Summary: When he was just a few years old, Legolas Thranduilion was sent to the galaxy so that he might be protected from his father's enemies. Now, 10 years later, his quiet life on Coruscant is about to get a lot louder when a young girl comes asking for his help.
Prologue: A Jedi Promise
Thranduil's face was grave as he held his sleeping son in his arms. His wife, Minuialwen watched him sadly as two hooded and cloaked figures came to stand in the doorway. Thranduil did not turn around to face them, nor did he take his eyes off of his son.
"Must it be done?" He asked. The taller figure nodded.
"It must." They replied. Tears began to trickle down Minuialwen's cheeks and she placed a hand over her mouth. Thranduil closed his eyes for a brief moment, and when he opened them, he found his son staring back at him. There was a look of confusion and fear in the elfling's eyes that made Thranduil feel even quiltier. Thranduil slowly turned as the other figure walked forward, hesitation evident with each step he took.
"Know this, Qui-Gon, as you deliver him safely to wherever you are taking him. Should my son come to any serious arm, I will be sure to find you. And should I have to do so, I intend to make you explain yourself." He said as he handed his son over to Qui-Gon's young apprentice. Legolas reached for Thranduil, sadness evident in his eyes.
"Ada. Ada, no." He pleaded softly. Thranduil squeezed his eyes shut for a moment.
"I am sorry, Legolas." He whispered. Legolas looked fearfully at his mother, unshed tears shinning in his eyes. Minuialwen shook her head sadly.
"I will take that into account." Qui-Gon replied evenly as Minuialwen began to cry softly. Emotional pain flared in Thranduil's eyes, made his insides twist, his heart pound weakly.
"Just...Just promise me that when the time comes you will bring him home safely." He whispered. Qui-Gon nodded as Obi-Wan handed the elfling to him.
"You have my word as a Jedi on that." He replied softly.
****
Master, why do we always get landed with the pathetic life forms?" Qui-Gon gave his apprentice an admonishing look as Legolas began to squirm. Obi-Wan ignored the elfling for a moment, then began to panic when the elfling began to wail loudly.
"Oh no. What do I do? Master, what do I do?!"
"Stop shouting, for one. Two, I have to wonder if you ever reacted like this while taking care of Vara." Qui-Gon sighed. Obi-Wan bounced the elfling in his arms and gritted his teeth as he just wailed louder.
Legolas tried to wriggle out of Obi-Wan's arms, but Obi-Wan only tightened it. Legolas just began to scream louder and hit Obi-Wan in the chest.
"Ow!" Obi-Wan exclaimed. "Legolas, stop that! It hurts! My sister never acted like this." He followed Qui-Gon through the crowds, trying in vain to calm the screaming child. Several humans and humanoids turned to look, causing Obi-Wan to fall into step next to Qui-Gon.
"Legolas, shut up." Obi-Wan hissed. Qui-Gon sighed and took Legolas. Legolas began to calm down a little but did not stop crying. Obi-Wan rubbed his chest and Qui-Gon had half a mind to yank on Obi-Wan's braid.
"What's wrong, little one? Is it the lights? Is it the noise? Is it some of the humanoids?" Qui-Gon soothed as he ran a hand up and down the Legolas's back. "Well, don't worry. You'll be away from all of that very, very soon." Qui-Gon hid a smile as the Legolas's wails died down. He cradled the child in his arms as they entered the apartment and walked down the hall to a lift. Obi-Wan pressed a button by the durasteel doors, which slid open moments later to admit them. Legolas's eyes darted around as the lift began to take them up to floor 10.
"Master, are you sure these are the right people to leave him with? What if they don't treat him right? And you heard what Thranduil said. Besides, it's our job to keep Legolas safe." Obi-Wan asked. Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow in amusement and Obi-Wan shrugged sheepishly.
"I... didn't take the best approach when he was screaming out there." He told his master. Qui-Gon smiled and nodded as the lift came to a halt. The durasteel doors slid open and they stepped out into the corridor. A woman stood a few feet from them. Tears welled up in Legolas's eyes again, and Obi-Wan took him from Qui-Gon when he noticed this.
"There, there, Legolas. We will be back for you soon." He whispered. Legolas looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.
"You take me home then?' He asked. Obi-Wan nodded as Qui-Gon spoke with the woman.
"I promise. Jedi Promise." He replied.
"What the Jedi pwomise?" Legolas asked.
"I solemnly give my word as a Jedi that I will come back for you, no matter what happens. I give you my word as a Jedi that I will return you to your family when the time is right."