Chapter 11
Early the next morning The King found himself knocking on his youngest son's bedchambers. He had not slept well as his mind had been on Legolas. He knocked on the door and received no answer much like he had the previous night. So he decided to forgo propriety and opened the door without knocking again. He stepped into the sitting room and saw that it was empty before entering the bedchamber. He quickly crossed it and walked through the open door of the adjoining bath chamber. It too was empty. As Thranduil turned to go he surveyed the room and shook his head. His youngest always had been a bit untidy. The bed was unmade and clothes he had worn the night before still littered the floor. But nothing in the room seemed amiss or gave him any clue as to what could have been bothering Legolas.
So Thranduil made his way to the Dining Hall, his thoughts still lingering on the feast. He hesitated in the doorway when he saw Legolas sitting at the table, uncharacteristically the first to arrive.
"Good morning, Adar," he greeted quietly as his father took his seat.
Thranduil watched as Legolas's eyes met his for only a moment before looking down again. He was clearly feeling upset about his behavior the previous evening.
"Good morning, iôn nín," he replied easily as though nothing was amiss, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Legolas answered.
Thranduil wasn't surprised when he didn't elaborate. Legolas tended to brood lately and was not as forthcoming as he had once been.
"Good morning."
Camthalion and Amoniel entered the Hall and took their usual seats. Thranduil returned their greetings as the meal was brought forth and served. Camthalion looked at his brother who mumbled a half hearted acknowledgment. He choose not to comment on it, not wanting to start an argument first thing in the morning.
"Well, I think last night's feast was very memorable," Amoniel said brightly as she placed an apple next to her bowl of porridge, trying to ease the tension, "I think the cooks have outdone themselves!"
Legolas ate quietly as he listened to his family talk about the feast. Thankfully they didn't bring up the argument he had had with his father. Soon the conversation turned to the day's schedule. Legolas didn't pay much attention as he picked at the fruit on his plate until a deep voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Legolas?"
He turned toward his father. "Yes, Adar?"
"As you know Court is not in session today," Thranduil began.
Legolas nodded and tried not to smile so obviously. He was extremely grateful for that fact. His head ached and he knew he sitting in the Great Hall for hours would only make it worse. He had plans to meet Valen and Sellion.
"Since your morning is free I would like you to attend the meeting in my Council Chamber," Thranduil told him.
"Must I?" he asked in what was very close to a whine.
"I would like you to be in attendance," Thranduil replied, sending his son a warning look.
Legolas sulked for a moment, his lips pursed in annoyance. It wasn't fair. He was supposed to have the morning free out in the Forest with his friends, not sitting in the Council Chambers for a stupid, boring meeting. "Why?" he finally ground out.
"Because you need to learn how to conduct such meetings," Thranduil snapped, "and moreover because I told you to be there."
"My friends never have to attend Court or Council meetings," Legolas argued, knowing full well how childish he sounded.
"Your friends are not the Princes of this Realm," Thranduil dismissed the argument, "Unlike you, they do not owe duty."
"Let Camthalion attend if you need someone there," Legolas said, "After all, he is the Crown Prince."
"I have attended countless meetings, penneth," Camthalion replied, emphasizing the last word in an attempt to aggravate his brother further, "Besides, I have my own duties to attend."
"Quite right," Thranduil readily agreed, "Your brother learned to do such things centuries ago. Now it is your turn. Besides, it is vital for you to know how to conduct the Realm. One day you may unexpectedly find yourself King. I certainly did."
Legolas slammed his fork down on his plate with a loud clatter, causing Amoniel to jump in her seat, startled at his sudden outburst. "Adar! I don't want to!"
Thranduil looked at him in stunned silence for a long moment. "I don't recall asking you if you wanted to," he said icily, "I told you to be there and so you will. I am afraid you have been a very spoiled elfling, Legolas, and it is about time I took you in hand."
Legolas glared at his father. Then to Thranduil's amazement, he actually rolled his eyes. He had never struck either of children and for one wild moment his right hand itched to remove the rebellious look from his youngest's face. Camthalion and Amoniel traded identical dumbfounded looks. They could not remember Legolas ever before being this impertinent, not even during his horrible, hormone driven adolescence. Legolas looked at his family. They were all staring at him as though he had gone mad. The very thought fueled another wave of rage through him. His father opened his mouth to say something but before he could Legolas spat a vulgar expletive and threw his napkin down, pushing away from the table with such a force that it knocked his chair over as he stood. He ignored his father's angry command to return to his place. He nearly ran to his chambers. He felt annoyed at himself for not inhaling a line of powder. He had planned to do it after breakfast, before meeting his friends. He knew he needed to do so now that he was going to have to be present for the Council meeting. He quickly placed a small, thin line of powder on the mirror before replacing the bag in the back of the wardrobe drawer. He sat down at the bureau, swiftly inhaled it and closed his eyes. He felt a slight burn and smiled in relief that he had taken just the right amount. He knew he would now be able to attend The King at the meeting. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out and felt his rash anger deflate as well.
Without warning his bedchamber door swung open. Legolas's eyes flew open and he instantly turned the mirror he held in his hand over so that the glass was facing the top of the bureau, away from prying eyes.
"Your behavior is completely unacceptable!"
Legolas turned and looked at his irate father. Inwardly he cringed as Thranduil grabbed him by the tunic and pulled him close so that they were nearly nose to nose.
"You will speak to me with respect," he all but shouted at his son.
Legolas swallowed hard as his father released him. He had never seen him so angry. But he didn't blame him. He had no idea what possessed him to speak Thranduil the way that he did. He stepped back and shakily got down on his knees before The King.
"Forgive me, Aran nín," he said as steadily as he could, his eyes trained on the floor, "You are my father and King. I have nothing but the utmost love and respect for you. I rose above my station and I beseech your pardon."
Thranduil regarded his son for a moment. Legolas's fists were clenched and he was slightly trembling as tears of frustration pooled in his eyes. He felt his anger melt away as he took in the forlorn figure on the floor in front of him.
"My pardon is granted," he said at last, "You may rise, Legolas."
Legolas did as he was bid and was astonished when his father pulled him into a comforting embrace, the last thing he had expected the one he had wronged to do. Legolas leaned into it, surprising Thranduil and didn't pull away as he rested his head on his father's strong shoulder. Thranduil wrapped one arm around his son and the other rested on the back of his head, stroking the silky blond hair.
"Something is wrong, iôn nín. I can feel it," he said softly.
Legolas said nothing. Instead, he desperately tried to draw comfort from the familiar embrace and scent of his father. All his life he had sought solace there and though now grown it was no different. He sighed and then slightly pulled away so he could look at Thranduil.
"Please tell me," Thranduil pleaded as he looked deep into the tear filled, blue eyes that were so like his own.
Legolas ached to tell him. He wanted to sob and cry "Ada, help me!" He wanted to tell him about the immense pain from the accident and sleepless nights and the nightmares. He wanted to tell him how the vials of tonic suddenly turned into the powder. He wanted to tell him about the elevated feelings and how the powder made his troubles and sadness go away. He wanted to confide in him how frightened he was to be without the powder and that no matter how much he tried not to he always used it. But he didn't know how. He didn't know where to start. He didn't know how to explain how he had gotten to this point or the terrible things he had done along the way. He knew he would do nothing but anger and disappoint his father and he had already done far too much of that recently.
"Legolas?"
Legolas leaned back into his father's arms and sighed.
"I love you, Adar," he said simply, as he rapidly blinked away the moisture from his eyes.
Thranduil tightened his arms around his son protectively. Whatever he had expected Legolas to say, that had not been it. He brushed his lips lightly over his son's forehead. "I love you, too," he softly replied.
Legolas pulled away and gave Thranduil a forced smile. "We are going to be late for the Council meeting," he said.
Aearion was surprised when the young Prince entered The King's Council Chamber behind his father. He seemed somber and said nothing as he took a seat next to the chief advisor. He only nodded in silent greeting when the Aearion bid him a good morning. But Aearion did not have time to dwell on it as The King took his seat at the head of the long table and called the assembly to order.
Legolas sat quietly as the meeting droned on and on. He tried to listen to The King and his advisors but he was having difficulty. He felt heartsick over the way he had spoken to his father. Further, his head ached to the point he felt slightly dizzy. He tried to ignore it and shut it out to concentrate on the matter at hand. But he could not. His mouth felt very dry and he wanted nothing more than a tall glass of cool water to quench his desperate thirst. The voices around him blurred as another flare burned up his sinus and nearly caused him to moan at the unexpected pain. He closed his eyes against it and mentally willed it to go away.
"Your Highness, are you well?" Aearion whispered to him, jolting him out of his melancholy thoughts.
Legolas opened his eyes to see another drop of blood fall to the parchment in front of him with an audible splat. Startled, he realized his nose was bleeding and took the handkerchief the advisor was holding out to him. He wiped his nose and stared at the ample amount of blood on the soft, white cloth.
"Aran nín!"
Legolas was dismayed when he heard Aearion's shout. The last thing he wanted was his father to meddle. He had just convinced him nothing was wrong. Thranduil glowered at the sudden interruption. But when his gaze shifted from his advisor to his son his expression changed to one of concern.
"Legolas," he said as he stood and made his way around the table. His heart leaped as he took in the blood staining the parchment on the table to his son's tunic to the saturated handkerchief he was holding up to his nose. "What happened?"
"I don't know," Legolas answered truthfully, "It just started bleeding."
"I want you to go to the infirmary," Thranduil replied, not liking how much blood still seemed to be flowing.
"I am fine, Ad...my lord," Legolas said, hastily remembering the formal setting.
"I said go to the infirmary," Thranduil ordered firmly, "I will join you there soon."
Legolas said nothing but nodded. He stood, aware everyone was watching him and made his way out into the corridor.
Unfortunately for Legolas, he had to wait to be seen a by a healer. Two younglings had been injured in a sword training exercise and required the healers' immediate attention. So Legolas had to wait. Just as the assistant came out of an exam room and told him he could come back, his father appeared. Legolas held back a groan but said nothing as he followed her into the small room and sat on the table as she indicated. He was relieved when his father chose to sit in a chair rather than hover like he tended to do. Almost instantly to door opened and Aranhil entered.
"What happened, my lord?" he asked, after he quickly bowed to The King, grimacing as he pulled down the handkerchief.
"It just started to bleed," Legolas answered him as the healer titled his head back to get a better look.
"When did it start?" Aranhil asked as he felt the bridge of his nose.
"Perhaps twenty minutes ago," Legolas replied, hastily wiping the blood that continued to flow before it could run down over his lip.
"Are you in pain?" The healer frowned at finding no obvious cause to the sudden bleeding.
"No."
"This is odd," Aranhil told him as he placed another cloth up to Legolas's face and then positioned him so that he was leaning forward, "Your nose is not broken and too much time has passed from your head injury to cause a nose bleed this severe. Have you been hit in the face recently?"
Legolas jumped on the suggestion. It would be a perfect explanation and mentally he thanked the healer for providing it. "I engaged in combat with spiders on patrol yesterday," he said without adding any further details. Technically, he reasoned to himself, that was not untruthful.
Aranhil nodded. "It should stop on its own soon. I want you to hold this cloth here and pinch your nose," he instructed as he replaced his hand with Legolas's, "Do not lay down and I will be back in a few minutes to see if it has stopped."
He quietly exited the room. Thranduil stood up and approached his son. He reached out and tipped his head back to get a look for himself. He saw no swelling, bruising or anything that would indicate trauma. "You need to be more careful, Legolas," he gently admonished, "Now hold this up to your nose or you will get more blood on your tunic."
Legolas signed forcibly. He hated being treated like a dimwitted child, something he was convinced he would forever be in his adar's eyes.
"If you would exercise more caution then I wouldn't have to say anything," Thranduil snapped when he noticed his son's annoyance.
Not wanting another scene like they had had that morning Legolas nodded. He felt it was just easier to humor his father. Several minutes later Aranhil returned and was pleased to see the bleeding had stopped. He allowed Legolas to leave with the promise he would return if the bleeding resumed and instructions not to exert himself for the remainder of the day. Legolas swallowed another flare of annoyance as Thranduil followed him from the infirmary to his bedchambers.
"That tunic is ruined," Thranduil observed as he stepped toward the wardrobe.
Legolas felt panic swell in his chest at the sight of his father opening up the wardrobe. He knew that the powder was hidden safely away in the top drawer but it was too close for comfort. He shuddered to think with the King would do if he would inadvertently stumble upon it. "I can do it, Adar," he declared, "I am not an elfling, you know."
"Very well," Thranduil relented, stepping away from the wardrobe and turning to face his son, "but you need to be resting in bed as soon as you have changed."
"I will," Legolas promised, yielding only to get him out of his room.
"I am meeting with my stable master this afternoon," Thranduil told him as he headed toward the door, "But you can send for me if you need me."
"Yes, Adar," Legolas swiftly promised him. He breathed a sigh of relief after his father left. He exchanged the soiled ivory tunic he was wearing for a clean one and when he carelessly tossed it onto the floor he was amazed at how much blood stained the front of it. He knew inhaling the powder had caused it. Pushing those jarring thoughts from his mind he quickly inhaled another thin line of powder and replaced it back in the wardrobe though this time he checked several times to make sure it was completely hidden. He still felt uneasy about anybody discovering it. Turning, he walked clumsily to his bed and laid his aching head on the soft pillow. He closed his eyes and let unconsciousness slowly but steadily take him.
The doors of the Military Headquarters swung open and Thranduil stepped inside, bringing with him a brisk autumn breeze. Every ellon and elleth in the room stood and saluted The Elvenking, bowing slightly as he passed by them and stalked down the corridor until he reached the Commander's office. He knocked on the door and crossed the threshold when the room's occupant bid him to enter. Camthalion looked up from where he was busily responding to a dispatch report. He dropped his quill and stood to salute The King.
"Your Majesty," he said, surprised. The King usually sent messengers to him when he worked in his office rather walking all the way to The Greens when he needed to speak to his Troop Commander. "How can I serve you?"
"Sit down, iôn nín," Thranduil said as he took the chair opposite him, "I want to talk to you about your brother."
Camthalion raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "What about Legolas?"
"I am concerned about him," Thranduil explained, "He has been very sullen and angry lately. He isn't himself."
Camthalion nodded in agreement, happy that at last, his father was taking his concerns into consideration instead of seeing it as interference. "I am appalled at how he conducted himself at breakfast this morning, especially after his outburst at the feast last night."
"I am as well," Thranduil said as he nodded "I talked with him about it and he is insisting he is fine but I'm not sure that I believe that."
"How was the Council meeting?" Camthalion inquired, "He certainly made it known he didn't want to attend."
"He sulked through it. He never said a word," Thranduil answered him, "but then his nose started bleeding."
"What? What happened?" Camthalion asked sharply, taken off guard.
"I don't know," Thranduil shrugged, "Aearion called for my attention and Legolas had blood flowing from his nose. He had been well just a short time before."
"How bad was it?"
"It had saturated a handkerchief and his tunic. I sent him to the infirmary but the healer couldn't find a cause and it stopped soon after," Thranduil reassured him, "Aranhil seems to think it isn't serious and he is to rest for the remainder of the day and may return to duties tomorrow."
Camthalion nodded.
"Who is Legolas most often assigned with?" Thranduil abruptly asked.
"Neurion. Why do you ask?"
"I want to speak to him," Thranduil told him, "I have some questions he may be able to answer. Bring him to me."
"As you command, my lord," Camthalion rose and stepped out into the corridor. He returned a moment later with the Captain.
"Your Majesty," Neurion said as he saluted then bowed.
"I wish to speak to you," Thranduil told him as he gestured to the chair beside him.
"Yes, Aran nín," Neurion said as he eased himself in the chair, wondering what The King could want from him.
"I would like to know how my son is doing," Thranduil told him, "How is he attending to his duties?"
"As you know, my lord, when he first joined the ranks in the spring he did have some discipline issues that had continued into the summer," Neurion truthfully replied, "But since he returned from being injured I have found no issue with him."
"How so?" Thranduil asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.
"He seems more serious about his duties," Neurion explained, "There has been less horseplay and he has completed every task he has been assigned. He is very gifted with the sword and bow. Just yesterday he tracked and shot down a fleeing spider that had escaped."
"So you are pleased with his performance?" Camthalion asked.
"Yes, Commander. I have no complaint," Neurion assured him.
"Thank you, Captain. You may go," Thranduil dismissed him as he exchanged a long look with his eldest son.
Neurion bowed and took his leave.
"What do you make of that?" Camthalion asked his father as soon as the door gently closed behind Neurion.
"I am still not certain," Thranduil said with a furrow in his brow, "Neurion has nothing but praise for him. The healer examined him today and said he is fine. But his behavior..."
"It is like he isn't Legolas," Camthalion finished for him. Thranduil nodded ruefully. "What are you going to do, Adar?"
Thranduil was silent for a moment, deep in thought. He sighed and wiped his face with his hand. "At the moment, nothing. I have talked to him about his behavior and he is insisting he is fine. But I know something is bothering him. I can feel it."
"But what can we do?" Camthalion asked miserably, "It seems no one else shares these concerns."
"No one else is his father. I am bonded to him the same way I am bonded to you," Thranduil explained, "I can feel that he is stressed and unhappy. As much as I don't want to I am going to have to wait for him to come to me."
Camthalion nodded. He didn't see anything else that could be done. He just hoped his brother would find it in his heart to confide in their father.
TBC...
Author's Notes- When Thranduil is talking to Camthalion about how he is bonded to his children I am referring to the essay The Laws and Customs Among The Eldar (LACE) and in it Tolkien tells us that "their families, or houses, were held together by love and a deep feeling for kinship in mind and body." I take this to mean that they can sense each other's sorrow and joy as well as feel the fëa splinter should the death of one occur.
On an unrelated note, I am a little concerned about the story. I used to have a large following and I am not certain if anyone is interested in this story anymore. It takes hours to write and edit as I have not found a beta after mine went AWOL. This is taking up a lot of my limited free time and it is not something I want to do at this pace if no one is reading. I am not sure if I will post future chapters or not. I know this probably sounds like whining and whining and it is 100% my fault for the YEARS in between chapters 9 and 10. But I have the story outlined and I will finish it for myself, at a more leisurely pace, according to my schedule. But if there is interest I would most definitely continue to post. But with only 2 reviews and no one answered the poll inquiring about preferred updating schedules (I have since taken it down) it makes me doubt if it is worth posting at this site.