"Ada?" A little voice broke into the Wood-King's thoughts and he looked up to see Mallas.
"Yes, golden leaf?"
Mallas smiled at the pet name and climbed into her father's lap. "A-are you well, Ada?"
Thranduil frowned slightly. "Of course I am well."
"Oh. Sometimes you don't seem like it." said Mallas, blue eyes large and trusting as she studied his face. "You don't play with us anymore."
Thranduil winced as his conscience pricked him. As of late he had spent far too much time upon matters of the Kingdom and had neglected his children. It was time to leave aside the throne and the crown, even for an hour. He swung Mallas upon her shoulder, grinning at her giggle of delighted surprise. "Come, let us find Legolas and remedy that!"
They found Legolas more than willing to join them in their tramp out on the woodlands. A child holding onto each hand, Thranduil led them out to a glade away from where courtiers and diplomats could wreak the peace and sat cross-legged on the ground. The sun was setting, but the air was still warm and sweet with the scent of spring.
"Ada!"
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Look at this!" exclaimed the blonde Elfling, pointing insistently to a clump of leafy brambles. Thranduil came to his side and gazed through the dappling branches and foliage. "It's a fawn." he breathed, reaching out a gentle hand to stroke the baby animal's soft fur. "Where is it's mother?" asked Mallas, peering around him.
"She went to go eat, I think." answered Thranduil. "See, there she comes."
He drew his children back and watched as the doe hesitantly stepped across the clearing and nosed at the fawn. He stood up on trembling legs and slowly following his mother out into the woods again, disappeared.
"Where are they going?" asked Legolas, staring after them.
"Somewhere to rest for the night." replied Thranduil. He held out his hands. "As should you."
