Roots

Roots

Posted: September 8, 2006
Title: Roots
Author: Orchyd Constyne
Type: FCGen
Characters: Thranduil, Celeborn
Rating: G
Author's Note: Okay. So. I don't write fanfiction anymore. That is, unless I have a friend who pokes me via IM and phone to write her something amusing having to do with a LJ comment I left her about a brunette Thranduil doll. I promised Vesta this fic, and here it is written. :D I do hope she enjoyed it, cause it was fun poking my nose back into fanfiction for the purpose of this short piece.

Summary: Thranduil makes a quick trip to the Golden Wood to fix a slight problem.

*****

Thranduil stood in front of his mirror, all the lamps in his room lit and turned up as high as the wicks would burn, illuminating his golden hair. He leaned closer, tilting his head this way and that, then yanked open the top drawer of his bureau. After rummaging for some time, he let out a loud curse, slamming the drawer shut.

He looked in the mirror again, chewing on his lower lip, and wondered if it was only a trick of the light.

Or if he was being paranoid.

" Ada?"

Thranduil turned to his son as Legolas peeked through the door, and his son's bright blue eyes widened.

"Yes?" he encouraged.

Legolas seemed to debate his response for some time before settling on being diplomatic. "Are you planning a trip to Lord Celeborn's wood soon?"

Damn it.

He looked back to the mirror.

Yes.

His roots were showing.

***

Celeborn watched the cloaked figure from the uppermost platform, a glass of wine in his hand and a smirk on his face.

"You should not be so smug, husband," Galadriel murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist. "'Tis not his fault he has his mother's colouring and not his father's."

"Oh, wife, it is terribly amusing. You would think he would send a courier for his needs, not come himself."

Galadriel kissed his shoulder before withdrawing, Thranduil's heavy footsteps warning them of his arrival. "Perhaps he waited too long..."

Celeborn set his wine down and faced the door. It did not take long for Thranduil to burst through, his face pale and his blue eyes like saucers. "King Thranduil, what a surprise."

"A surprise my ass, Celeborn," he snapped, snatching away his cloak to reveal his head. "You did not send the supplies I needed this month."

"Did we not?" the Lorien lord asked with badly-feigned shock. "And here I could swear I sent Haldir with Mirkwood's shipments."

Thranduil stalked closer. "Do you see this?" he asked, pointing to the dark roots near his scalp. "Someone could have seen!"

"You are here now, my lord, and we shall put this to right," Celeborn said, putting his hand on Thranduil's shoulders and turning his around. "Go into the bathing room and I shall fetch what we need."

There was much grumbling, and quiet cursing, as Thranduil stormed from Celeborn's room toward the private bathroom, shedding his tunic as he went. Celeborn called for a page, then instructed the page to go to the alchemist and bring back a small list of items. Within fifteen minutes, the page returned with the basket; Celeborn thanked the young Elf and then entered the bathing chamber.

"I have what we need." He set the basket down then turned to Thranduil, who had stripped himself down to his loincloth. "You're certain you would not rather just return to your Noldorin, ah... roots?" he quipped, and received a seething glare for his efforts. "Suit yourself, friend."

Half an hour later, and it was done. Another hour after that, and the (once again) golden-haired King of Mirkwood was setting off for the return to his halls. Celeborn accompanied Thranduil to the borders of the Golden Wood and promised not to allow another shipment to be delayed.

When Thranduil had crossed out of sight, Celeborn turned and was met by Haldir, who had been on watch in a nearby tree.

"Does he truly think that there is an Elf in Middle-earth who does not know?" the Marchwarden asked, leaning his cheek against Celeborn's shoulder.

Celeborn chuckled and kissed the top of Haldir's head lovingly. "Leave the old King his fantasies, Haldir. It is easier for all of us that way.

*****

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Orchyd Constyne