Chapter One: Stars

The stone was cold under his bare feet and a slight wind ruffled his hair as he wrapped his soft green blanket around him, his toy frog, Nen, tucked under his arm. He shivered as he continued through the gardens. It was very late, but he could not sleep. Besides, he wanted to see the stars. Little Legolas Thranduilion sat down under the boughs of a giant Birch tree and hugged Nen to him as footsteps sounded in the distance. The wind blew over him again, making him shiver, and he hugged Nen tighter.

"Do not worry, Tithen-Mellon. I will keep you safe and warm." He whispered.

"Legolas." Legolas crawled out from under the tree and looked up at his father.

"What are you doing out here?" Thranduil asked as he scooped his son up into his arms "Aren't you cold?" Legolas snuggled up against his Ada and looked up at the stars. He suddenly straightened and pointed up at the sky.

"Look, Ada," He exclaimed softly, "There is Soronúmë! And Valacirca!" Thranduil smiled down at his son.

"Very good, Ion-nîn. Can you tell me where Anarríma is?" Legolas's eyes roved over the night sky for a moment or two before grinning and pointing at a star directly above them.

"There, Ada. That is Anarríma." The elfling suddenly grew sad. "Naneth's favorite star." Tears welled up in the elfling's silvery-blue orbs.

"Yes. Anarríma was her favorite- Legolas, Ion-nîn, please do not cry." Legolas's lithe form shook with sobs as he buried his face in his Ada's tunic.

"Bring her back, Ada. Please, bring her back." He sobbed. Thranduil sat down under the birch tree and rocked his son gently.

"Naneth is not really gone, Legolas, Ion-nîn. She lives inside you. She is in everything you see, the trees, the birds, the flowers, in Anarríma. And she will never leave you. Naneth is watching over you now, Legolas. She is watching over us now." The elfling looked up at his Ada and Thranduil wiped the tears from his son's face.

"Ada, sing me Naneth's lullaby? Please?" The elfling pleading, his voice choked from crying. Thranduil smiled down at his son and pressed a kiss to the top of his head before singing the lullaby.

Hush now, my son, as the stars guard you tonight.

Listen as the trees do sing you to sleep

Legolas rubbed fresh tears from his eyes and hugged Nen close.

Listen, my child, as my voice flows over you

Lay down your sweet and sleepy head

Dream, child, of peace everlasting

Dream, my child, not of sorrow, not of grief

Dream, my little one, of happiness and joy, of glorious days anew

Do not grieve for those who have gone before

And if I leave before I can sing to you again

Do not mourn me, my son, my little one, the joy of my heart

Legolas began to doze off and Thranduil tightened his embrace as tears blurred his vision. He blinked them away and continued the lullaby.

Instead, remember me with joy

Be happy, my son

No more tears this night

Sleep well tonight

Thranduil slowly got to his feet as soon as he was sure Legolas was asleep and carried his son back to his room. It shouldn't be this way. Legolas should not have to go without his mother at such a young age, no elfling, no child, should have to. Legolas sighed in his sleep as Thranduil climbed the steps up to Legolas's room. Maybe he should let Legolas sleep with him tonight, incase he woke screaming like last night. It always seemed to help when Thranduil was there. The elven king past Legolas's room and headed towards his room. He'd rather have his son close to him tonight.


Tithen-Mellon: Little Friend

Ion-Nin: My son