Summary: Thranduil has sailed over to the Undying Lands and Erynion, Legolas' older brother is now King of Mirkwood. He sends his brother and his niece to Imladris, supposedly to help improve relations between the two lands. But what are his real motives? And what does this mean for the Prince of Mirkwood and his child?
Warning: This will eventually be a male/male pairing fic, so if you don't like it, don't read it.
Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. I just like playing with his characters from time to time.
((Amar))
Legolas entered the throne room quietly, walking forward only when his father caught sight of him and motioned him forward.
Thranduil was in deep conversation with Erynion, the older of his two sons. He muttered quickly to him in his low voice, sparing slight glances toward Legolas as he came closer.
"What was it that you called me for, My King?" Legolas asked, his brow creasing slightly.
Thranduil looked upon his son for a moment before a weary smile appeared upon his lips. "My dear Legolas, do not call me that, for you are my son."
Legolas nodded. Something was off, and he didn't like it. Thranduil had always preferred politeness to endearment.
"A week from today, I will begin my journey to the Undying Lands. It has come time for me to rest, and leave Mirkwood to your older brother."
Legolas' eyes widened. "Why? Why are you going to the Lands? Are you unwell?"
Thranduil shook his golden head, "Nay, nay my son. I simply believe that it is my time to leave. Though, I shall miss all of you. And it pains me that I will not be able to watch little Vanya grow up."
Legolas' eyes flew up to meet his brother's, searching them to see if the other Elf had known of this plan previously.
The black-haired elf let out a sigh and then looked up at his father. "If it is what you wish, Ada."
"Please bring Vanya to my chambers later so that I may explain to her what is going on, will you Legolas?"
Erynion stepped forward, waving a hand towards his younger brother, "Surely it would be better for the child to hear it from her father, Ada."
Thranduil shot his older son a look, "I will tell my only grandchild personally. She must hear it from me, for she is as stubborn as her grandmother was and won't believe until I tell her.
"You are both dismissed."
Legolas gave a quick bow before he turned on his heel and turned from the throne room. He walked quickly to Erulassë's field, knowing that he would find his daughter there telling her dearly departed mother what she had done the day before…
It was a habit that Vanya had picked up from Legolas, who would often visit Erulassë at her resting place, informing her of their child's life and inconsequential things. Just to speak with his late wife.
Now Vanya would happily go to the tomb made in Erulassë's likeness happily jabbering on and singing.
He stepped onto the fields and saw his daughter running around the field with her nanny, Marilla. Legolas' lips turned upwards into a smile as he walked towards his daughter. When he got near enough, he opened his arms wide, "Vanya, galad nin!"
Vanya looked up and stopped what she was doing. Her bright blue eyes looking up at her father and a smile spread across her face. She ran towards the black-haired Elf, her brown hair flying behind her, and jumped up and into her father's arms.
"Ada! Ada!" she exclaimed happily, throwing her arms around the Elf's neck. She nuzzled his neck for a moment and then looked into his eyes, "Aunt Meldamiriel came by and said that my painting lesson for today has been canceled. Do you know why?"
"Yes, Vanya, I do. Your Grandfather wishes to speak with you right away."
"Oh." The child said. She tilted her head to the side, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Why?"
Legolas did not respond to his daughter's question. He simply walked out of the field, holding the Elfling close to him.
((Amar))
"My King?" Vanya asked as she poked her head into Thranduil's rooms.
Thranduil looked up from the book he was reading and smiled. "Come in, young one."
Vanya closed the door softly behind her and then bowed. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, my Vanya. Come, sit with me." Thranduil said, putting the book away and moving to the side of the window seat a bit, giving some room for the Elfling.
A smile spread on Vanya's face as she rushed forward and hugged her grandfather. She looked up at him and then said, "Ada said you wanted to speak with me?"
Thranduil nodded, his golden hair falling forward and mixing with his granddaughter's brown hair.
"Yes. Something serious."
Vanya stared up at him.
"I am going to travel to the Undying Lands, young one. I have thought on this long and hard, and I believe that it is time for me to leave Middle Earth and leave Mirkwood to your Uncle Erynion. I wanted to make sure that you know this, and did not think that I am leaving because of you, Legolas, or Erynion." Thranduil said softly, combing his hands through her hair. "You are my only grandchild, and I will miss you dearly."
Vanya hugged her grandfather tight, burrowing her head deep into his robes.
"I love you, Grandfather. I know you aren't leaving me… And I hope you are happy."
((Amar))
Legolas watched as his father left the lands of Mirkwood for the final time. Vanya was clinging to his leg, hiding her face as she watched her beloved Grandfather leave.
"Vanya, it is time for your painting lesson." Meldamiriel came forward, holding her hand out to her niece. Her lips were set in a sad smile.
The Elfling took her aunt's hand after a moment and was led off to her aunt's rooms.
Erynion walked up to Legolas, placing a hand on his younger brother's shoulder.
"Legolas, I have something that I must speak with you about. Urgently."
"Yes, Brother? I am listening." The black-haired Elf replied.
"Our relations with Imladris have been unsteady for the past few years, as you know. I have arranged for you to meet with Lord Elrond and work out a deal to make our lands friendlier with one another."
"How long shall I be gone?"
"I do not know; for a number of years, most likely."
"Years?" Legolas turned, staring at his brother with wide eyes, "I cannot be away for years! What of my child? I will not leave her here to be raised by a nanny, she deserves her father!"
"Then take her with you." Erynion replied. "I am sure Lord Elrond will be glad to see a young Elfling, as he is very paternal but his children are now full grown, no longer wishing to be doted on."
"And this has already been decided?" Legolas asked, a black eyebrow quirking upward.
"Yes. Imladris will be expecting you within two weeks." Erynion stated.
Legolas' eyes narrowed.
"I shall inform my daughter then, and be on the road by tonight." The black-haired Elf said. He then gave a polite bow and left his brother, walking towards his sister-in-law's rooms.
Anger boiled inside of the Elf, for he knew that there was something going on that he had not been informed of. He could not shake the feeling that his brother had ulterior motives, and somehow his daughter would be involved…
He knew that Erynion was not overly fond of Vanya, if only because Meldamiriel could not carry a child. He had been embarrassed that he had not been able to produce an heir before his younger brother, even if it could not be helped. Oh yes, there were times when he was very fatherly towards Vanya, but those were few and far between.
Legolas knocked on the door to Meldamiriel's rooms and waited for her light, musical voice to answer.
The black-haired elf entered the room and was met with the site of his daughter sitting on the floor with a silver crown in her hands. She was looking at it curiously, her blue eyes wide.
Legolas felt his mouth go dry. "Wh-where did you get that?"
Vanya did not look up as she replied, "Auntie gave it to me. She said that I will need it soon."
Legolas' eyes turned to look upon the golden haired elf. His eyes narrowed, his blue eyes turning ice cold. "What is the meaning of this, Meldamiriel?"
"I do not know, Legolas. My husband told me to give it to her today." She replied.
The black-haired elf stared at the crown in his daughter's hands. The last time he had seen that crown was at his wedding to Erulassë as it sat upon her head.
Legolas clenched his teeth. "If you will put that away, Vanya, we must pack, for we leave Mirkwood tonight at the King's orders."
"What?" the golden-haired elf replied, her eyes wide. "Are you sure that is what he said? He has spoken nothing of this to me! Nothing of you and Vanya leaving!"
"We leave tonight for a diplomatic journey to Imladris."
Meldamiriel's grey eyes narrowed. "If you will excuse me, my dearest child, my brother, I must go speak with my husband."
She then left the room.
Vanya stared at the crown for a few moments more before she placed it neatly into its box.
"Ada…? This was Nana's, right?"
"Yes."
Vanya nodded and then got up, holding the box close to her. "I will go to my rooms and begin to pack."
((Amar))
Meldamiriel held her niece's hand tightly as she said goodbye. She then brushed the Elfling's brown hair behind her ear and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín."
She then turned to Legolas and hugged him, "My brother, I will see if Erynion will not change his mind… Will call you back home soon… I shall miss your company, as well as Vanya's. You have both become so dear to me." She kissed him on the cheek and then turned away, walking back into the house.
"Let us go then," Legolas said, patting his horse lightly on the rump. "Marilla, if you will bring up the rear."
"Of course, hir nin." The Elf replied.
Legolas led on, with Vanya in the middle and Marilla in the rear. They hadn't been given guards, something that Legolas thought was very strange. Though, he was a skilled warrior and knew that Marilla had skill with the sword, he was unsure if the two Elves could fend off any wandering creatures on their own…
((Amar))
The Elvish used in this fanfiction was found at Arwen-Undomiel (dot) com.
Amar: Home
Ada: Dad
Galad Nin: My Light
Nana: Mom
Ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín: May Elbereth protect you, may her stars shine on the path of your life
Hir Nin: My Lord
Names:
Erynion (Air-oon-ee-on) - Of the Woods - Wood
Erulassë (Air-oo-lahs-say) - God is Joy - Abigail
Meldamiriel (lit. "Dear jewel") (Mehl-dah-meer-ee-ell) - Precious Jewel - Amber
Vanya (Vahn-yah) – Beautiful – Callie
Marilla (Mar-il-lah) – Pearl - Megan