Child of the Stars

The follower position in the archery game could be the more difficult one. The only time it wasn’t is when the leader was a complete novice. Which is why her nephews gave her a skeptical look when she suggested she would follow after both of them. They readily agreed that the winner would be owed a favor from the other two. Which between the three of them typically meant either aid for or immunity from a prank. Tauriel could already see Ro and Dan debating which they would ask for.

They did not expect to owe her. They were wrong.

Their first clue that things may not go the way they expected was when she readied to follow them directly, rather than wait for them to finish their runs. This was countered by the number of arrows Tauriel took made them think she expected to miss shots. The arrows each selected were fletched a different color to make scoring easier. Dan led the run, Ro followed, and she took the last and most difficult position.

When they approached the targets to check the tally, their expressions made every frustration from trying to learn archery growing up completely worth it. “You . . . you bracketed our shots? How?! We all took the same number of shots!” Tauriel smirked at Elrohir. “Oh just a little trick I learned from Legolas. Granted he doesn’t know the whole truth about this little quirk yet. But he was kind enough to help out Meathel’s cousin.” “It takes most elves years to master that.” Elladan had yet to say a word, still moving between the targets and staring.

“You got your best friend to teach you archery tricks even though he doesn’t know he’s your best friend?” Ro just looked at her. “I want to be there when you tell him. This is the best prank ever.” “Sadly that part of things is not actually a prank.” Haldir had wandered in towards the end of the contest and was studying the targets. “More of Tauriel wanting a chance to just figure things out again. Though I’m fairly certain he’s going to figure it out quickly.”

“I don’t know, Tauriel is pretty sneaky. It took us how long to figure out the raven trick?” Dan had finally started to get over his shock. “You two were literally the last ones to figure it out and that is because I transformed in front of you.” She deadpanned her reply. “That is besides the point Aunt of mine, you are still tricky.” Ro offered her a smile.

Tauriel gave them both a brilliant smile in return, before launching herself at them for a hug. Haldir easily caught the bow she had been using, a small smile on his face. Though a little startled by the move, the twins caught her and easily returned the hug. “I love you both, you know that right?”

“Of course!”

“We are very loveable after all.”

Huffing a laugh she pulled back to look at them. “You always just went with whatever I did, whenever I did it. I know it must have been a little odd, a new young uncle with strange gifts. I am well aware you could have avoided some of the pranks I pulled on you as a child. You just, always went with everything. Even today when I showed up like this.” They gave her baffled looks. “Of course, you are our father’s sibling, you are family.” Ro replied before Dan chimed in. “That and you were a very fun child, you still are fun.”

She could feel Haldir’s satisfaction behind her and she sighed. “You just had to go and prove him right, didn’t you?” They both lifted their eyebrows and looked over. “Has the marchwarden been mean to you. Do we need to help you teach him a lesson?” Letting them go, Tauriel could see both the glint of humor and the utter seriousness in their expression. “I’ll get back to you on that.”

Pacing over to Haldir, she frowned at him. “I’m still mad at you.” He inclined his head. “That I know. However, you were hurting yourself. If there is one thing I cannot let you do, it is that. I will always intervene then.” With a huff, Tauriel wrapped her arms around him and the marchwarden enfolded her into his embrace. Pressing his cheek against her temple. “I haven’t forgiven you. I’m going to ask to see what you put on that letter.” His lips just curved up in a smile. Underlying what she said, was what the elleth felt. Which was pure love that brimmed over and flowed through their bond.

Tauriel was still going to steal that letter later.

Dinner was in the family wing. In part so Tauriel could be in whatever version she wished, and also because they did not feel like having to share her company with others. It was interrupted once by Elrond having to rescue a letter from Thranduil before it landed in his plate from where Hedwig dropped it. Opening it, he lifted an eyebrow before passing it to Celebrian. “Apparently King Thrandul is most displeased with our disrupting his plans by kidnapping you randomly. If such behavior continues he will consider it permission to behave the same in turn.”

“Oh he was likely already planning that,” Celebrian observed with a laugh. “Sure you can laugh about it. He’s likely going to have more drills for me when I get back, and there will be even fancier clothes in the wardrobe.” Tauriel complained. “Only you would consider fine clothing punishment Aunt.” Arwen couldn’t help but to point out. “Nana and I will be taking you to the tailor too while you are here. That way you will have clothes fitting either of your selves here at home.” The young elf considered reverting to her childhood manners and throwing her roll at her niece, before setting it back down on her plate.

“Actually, I was thinking of a new challenge. I need more clothing that is in between. Easily adjustable if I need to shift between Tauriel and Gilriant at will. This,” She waved a hand at her current outfit, “Works for the moment, but I need more than one outfit like that.” Elladan studied her. “It’s not a terrible look on you, but I’m sure we can do better.” Now she stopped throttling the impulse and threw her roll at her nephew. “Remind me who it was that had to be dragged to the tailor before the last festival? Hmmm?” Dan just caught the bread before it hit his face with a laugh. Elrohir snickered, “They have you there brother mine.”

“You were just as bad as I!”

“I went when they asked, especially after your wonderful example.”

To the surprise of no one, Hedwig showed up when they went to the tailor the next day.

*

“What are you doing?” Legolas’ voice caused Gilriant’s head to pop up from where he was bent over his work. The young elf’s head was braided tightly back and pinned up for working in the forge. Or at least to look like that is what he is doing. A quick told him that the archer was alone. “Plotting revenge.” Amused now the older prince glided further into the room. “And who has earned your ire this time?”

“Haldir decided the best way to inform my family about Weasley and Bob was to send them a letter congratulating them on the newest additions to the family.” Gilriant admitted in a wry tone. “Needless to say, there was some confusion caused by his missive.” “I can see why some might find that alarming. That must have been why you needed a few days in Imladris. It all makes sense now.” Clearly amused, Legolas tried to make sense of what the young elf was doing exactly.

“May I help?” Gilrant gave the other ellon a long look. “Are you sure you know what you are getting yourself into? Haldir will likely retaliate.” Picking up a stool and setting it down next to where the younger elf was working Legolas replied easily. “How bad could it be?” Sitting back Gilriant suppressed the urge to groan. “Oh now you’ve done it. It’s going to get way worse. Back in Imladris, a third of the pranks the twins were accused of and they claimed they did not do, Haldir was the one that pulled it off.” Legolas' eyebrows went up at that bit of information. “And you still want to plot revenge against him.” More of a statement but still the younger elf answered with a wicked grin. “Of course, another third of them were mine. You just might not want to get into the middle of this.”

This was obviously a favored hobby of Gilriant and Haldir’s. One that wasn’t necessarily restricted to them, but it was something they shared. The elven prince raised his chin. “Yes, I want to do this.” Recognizing the stubbornness in his friend’s expression and manner the young elf gave a small shrug. “On your head be it. You can’t say I didn’t warn you. First though, let's go over the rules of a good prank.”

“There are rules?” Legolas couldn’t help but to question. “Of course there are. Otherwise it is not a prank, it is bullying.” At the archer’s slow nod in understanding, Gilriant took that as permission to continue. “Targeting individuals is only done in the case of revenge, prank wars, or family. You don’t target an outsider, you find better ways to get revenge than a prank. Secondly, the target needs to be able to laugh about it later. Third, no prank should cause physical or emotional harm. I make no promises on pride.” Tilting his head, the older prince asked, “Wouldn’t pride be emotional harm?” The young elf paused trying to make sure he was explaining properly. “Depends on the severity. Public humiliation is a no go. Minor embarrassment that can be laughed about later is fine.”

Looking at the mortar and pestle in front of Gilriant the archer asked, “Is this part of the revenge?” The younger elf smiled. “This is part of a long distance prank which if it goes well Fawkes and the ravens will deploy in Imladris. Sadly I already promised not to use this on Haldir.” Legolas smiled. “You did, I have not,” He observed lightly. The young elf took his time to consider the offer. “Here is the deal, it can’t be used in the revenge prank, but I never said I wouldn’t teach someone else how to make it for use at another time. If I teach you, you cannot either use it on me, or teach someone else how to make it.” Legolas inclined his head. “As long as you also allow me to help with the revenge prank.” Gilriant laughed. “Alright, insistent one.”

The next time Haldir went to practice archery and drew an arrow out of his quiver, he was suddenly covered in dried flower petals. Somehow, it had been rigged to dump them all over him. With the petals being fragile they easily broke into smaller pieces. Which made them incredibly difficult to remove from his person and equipment. Weeks later he would still find some clinging to his arrows.

What followed was a series of pranks that ranged in nature. Food that looked like one thing but was actually another. Hidden dried flower petals falling from the strangest of locations to coat the target. Legolas ended up with one of the rattling shrubs as the elves had taken to calling them hidden in his bedroom and it took him forever to find it. They all agreed any water based pranks would wait for warmer weather. Thranduil was less than amused when somehow his elk ended up inside his bedroom. No one would claim responsibility for that one. On one memorable occasion they all ended up covered in mud.

Thranduil watched as Haldir headed down the hallway. The older elf kept his hands behind his back as he watched the marchwarden go towards his rooms covered from the chest down in tiny shining flakes that were bright pink. At the soft laugh he turned his head to see Gilriant watching and his eyes narrowed. Feeling the look the young elf glanced over. “That one was not on me.” The King drawled out, “Is there a . . . goal for all these antics?” Considering the young elf tipped his head to the side. “Well right now it looks like no one is winning the side bet of making you laugh.”

The King’s expression smoothed out and he was quiet for a long moment. “I’m afraid the last person to truly make me laugh no longer walks these halls.” Gilriant straightened up and turned to face him fully. “King Thranduil, I am sorry. The goal certainly isn’t to stress you out or upset you.” He inclined his head. “No need to apologize. You are doing neither. In truth, that you have included Legolas in this and his laughter is more than worth putting up with some . . . interesting occurrences.” Now the corners of his lips lifted. “He is happy, and that is what matters the most.”

Slowly walking forward Thranduil leaned towards the young elf, a hand coming around to pat his back. “Besides, it appears I owe you at least a small bit of repayment.” Gilriant yelped as icy cold snow was dumped down the back of his tunic. “I’m well aware of the time you managed to get horses in your nephews rooms.” He smirked watching the young elf trying to get the snow out of the back of his clothing. “Hmmmm perhaps I won this round as you did not expect it?” Hands clasped together behind his back again he strode off. Gilriant watched him go, and then burst into laughter.

*

Fawkes decided that it might be a good idea not to land on the shoulder of his person’s parent. Instead he perched on a piece of furniture nearby and cocked his head to the side with an amused trill. “Just . . . just bring my child here. Now.” With an amused burble he launched in the air flashing to his person. This time he chose to land on the elf’s shoulder, trilling his amusement loudly.

“Oh did you all spring the prank?” At the affirmative trill Gilriant grinned. “You and the ravens did follow all the rules, correct?” Another affirmative trill and then Fawkes lightly flexed his grip on the young elf’s shoulder before spreading his wings. “Ah, someone wants to see me. Sure but I really can’t stay long this time.” Partly because he didn’t want to deal with all the fallout of the prank when they figured out who gave the avians their pranking supplies.

In a flash of flames Gilriant was standing in front of Maglor. He blinked, then looked at Fawkes. “I thought you said you followed all the rules.” The fire phoenix trilled a protest even as the bard gave his son a look. “Rules?” The young elf spread his hands. “I gave them the glitter, and a list of what they could not do with it, and people they could not target with it. You were on the list not to be targeted.” Maglor stared at him. “I wasn’t targeted.”

Gilriant looked at the yellow-gold glitter that was spread over his father. “Well, I’ll admit it doesn’t look like you were hit directly just that you were . . . “ He trailed off and then snickered. “Now I get it. I told them to hit Shiny with that color. I’m sorry for outing you two?” When Maglor just continued to glower at him the smile slid off the young elf’s face. “Okay, why are you this mad?” When no answer was forthcoming, Gilriant frowned and considered all the possibilities.

“Right, okay we are not giving in to your inferiority complex. Fawkes, can you lead us to Shiny please?” The fire phoenix leapt into the air trilling cheerfully. Lightly grabbing Maglor’s wrist, Gilriant starts gently towing the sputtering bard along. “That’s not why I am mad!” “Then tell me why you are mad,” the young elf replied calmly. There was a beat of silence and then, “Glitter is horrible to get rid of.” Still tugging his father along he shoots him an amused look. “That would make you frustrated, not mad.”

He could see splashes of color here and there from people that got hit by the ravens and Fawkes. Most were laughing and gleefully hugging others to spread the glitter around. “See, if you just stopped fussing no one would have noticed.” The young elf mildly informed his father. People certainly were noticing now as the young elf followed the flashy phoenix and pulled Maglor along. By the time they found Glorfindel more than a few had followed along to see what was happening.

Imladris' captain, of course, was being threatened of dire retribution by Erestor if he dared step one foot in the library in his glittery garish glory. “Looking good Shiny, but before you try tormenting Teacher by going in an off limits zone, I have something for you to take care of.” Glorfindel looked up, automatically catching Maglor when Gilriant gently pushed him towards the captain.

“There, now for the record Atar, all of Imladris was aware that Shiny was working up his courage to outright court you.” Without looking over his shoulder he called out, “Erestor, who won the pool?” A cheerful voice from a balcony above them called out “I did!” “Sadly, yes, Lady Arwen won.” There were a few groans and good natured laughter from the crowd they had attracted. “There see, now you all can start a new pool about when they get married.” The pair in front of him flushed. “What everyone here cares about is that you two are happy. Atya, let yourself be happy. Stop worrying about other people. Shiny is more than capable of looking after himself if someone decides to have an issue with it. Most of Imladris would be backing him up and the ones that don’t will be off plotting retribution.” There is a general murmur of agreement around him.

Seeing a multicolored flashed out of the corner of his eye he grinned. “Sorry that you are now going to have to watch them openly moon about each other brother, but I do believe my good deed for the day is done.” Elrond was serenely stalking towards them. Absolutely covered in various colors from the chest down. “Oh I think you should stay right here.” Gilriant just laughed and held a hand up, “Fawkes!” With a gleeful trill the phoenix flew down and took them away in a flash of fire.

Apparently the fire phoenix was not done with his pranks for the day because he deposited his person directly into the path of a swiftly moving Legolas. As neither was expecting it they went down in a tangle of limbs, Gilriant getting the breath knocked out of him. Startled blue eyes met green and the archer sat up, bracing his knees to either side of the younger elf. “Are you alright?” Inhaling he gave a quick nod looking around best that he could. “Fawkes you feather-head, I will get my retribution!” A laughing trill answered him as the bird winged away.

With a huff he looked up at Legolas. “Fancy meeting you here.” “Yes, well, I could say the same to you. What exactly were you doing that Fawkes deposited you directly in my path?” The archer raised his eyebrows. “Running away before I got blamed for what the ravens and feather-head did.” “Okay that just leaves me with more questions. What they did, how they did it, and why you would get blamed for it.” A smile curved on Gilriant’s lips. “The long distance prank in Imladris. Apparently I accidently exposed the fact that my father and Glorfindel are courting. I gave them a list of who not to hit, which included Atya. When Fawkes brought me there, he was coated in Shiny’s glitter.”

“I’m pretty sure everyone already knew they were dancing around each other. They just had yet to openly confirm it,” Legolas responded with amusement. “That’s almost basically what I said. Arwen won the pool by the way. I told them they should start a new one about when the two of them will get married.” “She is always winning the pools,” Legolas groans. “I know! I have no idea how she does it, unless she’s cheating with some small gift of sight.” The archer sat back, apparently unperturbed by his current position. “Wouldn’t that be cheating?” The younger elf held up a hand waffling it in either direction. “Grey area technically, and only if she actually had it and admitted to it. Her gifts are small enough they don’t make a big ripple. Most of what she could See anyways is the most probable outcome. So it is not much different than paying really good attention.” “Which is why Erestor wins most of the pools that she doesn’t.” “Exactly.”

“So,” Gilriant looked at Legolas with a slight smile. “Why were you in a hurry?” “Ah, it seems Haldir is still less than pleased about the purple glitter.” That made the younger elf laugh. “I did warn you.” With a hum the younger elf thought about it for a moment. “How much do you want to bet that he set this up just for his amusement?” “I do think I am learning not to discount your warnings, so I don’t think I’ll take that bet.” Gilriant threw his hands out and they hit the ground. “Aw, what is the fun in that?”

“Oh I know better than to fall for that.” Legolas folded his arms over his chest. “The last time I let you bait me into something it ended poorly.” The younger elf just grinned. “Yeah but we had lots of fun.” “You have an odd definition of fun.” Gilirant lifted his eyebrows. “You were laughing as I recall.” “I didn’t say I wasn’t, I just said you had an odd sense of fun.”

“As cute as this is,” Haldir’s voice broke their focus on each other and they both looked in his direction. “You might want to choose a less public spot if the two of you are going to stay in that position.” They blinked at each other and looked up at the marchwarden. With a serene expression Haldir fed another piece of fruit to the fire phoenix perched on his shoulder. Looking back to their position, Gilriant laughed as Legolas scrambled up with a faint flush before offering the younger elf a hand. “I totally would have won the bet.” “Have I become predictable,” Haldir considered. “Or we just know you really well.” Legolas demurred, the tips of his ears tinged red. “Well I will have to change up things then.”

“You, I’m afraid, are a bit late,” Haldir informed Gilriant. “Remember you promised those musicians more collaboration?” The marchwarden offered over the bag to the young elf who beamed a smile at him. “Thank you, I do remember and I’m not late. With musicians you set the time for at least a half hour before you expect anyone to show up.” “Well that explains so much,” Haldir responded with a small smile. Gilriant looked back to Legolas, “You are welcome to come along.”

“Ah, you go ahead. I’ll catch up in a moment.” The bard gave him an easy smile. “Alright, you know where it is.” He turned to head off, Haldir lifting an eyebrow at Legolas before following. Legolas watched them go.

“He has a point.” Thranduil stepped up next to his son. “If you really want to flirt, a public place is not the best for conversing in that sort of position.” Legolas didn’t start, having already known his father was there. “Ada! We were not flirting.” “I should hope not. As I said, that would be a poor choice to do so that way.” He studied his son with the evident redden tips to his ears. “Apparently you need some lessons in that. I’m sure we have a book on Noldor courting customs. I am fairly certain that Erestor provided Prince Gilriant with some comprehensive instruction on what counts for courting in various cultures.” “I really don’t need to read any books.” Thranduil gave him a look. “Based on what I was seeing you do. Or at least some sort of help.” Legolas resisted the urge to sigh. “At least you aren’t making most of those comments in front of him.” “Of course not, if I want to have the greatest impact I have to wait for the right time for that.”

Thranduil’s lips twitched in a smile at his son’s expression. He continued in a softer tone. “You know, if you do want advice, I’m always here for you.” Legolas relaxed and offered a small smile back. “I do know that, thank you.” He ducked his head, clearly thinking something over. “Ada,” picking his head up, he looked at his father. “When did you know that Nanath was the one for you?” The soft smile remained on the King’s face. “That is easy, when she pushed me in the river.” “I . . . don’t see how that would be helpful” “Oh she didn’t mean it to be.”

After a beat, Thranduil continued in a measured tone, “For our people, you can know in an instant. You look at them and feel that tug here,” He placed a hand over his chest. “Your fea will sing for them. Then you spend decades or even centuries with that intricate dance to make sure they are the right one for you. Yet all that time can see but an instant because it is spent with them.” He looked off in the direction the bard had walked. “Sometimes it is not as obvious and you spend that same time figuring it all out, and have all the same reactions.”

“Either way he is young. So it is expected for it to be centuries still before anything leads to a betrothal. You both have time.” “I didn’t say I wanted to court him.” Thranduil smiled. “You do not have to.” He reached to put a hand on his shoulder. “Come, I know you want to listen to his music. I will tell you a few stories of my courtship with your nanath on the way.”