As a note, I do not know Legolas' mother's name as there is no record or anything of it. Nor, what really happened to her. For the sake of the story, I am saying that she was Queen Erinloth, and that she died horribly in some sort of orc attack.
Also, I have no idea when Legolas' conception day is, I am merely guessing. I am saying Lothron, which is May in Sindarin.
Oh, and someone mentioned that even though Legolas was paralyzed in 'Anything', I make him feel pain. Well, Legolas was paralyzed from the waist down, and his arm was hurt; as well as ribs, etc. So, he was still technically feeling pain.
-8-
Another week had passed, and there was still no improvement with Legolas' condition. The Peredhils were still charged with keeping the prince's bandages clean and trying to somehow get Legolas to wake up. As before, nothing appeared to be working.
At last, through all their efforts, Elrond agreed to contact Thranduil about his son. He knew he should have done it sooner, but had been reluctant to tell the king that Legolas was not waking up. He had been afraid of somehow hurting King Thranduil. But, now, as the elven lord thought over it, he had probably hurt the fragile relationship he had developed with Mirkwood's king. No matter what condition Legolas had been in, his father deserved to know. All through the past three months, Thranduil had more than likely been desperately worried for his only child as the last news he had received had described Legolas' abduction.
Signing the last line of the letter he planned to have delivered to the other elven realm, Elrond leaned back in his chair and rubbed at his eyes. Not only was he about to unleash a can of worms with Thranduil, but he had not received word from Aragorn. He worried about his still healing son and that reminded him of Thranduil and Legolas. Elrond had known that Aragorn was alright, and knowing made the elven lord feel guilty because Thranduil had not been fortunate to learn of his own son's situation.
Elrond had known about his own son's condition, as well as that of the prince's. The elven lord had not been kept in the dark about any of the stages of their recovery, or lack of, so he had no room to truly worry for his son. Thranduil had had to live without any knowledge of Legolas, and had to be going out of his mind with worry or dying of a broken heart.
Gently putting wax on the folded paper and using his ring to seal the letter, Elrond stood and waved the paper back and forth to get the wax to dry faster. Walking to the door of his study and looking out to the runner he had ordered stationed there, Elrond handed over the parchment that would wreak havoc upon Mirkwood and Imladris.
Closing the door, he walked over to his windows and watched as the runner raced from the gates. Leaning against the extravagant woodwork framing the pane, Elrond could not help but imagine what Thranduil's reaction would be to his letter. No doubt angry, but hurt beyond words. He knew not whether the king would come or demand Legolas be sent to Mirkwood, but Elrond hoped that he would be able to explain himself to his friend.
He hoped that Thranduil would listen to his reasons without wanting to cut off his head.
Pushing himself away from the window, he sat in his chair and stared straight ahead. His thoughts revolved around the king, Legolas, and of course, his son. He had received no word from Estel, and even though it had only been a week, he did worry for his son. The newest bout with Freca had weakened the human considerably, and Elrond had always had a soft spot for his youngest. He only wanted to make sure that Aragorn was okay.
-8-
Several rooms down the hall, another person wanted to know the same thing.
Sitting beside Prince Legolas' bedside, Arwen Undomiel struggled to occupy herself with a book from her father's study. She had been adjusting well to the surroundings of her childhood, and was picking up on all the old tricks she had learned about her home. But, Arwen was also trying to keep her mind off certain subjects.
Not only did she worry for Legolas, her thoughts also circulated around the man she had given her heart to. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and heir of Isildur had been the lucky male to capture her attentions and keep them, and Arwen knew just how much the mortal loved her. She knew everything about him, including his inner desires and the very core he called himself. Arwen knew that nothing short of orcs could keep Aragorn from staying with those he loved when needed, so his abrupt leaving stumped and worried the elven maiden.
She knew that Aragorn considered Legolas his best friend, almost like a brother, and worried about him constantly. Estel was known as hope, and it was easily understandable as he hung onto faith and optimism no matter the circumstance. So it was mysterious to those who knew the ranger that he had left his friend when the elf prince seemed to need Aragorn so much.
Shaking her head and attempting to reread the page she had been glancing at, Arwen struggled to make sense of the words her eyes flickered over. The History of the Battles of Beleriand, which depicted the great campaigns of Elves, Men, and Dwarves against the evil Morgoth, was usual Arwen's favorite war book, but seemed to hold no interest for her today.
Finally giving up, she slammed the leather-bound book on a dresser and walked brusquely to the windows overlooking the garden. Seeing a particular spot in which she had not visited in years, tears sprang to her eyes as memories of that horrible time came to her. Wiping a hand swiftly across her pale cheeks, she barely heard the slight moan coming from behind her.
Spinning around, Arwen was amazed and overjoyed to see Legolas' cerulean blue eyes half-lidded and looking about frantically. Rushing to his side, she leaned over the bed and gently put a hand to his warm forehead.
"Legolas…" she gasped in awed incredulity as his eyes opened all the way. They were glazed, and it seemed as if he wasn't seeing everything around him, but after nearly four months of being unconscious, his eyesight was pretty well.
Looking up and smiling, he attempted to speak but couldn't get the words out right away. Licking his lips and trying again, he managed to croak a few words for Arwen's ears.
"Ammë, 'urts." Arwen's smile dropped a little as she distinguished his words, and she leaned closer to hear more.
"What was that, Legolas? What did you say?" but all the elven prince did was smile and close his eyes once more, this time sinking into a healing slumber.
Arwen leaned back in shock, unable to process what was going on. Not only had Legolas just woken up, but he had thought Arwen his mother! To be compared to a blonde, wood-elf was astonishing to the raven haired beauty.
Noticing that Legolas had once more fallen asleep, Elrond's daughter gathered her wits and ran from the room, holding her long skirts in her hands to avoid falling. Knowing that her father was in his study once more, Arwen threw open the doors without knocking, and held onto one. Swinging with the forward motion of the wooden door, Undomiel locked gazes with Elrond and tried to get her voice to work.
"Ada, Legolas has awakened!" Elrond shot up from behind his desk and ran to her side, grabbing Arwen around her forearms.
"What? How long ago?" her blue eyes still on his gray, she answered excitedly,
"Minutes only, but he has fallen back to sleep. I could not stop him, but I checked, and he is no longer in his coma." Elrond hugged her quickly and then swept her down the hallway.
"Tell me everything that happened." His clipped order caused his daughter to glance at him, but then speak.
"I heard moaning and looked and he was opening his eyes. I ran over and he looked right at me." Here, Arwen had to stop and make sure Elrond looked her straight in the eyes.
"Ada, he called me "Ammë"." Elrond's fine eyebrows shot up until they were nearly in his hairline and he just looked at her for a moment rather than answering. Shifting his eyes back and forth, he continued their journey to Legolas' chambers before he explained.
"Arwen, I know not whether it was because he was disoriented or because there is something seriously wrong, but I cannot give you a direct answer until I have spoken with him myself." Walking through the door Arwen had left open in her haste, Elrond crossed directly to the bed as his daughter chose a seat across from him on the other side.
Leaning over the bed, Elrond put his mouth right next to Legolas' ear and kindly whispered, "Legolas? Come, little leaf, and answer me." He stopped and waited for any type of sign from the prince that he had heard before he tried again.
"Legolas, it is I, Lord Elrond, and I would very much like to talk to you." After a moment, the elven prince's eyes started to flutter and he muttered,
"Go way. Sleepin'." Elrond locked eyes with Arwen and saw her distress.
"But, little leaf, I would very much like to speak with you. You have worried us all so much." One of Legolas' eyes opened and he looked warily to the half-elf.
"You have?" Elrond nodded with a smile and put a soft hand on Legolas' hair.
"Yes, peneth er /young one/, we have. You were hurt very badly and we did not know whether or not you would make it. So, you see, we are very glad to see you awake now." Legolas' eyes had widened considerably and he whispered very softly,
"Am I okay?" Elrond chuckled and looked to Arwen.
"Of course, little leaf, for I have taken care of you." Legolas smiled and snuggled more into the blankets around you.
"Good." His blue eyes then drifted close, and his breathing evened out immediately.
Knowing that the younger elf was exhausted as he kept sleeping with his eyes closed, Elrond stood up and motioned for Arwen to follow him. Outside the doorway after closing the door partway, Elrond turned to his daughter.
Arwen looked at him with eyes as wide as Legolas' had been. "Ada, what is wrong with him?" the wise elven lord shook his head and put an arm around her shoulders as he began to steer her away from Legolas' room.
"I do not know yet, iel nín /my daughter/, but when he awakens next, I will talk to him more. It does seem strange the way he is acting." Looking thoughtful, he then glanced up and smiled.
"But, do not concern yourself with that for now. It is a joyous occasion that Legolas has awoken. Now, go tell your brothers and Rothinzil whilst I write another letter to King Thranduil."
-8-
The sound of weapons meeting rang through the air and heavy breathing could be heard along with it. Thick trees surrounded the makeshift battlefield, and blood stained the earthen ground. The stains were scarlet, and could be seen fairly well for the fading light.
Two men were fighting valiantly through a large ring of men, although one seemed to be favoring one of their legs. Muttered curses could be heard amongst the fighting, and even one sentence could be heard.
"…keep fighting! You must keep fighting!" One of the men nodded his head in answer as he heard the words of his companion, and his thrusts increased, albeit a bit wobbly. Exchanging blows while back-to-back, the men appeared to be holding their own against the amounts of men that surrounded them. They also seemed to be quite skilled in their fighting abilities.
Suddenly, arrows began to fly from the edges of the trees, and streak beyond the figures in the middle. More mutterings ensued, and suddenly, one of the men cried out.
He had been unable to dodge, and as a result, an arrow was embedded in his chest. Trying to stay up, the man parried clumsily until a bad blow caused him to spin on his heels and collapse to his knees. Crying out to his companion, the man fell to the ground as another human came from behind and hit the unfortunate man with a wicked looking club.
His friend out for the count, the remaining fighter stepped closer to his fallen comrade and faced his opponents head on. But, no matter for his bravery, it just wasn't enough when his enemies surged around him and overtook his weapon and his arms.
Pushing him to the ground, the apparent leader strode up and glared at his captive. Slapping his palm with a shot club, the leader smiled evilly before hitting the man kneeling before him across the head…
Jerking awake as the blow fell, Legolas looked around him and his eyes fell on a she-elf sitting beside his bed. Cocking his head in curiosity, he looked around and saw three other sleeping elves sitting throughout the room. Looking for his ada, he sighed laid his head back down.
Staring up at the ceiling, the elf had to gasp as he felt the pain invade his body. Everything hurt! Giving a small sob, he closed his eyes, but then reopened them as he felt a gentle hand upon his brow.
Seeing the elf maiden leaning over him, he gave a small smile to her as she grinned down at him.
Wincing in sympathy, she sat on the bed and reached for the side table where a basin sat. Pulling out a rag and squeezing excess water from it, she glanced back over to him. Wiping his face with the cool rag, she started to speak.
"It's good to see you awake again, Legolas. You had us a bit worried when you woke up three days ago, but not even once more until now." Smiling even more at him, she asked,
"What do you remember?" Legolas' face screwed up as he tried to remember something, and he finally said,
"I remember playing in the clearing after Ada and Ammë told me not to without an adult. Then, I remember Lord Elrond telling me I got hurt." Seeing the surprise in her face, worry jumped through him.
"Did I say something wrong?" realization then shone. "Oh, please, don't tell Ada I've been in the clearing! He said the next time I'd get in trouble." Arwen could not speak for a moment, but when she'd finally gathered her thoughts, she smiled nervously down at him.
"Oh, don't worry, I won't tell." Turning to dip the rag once more, she took longer than necessary to squeeze out the water. Looking back at him, she calmly asked,
"Legolas, how old are you?" the elf looked at her like she was stupid, but answered as only a little child would.
"I turned a hundred and ten last Lothron." Arwen's eyes widened once more and her mouth opened and closed in shock, looking as if she wanted to say something else but couldn't. Looking up, she seemed as she was about to ask further, but Legolas interrupted her.
"Who are you?" the she-elf appeared as if she was going to faint, but a voice from across the room halted anything that she was going to say.
"Legolas, you don't remember Arwen?" both looking over, they saw Elrohir rubbing his eyes and sitting up right in his chair. "I know Ada said that you were…" his sister quickly interrupted him.
"What Elrohir is trying to say, Legolas, is that you have met me before. Although, with how young you are, I suspect that you do not remember me too well. I am Arwen Undomiel, and I am of relation to Lord Elrond Peredhil." Looking up to Elrohir, she gestured and spoke with meaning in her voice.
"And this is Elrohir Peredhil, but you of course remember him and his twin, Elladan, don't you?" Legolas nodded mutely, and Elrohir appeared dumbstruck. Finally finding his voice, the younger twin smiled and leaned over the bed to inspect Legolas closer.
"Yes, I remember them, but I thought they were younger than me? I remember Ada saying that Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían just had them about five astar /months/ ago." Elrohir quickly looked to Arwen, but spoke with a joke in his voice.
"Yes, but Noldo elves grow so much quicker than Wood-elves." Legolas' eyes widened once more, and he looked very amazed.
"Wow! That's so cool!" Elrohir's smile grew and he gestured to Arwen.
"She's only a little bit younger than Elladan and me." Legolas looked to the she-elf with a gaping mouth. Sputtering, he seemed very excited. Arwen only glared at her older brother.
"Stop filling his mind with silly ideas, 'Ro. You know that's not it." The elf prince seemed disappointed, but he immediately perked up.
"Where's my ada and ammë? I want them to know I'm alright." Elrohir looked behind him, obviously not wanting to meet the other elf's eyes. Arwen looked right at Legolas, but her expression was stony.
"Legolas…" but, again, she was interrupted by Elrond walking through the door with a disgruntled look.
"I just received word from Thranduil. These messengers just keep getting faster…" Stopping as he looked up and saw Legolas awake, he smiled and walked over to stand behind Arwen.
"So, how is our patient?" Arwen looked up at her father, and glanced back at Legolas out of the corner of her eye and gave him a wink.
"Very curious. Ada," her gaze strayed back to her father. "Legolas tells me that he just turned one hundred and ten last Lothron." Elrond blinked, but otherwise showed no surprise.
"Oh, well, congratulations, Legolas. You must feel like such a warrior now." The young prince beamed up at them, but then attempted to get up.
Crying out in pain as his injured left arm gave out and ribs protested, the elf laid back down and closed his eyes tightly. Whimpering softly as he cradled his left arm, he looked up to Elrond with questioning eyes.
"What happened, Lord Elrond? Why am I hurt?" the lord gave a sympathetic look, but did not answer the blonde's question. Looking to Elrohir and giving him a well-practiced tilt of his head, Elrond smiled back at Legolas as the young twin raced from the room.
"You had a bit of bad luck, but now that you're awake, you'll heal in no time at all." Legolas nodded his acceptance of the words, but then grimaced as his arm throbbed.
Elrohir came back into the room at that point and gave a mug to Elrond who then turned back to the prince.
"Here, Legolas, let me give you this so you can rest." The blonde elf glared at the mug, then turned his gaze to its holder.
"That's like the drink Himbor gives, isn't it?" he asked accusingly. Elrond chortled and nodded. If Legolas was talking of the head Mirkwood healer in those terms, then even as a child, the prince had required quite a few sleeping draughts.
"Yes, young one, but it is for your own good. You want the pain to be gone don't you?" Legolas nodded and reluctantly took the mug. Downing the substance down quickly, his face contorted at the bitter taste.
Laughing quietly, Elrond took the empty mug and placed it on the table beside the bed and pulled the coverlet over Legolas' chest to end up right below his chin.
"Sleep well, young one." Legolas nodded, but then was asleep, this time with his eyes open. Elrond took in the sight with great pleasure, but then turned to Arwen and Elrohir. Motioning towards the door, the elven lord was suddenly reminded of Elladan and Rothinzil.
Turning back, he walked over and nudged the two with hands on their shoulders. Elladan quickly jerked awake, but all Roth did was snort and get more comfortable. Elrond rolled his eyes and hit the other Noldo elf gently on the back of the head. Still, the Mirkwood warrior did not awaken.
Looking to his children for help, Elrond laughed silently as Elrohir stepped forward and immediately slapped Roth on the cheek. Yet, again, nothing happened.
Getting exasperated himself, Elrohir bent so that he was staring Roth right in the face. Opening his mouth to yell in the other's face, Roth's eyes then flew wide as he felt the proximity of the other. Both yelling in surprise at the reaction of the other, Roth flew backward and caused his chair to crash to the floor. Elrohir, meanwhile, tripped over his feet and ended up twisting to land on his stomach on the carpet much to the amusement of the others.
In the bed, Legolas moved only slightly, but remained asleep.
Trying to withhold his snickers, Elladan reached down and offered his hand to his twin while Arwen rushed to Rothinzil's side. After the two were up, the warriors glared at each other without saying a word. Marching side-by-side out the door, they left the others behind and split into two different directions as they exited. Unfortunately, Roth had his nose in the air and his eyes closed, so he ended up turning right into the doorframe.
Clutching at his nose, he quickly rushed down the corridor.
Shaking his head at the antics of the younger elves, Elrond looked to his eldest son and only daughter and gestured for them to go before him.
"After you."
-8-
Two weeks later, Elrond had finally diagnosed Legolas' condition. It was one he very rarely heard of, but in the situation of Legolas, it seemed highly believable.
It appeared that Legolas suffered from some type of amnesia, which made the elf believe that he had gone back to his childhood. It was a regressive amnesia, one in which the victim would go back to a certain time or place and relive the times from which they had grown up. In Legolas' case, he believed himself to be one hundred and ten, which in human years would be close to seven or eight years old.
That specific age would be the perfect estimate as it was old enough for one to realize what was going on, but every once in a while would still make the person wish for a parent to solve everything.
Every day Legolas asked about his parents, but talked as if he were himself again. Except for the fact that he forgot everything that had happened, like his mother dying, meeting Arathorn and Gilraen, and even forgetting meeting his best friend, Aragorn.
It was so deceptive that sometimes, the Peredhil children would forget that their friend was suffering from amnesia, and mention something that only happened a couple of years ago. Legolas' confusion would come through, and they would realize their mistake.
Once, Elladan accidentally let something slip about Aragorn while sitting at dinner one night.
"Remember that time that Aragorn, Legolas, and we were going through the woods and Aragorn managed to find the trap we'd left there for Erestor?" the older twin's laughter caused everyone to laugh but Legolas.
"The look on his face was priceless!" roaring, Elladan failed to see Legolas' expression until he finally asked,
"Who's Aragorn?" everyone paused and looked around.
"Oh, he's some ranger that comes around every once in a while. We've known him since he was a toddler." Legolas looked a bit startled.
"You mean, he's human?" the others looked at him with surprise. But, Legolas continued. "Ada says that humans are never to be trusted. He says they are greedy and not to be counted on." Elrohir looked angry, and Elladan looked despairingly at his father across the dinner table. Elrond only put a hand up as Rothinzil answered the young prince.
"Yes, Legolas, Aragorn is a human, but what your ada says doesn't really describe all humans. Some are like that, yes, but there are others who we can trust. Aragorn is one of those." Legolas stared at him, and then slowly nodded, but didn't really seem convinced.
After that, they were all careful about who they mentioned.
Some time later, and Legolas was steadily healing, Lord Elrond received a message from Mirkwood stating that King Thranduil had fixed affairs in his realm and would be coming to Rivendell to stay with his son for a time.
Getting Imladris ready for the king's arrival a little while later, sentries from the Western border sent a message that a convoy bearing Mirkwood colors had been seen rapidly approaching.
King Thranduil, son of Orophor, was in Rivendell.
-8-
The sound of many horses' hooves thundered into the courtyard, and various elves looked up as the convoy from Mirkwood was led into the elven haven of Imladris.
Seeing the powerful figure of King Thranduil sitting a top his impressive horse, the golden haired royal posed a commanding presence as he dismounted and faced the Peredhils. Pounding up the stairs leading to the Last Homely House, the glare upon his face caused Rothinzil, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen to take a step back, but Elrond met the furious king.
"Where is he?" not dispensing with pleasantries, Thranduil attempted to intimidate Elrond, but the Noldo elf did not budge.
"He is in his room as he is unable to walk." The king paled, but motioned for the other elf lord to lead the way. Turning, Elrond nodded at Glorfindel, who was behind him, to start heading for the kitchens to get refreshments made for their guests. The Gondolin elf nodded back, and dragged Erestor with him as the raven-haired advisor took a step forward to welcome the king. As they traveled down the hall, everyone could hear Erestor's muffled protests.
Leading Thranduil to the threshold of Legolas' door, Elrond let the anxious father push past him so as to go to his son. Hearing Legolas' enthusiastic greeting to his ada, the half-elf slowly walked into the room after silently advising his children and Roth to stay outside.
Seeing Legolas in Thranduil's arms caused a smile to spread across Elrond's face, but it was wistful. Seeing them made him think of his own son…
"But, Ada, I have no idea what happened!" Legolas' words invaded Elrond's musings, and caused the elf-lord to look over. "Lord Elrond said that I had an accident or something." Thranduil looked over his shoulder fiercely at Elrond, but then turned back to his son.
"What do you remember, ion nín /my son?" Legolas rolled his eyes and looked straight at his father.
"I remember you and Ammë telling me not to play in the clearing without an adult." Here, Legolas looked down at his hands folded across his lap as he sat leaned up against the headboard.
"But, I played out in the clearing anyway. After that, I don't remember." Thranduil shook his head as he recalled that instance, but then did a double take at Legolas.
"That's the last thing you…"
Elrond interjected before Thranduil could go into shock. "King Thranduil, why don't I update you on Legolas' condition, and then you can come back?" the wood-elf nodded mutely, still staring in wonder at his only child. His eyes wide, the king followed Lord Elrond outside into the hallway and leaned against the wall behind him.
Imladris' lord motioned for the younger ones to go in to accompany Legolas, and then turned his gray eyes to Thranduil.
The king appeared to be in a trance, only looking straight down at the ground. He did not blink, and his face was impassive. Only tentatively did Elrond place a hand on his shoulder.
"Mellon, Legolas will be fine. The condition he is in will only last…" at this, Thranduil straightened and drew to his full height. Wanting to tower over the other elf, the king let his cold anger show through easily.
"'The condition he is in'? What is this condition he is suffering from, Elrond? The last thing my son remembers happened when he was but an elfling!" the raven-haired elf nodded and kept his gaze locked with the other's.
"The blow to Legolas' head was very severe, Thranduil. It kept him in a coma for three months, and I think that the type of amnesia he has is a face given by the Valar. If he remembered what really happened to him, he might not be here. He went through a great trauma, and he is only now healing, whether he realizes it or not. The wounds are healing first, and then we may see to his mind." Elrond's strict words make the king sag and he placed a hand to his temple.
"How did this happen, Elrond? Why did you not tell me sooner?" so, they had reached this point already.
Leaning against the wall next to the other elf, Elrond barely let their shoulders touch as he sought to explain his blunder.
"I'm sorry, I really am. I never meant to deceive you or cause you worry, but I sincerely thought that not telling you of his condition would be best. We all thought that Legolas would not awaken, and I thought you would want him transferred to Mirkwood, or that you would stay here until he awoke and recovered, and realized that could never be." The Noldo elf gazed to his old-time friend before continuing.
"And, I did not want you to blame Estel." Thranduil's eyes shot up and he seemed genuinely surprised.
"I would never blame him for this, never! I'll admit that I frowned upon Aragorn and Legolas being friends in the beginning, but I truly see how much they care for each other. Legolas has been close to his friends, but I can sense his deeper feelings for the ranger. I would be a fool if I were to condemn an innocent man because of who he is, even if it nearly cost me my one, true treasure." The king's cerulean blue eyes lowered, making him look exactly like his son.
"I nearly lost my sanity with my worry, Elrond. If I had known he was still alive, that would have sustained me." Looking to the other elven lord with a slight sheen in his eyes, Thranduil went on. "I thought he was dead. I thought I had lost him, like I had lost his mother. I never want to go through not knowing again." His steel resolve showing through again, he straightened for the last time and stepped away from the wall.
"No matter what happens, I have a right to know, Peredhil. I would prefer this never happening again, but if it does, tell me." Elrond nodded and then also stood away from the wall. Offering his hand in friendship, he smiled as Thranduil took his arm.
"I swear that I will tell you, no matter what." The king accepted the answer, and then also smiled.
"Come; let us return to Legolas, for I am sure the elfling inside him missed me as much as I missed him."
-8-
When the dinner bell rang through the halls, Elladan and Elrohir said a swift good-bye and race from Legolas' room, shoving each other in their haste to get to the dining hall. Laughing at their antics, the older elves stood and looked down at Legolas. The young elf was looking at them expectantly, as if he was ready to see them bolt out the door as well.
Chuckling, Thranduil leaned down and gave a slight kiss to Legolas' forehead. "I'm going down to eat, but I will be back up right after. Why don't you take a nap while I'm gone?" the prince crossed his arms and looked sulky after his father's suggestion.
"But, Ada, I've been sleepin' all the time! Why can't I stay awake?" Thranduil shook his head as he helped his son lay all the way down and covered him fully with a blanket.
"You want to be well again so you can play, right?" Legolas' head bobbed up and down eagerly and the king finished. "Then you must get plenty of rest so your body may heal so you can." Legolas stared at him in disbelief for a moment, but then look defeated.
"Fine, I will rest." The king laughed and gave him another kiss before heading out of the room with Elrond and the others.
"Do not worry, ion nín, I will be back to entertain you in a while." Shutting the door behind him, Thranduil turned to Elrond with an amused expression.
"I barely survived his childhood once, why must I live through it again?" the two laughed and traveled downstairs, where the twins were fighting with each other and Erestor. It seemed the head advisor had not allowed the twins to dig into the food without their father and guests present.
Elladan had agreed with Erestor to be spiteful, and Elrohir was telling his twin exactly what he thought about that.
Clearing his throat so that all talking ceased, Elrond turned to his friend with a smile.
"Thank you, Erestor, for keeping the food for us. I'm sure that if you hadn't, the twins would have eaten us out of house and home." Elladan and Elrohir blushed as their father and friends took seats, but then looked up at Erestor, who had a self-satisfied smile adorning his face.
Sitting at the head of the table, the lord watched as Thranduil sat on his left, Elladan on his right, and Elrohir sitting next to his twin. Arwen sat next to Elrohir, and Rothinzil took the offered seat next to his king. Erestor was sitting on Rothinzil's left, which was quite accidental. Elrond looked up and smiled as a servant began to pass out plates and looked to his guests as he picked up a delicacy from a platter set in front of him.
"So, mellon nín, what news from our fair brethren in Mirkwood?" Thranduil was also placing food upon his plate, and looked up at Elrond's words.
"Not much has occurred; just the normal orc activity and spider attacks. Which reminds me," he looked pointedly to Rothinzil. "Celebalda asked me to politely inquire as to why you have not returned. He says that Helluin is about to murder him for news of you." Rothinzil went a little pink and the twins snorted. Arwen glared at them, but nudged Roth on.
"Well, Your Majesty, I was ordered to protect the prince, and even though Imladris' own guards are more than capable, I took a more…personal interest in Legolas' care." Thranduil raised an eyebrow, and Roth threw up his hands.
"I was waiting for him to wake up! I just wanted to make sure he was alright, and I really didn't want to go back to Mirkwood where there was no word." The warrior glanced towards Elrond, but then back to his king.
"I'm sorry, Heru nín /my lord/, but I just didn't want to go back home yet." The king smiled and shrugged.
"That's all you had to say."
Surprised by his liege's good mood, Roth leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, about to ask something of Thranduil, but that was before he felt something wet on his arms. Looking down, he realized too late that he had placed his arms in the mashed potatoes.
His expression one of surprise, he immediately grabbed at a napkin before he glanced up to the others. The only ones not suppressing their humor were Elladan and Elrohir, but that wasn't too shocking. Blushing badly, he wiped his arms off and resumed putting food on his plate.
Elrond just shook his head with a small grin and waited for Thranduil to talk once more.
After swallowing some food, the Mirkwood king turned back to Elrond.
"The only strange thing is that some of our Eastern guards reported something that happened right outside our borders. Two men were ambushed and apparently taken away. From the description given, it sounds like a couple of rangers." Looking to the oldest Noldo elf, Thranduil waited for a response.
Elrond only looked concerned. "I suppose I must write a message to Aragorn to tell him. He would want to know if some of his men went missing. Thank you for telling us, Thranduil." The king nodded in turn, and then glanced to young Undomiel.
"My lady, forgive me, but I just recognized your presence. I had not realized that you had returned home." His thoughtlessness did not affect Arwen, and she merely dipped her head.
"All is well, Your Majesty, but my grandparents had head about the events between the Mouth of Sauron and Estel, and Lady Galadriel thought I would be needed at home." Thranduil suddenly looked affronted and glanced to Elrond.
"I was under the impression that I was not the only one kept in the dark about recent events, but it appears that I was mistaken." Answering for her father, Arwen allowed a slight smile to grace her features.
"On the contrary, King Thranduil, for the troop had originally traveled near Lothlórien." Her smiled broadened and bordered on mysterious. "It is very little that escapes the Lady of the Golden Wood, and even though she could do naught about it, Lady Galadriel knew about everything that was going on." As the words rang through the dining hall, no one knew the significance of them, for no one knew that they had been spoken before by an amused blonde elf.
Thranduil looked apologetic and nodded. "Forgive me; it is still a sore spot, even if I have forgiven." Elrond didn't say anything, but merely finished eating as Arwen asked a question. Then, though, something Arwen had said clicked within the elven king's mind.
"Did you say that Mouth of Sauron?" raising disbelieving eyes to Elrond, and flicking his gaze from him to his children, to Roth; the king silently demanded a response.
"Yes, Your Majesty, it was Freca." The coldness in Rothinzil's voice was unmistakable, and seemed out of the ordinary for the usually free-spirited elf. Thranduil then looked to Elrond.
"He's the one that took my son? He did everything?"
Elladan answered, "Yes, sir, and Roth did us all a favor by ending his worthless existence." Elrohir nodded in agreement, but turned worried eyes to the king diagonal from him.
"But, Estel did mention that Freca said something about having a son. We may not have heard the last of the Mouth of Sauron." Nearly everyone shuddered, and Arwen spoke up.
"What else did Estel say about the… experience? Did he go into any detail?" Elrond's face darkened, but he spoke gently.
"Only that they had been tortured and then rescued by the rangers. All that happened afterwards we know about. However, I can guess what happened from some of the wounds they sustained." Thranduil nodded grimly and racked his brain for a more pleasant subject; one that did not include his son or his friend being tortured.
Rothinzil saved him by pointing out the lovely weather, but that was interrupted as Glorfindel walked into the room and threw himself down into the chair beside Erestor. Angrily throwing food onto his plate, he didn't acknowledge any of the looks the others gave him. Finally, Erestor asked,
"Something the matter?" the blonde elf glared at his "friend" from the corner of his eye and then threw himself backward, letting his fork clatter nosily against his plate.
"Some of the workers repairing damage to one of the pillars out by the garden decided that it was time for a new look." His blue eyes flashed dangerously. "They not only knocked down the pillar again, but succeeded in hurting themselves and a few buildings around them. They are lucky I did not lose my temper…" Grumbling followed the statement as he began to butter some bread.
Erestor gasped and asked, "How bad was the damage…?"
"Not too bad, but that is beside the point! These structures have been standing for thousands of years, and did they honestly think we wanted Imladris to have renovations? I don't know what filled their heads with such ridiculous ideas, but if I ever find out…" More grumbling and a few choice words, and then Glorfindel seemed to comprehend what he had just said.
"Forgive me, Lord Elrond, King Thranduil…just some irritating problems that I have dealt with."
"Yes, I bet you 'dealt with them'…" Erestor muttered over his own bread and Glorfindel turned to glare at him.
"It is not wise to upset me right now, friend. I might just be willing to take your head off by this point." Erestor sat all the way up in indignation, and Glorfindel matched his sitting stance perfectly.
Elrond held up a hand and glared at the two of them, and then looked to Thranduil.
"Sometimes my advisors appear out of control, but they really are useful." Thranduil smiled knowingly, and looked to the famed Balrog slayer and the head advisor to Elrond.
"Yes, somehow I can believe that."
Glorfindel just rolled his eyes, but Erestor seemed shocked. He didn't say anything, but the expression showing in his eyes was that he couldn't believe what Elrond had said. He, appearing useless? That was preposterous!
Thranduil was enjoying this meal immensely, but he still worried about his little Greenleaf. Noticing that he had finished his meal, he pushed the plate away from him and stood.
"Forgive me, Lord Elrond, but I fear that I must return to my son. He was known to get quite a bit antsy if I did not return in what he thought 'an appropriate amount of time'."
Elrond concurred with the king, and gestured that he should go. "An impatient Legolas is never good. Tell him that I will be up later with his medicine." Thranduil nodded and excused himself as he left the dining hall, and after making sure no one was watching, ran up the stairs two at a time.
Back in the dining hall, Arwen glared at her brothers and former teachers. "Honestly, the nerve of you four. Bickering in front of guests and King Thranduil, no less! You should be ashamed of yourselves." Glorfindel and Erestor looked down, apparently embarrassed by their display, but Elladan and Elrohir seemed offended and angered that their little sister was talking them down.
"Now, see here, we will not be spoken to like that by you! You may be the Evenstar, and grandmother's favorite, but you are still our little sister. You would do well to remember that." Arwen gave a small, unladylike snort in disbelief at Elrohir's words, which Erestor appeared appalled with.
"If you wish to claim that you are older than me, than by all means, start acting like it! You two are worse than elflings when it comes to pranks and proper manners. Do not even dispute it, for you will not win." Elrohir just gaped at her, but Elladan seemed to be worked up. Pointing at her, he started,
"Wait a minute…" but their father stepped in before anymore could be spoken.
"Stop all three of you. Yes, Arwen is right," the lady in question gave a satisfied smirk at her brother. "But, it is worse off for you three to be bickering about it all the time." Here, the twins stuck their tongues out at their sister. Arwen ignored them, and gave a sharp nod to her father.
"Of course, Ada." The twins looked to each other, and copied their sister's words by mouthing it to each other. Arwen turned and glared at them, but stood from the table, glancing to her father.
The twins looked to each other, and copied their sister's words by mouthing it to each other. Arwen turned and glared at them, but stood from the table, glancing to her father.
"Ada, I really do want to finish the book I was reading, so may I please be excused?" Elrond nodded and smiled.
"I hope you enjoy it, iel nín /my daughter/." Arwen left the dining hall, and all that remained was the twins, Erestor, Glorfindel, Roth, and Elrond. Elrohir seemed happy about it as he rubbed his hands together.
"Oh, glorious! More dessert for us!" the others only groaned in response.
-8-
In Legolas' chamber, Thranduil sat in a chair beside his son's bed and just watched as Legolas slept. It had been so long since he had enjoyed such a pastime- just watching his child peacefully sleep. It had also been a time since Legolas had let him.
With the prince now traveling Middle Earth with Aragorn, and even just visiting Rivendell, Thranduil hardly ever saw Legolas. Even in Mirkwood, when they both were occupied with their duties, they hardly ever talked. The father and son pair had only ever seen each other at meals, and there was usually no talking, for even then, the king was going over parchments vital to the problems arising in their realm.
After Aragorn had left to find Legolas, Thranduil had been full of hope that the dúnadan would find his son and return him. A month had elapsed and still no word. The king had sent out a couple troops to scavenge the surrounding places for any word or sight of his son or the ranger, but had been unsuccessful.
Two more months had gone by, and still no word. Thranduil had been desperate, not knowing the fate of Legolas. He had been about ready to contact Elrond, had been about ready to leave at any word from the elven haven.
Then, the letter from Elrond had arrived and the king thought that his heart had finally broken. It stated that Legolas had been in Rivendell for three months, and that he was severely injured. Anger had struck up immediately, and it had been hard for his advisors to talk him out of doing anything rash.
Finally, he had worked things out in Mirkwood so that he could leave, and had taken off as soon as he was able. Meeting up with the second messenger Elrond had sent Thranduil had stepped up the pace as he learned that his son had ultimately awoken.
Now, looking over his sleeping son, Thranduil could not help it as a smile crossed his face. Leaning over and brushing a strand of loose hair from Legolas' sleeping head, he dropped a kiss on his son's forehead.
He wished Legolas was back to normal, but the king was also beyond glad that his strong son had made it once more. It would take a while for the warrior to heal, but it would be worth it once Legolas was back to himself.
Hearing the door opening behind him, Thranduil turned to see Lady Arwen stepping through and quietly closing the door behind her. Smiling at one another, Arwen sat in a chair beside the king's and whispered,
"I figured I might as well read near him. I just want to make sure that he's still all right." Thranduil nodded in understanding and said,
"I understand and welcome your company, Lady Undomiel." Arwen smiled and leaned back into the overstuffed chair, sitting sideways as to prop her feet on the other arm rest. Opening her book, she was at once engrossed in the text upon the ancient pages.
Shaking his head, Thranduil looked back over to Legolas, and wondered what was going through his son's mind as he slept. Did he dream of what happened to him as a child, or the recent events that had put him in this position? Was Legolas even unconsciously aware that something was wrong?
Going back to what Legolas had first told him, Thranduil couldn't help but gently chuckle as he remembered the incident. Erinloth had always told Legolas that he was to never leave the gates unless had an adult accompany him. She had always been afraid of her son being lured by the enchanted river, or getting caught by come unseen enemy. Even though her realm was still known as Greenwood the Great before her death, the queen had worried senselessly about the well being of her son.
Well, one day, Legolas had surprised them all by escaping his teachers and seemingly disappearing. Erinloth and Thranduil had been frantic, thinking the absolute worst. Then, their son was dragged home by the scruff of his neck by Celebalda; then just a teenaged elf.
He had somehow discovered an unused tunnel under the garden and had followed it to the clearing. Being overjoyed at having outsmarted everyone, he had been a little too loud, and Celebalda had caught him. It had taken a little while, but eventually, the prince had forgiven his friend.
Smiling as he remembered his son's childhood, the king was oblivious to the terrors Legolas was enduring even as he sat beside him.
-8-
The cavern was poorly lit, illuminated by a single lantern sitting in the center of the space. The grotto had rocky walls, crudely stone-crafted, and boulders lying all around. On the walls, there hung a dozen sets of shackles, but two were holding weakened figures.
One was suspended overly much, apparently still unconscious. The other one was staring at his comrade, trying to get the fellow to awaken. The words could not be distinguished, but the tone was enough to give one an idea of how desperate the speaker was.
After several minutes, the other human began to move and groaned in great agony. Opening glazed eyes, he appeared to be disoriented and having no idea where he was. Looking around until he found his friend, his strong voice rang out,
"Are you alright?" the younger human nodded, but then grimaced as his head wound reminded him that he wasn't exactly well. Then, he turned the tables on his friend.
"How are you?" the older man seemed to be inwardly examining himself, and noticed that the arrow that had been embedded within his chest was gone. The wound had not been treated, but the offending shaft had been removed.
Looking up once more, the two men were startled when a door opened and light shone through the open portal. Squinting in the unaccustomed brightness, the captives were relieved when the door was shut abruptly. However, not before a man stepped through and into the cavern.
Walking to a table previously unseen, he shuffled through a few tools before settling on an iron rod. Thick all the way around, it was not hollow in the middle, and it seemed to be a very powerful, and painful, device. It resembled a club, and was as long as one.
Both eyeing the man and his tool, the shackled prisoners both went rigid as he stopped in front, but between, them.
Smiling evilly, he hit one palm with the iron club before speaking.
"I bet you wonder why you're here. In time, you will learn the answer to that question. Now…" sizing up the two for some reason, the captor chose the older man and stepped closer.
"You give me the impression that you would protect this young man," here, he gestured to the other captive with the iron club before pointing it back at the older man. "Then, you will be the first one I use." Striking out with the weapon, the man didn't seem to care as it hit the other mortal across the face.
Not being able to cry out as a resounding crack went through the cavern, the being's head was thrown to the side. Closing his eyes against the agony, he was unaware that his jawbone had just been broken. The two other men looking at him had different reactions to the sight; one with horror, and one with delight.
"Oh, not going to cry out? That would be most disappointing, oh, yes; very disappointing." After many minutes, in which he had broken several of the other man's ribs and even his left leg, the evil man seemed to give up in trying to make the being cry out.
"Maybe I should have finished with the jaw, maybe that's the problem…yes, that must be it." Muttering to himself, the man walked over to the table and laid down the club. Turning to his captives, he noted the pale and sick look of the one he had just beaten.
"Oh, don't worry, next time will be much worse, but I think I will give you a rest." A cold grin stretched across his face, easily showing in the near darkness. "Yes, we will work on the younger one next." Horror mixed with determination shone in the younger one's face, and he lifted his chin to show his defiance. However, it made no difference to the evil man as he turned and swiftly exited the cavern, slamming the door behind him.
As soon as the door shut, the younger man turned to his friend and called out to him. Concern mixed with alarm went through his voice as he shouted for his friend, but nothing could reach the older man as he finally lost consciousness.
"ESTEL!" nearly jumping out of bed, Legolas' voice rang through the room and caused Arwen and Thranduil to jerk in disquiet as they sprang from their chairs.
Legolas was sobbing and trying to roll into himself, but unable due to his paralysis. He was crying in horror, terror, and pain; wanting to forget the horrible images he had been forced to see. The prince was unaware to the frantic cries of his father and Arwen, and he did not know when Elrond came bursting into the room with a mug in his hand.
The distraught elf did not even notice when he was forced to drink the draught, and he did not calm down until the herbs began to kick in; relaxing his muscles. Elrond was leaning over the prince, and was whispering words of encouragement to Legolas
The last thing the prince thought before he drifted off was one word. 'Estel…'
-8-
Realizing that Legolas had finally drifted back to sleep, Elrond immediately turned to his daughter and the king.
"What happened?" he demanded as Arwen shifted and Thranduil seemed on the verge of tears. The sharp question made both look to him, but only the king managed to respond.
"He just screamed 'Estel' and started to sob. We couldn't do anything to calm him down. He just wouldn't listen to us." Elrond looked to the prince asleep on the bed, and then back to Arwen. He hesitated in answering their unspoken question.
"Legolas is probably…remembering what happened between Freca and Aragorn. Estel revealed to me that the Mouth of Sauron allowed the orcs to torture him, but made sure Legolas saw every minute of it." Thranduil gulped and one of Arwen's hands flew to her mouth as she thought of her beloved in danger.
"I would say that anything he saw would be traumatic for him." Elrond finished as he looked to the pair. Thranduil didn't look back; his eyes were purely transfixed on his resting son.
"My poor Greenleaf."
-8-
During the days that passed, many developments were taking shape. Legolas' dreams were lessening, and his body was healing even more rapidly than Elrond had expected. Now, the only thing bothering him was his memory, even if the "elfling" was unawares.
Occupying his days were adventures with the twins, who felt like they had a real little brother again, someone to fascinate with stories of great heroism and amazing feats. After dinner, and before bed, Elrond and Thranduil would work with the prince to help with his mobility after being unable to walk for so long. His progress was surprising and delighting at the same time.
But, even though his body was healing, his mind was still troubled by memories and unknown visions. The memories were frightening, but not nearly as much as the visions. The memories were easy to shut off, but the visions were uncontrollable, as if someone greater than Legolas were manipulating the horrible images.
One day, nearly a month following his waking, Legolas discovered that he could walk unassisted through the Last Homely House. Thrilled by this new find, the prince explored each room of the house he and his father were guests in.
Finding studies, bedrooms (which, in one, he found a few interesting looking toys), the kitchen, and the dining area, Legolas finally stumbled upon a sort of hidden room.
Entering the doorway, the blonde elf stood in awe at all the books. Walking over to a shelf, he pulled a book at random and began to slip through the pages. Finding no color in any of the pictures, Legolas pouted until his eyes came upon the desk standing over by the window. Smiling, he took the book and set it before the chair sitting within the desk, and pulling the chair out, sat slowly. Half waiting for someone to walk through the door, Legolas began to open and close drawers, looking for something to color with.
Locating a box full of colorful pens, Legolas gave a little giggle before pulling them out and setting them next to the book. Opening the delicate lid, his hand hovered over the opening of the box, searching for just the right color. Finding a green pen, Legolas pulled it out and went to the book. Finding just the right page, he began to color…
Meanwhile, Erestor was walking down the hall towards his office when Rothinzil stopped him. The young Noldo elf seemed worried, for his eyes were roaming the halls furiously. Turning his gaze to the older elf, Roth asked,
"Have you seen Legolas?" He just disappeared on us!" Erestor thought, but shook his head. Beginning to walk towards his study door, he said over his shoulder,
"No, I'm afraid I haven't. But, when I do, I will happen to give a…" turning to look into his study, he was horrified to see Legolas sitting at his desk, seemingly hard at work on something. Unbidden, memories of another time sprang to his mind, and without thinking, he yelled,
"LEGOLAS THRANDUILLON! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" at the desk, Legolas jumped at the sound of Erestor's bellowing and quickly moved to cover the book he was coloring in. Looking sheepishly up at "the adult", he pulled an innocent look onto his face as Rothinzil moved to the doorway and began to laugh uproariously.
"Your books had no color, Erestor. I was just trying to make them prettier." Legolas said defensively as Erestor stomped his way angrily to stand next to the young prince.
"Legolas, show me the book." The prince tried to seem as if there was no book upon the desk. "Legolas Thranduillon, you had better produce that book in the next three seconds, or I will yell nonstop for your father." Legolas seemed to be thinking as Erestor started to count.
"1." Seeing Legolas pondering his options, he went on. "2." Legolas began to get a panicked look on his face as he realized Elrond's advisor was serious. At the same time Erestor said, "3", Legolas threw himself backwards to reveal the scribbled on book.
In shock, Legolas forgotten, Erestor reverently picked up the book in both hands and stared at the marks marring the pages.
Seeing a safe break, Roth whispered, "Quick, Legolas, over here." The young elf silently got up from the chair and ran to the dark haired elf's side, cowering behind his friend as Erestor sat in his formerly occupied chair.
Flipping back a few pages, he was stunned to see a balrog's head colored blue, and its whip a sunny yellow. Gracing another page, elves had red faces and black bodies, and a mountain was a bright orange.
Looking up furiously to Legolas, he opened his mouth, but was halted as Thranduil and Elrond appeared in the doorway.
"What happened?" Elrond asked as he walked into the study as Thranduil grabbed his son's shoulders. Erestor held up the book for his lord to see.
"Look what that…that…CHILD did! Again! I knew he'd regressed, but to go back to that time! Elrond, I can't afford to throw away books again!" Elrond walked forward, and trying very hard not to grin, took the book and examined it.
"You know, it doesn't look all that horrible. There's no reason to throw it away, and I doubt very much that it's a book you read too much." Erestor sputtered, struggling to make an argument.
"That's beside the point! This is the second time he's done this to me!" trying to calm Erestor down, Elrond heard the conversation behind him and smiled.
"Legolas, you know you are not supposed to color in books that do not belong to you. What possessed you to do such a thing?" Thranduil asked his son as he looked Legolas straight in the eye.
"I'm sorry, but I just wanted to color an the pictures in that book were really special! I just wanted to make them look pretty, like the pictures in all my storybooks." Shaking his head with laughter as he remembered his son's previous protests from over 2,500 years ago on the same subject, the king could not keep the amusement out of his voice.
"All right, but you must apologize to Lord Erestor and promise to never do anything like this ever again. Do you understand me?" Legolas wordlessly nodded his head, and then turned to walk up beside the irate advisor.
"I am truly sorry for what I did to your book, Lord Erestor, and I ask for your forgiveness. I promise to never color in your books again." Appearing pleading, Legolas pasted a sorry look on his face for Erestor's benefit.
"I'm sure you are, you little monster…" Erestor uttered very quietly, but a glare from Elrond made him look Legolas full in the face with a grin forced upon his face.
"Your apology is accepted, young prince, and I will take you on your word to never disgrace another book like you have today." Legolas nodded and then smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Lord Erestor, and I promise." Turning to Elrond, he asked, "May I please play in the garden?" nodding at the "child", Elrond and the others watched as he skipped out of the room.
Thranduil and Rothinzil walked into the study as Erestor sank heavily into his chair. The three other elves sat in the chairs across from him as he whispered,
"Why me; why again? Not even Estel colored in my books!" Thranduil covered a smile and Roth snorted in his attempts. Elrond merely gave a sympathetic smile.
"That is because you threatened him to an inch of his life if he even stepped into your study without your permission." The battle lost, Thranduil and Rothinzil were laughing in their chairs at Erestor's pitiful expression.
"Yes, and it worked, didn't it?" Elrond shook his head, and then looked to Thranduil.
"Do you remember the last time Legolas did that?" the king nodded with laughter in his eyes, his chuckles residing somewhat.
"If I recall, it was before Erinloth died, and we had brought Legolas for a Winter Solstice." A small, sad smile graced his face as he continued. "I found Legolas in Erestor's study and just saved him from being murdered. I didn't think it was so funny then, and Erinloth barely stopped me from punishing him." Laughing as he leaned back, he looked to Elrond's advisor.
"I am truly sorry, Erestor. I cannot believe that he doesn't remember that, and yet he still did it." Erestor sat up straighter.
"How do you know he's not remembering? Maybe he's tricking us all and he really can, and he did this on purpose!" Elrond looked at Erestor disbelievingly before he shook his head.
"If only things were like that."
-8-
Strolling in the garden, Arwen Undomiel took deep breaths as she examined the beauty of her childhood home. Looking up to the sky, she was amazed at how blue it looked, and how right the temperature was. Hearing nothing but the wind blowing and the trees rustling, it wasn't hard to forget all that was going on. The quiet serenity that filled Imladris was overpowering, and Arwen had no desire to stop the peace that overtook her.
Being within this garden brought so many memories, all good ones that filled her with love and comfort. She remembered when she was a little girl and she and her parents and brothers would picnic out here on a day like this one. She remembered playing hide-and-seek with her brothers while their mother supervised, and then their father stealing away from meetings to join in.
A smile graced her face, Arwen thought of when Celebrían told her that she was sailing. It had been on a bench, the one by the fountain, which the lady of Rivendell had told her daughter that she would be leaving for Valinor. Many tears had been shed, and Arwen had never gotten over the loss of her mother, even though she knew that she would be able to see Celebrían again.
Now, thoughts of Aragorn drifted to her. It had been through the paths that he had found her and called her Lúthien Tinuviel. He had fallen in love with her then and there, and she with him only a little while afterwards. But, it was thanks to that love that she would never see her mother again.
She loved Aragorn more than anything, and was more than willing to give up her immortality to be with him, but Arwen Undomiel also realized all that she was giving up.
Walking over to a bench underneath a willow, Arwen covered her face with a hand and looked to the ground.
There was no use crying over her decision, because it was one she had made whole-heartedly whilst knowing all the consequences. She loved the future king of Gondor and Arnor, and she would stick by him no matter what. But, when she thought of her mother, of Celebrían finding out that she would not see her daughter again, it brought tears to Arwen's electric blue eyes.
Feeling them at that moment, Arwen sought to brush them away, but they kept coming. Feeling foolish, she tried to stop, but found that she couldn't. Sniffling, she looked about her and was startled to see Legolas Greenleaf Thranduillon sitting beside her.
Looking over to him, she saw his intense gaze and her thoughts were immediately fastened upon him.
"What is wrong, peneth er /little one/?" Legolas met her eyes and smiled slightly.
"Nothing with me, but you were crying. Why?" the innocence of his question struck her, and she took a minute to absorb it. Here was Aragorn's best friend, and even if Legolas couldn't remember the ranger now, what was to say he wouldn't remember anything about this later? If she revealed her fears and regrets (yes, she did have them) there was no telling what he'd mention to Estel later.
Pausing, she looked sideways at him and answered vaguely. "Oh, I'm thinking about my mother. She sailed some time ago, and I miss her. I don't really think I'll ever see her again." Legolas nodded in understanding and got a faraway look to his own blue eyes.
"Iston /I know/, I miss my ammë, too. She died when I was younger, and Ada said that even when I sail, it would be a long time before I see her again. I miss her very much." Arwen looked out across the garden, before her head jerked to face Legolas once more.
Queen Erinloth had died when Legolas had been eight hundred, and the mentality of Legolas at the present time was only one hundred and ten! Somehow, someway, the prince was remembering something!
"Legolas," Arwen said excitedly, angling her body so she was turned towards him. "Who told you when your mother died?" Legolas seemed confused.
"Um…I don't think anyone…" the smile brightening the young she-elf's face was priceless and she stood and yanked Legolas up with her.
Spinning around with him, she laughed. "Legolas, you are remembering something! Your mother passed away some time ago, and you are remembering that she is gone, and not just not here! Your memory is returning!" Legolas stopped and stared at her.
"I am? But, I didn't know… you mean I'd forgotten in the first place?" Arwen stopped, too, and looked just as confused as Legolas, just not as scared.
"You mean, no one told you what was going on?" Legolas shook his head very slowly and Arwen frowned. Taking Legolas' hand, she began to steer him towards the house.
"Well, we shall remedy this soon enough…"
-8-