Thranduil followed his half-elven host through the vast halls of his house just as impatiently as he had before. Every step he took made him feel more and more anxious over what he would find when he finally laid eyes on Legolas. The missive he'd received had said Legolas was 'unwell' but knowing his son that could mean any number of frightening things; and much to his great shame Thranduil felt far too nervous – nay scared – to ask Elrond what to expect.
At last they stopped in front of a large oaken door that had been painted white. The halls here smelled of clean, sharp medicinal herbs and Thranduil knew this time Elrond played no tricks – Legolas was here. He was finally about to see his son again and the thought made his stomach give an odd lurch as his thoughts again nervously wondered at the condition he would find Legolas in.
Thranduil determined he would simply enter the room and face whatever was thrown at him when he laid eyes upon his son. Yet Elrond seemed to have a different idea as the Peredhil placed his hand upon the door knob but made no move to turn it.
"Elrond -" Thranduil started, about to tell the dark haired ellon not to start with his delaying tactics again but Elrond cut him off with a hushed whisper.
"I just think I ought to warn you about the state Legolas is in Thranduil. He has suffered numerous injuries, some of which point toward a hostile period of captivity. It may be somewhat distressing for you but you must remain calm. It will not help your son if you show your horror plainly upon your face."
Thranduil was about to hiss back in umbrage because truly – whom did Elrond take him for -but the Peredhil held up a hand in a placating manner and continued.
"Please, I do not say these things to undermine you nor because I think you weak in some way – I just want you to be prepared. Because though you are a seasoned warrior these things always hit hardest when they affect our children. So Adar to Adar please heed my words and hide all your grief and rage from your son. It will not help him."
The solemnity of Elrond's words saw Thranduil simply nod his head in acquiescence without any of his usual sardonic commentary and satisfied Elrond finally turned the door knob before he stood to the side and gestured Thranduil in.
The room was large and airy, with all the windows thrown open to the fresh spring air that did nothing to hide the strong smell of medicines, herbs and antiseptic that hung within the room. There was a dark haired ellon who had been sitting at the side of the large bed who had quietly stood, bowed and introduced himself in a whisper.
Elronir or Ellahir or something of that ilk – Thranduil heard not and cared not.
For at that moment he only had eyes for the occupant of the bed. The occupant of the bed who was swathed seemingly from head to toe in bandages, the occupant who seemed to be stuck in some sort of night terror – sweating, head tossing and the occasional fear filled murmur. The occupant that just so happened to be his son. His Lasseg.
Thranduil was over to the bedside in a flash and he simply stared down at the prone figure before him. Elrond had seen fit to give him a warning – even his imagination had given him a taste of what to expect – but this, this was far worse than even what he had imagined. Far, far worse.
Legolas was pale, very, very pale and he looked almost like a corpse as he lay in a poor mimicry of sleep. His eyes were firmly shut, a sight that set Thranduil's heart racing and underneath said eyes were dark bruises that told just how poor his son's sleep had been recently. Legolas' usually proud high cheekbones were sunken in and gave him the appearance of a starving waif. There was a bandage wrapped all around his head and here and there in between the dull golden hair Thranduil's sharp eyes could pick out the odd speck of red blood.
Legolas' entire left side from his neck down seemed covered in bandages also – thick, bulky and worrying – whilst the little skin that was visible was mottled all manner of colours from bruises and scratches of all sizes. A blanket had been pulled up to Legolas' navel, yet Thranduil could tell under the thin material that there were still more bandages wrapped about his son – particularly around his right thigh and ankle.
Thranduil felt rage and grief fight for dominance in him as he went to reach for Legolas' hands to hold and touch his precious son again but found that they too were wrapped in the same ominous yet neat, pristinely white bandages. Only the very tips of his fingers poked out from them - scratched and cut with chipped, cracked fingernails.
And Thranduil nearly wept there and then; for there was nary a place he could touch his son that would not hurt him in some way. He could not hold his hands nor gently stroke his brow and Thranduil was afraid to even cup his cheek – for even Legolas' face had not escaped unscathed from the scratches and bruises that marred the rest of his body. Even his lips were overly red and rather swollen looking.
Thranduil simply stood and watched his son as he let his emotions roil around unchecked within him even as he maintained a marble-esque impassive face.
He should have killed them - all of them, one by one in the slowest and most brutal ways he could think of. Those ŷn yrch did not deserve mercies such as a fair trial; Thranduil should have listened to his instincts and slaughtered them all – for just look at misery and the suffering they had put Legolas, his Lasseg, his only son through – and not a shred of remorse had any of them shown save their leader Blacwin.
A whimpered cry and particularly forceful jerk of Legolas' head broke through the Elven King's murderous thoughts.
Thranduil clenched his fists and with great strength of will forced all his emotions into submission. Elrond had again been rather irritatingly right – neither his grief nor his rage would help Legolas here and now. Nay, all Legolas needed right now was for him to simply be his Adar. He'd have time to plot the deaths of the Men in his dungeons later.
"No, annin, no…no…"
Legolas' fearful cries saw Thranduil shake himself into action and he turned toward the two other ellyn in the room, "Do you have any thick blankets?"
The young one - Elronir or Ellahir – looked at him in confusion, "Thicker blankets?"
"Yes, yes," Thranduil gestured impatiently with one hand whilst he finally gave in and slowly and ever so gently cupped Legolas' less bruised looking cheek with the other in an attempt to soothe him.
"Well, yes we do have thicker blankets but they are all in the store cupboards for tis spring now. Would you have me fetch some?"
Thranduil could see that though the young one (who looked eerily identical to his earlier guide down into the valley) wanted to help he was still completely lost as to why Thranduil thought heavier bedclothes would help.
"Yes please fetch some, say eight or so as quickly as you can – tis a practice we have in the Wood to help our maethyr – those who cannot sleep when in the infirmary or back from a difficult patrol. We tend to use blankets that have been weighted but several thick blankets will accomplish the same thing."
Thranduil was careful to keep his voice to a whisper even as he continued to stroke his son's cheek. "The weight provides a pressure that is calming and relaxing to the hröa and allows the one afflicted to gain meaningful rest."
"Right."
Elronir or Ellahir rushed to the door and slipped out with nary a sound to do as Thranduil had bid and the King found his eyes drawn back to his fretfully sleeping son. He continued to stroke his cheek and whispered comforting nonsense to Legolas wanting nothing more in all of Arda than to make all his hurts, fears and pains go away that very instant.
The young one was not long in retuning - arms laden with thick, soft woollen blankets. Thranduil reluctantly drew back from where he stroked Legolas' cheek and instead took the first blanket offered him by Elronir or Ellahir and placed it over the thin spring blanket that already covered his son.
Slowly and carefully, all whilst murmuring soothing words to Legolas, Thranduil piled the blankets (seven in all) upon his son careful to fully cover him from neck to toe. The older blonde also loosely tucked each one about Legolas until he looked as though he were in a cocoon.
"Will he not overheat in all that Thranduil? I know he is an elf but recently it's been hard to keep him at a steady temperature due to the damage to his hröa." Elrond stood to the side sceptical but doing nothing to interrupt the Elven King.
"Nay, trust me Elrond this works. As I said in the Wood we have blankets that the nethryn have sewn weights into – but here I shall simply have to improvise with a good few heavy blankets. Besides, tis only early Spring – the air is still fresh and quite cool and all the windows in this room are open. He will be well."
Thranduil smoothed the last of the blankets then gently gave Legolas' cheek another fond stroke before he begun to sing. Low, slow and soothing in a Silvan dialect – twas one of the songs Thranduil always sung to his son whenever Legolas found himself laid low in bed by some misfortune.
It took a good half hour but at last Legolas calmed switching from night terrors to more pleasant dream paths and Thranduil nearly sighed in relief pleased that his son was still and no longer caught in the throes of some awful memory. Yet he did not stop singing.
He simply finally made himself comfortable in the chair that Elronir or Ellahir had vacated and sang on as he watched over his precious Lasseg.
~o~
After another hour in which Legolas had not so much as twitched Thranduil deemed it safe to stop singing for the time being and he swept his eyes round the room to land on the young Elronir or Ellahir who had remained in the room – mixing up herbs and medicines at a miniature apothecary at the other end of the room. Elrond himself had left to 'go and assist Erestor' in welcoming the rest of Thranduil's party after promising he would return in time to help administer Legolas' evening dose of medicines.
The young ellon seemed to feel the weight of the Elven King's gaze and he looked up and spoke in a low whisper, "Is there aught that you need Aran-nin?"
Thranduil considered him for a moment – the young one had been naught but helpful and attentive toward Legolas since Thranduil had arrived and doubtless he had been ever since his son had crashed into his life. Thranduil suddenly felt ashamed that he had not even bothered to learn the name of one who had shown his stricken son so much kindness.
"Please forgive me penneth but I missed your name earlier – I am Thranduil and you are…"
"Oh I'm Elrohir Aran-nin, Elrohir Elrondion and truly there is nothing to forgive – seeing your son in such a state…well I am not surprised you did not catch my name earlier."
Thranduil nodded at Elrond's other son, "You are kind to overlook my rudeness."
Legolas' breath hitched just then and in an instant Thranduil's attention was back upon his son as he murmured soothing words once more. Legolas settled again and after a long moment Thranduil looked back over to Elrohir.
"Is this normal for Legolas? To sleep at such an odd hour of the day – tis three hours past noon."
"Aye it is; tis a practice Legolas has taken to over the past two weeks, sleeping through the entire middle of the day until just before the evening meal."
The dark haired twin sighed and pushed his mortar and pestle aside, "It leaves us in a bit of a quandary – as he does need as much sleep as he can get seeing as so much of it is disturbed by night terrors. Then on the other hand Legolas has had hardly any appetite and eats very little – he could truly benefit from being awake for the noon day meal. Still for now Adar has deemed it best that he gets the rest. Then once he is stronger hopefully he will have more of an appetite."
Thranduil gave an understanding hum of acknowledgement before he spoke again, "Legolas never has very much appetite when injured – he oftentimes will not eat at all unless forced to. Left to his own devices he would simply ignore all meals brought to him. When he awakens he shall eat - worry not. I am well versed in coaxing food into him."
Elrohir gave a smile and swivelled on his chair to give the King rather than the medicines he prepared his full attention. "Does he get into these sort of scrapes often? I have already asked him myself but he avoided answering me."
Thranduil gave a soft snort of amusement, "Aye, much to my continuous despair Legolas has a rather unfortunate and irritating knack for falling into these sorts of predicaments." The King frowned then, "Although, I must say, never has he gotten into quite such serious trouble as this."
Thranduil studied his battered, bruised and bandaged son as he now slumbered peacefully before he glanced out one of the windows at the position of Anor. There would be at least another three to four hours before the dinner bell rang depending on when Elrond's Noldos took their evening meal and the Elven King settled himself more comfortably in his bedside chair and began to sing once more as he begun the anxious wait for his son to awaken.
~o~
Legolas gave a small soft groan as he felt his consciousness being dragged back into the realm of wakefulness against his will. He didn't really feel like waking up; he'd only be smothered by a worried Lord Elrond, Elrohir and Elladan. They'd try to coax him into speaking of his ordeal or his bad dreams before they fussed round him, prodding and poking as they checked his wounds and changed his bandages. He'd then be forced to take the vile medicines presented to him before having to choke down a few mouthfuls of food to satisfy them and get them to stop looking at him with such undisguised concern.
On the other hand if he went back to sleep he'd have to deal with his recurring and quite frankly terrifying nightmares. The ones in which he was grabbed at by a thousand rough hands, trussed up like some bird for roasting, stared at and mocked by grey hateful eyes and teasing Sindarin words all whilst his body was deviously and covertly broken in horrible, painful ways. Or perhaps he'd suffer through another one where he was chased by an army of jeering, leering orcs all baying for his blood; he could never quite get away from them –not before he was shot at and pierced by hundreds of their terrible crossbow bolts. The imagined pain enough to set him to screaming his throat raw and scratching at and beating away the caring hands that tried hard to soothe him upon awakening.
Or maybe still another one that came round with awful frequency – the one where Faervel died in his arms, a pool of viscous, poppy red blood all around them as his friend gasped his last breaths as he struggled against the blood that slowly filled his lungs and dribbled down his cheek. And in the dream Faervel always looked at him with sad, reproachful eyes until he choked his last.
Legolas gave another quiet but tortured groan and decided that awakening and being mothered to death by the Peredhil trio would be far preferable to suffering through another round of nightmares should he chose to go back to sleep again. Although strangely enough he did not feel nearly as exhausted and mentally shattered as he usually did upon awakening; almost as if his sleep had actually been restful.
Still pondering the mystery Legolas dragged open his eyes (he was privately rather worried over the fact he still slept with them closed but he'd be damned if he told any of his Peredhil carers.)
The Prince stared at the face looming above him and firmly shut his eyes before he gave a weak rub at them with his good arm for surely he was seeing things. He blinked them open again only to see the same face looming over him. A face that was oh so familiar and had been very much missed by Legolas; yet he still couldn't quite believe it. He must be dreaming – though this was a far better dream than any he'd had recently.
"Ad…" Legolas coughed to clear his dry throat and tried again. "A-adar?" Legolas voiced in wonder.
"Yes ion-nin, Valar I cannot tell you how good it is to see you again – and awake at that." His Adar's face was beaming down at him.
"Adar?" Legolas was still not quite able to wrap his head around what he was seeing. Was this actually real? Or was he suffering a particularly cruel dream – cruel in that it was something he longed for so badly, to no longer be alone in a foreign land, to have a familiar face by his side as he recovered - only to awaken and have it be nothing but his fevered imagination.
Yet a very real feeling hand gently cupped his cheek and his Adar's face drew neared to his as he touched his brow to Legolas' and the younger blonde found his sense of smell flooded with the familiar scent of his father. A unique combination of pine, oak sap and fresh green grass – the epitome of their beloved Wood.
"I am here ion-nin, truly I am here – wonder no more. I am here with you. Sîdh."
Slowly his Adar pulled away to move back into a sitting positon and Legolas gasped at the loss of contact unwilling to forgo it so soon and his good hand shot out to grasp the hand his Adar had held cupped to his cheek.
"Adar."
"Sîdh ion-nin – I am here, relax. Elrohir will be ready with your medicines shortly then you can have something to eat. Sîdh."
Yet Legolas did not calm as a maelstrom of emotions surged though him at the sight of his Adar. Pure joy raced through him at the same time as consternation, sadness and even a little anger. Joy for his Adar was here and Legolas was no longer alone; consternation, sadness and anger over the secret his Adar had kept from him in regards to Faervel being his bodyguard.
Legolas simply gaped at his father for a good long while before the wild joy of having his Adar here with him at one of the very lowest times of his life overshadowed any negative feeling.
His. Adar. Was. Here.
And in that very moment that was all that mattered to Legolas.
"Adar!" With a tearful sob Legolas threw himself at his father and nothing had ever felt better than the strong arms that gently closed round him in a protective hug.
Overwhelmed Legolas began to cry in earnest as he finally fully let fly all the pent up emotions he'd held in since that fateful morning.
All the pain, the hurt, the isolation, the loss he had had felt and suffered through came rushing up from where Legolas had buried them deep and flooded out of him in wave after wave of harsh sobs that wracked his prone frame.
On some level he knew he was worrying his Adar for never before had he ever reacted like this; he'd been through very difficult things before and had managed to keep hold of himself. Yet the horror of all that Legolas had endured these past weeks saw the younger blonde unable to keep hold of his emotions now that they had finally broken free. He clutched all the harder at his Adar unmindful of the aches and pains that bloomed across his body at such actions.
Legolas clung desperately to Thranduil as a lifeline through the violent emotional storm that assailed him – completely unable to silence the crying that shook him – and was gratified to feel himself being held closer in return.
Soothing words were murmured into his hair and gentle hands rubbed his back and rocked him slowly back and forth; and though Legolas still cried he felt somewhere deep inside him as though some small weight had been lifted from his very fëa.
~o~
Thranduil caught hold of his son in surprise as Legolas launched himself at him and enveloped him within his arms as he tried in vain to soothe his distraught son, "Sîdh, sîdh Lasseg-nin – it is ok – I am here and you will be well again."
Yet Legolas only gripped him harder, tighter, more desperately and Thranduil could not help the pang of worry that flitted through him as he thought of the pain such actions might be causing his son. Yet he pulled Legolas just that bit closer – so that his youngest was practically sitting on his lap – despite knowing it better to coax Legolas back into lying upon his bed again. Judging by the way his son held him in a death grip Thranduil figured Legolas would react very badly to being pushed away from him now.
So he continued to murmur nonsense words against limp golden hair that had lost its luster and began to gently rock the too light frame within his arms. His hands instinctively rubbed soothing circles into a heavily bandaged back and slowly ever so slowly Thranduil maneuvered himself so that both he and Legolas were back upon the bed. With patience and deliberate yet delicate touches Thranduil eased his son back into a more comfortable lying down position against him never once stopping his continuous babble of soothing nonsense even though he was quite sure Legolas heard naught over the sobs that shook his battered frame.
Thranduil frowned at this before he managed to remember Elrond's words, caught himself and smoothed his face back into neutral. Not since he'd been an elfling at Celeblassel's own funeral had Thranduil ever seen Legolas so distraught.
And that worried him. Deeply.
Thranduil looked up around the room to see if he could glean anything from Elrohir by looks alone yet the room was empty and the King could only assume the twin had left to give him and Legolas privacy.
Frustration threatened but Thranduil pushed it aside with practiced ease – he would have time enough to question both Elrond and his offspring on all they knew of Legolas' condition.
Still that thought did little to calm his troubled mind even as he continued to try and soothe his son. What terrors had Legolas been through that would see him collapse into an emotional wreck like this?
Thranduil could clearly feel the fear, pain, grief and shame that rolled off his son in palpable waves and he pulled him just a fraction closer ever mindful of the bandages that hid Legolas' hurts from his sight. The King did not try to shush his son, simply held him as the toxic emotions poured forth freely; though it hurt him almost as a physical pain to see Legolas thusly Thranduil knew it was good for his son to get rid of these emotions. He'd never recover properly if he kept them all bottled up inside.
And that was all Thranduil wanted – for his son to recover, be declared well enough for travel whereupon Thranduil would whisk him away back to the comfort, familiarity and safety of their palace home.
Thranduil held back a sigh, it was times like this where he regretted his title of King – for perhaps had he not held it Legolas would have chosen a different path than that of the warrior. Yet from birth Legolas was destined to serve the realm via military service; it was tradition, it was proper and it was what was expected of those in the Royal family – to lead by example. After all they could not expect others to serve when they themselves were loath to do so.
But that did not mean Thranduil had to like it, had to like seeing both his children becoming efficient, deadly tools in the seemingly ever ending war against Darkness. He'd far rather that they had been able to choose a different, less violent path – one less likely to leave them trembling, terrified, damaged messes that he had to clean up.
The Elven King shook himself from his dark thoughts – they'd not help, not now. Futilely wiping away another tear from his son's face Thranduil began to sing again - both he and Legolas sorely needed the distraction.
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
Blessed Lady Elbereth is nigh.
~o~
At length Legolas' sobs subsided into hiccups before they too calmed into mere sniffles and Thranduil gave his son another delicate hug before he tilted Legolas' face up towards his own.
"I know not what you have suffered through Las-nin but it is clear to me that you have suffered and for that I am deeply sorry. I would protect you from every hurt if I could and it galls me I could do nothing to stop this harm from being inflicted upon you."
Thranduil ran a slightly shaky hand through the ends of Legolas' knotted hair as he willed his rage away yet again. "I am here now though ion-nin and I will do all in my power to see you recovered, hale, whole and returned to our Wood again."
Legolas said nothing, only gave a long, sad sounding sniff and Thranduil's heart went out to him, "Ah ion-nin it pains me beyond measure to see you thus. Would you speak to your Adar of what is on your heart and mind? For I can see the weight of what you bear is almost crushing you and I would take some of the burden if I could."
There was complete silence as Legolas seemed to wrestle with himself over something before the Prince spoke in a soft shaky voice, "Vel is dead…he died…because of me…"
Legolas choked on a sob before he was able to continue just as shakily, "Vel is dead…because he came after me…because you pledged him to it…why…why Adar? How could you ask him such a thing?"
Legolas collapsed into sobs again and Thranduil gave a long slow exhale as he contemplated what he could possibly say that would explain the situation with Faervel, comfort his son and go some way to alleviating Legolas' grief.
Truth would be best Thranduil decided however hard it was to bear; no matter how much Legolas might come to resent him.
Pushing aside the sting of the accusation that had been in Legolas' voice Thranduil began slowly, "Faervel was a brave and loyal friend Legolas – you know this. What you did not know however was the extent of his loyalty and friendship toward you; just how far he was willing to go in his love for you."
Thranduil took a deep breath and plowed on, "The idea of becoming a Royal Bodyguard was Faervel's alone – none can be coerced into such a position as well you know – he came freely and willingly, ready to pledge his life in protection of yours."
Legolas gave a pained sound at this but Thranduil continued undeterred, "He passed with flying colours; was one of the best candidates to have ever undertaken the trails in millennia yet I was still hesitant to name him your bodyguard. I feared it would ruin your friendship and that he was too young for such a serious oath and undertaking. Indeed I did turn him down, yet both Faervel and his own Naneth begged for him to be given the opportunity to protect his friend – one he considered as his very own gwedyr."
"How could you have changed your mind?" Legolas' voice was hoarse with emotion, "How could you have let him talk you round? You should have stuck to your decision Adar…if you had then Vel would not be…would not be dead."
Thranduil flinched ever so slightly at the even stronger accusation from his son but answered truthfully, "I changed my mind as I could see none of the other candidates would care for you so completely. Faervel's love for you was not lightly given and I knew he would do his utmost to keep you, my precious son, as safe and as sound as he could. You are blessed indeed to have found friendship such as his was."
"But it is no more…it is gone now…because he took some stupid pledge to protect my life like it was worth any more than his own. And you…" Legolas took a deep steading breath, "You let him. I do not understand how you could be so selfish…am I really worth more than any one elf?"
Thranduil sighed heavily, Legolas' words hurt. Yet is seemed his son was still not done.
"And worse than all that – as if letting my best friend take a suicide pledge were not bad enough – you keep the entire thing secret from me for centuries." Legolas was crying again now – big, fat tears that rolled silently down his pained face, "How could you? Did you not think that I deserved to know? He was my friend Adar…one of my very best friends…and now…he is gone…"
Legolas' words ended on a wail and he collapsed in on himself as he shook with sobs once more. Thranduil reached to pull him close again but this time Legolas held himself stiffly and Thranduil sighed again.
"The pledge Faervel undertook should never be besmirched as stupid nor suicidal Legolas. It is a serious and selfless pledge and it takes a great amount of love to undertake it. Do not cast aside what Faervel did for you so easily as that. That dishonours his name and I know that is not your intention. Faervel took his oaths in love and that is what you should remember of him – his loyalty, his friendship, his boundless love."
Thranduil gently ran his hand through Legolas' hair again as his son's posture softened ever so slightly. "As for the secrecy you can blame me for that entirely – none is to be put at Faervel's door. I ordered him to hold off on telling you; you had been so dead set against having a bodyguard, so adamantly against it that I knew you would take the news poorly. Especially if it came from Faervel. So I told him to keep silent on it and that I would tell you myself."
"It is much to my great shame that I never did – first there was that great incursion of wargs that drew my mind away from all else followed by the flash floods that swept through numerous parts of the forest. After that you were away on patrol after patrol as a novice warrior and I never could force myself to bring up a topic that could well cause an argument on the precious few days of leave you had back then." Thranduil pulled a more willing Legolas closer, "Afterwards, you graduated as a fully-fledged maethron and when you and Faervel were both put into the same troop I figured you would guess for yourself. The years went by and you were both promoted at the same time again - from the Standard Forces to the Elite Guard – once more in the same troop and I simply assumed you had figured it out by then and had made your peace with it."
Thranduil huffed a sigh before he smiled fondly, "Did Faervel really not tell you after all these years?"
Legolas sniffed, "Nay he did not – he followed your orders to the bitter end – he even went so far as to have a glamour covering up his Royal Bodyguard tattoo. I found out quite by accident, just recently when he came in search of me; he was exhausted and the glamour failed." Legolas' face crumpled, "We had quite the argument about it – I was very nasty to him…" the Prince shook with sobs again and Thranduil's heart clenched.
"I am sorry Las-nin, I know it means nothing at all now but I never meant this to be some on-going deception. I was honestly distracted at first and then too craven and selfish to risk causing an argument or rift with you. Then as the years went by I guess I just convinced myself you had figured it out; what with the way Faervel had become your over-protective shadow."
"I never thought anything of it," Legolas snuffled sadly. "He was a great warrior so I never questioned his promotions and I simply thought it good luck we had been placed into the same troop twice. As for his over protectiveness he was like that with Tauriel and Aeglosson too – I did not think he aimed it specifically at me only – just that he was the 'mother hen' type."
Thranduil pressed a soft kiss just under his son's bandaged brow, "I took the easy way out in this and in the end it has caused you a great deal of hurt and for that I am sorry ion-nin. As I said it was never my intention to have a centuries-long deception going nor did I want to cause a rift between you and Faervel. All I wanted was to not have an argument with my son." Thranduil tilted Legolas' head so that his son was looking him in the eye, "I was truly convinced that you had figured it out; had I known you were still in the dark I would have told you. Please believe me Lasseg, I did not specifically go out of my way to lie to you – no matter how it seems."
Legolas sniffed again, "You intentionally neglected to tell me – is that not the same as lying to me?"
Thranduil held back a pained sigh at the tremor and sadness in his son's voice, "I guess it is. Still – I want you to know my intent was not malicious, misguided by a father's selfish love perhaps but never malicious. I know I cannot turn back time and undo what has been done but I am here for you now – whatever you may need. I am here and I will do my best to never fail you so again." Thranduil paused a moment as he studied the grief and sadness so plainly visible in Legolas' eyes. "You should put your argument with Faervel from your mind – he will have forgiven you – you know this. Faervel was not one for grudges."
"I…I was very mean to him Adar…you do not understand…I was very angry…"
"I understand well enough ion-nin; I too am oft given to the legendary temper of the House of Oropher. Yet as I say Faervel would not have held your pique against you – he would've understood your surprise and anger well enough and forgiven you. Truly Las-nin you were blessed with his friendship and love. You should feel guilt over your argument with Faervel no longer – he was ever indulgent with you and I know he passed onto Mandos with no grievance against you."
Legolas blew out a heavy breath, "I know…for I…I held him…as he died and he told me as much…told me not to despair nor take on any guilt for what happened to him…but I do not see how I am supposed to do that when it is my fault that he now resides in Mandos." Legolas whispered his next words almost choking on his grief, "had Vel not come after me he would still be alive."
"Do you really think Faervel would have stayed put willingly whilst you were missing – even if he had not been your bodyguard?" Thranduil gave a soft snort, "I had to command Tauriel and Aeglosson to remain at the palace and even set watches on them for I knew they would defy me given the slightest chance and I know Faervel would have been exactly the same bodyguard or no. He did not follow after you because of a pledge – but simply because of his love and friendship for you. Think on that and then you may find that it is not so difficult to do as Faervel has asked and relinquish your guilt."
Thranduil kissed the top of his son's head. He could feel Elrond's presence outside the chamber along with those of his son's and the older blonde supposed it was time for Legolas to have his medicines and to have his bandages checked on and changed.
The Elven King forced a smile to his face, "Your Peredhil nurses await Lasseg – shall I let them in?"
Abruptly Legolas stiffened against him and Thranduil frowned in concern yet before he could say anything Legolas gave a weary sigh and pressed into Thranduil's embrace a little more firmly.
"Can you not tell them I have fallen back asleep Adar? I am weary of being fussed with and prodded at and I…well I am simply exhausted – I cannot deal with them right now."
Thranduil frowned all the harder at Legolas' admission for he knew that the vast majority of his son's weariness was likely emotional and due to the conversation they had just had.
The Elven King rested his cheek atop his son's head, "I know you have no fondness for healers and their procedures ion-nin but nevertheless I cannot turn Lord Elrond away – his treatment no matter how painful or uncomfortable just now is needed if you are ever to get well enough to return home again."
Legolas drooped all the more and gave a small shake of his head, "I am so tired of it all Adar; so very, very tired of everything – I really don't think I can bear a minute more. I'm so exhausted."
Thranduil cradled his son and begun to rock him ever so slightly, "I am so sorry for all you have had to bear and still must bear Lasseg – truly I am. I promise you I will do all in my power to help you now and more than that I promise I will do even better to protect you in the future. I will do all that I can to see that you never have to suffer thus again."
The older blonde kissed the top of Legolas' head once more, "I am so, so, very sorry for all of this ion-nin; and you have my deepest sympathies in regards to Faervel – I know how dear he was to you. I hope in time you will come to forgive me for never revealing his true occupation to you."
Legolas felt guilt prick at him as he listened to his Adar's groveling apologies (for Thranduil groveled to none); he was angry with his Adar over the deception yet at the same time he had perhaps been a bit harsh with his accusations. After all as Thranduil had pointed out bodyguard or no it was highly likely Faervel would have come after him anyway – it was not as though Thranduil had deliberately sent Faervel to his death after all. How could his Adar have known such a tragedy would have occurred? Was it not really his fault for not making sure all the orcs he and Faervel had faced down were truly dead? It was he who had failed in this most basic of training not his Adar. And yet the deception – whether willful or not still stung.
Legolas sighed, his thoughts were going round in circles and were completely exhausting him. At this point it hurt to think and the thought of letting the Peredhil in to poke at him and cause him further pain was not appealing just then. Yet his Adar was right – he'd never get any better and get past this stage if he did not do as he must now.
The Prince let himself enjoy the safety and comfort his Adar's gently rocking arms for one long moment more before he finally made a weak pull away from Thranduil.
"You are right Adar; I'll never get any better unless I endure my healers for a while longer – you may send them in."
Thranduil nodded and gently disentangled himself from Legolas, "Right. Would you like me to remain or shall I wait outside? Perhaps fetch you something to eat?"
Legolas thought of the myriad of cuts, welts and bruises that adorned his person – it would perhaps be best if his Adar remained in ignorance of just how much he had suffered. Besides Legolas could feel the now familiar sense of shame spread through him at the thought of his Adar seeing his weakness laid bare.
The younger blonde glanced up as his father stood up from the bed and straightened, "Ah…you do not need to stay – you can wait outside."
Thranduil gave a terse nod of his head and a flicker of some emotion that passed across his face too quickly for Legolas to identify made the Prince speak up again.
"It is not because of the issue with Faervel or anything like that Adar; you have asked for my forgiveness and though I am still hurt right now I will forgive you in time. Indeed I believe I have already begun to do so for I know you would never do anything to intentionally hurt me. It is just…I am…I just…it is difficult for me Adar." Legolas blew a frustrated breath as he struggled to explain himself, "I…I can barely stand letting Hir Elrond and the Elrondionnath see me in such a state. I do not think I could bear to have to face you also…it…it shames me Adar."
Thranduil was there in an instant and pressed another firm kiss to Legolas' head, "You have naught to be ashamed of Legolas – do you understand me? None of this – no matter what happened or what was done to you is cause for you to feel shame. Please…please put that emotion far from you. You have nothing to be ashamed of – you will forever remain Prince Legolas Thranduilion of the Royal House of Oropher, Captain of an Elite Guard troop and my indomitable son." Thranduil angled Legolas face so he could look him in the eyes, "You need never be ashamed of anything."
Legolas felt a new strength from his Adar's fierce words of love and he gave what felt like his first genuine smile in weeks. "Le fael Adar."
Thranduil gave a firm nod and one more kiss before he swept from the room to see Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan and a freshly bathed Aglardaer waiting on a bench outside.
"I am sorry if you have waited overlong Elrond – Legolas is ready for you all now."
"Do not be silly – I would never begrudge you your reunion with your son however long it may have taken. Will you not remain with Legolas as we check him over?"
"Nay – I will fetch him something to eat and return once you are done with him."
Elrond waved a hand airily, "Oh you needn't bother yourself Thranduil – I will have a servant fetch his meal up once we are ready."
Thranduil shook his head, "With all due respect Elrond, Legolas looks like a starved urchin – Noldor food clearly doesn't sit well with him – I will see to his meal myself. If you'd be so kind as to point me to the kitchens…"
Elrond considered sending Elladan to show the blonde the way but one glance at Thranduil told him the Elven King was silently seething and he saw no reason to subject his eldest to Thranduil's wrath.
"Follow this corridor back to the main staircase, go down it and once you are in the main hall take the fourth doorway on your left. There will be servants milling around who will be happy to offer further assistance should you need it."
Thranduil gave a jerky nod of thanks and started off down the corridor anger in every step.
Aglardaer threw Elrond a weak smile before he too started swiftly down the corridor to catch up to his King. Elrond had warned him of Legolas' condition but he had half been hoping that the Peredhil Lord had exaggerated in that way that healers sometimes did. Evidently it was not so – judging by the stony expression with which Thranduil had exited every word Elrond had spoken was true.
With a few more hurried steps Aglardaer pulled into stride with Thranduil, "Is he truly that badly off?"
Thranduil said nothing for a moment and Aglardaer watched his friend physically unclench his teeth before he ground out, "I will kill those edain regardless of whatever decision the council has come to. They deserve no mercy from me. I will see them dead."
~o~
Aglardaer watched with no small amount of trepidation as his King stormed into Elrond's kitchens and caused all the staff to pause in their work to gape at the two strange Sindar so suddenly in their midst.
The Crown Commander needn't have feared Thranduil's behaviour toward the staff however, for as per usual his friend was naught but polite to the brave serving elleth who approached him. Aglardaer positioned himself to the side against a wall as he did his best to be as unobtrusive as possible, and watched as Thranduil reeled off a list of ingredients to the elleth before him in a polite manner albeit with a flat and toneless voice. That tone of voice or rather lack of it in his friend saw Aglardaer straighten and move to Thranduil's side as the elleth departed with a quick curtsey before she disappeared into a well-stocked larder.
"You are scaring Elrond's staff," Aglardaer hissed at his King even as he gave what he hoped was a warm and unthreatening smile toward two rather young ellyn who kept throwing them nervous looks.
Thranduil turned toward him, his face an inscrutable mask to any who did not know him as well as Aglardaer, "I was polite. I see no issue with my behaviour."
The words were clipped, each syllable cut off to make Thranduil's thick and proper Sindar accent stand out even more and was a sign to Aglardaer just how angry Thranduil still was. His King had seethed and stomped his way through Elrond's halls as they had made for the kitchens and it had clearly done little in ways of easing Thranduil's fury.
Aglardaer held back a sigh, "I did not say you were rude – I said you are scaring Elrond's very Noldor staff who are not used to wild wood elves who go about leaking murderous intent from their every pore." Aglardaer dropped his voice to an even lower whisper, "Valar Thranduil, likely some of these have never even seen a sword – so can you at least try to reign in your killing intent whilst we are here? Save it for the egyl edain when we get back home."
For the very aura of Thranduil's homicidal anger and the power behind it had filled the room and Aglardaer was sure that was what was responsible for the sudden uneasy hush that had filled the space.
Thranduil scowled at him and seemed about to give some sharp retort when the serving elleth appeared again heavy laden with a tray filled with Thranduil's requests and Aglardaer watched as his friend forced a smile to his face as he thanked the elleth all whilst the room slowly cleared of the Elven King's murderous intent.
Aglardaer clapped him on the back with an approving smile before he leaned over Thranduil's shoulder to better get a look at the ingredients his friend had requested.
Immediately Aglardaer saw what Thranduil intended to make and he could not stop the frown that worked itself onto his features and he found himself parroting his earlier words, "Is Legolas really that badly off?"
Thranduil said nothing and simply began to dice the berries before him before dropping them into the large mortar to his side.
Aglardaer sighed, he knew this recipe – a common one among Woodland warriors who had been grievously injured and found themselves unable to eat or abide solid foods. Twas a thick and nearly smooth drink prepared with berries – any kind would do – a leafy green for the added protein, minerals and fibre and just a drop of milk and honey to thin and sweeten. A nutritious meal in the form of an easy to swallow drink that was made for the truly badly off.
Aglardaer watched grim-faced as Thranduil continued his mixing and preparation before finally pouring the finished drink into such a small glass that Aglardaer's frown deepened further.
Thranduil rid himself of the trimmings and his tools and turned small glass in hand, "Perhaps now you understand why I had such a hard time containing my fury. Come, let us return – Elrond will be finishing up with Legolas shortly and I want him to have all of this." Sadness clouded the King's eyes for but a twinkling of a moment, "He is badly in need of it; the look of a starved waif is not one my son ought to wear any longer."
With a nod of thanks Thranduil swept from the room of still stunned Noldor and after his own quick thanks to the elleth that had helped his King Aglardaer followed after friend; mind carefully pulling apart and analysing everything Elrond had told him.
Yes – he could suddenly understand Thranduil's earlier pique with all clarity as he now fought with himself to keep his own deadly ire suppressed.
~o~
Legolas did his best not to wince as Lord Elrond began to gently remove his old bandages from his still inflamed shoulder. Despite having suffered through this procedure many times on his own since arriving in Imladris Legolas found himself tense, anxiety sweeping through him at the absence of his Adar. It was foolish to feel that way he knew – especially when he had been the one to ask Thranduil to leave and yet he could not shake the feeling. Couldn't allow himself to relax even with Elrohir and Elladan doing their best to distract him; Legolas found his eyes kept wandering to the door through which his Adar had swept as though if he stared hard enough he would be able to see through it.
"Please try to relax Ernil," Lord Elrond's voice broke into Legolas' thoughts. "I know this is painful but I need you a little more relaxed than this or this will hurt you even more."
Legolas drew in a deep shaky breath and tried to relax as asked yet the tension within him refused to dissipate. He would feel better with his Adar by his side – despite their disagreement over Faervel and the lingering shame Legolas felt over what had happened to him – his Adar's looming presence and reassuring words filled with love had made him feel safe in a way he hadn't even realised he hadn't been feeling even whilst in Lord Elrond's own home.
With his Adar in the room Legolas knew he'd be able to relax as requested. "Hir Elrond would you be able to ask my Adar to come back in? I think I'd feel more at ease if he were here after all."
"I'm sorry Legolas your Adar does not wait outside but has gone down to the kitchens."
"To the kitchens?"
Elrond gave a soft smile, "Yes, he doesn't think 'Noldor food' agrees with you and has gone to prepare and fetch you something to eat himself."
"You'll have to forgive him Hir Elrond – there is naught wrong with your food as I've said before – I just haven't any appetite whatsoever."
Legolas forced a smile of his own to his face in an attempt to hide the disappointment and sense of unease that had crept over him upon hearing his Adar was nowhere in the vicinity.
Elrond however did not miss it and gave the Prince a bright, reassuring smile, "He will return soon – by the time we are done here he'll likely be ready and impatiently waiting at the door."
Legolas nodded and gave himself a mental shake; he could sit through his treatment on his own as he had done many times already. He did not need his Adar here beside him – and besides he had the twins with him. Still even as he did his best to follow and contribute to the debate the twins were having Legolas could not quite suppress the anxiety and longing that his Adar's absence had left him with.
Legolas hadn't realised it but he'd been supressing his homesickness and loneliness much more ruthlessly than he'd thought and now that he'd finally had a taste of the familiar comforts of family and home he was loathe to part with it. He felt almost sick with nerves at the thought of being left on his own – a stranger in a foreign land – once again. He'd been alone for so long, cut off and isolated from all he was familiar and comfortable with; apart from those he held dear and loved and whom made him feel safe for such a long time that even this brief absence was now causing him to feel fretful and anxious.
It was silly to feel thus he knew, but Legolas couldn't shake the feeling and kept anxious eyes upon the door even as he gave half-hearted answers and replies to the twins, as he allowed Lord Elrond to poke, prod, clean and re-bandage – desperate to see his Adar and all the safety and comfort he represented once more.
~o~
Elrohir tied off the long braid he had pulled Legolas' hair into and tapped the Prince's good shoulder allowing him to settle back down into the nest of pillows that kept him easily propped up.
"There you are finished for today," Elrohir gave Legolas a smile which the blonde returned half-heartedly and Elrohir resisted the urge to sigh. Legolas had been as tense as when they had first met him all evening and he could not quite understand it. They had gotten to know each other fairly well and though Legolas was still not overly keen on being excessively touched and handled Elrohir thought that they had made enough progress that Legolas could be relaxed around them – even during his treatment.
The sable haired twins' musings were interrupted by a light knock at the door along with the Elven King's deep baritone and Elrohir watched how the tension and anxiety that had been present in Legolas dissipated as though it had never been.
"May I come in Elrond?"
"Yes Adar come in we are finished," the relief in Legolas' words were clear and Elrohir could not help but smile at the Prince's eagerness to see his Adar again.
Elrohir could hardly fault him – Legolas had been through a great ordeal and had been through a lot of it on his own – he could not be blamed for clinging to the comfort now available to him in the form of his father.
The Elven King entered, gave his Adar a quick thanks which Elrond waved aside before the older blonde was at Legolas' side – eyes anxiously checking him over.
"Are you well ion-nin?"
"Aye Adar, I am now that my treatment and medicines are done with for today." Legolas threw a cheeky grin at Lord Elrond and Elrohir felt relief at seeing Legolas be more himself again. He had honestly been worried that the Prince was about to take another turn for the worse.
"Good," Thranduil beamed though there was still some unnamed emotion that lurked in his eyes as he continued to run his eyes over every inch of his son that he could see. "I've brought your dinner."
Legolas blanched slightly, "I am not really hungry Adar I…"
Thranduil held up a hand to halt Legolas mid flow, "You will have this Legolas. You must, or the treatment which you claim to hate so much will never be over and done with. It is all very well Elrond keeping your bandages clean and feeding you numerous medicines but your hröa needs sustenance to work alongside Elrond's treatment else it shall all be for naught."
"But the very thought of food Adar it makes me feel so, so ill. I am not being deliberately difficult."
Thranduil settled himself into the bedside chair at Legolas' side and gave a small snort, "Well for once I will believe that," Thranduil smirked. "That is why I have made this." Thranduil produced a small glass with a thick, dark pink liquid inside and placed it in his son's good hand. "Drink."
"All of it?"
"There is hardly anything there Las-nin. Drink."
Elrohir watched in fascination and some small frustration as Legolas obediently begun to slowly and delicately sip at the drink. He put on a mock pout as he looked to the Elven King, "That is just not fair – Adar and I have laboured long and hard to get him to drink even that much water and have gotten nowhere."
Thranduil threw a stern glance toward his son who pretended not to notice before he faced Elrohir, "Legolas is a difficult patient so I am not surprised he has given you so much trouble. But you can worry no longer; whilst I am here Legolas will eat or drink everything put before him. Is that not correct ion-nin?"
"Mhmm," Legolas mumbled and nodded his agreement still much to the amazement and mock grievance of Elrohir.
"So is it just your Adar whom you will heed in matters of your health or is it simply that you disliked what we put before you? Does 'Noldo food' truly not suit a Woodland Prince?" Elrohir teased.
Legolas smirked and said nothing as he continued his slow sips and Thranduil shook his head at his son's antics.
"As I've said Legolas is simply a most difficult and rather irritating patient – however I have long since perfected the art of getting him to eat and drink as he should."
"Oh pray do tell," Elrohir drawled amusement clearly dancing in his eyes.
"Well tis quite simple really – I merely death glare him into submission. Should that not work the next step is to promise him an extended stay in the healing wards strapped to his bed and under a full guard – for his own good of course…you know to make one hundred percent sure he is well."
"Adar," Legolas turned scandalised eyes upon his father and Elrohir snickered.
"I will bear that in mind Aran-nin."
Legolas gave a small, haughty sniff, "No offense Elrohir but I think you will have to skip straight to step two – no one can out glare Adar. Truly, once you have seen his 'I-am-your-King-and-Father-and-you-will-obey-me' glare even the glare of dragon will not phase you."
The two collapsed into sniggers, Elladan rolling his eyes heartily at them before Thranduil heaved a great sigh, "Your son is a terrible influence Elrond; Legolas needs no further aid in becoming incorrigible."
"I think you will find Thranduil that Legolas is the chief instigator in any and all mischief to be found here."
The two leaders shared a glance and the first real smile in centuries before Elrond gave his hands a clap.
"Right Elrohir let Legolas finish up his drink for this is the most he has had since he's been here and I do not want you making him giddy with laughter and cause him to throw it all up again."
"I would never Adar."
"Yes Hir-nin you needn't worry – I have finished see?" Legolas held the now empty glass aloft to the mighty approval of all in the room.
"Good," Thranduil removed the glass from his son, "you will perhaps manage a bigger glass on the morrow."
"What was it by the way Aran-nin? No offense but it looked a lot less appetising than much of what we have been attempting to get Legolas to eat and yet he has drank it all."
Elrohir was curious over the dark pink drink Thranduil had presented his son and could tell from the look in his Adar's eyes that Elrond was too. Who knew, perhaps it would be something they could implement in their own healing regimens.
"Tis a thickened drink we feed our warriors and indeed any who has suffered any grievous ailment or injury that has caused them to be unable to abide solid foods." A dark look crossed Thranduil's face for a second before it disappeared, "Berries are squashed together into juice – though we do leave some pulp to get the stomach used to solids again – before we add a leafy green high in protein and fibre. We usually use spinach, arugula or dandelion but in this I have used kale since that is what was available here; the berries were strawberry and raspberry which gave the drink its deep pink colour. A little honey is oft added to sweeten and the drink is thinned out with milk or sometimes water depending on the needs of the patient."
"We tend to use water when out in the field, "Legolas piped up, "for milk is hard to come by when on patrol."
"You know how to make this drink too?" Elrohir questioned the Prince and the younger blonde nodded.
"All warriors of the realm – whether fully trained in the healing arts or not are taught how to prepare this drink should aught go ill when on a mission or on patrol and likely all have had to drink it at some point or another." The Prince gave a sleepy smile, "Despite the dark, ominous colour caused by the leaves in the mixture the drink tastes rather nice. One of very few things which are good for you which does not taste awful."
Legolas' words finished on a yawn and Thranduil's eyes were instantly intensely focused back upon his son.
"I think it is best if you take some more rest now ion-nin."
Legolas looked set to protest but Elrohir held up a hand, "Nay Legolas – your Adar is right – take some rest and don't exhaust yourself. Especially not after you've finally had some sustenance," Elrohir stuck his tongue out at the pouting Prince. "Trust me the medicines, the drink and some rest will all combine and do you a world of good. Ladan and I will be back to see you on the morrow."
"Fine…" a great yawn nearly split Legolas' face clean in two, "on the morrow."
Elrohir stood to join Elladan who was already at the door and paused for a moment to watch how Thranduil with the help of his Adar layered the heavy blankets back upon an unresisting and now heavily blinking Legolas. The Prince looked entirely relaxed and a lot less anxious than he usually was when it came time for him to retire for the night and Elrohir hoped that the comfort of knowing his father watched over him as he slept would allow for Legolas to have one night free of nightmares.
"Hodo vae Ernil," Elrohir gave a fond wave before he turned his back on the scene and followed his twin out of the door.
~o~
Elrond exited the Prince's private room and was surprised to see Aglardaer idly polishing one of the many daggers scattered on the bench next to him.
"Have you been sat here all this time Aglardaer? I am sorry I did not know you intended to visit with the Prince – though he has not been keen on visitors and prepares for sleep now."
Aglardaer waved away the apologies with his knife, "I did not intend to visit Legolas – I know my Prince is never keen on having visitors when he lies upon his sick bed."
Elrond frowned in confusion at the Commander, "Thranduil will be spending the night with Legolas if it is him you wait for."
"I would expect nothing else." Aglardaer looked up for the first time from his now shiny dagger, "Sorry Elrond I need no assistance, I simply wait upon them both should either have a need of me."
"I believe they will both sleep now or at least try to – will you not do the same? I can walk you to your quarters if you like?"
"Avaro naeth Elrond, Im maer; truly I will be fine just here – this is my duty – to watch over the Royal family and I think I will do so best from here…at least for this first night. Should either need anything Thranduil knows he has but to call. So I thank you for your concern but I'll not be seeking my bed this night."
"As you wish it Aglardaer," the Peredhil Lord gave the silver haired ellon before him a firm squeeze of the shoulder, "Should you require anything yourself please know my door is open to you."
"Le athae Elrond. Your kindness to us all is appreciated."
Elrond nodded and the Peredhil made his way down the corridors light steps fading into nothingness.
Aglardaer took up another knife and begun to polish anew. After all he had discovered of his Prince's condition and seen how that had directly affected Thranduil Aglardaer had no intention of leaving their sides – not just yet. Not until he could be sure that all would be well once more with the ones he considered as precious as his own family.
~o~
"Sleep Las-nin." Thranduil glanced over at his son who seemed to be trying his best not to succumb to the sleep that so clearly tugged at him.
"I…I am…" Legolas gave a small sigh before falling silent, shame not allowing him to complete the sentence.
"You are what ion-nin? Do you require anything? What do you need so you can rest easily?" Thranduil pushed back a strand of hair that had come lose from the braid Elrohir had plaited his son's hair into.
"I…I am…I am scared of sleeping…I…I suffer nightmares so vivid, so real – it is as though I am there again and…and everything is happening anew. I…I do not want that…I just want to sleep but sleep brings with it such…such terror, such pain and loss all over again." Legolas sighed keeping his eyes firmly down and focussed upon the heavy blankets which swaddled him, "I am loath to close my eyes Adar."
Thranduil once again quickly smote the anger that rose in his breast in the face of his son's clear anguish and gave Legolas' cheek a gentle kiss. "I am here ion-nin; I am here as are the entirety of my Elite, Crown Commander Aglardaer and Bôr. Lord Elrond and the Elrondionnath too look out for you and believe me Lasseg when I say you are perfectly and completely safe here. Naught can touch you and you have absolutely nothing to fear."
Thranduil smoothed his son's blankets and kissed his cheek again, "You are surrounded on all sides by the love of those who care for you Las-nin. Let your mind focus on that and trust yourself to sleep." The Elven King canted a knowing glance at both the door to Legolas' room as well as the maple just visible outside his window, "We all stand watch over you this night – you are guarded on every side. So let your mind focus on and trust that fact and sleep. Go to sleep ion-nin. I will be here in the morning."
Legolas did as asked and let his mind focus on the strength and care of the all the ones his Adar had listed as protecting him and felt peace as it begun to slowly creep over him. More than that he was very aware of his Adar's solid, safe and loving presence in the room beside him ready to keep all harm and fear – both imaginary and real – far, far from him.
With that knowledge Legolas found himself drifting off into a deep and nightmare free sleep for the first time in weeks.
He was found, he was safe and his Adar was right by his side – maybe, just maybe he would be able to get through this ordeal after all.
TBC.
Peredhil – Half Elven
Ellon/Ellyn – Male Elf/Elves
Adar – Father
Lasseg – Little Leaf – Family nickname for Legolas / Lasseg-nin – My Little Leaf
Ŷn yrch – Sons (ŷn is plural of ion) of Orcs (Yrch is plural of orch)
Annin - Literally: For me – Sindarin version of Please
Maethyr – (plural) Warriors
Hröa – Body (Quenya)
Nethryn – Weavers
Aran-nin - My King
Penneth – Young One
Anor – Sun
Ion-nin – My Son
Sîdh – Peace
Fëa – Soul (Quenya)
Las-nin – My Leaf
Naneth - Mother
Gwedyr – Sworn Brother
Maethron – Warrior
Hir / Hir-nin – Lord / My Lord
Elrondionnath – Sons of Elrond
Le fael – Literally: You are generous – Sindarin version of Thank you
Edain – (Plural of Adan) Men
Elleth - Female elf
Egyl Edain – Evil Men
Ernil – Prince
Hodo vae - Rest well
Avaro naeth Elrond Im maer – Don't worry Elrond I'm fine/well
Le athae – Literally: You are/were helpful/kind - Sindarin version of Thank you
A/N: Hope you've enjoyed the double post do drop me a line and let me know