Disclaimer: Not mine!!! - But hey - a girl can dream ..
Disclaimer: bla bla bla - you know the drill.. As if - I wish etc etc..
Warning: This gets a little *steamy* - don't say I didn't warn ya!!
Author's note: he he he he *wicked grin* this is inspired by thatGordon's and tonic advert (for those of you that haven't seen it, it's a couple playing strip chess - it's rather good). Anyway - I'm taking a break from Aragolas whilst trying to decide their future so this is just a little story between the golden one and the Lord of Imladris. It's set years before FOTR and is basically just an excuse to indulge in my Elrond crush.
Oh - I don't actually know anything about chess so I apologise profusely if I make a hash of anything in that direction.
** Check Mate **
"Legolas!"
The sound echoed through the halls of the elfin palace at the heart of Mirkwood. Thranduil swept along the corridor towards the prince's chambers, his youngest son had, yet again, managed to apparently disappear off the face of Middle Earth. Whenever he was needed to do something he found irksome, Legolas vanished into who knew what secret place and was not to be found till hours later. It exasperated his father beyond belief; Thranduil reached the door to Legolas' room and walked in, in all honesty, he had not really expected to find his son in there. Try as he might he could not find Legolas' hiding place, it amused him that even now he was of age Legolas still ran off to hide in the face of boring duty. The king of Mirkwood sighed deeply and turned about; he would just have to wait until Legolas reappeared.
The prince was perched at the top of a tree overlooking the gatehouse which marked the entrance to the palace estate; it was one of his favourite hiding places as it allowed him to watch over all the comings and goings from the kingdom. Earlier that day he had noticed preparations being made for the imminent arrival of guests. He did not know who was coming but had made his escape swiftly before his father pounced on him and forced him to do the whole greeting performance. Legolas could not stand the formal side to being a prince, especially now he was of age and, consequently, was expected to do even more. He had been in the tree for over an hour now and still there was no sign of the visitors; just as his patience ran out and he shifted himself in order to climb down, his sharp hearing picked up the sound of horse's hooves. In no time at all the travellers were at the gates; it was a small party, just three elves on horseback. Legolas did not recognise one of them but the other two were well known to him; they were Elrond and Glorfindel from Rivendell. Great - thought Legolas with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Glorfindel was fine; easy going and good fun but Elrond, well - he was a different matter. The lord of Imladris had a reputation for being eccentric and Legolas had experienced it first hand the last time he had been in Rivendell. He had been obliged to play a game of chess with Elrond; this would not have been so bad but for two things: one, Legolas was very bad at chess and two, Elrond took the game very seriously and he was skilled at it. The game had lasted into the small hours by which time Legolas was both exhausted and bored. Elrond on the other hand had still been bright eyed and fully intent on making the best possible move at every opportunity so as to make sure he won.
The prince slumped back against the tree trunk with a silent sigh; it looked as though he was in for another evening of forced politeness and acute tedium. His father was sure to suggest another games evening of some sort seeing as he had managed to convince himself that everyone had enjoyed the one in Imladris so much. With a heavy heart, Legolas climbed down the tree and made his way back to his chambers, he drew a hot bath and sank into it hoping the steam would make him forget the ominous feeling he had about the ensuing night's entertainment. After he had been in the bath for a few minutes there was a knock at the door, "Come in." said Legolas wearily. A young elf maid stepped shyly thought the door; she caught sight of the prince in the bath and blushed profusely, "Oh! I'm sorry prince Legolas! I didn't realise - ..." Legolas interrupted, saving her embarrassment, "Don't worry my dear, now what is it you have come to tell me?" he asked in his best 'dashing young prince' voice, it appeared to have worked as the young elf blushed even redder and smiled timidly, "King Thranduil would like you to be in the great hall as soon as possible my lord." she said breathily, her eyes unconsciously straying down Legolas' chest. "Thank you," he replied, "would you please tell him that I shall be down presently?" He gave her a charming smile and she curtsied prettily as she left . Legolas smiled to himself - she was quite a pretty little thing really. pity Elrond had not brought any one with him that Legolas could spend the evening enjoying a mild flirtation with..
He reluctantly climbed out of the bath and dressed in a midnight blue tunic of soft linen - he figured he'd need to be cool and comfortable if he was in for another long night of trying to appear interested in whatever Lord Elrond took it in to his mind to play. He re-braided his hair and fastened a delicate mithril belt round his hips. Taking a final glance in the mirror he left his room and headed for the hall. Thranduil was already there fussing over seating arrangements, Legolas could only hope he wouldn't have to sit next to Elrond. "Hello father, is there anything I can do?" he asked, Thranduil turned around and gave his son an appraising look, "Well, at least you've made an effort to look presentable for our guests," he said, "I suppose there is no point in me asking where you were earlier?" Legolas laughed, "I am sorry father, I had no idea that you required me else I would have made sure.." he was interrupted by the king snorting derisively, "Do not bother making excuses Legolas, you are here now, I suppose I should be grateful for that. Now; make yourself useful and open these bottles of miruvor." Legolas complied with his father's request and presently their guest arrived in the hall.
Legolas greeted Glorfindel with genuine delight, "It is too long since I last saw you Glorfindel." He exclaimed, throwing his arms around the Rivendell elf's shoulders and giving him a fierce hug. "And it is a pleasure to see you again Elrond." He continued with slightly less conviction. The older elf smiled at the prince with the slightest hint of amusement twinkling in his eyes, "The pleasure is all mine Legolas, I hope we can enjoy another evening's entertainment together, I believe you have a score to settle after my triumphant win the last time we played?" Legolas groaned inwardly - it looked like he was not going to be able to escape, "I am looking forwards to it." he said through a fixed smile.
The prince sent a silent prayer of thanks to his father when he saw that he was to sit next to Glorfindel at dinner. The food was especially delicious in honour of the guests and Legolas found he was thoroughly enjoying himself talking with Glorfindel about archery and horses. As the last plates were cleared away the talk turned to after dinner activities, "I have set the chess table up in front of the fire Elrond, I believe you and Legolas are planning a game?" queried Thranduil, the lord of Imladris chuckled, "I must admit I am greatly looking forwards to beating the prince again," he said, "unless, of course, he has been practising since our last game." There was a challenging note in his voice, Legolas' pride got the better of him, "I think my skills have improved enough to give you a few problems Elrond." He lied, he had not played chess since he had last played in Rivendell and knew that he was still embarrassingly inferior at the game. Elrond raised his eyebrow and gave Legolas a wry smile; evidently not believing the younger elf.
Legolas and Elrond seated themselves on either side of the small chess table, the chess set was very old, it was beautifully carved from semi- precious stones and inlaid with mithril. Legolas chose white whilst Elrond sat himself behind the black set. Thranduil and Glorfindel settled themselves on the other side of the fireplace and struck up a discussion about the political affairs in their respective realms. "White always goes first Legolas, do your worst." said Elrond, he sat back in his chair and joined his fingers underneath his chin, his grey eyes fixed intently on the prince. Legolas took a few moments to think before he made his first move, he really did want to make a good impression in this game but his mind just did not work in the right way to be able foresee the other player's moves and catch them out. Eventually he made his choice and moved one of his pawns, Elrond leant forwards, a look of intense concentration creasing his brow. Legolas downed the rest of his third glass of miruvor; it looked as though it was going to be a long night..
With a smug smile Elrond made his first move, he had immediately put Legolas' knight in a dangerous position. It was now Legolas' turn to lean forwards in concentration - he couldn't lose a piece this early in the game! He eventually saw a way to avoid losing his knight, "I think you will find it hard to beat me tonight Elrond." he said. The older elf's grey eyes flicked over the board quickly, "It does appear that you have improved since our last game," he mused, "I will have to think hard about this move." Legolas fell back in his chair - he was caught between swallowing his pride and playing very badly so that the game would be over soon and proving to Elrond that he was not as hopeless as before but having the game last interminably. He took another long swig of miruvor. As the warming effects of the liquor spread to his head he decided that he would have to beat Elrond at this game, no matter how long it took - he was not a child anymore and the older elf's conviction that he was going to beat Legolas again dented the prince's pride.
Elrond made his next move and sat back, "Let us see what you can do about that little prince." Legolas finished the rest of his drink and looked at the board; after four glasses of his father's best miruvor things were not looking as clear as they should. he chewed his lip thoughtfully as he searched for a possible move. He looked up to find Elrond watching with an amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth - why did he have to look so dammed smug all the time? Legolas made his move and sat sulkily back in his chair, Elrond almost clapped his hands in joy, "Ah ha! Check!" he cried, removing one of Legolas' pawns from the board, "you didn't see that coming did you Legolas? Now.. let me think about what to do next." The concentrated look appeared on Elrond's face again. It looked like it was going to take a long time for Elrond to make his next move, he was completely focused; a small crease in the centre of his brow and his lips pursed in meditation. Thranduil and Glorfindel rose from their seat by the fire and bade good night to the players, Elrond did not notice them go but Legolas felt their loss; he was now bound to stay here for the rest of the game, or until Elrond tired of it and that did not look likely.
Legolas sipped his drink and watched the elf lord, an idea forming in his mind; what if there was a way in which he could put Elrond off and therefore stand a chance of winning the game? He looked again at the serious figure opposite him; every line in Elrond's body showed not only the determination to triumph in the game but also the austere personality for which he was known. What if there was a way to break down that serene composure?
"I have an idea Elrond," he said, and, clearly under the influence of the considerable quantity of miruvor he had drunk, proceeded to make a suggestion to the lord of Imladris; "how about we add a little forfeit for when a piece is lost?" Elrond looked up at him with questioning eyes, Legolas continued, "Every time one of us loses a piece," he paused for dramatic effect, "we have to remove an article of clothing." Legolas smiled broadly, hoping to see Elrond ruffled. To his dismay the older elf grinned wolfishly, "As you wish little prince." The grey eyes travelled the length of Legolas' body making him feel almost naked just from the intensity of the gaze. What had he let himself in for?
Disclaimer: bla bla bla - you know the drill.. As if - I wish etc etc..
Warning: This gets a little *steamy* - don't say I didn't warn ya!!
Author's note: he he he he *wicked grin* this is inspired by thatGordon's and tonic advert (for those of you that haven't seen it, it's a couple playing strip chess - it's rather good). Anyway - I'm taking a break from Aragolas whilst trying to decide their future so this is just a little story between the golden one and the Lord of Imladris. It's set years before FOTR and is basically just an excuse to indulge in my Elrond crush.
Oh - I don't actually know anything about chess so I apologise profusely if I make a hash of anything in that direction.
** Check Mate **
"Legolas!"
The sound echoed through the halls of the elfin palace at the heart of Mirkwood. Thranduil swept along the corridor towards the prince's chambers, his youngest son had, yet again, managed to apparently disappear off the face of Middle Earth. Whenever he was needed to do something he found irksome, Legolas vanished into who knew what secret place and was not to be found till hours later. It exasperated his father beyond belief; Thranduil reached the door to Legolas' room and walked in, in all honesty, he had not really expected to find his son in there. Try as he might he could not find Legolas' hiding place, it amused him that even now he was of age Legolas still ran off to hide in the face of boring duty. The king of Mirkwood sighed deeply and turned about; he would just have to wait until Legolas reappeared.
The prince was perched at the top of a tree overlooking the gatehouse which marked the entrance to the palace estate; it was one of his favourite hiding places as it allowed him to watch over all the comings and goings from the kingdom. Earlier that day he had noticed preparations being made for the imminent arrival of guests. He did not know who was coming but had made his escape swiftly before his father pounced on him and forced him to do the whole greeting performance. Legolas could not stand the formal side to being a prince, especially now he was of age and, consequently, was expected to do even more. He had been in the tree for over an hour now and still there was no sign of the visitors; just as his patience ran out and he shifted himself in order to climb down, his sharp hearing picked up the sound of horse's hooves. In no time at all the travellers were at the gates; it was a small party, just three elves on horseback. Legolas did not recognise one of them but the other two were well known to him; they were Elrond and Glorfindel from Rivendell. Great - thought Legolas with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Glorfindel was fine; easy going and good fun but Elrond, well - he was a different matter. The lord of Imladris had a reputation for being eccentric and Legolas had experienced it first hand the last time he had been in Rivendell. He had been obliged to play a game of chess with Elrond; this would not have been so bad but for two things: one, Legolas was very bad at chess and two, Elrond took the game very seriously and he was skilled at it. The game had lasted into the small hours by which time Legolas was both exhausted and bored. Elrond on the other hand had still been bright eyed and fully intent on making the best possible move at every opportunity so as to make sure he won.
The prince slumped back against the tree trunk with a silent sigh; it looked as though he was in for another evening of forced politeness and acute tedium. His father was sure to suggest another games evening of some sort seeing as he had managed to convince himself that everyone had enjoyed the one in Imladris so much. With a heavy heart, Legolas climbed down the tree and made his way back to his chambers, he drew a hot bath and sank into it hoping the steam would make him forget the ominous feeling he had about the ensuing night's entertainment. After he had been in the bath for a few minutes there was a knock at the door, "Come in." said Legolas wearily. A young elf maid stepped shyly thought the door; she caught sight of the prince in the bath and blushed profusely, "Oh! I'm sorry prince Legolas! I didn't realise - ..." Legolas interrupted, saving her embarrassment, "Don't worry my dear, now what is it you have come to tell me?" he asked in his best 'dashing young prince' voice, it appeared to have worked as the young elf blushed even redder and smiled timidly, "King Thranduil would like you to be in the great hall as soon as possible my lord." she said breathily, her eyes unconsciously straying down Legolas' chest. "Thank you," he replied, "would you please tell him that I shall be down presently?" He gave her a charming smile and she curtsied prettily as she left . Legolas smiled to himself - she was quite a pretty little thing really. pity Elrond had not brought any one with him that Legolas could spend the evening enjoying a mild flirtation with..
He reluctantly climbed out of the bath and dressed in a midnight blue tunic of soft linen - he figured he'd need to be cool and comfortable if he was in for another long night of trying to appear interested in whatever Lord Elrond took it in to his mind to play. He re-braided his hair and fastened a delicate mithril belt round his hips. Taking a final glance in the mirror he left his room and headed for the hall. Thranduil was already there fussing over seating arrangements, Legolas could only hope he wouldn't have to sit next to Elrond. "Hello father, is there anything I can do?" he asked, Thranduil turned around and gave his son an appraising look, "Well, at least you've made an effort to look presentable for our guests," he said, "I suppose there is no point in me asking where you were earlier?" Legolas laughed, "I am sorry father, I had no idea that you required me else I would have made sure.." he was interrupted by the king snorting derisively, "Do not bother making excuses Legolas, you are here now, I suppose I should be grateful for that. Now; make yourself useful and open these bottles of miruvor." Legolas complied with his father's request and presently their guest arrived in the hall.
Legolas greeted Glorfindel with genuine delight, "It is too long since I last saw you Glorfindel." He exclaimed, throwing his arms around the Rivendell elf's shoulders and giving him a fierce hug. "And it is a pleasure to see you again Elrond." He continued with slightly less conviction. The older elf smiled at the prince with the slightest hint of amusement twinkling in his eyes, "The pleasure is all mine Legolas, I hope we can enjoy another evening's entertainment together, I believe you have a score to settle after my triumphant win the last time we played?" Legolas groaned inwardly - it looked like he was not going to be able to escape, "I am looking forwards to it." he said through a fixed smile.
The prince sent a silent prayer of thanks to his father when he saw that he was to sit next to Glorfindel at dinner. The food was especially delicious in honour of the guests and Legolas found he was thoroughly enjoying himself talking with Glorfindel about archery and horses. As the last plates were cleared away the talk turned to after dinner activities, "I have set the chess table up in front of the fire Elrond, I believe you and Legolas are planning a game?" queried Thranduil, the lord of Imladris chuckled, "I must admit I am greatly looking forwards to beating the prince again," he said, "unless, of course, he has been practising since our last game." There was a challenging note in his voice, Legolas' pride got the better of him, "I think my skills have improved enough to give you a few problems Elrond." He lied, he had not played chess since he had last played in Rivendell and knew that he was still embarrassingly inferior at the game. Elrond raised his eyebrow and gave Legolas a wry smile; evidently not believing the younger elf.
Legolas and Elrond seated themselves on either side of the small chess table, the chess set was very old, it was beautifully carved from semi- precious stones and inlaid with mithril. Legolas chose white whilst Elrond sat himself behind the black set. Thranduil and Glorfindel settled themselves on the other side of the fireplace and struck up a discussion about the political affairs in their respective realms. "White always goes first Legolas, do your worst." said Elrond, he sat back in his chair and joined his fingers underneath his chin, his grey eyes fixed intently on the prince. Legolas took a few moments to think before he made his first move, he really did want to make a good impression in this game but his mind just did not work in the right way to be able foresee the other player's moves and catch them out. Eventually he made his choice and moved one of his pawns, Elrond leant forwards, a look of intense concentration creasing his brow. Legolas downed the rest of his third glass of miruvor; it looked as though it was going to be a long night..
With a smug smile Elrond made his first move, he had immediately put Legolas' knight in a dangerous position. It was now Legolas' turn to lean forwards in concentration - he couldn't lose a piece this early in the game! He eventually saw a way to avoid losing his knight, "I think you will find it hard to beat me tonight Elrond." he said. The older elf's grey eyes flicked over the board quickly, "It does appear that you have improved since our last game," he mused, "I will have to think hard about this move." Legolas fell back in his chair - he was caught between swallowing his pride and playing very badly so that the game would be over soon and proving to Elrond that he was not as hopeless as before but having the game last interminably. He took another long swig of miruvor. As the warming effects of the liquor spread to his head he decided that he would have to beat Elrond at this game, no matter how long it took - he was not a child anymore and the older elf's conviction that he was going to beat Legolas again dented the prince's pride.
Elrond made his next move and sat back, "Let us see what you can do about that little prince." Legolas finished the rest of his drink and looked at the board; after four glasses of his father's best miruvor things were not looking as clear as they should. he chewed his lip thoughtfully as he searched for a possible move. He looked up to find Elrond watching with an amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth - why did he have to look so dammed smug all the time? Legolas made his move and sat sulkily back in his chair, Elrond almost clapped his hands in joy, "Ah ha! Check!" he cried, removing one of Legolas' pawns from the board, "you didn't see that coming did you Legolas? Now.. let me think about what to do next." The concentrated look appeared on Elrond's face again. It looked like it was going to take a long time for Elrond to make his next move, he was completely focused; a small crease in the centre of his brow and his lips pursed in meditation. Thranduil and Glorfindel rose from their seat by the fire and bade good night to the players, Elrond did not notice them go but Legolas felt their loss; he was now bound to stay here for the rest of the game, or until Elrond tired of it and that did not look likely.
Legolas sipped his drink and watched the elf lord, an idea forming in his mind; what if there was a way in which he could put Elrond off and therefore stand a chance of winning the game? He looked again at the serious figure opposite him; every line in Elrond's body showed not only the determination to triumph in the game but also the austere personality for which he was known. What if there was a way to break down that serene composure?
"I have an idea Elrond," he said, and, clearly under the influence of the considerable quantity of miruvor he had drunk, proceeded to make a suggestion to the lord of Imladris; "how about we add a little forfeit for when a piece is lost?" Elrond looked up at him with questioning eyes, Legolas continued, "Every time one of us loses a piece," he paused for dramatic effect, "we have to remove an article of clothing." Legolas smiled broadly, hoping to see Elrond ruffled. To his dismay the older elf grinned wolfishly, "As you wish little prince." The grey eyes travelled the length of Legolas' body making him feel almost naked just from the intensity of the gaze. What had he let himself in for?