***Lalalala.disclaiming, not mine, Tolkien.lalala*** (For a more serious
disclaimer please refer to previous chapters)
She got a firm holding on Legolas' hand, and with all her might pulled, and continued to pull until she had all of him out of the depths of the sand. He was cold, his eyes were closed, his skin was dirty and rough; but she had hope she could resuscitate him, more than hope, it was a drive that there was no other choice then for his survival. She closed her eyes with her palms against his chest, concentrating solely on getting his lungs to function once more, waiting for that first intake, rid the body of the sand and fill it with the air. Amidst her work, the surroundings once more changed to something more to her liking, their special place by the river. Gently her energy flowed into him, giving him the will to continue, she felt his body begin to reawaken and with a mighty spasm he started to cough up the single intake of sand he had taken, and refill his lungs with oxygen. The process of inspiration continued, and once she was content that he could breathe on his own again, she took away her hands, and rested her weary self against the tree. She lifted her hand and noticed a waver of transparency; she too was fading, her time was going to come to a close, but not yet.
"I told you I would not let you die." She said, stroking the cheek of her revived son.
***
Elrond rose and walked over to his table, where herbs and ointments were scattered about; he scanned them looking for something of use, anything. He noticed a jar filled with a thick blue ointment; it was meant to aid in the expulsion of certain poisons; however for some reason he picked it up; what else did he have? He brought the jar to Legolas' side, and began to soothe the contents onto his chest, not sure what to expect if anything; still holding to his hand, Helyanwe looked up, eyes trusting. They both waited for a moment in complete stillness, complete quiet, waiting for the rise of his chest; waiting for life. She squeezed his hand tighter, willing him to live; and much to their surprise and joy, Legolas began to hack up something, and the resume a breath. Ignoring what had been hindering his breathing, the two healers rejoiced. With a little hope, Elrond mused, anything could be possible; he checked his patience's pulse and was pleased to find both the heart beat, as well as his breathing, returning to a normal, healthy level.
"What happened?" Helyanwe wondered aloud, a huge smile gracing her face. But that comment brought Elrond back to reality, what had happened? He looked to the head of Legolas' bed, and there he saw sand, a meager amount of sand, but it was sand that Legolas had coughed up. How in Valar's name did Legolas get sand into his lungs? Was that why he fell into his current state, but there was the question of where had he traveled recently to breath in a small amount of sand and then return home and live without a worry of health for some days. It was questions he did not have the knowledge to answer at the moment, for now, celebrate that the current crisis was over and pray there would be no more, and most importantly inform everyone that the young prince was alright.
***
Sildulin and Kaimelar made their way down the hall, he supporting her although she needed no aid, if it made him feel more secure than she would not complain. Her brother had always been keen about making sure she was safe and cared for; she enjoyed seeing him happy. When they reached the outside of Legolas' door, she could tell they were all avoiding staring, but they were concerned, it seemed to them that she was not able to handle what was occurring to her family once more. But it was not that, she was handling it, but things had changed, in one simple moment everything had shifted and altered and only she had seen it.
"You look much more rested," Elrohir said, breaking the uncomfortable silence, in his awkward, not quite appropriate way, but it eased the tension. Arwen went to her friend and slipped her arm into Sildulin's taking over Kaimelar's job as the caretaker.
"You needn't worry so much. I promise you I am fine and capable of standing on my own without withering to the floor." Arwen rested her head on her friend's shoulder, Sildulin running her hand comfortingly through her hair.
"We know Sil, perhaps we think if we displace our concern onto you we won't think of other things. How could you not want to care for someone as sweet as you are," Arwen cooed.
"Stop trying to endear yourself to her, brat, truth is Sil, you've been acting a little bonkers." Elrohir said jokingly, taking a fake swipe at his sister, unable to handle the saccharineness of the moment. His friends could be so sentimental sometimes; they were lucky to have him to beat some sense into them.
"Oh? Is that it?" She laughed, it was a pleasure around to be the honesty of Elrohir, it kept one grounded, she decided. But there joking ended, as Lord Elrond opened the door, but the tension soon melted away as the saw his smile; it was an obvious sign that things were better.
"You should not tease a princess, Elrohir, the King is apt to have you head, and I would not be one to fight to keep it in my possession." Elrond quipped, Elrohir rolled his eyes at his father; Thranduil loved him way too much to ever kill him, lock him in one of his dungeons for awhile, yeah, he could see him doing that much.
"I doubt adar wants his head," Kaimelar added in a low voice, an after thought to himself, that he was unaware he spoke till the group around him burst into laughter.
***
His head hurt, but he was alive, he remembered thinking he was dead but he was certain now he was alive; otherwise he would not be able to breathe. It was a gift to be able to open his eyes again, as he slowly began to; his body responding slower than his mind would like. He had forgotten that he had hurt, he could feel the pain in his shoulder once again erupt; it had subsided when the worse danger of drowning was abounding.
"Good morning my Legolas." From nearby he could hear his mother's voice, he wanted to turn his head to see her but it felt like too much for him to handle. But it mattered little, for she was at his side in a moment once he began to arise. "You scared me little one, I thought I had lost you; I thought that I had let you go."
"What happened?" he whispered through a parched, scratched throat; enjoying the feeling of wetness that the grass beneath him provided. Never had he felt such dryness, desolation, lack of life; it was such a vacant dark place; he wondered if such a place could truly exist on Middle Earth. He felt his mother's hands aid him to a sitting position, then once he was settled with the bulk of his weight being supported by a tree trunk, she brought some water to his lips. Never had he felt so refreshed.
"I think that is enough for now, no good in rushing things." She brushed his check, smudging some resident dirt from his venture beneath the sand. "Now, as to what happened, I can't really say, I had turned my back and you were gone."
Slowly Legolas began to regain his senses, and began to piece back moments he remembered; it was a trying process, as it seemed his focus was a fleeting convention. But the landscape, he saw that clearly, like a reoccurring nightmare you just cannot shake, it flashed through his mind, and with that brought the image of the orcs. Where had to orcs come from, and how did he return to this spot. This perfect, unchanging spot.
"How did I get to where I got?" he asked, while maneuvering himself to a more comfortable position, his mother aiding him as soon as she saw him move.
"What do you mean?
"I was in a wide, blank plain; like a desert, it was a stale place, nothingness; and orcs came and I fought them, I won, but my shoulder." he trailed off for a moment, taking a glimpse at his arm, it felt numb not like the pain before, and there it was wrapped up, his mother must have cared for it. But that meant he had not dreamed what happened, it was real, the orcs and that land were real; and sand, was he beneath the ground?
She watched him as he began to remember, he was adjusting she thought, before he would not have been able to piece together any of it. But with new knowledge, these memories he will begin to wonder and soon, he'll remember the other world, his family. Very soon, she would have to explain this to him, and soon after that, he could quite possibly leave her.
"You don't remember?" She said, his eyes looking back to her, his own string of thoughts broken, he shook his head; he couldn't honestly say he was certain he remembered. "You were in the trees, I had gone off to see if I could find something to eat, you were hungry. I told you to be careful, and then I heard a snap; the branch had broken and you fell. The branch had gone through you shoulder when you landed, but besides that and a few cuts I thought you were fine. But you must have hit your head because you stopped breathing for a bit, but now you are fine, after all the worry you put me through you are thankfully fine." It was a necessary lie she told herself; just delay things a bit. She watched as her son's face reddened; a sheepish grin appeared on his face, feeling stupid for his actions. It was an endearing look, a look his father must have enjoyed many a time. That's all she was asking for a few short moments with the child she had so few with; was it wrong to want to be with your child? She would give him back, but he had come to her, returned to her; how could she simply give him up?
"I am sorry naneth." Legolas said, she kissed his cheek, and he knew he was forgiven. What was he thinking orcs? Just a nightmare of his unconscious, that was all, just a simple fright of his imagination.
***
"But you don't know where it came from?" Thranduil asked, relieved his son had survived, but frightened by the mystery of it all. What could be doing this, what o grudge could be reaping its revenge on his child? And to make matters worse it seemed as though Sildulin had begun to crack under the stress; his one pillar of sanity. He shouldn't put that pressure on his daughter though, she shouldn't feel like she needs to hold his hand through this, he should be doing that for her. After he recollected his own wits he would go and talk to her; he ought to talk to Kaimelar as well. He rubbed his eyes, and noticed Elrond staring at him concerned, Thranduil smiled weakly, causing his friend to raise a skeptical eyebrow; wasn't that look reserved for their children?
"Have you been talking to the twins lately?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You seem have to developed their ability to drone me out." Thranduil laughed, if Elrond had been talking he certainly did not hear a word of it; though he was sure his friend took no insult of it; at least he couldn't read any in his face. He was lucky to have gained the friendship of such a good natured, kind soul; he would have probably gone crazy by now, if not for Elrond's sound advice in his times of need.
"It seems so, doesn't it? Accept my deep felt apologizes, and please, continue, you hold my complete attention." Thranduil spoke, allowing himself to being drawn in to the playful mood of his friend.
"Thought I doubt the sincerity of your statement," Elrond began, ignoring the wounded look that appeared upon the King's face at his friends, but then reiterated his previous statement. "But to answer you previous question, I don't know where it came from."
"Well, I was better off droning." Feeling the impulse he knew his son's had so often indulged in, he picked up a pillow from a nearby sofa and threw it at the King.
" You know, I could put you in the dungeons for such an action, attacking the King, attempted murder!" The King bellowed, rising from his chair, grabbing at the pillow to throw it back, hitting Elrond in the back as he tried to duck away. The two stood at attention as they heard a clearing of a throat in the doorway. Their faces turned read, and their eye's went shamefully to the ground as the recognized who was standing, staring at them.
"From your children I would expect this type of behavior, by the King of Mirkwood and Lord of Rivendell, I must admit my disappointment. You are lucky the young one's did not walk into this, poor role model." Verya spoke gravely, lecturing the two Kings. "Well, I suppose I ought to find some adults to deliver my message to."
He turned to leave when he felt the impact of two pillows make impact with the back of his head, he turned back and stared at the two great elves before him; giving him innocent smile (not too unlike the one's their offspring would give him when he caught them in their antics.) The King regained some of his regal form, taking note that his message might be important for him to hear, his long time friend and senior officer would not bother him with trifle matters, but could deal with them himself.
"Yes, sorry Verya, we too need our fun I suppose." Verya nodded the mirth never leaving his eyes as his face melted back to a more serious fashion.
"Understandable sire, you're secret is safe with me. But my reason for coming, if you don't mind my going straight to official matters," the King indicated for him to continue, Verya nodded and did just that. "Word has it, from the scouts on our Northern border, that there has been a sighting of Mithrandir, and that he should be at our borders by nightfall." Verya noticed the pleased look on the King's face, glad to see his spirit lightened by the hopefully, with the Wizard brought the hope a reasoning and cure for the young prince's ailment would be found. Not knowing what else to do, Verya had gotten some flower's and put them in the prince's room to brighten things up; though no one had made fun of him for the very fact that he had done it for their prince, but the Captain knew that once the prince awoke that he would hear no end of the jokes of their mighty leader, picking a bouquet of flowers.
"So he will be here earlier than expected, just like him though to know." Thranduil sighed, sinking back into his chair as a wave of relief hit him, perhaps this could be the solution, his son could be up and about before the week was up; this whole mess could be fixed.
"You think he knows?" Verya asked.
"If I know that old wizard, then he most certainly does." Thranduil replied, allowing himself to drift into the happy thoughts of his son.
***
She had fallen back to sleep, she knew that Kaimelar was in the room with her, still worried about her; so worried he voice them to their father. She could not wait for that talk, but as dusk came she fell into an easy sleep; a sense of reassuring calm overtook her as acceptance slowly came to her.
She was walking the halls of the palace, in no hurry; nothing fueling her step but the want to take another. Light was filtering through, unnatural light, but beautiful light, no overpowering heat, just warm gracious light. She halted, catching sight of something behind the upcoming corner, nothing to be frightened of; she steadily went to the sight, as she turned the corner she caught sight of Legolas, the small toddler that had disappeared as the years passed.
"And what are you doing, not in any trouble I hope?" she asked, reaching down to his out stretched arms to pick him up.
"No trouble. I see you!" He squealed, his youthful energy abounding; she could do nothing but smile, he had always made her happy.
"How did I get so lucky as to deserve the attention of one so sweet?" she asked, tickling his tummy with her free hand, he was defenseless as both his arms were draped around her neck to keep himself steady, all he could do was laugh. After awhile she stopped, an looked into his eyes, the same blue eyes he still had, a certain youthfulness always residing within them. He smiled at her, touching her cheek, wiping away a tear that had fallen.
"Leg'lass keep company, don't be scared." She leaned against one of the stonewalls, and with her little brother in safe, warm in her arms slide down the wall, not wanting to be unable to stop herself from sobbing. Remember these few precious moments she thought. She felt her brother kiss her on the cheek, one of his messy baby kisses. "Don't worry, Leg'lass always be here, no be sad when have me baby." He said cuddling into her, she wrapped her arms tighter around him, more for her own comfort than his. She could hear someone approaching but knew she was safe. She felt a tender old hand on her shoulder, she looked up to see the face of Mithrandir, Legolas to saw, and at once jumped into his open arms, he caught him with amusement.
"You come!" the child cheered. Gandalf looked to Sildulin with saddened but hopeful eyes, helping her to her feet.
"Do not grieve now, though the knowledge you now have is a burden, to not let it weigh down such a beautiful soul." He said with an understanding smile, cupping her chin in his hand.
"No sad, Leg'lass here." The wizard turned his energy once more towards the abounding elfling in his arms, then once more thoughtfully to her.
"No sad, he's here."
She looked around, waking from the dream. She would be fine; no sad, she mused, noticing that Kaimelar had nodded off sometime in the night; she was safe right here, she was happy right here. She took a breath and once again allowed herself to be taken over by her weariness.
***
He walked with him mother by the bank of the river, something knowing at the back of his mind, trying to push its way through the density that had manifested itself in his mind. But it was persistent would not go away, Legolas stopped walking, his mother turned and looked at him with concern; had his shoulder flared up again.
"Legolas?" she asked, but his eyes were distant, he did not regard her; but quick as a flash of light his eyes shot to her, questioning.
"Where is everyone?" he asked, the nagging thought had been that of his family; his brother and father and sister; he suddenly remembered, his mother was dead, he panicked. His eyes grew wide as he spoke in a low clear tone. "I am dead."
***Well, this one is kind of long, that's why it took longer for me to post, I hope you deem it an even exchange. So, I also hope you don't find any of this too confusing, things will be all semi-answered in the end. So thanks for reading this and again if you like I would love to hear your responses in a review. And one last rambling, my computer is slowly dying, so I'm taking it to the computer doctor soon, I'm going to see if I can write another chapter before it goes away, but if I can't it might be awhile, just wanted to let you guys know so you don't think that I'm just quitting or something! Thanks!***
leann: I'm glad you've enjoyed all the stories so far, and that you love this story. I feel as though after this chapter you might feel the need to know more again, hope you didn't find too many loose ends, I think I've left a few things open.
Amy: Yeah, there's a few characters in here, I hope you find them well developed enough to follow them (though you don't need to, if you read the other two stories you get a bit more of a taste of them) And what a compliment that you find it to be original that's such a great compliment to any writer!!
Jamie: I love this story cause I can make it kind of cliff endings, I didn't have that with some of the other stuff I wrote, so I am soo sorry that you're left not knowing, but it's hard not to take advantage of such a fun technique!!!
Deana: I didn't expect most of this to happen, it's fun to see where a story takes you, especially when you kind of plan and then as you continue it gets thrown out the window, I don't know if that happens to you, but it did to me.
She got a firm holding on Legolas' hand, and with all her might pulled, and continued to pull until she had all of him out of the depths of the sand. He was cold, his eyes were closed, his skin was dirty and rough; but she had hope she could resuscitate him, more than hope, it was a drive that there was no other choice then for his survival. She closed her eyes with her palms against his chest, concentrating solely on getting his lungs to function once more, waiting for that first intake, rid the body of the sand and fill it with the air. Amidst her work, the surroundings once more changed to something more to her liking, their special place by the river. Gently her energy flowed into him, giving him the will to continue, she felt his body begin to reawaken and with a mighty spasm he started to cough up the single intake of sand he had taken, and refill his lungs with oxygen. The process of inspiration continued, and once she was content that he could breathe on his own again, she took away her hands, and rested her weary self against the tree. She lifted her hand and noticed a waver of transparency; she too was fading, her time was going to come to a close, but not yet.
"I told you I would not let you die." She said, stroking the cheek of her revived son.
***
Elrond rose and walked over to his table, where herbs and ointments were scattered about; he scanned them looking for something of use, anything. He noticed a jar filled with a thick blue ointment; it was meant to aid in the expulsion of certain poisons; however for some reason he picked it up; what else did he have? He brought the jar to Legolas' side, and began to soothe the contents onto his chest, not sure what to expect if anything; still holding to his hand, Helyanwe looked up, eyes trusting. They both waited for a moment in complete stillness, complete quiet, waiting for the rise of his chest; waiting for life. She squeezed his hand tighter, willing him to live; and much to their surprise and joy, Legolas began to hack up something, and the resume a breath. Ignoring what had been hindering his breathing, the two healers rejoiced. With a little hope, Elrond mused, anything could be possible; he checked his patience's pulse and was pleased to find both the heart beat, as well as his breathing, returning to a normal, healthy level.
"What happened?" Helyanwe wondered aloud, a huge smile gracing her face. But that comment brought Elrond back to reality, what had happened? He looked to the head of Legolas' bed, and there he saw sand, a meager amount of sand, but it was sand that Legolas had coughed up. How in Valar's name did Legolas get sand into his lungs? Was that why he fell into his current state, but there was the question of where had he traveled recently to breath in a small amount of sand and then return home and live without a worry of health for some days. It was questions he did not have the knowledge to answer at the moment, for now, celebrate that the current crisis was over and pray there would be no more, and most importantly inform everyone that the young prince was alright.
***
Sildulin and Kaimelar made their way down the hall, he supporting her although she needed no aid, if it made him feel more secure than she would not complain. Her brother had always been keen about making sure she was safe and cared for; she enjoyed seeing him happy. When they reached the outside of Legolas' door, she could tell they were all avoiding staring, but they were concerned, it seemed to them that she was not able to handle what was occurring to her family once more. But it was not that, she was handling it, but things had changed, in one simple moment everything had shifted and altered and only she had seen it.
"You look much more rested," Elrohir said, breaking the uncomfortable silence, in his awkward, not quite appropriate way, but it eased the tension. Arwen went to her friend and slipped her arm into Sildulin's taking over Kaimelar's job as the caretaker.
"You needn't worry so much. I promise you I am fine and capable of standing on my own without withering to the floor." Arwen rested her head on her friend's shoulder, Sildulin running her hand comfortingly through her hair.
"We know Sil, perhaps we think if we displace our concern onto you we won't think of other things. How could you not want to care for someone as sweet as you are," Arwen cooed.
"Stop trying to endear yourself to her, brat, truth is Sil, you've been acting a little bonkers." Elrohir said jokingly, taking a fake swipe at his sister, unable to handle the saccharineness of the moment. His friends could be so sentimental sometimes; they were lucky to have him to beat some sense into them.
"Oh? Is that it?" She laughed, it was a pleasure around to be the honesty of Elrohir, it kept one grounded, she decided. But there joking ended, as Lord Elrond opened the door, but the tension soon melted away as the saw his smile; it was an obvious sign that things were better.
"You should not tease a princess, Elrohir, the King is apt to have you head, and I would not be one to fight to keep it in my possession." Elrond quipped, Elrohir rolled his eyes at his father; Thranduil loved him way too much to ever kill him, lock him in one of his dungeons for awhile, yeah, he could see him doing that much.
"I doubt adar wants his head," Kaimelar added in a low voice, an after thought to himself, that he was unaware he spoke till the group around him burst into laughter.
***
His head hurt, but he was alive, he remembered thinking he was dead but he was certain now he was alive; otherwise he would not be able to breathe. It was a gift to be able to open his eyes again, as he slowly began to; his body responding slower than his mind would like. He had forgotten that he had hurt, he could feel the pain in his shoulder once again erupt; it had subsided when the worse danger of drowning was abounding.
"Good morning my Legolas." From nearby he could hear his mother's voice, he wanted to turn his head to see her but it felt like too much for him to handle. But it mattered little, for she was at his side in a moment once he began to arise. "You scared me little one, I thought I had lost you; I thought that I had let you go."
"What happened?" he whispered through a parched, scratched throat; enjoying the feeling of wetness that the grass beneath him provided. Never had he felt such dryness, desolation, lack of life; it was such a vacant dark place; he wondered if such a place could truly exist on Middle Earth. He felt his mother's hands aid him to a sitting position, then once he was settled with the bulk of his weight being supported by a tree trunk, she brought some water to his lips. Never had he felt so refreshed.
"I think that is enough for now, no good in rushing things." She brushed his check, smudging some resident dirt from his venture beneath the sand. "Now, as to what happened, I can't really say, I had turned my back and you were gone."
Slowly Legolas began to regain his senses, and began to piece back moments he remembered; it was a trying process, as it seemed his focus was a fleeting convention. But the landscape, he saw that clearly, like a reoccurring nightmare you just cannot shake, it flashed through his mind, and with that brought the image of the orcs. Where had to orcs come from, and how did he return to this spot. This perfect, unchanging spot.
"How did I get to where I got?" he asked, while maneuvering himself to a more comfortable position, his mother aiding him as soon as she saw him move.
"What do you mean?
"I was in a wide, blank plain; like a desert, it was a stale place, nothingness; and orcs came and I fought them, I won, but my shoulder." he trailed off for a moment, taking a glimpse at his arm, it felt numb not like the pain before, and there it was wrapped up, his mother must have cared for it. But that meant he had not dreamed what happened, it was real, the orcs and that land were real; and sand, was he beneath the ground?
She watched him as he began to remember, he was adjusting she thought, before he would not have been able to piece together any of it. But with new knowledge, these memories he will begin to wonder and soon, he'll remember the other world, his family. Very soon, she would have to explain this to him, and soon after that, he could quite possibly leave her.
"You don't remember?" She said, his eyes looking back to her, his own string of thoughts broken, he shook his head; he couldn't honestly say he was certain he remembered. "You were in the trees, I had gone off to see if I could find something to eat, you were hungry. I told you to be careful, and then I heard a snap; the branch had broken and you fell. The branch had gone through you shoulder when you landed, but besides that and a few cuts I thought you were fine. But you must have hit your head because you stopped breathing for a bit, but now you are fine, after all the worry you put me through you are thankfully fine." It was a necessary lie she told herself; just delay things a bit. She watched as her son's face reddened; a sheepish grin appeared on his face, feeling stupid for his actions. It was an endearing look, a look his father must have enjoyed many a time. That's all she was asking for a few short moments with the child she had so few with; was it wrong to want to be with your child? She would give him back, but he had come to her, returned to her; how could she simply give him up?
"I am sorry naneth." Legolas said, she kissed his cheek, and he knew he was forgiven. What was he thinking orcs? Just a nightmare of his unconscious, that was all, just a simple fright of his imagination.
***
"But you don't know where it came from?" Thranduil asked, relieved his son had survived, but frightened by the mystery of it all. What could be doing this, what o grudge could be reaping its revenge on his child? And to make matters worse it seemed as though Sildulin had begun to crack under the stress; his one pillar of sanity. He shouldn't put that pressure on his daughter though, she shouldn't feel like she needs to hold his hand through this, he should be doing that for her. After he recollected his own wits he would go and talk to her; he ought to talk to Kaimelar as well. He rubbed his eyes, and noticed Elrond staring at him concerned, Thranduil smiled weakly, causing his friend to raise a skeptical eyebrow; wasn't that look reserved for their children?
"Have you been talking to the twins lately?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You seem have to developed their ability to drone me out." Thranduil laughed, if Elrond had been talking he certainly did not hear a word of it; though he was sure his friend took no insult of it; at least he couldn't read any in his face. He was lucky to have gained the friendship of such a good natured, kind soul; he would have probably gone crazy by now, if not for Elrond's sound advice in his times of need.
"It seems so, doesn't it? Accept my deep felt apologizes, and please, continue, you hold my complete attention." Thranduil spoke, allowing himself to being drawn in to the playful mood of his friend.
"Thought I doubt the sincerity of your statement," Elrond began, ignoring the wounded look that appeared upon the King's face at his friends, but then reiterated his previous statement. "But to answer you previous question, I don't know where it came from."
"Well, I was better off droning." Feeling the impulse he knew his son's had so often indulged in, he picked up a pillow from a nearby sofa and threw it at the King.
" You know, I could put you in the dungeons for such an action, attacking the King, attempted murder!" The King bellowed, rising from his chair, grabbing at the pillow to throw it back, hitting Elrond in the back as he tried to duck away. The two stood at attention as they heard a clearing of a throat in the doorway. Their faces turned read, and their eye's went shamefully to the ground as the recognized who was standing, staring at them.
"From your children I would expect this type of behavior, by the King of Mirkwood and Lord of Rivendell, I must admit my disappointment. You are lucky the young one's did not walk into this, poor role model." Verya spoke gravely, lecturing the two Kings. "Well, I suppose I ought to find some adults to deliver my message to."
He turned to leave when he felt the impact of two pillows make impact with the back of his head, he turned back and stared at the two great elves before him; giving him innocent smile (not too unlike the one's their offspring would give him when he caught them in their antics.) The King regained some of his regal form, taking note that his message might be important for him to hear, his long time friend and senior officer would not bother him with trifle matters, but could deal with them himself.
"Yes, sorry Verya, we too need our fun I suppose." Verya nodded the mirth never leaving his eyes as his face melted back to a more serious fashion.
"Understandable sire, you're secret is safe with me. But my reason for coming, if you don't mind my going straight to official matters," the King indicated for him to continue, Verya nodded and did just that. "Word has it, from the scouts on our Northern border, that there has been a sighting of Mithrandir, and that he should be at our borders by nightfall." Verya noticed the pleased look on the King's face, glad to see his spirit lightened by the hopefully, with the Wizard brought the hope a reasoning and cure for the young prince's ailment would be found. Not knowing what else to do, Verya had gotten some flower's and put them in the prince's room to brighten things up; though no one had made fun of him for the very fact that he had done it for their prince, but the Captain knew that once the prince awoke that he would hear no end of the jokes of their mighty leader, picking a bouquet of flowers.
"So he will be here earlier than expected, just like him though to know." Thranduil sighed, sinking back into his chair as a wave of relief hit him, perhaps this could be the solution, his son could be up and about before the week was up; this whole mess could be fixed.
"You think he knows?" Verya asked.
"If I know that old wizard, then he most certainly does." Thranduil replied, allowing himself to drift into the happy thoughts of his son.
***
She had fallen back to sleep, she knew that Kaimelar was in the room with her, still worried about her; so worried he voice them to their father. She could not wait for that talk, but as dusk came she fell into an easy sleep; a sense of reassuring calm overtook her as acceptance slowly came to her.
She was walking the halls of the palace, in no hurry; nothing fueling her step but the want to take another. Light was filtering through, unnatural light, but beautiful light, no overpowering heat, just warm gracious light. She halted, catching sight of something behind the upcoming corner, nothing to be frightened of; she steadily went to the sight, as she turned the corner she caught sight of Legolas, the small toddler that had disappeared as the years passed.
"And what are you doing, not in any trouble I hope?" she asked, reaching down to his out stretched arms to pick him up.
"No trouble. I see you!" He squealed, his youthful energy abounding; she could do nothing but smile, he had always made her happy.
"How did I get so lucky as to deserve the attention of one so sweet?" she asked, tickling his tummy with her free hand, he was defenseless as both his arms were draped around her neck to keep himself steady, all he could do was laugh. After awhile she stopped, an looked into his eyes, the same blue eyes he still had, a certain youthfulness always residing within them. He smiled at her, touching her cheek, wiping away a tear that had fallen.
"Leg'lass keep company, don't be scared." She leaned against one of the stonewalls, and with her little brother in safe, warm in her arms slide down the wall, not wanting to be unable to stop herself from sobbing. Remember these few precious moments she thought. She felt her brother kiss her on the cheek, one of his messy baby kisses. "Don't worry, Leg'lass always be here, no be sad when have me baby." He said cuddling into her, she wrapped her arms tighter around him, more for her own comfort than his. She could hear someone approaching but knew she was safe. She felt a tender old hand on her shoulder, she looked up to see the face of Mithrandir, Legolas to saw, and at once jumped into his open arms, he caught him with amusement.
"You come!" the child cheered. Gandalf looked to Sildulin with saddened but hopeful eyes, helping her to her feet.
"Do not grieve now, though the knowledge you now have is a burden, to not let it weigh down such a beautiful soul." He said with an understanding smile, cupping her chin in his hand.
"No sad, Leg'lass here." The wizard turned his energy once more towards the abounding elfling in his arms, then once more thoughtfully to her.
"No sad, he's here."
She looked around, waking from the dream. She would be fine; no sad, she mused, noticing that Kaimelar had nodded off sometime in the night; she was safe right here, she was happy right here. She took a breath and once again allowed herself to be taken over by her weariness.
***
He walked with him mother by the bank of the river, something knowing at the back of his mind, trying to push its way through the density that had manifested itself in his mind. But it was persistent would not go away, Legolas stopped walking, his mother turned and looked at him with concern; had his shoulder flared up again.
"Legolas?" she asked, but his eyes were distant, he did not regard her; but quick as a flash of light his eyes shot to her, questioning.
"Where is everyone?" he asked, the nagging thought had been that of his family; his brother and father and sister; he suddenly remembered, his mother was dead, he panicked. His eyes grew wide as he spoke in a low clear tone. "I am dead."
***Well, this one is kind of long, that's why it took longer for me to post, I hope you deem it an even exchange. So, I also hope you don't find any of this too confusing, things will be all semi-answered in the end. So thanks for reading this and again if you like I would love to hear your responses in a review. And one last rambling, my computer is slowly dying, so I'm taking it to the computer doctor soon, I'm going to see if I can write another chapter before it goes away, but if I can't it might be awhile, just wanted to let you guys know so you don't think that I'm just quitting or something! Thanks!***
leann: I'm glad you've enjoyed all the stories so far, and that you love this story. I feel as though after this chapter you might feel the need to know more again, hope you didn't find too many loose ends, I think I've left a few things open.
Amy: Yeah, there's a few characters in here, I hope you find them well developed enough to follow them (though you don't need to, if you read the other two stories you get a bit more of a taste of them) And what a compliment that you find it to be original that's such a great compliment to any writer!!
Jamie: I love this story cause I can make it kind of cliff endings, I didn't have that with some of the other stuff I wrote, so I am soo sorry that you're left not knowing, but it's hard not to take advantage of such a fun technique!!!
Deana: I didn't expect most of this to happen, it's fun to see where a story takes you, especially when you kind of plan and then as you continue it gets thrown out the window, I don't know if that happens to you, but it did to me.