Duty Bound

By LadyIsis

Rated MA

Warnings: AU, Graphic Sex, Swearing, One instance of non-con sexual act (Not as horrid as it sounds, but it's got to be said), Childbirth (much much later!)

Characters: Legolas, Thranduil, Elrond, Mithrandir and Original Characters

A/N: Thranduil and his Queen leave Middle Earth to sail west to Valinor with their infant Son, Legolas. En-route they are blown off course, stranded in a strange land. Almost thirty years later they are rescued and returning home. This story centres around Legolas and his Wife as they attempt to deal with what life throws at them as they travel back to Middle Earth and to a way of life that is alien to them both. Chapter One may sound like a bizarre start and there may be questions, but if you stick with it I hope you'll really enjoy the story as it grows and I assure you you'll find the answers. Also I realise that 30 may not be very old for an elf, but if Legolas did not age at a similar rate to mortal humans it would not work at all. (If he were 30 and still a toddler they might get noticed!)

There's no denying this piece is nothing short of a b*tch to summarise, but the story itself is much better than any summary I could muster, honest!

Ps. Some of these characters are my darling creations, but the world they live in and the names you know are all credited to Tolkien.

LadyIsis x

Chapter 1: In A Land Far Far Away

"This is it" Leowen called out.

"Are you certain?" Adan asked, coming to a stop beside his captain.

"Yes, I am in no doubt," Leowen confirmed, surveying the area with relief. "This is the dwelling I saw in the Lady's mirror. We have found our King."

Leowen ordered the ellon to set up camp on the beach. It had been a long journey, spanning many years, with little rest or luxury. It was evening and the stars were beginning to reveal themselves. Beyond the beach was a small path leading to a single cottage. It was of elven style, though made of foreign materials, the Captain noted. His silver tinted hair blew behind him as he climbed the hill, following the beaten path towards the cottage.

Adan shifted nervously as they awaited the response to their knock on the door. At length it opened to reveal the object of their search and their hearts lightened at the sight.

The King's eyes shone relief, excitement and only then confusion.

"My King." Placing his hand over his heart Leowen bowed his respect.

"It has been many a year since I have been King, old friend," Thranduil replied, "I am surprised to see you, and yet am greatly relieved." The former King stepped aside, inviting them into the warm.

"How did you find us?" Thranduil asked, "I had given up any hope of return."

"The Lady Galadriel allowed me to look into her mirror. In it I saw many signs that would lead me to this place," Leowen explained, "I confess, that I did not expect it to be so long or difficult a journey. Your vessel strayed far from it's course, Majesty."

"Storms raged for what seemed like weeks," the King recalled, his eyes glazing over with the memories. "Maybe it was, but then perhaps it was only days. We were lucky to have survived, especially with the babe unharmed. The Valar have watched over us graciously these years passed."

Leowen nodded mutely, with silent thanks to the Valar for such mercy upon his King. His train of thought reminded him of what must be spoken. Adan shared a secret look with him, prompting him to deliver the news before the conversation was taken any further.

"My King I must tell you the reasoning behind this expedition…"

"News from Greenwood," Thranduil cut in with great anticipation in his voice.

Leowen took a steadying breath, ignoring the hope in Thranduil's voice. "Your Son, whom you left to rule in your stead, has passed." He paused to gather strength to continue, not daring to watch the face of the elf before him. "He was mortally wounded during a conflict. The healers did all in their power, but his injuries were beyond their work."

At this point the Captain knew not the best course of action. To divulge the truth of his son's death in its entirety would cause the King too much grief in but one hit. Greenwood's dire situation would have to be concealed for a time, in order for him to grieve for his son. Thranduil was silent, his expression asking for more. But what more could be said for now? In its simplicity Greenwood was without a ruler, and so Leowen and Adan had sought out Thranduil to bring him back to his homeland and his throne. He knew this did not need to be explained to his King. He would know his duty, and would step up without question.

Thranduil's face was grave. Like a perfect visage, now twisted with pain. Leowen motioned for his companion to follow and so they left the King to his grief, stepping out into the cool air. The smell of the sea surrounded them, a smell they had become sick of as they travelled. So constant and suffocating. But now there was the faint aroma of the trees, grass and sand mingled with it. Their forest home seemed so far away in this moment.

"What of his other Son?" Adan broke him out of his thoughts. Leowen warned his Friend with his eyes to lower his voice. Adan continued in a hushed tone, "He was but a babe when his Majesty left the Grey Havens, he must be grown by now, but I did not see him inside ..." he was silenced by the sound of footsteps.

"Legolas is now 28 years of age," Thranduil's voice came from behind them. "He was just 6 months old when we were stranded here. This life is all he has ever known. He does not know his elven heritage." At the look of shock and confusion from his officers he continued, "You must understand, in this land there are none but Men. Elves, Dwarves, exist not here. Nor among them will you find the Orc or any other foul being."

Leowen's heart went out to Thranduil. A King of Elves, unable to tell his own Son who he is, what he is. He did what he must to ensure their safety. "You believed yourselves stranded here with no hope of reaching Valinor, and yet unable to return to Arda." Leowen nodded with understanding.

Then the King spoke again, "Nienna and I believed that we would never return to Elvendom and so Legolas was raised among mortal Men, as he believes himself to be. He has matured incredibly for an Elf." A shadow crossed his face then, "And now you have come to return us to our people?" The question was rhetorical.

"I'm not sure my Son will join us," the King looked deeply anxious. "He has a family of his own to care for now."

His soldiers exchanged a worried glance. The Lady of Light had given them strict instruction to retrieve the entire Royal Family of Eryn Galen. Somehow they would have to convince the Prince to leave his only home, and travel to a land where everyone knows his name, yet he knew nothing of the place or anyone in it. Would his family come with him? Would this break them apart? His King had implied a family unit, were there children involved? Travelling by sea with more than expected, potentially small children - mortals no less. 'The Lady warned me this journey would test me.'

His thoughts stopped spiralling abruptly when a piece of lembas was thrust in front of him. His stomach rumbled loudly and Thranduil chuckled, "Come! Let us have some meat!"

Leowen was thrilled at the thought, and for a while his worries and questions stilled in his mind as they ate.