Aragorn stormed into the room, his face red with anger. "Legolas! What in the name of all that is good and holy were you thinking, getting drunk before a battle?" He cursed under his breath as he paced back and forth.

Legolas, who was lounging on a nearby couch, grinned drunkenly and took a quick sip from his flask. "Ah, come on, Aragorn. A little miruvor is good for you. And besides, it helps steady my hand. I took out more orcs than anyone else out there."

Aragorn stopped pacing and glared at Legolas. "That may be, but you also put yourself and everyone else at risk by fighting drunk. Do you have any idea how irresponsible and selfish that is?"

Gimli, who was sitting in a nearby chair, nodded in agreement. "Aye, Legolas. Admit it—Aragorn’s right. One missed shot and the orcs would have broken through the line. You wouldn’t be boasting then."

Legolas chuckled as he swirled his flask. "Ah, come on. You're both being such stick-in-the-muds. The miruvor gives me strength. And besides, it makes the fighting more fun."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Aragorn's face contorted with rage. "Fun? Legolas, this is not a game. People's lives are at stake here. And your reckless behavior could have jeopardized all of that!"

Legolas waved his hand dismissively. "You worry too much. I had everything under control out there. And besides, it's not like I'm the only one who drinks before a battle. You should try it sometime, loosen up a bit."

"I will not stand here and listen to your bullshit, Legolas!” Aragorn pointed his finger at the elf. “Your behavior was irresponsible and reckless, and it will not be tolerated. Do you understand?"

Legolas sighed and stood up, swaying slightly. "Fine, Aragorn. I understand. But I still don't see what the big deal is. The Noldorin went into battle with kegs of this stuff."

Gimli stood up from his own chair. "Aye, well, I for one have had enough of your excuses. I'm going to go sharpen my axe."

Legolas watched as Gimli stormed out of the room, then turned back to Aragorn. "Well, I guess I'll see you in the morning. I'm going to go have another drink and try to forget about all this fuss."

Aragorn shook his head in disgust. "I hope you reconsider your priorities, Legolas. Your behavior is unacceptable and it needs to change."

Legolas nodded as he stumbled out of the room with his flask in hand. As he wandered through the halls of Helm's Deep, he sang and drank, determined to enjoy himself no matter what anyone else said.