Hi! This is a little companion to my other story, Life of Legolas. I recommend reading that story's first arc(which, at the moment, is the only one), before reading this, as this story won't make much sense without it.

Chapter One: A Simple Request

To my dear cousin Feren

In answer to your previous letter: Yes, thank you, I'm feeling much better. My bed is situated beside a large window with a lovely view of the garden, and I watch the butterflies fly by as long as there is daylight. My one regret is that I am not yet well enough to run about and catch them.

Everyone here is exceedingly nice to me. Erestor has been reading the Red Book aloud to me, and Glorfindel is working through a dramatic recitation of the Fall of Gondolin. Both of their stories are a little violent for my taste, but I don't want to hurt their feelings, as they both have many other duties to attend to, and are very kind to give up some of their time to attend to me. Lord Elrond has been too busy to visit often, but, he is Lord Elrond, and cannot be persuaded to change his schedule on my account.

I regret to answer your other question, but, yes; there is one thing you could do for me that would speed my recovery. You see, visions of a lyre haunt my dreams- the lyre of the Elvenking. It was so lovely- so sparkly, with jewels shaped like butterflies. It seemed to play of itself- and what wondrous melodies pour'd forth from those harmonious strings! Of course, I wouldn't dream of asking you to steal-er, borrow the lyre for me. I'm sure that you're very busy doing whatever you do in Mirkwood, and it could possibly lose you your job if you went and did that. I wouldn't ask you to do such a thing, though it would gladden my heart and lighten my steps and make my very existence a joy.

Well, I must be off. Erestor informs me, on behalf of Lord Elrond, that it is my naptime.

Your Loving Cousin, Lindir.

To my cousin Lindir

Don't worry, old bean. I'll get you that lyre, though it might leave a permanent mark on my resume. It'll be an apology from me on behalf of Mirkwood for that snafu(oops. That sounded like the Elvenking).You could've found a more straightforward way to ask me, though. Enough with the hemming and hawing.

By the way, are you sure that we're talking about the same lyre? I didn't see any butterfly-shaped jewels, and, when it's played, it sounds like an abomination, at least when the king plays it- I had better make sure that Galion doesn't peep at this letter. No matter what, he holds steadfast to his creed: whatever the Elvenking does is perfect, and Thranduil himself is infallible. He's incredibly stodgy, but I suppose he means well. Anyway- don't worry! That lyre should be in the mail along with my next letter.

Your favourite cousin, Feren

P.S. I don't just "do whatever I do here". I'm a groundskeeper, guard, messenger, gatekeeper and musician. Galion does everything else that needs doing. Another reason why the Elvenking wants a talking-to.

Please review, and thank you for reading!