AN: Enjoy!


"Ion-nin?" a familiar voice called hesitantly. King Thranduil floated a little further into the room without making another sound. He could move practically without a sound if he wanted to. He did it a lot if he thought Legolas was sleeping and did not want to disturb him. Legolas hated that. His father had a terrible habit of appearing where he least expected - or desired it. The king rarely had time for Legolas or rather when Legolas demanded it, but he always had time to tell him off or wander in when he was doing something he would get in trouble for. Like any elfling, Legolas was convinced only his father was this annoying.

"Legolas? My child, are you here?" Thranduil called as he looked around the room. Legolas tried not to look at his father's boots but that was all he could see from his hiding spot and every second he expected the king to kneel down and find him.

"How very unfortunate," the King continued with mock distress. "It would seem my son is missing! Now who will go riding with me?"

Legolas could not help but excitedly exclaim: "Riding? I can come riding?" He soon realized his mistake when a face peered under the bed. Thranduil only really allowed himself to look silly in front of his son and now was no exception. His golden hair pooled on the floor and there was a mischievous gleam in his eyes which he would never admit Legolas had gotten from him. It was always amusing to see him on the floor.

"Umm, hi Ada!" Legolas grinned, blushing bright red. The king arched an eyebrow and rose again. Legolas was just considering not crawling out when an impatient clearing of his father's throat got him moving. Thranduil was dressed down somewhat. He still wore his long robes but he had left the crown behind and clearly not washed his hands for there were inkstains on his fingers. Legolas preferred him like that. He thought his father was a bit scary when he sat on his throne with the crown and ordered people around without smiling.

"Now, why would you be hiding under your bed, ion-nin?" Thranduil inquired softly. "You would not be hiding from me, would you?"

Legolas paused. "N-no, Ada."

"I am glad to hear it," Thranduil replied without any emotion Legolas could recognize. "Have you behaved for your teachers today?"

Curses! Legolas might be tricked by promises of horseback riding - he did not have his own horse yet, but he understood that any answer to that question could be trouble. If his father knew about his skipping class lying to him would anger him but if he did not then Legolas might accidentally tell him. Evidently he took too long time to answer for the king picked him up and sat down upon the bed, placing a surprised Legolas on his lap.

"I... I think so," Legolas stammered. His father nodded with a slight smile. There was something strange in Thranduil's grey eyes that gave the impression that he possessed some secret knowledge but Legolas was used to it. Still, it always made him feel like his father could read his mind and the longer Thranduil looked at him, the harder it was not to let everything spill out. But then he felt his father's hand on the side of his head and he was gently guided closer so he leaned against Thranduil.

"I'm sorry I have been so busy," Thranduil said in a low humming voice somewhere just above Legolas. "I meant what I said," he continued as Legolas struggled not to tell. But it seemed his father did not know. "I intend to ride to the falls and back tomorrow. Aeruil needs the exercise. Perhaps... There's a strong young elf who would care to help?"

Legolas gave his reply by hugging him tight and the king seemed to chuckle slightly as he smoothed the prince's hair. The king did not ride horses often - preferring his elk. He rode with Legolas for the fun of it when he found the time. Legolas could otherwise only ride ponies in the palace yards. "Am I to take that as a yes?" Thranduil asked.

"Yes, Ada!" Legolas said excitedly as he looked back up at him. "You promise we can go?"

"Of course I do," Thranduil smiled. He had promised such things before and not kept his word but Legolas was always willing to hope.

"Ada?"

"Yes, Legolas?"

"Is it not Authwen's job to exercise the horses?" Legolas asked with narrowed eyes.

"Is it? I was not aware," replied Thranduil as he feigned ignorance. Legolas did not comment further. It was enough to know it was not something his father had to do - but something he wanted to do. By now sitting on Thranduil's lap had become awkward for even though Legolas enjoyed it he was at an age where he considered himself almost adult - despite being nowhere close, and warriors did not sit on their father's lap. He eeled his way out of the king's grasp and slid onto the floor. Thranduil remained seated. Legolas paused pensively.

"Ada?"

"Yes?" his father replied again as he smoothed his robe. The ink on his hands seemed too dry to stain it.

"Is it true that there are trolls in the forest?" Legolas asked.

Thranduil stopped mid motion. "Who told you that?"

"No one! I was just thinking..."

His father did not look at all like he believed that. "There are no trolls anywhere near our borders - if there are any at all in Eryn Lasgalen," Thranduil said with an air of authority and seriousness. "And you had best not listen to those who's tales are taller than giants."

Legolas felt torn between defending Braigelen and agreeing. His father was rather intimidating when he used that voice and Legolas did not understand why the question upset him. It was a perfectly good question, wasn't it? He, himself did not believe in some of what Braigelen said but not only was his friend a little bit older, he also got to do a lot of stuff Legolas was not allowed to do. So his friend knew a lot more about a lot of things than Legolas. He'd bet Braigelen's father would tell his son about trolls if he asked!

"But Ada... If there was a troll, how would you find out?"

Thranduil looked slightly annoyed that the topic had not been dropped. "If there ever where you would not have to worry about it. You are safe within this city and we would see to it immediately."

"But aren't trolls really huge? B... Someone once told me they could grow taller than trees!" Legolas said insistently, earning a look from his father.

"You don't sound like you have much faith in my combat skills, ion-nin," Thranduil said teasingly as he rose from the bed.

"I do. You must be good because you're really really old!" Legolas grinned cheekily. Thranduil reached out for him as if half heartedly wanting to slap him on the back of the head. Of course there was no need for that as a laughing Legolas ducked and sought refuge on the floor. Then he was immediately picked back with a squeal of surprise and amusement.

"Old, am I?" Thranduil growled warmly as he began tickling the elfling in his arms.

"Help! Help! A troll got me! A giant troll!" Legolas cried out while trying to wiggle free. Thranduil responded by dumping him on the bed while continuing his tickle assault.

"Ada! Avo! You're not old, you're not... Ada!" Legolas stammered out between giggles. His father stopped and the elfling gasped trying to catch his breath. His father tapped him lightly on the nose with his index finger in a light admonishment.

"I will see you at dinner. I'm afraid I have some work to finish beforehand. I had better go wash my hands now," said the king gently.

"Okay, Ada," Legolas smiled. When he was once again left alone he set to drawing what he thought a troll might really look like - though some of his drawings looked suspiciously like Master Thalion whose lesson Legolas was not very sad to have missed.

TBC