shiny one was particularly bright. What he liked best about it was how it made the nest-guard strong.
So, if the nest guard was having trouble giving this present to the shiny one, Fawkes would help. Using his beak to flip open the box the necklace was kept in. He carefully stood on one foot while he reached in and picked up the necklace in the other. Leaping into the air he flashed himself to the shiny one. They were all at dinner so there was a crowd. This was good in a way. As it would be slightly more difficult for the nest-guard to claim a mistake. Landing in front of the shiny one on the opposite side of where the nest-guard sat he offered the necklace to the shiny one.
Once he took it, Fawkes flew off with a cheerful trill. His good deed in helping the nest-guard completed