The Wild Ones (Lord of the Rings - Legolas)

The House of Oropher

The shimmering grey eyes stared down menacingly at the one called Taú. There was no mistaking it – he was a scion of the house of Oropher, there could be no doubt about it. The strong nose, the unique shape of his lips, the slanted eyes and brows that spoke of stubbornness and intrinsic power. Strange that only now, had he noticed these things.

Who exactly this was, Elrond did not know. What he did know was that this elf belonged to the Royal house of the Greenwood, and that he had withheld that information for reasons Elrond took offence at, and that was all too apparent now, in his thunderous eyes.

The table had fallen into shocked silence, until first Glorfindel, and then Elrond's children slowly leant forward to peer at the portrait sitting in the midst of their food, dust still settling around it.

One by one, their mouths opened and their eyes bulged, moving from the portrait to Taú and back again.

Someone cleared their throat – Erestor.

"Well then," he began softly, albeit his words seemed to echo around them far too loudly.

"Here is a mystery," he said, as if he were beginning a tale, "tell us, Taú, why King Thranduil would fail to reveal the identity of one of his own house? Is it, perhaps, that he is – ashamed?"

In one swift move, Taú stood, his tunic swirling around him. He was tall, and well-built, and he did not make the slightest effort to hide his strength – indeed Erestor flinched only slightly, enough for Elrond to see and understand. His Chief Advisor had spoken out of turn, and to one of a line that had been well-known for their impetuousness. He wondered if he should break the death glare he was receiving from Taú. Erestor was, after all, his friend.

"Ashamed? I do not think so, Lord Erestor," said Taú slowly. "Tell me, why you would assume such a thing?" said the captain quietly, dangerously, like a mountain puma ready to pounce upon its frozen prey. Elrond prayed that Erestor would tread lightly now, and to his great relief, he did.

"I sought merely to obtain a reaction, for you are still unwilling it seems, to reveal your identity, even after your deception has been revealed. If it is an apology you require, you will have it after I have heard yours, my Lord?" he said calmly, admirably, thought Elrond, and his own body relaxed as the Silvan captain broke his murderous stare and looked to the floor in silent acquiescence.

"'Tis not deceit, my Lord Erestor. I merely follow orders," said Taú softly.

"Whose orders are these, then?" said Elrond as he slowly moved forward until he stood but inches from the strange, pale wheat hair that was too thick, too long to be purely Silvan. He could see it now – the Sindarin in him.

"Those of my King, Thranduil Oropherion."

"Why would he order such a thing?" asked Glorfindel, leaning forward with a quick glance at his lord.

"To protect me. You must try to understand, my Lord," said Taú earnestly. "He has become – insular – distrustful of those outside his besieged realm – in all conscience I cannot fault my King for that."

"I find it – offensive, that your king would think us capable of harming you. We are not kinslayers..." said Elrond meaningfully, and Taú stared back at him calmly. Elrond saw it then, this very point was still questioned by Thranduil it seemed. It was preposterous and yet, he had not had dealings with Thranduil for over a millennia – and suddenly, he doubted his own, righteous anger.

"Is that it then, he believes we would harm one of his family, should we discover your lineage?"

"Partly, my lord. There is also the question of my – reputation," he said shyly. "I – eh, have been given many names over the centuries. These names have transcended the ranks of our warriors and some have been given to me by – by the enemy."