Ch 16 Oh, oh!

As Glorfindel and Elrond started to exit the tent, Elrond’s eyes fell on the soap he was making for Gil-galad. He realized he would still have time to add a light scent. Without really looking, his hands found the pouch with the herbs he needed.

Swiftly, he crumbled the leaves, and let it set for a time. After it had cooled, he worked the scent into the bar. Finished!

Grabbing the soap, he headed for the tent of the High King. “Your Majesty, your soap is ready. I added just a light scent. I hope it meets with your approval.”

“Hannon le, mellon nin. I hope you and Glorfindel will also attend?” Gil-galad stared at Elrond as he spoke, for he knew neither Glorfindel nor Elrond would attend, else. It was time for those two to lay seriousness aside for one night.

Elrond sighed heavily, as if it were a great burden to be borne, instead of the feast it would be. All he got for his actions was a laugh from the king.

“Aye, we will attend. I promise!” replied the King’s Herald with a smile.

As he entered his tent, Glorfindel was clearing the last of the herbs. Suddenly, their eyes locked as they noticed that the herb for removing hair was mixed with the remnants of the herbs Elrond was mixing into the soap. They whirled and ran out of the tent towards the baths. As they approached, they heard the splashing of water, and saw the king’s squire enter the tent with towels and the king’s robes.

“Oh, no! We’re too late!” As they neared the tent, the king saw them as he left the baths and said, “Elrond, the soap was exactly as I requested. I will see you two shortly. There is fresh water so you may bathe. Enjoy!” With that, Gil-galad turned and entered his tent to dress.

Glorfindel and Elrond stared at each other. Elrond whispered, “Mayhap the herb did not get into the soap. Or there might not be enough to do harm.”

Glorfindel replied, “I hope you are right, mellon nin. I have become accustomed to living again!”

The feast went on for most of the night. Gil-galad caught Elrond and Glorfindel staring at him several times throughout the evening. Finally, he confronted them. “Why are you staring at me? Did I suddenly sprout wings, or horns?”

Both elves started to panic. “Er..Uh…,” stuttered Elrond. Glorfindel fared no better.

Finally, Elrond blurted, “The soap I made..an herb for removing hair was accidentally mixed in.”

Gil-galad stared at the two elves. “Are you saying my hair will fall out?”

Elrond nodded, while Glorfindel winced at the High King’s icy tone.