A/N: Hey all! So this one takes place about 100 years or so after Early Frost. Enjoy.
Italics: This notes a flash back.
Italics: The verbal manifestation of Legolas's self doubt.
normal type: Legolas's common sense that battles against his doubt.
Disclaimer: I still do not own any of Lord of the Rings.
Spring Blossoms
Chapter One
"You sent for me father?" Legolas said, peeking his head through the heavy oaken doors of his father's study, after one of his father's secretaries had found him down on the practice fields sparring with some of the other warriors that were part of his patrol.
"Ah, yes, 'Las," Thranduil looked up from his desk, light in his emerald eyes at the sight of his son. "Come in, have a seat." Legolas did as he was told, and once he was sitting across from his father, Thranduil began talking to him once more. "I have need of your thoughts on a certain topic. I find that I have a letter that needs to be taken to Lord Elrond in Imladris. If the decision as to the identity of the messenger were up to you, who would you send in order to ensure the speed of delivery, as well as maintain the relations between our two realms?"
Legolas looked thoughtful for a moment before answering carefully, guessing that this was a test that required a serious, well thought out answer, "Well, Ada. It has been a good number of seasons since your last letter to Lord Elrond, and as such, your disposition towards favorable relations with Imladris could be called into question. With this in mind, my choice of messenger would be someone who is well known as having a moderate to high ranking within the Greenwood, and if at all possible, if I were you, I would send my heir. My ranking is well enough known, as well as having several elves from Imladris as good acquaintances which would ease the majority of any tension that would be met on the end of the journey."
Thranduil smiled at this answer as it was the exact one that his mind had thought up earlier in the day, and was pleased that his son had come up with such a diplomatic response to the impromptu question, he was ready for the assignment that he had planned for him. "Ready your pack then, 'Las. You have just volunteered yourself for a journey to the House of Elrond. My missive will be finished within the hour, I expect you to be ready to depart by then so that you may make a good distance before being forced to rest for the night."
The prince's features remained calm even as a look of first disbelief followed by pleasure passed through his expressive eyes. He bound to his feet and jumped across the desk in order to throw his arms about his father's shoulders in a tight embrace. Then with a kiss to the king's cheek he bolted out the door to prepare himself for his journey to the Hidden Valley that held the House of Elrond. The hour flew by and was ended with the King and Prince meeting on the steps of the forest stronghold where the thick letter was passed over to the capable hands of Legolas and tucked away in his heavy leather messenger bag before a final farewell to his father and his departure upon his horse.
To say that his trip to the Hidden Vale was uneventful was an understatement. Legolas saw no sign of any of the enemies creatures and in fact, no sign of anything else except for the normal animals that one saw in the different lands that he rode through. He made good time, only stopping to rest when his horse required. He quickly crossed the many leagues that lay between the Greenwood and Imladris, and within a fairly short amount of time he found himself under the boughs of the trees that marked his approach to the hidden vale. Shortly after he felt the presence of others near him in the forest.
Moments later a voice called out from the trees, "Speak your name and purpose in the Hidden Vale, Stranger."
"I come from the fair Greenwood," he answered, speaking in the direction of the call and explained, "I come bearing news from King Thranduil for Lord Elrond of Imladris."
At this point two elves stepped forward from the heavy foliage at the base of a large tree. The main characteristic of these two that stood out and caused him to hide a smile was the fact that they were mirror images of each other. Legolas quickly sized them up, looking for differences from the last time he had seen them, the most noticeable being that Elladan had his right ear pierced three times and Elrohir his left twice, directly after the fact that they had grown several more inches as well as filling out with muscles. "You are not the king's normal messenger," Elladan stated neutrally, as if he were suspicious of Legolas's truthfulness of his stated purpose.
"King Thranduil decided that this letter was worthy of a different carrier than his past missives, Lord Elladan," Legolas said in an equally neutral tone, as well as dismounting from his horse and bowing respectfully in the elder twin's direction.
This statement was greeted by both the twin's gripping their swords, ready to draw them in defense should the unknown elf in front of them show any sign of attack. "You are not familiar within our borders, Stranger," Elrohir said icily in defense of his brother, "And yet you are able to do what many are not after seasons of practice, upon first sight."
A small smile passed over the prince's lips at this and spoke up in a friendly tone, "It truly is not that hard, Lord Elrohir. Your brother is the more outspoken of the sons of Elrond, while your aura is more like that of your father's, it has a more calming effect which is what makes you a more effective healer." This statement caused a livid look of anger to cross Elladan's features while bewilderment was the main emotion on Elrohir's. Legolas took a step back, preparing to defend himself as the elder twin looked ready to fly off the handle at any moment. Just as he was thinking to end his jest a tenor laugh rang from the branches of the same tree the twins had been hidden behind causing all three to look up.
Relaxing against the trunk with a look of mirth upon his face sat the golden figure of Glorfindel who had immediately known this guest to his lord's lands and had stayed quiet for his own amusement. He jumped down from his perch and bowed in front of Legolas. "Welcome once more to our borders, my friend," he said, carefully retaining the prince's identity to stretch out the joke. "If you will follow me, I will escort you to the House of Elrond so you may deliver the message from your king." He whistled sharply and his own mount came out of the forest. The twins then called for their own mounts and followed Glorfindel while each choosing a side of the prince to ride upon. They remained in sullen silence while Legolas peered curiously at his surroundings as his last entry to the Hidden Vale had been when he was unconscious, missing the grandeur.
When they rode into the courtyard, all was just as Legolas remembered it. A cobbled yard that led to the main stairs of the mansion with its soaring gables and elegant architecture that inspired awe in all visitors. From the large doors stepped the figure of Lord Elrond dressed in his customary formal robes and his silver circlet of office in place upon his forehead. It was at this point that the four dismounted and Glorfindel stepped forward with a regal bow. His tenor voice rang out, "My Lord Elrond, may I present Legolas Thranduilion, Crown Prince of Greenwood the Great, come within our borders on command of his father Thranduil Oropherion, King of Greenwood the Great."
Legolas then stepped forward and placed his right fist over his heart and bowed to the lord of the house. "It is good to return once more to your halls, My Lord Elrond. I apologize for my unexpected arrival."
"It is always a pleasure to see you, Prince Legolas," Elrond returned stepping forward to grasp the prince's arm in a friendly embrace before stepping back to take in the changes the years had wrought upon the figure of the prince. "You appear to have grown into a fine young elf." He then looked back at the surprised features of his sons and a smile passed over his lips. "I see that you did not reveal your identity to my sons while Glorfindel recognized you on sight." Legolas's response was a nod along with a slight smile, worry that he had made the wrong decision on the jest clear in his eyes, but that fear was alleviated as Elrond continued, "A fine jest, my prince. These two trouble makers must learn how to take a prank as well as they perform them." He then looked to his sons who were looking at him with disbelieving looks on their faces and stepped back, "Now, if you will follow me to my study you may fulfill the purpose of your journey while Elladan and Elrohir can take your horse to the stables."
This was exactly what happened. Elladan politely took the reins to the mild mannered stallion from the prince's hand and Legolas followed both Elrond and Glorfindel up the steps of the mansion and through the corridors to the elven lord's study where he handed over the letter from his father and sat on one of the chairs of the room to await the lord's answer. A smile spread across the lord's face and he looked up at Legolas with a look of relief in his eyes.
"I must confess that I was afraid of dire news at your arrival, Prince Legolas," he said in explanation, "However, the news that you carry is far better than what I feared. Your father has decided to make one of your duties being the ambassador of the Greenwood to Imladris. Due to this you are expected to spend some time here under my roof before I send you back home prior to the winter snows. While you are here you are expected to represent Greenwood amongst my people as well as learn of Imladris in order to provide your father with advice as to foreign policy in the future." Legolas looked at him dumbfounded. With a smile he said, "I see that King Thranduil neglected to tell you of this prior to your departure. This most likely was to ease your worry upon the trail. Now, Glorfindel will show you to your chambers where you will have the opportunity to bathe and rest from your journey. Dinner will be sent to you this evening, but tomorrow night there will be a feast held in your honor, which of course you will be expected to attend."
Legolas did not respond in any way but a single nod as he was still dumbfounded as to the news that he had been given by his father via Lord Elrond. Glorfindel smiled at this and came to his side, placing a friendly hand on the young elf's shoulder, "Come, my prince, I will show you to your guest chambers," he said warmly before removing his hand and walking towards the door. He glanced back momentarily, making sure that he was being followed by the youth and then with a waved farewell to Elrond, led the way from the room.
"Lord Glorfindel," the prince said after walking only a few feet away from the door to the study, "I seem to recall that upon my last visit to these famous halls, I requested that you call me by my name instead of my title." His voice was serious, as if he were truly upset by how he had been addressed by the blonde warrior, but upon his face was a smile that hinted at his mischievous nature. "If necessary, I will make the request once more."
Glorfindel grinned at the prince in return. "It has been long since you were in Imladris with us, dear prince," Glorfindel explained carefully, "and at that time you must admit that you were not in the best state of mind. I was being cautious just in case you had begun to act more like your father in terms of address. I will, however keep this in mind, Legolas." He then reached over and ruffled the copper hair before he moved away laughing, allowing for the twins to hurtle past him and tackle the prince to the ground in a flying embrace.
"Princeling!" Elladan exclaimed as the two brought the prince down to the floorboards first in a flying embrace and then in a wrestling match where the two were trying to keep Legolas beneath them. "You've grown so much we didn't recognize you!"
Legolas laughed as he fought back against the his two opponents playfully, holding back from using the unarmed combat techniques that he had learned in his training, and just putting up enough of a fight to keep it from being easy for them. "I noticed," he said with another laugh, briefly placing the elder twin into a headlock, "I also noticed that Glorfindel wasn't fooled by my jest."
That comment earned him a rough tussling of his hair by the younger twin who exclaimed, "That doesn't count! He saw you more recently than we have! You could have clued us in that it was you, Legolas."
The wrestling continued for several minutes, accompanied by constant laughter as well as a good amount of grunts at the connection between bodies as well as the floor. Glorfindel decided that in the interest of keeping the three young elves in good shape, he had to break up the friendly altercation. He pulled Elladan off the smaller frame of the prince and set him aside with a warning look before doing the same with the younger twin, and helping Legolas to his feet once the prince had stopped laughing enough that he could stand on his own. "Sorry to interrupt you three," he said with a smile, "But we need Legolas in one piece for the feast tomorrow, then you may do as you wish, just keep in mind that he is an official ambassador now, so he is too valuable for you to damage permanently." Legolas grinned in time with the twins at the golden elf before Elladan and Elrohir rushed forward once more and grabbed the prince by the arms and dragged him off in the direction Glorfindel had been leading him.
Elladan waved back and called, "Don't worry we will take the princeling from here! He will be safe, we promise!" Then he pulled both the prince and his brother along the hall even faster. Legolas vaguely recognized the direction and his surroundings, especially when they reached the door to the guest chambers he was being given for his use, it was the same suite as before. Elladan threw open the door with overdramatized motions and bowed the prince in through the entrance in the manner of an attendant. "Welcome to your chambers, Princeling. If you have need for either of us, your most devoted servants, all you need is but to call. Our own chambers are but…"
"Across the hall," Legolas finished the sentence for him with a smile. "I recall, Elladan. I may have been ailing when last I was here, but I do remember much. For instance, telling the two of you apart." He then stepped forward and gently and playfully flicked the piercings along the elder twin's ear, "Though it would have been easier to learn had the two of you had these piercings when I met you."
Elrohir smirked, "You learned your lesson well, even without these aids that we marked ourselves with to help our commanders in the midst of battle, whom even with their presence still confuse us. I seem to remember that you never had any trouble telling us apart even though you never addressed us until we left the Greenwood." He then moved to the prince's side and pulled him up until he was standing straight and visibly measured him up with a smile. Where the prince had been small when they had met previously, they were now the same height, though Legolas was much more finely built while the twins were broader with more muscle upon their bones which came from their edain heritage. "You have sprouted like a bean in our years apart, Legolas." He then pulled him into a tight embrace, before saying, "It is so good to see you once more. Even though Ada pronounced you were well when you left us to return home with your father, my heart was still worried for your well being."
Legolas smiled at the younger twin and returned the embrace of his friend, "It is good to see you as well Elrohir. You have no idea how many times I wanted to abandon my duties in the Greenwood in order to make sure the both of you were not injured in you war against the orcs." He then pulled back from Elrohir and reciprocated his action to the elder twin, pulling Elladan into an embrace that was much stronger than the peredhel anticipated based upon the prince's lithe frame. "It is a relief to my heart to see you as well, Elladan. Even though I am sure that it was your idea that brought me to the floor so short a while ago." He then backed away once more and glanced around the room, seeing that it had not changed since he had left a century prior. He set down his bag in the corner, directly in front of the wardrobe before he turned back to the twins who had followed him into the room. "I don't know how the two of you can stand being in the same room as me, I smell absolutely rancid."
Elrohir laughed not only at this statement, but also at the face that the prince pulled as he sniffed the sleeve of his traveling tunic. "We are waiting for you to prepare to bathe, then we may take your clothes to the launders, as well as check your size in order to bring you appropriate sized clothes for you to change into at the moment as well as be prepared for you so they may be ready for the feast."
A look of understanding crossed the prince's face, and he nodded. "If the two of you would be so kind as to turn about. I will be but a moment in preparing." He then walked into the bathroom and changed into a thick, soft robe before walking back out into the bed chamber holding his traveling clothes out in front of him as if they were poisonous to the touch. "I don't know how anyone will be able to return these to their original state. It will take a miracle."
Elladan grinned wolfishly at the prince and returned the comment, saying, "It will take as much of a miracle to return you to a state where you also do not smell as fresh as you do at this point, princling. I hope there is water left in the whole of Imladris by the time you are satisfied with your smell." He dodged the flying tunic, breeches, and shirt that were flung in his direction, which was aimed at his chest, but when he ducked, collided directly in his face, leading to loud laughter from both Legolas and Elrohir. This was added to when he dramatically fell over onto the bed, clutching his chest. "Ah the stench! It has taken my senses! How can I ever continue?"
Legolas playfully glared in his direction, and haughtily said, "Would you please keep your dying down to a minimal amount of noise? I am afraid that it will disturb me while I am preparing my royal continence." He turned his nose up to the air and turned to his bags where he pulled out his clean change of clothing that would be sufficient for him to wear after his bath. He then returned to the bathing room and began to run warm water into the tub before peeking out the door and sticking his tongue out in the direction of the twins before withdrawing immediately to avoid the pillows that were flung in his direction. He then called through the woodworking, "I will see you both when I no longer offend the senses." And when he heard their answering laughter he shed his robe and lowered himself into the soothing water.
It was at this point that his mind began to wander as he allowed his body to relax, the only problem was that this wandering was not comforting. His mind only would return to his memories from his previous time spent in these legendary halls. While many of his memories were good, but those his mind focused on for that moment were were tainted with darkness. The one that jumped out at him in particular was the most terrifying nightmare that he had had in his entire life. "You are pathetic. You couldn't prevent yourself from getting captured by the orcs who then spoiled your worth for the whole of your now pointless life." His father's haunting voice echoed through his mind only to be countered carefully by his consciousness that had been carefully trained to counter such doubting thoughts that came up frequently, If that were true, you never would have been made ambassador to Imladris.
He didn't want to give you an honor, he is ashamed of you. Look at it this way, while you are here, he does not want to have to put up with you at home so he sends you away to a place where he knows that you are already welcome.
They welcomed me previously because of my need for aid. They welcome me now because of the respect my duty demands.
Ha! They welcomed you because Glorfindel recognized you. It is thanks to him that you were brought in willingly. Didn't you see the way the Elladan and Elrohir, your supposed friends, welcomed you. They were prepared to attack you.
They were only doing their duty as part of the border patrols. They would have done the same had they been faced with anyone else had been in my position.
You cannot…
Legolas's private thoughts were interrupted by a knocking upon the door of his bathing chamber, causing him to start as well as return to his senses. "One moment," he called as he pulled himself shakily out of the water and wrapped himself in the bath robe once more. When he was sure that he had covered himself sufficiently and tied the belt around his waist, he pulled open the door to reveal the golden figure of Glorfindel. "Glorfindel!" he exclaimed, surprised, "What can I do to help you?"
"I think the question that would be better asked is how may I help you?" he answered the question with one of his own. "I came to make sure that you are alright. I know from experience that returning to a place associated with *ahem* troubled, times in your past can raise unwanted memories to haunt you." Legolas looked down at his wet feet and remained silent while his mind went into overtime to think of a way to answer these questions without actually saying what was on his mind. The chance to respond was taken away from him when Glorfindel placed a hand upon his shoulder, startling him into a wince away from the contact, a response that he had held in check for many years. "I see," Glorfindel said before he grabbed the prince's chin to pull his face up until their eyes met, "Last you were here, you were able to confide your feelings in me. I hope that will continue to be the case if you need someone to speak too. If not me, please, I know that they can be uncouth at most times, but I know the twins are your friends, either of them would listen, though Elladan might feel the need to act rashly afterwards." He then offered a small smile of encouragement to the young elf.
Legolas shook his face away from the grip, and returned his eyes to the floor. "You did not give me a chance to answer, sir," he said neutrally. He spent some moments with his eyes trained upon the floor organizing his thoughts as the elder elf gave him the time that he needed. He shook his head briefly before turning his eyes back to those of the elven lord. When he spoke once more, his voice was sad, reminding Glorfindel of the tone that he used when he was healing as an elfling. "I am sorry, sir, you startled me out of my thoughts. I should have known that this would happen…Would you believe that it took me years to return to the garden where my Naneth and I were attacked. I still don't go into the Healing Halls in Ada's stronghold. When I get injured the healers come to me in my chambers in the palace instead of being taken to the Healing Halls, its an unspoken agreement between my patrol, Ada, and myself."
Glorfindel was startled to see tears forming in the eyes of the prince and pulled him into a gentle hug, and smoothed down the soaking wet hair, he was surprised for a moment to realize that the elf that he still was thinking of in terms of being a small elfling, was in reality as tall as himself just as the twins had grown to become. "It is alright, I understand. When I returned to the forests near Nevrast after my own experiences, I must say that I became quite insensible. In fact, I believe that it was Ecthelion that knocked me unconscious and bore me away from the site and brought me back to my senses else where. It is a natural reaction."
"Damnit!" Legolas pulled himself away from the embrace quickly, and paced away angrily, "I am tired of my 'natural reactions'. I want to be able to not be afraid of new experiences and meeting new people, and that means anyone, not just elves. I want to be normal, Glorfindel, normal!" He then sank down in the corner of the room and curled himself into a ball, and buried his face as if he were crying into his knees.
Wisely, Glorfindel did not say anything in return to this outburst, and allowed the elf in front of him to work his emotions out in front of him. Eventually, Legolas looked up, his eyes bloodshot while his face was pale, but the look upon his face was haunted. At this point Glorfindel approached the prince and sank onto the floor next to him, slinging an arm around the strong shoulders, sending strength through the still slight bond that connected the two. "I promise that it gets better in time," he said gently, "I know that it does not seem that way at this point in time, in fact I'm sure that there will always be points in time when you will be caught in memory, it does get better." The prince nodded silently at his side while remaining silent. Glorfindel then stood to his feet, and held out a hand in assistance, "Come, you should finish if not your bath, then dressing. Your food will arrive any minute now, bringing with it at least one of the twins most likely."
Legolas climbed to his feet without the offered help and returned to the bathing room silently, without the offered assistance. Glorfindel sighed at the regression into the silence, but called out, "I will see you on the morrow Legolas. Try not to think to hard, you will need your rest for the gossip mill of Imladris." He then walked out of the room just as he had entered it, almost silently, while Legolas slowly pulled on his loose pants and shirt, glaring at the scars that still decorated his skin and showed no signs of fading. He walked back out into his bed chambers and grabbed his comb before settling in front of the window, trying to lose himself in the mindless motion in order to escape from the painful memories.
"Your feast has arrived!" came Elladan's voice from the doorway with no knock to signal his entrance, resulting in Legolas jumping in surprise and pivoting around, sinking into a defensive stance in the same motion, pale face settled into a look of deep concentration, ready to act in his own defense.
"Woah," came Elrohir's voice from behind his brother as he entered after Elladan, his hands raised in the air in a motion of surrender, recognizing the traits of a trained warrior accustomed more to his own defense than interaction in society. "All is well, Legolas, we have brought your food, as promised. Fresh and warm from the kitchens but a few moments ago."
Elrohir's voice sank into his consciousness and Legolas visibly relaxed. He forced a smile upon his face directed towards his two friends. "I apologize, Elladan, Elrohir. I guess I am still on alert from so long on the trail," he said softly, playfulness absent from his soft tone, and though he was facing the twins, his eyes were focused upon the floor. He forced his eyes to the tray of food and cautiously inquired, "So, what is on the menu for this evening's meal?"
The elder twin raised an eyebrow at his friend's regression into characteristics that he connected with his recovery, but decided that the best course of action would be to just ignore the oddness and act as if it had never happened. "I'm not exactly sure," he said, loudly, "It shall be an adventure as I contained my vast amounts of curiosity so that it would be a surprise to us all, since I told them to give us three portions." He then set the tray down with a flourish on the coffee table, plopped on the floor and motioned for the other two to join him.
Both Elladan and Elrohir began to dig into the large pile of delicacies and victuals that the cooks had sent along with the twins with a healthy appetite that had been born of their extended amount of time on the border patrol, but with the watchful eyes of a healer, Elrohir noticed that where the prince should have been starving after his time on the trail, he poked at what was on his plate, moving it around in such a way that it appeared he had eaten at least a little. Elrohir pushed the plate closer to Legolas encouragingly with a smile. "Eat," he instructed quietly, with a gleam in his eyes that suggested he would be willing to back up the command if need be. "You haven't had anything but trail food for a full week at least, you must be hungry."
Legolas looked back into his eyes, his own filled with a depth of sadness that was almost tangible. "I am sorry to say that I am not hungry as I should be," he said quietly, a hint of uncertainty lighting his tone. "I think that perhaps I need to sleep before I am truly able to feel my need." He then stood and returned to the window, looking out at the garden as he had been prior to them bursting in. "If you could leave me alone for a while at least, I would be very grateful," he said uncertainly, as if he was unsure whether or not it was within his rights within their father's house.
Elladan looked as if he were going to object in a spectacular fashion that would help no one, and thoughtfully Elrohir put a hand on his shoulder to with strain him. "Is there any way that we can help you?" he said gently, warmth taking the place of commanding, worry for the change in the elf from not more than half an hour before.
"If I could just have some time alone to sort through some things," Legolas answered, his voice flat and full of uncertainty. He looked back over his shoulder at his two friends and apologized, "I am sorry that I am not the best of company at this moment. My father just appointed me to a post by sending me here with a letter holding the news without telling me before hand. It was quite the surprise, and has given me much to give thought too."
Elladan caught the fact that there was more than was being said behind the comment, something was being hidden, but he chose to ignore it. Instead he stood and put a hand on the other's shoulder, surprised at the tense muscles. "We will leave you to your peace then. Just let us know if there is anything else that we can do to help you." He then gave a flippant smile, "Just say the word and we'll be here." He then gave one tight squeeze and turned to the door, pausing a moment to call back, "We'll leave the tray here so if you wake in the middle of the night hungry, there'll be something for you to munch on," before he completely exited the room with his brother following him.
Legolas looked at their backs as they retreated, torn between just watching them leave and calling them back, but then pushed those thoughts aside as soon as the door was closed, leaving him alone, just as he had requested. He sank down onto the cushions of the window seat and pulled his knees up to his chest, preparing himself mentally for a long night that promised very little sleep.
A/N: All right. There is the first chapter, basically to set everything up for the rest of the story. Think of it as a teaser since the next chapter won't be posted for at least 20 days. Until then though, please feel free to tell me your thoughts/feelings. I cannot improve unless I get feedback, I will even welcome flames if you wish to send them.