A short note: This is just a nice surprise chappie to make everyone's day bright...(coughs). Please don't kill me for the cliffie! Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Please see Chapter 2.

Chapter 9

In Elrond's library, the atmosphere was tense. Estel's dark locks were pushed frequently back by a slightly trembling hand, as he pored over a book, entitled "Common Poisons and Afflictions of the South"Elrond sat at the opposite side of the table, scribbling indecipherable lettering on a bit of parchment. There was silence except an occasional sigh from Estel and the scratching of Elrond's quill. The tranquillity did not last long, as Estel moved forward and laid his head in the crook of his arms.

'Ada, I do not know what to look for until Legolas shows some symptoms of the poison.' Elrond looked up and paused in his writing.

'I know, ion-nin.'

'What will you have me do?'

'Go to Legolas and keep him company…you are right, if he does not show symptoms then we cannot know what to look for.' Estel looked up, his eyes shining.

'Really?' He asked, smiling at his father.

'Go on, I could do with peace. Legolas will want your company, especially after the twins drugged him. He won't be happy with them.' Estel grinned again and left the room, his step considerably lighter then when he had entered.

4 days later…

A messenger bird flew to the window, found the side that was half open and entered the room, fluttering its black wings excitedly. It knew of the family's troubles. Alighting on the desk, it twittered to get the attention of those in the room, of whom there were many. Elrond sat at the desk, poring over some aged parchment or another, and the twins each sat on one of the overstuffed bags on the floor. Legolas perched cat like on a couch, poring over yet another book on recognising poison symptoms and Estel was asleep with his head on Legolas' lap. The human's hair was tousled and he looked exhausted even as he slept. The Elves were also not fresh, eyes slightly glazed over as the first onset of weariness set in. There was companionable silence in the room though, and one which the bird hated to break. It twittered louder, demanding attention.

Elladan turned around and recognised the bird for what it was at once.

'Ada!' The elf lord turned and saw the little bird, which immediately flew over to perch on the piece of parchment Elrond had been perusing, smudging some of the still drying ink where Elrond had made additional notes. A formal letter was attached to its leg.

'I think this may be from your father, Legolas.' At these words, the prince looked up and smiled, his features completely relaxing. Anyone could have seen what complete trust he had in his father.

'Could you please read it to me? I do not want to disturb Estel.' He grinned at the human's face and smoothed away some of the dark hair resting across the forehead. Elrond cleared his throat and began the message,

Hir nin, he read.

The King of Mirkwood, Thranduil has just passed our borders. You asked for me to send word, so here it is – he shall be at the Homely House approximately midday. Hoping you are well,

Rewernin.

'Midday'. Elladan said, grinning over at Legolas. 'Excellent. Just in time for lunch.'

'You are as bad as a hobbit, oh brother of mine!' Elrohir reprimanded through a smile. The smile turned into a full pelt laugh when his twin's stomach growled. 'Honestly, 'Dan!' A sheepish smile was all that was extracted from the elf before their human brother sat up confusedly, instinctively leaning against Legolas as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

'Why is everyone so happy?' He felt the drastic change in the atmosphere even though the sleep was still evident on his face.

'Legolas' father will be here in approximately fifteen minutes.'

'That is swift, even for an Elven horse…' Elladan smiled at Legolas and got up from the ground. 'What say you to going outside and waiting at the gate for his arrival?'

All the children and extended family of Elrond Peredhil got up in a rush, and after getting slightly jammed in the door, filed out into the hallway, laughing.

Elrond thought of Legolas sitting there, and looked at the divan, picturing the elf, as he had been just moments before. The youngling was worried - Elrond could sense this. He was also much thinner than what he ever remembered him being, and it seemed to be getting worse. Elrond sighed. Too thin, much too thin…the food intake was not nearly enough even for an elf that needed little sustenance. With a sigh, he followed his family out of the door. He had nearly closed it when he remembered the little bird. Turning back, he whispered to it:

'Hannon le, mellon nin. You have brought us hope.' #Thank you my friends#

The bird twittered lightly in reply, then flew out of the open side of the window, into the noonday sun.

Thranduil rode into the courtyard of Imladris, bareback as usual and with his customary warrior braids done somewhat haphazardly. He slid off his mare, barely noticing as a quick thinking groom took Ferolin to the stables.

Legolas was standing on the stairs, looking at his father, taking in the dishevelled appearance before he hurled himself down the steps into Thranduil's awaiting arms.

He felt the familiarity of his Ada's embrace and this was enough to make him grip his father tighter and breathe in his scent – a mixture of the trees and his own special smell. It brought moisture to his eyes. It is because of the pollen, Legolas told himself, letting his hair be brushed back from his forehead. He was released gently and held at arm's length.

'You're thin.' Thranduil observed, looking at way the tunics hung off his son. Legolas said nothing, just smiled slightly. 'Have there been no poison effects, Legolas? Nothing to indicate what that creature gave to you?' He pronounced 'creature' as it itself was a venom that must be spat out with vengeance.

'No, Ada…apart from a slight loss in appetite, nothing that proclaims serious health issues.' Thranduil smiled and took his son by the arm, leading him up the stairs.

'I am glad in one way, Legolas, but if you have no symptoms, we cannot give you an antidote.' Legolas leaned against his father, smiling slightly. Accepting the majority of the other elf's weight, they continued until they reached the landing.

No one was in sight, the privacy was much respected between father and son, and thus no one but Thranduil saw the velvety shoes of Legolas falter. They tripped over each other, and the Mirkwood Prince sagged against his father. He looked up through glazed eyes at Thranduil, as he sank to the stone landing outside the door of the Homely House.

'Legolas…' Thranduil breathed, cupping his son's head with his hand.

'I tried to hold on, I tried…'His consciousness left him, and he went limp as a distraught Thranduil watched, tears gathering in his grey eyes.