This idea has been in my mind for a while now and well I thought why not. It takes place a bit before the Hobbit. Comments and constructive criticism are welcome and I know I shouldn't write another story when I have so many on hold but I can't help it. I will write another chapter for my other stories soon. Oh i usually don't say what actress i have in mind when creating a character but I will admit that i made her after Gillian Anderson. You all can picture who wish. have a great day.
Voices echoed from the courtyard bellow the balcony where Legolas read. Peering down from his perch he spotted his Ada amongst the lords of the court. Legolas stared at the group till they disappeared from his line of sight, leaving him once more in the company of the maids charged with his care.
No older than six by human standards, Legolas wasn't allowed to roam about the palace on his own. Since the death of Naneth he felt like he was always alone, even when in company of the maids. His eyes wandered from the courtyard to the great trees of the surrounding forest. The leather bound book resting in his lap lost its appeal as the forest called to him.
Legolas missed walking in the forest with his Naneth and Ada. Since her death Ada's demeanor changed from what it once was. He no longer had time to play with him or for walks in the woods. At first Legolas had not understood why his Naneth was not going to return. The tears streaming down his Ada's face made the seriousness of the situation all too clear. His Naneth had died and she would never hug him again.
The war had not only stolen his Naneth, but his Ada as well. Leaving him with no one. The maids, who cared for him, whispered when they thought he was not listening. They said it had been a decade since the passing of the Queen, but to Legolas it felt like yesterday. He did not remember much of his Naneth, but he would never forget the warmth of her smile nor the love in her embrace.
The forest called to him, beckoning him into the wood he hadn't been in a long time. He peeked at the two maids talking a few feet from him, they would never allow him into the forest. He would have to lose them in halls of his home. He placed his book to the side, he would go exploring with or without Ada.
Everything looked the same.
No matter what direction he went, the surroundings appeared the same. There was no noticeable difference in the looming trees and heavy undergrowth surrounding him. He'd lost the path he'd taken when he first entered. All due to a large rabbit that crossed his path. He knew now how foolish his decision to follow the rabbit had been. He'd been in the forest for an hour and half before he got lost. Now he had no idea on how long it would take him to find a way back.
Legolas came to stand beneath a large oak tree as he contemplated what direction to take. Tingles spread down his back as he stood still, something was wrong. The part of the forest he was in felt...odd. A twig snapping to his left startled him into reaching for a stick on the ground.
The sensation of being watched filled his every sense. The snapping of a branch from above him had him rolling out of the way, in time to avoid a humongous black spider with razor like pincers. The many eyes of the wretched beast zeroed in on him, the pincers snapped at him as its hairy legs moved towards him.
Legolas shot off into the trees, the sound of twigs breaking behind him told the spider was making the chase. Running as fast as he could, the sight of another spider jumping down in front him left sprawled out on the ground inches from the second monster. Legolas jumped to his feet and brandished the stick he still had clenched in his hands. He would not let them eat him without a fight.
Legolas shivered not in fear, but because of the sudden drop in temperature. His breath became visible and hung heavy in the air. Icicles formed on the stick in his hands as frost spread on the ground beneath him. The arachnids hissed and struggled to flee as ice formed on their legs, holding them in place. They struggled in vain against the ice biting into their bodies. Legolas watched as ice consumed his would be attackers until they resembled ice sculptures.
Wielding the frosted stick in his hands, Legolas approached the frozen creatures. Stopping less than a foot from one of the frozen spiders he stretched out his arm to poke at it with the stick. He peered at the ice as he poked at it. Gathering his courage Legolas raised his hand as he stepped closer to the encased spider. Soft laughter brought his hand to a stop inches from spider. Startled, he drew back from the spider and he raised the stick in defense.
The soft laughter continued. Legolas looked about him, but he failed to see where the laughter was coming from.
"Show yourself!" said Legolas with all the courage he could muster.
"Easy little one." Legolas watched as a tall woman stepped out of the shadows of the trees into his line of sight. "If I wished you any harm I would've let these hairy, eight legged freaks have you."
The woman neared him, her walk slow and nonthreatening. Her waist length hair was paler than his own, as white as snow. Contained by a royal blue ribbon, her hair rested on her shoulder. The royal blue dress highlighted her pale complexion.
The sparkling crown resting upon her head resembled the icicles hanging on the nearby branches. She tapped her long fingers on the back of the spider he'd examined.
"It's a good thing you didn't touch them. You'd gotten nasty frostbite," she said as placed herself in the middle of the frozen spiders.
Legolas lowered his stick, if she wanted to kill him a stick wouldn't be of any use. His brow furrowed, many questions raced through his mind. Instead of voicing his thoughts he said, "Thank you, for saving me."
A wicked smile spread across her lips. "Your welcome, but don't hold back any questions child. I don't bite, hard anyways."
Legolas tilted his head resembling a bird before spewing out his questions in a rush. "Why did you save me? Where did you come from? Who are you? How did you do that?"
The woman raised an elegant silver brow. "Are those all your questions?"
Legolas thought for a moment before replying. "For now."
She cackled in delight. "Oh I do so love the curious nature of children!"
With a wave of her hand the ice surrounding them melted and the spiders turned into liquid along with it. "Right then! I will answer all your questions as I escort you home."
Legolas watched, his mouth agape, as she walked from him. Shutting his mouth he ran after her.
"Alright then little one. My name is Bedelia Greyheart Queen of the winter court."
Legolas looked up at her as they walked. "I have never heard of the Winter Court."
Bedelia chuckled, "Few have. Most don't believe in the existence of the fae."
Legolas gasped, "You're a fairy!"
Bedelia raised her head with a snort. "I am the fairy. Queen of the Unseelie Court. Not every fairytale is false you know. All legends hold some truth. Now little one tell me who are you?"
Legolas reeled at thought of actual fairies. Puffing out his chest responded, "I am Prince Legolas son of the Thranduil ElvenKing of GreenWood."
She grinned at him. "Impressive." Her smile faded a bit as she spoke. "Alright little prince I saved you because you remind me of my son when he was your age."
Legolas smiled at the queen. "How old is your son now?"
Bedelia looked straight ahead. As she replied the temperature dropped another degree, frost appeared on the trees near them. "He would be 120 right now, had he not died in battle."
Legolas frowned. "I lost my Naneth."
Bedelia gave him a soft smile. "We lost our kin far too soon little prince."
They walked in silence for a moment before she broke it. "As for how I froze the spiders… it's the gift of being a winter fey. It's not something learned or given, it is in my blood. My world is closer than most would think. We are but a thin veil away from each other."
Legolas pondered her words in silence until she stopped walking. "We are here little prince. Your fathers guard is nearing."
Straining his hearing, Legolas heard the soft footfall of approaching elves. He frowned he didn't want for her to leave. "Will I see you again?" he questioned hoping she would not abandon him.
The Winter Queen tilted her head as he had done before. "Do you wish to see me again?"
Legolas nodded his head in reply.
"I could never replace your Naneth, nor would I dare to try. You could never take my sons place-"
Legolas interrupted, his voice soft, "Nor would I ever try."
She smiled at him. "Those we have lost are irreplaceable, but perhaps we can give each other something we both need. Comfort and company. I will protect and care for you as a mother would her child. In turn you will provide me with the joy stolen from me."
Legolas smiled. "I will protect you too Queen Bedelia. When I'm older I will be the best warrior in my Ada's Kingdome."
Bedelia smiled as she offered her hand to him. Legolas placed his small hand in hers and shook it. "Call me Delia."
The ice melted and the temperature returned to normal as she vanished from sight. The guard burst through trees just as the last of the ice dissolved.
His father stood at the great doors waiting for him with arms crossed.
Legolas knew he was in trouble, but his new friend made up for the anger of his father.
