Ch 5 



Legolas ran as fast as he could through the strange forest. He had heard what the old woman had said about him and wondered if it was true. Was he a curse? Did he cause his mother’s death? If he had been a good elf for his father would she have went out and gotten killed? She might have taken him with her and he could have died as well. Did she leave him because she was ashamed of him too? So caught up in his thought Legolas did not see a log sticking up in front of him and he tripped. He fell face first onto a sharp stone causing a huge gash in his head and making his nose bleed. He lay there for a moment stunned then opened his eyes only to find the world spinning and his head pounding. When had little drummers taken residence in his head and why were they pounding so hard? He forced himself to his feet and tried to run again but collapsed into the side of a tree. It was tall but it’s limbs started fairly low and an elf’s instinct was to climb to safety when they were injured.  



After many attempts to reach the lowest limb he sat down and sighed. His leggings were torn; his hands and legs were scrapped and bleeding from the rough bark. “Stupid tree,” he grumbled. 



“Tis not my fault you are to small to climb.” 



Legolas jumped to his knees and quickly looked around; grabbing his head as waves of pain and dizziness over took him. Once it passed he slowly looked around and saw no one. Maybe he hit his head harder than he realized? 



“You are not a gray elf but a sylvian, why are you in this land so far from home?” 



Legolas looked around again but saw only trees. This time a soft female voice spoke, “You need not fear us.” 



“Wh.. who are you?” the elfling asked timidly.  



“We are nature. We are life. We are the force that helps all beings live,” another voice offered.  



When Legolas began to tremble the soft female voice spoke again, “We are the trees, young Greenleaf. We are your friends.” 



Legolas heard voices drawing near and looked at the tree he had attempted to climb. “If you are my friend please help me.” 



The tree pondered the request. “They search for you but you do not wish to be found. Why?” 



“I do not wish to cause anyone else harm,” he said sadly. 



Sensing the sincerity of his words the tree lowered its branches, “Climb up, Greenleaf.” 



Legolas did as he was told and the tree raised and lowered its branches so that he could climb up to its fullest area. Once there the tree nestled the young prince away safe from danger. 



The search party that passed was constructed mostly of the palace staff that had caused the elfling to run away in the first place. They continued their banter as they searched saying that they hoped they never found the boy. He caused one of their own to be banished and he did not deserve their loyalty. They searched only out of fear of the same treatment.  



The ents and the elfling heard all that was said. The ents were less than pleased with the actions of the elves and huddled their limbs and leaves close together to protect and comfort the child all the could. They spoke to him softly telling him stories of the old forest until he was lulled into a fitful sleep. 



All of the search parties had returned to the palace with no sign of the prince. Glorfindel continued to run the searched from the palace while Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan and Dunthral went out for their fifth search. Elrond turned toward a part of the forest that had already been scanned. The others stopped and turned to him; Elladan spoke, “Father that part of the woods has been searched.” 



“It shall be searched again,” he offered. The others without question turned and followed. He did not know exactly why he was going here but it was like he was being drawn in this direction. In his long life if there was one thing he had learned it was to follow his instincts. He led the small group about a mile before he came to a stop. 



“What is it?” Elrohir asked. 



“He has been this way,” Elrond explained.  



“How do you know?” Elladan questioned as he looked for signs. 



“The forest speaks of it,” Dunthral explained. “You are a gray elf, Lord Elrond, and while I know all elves communicate with nature your ability to do so this well surprises me. How do you know of tree speech?” 



“True, I am half elf and not sylvian but I do know my signs,” he smiled. “I spent a lot of time around sylvian elves as a child and learned how to trust my instincts and to allow myself to be led by nature although I do wish I could speak with the trees as your kind can.” 



Dunthral smiled, “Not all Sylvia elves are capable of speaking to the trees. It is only the special elf who can conquer such a feat and they seem to be rare.” 



Elrond stopped and knelt to the ground, “He is injured.” 



Elrohir knelt next to his father and touched the blooded stone. “I can not talk to trees but I can see blood as could the other party who searched here! Why did they not see this? Why did they not report? How could they have missed such a thing?” Elrohir roared.  



“Easy my son. I agree it is more than disturbing that blood was missed and I shall look into the matter farther but right now we have to find Legolas, I fear he may be in danger from his wounds.” 



“Agreed,” Elrohir snapped. “But when this investigation takes place I wish to be a part of it!”  



“As do I,” Elladan said mirroring his brother’s disdain.  



The twins continued on until they spotted a tree with low hanging branches. Upon examination they found pieces of bark stripped away from the trunk and small traces of blood. With out hesitation both elves scaled the tree and at the very top, nestled in thick branches, laid the prince. “He is here, father,” Elladan called down softly as not to startle the elfling. 



Elrond and Dunthral sighed in relief. “Can you bring him down?” Elrond asked. 



“Yes,” Elladan said. He started to reach for the elf but saw the look in his brother’s eyes; Elrohir was attached to the child already. Some how deep inside Elladan knew it was something more because he felt the draw to Legolas as well. Pushing his thoughts aside he put his hands on Elrohir’s shoulder, “Can you bring him down?” 



Elrohir shook his head and lifted the elfling into his arms, careful to cradle his head as he descended from the tree. Once on the ground Elrond looked the boy over then ripped a piece of cloth from his robe and held it firmly on the prince’s bleeding head. “We need to get him back to the palace quickly.” 



Elrohir did not speak only began to walk with the elf safely in his arms. The others looked at each other with a smile and followed. Elladan put his hand on Dunthral’s shoulder and pulled him to a stop. “As I can not commune with the trees I was wondering if you could thank them for keeping the young prince safe for us, sir?” 



Dunthral smiled, “They know of your thanks my friend and bid you well.” 

 



Ch 6 



Upon returning to the palace Elrond treated Legolas’ wounds and put him in bed. Two moons had now passed, the elfling was still unconscious and his grieving had increased. They had expected the decline in his health because of what he’d overheard from the staff but it did not make it any less worrisome. Elladan and Elrohir refused to leave the child’s side even taking meals in the room. During his usual morning check on Legolas he realized that the grief had not lessened and it would be a fight to save his life.  



He stepped quietly out of the room and found Glorfindel and Dunthral waiting in the hallway. “Glorfindel, prepare the guestroom nearest mine with a bed as big as my own. In this room I wish you to place the things that Elladan and Elrohir will need to remain comfortable as well as books and other things to keep them occupied. They will not leave the prince’s side and I will not have them sleeping in chairs any longer. Make sure all of Legolas’ things are placed in there as well and perhaps Dunthral could tell you of something he cherishes most and you could place it with in his reach or sight at least for when he awakes.”  



Glorfindel bowed, “As you wish, my lord. I will start on it straight away.” 



Elrond watched as Glorfindel rushed through the hall and grabbed different members of the staff to begin the task. He turned to Dunthral, “I fear, my friend, that grief has set in even stronger for the elfling. I assure you I will do all in my power to help him but he has to find something in this world to hold on to or he will not fight the pull into the darkness.” 



Dunthral’s head bowed, “I understand and I will do anything you need me to do in order to help Legolas.” The began to walk slowly once more, “As you know I must head back to Mirkwood today.” 



“Ai, I will be sorry to see you depart.” 



Dunthral stopped and turned to Elrond, “My lord, there is something I wish to request from you.” 



Elrond looked on rather confused, “What is that?” 



“Upon my return to Mirkwood I will resign my services to Thranduil. I cannot, nay; I will not be in service to any one who could treat his own offspring as such. I was wondering, my lord, you allow people to seek safety here when they have no where else to go; would you allow me shelter here?” 



Elrond smiled and placed his hands on Dunthral’s shoulders, “It would be an honor to have you in Rivendell.” Elrond’s face turned somber, “Take heed my friend, Thranduil will not give you up lightly. In fact it may be in your best interest if you do not return at all but send a letter to him through the party traveling back.” 



“My lord, are you sure?” Dunthral asked in surprise. 



“I have known Thranduil for many life times and one thing I know for certain is his cruelty. I can protect you within these lands but once you set foot into Mirkwood I cannot. If he intends to retaliate against you it must be done here.” 



“I can not allow you to open your kingdom to attack because of me.” 



Elrond smiled and patted Dunthral on the back soothingly, “It would not be an attack my friend as the lands of Imladris are protected.”  



Dunthral did as Elrond wished and sent a letter back to the king resigning his loyalties to Mirkwood then insisted he be put to work so he could earn his hospitality. Gratefully Elrond offered him a position with the border patrol and guards for they were now short two of their best, his sons. Dunthral accepted and left with Glorfindel to his new post.  



Elrond sat back in his chair and took a deep relaxing breath; maybe things would get better now. A blood-curdling scream rang out through the palace and Elrond jumped to his feet running towards the sound. His heart stopped when he realized it was coming from Legolas’ room. Running inside he saw both his sons standing over the still unconscious prince, swords drawn and pointed at a young house maiden. “In the name of Valor what is going on here?” He roared! 



“She was trying to take Legolas,” Elrohir yelled! 



“My lord,” the maiden said shakily, “Glorfindel said the prince was to be moved and I did not want to disturb the sleeping princes.” She paused, “Other princes.” 



Elrond looked to his sons, “For Elbereth sake lower your swords!” He turned to the young woman, “Please forgive my sons, they are very concerned for the young prince’s safety. Take the rest of the day off to do as you please.” With that she was dismissed.  



Elrond stepped toward Legolas and noticed his sons tense again, “Are you going to draw on me as well?” 



They lowered their heads. “Sorry father, we just don’t know who can be trusted any more,” Elrohir said. 



“We know you, Glorfindel and Dunthral will not harm him but the rest of the staff has proven traitorous,” Elladan offered. 



Elrond was not sure why be he felt something strange in the bond of the three princes. Pushing the thought away he gently lifted Legolas into his arms and started out of the room, “Follow me.” 



They traveled only two doors down and stopped. Elrond motioned for Elladan to open the door. Elrond walked inside and laid Legolas in the middle of the huge bed. When he turned back around he laughed, Elladan and Elrohir both stood, mouths agape in awe of the room. Slowly Elrohir stepped forward, “Our things?” 



“What is this adar (dad)?” Elladan asked.  



“I am tired of seeing you sleeping in chairs and not being nourished. You now both have clean garments as well as books and other things to help pass the time. Oh and a bed big enough for you to sleep on either side of the young prince while still protecting him,” he added.  



Before he could get out the door he was engulfed in a huge hug, “Thank you, adar,” Elrohir smiled. “I do not know what it is about him but it feels right to have him here.” 



“It does feel right,” Elrond smiled.  



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 



Glorfindel returned to the throne room after settling Dunthral in his new position. “How are the princes, my lord?” 



Elrond laughed, “Very protective. They pulled their swords on a chamber maiden who was trying to move Legolas to his new room.” 



Glorfindel gasped, “Oh my!” 



“Yes,” Elrond chuckled again, “The poor woman aged ten years.”  



They were both silent for a moment, “What’s bothering you?” 



Elrond looked at his dear friend, “You always could read my thoughts.” 



Glorfindel laughed, “No, not your thoughts but your emotions. What troubles you so?” 



“Legolas. I can’t help but feel there is so much going on with this elfling and so much that is meant for this house to help him with yet I do not know what the gods wish for me to do. It seems my sons have felt the pull also and are now his ‘protectors’ but what of it? What lies ahead for the prince and for us?” 



“There is a way to get the answers you seek my lord but Legolas has to be conscious enough to travel.” 



“The Lady Of The Wood,” Elrond said more then asked. It was what he had to do if they could get the prince well enough. 

 



Ch 7  



Elladan sat himself in a soft chair next to the window and began to read a book while Elrohir fussed over the prince making sure he was warm enough and had plenty of pillows. He stopped fidgeting with Legolas’ hair and left the room. Before Elladan could go after him he returned with the infant Arwen. “What are you doing?” Elladan asked. 



Elrohir lay Arwen on the bed next to Legolas, “I thought it would be good for him and besides, we have been neglecting our sister.” 



Elladan put down his book and joined them on the bed. The twins made faces and tickled Arwen until she was laughing and cooing happily.  



Elrond walked into the room and was surprised when he saw Arwen in the mix on the bed. He couldn’t hide his laughter when she began to giggle at her brothers, “I see I have lost another child to this room.” 



They turned, smiling as their father strode up to the bed and picked up his daughter. He held her in his arms as he sat down as well, “I came to talk to you about Legolas. When he is conscious again (he knew better than to say IF because his sons would have run him through) I would like for all of us to travel to Lothlorien to see Galadriel. Perhaps she can shed a bit of light on the young prince and why we all feel so drawn to him.” 



“We would be able to go as well,” Elrohir asked? 



“Of course,” Elrond smiled. 



“Then it is settled,” Elladan said. 



“Good,” Elrond replied relieved. He looked down at Arwen in his arms, “What about you, young lady? Do you wish to accompany your brothers to Lothlorien?”  



Arwen stopped all movement as if she were really pondering the decision then answered with a resounding, “Pbbbbbbllllllllllllttttttttttt!”  



Everyone burst into laughter until tears were falling. Finally able to speak again Elrond tried to compose himself, “Ok, which one of you taught her that?” Each boy pointed to the other.  

 



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 



It was hours past the highest moon when Elrond finally finished his trade agreement with one of the towns on the outer realm. Three days had passed since the agreement to take Legolas to Lothlorien was reached but the boy was no better. He was still unconscious and he feared for the elfling’s life. Glorfindel had agreed to ride ahead to Galadriel and inform her of the situation so that she may be prepared for their arrival.  



Shaking himself from his thoughts he bounded the stairs towards his room making one last stop at Legolas’ door. He peered inside; Elladan was fast asleep with a book across his chest and Elrohir was laying next to the prince stroking his soft blond hair and whispering to him. Elrond strained to hear what was being said.  



Elrohir looked at the innocent being next to him and could not help but think how ethereal he looked even in his weakened state. He wanted him to wake up now, to be ok so he and Elladan could teach him to shoot a bow and hunt orc but he just would not wake. So Elrohir did the only thing he knew, he whispered encouragements to Legolas and began to tell him how he felt when his mother sailed the sea leaving his family behind. He told Legolas that he knew how much it hurt and how easy it was to let grief over take him but he had to fight. He told him that he was special and that his family would do everything in his power to keep him safe. Elrohir’s encouragements soon turned into soft, sobbing pleas as he laid his head on the small princes chest. Elrond was about to go to his son when he noticed a small, pale hand move across Elrohir’s face.  



“Legolas?” Elrohir asked as if afraid to wake himself from a dream. He delighted when small fingers brushed his and he smiled. “Elladan!” 



Elladan startled at his brother’s yelp and fell out of the chair. Hurriedly getting to his feet he asked, “What is wrong?” 


“He is awaking!” Elladan and Elrohir were beaming as Elrond joined them. 



Elrond leaned over Legolas, “I know it’s hard right now, little one, but I need you to open your eyes and look at me.” 



The small blue eyes fluttered open and looked erratically around the room. He couldn’t seem to get his eyes to focus and his body hurt. He tried to speak but his mouth was as dry as fall leaves on the forest floor and nothing would come out.  



Elrohir noticed and grabbed some water. Gently lifting the prince’s head he held the cup to his mouth. Legolas drank gratefully all the while his eyes never left Elrohir. He took the cup from the small hands and sat it back on the table. Turning back to Legolas he pushed the mused hair from his face, “Are you in pain, little one?”  



“I hurt a little,” the small voice rasped.  



“I am sure you are in some discomfort, Legolas, you were injured when we found you,” Elrond said. “You have no broken bones so you will heal in time.” 



Legolas looked at the three of them, tears forming in his eyes, “Why did you bring me back here? I do not wish to harm anyone again,” his voice wavered, “like my mother.” 



Elladan had heard all he could stand and grabbed Legolas by the arms and pulled him up. Elrohir and Elrond tensed but both knew he would not harm the elfling. The look of shear terror on Legolas’ face showed that he did not know this. “I have never heard such falsities in all my time, Legolas Greenleaf! How could you believe something like that? Just because the words flow from the mouth of a worm-tongued socialist does not mean that truth lies with in!” Elladan’s voice was loud and booming causing the elfling to tremble as he continued to shout. “Do you truly believe that you are the reason your mother died?” he shouted.  



“Yes!” Legolas shouted trying to break free of Elladan’s grasp unsuccessfully. “She died because of me! She wanted Adar to love me but he cannot so she had to force him to! She died because I am not a good warrior! Or a son,” he added in a whisper.  



Elladan shoved Legolas back onto the bed and stood pacing in front of them. Legolas quickly crossed the space and curled in to Elrond’s safe embrace. He laid his pounding head on the eleven lord’s chest trying to comprehend all the thoughts in his own head.  



Elrohir lost his temper and stormed over to his brother, “What the hell do you think your doing? Hasn’t he been through enough with out your added abuse?” 



Elladan spun towards his twin, “I have only just begun, dear brother!” His words seethed out like a snake. “I will not let this child suffer this torment needlessly! Do you understand, Elrohir?” 



“I do not wish him to suffer either brother but causing him further trauma is not going to fix this!” 



“Coddling him will not fix this, Elrohir!” Elladan took a breath to calm himself and spoke again, “He needs love and guidance, Elrohir, and that you and father can offer but he needs also a firm hand to assure him this is not his fault. Grief will not be cured with love but only repairing of the heart. I do not wish him to suffer a long drawn out grief, Elrohir. Let him enjoy his youth not spend it thinking he is the reason his mother is gone!” 



Elrohir watched as Elladan turned his back to him and grasped the windowsill. Anger flowed through him at his brother’s words. Did he think he was the only one who suffered when their mother left? “You arrogant bastard! Who are you to tell me how to deal with grief? I have suffered too you know? Mother left us all, Elladan, not just you!” He gasped as his twin turned to him. 



“I am the reason she left, Elrohir!” He screamed as tears poured from his eyes.  



Elrond sat Legolas back on the bed prepared to jump in but he knew this needed to be said. He knew how much his eldest son had suffered.  



“I was not strong enough to keep her here!” Elladan screamed. “I begged her not to leave, not to leave you and Arwen but she told me I was brave and strong enough to care for you myself.” The dark elf was sobbing, “She said she loved me but not enough to stay!” 



Elrond was to his son in an instant, “Why have you never told me this before?” he demanded! His large hands framed Elladan’s face, “I know you suffered my son and I knew she spoke to you before she sailed but I did not know what words were spoken.” Elrond was now crying as well, “I am sorry I was so over come by my own grief that I paid no attention to such a wrong to my own flesh and blood. I fear I am no better then Thranduil.”  



The twins crushed him in a tight embrace, “You could not have known Adar,” Elladan smiled.  



“I am sorry,” Elrohir said to them both. “How could I have not seen this before now?” 



“Because your brother is very good at hiding his heart,” Elrond smiled.  



“As is another in this room,” Elladan offered. Their gaze fell to the blond elfling. He sat on the bed and pulled the elf into his lap, “Do you understand any of this, Legolas?” 



He thought for a moment, “A little. Your naneth left too and you thought it was your fault?” 



“Right,” he smiled at the child’s perception. “And I suffered greatly because I knew no better. Father was there for all of us but I was afraid to tell him, afraid that he would no longer love me as well. I suffered alone wondering why I was so evil that she left me alone in this world and it was not until I laid eyes upon you that I realized how wrong those thought were.” He sighed, “Legolas, your mother wanted Thranduil to express his love to you but it is my understanding that she went on these trips all the time so it was no different for her to do so on that fatal day.” 



“But she always took me with her,” he whispered. “I should have died with her.” 



“If death was meant for you, Greenleaf, then it would have taken you,” Elrohir offered as he sat beside his brother. “There is more left for you to do little one and Elbereth means for you to be here to do it. As do I,” he added as an after thought.  



Legolas twisted in Elladan’s arms when he heard the soft cooing. Behind them on the huge bed in the middle of a sea of pillows lay a small child. He gently crawled over the silk coverings and peered over the pillows at the smiling baby. Elrond smiled as he walked to the side of the bed and pulled Legolas next to him. He sat down so that the young prince rested against him then lifted the baby softly laying her in his arms. He was unsure at first and started to squirm but Elrond showed him how to support her head and he felt Elrond next to him for his own support. In the end Arwen’s smile won him over and he played with her tiny hands, “Who is she?” 



“Our sister,” Elrohir answered.  



“She is lovely,” he beamed down at her.  



“She is, isn’t she,” Elrond smiled proudly.  



“Pbbbllllllllttttttttttt,” was Arwen’s reply. Legolas laughed a real hearty laugh for the first time.  



Ch 8 



It was late afternoon when Elrond left Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir fast asleep on their big bed. They had been so tired and emotionally drained that they fell asleep talking so Elrond took Arwen to the nursery then went back to his study allowing them much needed rest.  



Legolas yawned and stretched lazily; his eyes still heavy with sleep but his body told him he should be awake. The day had been pretty much a blur of emotion, pain and fear but in the end, even though he still didn’t understand what was going on he knew he was safe here. 



As quietly and easily as he could he disentangled himself from the sleeping twins and crawled off the bed so the he didn’t wake them. After changing into some leggings and a tunic he ventured out into the hallway. The palace was huge and strange to him, he knew not were he was allowed to go but he remember the Lord Elrond had told him he was to act here as he would at home. The elfling sighed, adjusted his tunic and set off to find the armory, “It’s time to earn my keep.” He walked the long, winding halls until he found the armory and went straight to work.  



Laying a soft blanket on the floor and setting the polish and cloth on the edge of it he struggled to get one of the big battle swords down. He knew if he dropped it he would be in trouble so even though it weighed twice as much as he did he managed to get it gently to the blanket and went to work polishing the steel. 



Hours had passed when a guardsman entered Lord Elrond’s study. He bowed, “My Lord?” 



Elrond nodded, “How may I help you, Cleat?” 



“Sir, I was returning my sword to the armory after my patrol and,” he paused, “there is something I think you may wish to see.” 



Intrigued Elrond followed the guardsman until they reached the doors of the armory. Cleat stepped aside so that the Lord could see. To his shock the small elfling had polished half the swords and shields in the huge room. Elrond quietly stepped inside; Cleat followed. “Legolas?” 



The voice startled him and he almost dropped the handle of the sword he was holding but realizing it was a friendly voice he smiled, “Hello.” 



Elrond knelt down next to him, “What are you doing?” 



“Cleaning the ‘quitment’ he said proudly. Elrond had to suppress a smile at the ‘child speech’ as it had been yeas since he’d heard it spoken. Legolas got worried when Lord Elrond didn’t respond “I didn’t do it good?” 



Cleat couldn’t contain himself any longer. Never had he seen such a determined and mature elfling of this age. He picked up one of the swords, “Young Prince, I have never seen a sword so brilliant. Why an Orc would go running from its reflection alone.” 



Legolas smiled widely for a moment but Elrond noted a tremble in the small body, “Cleat, is right, they are perfect but why are you doing it?” 



“To earn my keep,” he answered nervously. This wasn’t going well at all.  



“What?” Elrond snapped incredulously, almost angrily. He reached for the elfling but Legolas yelped and scurried back, pressing himself hard into a corner.  



“I’m sorry,” he cried, pulling his knees tight to his chest as the elf king walked towards him. “Please do not punish me?” he begged. “I’ll be better, I promise,” his voice cracked and a strangled cry escaped him. “Please no!” 



Elrond pulled the elfling harshly to his feet. He was terrified and Elrond knew of no way to stop it. “Legolas calm yourself!” The elfling’s eyes bulged and his lower lip quivered but he stopped babbling. Elrond couldn’t help but hug him tightly. “I have no intention nor reason to punish you, child. You have done nothing wrong.” 



Legolas pushed away from the hug a bit, “But you yelled.” 



Elrond sighed then smiled, “I was angered, little one, because you said you had to earn your keep. You have to earn nothing here, as you are an honored guest and friend. I had hoped you knew that.” 



“But you said to do as I would at home,” he said confused. “At home I must earn my keep or get punished.” 



“What?” Cleat snapped. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Dunthral had told him stories of the prince’s treatment in Mirkwood but this was horrid. 



Elrond’s temper flared but he kept it in check so he wouldn’t frighten the child more. “Your father punished you if you did not clean battle armor?” he gritted out. 



“And dishes and help with the cleaning and the stables.” 



“You seemed rather afraid of punishment; how does he punish you?” Elrond hoped this would answer some of his suspicions about Thranduil with out being to hard on the prince. 



“Some times I have to go to my room without meals or I get locked in the closet. Once I was thrown in the dungeon with the prisoners,” he shook at the memory. “But mostly I’m spanked,” he whispered hanging his head in shame as his face blushed red.  



“Legolas, those things are wrong! No child should have to endure that. It is not commonplace for elves to chastise their offspring it is barbaric!” 



“Sir” Cleat interjected. “Do you mean to say this elfling’s father hits him with his bare hands as punishment for mere childhood offenses?” He was sickened at what he overheard.  



“And a leather strap,” the tiny voice added as he dropped his head back to Elrond’s shoulder to hide his face.  



Elrond and Cleat both cringed. “I will do all in my power to assure that never happens to you again, Legolas Greenleaf,” the Elvin king vowed. He pulled the child back a bit, “Now. Lets go get you cleaned up for evening meal; I think it’s time you ate someplace besides your chambers.” 



Legolas nodded and began to pick up the sword nearest him, “I will put these away and go straight to the bath, sir.” 



Cleat lifted the steel blade from the struggling arms, “You have been so kind in caring for our gear young prince,” Cleat bowed, “I will put these things away.” 



Legolas smiled and bowed in return, “Thank you.”  



He took Elrond’s hand and allowed the older elf to lead him down the halls. He didn’t go to the same bathing chamber that he had before but to a huge room. The walls were lined with books. More books then he ever knew existed.  



Elrond stopped when he felt a tug on his hand and smiled at the bright, shining eyes scanning the room, “Do you like books, Legolas?” 



The blond nodded, “Naneth would read to me often.” 



He pulled the child through the study and his sleeping chambers into his private bath. The huge sunken tub in the middle of the room was full of warm scented water with sweet smelling soaps lining the sides. Legolas’s eyes widened; the tub was as huge as a pond! “I get to bathe in there?” 



“Yes,” Elrond smiled. “I shall get a cloth and you climb in.” 



Cloths went flying in all directions and with in seconds he was in the water. The tub was so deep as he wadded in he had to stand to keep his head above water.  



When he heard the water splash Elrond turned and went back to the side of the tub. Legolas was so small he looked lost in the water. “Come, set on the steps, little one.” Legolas did as he was told and began to wash. Elrond took this opportunity to speak to him, “There is something I need to discuss with you.” Small eyes turned to him as he kept washing. “I wish you to accompany the twins and myself to a place called Lothlorien.” 



“You wish to give me to the witch?” Legolas yelped! “I have angered you,” he said sadly. 



“The witch?” Elrond questioned. 



“The lady of the wood!” 



“Galadriel? Legolas, I assure you she is no witch! She is an elf of great power who has been gifted with sight not the folly your father filled your head with.” 



Legolas wanted to argue, his father told him that if Elrond ever captured him he would give him to the witch and they would try to turn him against him. Was this happening? Thranduil sent him to Elrond himself so should he not fear the witch? He was confused and his heart hurt that he had to worry so. He didn’t believe Elrond would harm him but he also never thought his father would send him to their enemy. Unable to voice the complex thoughts in his head he just sat in the warm water. 



Elrond hadn’t counted on this reaction; damn Thranduil for all his lies. “I assure you that no harm will come to you. Elladan, Elrohir and I will be at your side at all times. You will find Galadriel to be very kind.” He sighed when the elfling disappeared under the water to rinse the soap out of his hair and, or so Elrond felt, to escape the conversation. Elves had the ability to hold their breath for a while but Elrond was getting worried; he reached into the water and pulled Legolas up by the head. Little eyes looked at him and tried to escape once again. “Legolas,” he scolded.  



“Fine, if it is what you wish,” he said in defeat.  



“Very good,” Elrond smiled as he dumped a bowl of water over the prince’s head electing a slight smile. This was going to be harder then he thought.