I don't own any of the characters, all of those belong to Tolkien. I'm merely taking them out for a test drive. OC's within this story are my own.
All criticism welcomed, hopefully whoever reads this enjoys! I hope to write more for this story, the idea just sort of popped into my head while i was trying to write for my other fic.
Read & review, let me know your thoughts :)
An unidentified evil drew forth towards the borders of Mirkwood forest, threatening all who lived within the many areas including those who resided within the halls of the great Elven king. Many suspected from where the untitled evil emanated but that still remained unproven.
With danger more prominent and real a threat than ever, Thranduil, the great Elven king was left no choice but to increase the patrol around his city's gates. Improving the safety of his people was paramount, even if the increased protection only heightened their fear of the forthcoming threat. The fact that the king's only son was a captain of that guard only helped to increase his own anxiety, Legolas was more than capable of defending himself, of that the king was sure. However, there have been many a time that an enemy of Mirkwood has tried to use the Captain of the guard's royal bloodline to their advantage. You could receive a lot if you happened to hold hostage a member of an Elven royal family- even more so when that member was the only remaining heir to the throne.
King Thranduil sat on his ethereal throne, watching the elves of the woodland realm continue on around him. Most didn't spare him a glance as they scurried around, the tension amongst the people could be felt. They were worried of the outcomes of the latest venture of the guard. The choice was simple, they had none. The source of the newfound evil had to be located, then once they had ample information then an action plan had to be taken, they would either fight or they would lock the gates leading into the Elven halls and protect only their own border outside the woodland. This was a course of action most familiar with the Elven king, Thranduil put the protection of his own people above all else, even alliances. Old or new, one day they would be broken but the lives of his people, that was something not destined to end any time soon.
As Thranduil pondered this a guard approached the throne, his eyes remaining downcast until he had reached his destination, raising his head proudly he began to address the king.
"My lord" The guard inclined his head with a bow, a show of respect for his king "News from the watch, the patrol returns. 2 hours ride away, they are just about to enter back through the forest"
"Very Well" he nodded in response, one quick hand movement and the elf was gone, leaving the kind once more alone with his thoughts.
oOo
The woodland elves gathered in the King's hall, eagerly awaiting the return of the patrol sent forth. For the reassurances of once again seeing loved ones, knowing they had returned without harm.
The guards that had remained behind where the bare minimal the king felt were needed to protect Mirkwood in the absence of most of their able bodied warriors. They were fully dressed in their uniforms, a show of respect to their fellow warriors returning home, hopefully with good news.
Thranduil himself was anxious to lay eyes on his only child, to feel the relief of seeing Legolas once more return to him unharmed but showing this was never a wise decision. So with that in mind the king remained in the background of the gathering, reclining on one of the available chairs he put on an all too familiar mask, one of boredom.
Loud noises of excitement filled the once subdued and silent hall as the dispatched elves returned home, their faces looking as close to tired as Elven features could. Thranduil felt the welcome flood of relief as he laid eyes on his only son, walking towards his father. A small welcoming smile dawned over his face as Thranduil stood to greet his son.
"Legolas, you've returned unharmed?"
"Of course" the much younger elf replied with a small smile of his own, turning to look upon his companions as the reunited with loved ones.
"All went well? What news of the borders & this evil?" although this son was tired and most likely in need of rest the king felt it best to question him straight away.
"Yes, Dol Guldur is definitely the source of this" the young prince raised his arms and then released them with a sigh, almost as if he was grasping for an explanation "Evil, that is the only word to fully describe it. Although Dol Guldur appears to be abandoned still. Without sending out a party to the ruins there is no way to know for sure. Whatever it is and wherever it comes forth from father, it moves quickly."
"You've done all that was asked my son, you have my gratitude and that of your people" he nodded towards Legolas before returning to his position on the heavy wooden chair, resting his head against the tall back board gently. "There were no injures I assume?"
"No" the young elf visibly straightened, a clear sign to his father that whatever he was about to say next was not something he deemed as good news. "We did however run into a few complications on the journey back"
"You were attacked?" Thranduil couldn't hide the concern in his voice as he continued his conversation with Legolas, eager for all the information his son could share with him.
"We weren't no, although some mortals were. Orcs, we think" The stiff and uncomfortable stance of the prince did not relax even when the king resumed his casual perusal of the dispersing crowd.
"Forgive the interruption, my lord" One of Thranduil's oldest and most trusted guard's approached them both, bowing his head to both the king and his son as he did so.
"I'm glad to see you back within the safety of the walls Elenion (Ehl-ee-nee-on)" The kind bowed his head in return.
"I was wondering what we would do with the child?" Elenion turned to Legolas, his gaze questioning as he gestured to his wife who stood patiently behind her husband, the small bundle now visible in her arms.
"What child?" Thranduil asked, tilting his head to look at the being held within the security of Airemana's (Eye-ray-mahn-ah) embrace.
"The complication father" Legolas eyes followed those of his fathers, resting on the small child being soothed by the warrior's wife. "We found it on our way back, strewn beside the bodies of its kin. Apparently left for dead."
"An infant this young would most definitely perish on its own without care, we thought you would know what to do with it my lord" Elenion answered, his tone unsure as he tried to determine the outcome of his decision. He didn't know how well the king would take to a child of man being brought into his halls, Mirkwood didn't receive guests often. It had been many centuries since a mortal of any age was welcomed into the realm of the woodland king.
"Bring the child forth Airemana" The king stood and held his hand out towards the woman, encouraging her when he saw the uncertainty and momentary fear cross her gentle features. With an encouraging prod from her husband Airemana slowly walked towards the king, avoiding his grasp as she cradled the child closely, her grip visibly tightening around the bundle the closer she got.
"I mean you no harm Airemana" Thranduil tried his best to reassure her as the worry etched its way onto her face.
"It's not my wellbeing I worry for, my lord" the woman bowed respectfully to the king but never removed her gaze from his. Elenion stiffened behind her.
"Was that an accusation, my dear?" Thranduil couldn't keep the small sly smile from his lips. His eyes glanced around the now completely empty hall, relaxing to see that they were once more alone.
"No…" Airemana mumbled almost to herself as her gaze moved down to the sleeping child in her arms. "I just meant…"
"I know very well what you meant" taking a step towards the woman, Thranduil could now see the slightest hint of creamy skin within the confines of the thick fur blanket. "Do you truly believe your king would harm an innocent child? From any race of the free people?"
"No, my lord" the woman shook her head "I do not believe you would dirty your hands yourself" The distaste in her tone was clear, Airemana had never hidden her distaste for the great Elven king but she made an effort to voice it less, given her husband's loyal adoration towards Thranduil.
"Enough Airemana" Elenion appeared beside his wife once more, his grasp firmly on her upper arm in restraint, warning her of the trouble her treacherous tongue was about to get her into.
"Relax Elenion" Thranduil smiled to his old friend, raising his hands in a gesture of peace "Your wife's dislike of me is not hidden from my knowledge. I can respect the fire within her, although you remember my dear, that it can be dangerous to speak your mind to those who stand above you. Be grateful that your husband has proven himself a loyal and worthy friend" Elenion walked around his wife and stood before her, temporarily blocking Thranduil's view of the woman and the child in question.
"What are you doing you silly elf?!" the woman protested as her husband reached down and removed the child from her grasp, it was without struggle as Airemana obviously hadn't considered him a threat in anyway. Completely ignoring his infuriated wife Elenion turned towards the king, his arms outstretched in offering.
"Forgive her" Elenion smiled tightly towards his old friend and sovereign. "The decision is of course your own, take the child we trust you know best what to do with it"
Gently his hands grasped the fur blanket, taking the child into his arms and staring down at the small mortal, rosy cheeks and a dark collection of chestnut curls all that could be seen. "Very well my friend, thank you" Thranduil mumbled his last words to Elenion as he moved towards the large ornate doors, pulling his wife unwilling behind. Airemana's concerned gaze never left the small child within his grasp until the white door shut behind her. The silence descended once more in the large hall as he continued to watch the sleeping child, fascinated by each rise and fall, each inhale and exhale.
"What should we do?" Legolas asked his tone completely impassive, his disinterest in the situation obvious.
"I do not know" he answered honestly. "It has been many a year since I held an infant this young in my arms, it does not seem that long ago you were a new born elfling" Legolas peered down at the infant in his father's grasp and shrugged, turning to take his leave.
oOo
The halls of the woodland realm were quiet, almost deserted as Thranduil made his way along & through the many familiar passageways, out towards the main centre and then further past towards the many elven homes.
With his cloak over his head keeping his long almost white locks tucked beneath he proceeded in secret, keeping his presence and purpose hidden from the few who were around him. A small shot of pain flowed through his scalp as a handful of his flowing hair was tugged upon sharply, his passenger deciding to make herself known. The heat the radiated from the small mortal was enough of a reminder that she was there, tucked safely beneath his cloak as he continued on his way around his own city. The small hand that encased his hair never let go, she continued to tug at the locks for the remainder of their journey.
The current broke against the protruding rocks as Thranduil looked out along the river, pulling his light cloak back to reveal the package contained beneath. The small child's eyes adjusted to the light of the shinning moon above her head with a few brief blinks, her dark eyes looking upon his own. Moving his gaze back out towards the speedily running river Thranduil began to contemplate his decision. It was most definitely for the best, a wise choice but was it one he would come to regret? Could a child of man really be raised within the confines of an elven kingdom? Did he really want a mortal present for 50-60 years? Their lifespan was so short in comparison to that of the Eldar.
"May I ask what you're doing here, my lord?" Elenion appeared right on schedule, a mere few steps behind him.
"I decided it was time I visited you once more, my friend" Thranduil smiled as he turned to face the elf, who was now wearing a casual tunic. His uniform long since discarded.
"Then you should use the front door" Elenion smiled back at him "and not linger in my garden, if you were to disturb any of my wife's plants I would be fearful for your safety"
"Ahh, yes. Airemana." Thranduil's smile widened as he pictured the fury on the elf's face to discover him prodding through her flower beds. "That is why I am here"
"She did not mean what she said earlier" Elenion quickly defended his wife, panic shooting up over his usually calm features.
"Relax, mellon" shortening the distance between them both Thranduil quickly passed him the small bundle, detaching his hair from her grasp in the process. "I don't mean your wife any harm, I brought her the child. I know you both have longed for one of your own over the centuries, children among our kind is growing more of a difficulty with each passing year" he sighed as he looked down towards the child once more "hopefully she will bring you the joy you both seek, if only for a temporary time." Re-adorning his cloak, the king quickly moved through the garden, closing the gate as he exited the grounds of Elenion's home.
"My lord?" Elenion stared between the infant and his king. "Are you certain?"
"Yes" Thranduil nodded as he noticed the appearance of Airemana at the door of their home. "Who knows, maybe your wife will think of me more kindly now?" He turned and left the pair to admire the child further, a smirk playing across his lips at the shocked expression not well hidden upon Airemana's face.