Ch 9 Legolas pushed the door to his room open; Elrond had sent him to wake the twins for evening meal. He looked on the bed where they both lay sleeping still and sighed, he would miss them when the witch took him away. He walked to Elladan and shook him gently. No response. He shook him harder finally using all his weight to make the elf move but he didn’t rouse. He decided to try Elrohir and see if he could wake him. It was simple to wake Elrohir as he was ticklish or so Legolas found out when his hand touched Elrohir’s ribs and he laughed. “No fair, little one, you can’t attack when one is sleeping,” he smiled. Legolas laughed, “Your father sent me to wake you for meal but I couldn’t get Elladan to wake even though I shook him hard so I was going to climb up and shake you.” “He could sleep though anything,” he laughed. With and evil glint in his eye he grinned, “Want to know how to wake him?” Legolas shook his head; after all it was what Elrond had told him to do. Elrohir whispered to Legolas and laughed. Legolas was perched upon Elladan’s chest, a leg on either side of his body and a huge goblet of water in his hands. “Are you sure about this, Elrohir? Won’t he be angry?” “No, it’s the only way to wake him, really.” Elrohir knew Elladan would be mad but then find it funny. “Go on then, lest you do not mind father.” Legolas’s eyes widened at the thought of disobeying Elrond and obediently dumped the water on Elladan. “Ai!” Elladan yelp as he sat straight up knocking the prince backwards in the processes. “What the hell?” He glared at Elrohir who was doubled over with laughter then saw Legolas on the bed with offensive goblet still in hand. He looked at the child, whom by now had gotten to his knees, “Why did you do that?” “To wake you, it was the only way.” “And who told you that?” he asked already knowing the answer. “Come Legolas,” Elrohir said pulling him to his feet. “We must go down for evening meal now.” “Oh no,” Elladan said placing the prince back on the bed. “I’m not finished with you yet. I think some form of retaliation is in order here.” Legolas tried to run but was captured and tickled relentlessly. He had never laughed so hard in his life as Elrohir joined in the attack. Squeals and giggles filled the room until the twins decided it would be wise to let the child breath. They walked to the dining hall together with a few more tickles along the way. Elrond looked up when he heard the laughter and saw the three walking in. They took their seat at the table and their food was brought out. “So, what was so funny?” “A joint attack on my person,” Elladan answered. “It seems that little one here is capable of mischief.” “Yeah,” Elrohir agreed. “He poured a goblet of ice cold water on Elladan here just to wake him.” “You told me to!” the small but proud voice rang out. “You said he would sleep through anything and it was the only way to wake him. I had to or I would be disobeying.. “ Elrohir stuffed a roll in the prince’s mouth before he could finish, “Try some bread, it’s wonderful today.” They all laughed. At the end of the meal all were still in good spirits and talking about what they were going to do tomorrow. Elladan rose and poured himself a large amount of red wine; walking unknowingly behind Elrohir he dumped the red liquid over his head. “Perhaps next time, brother, you will not send an elfling to do your job.” Even Elrond laughed at the incredulous look on his son’s face. Later that night everyone was sleeping peacefully when a shrill cry of pure terror pierced the air, “No! Naneth! Sase! (No! Mother! Please!)” Legolas jumped from the bed screaming and unsure of where he was. The only thing he knew was that his mother was gone and no one loved him anymore. He had to get away, had to run now but there were hands holding him and distant voices talking. The twins were on the floor with Legolas in an instant after being startled by the scream. They were holding the struggling elfling when Elrond walked in. “Adar, what’s wrong with him,” Elrohir asked, worried. The child was covered in a sheen of sweat, his eyes vacant and distant almost like he was in a dream trance. “He’s had a nightmare and can not wake completely. It is a part of grief,” he said sadly. “But he was so happy today,” Elrohir pleaded. “Happy but for a few moments, son; his heart is still in pieces. There is a long road ahead of this one yet and I’m afraid it will not be a pleasant one at first.” He lifted Legolas into his arms and sat on a near by chair, “It’s ok, little one, it was only a dream.” He continued to sooth him until he calmed. Legolas snapped from his nightmare and realized he was in Rivendell and Lord Elrond was holding him. Looking around with frightened eyes he saw the twins watching in concern. Turning back to Elrond he couldn’t stop the tears, “I’m sorry.” “What have I told you about that? It is ok to cry, Legolas I will hear no apologies for it; understood?” The small head buried in his chest shook. “Good now, would you like to share your dream with us?” He clenched Elrond’s sleeping robe in his fists, “I saw her die. I saw them kill her and she cried out for me!” “It was but a dream child, not real.” “But she is really dead,” he cried. “Yes she is, Legolas, but you could not have stopped that; you are but a child. You have to face that.” Legolas sat straight up and looked Elrond in the eyes, “But father said I killed her! Why would he say things that were not true?” Elladan and Elrohir went into the hallway and Legolas could hear things crashing and breaking. Looking back at the Lord he saw fury in his dark brown eyes and cowered. He heard the wood on the arm of the chair split under Elrond’s grasp and slid to the floor, “I’m sorry sir, I did not wish to anger you.” Two guardsmen and Glorfindel came bursting into the room, “My Lord, what is the trouble,” Glorfindel panicked. Elrond stood and lifted the elfling from the floor on to his hip. Turning to the guards men, “Fetch the gold box on the dresser in my chambers now!” Turning back to Glorfindel, not even realizing that’s whom it was he was ordering, “Prepare horses, we leave for Lothlorien at sunrise, I can not wait for Glorfindel’s return.” The elder smiled, “I have returned my king and there is no need for travel Celeborn and Galadriel returned with me.” Elrond turned to his companion and put a hand on his shoulder apologetically, “I am grateful for your return, my friend, I fear for him deeply. I must speak with the lord and lady immediately, would you stay with him for a while?” Glorfindel was not use to being asked to baby-sit but he agreed and took the elfling from Elrond as the lord dashed from the room. He noticed how stiff and uneasy he was, “There is no need to fear me child, I mean you no harm.” “You brought the witch with you? You want me to go away too, don’t you?” He pouted dejectedly. Glorfindel had expected this because he knew the folly Thranduil liked to preach about other elves. “Legolas, I assure you Galadriel is no witch, she is a very gifted elf and I do not want you to go away. It would do my heart well to see you stay in the house of Elrond forever.” The elfling was stunned, why was he being so nice to him? “Why?” The older elf chuckled and sat on the bed holding the young one against his chest, “I knew your mother once, and she was an amazing woman. She was beautiful and smart but most of all she was loving. As a child of 2 millennia I felt unwanted by my father as well and I did join the awareness that he truly didn’t care if I was around or not so I rebelled against everything to try and get his attention. I done things that were a disgrace to myself and my people but your mother, she saw to it that I was healed emotionally. It was like she was the only one who could see the pain inside me and for that I cherished our friendship. She saved me child and I told her that I would repay her someday. I will honor part of that debt by helping you through this.” He looked down and saw the boy sleeping on his chest and smiled, “Sleep well, little one.” Ch 10 Legolas paced around the bedchambers nervously fidgeting. Glorfindel watched the elfling with amusement at first but soon realized that the child was becoming more and more stressed, “Legolas, sit, please. You will make yourself weary.” He looked upon the old elf with the eyes of a frightened animal, “I can’t!” Sensing the desperation and fear, he swiftly places the child on his hip and left the room. Legolas cried out, “Please, I didn’t mean to be bad! Sase, do not take me to the witch,” he begged tearfully. Glorfindel sighed, “Peace little elf, peace. I am taking you to a place I find a bit of reprieve when my own heart is heavy.” Legolas stopped struggling and let himself be carried out of the palace. His heart ached and he wanted nothing more then to give in to the darkness that kept calling to him. Once they reached a path that had been woven through the thick, lush grass Glorfindel set the child on his feet. “What is this place,” the tiny voice asked in awe. “Tis the entrance to the gardens of Rivendell; one of the most beautiful places in middle-earth to behold.” He smiled down at the prince and held out his hand, “Shall we?” He was stunned at the caring gesture of the Elder, both bringing him here and the offering of his hand. Only his mother had ever offered to hold his hand before that kind of touch was usually frowned upon in Mirkwood. He gently placed his hand into the much large one. He was tenitive at first; afraid he was being tested on his strength and would thusly be punished for failing but all doubts had faded when Glorfindel smiled brightly down upon him. They walked the gardens in silence for a long while stopping to admire the night blooming flowers and the occasional bird who’d been so happy it had to sing it’s song at night. The silence was abruptly broken by the prince’s giggle as he looked up at the elder with surprise, “You and Lord Elrond threw berries at Elladan and Elrohir from that tree when they were smaller and they ran away screaming. They were convinced a giant, berry throwing beast was after them and never tried to leave the safety of Rivendell alone again.” Dumb founded he knelt down in front of Legolas, “How in the name of Elbereth did you know that?” “The trees told me,” he said as if it should have been obvious to anyone. Glorfindel was flabbergasted. This child had the ability of tree speech! It was rare among elves any more and even more rare from the linage of Mirkwood as the clan had not faired well after Thranduil took over his fathers rule. His mind wondered back to the tales the story-men told, always rumored to be legends that had lost their interest and made into childhood stories. It was said that one day a great elf would help lead a war against darkness in an attempt to save middle-earth. It was said that this elf would buy the first born enough time to sail to the west and be safe from harm. The tales never spoke of where the elf came from, where he went after the great war or if he lived at all. Could this small elfling be that great being? He berated himself for thinking such things after all they were only fairy tales and Elbereth knows he knew not enough about this little one to assume such a thing but still. He turned his attention back to the prince but before he could speak he felt Legolas’s hand torn from his own and watched two small blond forms smash to the ground in a tangled heap. Quickly lifting the newest elfling off the prince, “Haldir of Loren, what is the meaning of this?” Before the breathless elfling could respond one of the servants came running upon them drenched to the bone. “You will pay for that elfling,” he snarled reaching for the boy. Legolas stood and brushed himself off as he listened intently. Glorfindel stepped between the elf and the elfling thwarting his grasp, “Peace sir, please explain the problem.” “This, this, child stood upon the stairwell and dumped a bucket of mop water on my head!” Glorfindel heard Haldir laugh and grabbed him hard by the tip of the pointy ear causing him to yelp, “Is this so, elf?” “Ye, yes,” he stuttered. Turning to the offended servant, “I’m sorry sir, I meant no harm.” Farther angered by Haldir’s insincere apology the elf stepped forward and reached for the child. Glorfindel caught his arm in a hard grip leaving no room for question nor argument, “I will deal with the elfling’s punishment sir. You may return to your duties now.” He started to speak but thinking better of it he simply bowed and walked back to the palace. Haldir swallowed hard, “What is that punishment to be m’lord?” “We shall let Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel decide that when we tell them of your mischief.” “But,” Haldir protested. “They will make me clean the stables and work the kitchens!” “Something I say you well deserve,” Glorfindel said threateningly. He started to argue but knew he was in enough trouble as it was so he turned his attention to the new elf that he’d ran into, “And who are you?” Legolas cowered behind Glorfindel who smiled, “This is Prince Legolas, of the Mirkwood Realm. Legolas, this is Haldir of Loren.” Reluctantly the small blond head peeked out from behind Glorfindel, “Hello.” “Mirkwood,” Haldir scoffed. “No wonder he’s a coward!” Legolas stood straight, “I am not! I’m an elf!” “Really,” Haldir sneered, “I never saw a coward elf before!” “It is ‘I have never seen’ and that is quite enough from you elf,” Glorfindel growled. Legolas’s demeanor had changed; his face became as stone, “I am no coward.” The tears in his eyes and the tremble of his lower lip gave way to the fact that the words had cut him deeply. Glorfindel grabbed him up in a tender embrace, the small arms and legs wrapped around him as the blond head fell to his shoulder in a silent sob. “There, there little one,” he soothed while rubbing his back gently. He cast a disapproving glance down at Haldir and saw a look of confusion and sorrow on his face. Knowing he had no idea what was going on the elder gave him a reassuring smile, “We should head back to the palace.” Ch 11 Galadriel looked out of the palace window, “You were correct in your concerns Lord Elrond, the child has fallen into grief but another force, one of impending ‘hope’, fights to hold him here. He is a great source of light and darkness will try to take him from us any way it can.” “He is the one, isn’t he?” Elrond stated more then asked. She smiled, “Yes and there will be another you will foster as well; they are of whom legends speak.” “Foster?” Elrond asked, eyebrow raised. “And foster another? What are you saying?” She laughed, “I know much my friend and I know you wish to care for the elf. We will contact Thranduil immediately and demand he relinquish his rights to the child. If he refuses we shall bring him before a counsel of the elders and have him tried. He should be fostered to a place of light so he can grow and learn to love. He needs a place like the house of Elrond where the light inside him will be nourished not extinguished.” “No one can know who this elfling truly is, including Legolas himself. He shall be treated no differently then any other,” Celeborn added. “Agreed,” the others said in unison. “I would very much like to speak with Dunthral,” Galadriel said. “I have a feeling I will need his trust before I can gain the prince’s.” “You will have trouble with both I fear,” Elrond sighed. “Dunthral is genuine in his concern and love for Legolas and knows only the horrors told of you in Mirkwood. Legolas has been taught you are an evil witch and is convinced I have called you here to take him away for being bad.” She gazed knowingly at Celeborn, “The trust Legolas has in you, Elrond, along with the support from Dunthral will suffice in dealing with me. It is the meeting with his father and the counsel that will cause him the most harm, yet it is something we must do before he can heal from his grief completely.” “If he suffers much longer My Lady he will be permanently damaged,” Elrond panicked at the thought. “He is much stronger then we think, Elrond. Put your faith in the Valor.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Glorfindel put Haldir in his room until farther notice and was about to deposit Legolas in his chambers so he could discuss his thoughts with Lord Elrond when he came face to face with Ice blue eyes as the elfling craned his neck up to look at him. “Please don’t leave me alone,” he whispered. “I know you must work but,” he was cut off by another voice. “Never fear little one, we are here,” Elladan teased. “We will stay with you,” Elrohir added. Legolas stiffened as Elladan took him into his arms, “Are you alright?” The elfling shook his head no. “You were angry at me earlier. You broke things and shouted like ada use to and I don’t know what I did wromg.” Tears streamed down his face, “What did I do, for I do not wish to anger you again.” Elladan embraced him much like Glorfindel had in the gardens, “We need to talk.” He walked into their chambers, Elrohir and Glorfindel in tow, and sat in one of the large chairs. Legolas was still wrapped around him, “We were not mad at you little one but we are very angry at what has been done to you.” He paused and pushed the child back where he could look him in the eyes, “You have been made to suffer greatly and it is wrong there for it makes us mad. Not at you, rather, at the people who mistreat you and cause you pain. Do you understand?” “Why,” the small voice quivered. “Why do you care so?” “Because you are special, Greenleaf,” Elrohir offered. “And besides, it’s nice to have someone here to help me keep Elladan under control.” They all smiled and Elladan placed a small kiss on the child’s head, “You look weary would you like to rest?” “No!” “Dreams,” Glorfindel explained. “Well then,” Elrohir smiled, “How about we read a story?” Legolas’s eyes lit, “From Elrond’s study?” Elladan stood with the elf and started towards his father’s room, “Any one you would like.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Elrond watched his messenger ride away. He hated sending them in the darkness of night but they had to get Thranduil here as soon as possible. Legolas could not last with his grief much longer and he knew Thranduil would not give in. After agreeing that he would bring the elfling to meet the lord and lady of the wood in the morning he excused himself to go check on Legolas before heading to bed himself. Truthfully he intended to set with the boy incase he had any more nightmares but when he entered the room no one was there. He heard voices from his study and went to investigate. Upon entering he smiled heartfelt and true, his sons and Glorfindel were waiting patiently while Legolas selected just the right book to read. Walking the rest of the way in he strode up to the prince and lifted him high to the upper shelves. He soon heard a joyous sound. “This one, may I have this one?” “Any one you’d like,” Elladan said again. Elrond sat the child down and looked at the book, it was indeed the one he thought he would pick. “Come little one, lets retire and read about the ents.” Everyone piled around on Elrond’s huge bed as he read to the elfling who was curled against his side. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Ch 12 Elrond read about the Ents for hours until his voice was scratchy. The twins and Glorfindel had fallen asleep sprawled across the bed hours ago. He looked down to the child tucked under his right arm and smiled; finally asleep. Exhausted himself Elrond laid his head back against the eloquently carved wooden headboard and let himself slip into elvin dreamscape. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Legolas smiled up at the bright sun that shone through the trees of Mirkwood as his mother led them to their ‘favorite place’. When they reached the clearing it opened out into a beautiful crystal blue pond with lush green grass growing all around. He looked up at his mother pleadingly, blue eyes speaking a thousand words with out voicing one. She laughed happily, “Alright little one you may swim before our afternoon meal.” “Thank you naneth,” he squealed as he ran towards the inviting water. Dunthral could not help but smile as the Queen of Mirkwood walked behind her son gathering the belt, tunic, shirt and boots that had been so haplessly discarded in his haste to dive into the water. He laid a large soft blanket upon the grass then helped the queen to lower herself into a setting position. Legolas dove under the cool water for a moment then swam back to the top to wav at his mother. When he surfaced it was as dark as night, “Naneth?” He cried out but no one answered. Fearful, he swam towards the shore. Suddenly hundreds of Orc appeared; froze to his spot in the water he looked on as two of the Orc killed Dunthral. “No!” Suddenly he heard his mother’s screams and tried with all his strength to force his body to move but two swords were pointed at him. The Orc forced his mother to her knees in front of him, the front of her Royal Robe falling in the water. “Help me Legolas! Please, save me!” Keeping his eyes locked with hers he tried to fight but was far to small. He saw the glint of a blade and heard a swish; horrified he watched as his mother’s head fell into the water in front of him, her dead eyes still open. “No!” he screeched! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* “No!” Legolas screamed hysterically, still trapped in his dream. Elladan fell off the bed, Elrohir and Glorfindel both jumped to their feet running into each other then falling to the floor in an unceremonious heap. Elrond’s eyes snapped open as his tired brain tried to find the cause of the shill sound pounding through his head. He quickly realized it was Legolas. Still in dreamscape the child was screaming no continuously, hysterically, his face turning scarlet from the lack of air. He grabbed the child by his arms and pulled him to his chest, “Legolas, shhhhh, it’s just a dream! You must calm yourself!” By now Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel were back on there feet looking on with great concern. Elrond tried everything he knew to wake and console the still screaming prince to no avail. Surly all of Rivendell had been awoke by the terrified cries. To his surprise the child was lifted from his arms. What he saw before him was shocking and heart touching. Elladan took the screaming child into his arms and began to chant in elvish, a true form of the old Sindarin language. “Fear not young prince, the ways of the light shall guard you always.” Softly the words flowed from his mouth and with in moments the prince was silent. Elladan sat down in a chair, still cradling the prince and gently rocked him, “All better now little one.” Glorfindel, standing with his mouth agape finally found purchase to speak, “How did you?” “Galadriel,” Elrond smiled. “She reached into Elladan’s mind an told him the words to say. It’s a gift the twins have with each other, they can communicate through thought although I have never seen it used by anyone else. We assume it is a gift from the Elders as was Galadriel’s ability.” “Ada, I am worried,” Elrohir said. “He looks even paler and his breathing is labored.” “He is cold to the touch as well,” Elladan said softly. Elrond sighed, “The grief has taken a stronger hold upon him.” The rest of the night was spent watching Legolas. Elladan never put him down; they sat in the soft chair, Legolas laying face down on his stomach and chest, the small arms and legs wrapping loosely around his sides. He continued to mutter soothing words to the child and kept him wrapped in warm blankets, lovingly stroking his face. The sun had just begun to color the sky when there was a knock upon the door; Glorfindel opened it. Galadriel walked straight to Legolas and Elladan, noticing the tension in her grandson she smiled, “Peace Elladan, I mean no harm to either of you.” Tears stung his eyes, “I’m sorry, I know you would never harm him. I just..” Placing a loving hand on his shoulder, “It’s alright, you need not explain. Now, turn the elfling to face me.” He did as he was told, shifting the child’s body until he was on his back. Galadriel placed a hand on either side of Legolas’s head and drew in a deep breath, “I can not cure his grief but I can assist in pushing the torturous thoughts from his mind.” Moving her hand to his heart she began to chant. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Dunthral walked back into the palace after taking a long walk to clear his head and think about the things Galadriel and Celeborn had told him. He pondered their concern for the young prince and weighed it with that of his father’s. Thranduil had turned out to be just the opposite of what he thought he was so maybe if he trusted the lady of the wood she would be opposite as well. Perhaps she was not evil, as Thranduil had preached to his people. His mind reeled at all the questions but for some reason he felt in his heart the lord and lady could be well trusted. He was torn from his thoughts when a maiden ran to him. “Dunthral, is the young prince well?” Confused he looked at her, “What?” “The screams last night, they were horrible. Did you not hear them?” “Nay I was walking in the forest. Where is he?” “In Lord Elrond’s chambers.” Like lightning Dunthral was up the stairs and in Elrond’s chambers. Celeborn placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him as he watched Galadriel chanting over the child. The former Mirkwood guard stilled knowing the lady would not harm the prince but not liking the looks of Legolas just the same. When the chanting finished bright blue eyes flickered open. Legolas looked around frantically trying to place where he was when his eyes landed on Galadriel. He tired to run but Elladan held him tight until a well-placed kick forced him to let go. Legolas ran as fast as he could to the door but was lifted from the ground. He struggled for a moment until he realized it was Dunthral who held him, “Dunfral!” He smiled; the child could not yet say his name. Hugging him tightly, “Legolas, it’s good to see you.” Pulling him back a bit, “We need to speak young one.” “You may use my study,” Elrond smiled. “We will be down stairs at breakfast, when you have finished please join us.” With a nod Dunthral carried Legolas into the study and shut the door. He sat down in a chair and placed Legolas in front of him on one of the large wooden reading tables. “I wish to speak with you about Galadriel my prince.” His bottom lip began to quiver as silent tears spilled from his eyes. “You wish for me to go away as well,” he whispered dejectedly. “Nonsense!” He grabbed Legolas harshly by the arms causing him to yelp in surprise, “I wish only to see you well and happy once more. I know your fear of the Lady of the Wood and wish to ease your mind.” The blue eyes locked with his searching for the truth hidden with in. “I have spent hours conversing with both the Lord and the Lady; Legolas she is nothing like the tales we were told portrayed her! She has a pure heart young one, she wishes to do good by you. Everyone here wishes to help you but you have to be brave and face your fears.” Cradling the small face in his hands, “You have to let go of the grief and blame! You must let us help you or you will fade child.” “I wish to fade,” came the whispered voice. “I wish to see my mother again. To tell her I’m sorry I failed her.” “You failed no one!” Quickly getting his anger under control he started again. “You have failed no one Legolas and you will see your mother in the halls of Mandos but that time will not come to pass for many years yet. I can promise you this comfort; she will always be with you. She will live right here,” he placed his hand over the boy’s heart, “as long as you draw breath.”