81: Job Interview

Prince Legolas eschewed spending the night in the woods with some of the others, as had been his habit for the last month or so, and remained in Edhellond, deciding to sleep in an actual bed for a change.

“Are you feeling alright, Liam?” Finrod asked him with some concern when Legolas had declined Mithlas’ offer to join him in the woods.

“Yes, I am well,” Legolas replied, perhaps a bit more stiffly than he had intended. “I simply wish not to sleep outdoors tonight, though the sky is brilliant with stars and the Northern Lights are magnificent.”

“Well, I’m sure your bed will appreciate the company,” Glorfindel said with a grin and there were chuckles all around as Legolas raised an eyebrow but deigned not to respond to the Elf-lord’s words. Instead, he bade everyone a good night and then made his way to the room that had been assigned to him, bare of any real evidence of his existence except for the few clothes, those that he’d brought with him and the ones he’d purchased in Wiseman, hanging in the closet and his bow and a quiver of arrows leaning in a corner. There were a few small items, mementos of his life in Aman, sitting on the dresser, but otherwise, the room could have belonged to anyone or no one. He checked his closet, wondering what would be appropriate, realizing that he had little in the way of formal wear, such as the sort that Finrod wore when he was at the bookstore.

He stepped out of his room and went down the hall to Elladan’s room, knocking on the door. He knew Elladan was in though Elrohir had gone to the hospital for his shift. The Twins were now taking different shifts and Elladan would not go in for several more hours. The door opened.

“Liam! What’s up?” Elladanr opened the door wide and stepped aside to let the prince in.

Legolas was still not used to the cavalier manner in which the Twins tended to address him, as if he were one of their Mortal friends, yet, he had to admit, if only to himself, that there was a certain sense of freedom in their manner that he liked and wished he could emulate. He decided he would need to practice a bit. No doubt when he was working as a police officer, assuming he could get the job, he would need to ‘lighten up’, as he believed the expression was.

“I would not otherwise disturb you, mellon nîn, but I need a favor,” Legolas said.

“Of course. Name it.”

“I wish to borrow your clothes.”

Elladan blinked. “My clothes… Er… anything in particular or is this a polite raiding party?”

Legolas chuckled. “I wish to go into Wiseman tomorrow on some personal business but I do not have the proper clothes for it, just jeans and T-shirts and the like. I fear I was remiss not to purchase at least one good outfit such as the type Finrod wears or you when you go in to work.”

“Well, sure,” Elladan said as he stepped in front of his closet and opened it. “Let’s see. How formal do you wish to be?”

“You do not ask me why I wish to do this thing,” Legolas commented rather than answering Elladan’s question.

Elladan turned to look at him and shrugged. “It’s not my business. I’m not your ada and you are not accountable to me. Now, is this a casual dress thing or should you be wearing a suit and tie?”

“I wish to apply to the police for work as a police officer,” Legolas replied, “but please, tell no one of this, in case I fail in obtaining a post.”

Elladan’s eyes widened and then he was grinning. “Liam! That’s great! I’m so glad.”

“I have not gotten the job yet… Dan.” He still found it difficult to call the Twins by their Mortal names.

“Of course, and there is no guarantee. I don’t even know if they’re hiring. Wiseman isn’t all that big and they may have all the police officers they need, but just the fact that you are putting yourself out is great whether you get the job or not. Roy and I’ve been sort of worried about you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, well, you know, we know how hard it was for you to see your friends leave you, Estel especially, and you never speak of Gimli, so we assumed that parting was still painful for you even after all this time. We wondered if you would be willing to give yourself to any Mortal again. I’m glad you’re willing to risk it.”

“How can I not? It is why I am here, after all. It is why I was chosen when others were dismissed, or so I must believe. So, do you have any suggestions on how I should conduct myself before these Mortals, especially David Michaelson, who may well become my — what’s the word — boss?”

“Just be yourself,” Elladan advised. “Don’t pretend to be what you are not. Roy and I can easily pass as Mortals simply because we’ve had ages of practice doing so, but you’ve only just gotten here and you’ve never had to hide who and what you are. Don’t bother trying to be like me or Roy or even Loren. Be yourself. Be Legolas, but also be Liam, whoever you choose for him to be. Admit that you have no clue about modern police work, but you are willing to learn. I think you might be able to be brought in as a member of the police reserve if they have one in Wiseman. That means you are a volunteer and you don’t get paid but you get hands-on experience. I think you have to attend the police academy, but you aren’t ready for that yet, but maybe, given the circumstances, that might be waived. All you can do is ask. Now, since you are essentially going to a job interview, I would suggest a suit and tie.”

He reached into the closet and pulled out one of his suits, a charcoal gray pinstripe, and a blue dress shirt. “Let’s see. This tie will be fine.” He sorted through his ties and pulled one off the rack, a blue and dark gray striped tie. “You’ll need dress shoes, but we don’t wear the same size. Hmm… well, a minor detail that we won’t worry about. I’ll lend you my good London Fog. It’s dressier than your coat.”

“I will need help with the tie,” Legolas hated to admit, but it was true. He had had to have Elrohir do the one he had worn at the Christmas Ball.

“Not a problem. I don’t go in until nine. I can give you a lift to the station and then you can find your own way home afterwards, okay?”

“Thank you, and please…”

“Not a word to anyone, I promise. I won’t even tell Roy. It’ll just be our little secret, and hey, if it doesn’t work out, that’s not the end of the world. You’re at least making an effort and other opportunities will come along.”

Legolas nodded, wishing the older son of Elrond a good night and then he retired to his own room carrying the suit, vowing that if he did indeed get the job that he would buy his own.

In the morning, he took especial care in his toilet and when he needed help with the tie, Elladan was there.

“How do I explain why I am so dressed up, though?” he asked his friend.

“You don’t have to explain anything, Liam,” Elladan assured him. “Now, I wouldn’t worry about it. Most everyone is out anyway for one reason or another. C’mon. I have to be at the hospital by nine-thirty and the police station is a bit of a detour. Here’s the London Fog. My, you are one handsome dude, as Derek would say.”

With that, they headed downstairs, encountering no one, much to Legolas’ relief. He really had not wanted to tell Elladan his plan but realized that having another person in on it was helpful. Soon they were on their way.

“Nervous?” Elladan asked as he competently drove through the town.

“A little,” Legolas admitted. “I do not think I like the idea of having to beg for work from Mortals.”

“Get used to it, my friend,” Elladan said sympathetically. “But just remember this: Dave Michaelson is on our side. He’ll give you a fair hearing.” He pulled over so that he was across the street from the modest building that was the Wiseman Police Department. Legolas got out.

“iMelain ah le, mellon nîn.” Elladan said.

“Le hannon,” Legolas returned before closing the door.

Elladan drove off with a wave and Legolas stood for a moment eyeing the building across the street, noticing the police officers in their uniforms going in and coming out, some of them getting into cars, others setting off to walk a beat.

Well, no sense standing there, he decided as he squared his shoulders, remembering to look both ways before crossing, and made his way to the entrance. Inside, he stopped to take in the general hubbub of activity, the quiet, yet intense atmosphere, automatically cataloguing all the exits that he could see. He had hoped (foolishly, of course) that David Michaelson would be there somehow waiting for him with open arms, but the police chief was not in sight and he wondered if the Man was even there. He belatedly realized that he should probably have sought an audience with the chief instead of just showing up. Funny Elladan had not mentioned that.

“May I help you, sir?”

Legolas blinked and focused his attention on the older Man standing behind a counter that appeared to separate the front lobby from the rest of the building and realized that he would need to convince this person to let him speak with Michaelson. He stepped away from the entrance and approached the counter.

“Thank you,” he said politely, speaking in soft tones, remembering that here he was not a prince to issue commands for others to obey. “I wish to speak with David Michaelson on a… personal matter.”

“Do you have an appointment, sir?” the Man asked politely, though Legolas thought he detected a hint of suspicion in his tone.

“Ah, sorry, I did not realize. Lord Elladan did not—”

The Man gave him a sharp look and then his eyes widened as if just now recognizing him. Legolas wondered idly if the Mortals of Wiseman were so used to seeing some Elves wandering their streets that they no longer took any real notice of them. An interesting theory which he would have to discuss with the others, but in the meantime—

“May I have your name, sir?” the Man asked. “Both names?”

Legolas blinked, not entirely sure what the Man was asking. Ah, yes! Of course. He smiled. “I am Prince Legolas Thranduilion, but I now go by Liam Prince.” He gave the Man a small bow such as he would have accorded to any Mortal of an earlier age out of politeness when introducing himself.

“Ah, er, yes, thank you,” the Man said, sounding a bit flustered. “A personal matter, you said?”

Legolas nodded but eschewed saying anything more.

“If you would wait here a moment….”

Legolas nodded again and stepped to one side against the wall, staying out of everyone’s way. People, both police and civilians, were coming in and out and most of them gave him curious looks. If he got this job, he would have to get used to it. He practiced smiling at them, and that caused many of them to look away, obviously abashed.

“Your Highness.”

Legolas looked up to see Michaelson standing there looking a bit bemused, no doubt wondering why he was there.

“Greetings, David Michaelson.” Legolas automatically placed his right fist over his heart and bowed and then silently cursed himself as he noticed the Mortals around him goggling, a few raising eyebrows and attempting to hide smirks.

Michaelson never twitched, but nodded, gesturing for Legolas to join him. “Please step into my office. Would you care for some coffee or tea?”

“Thank you, no. I do not mean to take up much of your time, but perhaps some water…” He was suddenly feeling dry-mouthed, almost as if he were about to go into battle.

“Sergeant, some water for His Highness,” Michaelson ordered the Man who had first spoken with Legolas. “This way, sir.”

Legolas followed the police chief into his office, removing his coat, for it was now over-warm. The Sergeant came in bearing a paper cup and Legolas thanked him politely.

“Please see that we’re not disturbed, Sergeant,” Michaelson said as he closed the door behind the officer before taking his seat. “So. What can I do for you, Your Highness?”

“Liam, please,” Legolas said. “I must get used to being Liam Prince and not Prince Legolas. That is why I am here.”

“Oh?”

And now that it came to it, Legolas found himself being suddenly tongue-tied. He, a police officer, a detective? How absurd was that? What would his adar say if he ever learned of it? He could see that particular sneer Thranduil had perfected over the ages, the one reserved for his son’s foolishness, such as befriending Dwarves or ignoring protocol. But, he reminded himself, the Elvenking was not here. Legolas was and he realized that the Mortal sitting across from him was waiting for an answer.

He cleared his throat. “I wish to join your police,” he said and then waited for the rejection he knew had to come.

“Why?”

Well, that wasn’t a question he was expecting and he took a few precious seconds to marshal his thoughts. “I watched your people as they examined the place where Lord Glorfindel was left for dead. I was… fascinated by how they went about their work. I wish to learn more.”

“I see,” Michaelson said, nothing in his expression giving away his thoughts on one Prince Legolas, who now went by Liam Prince. “What experience do you have in such matters?”

What indeed? “In my adar’s… my father’s realm, I was his chief of security, I think is the term you would use.” Michaelson nodded and Legolas continued. “It was my task to ensure that the Woodland Realm was protected at all times. I was in charge of the patrols and often led them myself. Later, I occasionally helped the King of Gondor and Arnor solve the odd criminal case that might be presented to him for judgment.”

For a long moment, Michaelson did not speak, his expression becoming thoughtful and then he shook his head. “Modern police work is not something one just picks up on the side. You have to attend the police academy, the closest one being in Fairbanks. It’s an intensive, thirteen-week course. No one can be hired unless they have been certified by the Alaska Police Standards Council.”

“Lord Elladan… er… Dan, mentioned something about the police reserve—”

Michaelson nodded. “We do have that even here, but you still have to attend the academy first, and I do not think you are ready for that, are you?” The Mortal gave him a sympathetic look.

“Elladan warned me that I do not know how to pass as a Mortal,” Legolas admitted.

“But that is not to say you cannot learn,” Michaelson pointed out. “I appreciate you wishing to join us. God knows there aren’t enough people in law enforcement. It’s a dangerous job and it doesn’t pay much. I’m always shorthanded, but even I can’t bend the rules so far as to let you join out of the blue. I’m sorry.”

Legolas nodded, hiding his disappointment. Elladan had warned him and he knew the possibility of rejection was high, but he had hoped….

Perhaps he had not hidden is disappointment as much as he thought, for Michaelson said, “Look, this is what we can do. I’ll let you ride with one of my patrols, let you see up close what we’re all about. I’ll even let you go to the firing range and have someone show you how guns work, and then, with some help from people like Roy and Dan teaching you how to pass for Mortal, if you’re still interested, I will recommend you to the police academy in Fairbanks for their Autumn session. That means you have about six months to cease being Prince Legolas and become Liam Prince. Does that meet with your approval?”

Legolas nodded. “Thank you. I will speak with Elrohir and Elladan.”

“Good,” Michaelson said. “I wish I could do more but my hands are tied legally.”

“I understand and I am grateful that you are willing to do this much,” Legolas said. “I have taken up more than enough of your time.” He started to rise and put on the London Fog.

“How did you get here, walk?” Michaelson also stood.

“No. El… I mean, Dan dropped me off.”

“I’ll get someone to drive you back to Edhellond.”

“Please do not bother. I can walk.”

“Nonsense.” Michaelson pushed a button on his desk. “Conrad. My office.”

A few seconds later Conrad entered, giving his boss a quizzical look. “Lieutenant, I think you’ve met His Highness before.”

The Man nodded, but said nothing, obviously waiting for Michaelson to speak. “Would you arrange for one of the patrolmen to drive Prince Legolas back to Edhellond?”

“Sure, Chief,” Conrad said. “If you would follow me, sir.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Michaelson said and the three made their way through the station with Legolas and Michaelson going outside, while Conrad checked with the Sergeant as to who would be available to drive Legolas back home. A few minutes later, as Legolas and Michaelson stood speaking of generalities, Conrad joined them.

“Officer Reynolds will take you home, sir.”

“Thank you, and please, you must call me Liam or Mr. Prince.”

“Well, Mr. Prince,” Michaelson said with a grin, “I’ll call you in a few days to let you know when you can ride with our patrols. We’ll set up a schedule and—”

He paused and Legolas saw the Man’s eyes widen as he stared past him. He turned to see what had attracted Michaelson’s attention just as Conrad hissed a shocked oath. At first Legolas was not sure what was happening but then he noticed the commotion on the other side of the street. A Man had just thrown a Woman to the ground and he and his partner were climbing into a car and driving off with the Woman screaming, “My baby! My baby!”

“In front of a police station?” Michaelson yelled in disbelief. “Are they insane?!”

Without consciously thinking about it, Legolas tore off the London Fog and the coat underneath, thrusting them into Michaelson’s arms and sprinting away, ignoring the shouts of the Man to come back. He dodged pedestrians gaping at the scene and nimbly sprinted up to the roof of a parked car, meaning to keep the stolen car in sight. He could see it some blocks away, dodging traffic, ignoring stop signs and running intersections. Horns blared and tires squealed. Somewhere behind him was the sound of sirens.

Legolas jumped from the parked car to the one in front of it, running swiftly across the roofs, leaping and summersaulting to land lightly on the roof of a moving car heading in the direction he wished to go, ignoring the startled yells of the Mortals inside the car and on the street, wishing he had his bow. He took a second to balance himself and then jumped to the car in front, then to the next, moving more quickly than if he had been running. The stolen car made a turn to the right and Legolas, having reached the intersection courtesy of an SUV, leapt for a street lamp on the corner, letting his momentum swing him around to face the street where he could see the car now racing away. He landed lightly on the back of a pickup truck that was parked near the corner and then ran up the cab and continued leaping from one parked car to another.

The stolen vehicle was now only a couple of car lengths ahead of him. Legolas ran faster and then as he drew parallel to the racing vehicle, he leapt, landing on the roof, barely making a dent. This car was racing at a faster speed than the others and he quickly lay face down and clutched the edges to keep from being pushed off. He could hear the sound of an infant screeching inside. He inched forward on his belly until he could look over the front, giving the startled Mortals an evil grin. He saw them both yell and the driver slammed on the brakes, nearly throwing Legolas off, but the Elf was already moving to land lightly before the driver’s door, opening it and grabbing the Man, who he noticed was not wearing a seatbelt, and pulling him out of the car.

Of course, the Man had not put the car into park and it started moving again. The driver’s partner yelled and grabbed the wheel and shifted into park before throwing open his own door to escape. Legolas let him go, since by now several police cars, coming from different directions were now on the scene. Police officers were practically falling out of the cars with their weapons raised, yelling for the Man to freeze, which he did, throwing his hands up in the air.

Legolas let go of the Man he was holding, pushing him negligently to the pavement, then ignoring him as he opened the back door and found the infant still crying its distress and disapproval. He reached in and after a few seconds of trying to figure out the belt, released the child from its seat and picked it up, crooning to it in Sindarin. Police were all over the place now, competently grabbing the perpetrators and reading them their rights as they were being handcuffed. Legolas ignored them all, concentrating on the baby, marveling at the tiny creature who had ceased to wail, now looking up at him with that startled look that he remembered seeing on the faces of other infants. He smiled at the child, still crooning to it as he walked down the street back to the police station, totally ignoring the Mortals who stood there gaping at him. Some of them started clapping and a few even raised cheers and soon every Mortal along the way was doing the same.

When he finally reached the station it was to find Michaelson still standing out front, comforting the Woman whose car had been stolen. Conrad now held Legolas’ suit coat and London Fog. All three looked up with disbelieving looks on their faces. The Woman gave a cry and ran to Legolas, who smiled at her as he put the child into its mother’s arms.

“I think the little one needs changing,” he said as he relinquished his hold.

“Thank you, thank you,” the Woman cried, tears of relief and joy streaming down her face as she hugged her child.

Even as he was dealing with the grateful Woman, he heard Conrad say, “Aw, Chief, can we keep him?”

****

Words are Sindarin:

iMelain ah le: ‘The Valar be with you’. The plural definite article causes nasal mutation.

Le hannon: Thank you.