Hooves stomped against the lush grasses of the field. A small white pony trotted around with a small elfling seated on it's back. The child was very fair and looked no older then the equivalent of a 6 year old. The elfling had flawless pale skin, his golden hair; adorned with the royal braids, cascaded down his back. His eyes were a bright sapphire blue and he was clad in green and brown.

"Legolas!" a female voice called out from behind the elf. Legolas turned his head to a small group of horses much larger then his own. Seated atop many of the horses were warriors traveling with them from Mirkwood. One rider stood out to the young prince though, she was seated atop a chestnut colored mare that had a white tear drop on her forehead. The rider was a women of breathtaking beauty.

Her name was Lelania.

Her long golden tresses flowed freely down her back, her skin was pale and flawless,her eyes burned a bright cerulean blue, and her lips were full and pink. She wore a silver crown across her forehead that was shaped like twisting vines adorned with golden leaves; she wore a long sea foam green robe that had golden trimming.

She was smiling sweetly at Legolas, "Legolas, come here you know you should not ride too far from the guards," she chided gently her voice sounding like the sweet chime of bells. Legolas smiled sheepishly at her and trotted back to her side.

"Sorry Naneth," he apologized. The group walked alongside the forest for awhile when the peaceful silence was broken by the baritone wail of a horn. The horses suddenly began to stomp and whiney in distress, Legolas widened his eyes and looked over to his mother, wondering what was happening.

She too looked equally as scared.

"Orcs!" one of the guards shouted. Legolas's blood ran cold and his heart rate shot when he heard those words shouted, he could feel the ground tremble and the distant but all too near sound of the snarls and grunts of the foul creatures.

He gasped in surprise when his horse reared letting out a loud whiney of panic as the most disgusting creatures Legolas had ever laid eyes on suddenly charged at them. "Legolas!" he heard his mother cry out. The fear numbed his body and stiffened his limbs. Legolas froze; wide eyed and still in contrast to the havoc that was raging about him.

"Legolas!" Lelania screamed desperately. Legolas's eyes widened; his mother's scream breaking him from his shock.

Legolas's panicked blue eyes shot to his mother, "Legolas rima! Rima pen-neth!" she shouted as the sharp screech of swords clashing rang through the once peaceful air. Legolas could do nothing but nod, and urged his spooked horse to turn around and run as fast as she could.

He could see nothing but swords and arrows and blood fly past him as he ran. A corpse of one of the orcs landed in front of his mare causing her to rear again. Legolas cried out trying to get a grip on her hair, but could not hold on fast enough; his fingers slipped through the horse's coarse hair as he felt his body fall from her back.

"Legolas!" the Mirkwood queen called over the horrific gnashing sounds of battle. Her head whipped around in a frantic search for her son. Her eyes grew round when she caught sight of Legolas's horse rear.

"Legolas!" the elleth screamed seeing her son fall from the horse, she urged her own to run faster, her eyes filing with the utmost horror when she saw one of those foul creatures stalking toward the blonde elfling.

Legolas shook his head trying to rid himself of the dizzy nauseous sensation the fall had given him. He looked up when his vision cleared and the youth automatically paled and began to shake seeing an orc carrying a large sword stalking towards him. Legolas foolishly tried to clammer backwards in hopes of escape, but only managed to trip over his own hands. Legolas lifted his head again to see the snarling orc approaching him, his sword glinting wickedly.

Lelania's eyes narrowed dangerously seeing the orc's advance on her elfling, she quickly grabbed a fallen sword from an orc's back; her horse barreling toward her child's attacker. Legolas's eyes widened in terror as the orc raised it's sword letting out a ear deafening snarl; Lelania's eyes flared as she swiftly brought down her sword cutting off the orcs head that had tried to do her only son harm.

"Naneth!" Legolas cried out as she gathered him in her arms and took off into another sprint on the horse. "Hush my son, I am here, I will keep you safe," she promised breathlessly looking over her shoulder as the battle raged on.

She pulled the horse to a stop at the edge of the tree line, Legolas looked at her in question as she lifted him up off the horse with her.

"Naneth what are you doing?" he asked fearfully, gripping handfuls of her robe. She looked over her shoulder again and hurried into the forest.

"Hush my love, there is no time to explain," she said quickly. Her eyes were wide and frantic and Legolas could feel her heart beat rapidly underneath him. "Naneth!" he cried out tears falling down his face.

"Legolas, you must be silent my love," she urged desperately. Lelania panted raggedly as she stopped, looking around; trying to find a place to hide her elfling. "Here," she said with only a slight relief.

Legolas looked over to see a large mallorn tree that had a hollowed out spot in the trunk. The area around the large tree was covered with sharp thorny brambles. The queen quickly hid her son in the hollowed out spot.

"Naneth, don't leave me here!" he cried out through tears. Lelania frowned her eyes filling with tears of her own, "Dina, my beloved, Dina," she urged frantically. She leaned forward pressing a loving kiss to Legolas's forehead.

"Amin mela lle, Legolas." she whispered against his skin. "Do not fear my sweetling, you will be safe, be silent my child. Do not move or make a sound." she pleaded.

Lelania regretfully pulled away from the princeling and looked up at the tree that guarded her child. Her eyes burned with protectiveness and voice was trusting and firm as she spoke.

"Protect my child."

Legolas's eyes widened as he saw orcs race toward his mother, he desperately wanted to scream, but obeyed his mother's command and clamped his hands over his mouth. Lelania's eyes widened when a hoard of the foul beasts fell upon her. She had not known they were so close, and would be upon her so soon. She turned sharply her shocked eyes flickering through her curtain of blonde hair.

Her sharp scream rang through the forest.

Legolas's eyes filled with horror as he watched the sword go through Lelania's chest. Her scream rang through his ears causing tears to stream down his face. Blood splattered against the dank forest floor as the blade was swiftly yanked from the fair queen's body. Legolas pressed his hands tightly against his mouth to prevent his cries of pain and terror as he watched her fall to the ground.

...

Thranduil shivered and gave a heart felt sigh as he recalled the happenings that had pained him so dearly, he grasped the quill in his hand tighter.

The death of his wife had brought him unmatched sorrow and despair, but the knowledge that his son had survived brought him more relief and joy then he could have hoped for.

But his son; however, alive was not undamaged. He suffered terribly from the sight of his mother's murder. Thranduil could tell that his son's heart ached and he feared for his child's life, which was why he was now doing this.

The decision had been hard for Thranduil to make, he had thought over every other possible solution, but none of them fit.

Even though the thought of sending his son away pained him, he knew that he had no other choice but to do it. So, with a heavy heart Thranduil began to write on the piece parchment laid in front of him.

...

Silence.

Peace and silence.

Rivendell was at peace, the silence was more then welcome to the elven lord, who had been busy sending Rivendell forces to aid the Mirkwood troops. Elrond's face darkened with sorrow as he thought this, Mirkwood. His friend, King Thranduil had suffered a great loss barely a year ago. Orcs had invaded his land and in the process murdered his wife.

The lord sighed, he felt the king's pain, for he too had already lost his beloved.

It got even worse though, not even a few days after the loss of Queen Lelania, orcs swarmed the area. Leaving the still grieving king's land of Mirkwood in a state of war. Luckily non of the attacks managed to penetrate Mirkwood itself; however, the borders were now a place of constant bloodshed.

"Lord Elrond," a voice sounded through the elf's silence of thought. He turned his gaze to the large wooden doors of his study where his advisor, Erester, stood.

"What is it, Erester," he asked ushering the dark haired elf to come in. Erester nodded and walked over to the other, "We have just received a letter from King Thranduil," he said silently. Elrond's eyes flashed with momentary concern as he heard this.

"I see," he said keeping his voice collected, he eyed the rolled up parchment in Erester's hand warily before taking it and opening the seal. He carefully unrolled the letter and began to read it aloud.

"Dear Lord Elrond,

I find that I am in most need of your help my friend, I am beginning to fear for my child's life.

I realize that Legolas has been dearly traumatized by his mother's death. I fear that the pain is too great for one as young as him to bear. I have done all I can for him, but I know that I am not enough to ease his pain.

I fear that he will begin to fade if he does not find solace soon. He has been growing more distant over the course of this year, and I know that he is running out of time. This is why I am requesting that Legolas stay in Rivendell.

Mirkwood holds too many reminders and memories of his mother and I am beginning to feel that Mirkwood is not a safe place for him to remain at this time. I am hoping that being away from Mirkwood, may help to ease his pain and suffering. I have done all I can for him, and I am only sorry that I can do no more to help my child. It pains me to have to let him go, but I know that this is the only way.

I need your help Elrond, I can not lose Legolas as I have lost my beloved. My heart will not be able to take another loss as dear as that. I know that you will be able to help him more then I can, and I know that Rivendell is a much safer place for him to be.

I only pray that you will not fail him.

Sincerely, King Thranduil."

Elrond felt the air grow thick and still around him as he finished. Now a long heavy silence filled the room as the words processed through both of elves head's. Elrond was the first one to break the silence with a soft sigh that was heavy with pity.

"That poor elfling," he said silently. His heart grew heavier in his chest as he read small sections of the letter over again. "One so young should not have to witness such bloodshed." he said with a small shake of his head.

"Remind me my lord, how old is Legolas?" Erester questioned tentatively. He himself had never met the prince of Mirkwood, although he had heard of him from others. The last time Thranduil's family had visited Rivendell, Erester had not been present.

"I believe he is only 600, he may be a few years older then that, but he is still very young none the less," he added sadly as he rolled the parchment back up.

"Six centuries!" Erester exclaimed softly. "One so young should not be without their mother yet," he noted absentmindedly. Elrond let out another sad sigh and agreed with a nod.

"Aye, they shouldn't. I believe that is why Thranduil feels that Mirkwood is no place for Legolas right now."

He looked back out over the balcony at the scenery of Rivendell. Although now his mind and heart were anxious with sorrow and worry. So much so that the silence brought him no comfort nor pleasure and he could not bring himself to be calmed by the peace.

"Let us just hope that we will be able to stop the little one from journeying to the Halls of Mandos."

...

Thranduil sighed anxiously, Legolas and himself were currently traveling to Rivendell. He had sent his letter to Lord Elrond 2 nights ago. A group of the Mirkwood guards were accompanying them, after his wife's death Thranduil had increased the amount of guards in his escort; not wanting to take any chances.

The king still felt hesitant about letting Legolas go, he loved his son dearly, he was now the only reminder he had of his dearly departed wife, Lelania. With that thought Thranduil glanced down at the elfling seated in front of him.

Legolas did look so much like his mother. He had not only inherited much of her looks but a great deal of her spirit as well. Sometimes Thranduil found it almost painful to be with Legolas because of how much he resembled her. But this was also the reason that Thranduil held Legolas so dear to him.

Having him was like having a small piece of his mother.

Legolas had seemed to draw closer to his father as of late, which seemed rather natural considering the circumstances. Otherwise, if he was not around his Ada, he seemed to stay very isolated from everyone else. Which was one of the things that was worrying Thranduil.

Normally Thranduil would have let Legolas ride his own horse, but he had been growing over protective of the blonde lately, and did not want him to be any farther away from him then he had to.

So Legolas now sat in front on his Ada's horse leaning back against the older elf's chest. Most likely attempting to doze off for a short time, Thranduil assumed, knowing that Legolas did not sleep as much as he should nowadays because of the nightmares that plagued him.

Thranduil frowned gently as he looked down at his child; absentmindedly using one of his hands to gently run his fingers through Legolas's soft silky blonde tresses, while his other hand held the reigns of the horse.

He too had been plagued with dreams...and memories. Ones off finding Legolas after the fight.

Thranduil shuddered.

...

Thranduil had immediately gone out with a group of his soldiers when he had received word of the attack. He slowed his horse when he came up to the sight of the battle and held up a hand, signaling the others to halt as well.

He was met with the sight of corpses, blood, and weapons. Most of the warriors he had sent with his son and wife had survived and stood now among the few members of their fallen kin and the orcs.

He quickly dismounted his horse as the leader of the troop approached him. "What news do you bring me?" he asked. The captain looked wary and grave as he looked at his king.

"My Lord, a group of orcs attacked us on our way back to Mirkwood. We have slain them all, and few of my warriors have fallen..." he reported. Thranduil knew that he wasn't finished though. No, the captain looked much to forlorn and...pitying?

Thranduil registered the emotions of the elf before him and suddenly it struck him.

"My wife...where is my wife and Legolas?" he asked with wide eyes. The captain frowned his gaze down casting in a way that made Thranduil's stomach churn.

"I am sorry my Lord...they fled when the orcs attacked, after they were slain we went to search for them, but we found that Queen Lelania had not survived..."

Thranduil's eyes widened when he heard this. This could not be true, no, oh Valar not his beloved! Thranduil's eyes were filled with shock and despair, but he said nothing.

"I am very sorry my Lord," the other elf said offering his condolences. Thranduil swallowed an invisible lump in his throat, "And Legolas...where is my son?" he asked unable to keep the tremble from his voice.

"We did not find his body my Lord, we assume Lady Lelania had time to hide Legolas before she was attacked. But so far we have not seen sight of him," he replied.

However, no later did the elf say this did they hear a shriek from the woods. They all felt a jump in their hearts at hearing the sudden cry, Thranduil's heart swelled with a sudden relief when he saw a guard walking out of the brush with a distraught Legolas in his arms.

"Oh thank the Valar!" Thranduil breathed out in relief as the elf walked over to them giving the elfling to their king.

Legolas was confused though; still so traumatized from seeing his mother's death, he had panicked and screamed when someone had grabbed him from his hiding spot. He cried and flailed in attempts to escape whoever had captured him.

Thranduil frowned when Legolas began struggling fearfully in his arms, he felt a twinge of pain in his heart at the rejection.

"Legolas, hush my son, we will not hurt you," he reassured holding the blonde prince tightly against him. Legolas seemed to stop struggling immediately when Thranduil said this and finally opened his eyes. They were reddened and brimming with tears as he lifted his head up.

"A-Ada?" he asked hesitantly. His body shook terribly in the elvish king's arms, his sapphire eyes were filled with fear and terror. Thranduil breathed a small inaudible breath of relief seeing that his son could now recognize him.

"Aye, my sweetling, I am here. It is alright now," he assured. Legolas burst into tears again burying his head in his Ada's robes and started sobbing anew. Thranduil cradled the princeling against his chest innerly thanking the Valar that they had not taken his son from him.

"Shh you are safe pen-neth. It is all over now, all over. Hush now tithen-pen." he cooed softly to his elfling. The other guards, wishing to give their king and prince a moment of privacy , silently excused themselves to help find the rest of their fallen kindred.

"Hush little one, your Ada is here, you are safe," he said into the blonde princeling's hair.

"A-Ada!" Legolas cried out catching the blondes attention. "Shh Shh relax ion-nin. I'm here, I'm here," he reassured and began stroking the elfling's hair.

"A-Ada, N-N-Naneth is...i-is..is-" Legolas's voice cracked as he struggled to say it. Thranduil stared down watching his son struggle to say the painful truth of what had occurred. Thranduil could feel tears heating his own eyes and pulled his son closer to him.

"I know my sweetling... I know," he said lowly keeping his own tears at bay for Legolas's sake.

...

Thranduil drew in a shaky breath as the memories replayed themselves all too vividly for his liking. Legolas too had stirred into full wake and was now gazing warily at the upcoming sight of Rivendell.

Thranduil nearly cringed at the weary look Legolas wore, that look had been haunting his child's eyes for much too long, he prayed to the Valar that it would go away soon.

With that in mind Thranduil rode with his escorts into Rivendell, the group halted at the Last Homely Home where Lord Elrond, as well as Erester, Glorfindel, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen stood to greet their guests.

"I am most relieved that you have managed to arrive with no complications," Elrond said watching as Thranduil dismounted from his horse and helped Legolas down as well. The group of elves were all just a bit shocked to see the prince.

He looked...much different from his last visit to Imladris. His face looked tired and held no evidence of the smile that he normally wore, his once bright cerulean eyes looked dim and weary of the group in front of him.

"He looks as bad as Thranduil described," Erester noted silently towards Elrond who only gave a discrete nod of agreement. However, not wanting to put any further weight on the king's or Legolas's shoulders he brushed away all signs of his discontentment, and smiled.

"And I am very pleased that Legolas will be staying with us," he said walking up to the two blonde Mirkwood elves. Thranduil offered the Noldor a brief smile before he looked down at his son; gently laying a hand on the prince's shoulder.

"Legolas," he reminded softly, "Isn't there something you wish to say to Lord Elrond," he asked. Legolas let out a small sigh keeping his eyes on the floor, starting to find it very interesting.

"Thank you for letting me stay here," Legolas said as if he had been taught to recite it. Thranduil frowned gently giving his friend an apologetic look.

"Forgive me, if he does not sound very enthusiastic, I am sure he is tired from the ride."

"You have no reason to apologize," the elven lord assured not wishing to put any further worry on the King. Sensing the off put feeling in the air Elrond cleared his throat a little, "Well, I'm sure you remember everyone else," he said motioning to the others behind him.

Everyone there, albeit Erester, had already met the prince. Elladan and Elrohir were about 1,600 putting them at a human age of 16 years old. Arwen was much closer to Legolas's age; however, still not as young as him. Arwen had just recently celebrated her 1,300'th begetting day. Making her around 13.

They too were equally shocked and saddened by Legolas's new demeanor. Both Arwen and the twins had grown quite fond of Legolas during his visits to Rivendell, and to see their normally bubbly princeling glum and depressed put a heavy weight on their hearts.

Like their Ada; however, they all put aside their concern and put on happy faces as they eagerly greeted the prince. After all Legolas probably would only get worse if everyone kept acting so dreary around him.

Arwen was the first to approach the prince giving him a warm cheerful smile.

"Legolas, I am so glad to see you again!" he said kneeling down to hug the elf. She gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek, "Oio naa elealla alasse'," she chirped. Thranduil widened his eyes briefly to see his son relax in Arwen's embrace, seeing a small spark of warmth appear in the elfling's eyes.

It gave Thranduil great hope and relief, perhaps he had made the right decision in bringing him here.

The twins eagerly joined their sister, "Arwen!" they complained in perfect unison. "Why must you smother the prince-" Elladan began. "-With your girly displays of affection!" Elrohir finished. Arwen glared briefly at her brother all in good fun though, she gave a dramatic sigh followed by an eye roll as she released her hold on Legolas.

"Fine!" she sighed exasperated. "Take him and display your 'manly' greetings," she quipped sarcastically.

Elrohir threw a triumphant smirk at his younger sister plucking the prince from the ground, "With-" Elladan threw her his own cocky grin as he finished his brothers sentence, "-Pleasure."

This time Thranduil was almost positive he saw the briefest of smiles show up on his son's face before fading again. It warmed his heart greatly knowing that Legolas would be safe and cared for here.

Elrond smiled watching his children interact with the prince, "Well, it looks as if he is fitting in splendidly already," he noted to Thranduil.

"Aye, I believe this is exactly what he needs," he agreed. Elrond watched the king with slight concern as he observed Thranduil's eyes become slightly more serious and distant as he watched his son. "It will do him good not to be haunted by reminders of his mother."

Elrond frowned briefly and also nodded.

Thranduil cleared his throat then and straightened his robes as he met the lord's gaze once more.

"Well now that everything has been settled, I believe it is time for me to take my leave," he announced managing to smile as sincerely as he could manage.

Legolas, who had just been set back on the ground, immediately widened his eyes when he heard his Ada say this.

"No Ada!" he cried quickly rushing back to the blonde elf. Thranduil widened his eyes in surprise and looked down at Legolas who was holding his robes tightly. "Please don't leave me, Ada," he pleaded.

Thranduil frowned his eyes softening with understanding and guilt. He knelt down in front of his son, "Legolas I promise I am not leaving you, I told you, you will only stay here for a time." he said softly.

Legolas frowned his brows creasing as he studied his Ada's face. Legolas swallowed, "Ada I don't want you to leave like, Nana," he said fearfully. The very sentence that passed through the elfling's lips nearly brought everyone there to tears.

Thranduil sucked in a breath at that, "Oh pen-neth I am not going to leave like Naneth," he promised. He lifted his hand tenderly tucking strands of Legolas's hair behind his pointed ears. "I have told you ion-nin it is much safer here in Rivendell. Once it is safe I promise that I will come back and bring you home, but until then my Greenleaf you must stay here."

Legolas still frowned not enjoying the thought of his Ada leaving him.

Thranduil sighed gently seeing his elfling was still upset, "Tithen-pen, I will write to you, while I'm gone. I promise you that I will come back for you ion-nin, this is only temporary. You will be much happier here right now." he said tenderly.

As much as Thranduil would have loved to scoop Legolas up in his arms and take him back home with him he knew he could not. No, Thranduil knew that he had done all he could for his child, and he knew he could do no more for him.

"..You will come back..right Ada?" Legolas asked hesitantly. Thranduil smiled and nodded, "Aye, Legolas, I will come back for you."

Legolas frowned slightly but none the less was now compliant to release his Ada, "Amin mela lle Ada," he said softly. Thranduil wore a sad smile as he kissed Legolas's forehead, "Amin mela lle, Legolas."

With that Legolas tentatively released the king's robes allowing Thranduil to stand and mount his horse again. Thranduil cast a serious look towards Elrond, "Take care of him, mellon-nin."

Elrond nodded and watched Thranduil followed by his group of escorts turn and make their way out of Rivendell. Legolas watched his Ada depart with a heavy heart. Elrond frowned gently; kneeling down beside the young elf.

"It will be alright pen-neth," he assured softly, gently stroking the elfling's hair. "Your Ada will return before you know it."

They all just hoped that he would not have to return so soon under ill circumstances.

TBC

Woah. I'm not kidding guys just woah. First of all i have been working on tons of fixs im planning to publish right now however this is the only one that i've actually brought myself to finish. It's weird I've had this idea awhile and never wrote it, but the strange part is that i relize this is sort of a perfect prequel to another fic i had started to write. Because this event 'Legolas staying in Rivendell' is mentioned during it. SO COOL! Lol well i'm very nervous guys okay, I feel like this is not as good. Like not good at all, i can't tell if that's just me though, quite frankly it feels like i haven't writtne many good thigns lately. Feel free to try and boost my self asteme with a review! Lol I hope you guys like this idea, I'm pretty much in love with it. Well please REVIEW!

[P.s Lelania -not a real elf name...i don't think...i just made it up..sounds good to me. Well pronounce it like this -Le-lay-knee-a-]

*Also here's translations

Naneth/Nana- mother

Ada/Adar- father

rima-run

dina-be silent

amen mela lle- I love you

Pen-neth- little one or young one [i can't remember which]

Tithen-pen- little one [correct me if I'm wrong this one could be young one]

ion-nin- my son

Oio naa elealla alasse'- ever is thy sight a joy