Title: A Child’s Torment Rating: PG right now Summary: A baby Legolas deals with his mother’s death and the fact that Thranduil no longer wants him. Leads up to why Elrond and Thranduil are enemies. Paring: none Characters: Legolas, Lord Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan, Glorfindel, Thranduil and a person I made up named Dunthral. This is an AU story Special thanks to my beta Cass!! Feedback: Please! I live for feedback with out it I shall perish in the depths of Moria….. wildchild@vci.net Disclaimer: I do not own the charters nor the people who portray them ~only if I did own Orlando Bloom and Viggio Mortensen or even Legolas and Aragorn… ~ They belong respectively to themselves and J.R.R. Tolkien. The story line however is my own. Archiving: If you have a fic site and want it.. take it just tell me where it is going. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Prologue News of the Queen of Mirkwood’s death traveled fast through Middle Earth. It was tragic for any creature to die but this stung deeper; not only was she an Elvin Queen but a mother as well. Prince Legolas Greenleaf was born five summers ago, a proud addition to the royal family and a blessing to the Mirkwood elves. Great prophecies spoke of the elfling and his part in a fight against a great evil attempting to destroy Middle Earth. However after the Queen’s death his future looked grim. Not only was the child suffering the loss of his mother but the loss of a father as well. It seemed Thranduil no longer wanted the prince in Mirkwood and was sending him away. How will this alter the future of Middle Earth? Ch 1 ****Flash Back***** The Queen and her court were preparing for a short trip through Mirkwood to see to the harvest of the fruit. It grew on the outskirts of ‘safety’ in their kingdom and King Thranduil was not thrilled about her going, now that the giant spiders inhibited the woods but the Queen insisted. She told him that if she showed fear in the face of darkness the others would as well. Although in the end he agreed, he insisted that she take several archers along. She in turn insisted that he spend the day with the Prince. After a great deal of debate he reluctantly agreed. Oh, he was happy to have his son; it was his Kingly duty to produce an heir to the throne but it did not mean he had the tolerance of a father. He insisted that rearing a child was women’s work and would be seen to as such so when the Queen took a trip, either Legolas went with her or a nanny would care for him. The only time Thranduil spent with him was either yelling at him for mischief or disciplining him for not doing something properly. Standing outside the doors to her son’s room, the Queen took a deep breath and assured herself she was doing the right thing. If Thranduil spent time with Legolas then he would grow to love the child and he truly was a child worthy of love. Sighing she opened the door and walked inside. Legolas ran to her and embraced her excited about their upcoming trip to the woods. She smiled at him, “Legolas, you will not be joining me on this trip.” He looked up at her with wide eyes, “Did I do something bad again?” “You,” she smiled, “are going to spend time with your father while I’m away.” Unsurprisingly the prince was not happy about staying with his father, “Naneth (mother) I wish to go with you.” “It is unfitting for a prince to argue with his mother,” she forced back a chuckle at his indignity. Looking up at her through long lashes, bottom lip jutted in a full pout “I’m sorry Naneth (mother), please forgive me?” She picked him up and hugged him, “There is nothing to forgive, my son. You must understand that your father does love you; he just,” she paused. “I’m in the way,” he finished for her. “I will be a good elf today, I promise.” Her mind reeled at the perception of the small child in her arms. She kissed his cheek, “You are always a good son; if a little mischievous,” she teased as she tickled him. His laughter echoed throughout the palace as she carried him to the sitting room. “For heaven sake put him down,” the King snapped. “He should not be babied so!” “Mind yourself, Thranduil,” the Queen scolded loudly as she set the elfling down. “He acts as a child because he is one least you not forget it!” Legolas scampered across the room and hid his face against the leg of Dunthral; captain of the Mirkwood guards, as his parents argued. Dunthral hid a smile as he looked down into the steel blue eyes that, to his surprise, shown bright with fear. He ruffled the prince’s hair and gave him a quick wink. He liked the elfling more then he thought he should and had grown very attached to him. “Manko? (Why)” the small voice whispered. “Uuma dela titta er ron naa quell (don’t worry little one, they are good).” Dunthral whispered back trying to ease the prince. Before the young one could respond his father called to him, “Come here elf and stop pestering Dunthral!” He went to his father’s side, “Amin hiraetha adar (I’m sorry father.)” Both the prince and King bid the Queen glad tidings and she left for the harvest. *****End Flash Back***** That was two days ago; two days since the queen was killed by a band of Orcs. The few who survived said she refused to leave her court behind and picked up the bow and quiver of a fallen archer fighting valiantly to her death. Legolas had been summoned to the throne room by his father and told abruptly of his mother’s demise. Even Dunthral was stunned by the callousness of King Thranduil. Legolas tried to be strong but emotion won over pride and the child wept uncontrollably. Everyone in the throne room bit their tongues as the prince sat on the floor crying and his father sat on the throne looking at him, offering him neither consolation nor support. Dunthral took all he could stand and scooped the elf up into his arms. He thought he was going to be banished for the breach of etiquette when Thranduil’s voice rang out but he didn’t care. “Pack his things and take him to Rivendell; ask Lord Elrond to care for him for a while. If he refuses, take him to Lothlorien.” With that said the King stood and left. Dunthral was stunned and heartbroken for Legolas. He did not pretend to understand why the King reacted as such. It was no secret that Lord Elrond and King Thranduil were enemies although no one was sure just why and it stunned Dunthral and the rest of the kings court to hear him make such a request but he could not refuse his command. The horses were loaded and led to the entrance of the palace. Legolas stood at Dunthral’s side, tears still falling from his eyes and his breath coming in hiccupped gasps. Dunthral was a proud man, brave and decorated warrior for Mirkwood for over 5 millennia and had been willing to die for Thranduil but not anymore. He decided he could no longer serve as Thranduil’s head of security and would inform him after his return from Rivendell. He knew that he must accompany Legolas on this journey, as he did not trust anyone else with the child. Thranduil finally walked out of the palace and told Dunthral he could have one archer to take with him incase of an Orc attack and then handed him a letter to give to Lord Elrond. Legolas grabbed Thranduil’s robes and begged, “Adar sase a uume karne amin wanya! Amin merne ana erin o lle! Sase adar! (Father, please do not make me go! I wish to stay with you. Please, father!) His small hands clung as if death itself were reaching for him, knuckles turning white from his grip. Thranduil looked down with disregard trying to disengage the clinging elfling from his royal robes. The small ones grip was so strong that when the king got his hands free the child inadvertently was knocked to the ground where he laid in a small heap sobbing, begging his father not to send him away. Thranduil looked down at his spawn and shook his head, “You will fit in perfect at Rivendell; elf as you are, as weak as Elrond. If you are ever to return here you will learn a warriors demeanor and know how to conduct yourself properly!” That said he swiftly turned and walked back inside leaving the elfling on the ground. Dunthral’s blood boiled, how could he have been in the service of such a cruel lord all this time and not be aware? Why was the King nice to everyone but his own son? He knew the Queen had forced Thranduil to be a part of the prince’s life but was blind as to his true feelings toward him. He knelt and scooped the child into his arms “It’s ok, little one,” he soothed not knowing how to offer comfort. Legolas clung to the elf like a soul clinging to the heavens. Dunthral handed the reigns of Legolas’ pony to the other rider and mounted his steed with the elfling in his arms. As they rode away he whispered: “Seere titta er. Amin tuluva lav laa mel nwalya an lende an lle. (Peace little one. I will allow no more pain to come to you.) Ch 2 The long ride to Rivendell was silent. Legolas did not speak a sound, only silently crying for his lost mother. Dunthral was very concerned for the elfling’s welfare, as he could not get him to eat or sleep. He would not even ride his pony, which normally you could not keep him from. He rode on Dunthral’s steed seated in front of him the entire way. It was as if he was with drawing into himself. He knew an elf could die of grief and he said a prayer to Elbereth that it was not what he was witnessing. Dunthral decided that they were close enough to Rivendell to be safe so he sent a rider ahead to inform Lord Elrond of their coming and why. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Elrond was awakened with the late moon and informed that a rider from Mirkwood had an urgent message. Knowing of the Queens’ death he arose instantly and went to his throne room. The Mirkwood elf bowed, “Lord Elrond, I regret waking you at this late hour but my message is of great importance.” “Who is the message from,” he asked eying the weary elf. “The first is from King Thranduil, the second from the captain of the Mirkwood guards.” “Continue.” The elf informed him first of the request to care for the young prince, then of the elfling’s poor state. Elrond was livid! “Your Captain was right in sending you ahead so that I and my sons will be prepared and so the child does not witness my anger!” The messenger cowered at Elrond’s tone, “King Thranduil said if you did not wish to keep him we should take him to Lothlorien. I would request that you still see the prince however, as you might be able to help him sleep for a night.” “Fear not,” Elrond held up his hand in surrender. “My anger lies not with you nor the prince but with King Thranduil. I will gladly take Prince Legolas but I will prepare a message to be sent to Thranduil upon your return!” “Yes my lord.” The elf was happy that Lord Elrond was going to express his anger over the matter. He too had been stricken by the actions of his King and wished to help the prince. “Take the second room atop the east stairs and rest yourself till morning. I will send someone up with some food.” “Thank you,” he bowed then dismissed himself. Early the next sunrise Elrond summoned his sons to the setting room. The teenage twins, Elladan and Elrohir yawned as they sat across from their father. He had to laugh at their similarities, not only in looks but actions although they would never admit it. “By the Valor, why are you up with the sun,” Elladan asked? “Lazy elf,” Elrohir scoffed then yawned. Elrond laughed again at their playfulness and wondered how someone could give away their child as Thranduil apparently had. “I have news of Mirkwood’s young prince. He will be here shortly and I need the two of you to help me.” “Why is he coming here ada (dad)? Is he Ill?” Elrohir asked worried. He knew that his father and Thranduil were not friends and that it had to be bad for either of them to agree to this. “Yes and no,” Elrond answered. “Thranduil could not deal with both his son and the loss of his wife so asked if I would care for the elfling for a time. A messenger came ahead last eve to inform me that the prince is not well. Both of you have experienced the loss of your mother and I hoped you would offer counsel to him in coping.” “Of course,” they both chimed; their own mothers death still fresh in their minds. “Now,” Elladan sighed, “Why don’t you tell us the real reason the prince is being sent here. I believe he is grief stricken and I am not questioning you but we know of your past with Mirkwood and it has to be something more for this to happen.” “I fear you are too smart for mind games anymore,” Elrond smiled. “To be truthful I know not why he is being sent, only that a small elfling, who is suffering and greatly needs our help. Whether or not I am an enemy to his father has no bearing on the prince, as he is not the one that is faulted with the transgressions. That being said, are you still willing to assist me?” “Of course,” Elrohir said. “We would have it no other way.” “Good,” he said proudly. “Now both of you go to my chambers, prepare the bed and set out my herbs. I have a feeling I will need to keep a close eye on the young prince when he first arrives.” They nodded and left to do as instructed. It was not long until Dunthral was escorted into the setting room carrying the young prince in his arms. He bowed before Elrond then knelt, gently placing the prince on his feet and encouraging him forward with a gentle swat. He exchanged a look with Lord Elrond that conveyed what they both felt, no words needed to be spoken. Legolas was vaguely aware that he was indoors and standing in front of a very intimidating elf but said nothing. A swat to the backside prompted him forward and he bowed his head, his eyes never leaving the floor. “Creoso a’baramin Prince Legolas (welcome to my dwelling Prince Legolas),” Elrond said as he rose from his chair and knelt before the elfling. “You need not fear me child,” he said softly, placing his hand under the elf’s chin and lifting his head upward. His heart ached as he looked into the tear-filled, innocent eyes; his shoulder length blond hair was mussed and his pale skin dirty from the trip. “It is an honor to have you Prince Legolas, I hope you will feel at home here. I will do all in my power to see you happy once again.” Dunthral instantly eased at Lord Elrond’s words and kind touch to the elfling. In that moment he thought to himself perhaps Legolas would be better off in the house of Elrond than the house of Thranduil. He was pulled from his thoughts when Glorfindel, a close companion of Lord Elrond, entered the room. “Elladan said we were to have visitors from Mirkwood my lord. How many rooms do you wish prepared?” He caught Elrond’s gaze and followed it. “My apologies, young one I did not notice you,” he smiled. For the first time since his mother’s death Legolas spoke, “Uuner uma n’dela no’ta (no one does, don’t worry.)” All three Elf men looked at each other with dismay. Elrond lifted Legolas up and rested him on his hip, “That will not be so as long as you are in the house of Elrond, Legolas Greenleaf. I will personally see to that.” He turned to his friend, “Glorfindel will you see Dunthral to a room so he might freshen up and rest?” “Of course, my lord.” “Good and I will take care of our young friend.” Ch 3 Elrond carried the elfling through the dining hall to the back of the palace where a large tub was full of warm scented water. He sat Legolas on his feet and removed his tunic, “You will have a bath then some sleep, I think.” To Elrond’s surprise he got the child undressed and into the tub without resistance. He then picked up a cloth and some soap to wash him. “I can do it myself,” the little voice said firmly. He smiled, “I am sure you can. Why don’t you take care of washing and I will fetch you some clean clothes.” When he returned, he found Legolas clean, even his hair had been washed but he was still sitting in the water with his knees pulled to his chest and looked as if he’d been caught doing something bad. Elrond was perplexed by the look and thought perhaps, like his own sons at that age, he had not really cleaned but only poured water over himself. “Let’s see your feet.” One at a time the little feet were lifted from the water. “Now the face, look at me,” he said sternly. The elfling looked up so he could inspect his face. “Very good,” Elrond laughed, “I knew there was an elf under all that dirt.” To his surprise the child still looked distraught. “What’s wrong?” The small voice trembled, “I washed, sir, but I cannot get out of the tub on my own. I am sorry,” the words were almost a whisper. He noticed Legolas tremble and cringe as he reached to lift the child from the tub. He wrapped a large towel around him and then stood him on a stool to dry him. “Legolas, I want you to understand something, but I am afraid only a big elf may understand.” Now dressed in a fresh sleeping robe, still perched atop the stool he puffed out his chest, “I am a big elf.” Elrond smiled, “So you are. I want you to understand that while you are here you will behave just as you do at home. Do not be afraid to ask for something if you wish to have it or for help if you need it, understood?” “Yes sir.” “Good, now let’s get you to bed.” Once again he lifted the boy onto his hip then carried him upstairs. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Elladan and Elrohir stood when the chamber door opened. They looked on in awe of the elfling with blond locks and steel blue eyes yet there was a sadness about him that would shatter even the strongest of hearts. Elrohir couldn’t help but think how fragile the elf in his father’s arms looked, even more fragile then his infant sister Arwen. “So this must be Prince Legolas,” he asked with a small bow. Elladan stepped up beside him, “My name is Elladan and the show off is Elrohir. Tis nice to meet you.” “Excuse me? I am not a show off,” Elrohir snapped incredulously. “I just happed to be a proper elf unlike you!” Elrond looked at Legolas, forcing himself to hide a smile, “Oh my.” “A proper elf?” Elladan sputtered! “There is nothing proper about you o’ ascarer! (Impetuous one.)” “Suvrar! (Foul one)” “Uaquener! (Smelly one)” “Lanner! (Wide one)” “Solle na lost! (Your head is empty)” “Lle naa haran e’navsalle! (You are king in your IMAGINATION)” “Antolle vlva sulrim! (Much wind pours from your mouth)” “Dian! (Silence)” Elrond said in a loud voice trying not to laugh. Sorry ada (dad)” Elrohir said with an innocent look. Both twins turned to him and saw Legolas smiling; mission accomplished. Elrond sat Legolas on the soft bed, “Elladan, will you fetch our guest something to eat?” “Certainly,” he smiled hitting his brother in the back of the head as he left. “Hey!” Elrohir yelped. He stood and poured some water into a goblet and put it on the bedside table then sat down by the elfling opposite his father. “So I hear you will be staying with us for a while?” “Yes, sir,” he saddened again. Elrohir looked quickly behind him; then to his father and back at Legolas, who by then was looking at him quizzically. “I am no sir, little one, you may call me Elrohir,” he smiled. Then he put his hand beside his mouth and whispered, “Sir is for old elves, not us youngsters.” This time Elrond popped him in the back of the head. “Ouch!” Legolas laughed. “Old elves?” Elrond stammered. “Old indeed.” Still rubbing his head he turned to Legolas, “When you wake come find me. I will show you around the fine grounds of Rivendell. If I’m not unconscious from a head wound,” he added quickly. “Thank you, sir... err Elrohir,” he corrected himself. Elladan returned with a plate pilled high with fruit and handed it to his father. Elrond placed the food in front of the prince and the elf grimaced, “I am not hungry, sir.” “You need to eat, Legolas, or you will grow ill.” The child frowned and shook his head violently from side to side. “How long since you ate last?” “Since my mother passed,” he whispered as he wiped angrily at tears that wouldn’t stop. “That was six moons ago,” Elrohir gasped. Elrond scooped the crying elf into his arms, “Stop fighting the tears, Legolas, let them fall.” “Nay! Warriors do not cry!” “You are not a warrior yet child and they do cry I assure you.” “Adar (father) says it’s bad to cry!” he yelped trying to get away but Elrond’s grip increased. “Your father is...” he caught himself before he said something harmful and tried again. “Your father is wrong, Legolas. It is ok to cry. I will not have you think otherwise!” tiny arms encompassed his neck as the elfling sobbed unto his shoulder. After about twenty minutes the tears were slowing but his breaths were still coming in hiccupped gasps. Elrond freed a hand from the child’s head and put a small amount of white powder into the goblet of water. “Drink this, little one.” Legolas was so thirsty he gulped it down quickly. Elrond, Elrohir and Elladan all three laughed when the prince frowned sticking his tongue out a few times, “Yuck!” “Sorry,” Elrond said half-heartedly as he deposited the prince back into bed and covered him. “Now sleep, I will see you when you wake.” “But I am not sleepy,” Legolas yawned, earning another laugh from all involved. “I will sit with him a while,” Elrohir offered. Elrond nodded and he and Elladan left them. Ch 4 Elrond was in the setting room finishing his letter to Thranduil when Glorfindel came in, “Lord Elrond, the Mirkwood elves prepare to leave today.” He realized that Elrond was still writing, quill moving against parchment at an astonishing rate. Once he had gotten all his thoughts on paper he quickly sealed the letter with the seal of Elrond. It wasn’t until he stood to take the letter to Dunthral that he noticed Glorfindel. “How long have you been standing there?” “Long enough to realize this wasn’t a good time to disturb you, my lord. I am sorry,” He bowed and turned to leave. Elrond looked at the elder, “I’m sorry, Glorfindel, I meant no disrespect it’s just.” Elrond let out what one might consider a growl, “How can someone be so damned heartless? How much of a coward is this man that he might turn his son away because he has no need for him other then an heir to his precious Mirkwood throne?” Elrond’s voice echoed with rage through the big room, “I suffered the loss of my wife and was stricken with grief as you well know but I did not turn away from my sons nor my infant daughter!” He began to pace, “No, Glorfindel, there is much more to this than his wife’s death and I intend to know what it is for I will not let this child surfer any longer!” “Adar (father)!” Elrohir burst into the room! “I went to check on Legolas and he is gone!” “Gone?” both Elrond and Glorfindel chimed in unison. Elladan ran into the room panting, “He is not in the palace.” “Glorfindel, gather a search party and have them meet me in the throne room. Elladan, go tell the Mirkwood elves of our discovery; I fear it will not be taken well. Then go out and ask the other children if they have seen him. Elrohir, you come with me.” In the throne room: A large group had gathered and Elrond was barking instructions on Legolas’ description and where each party was to search. Elrohir asked the crowd, “Did anyone here see him today? Perhaps someone knows of a direction he may have traveled?” An older maiden, a kitchen servant stepped back with her head lowered. Elrond caught the movement out of the corner of his eye, “Madam, is there something you wish to tell me?” She froze to the very spot she was standing, “My Lord, I,” she stammered. Elrond gave her a stern look and she continued. “We were talking about the elfling being here and why. We did not know he was there my lord, I swear,” she offered trembling. “What did you say?” he demanded. “Just that we didn’t understand why his father sent him here. What did he do? My lord, at his age to be already unwanted by his kingdom,” she stopped and tried to take a better route of explaining as this one was getting her unhappy looks from Elrond, Elrohir and Glorfindel. Elrohir tried to keep his anger in check knowing an outburst would only drive the woman away but he had to know what was said, “Madam.” He spoke slowly and evenly though his body radiated anger, “What were your exact words? What did the prince of Mirkwood overhear?” “We wondered if he was the cause of his mother’s death,” she said in a whisper. Elrohir could no longer control himself and started towards the woman. Elrond and Glorfindel were snapped from their own boiling tempers in time to grab Elrohir and stop him. The woman continued her explanation in hopes that it would help her case. “Some believe the boy is a curse to your kingdom my lord and others believe he is a spy sent by Thranduil so that he may bring down Rivendell.” “Do you know what the downfall of my Kingdom shall be from, woman?” Elrond’s voice boomed. “It shall come from imbecilic fools like yourself who want to do nothing more the gossip and bring about destruction for your own enjoyment! Madam, I assure you that no where in your ‘discussion’ did you fear for my kingdom but for your lack of rumors to spread!” He turned to face all of his people; unsure of which had taken part in this he wanted to be sure everyone knew such an action would not be tolerated. He didn’t see Dunthral enter before he started speaking again. “You are banished from Rivendell to the outskirts where you will work for the border patrol until you once again earn my trust! Is that clear?” She bowed, “Yes, sir.” “If any of you are left questioning my judgment or leadership again then you shall address it properly before my court and I will inform you of why I reached my decision! Otherwise I will not stand for this sort of action in my house!” Elladan ran into the room, “Adar (father) two of the children said they saw Legolas run to the southern part of the forest. Border patrol is on the look out for him if he manages to get that far.” Dunthral spoke from the back of the room, “Take me to this forest at once!” “I will accompany you my friend,” Elrond said as he dismissed the others to their searches.