Thanks to ebbingnight for helping with Thranduil's POV.

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My father had no words for me when he saw what I had done. I had left Ereglin with his mother and made my way to the keep. The sentries were the first to notice, and I knew then that my decision would be all over the caverns within hours. I didn't try to hide in my room, although I was sorely tempted, but went instead directly to my father's office. I entered unannounced, still dripping from the rain.

My father was seated behind his desk, conferring with his advisors. He welcomed me with warm words, but he soon saw that I was distressed. I met his eyes with all the courage I could muster, then I slowly turned so he could see what I had done. The room went silent. I heard my father stand and, before I could turn again, he walked past me and strode from the room.

The room was quiet for an interminable time.

"Eh, what's this?" asked Galion at last.

"I've decided to become a soldier." My voice sounded weak and small.

"So it would seem," said Galion dryly. "You've been considering this for awhile?"

"No," I admitted.

Galion's eyebrows went up. "An impulsive gesture? But one with serious ramifications, young Thranduilion. You have slighted your father for years, but I never thought of you as cruel. This will wound his very soul, and to what end? He has lost much, will he lose you as well?"

"It will not grieve him if he does," I growled, "I am nothing to him, but a prince, a replacement for him should he fall. He leaves for battle tomorrow and doesn't even care for me enough to tell me of his plans!"

Galion shook his head. "For one who has come of age, you are still very young. People say that you are an exceptional listener, but I see no evidence of that here. When was the last time that you really listened to your father?"

"So that he could tell me once again to stay near the keep? I hear him all the time!"

Galion did not answer me, but gazed at me sadly. I looked around the room at the other advisors. No one said a word. I looked down. A puddle of water was forming around my feet. Suddenly, I felt very foolish. I nodded towards Galion, then headed out the door.

I do not like to admit that I hid in my room that afternoon, but that is exactly what I did. When I got there I changed into dry clothes and brushed out my hair. It felt odd having it short, like a piece of myself was missing. The ends were jagged where the sword had cut it roughly. When I was done I went to the window and looked out. The rain had abated, but the gray clouds still covered the sky. The little lake was dark, as though echoing the tidings of the day. I climbed up on my bed and wrapped my arms around my legs.

The day's light had faded, when there was a knocking at my door. "Come in, Ereglin!" I called, thinking that it was he. But it was my father who walked in the room.

"Legolas, nethben …"

This was a far cry from the angry king that I expected. I slid off the bed and stood before him. He simply looked at me. I could not read his face.

"Boronel's dead." I said at last.

"I know, Legolas. He died bravely."

"Ada, I –"

But my father put his hand up, "enough, Legolas." He looked into my eyes. "Do you remember when you first arrived here?"

I nodded.

"I found you in the storage room. You had every right to be frightened of me. I'd threatened you with a knife, hunted you down. I was quite a bit taller than you then. But you took me on. You stood there with your arms crossed and a determined look on your face and you put me in my place. You told me that I was bad, do you remember this? I was surprised and pleased at the courage you showed. You helped me to realize that it would be both an honor and an undertaking to earn your love. For a time, things went well. But now, Legolas, what is it that is driving you from me?"

I stared at him openmouthed. "Don't you see how I hate being confined to the keep?" I said finally, outraged at his ignorance. "You let me wander only far enough to know there is more out there waiting to be discovered. But evidently keeping the Prince safe is more important than my welfare! I've tried to please you, but nothing I say or do will release me from the boundaries you've set for me." I looked long at him and set my shoulders back. "I've taken the only course I can to set my own fate. If being a prince means hiding in these caves you call home, then I want no part of it! I renounce my call to be Prince and I renounce you!" I turned to walk away from the King, but he put a hand on my shoulder and held me.

"We are a people at war, Legolas. Everyone is expected to make sacrifices, especially the royal family. Boundaries for a child should not cause this kind of anguish. Look in your heart now, and tell me what is wrong."

I paused, and looked down. I was breathing hard. My hands had begun to shake. I breathed in and out slowly, but the tempest in my heart did not abate. If anything it grew stronger. What was he aiming for? Did he want me to excuse his behavior? I clenched my fists, ready to shout my rage. Then suddenly, it came to me and I found I could only whisper. "You stole my family from me." I hissed at last. Tears came unbidden. "My childhood was promised to them. I belonged there. It's gone now, forever." I covered my face with my hand and wept.

My father's hand dropped to his side, "Sweet Eru, Legolas. Is that it? When will you realize that I am family too? You were never meant to be raised so far from me."

I dried my eyes and stared at him. "Why am I even here? You care for the Prince more than you care for me! I needed my family," I begged, "and they needed me. You don't even care for me enough to tell me that you are going South!"

"Legolas, I care for you more than you will ever know. I didn't tell you at supper last night because I didn't want to spoil things. I would not have left without saying goodbye. I have spent years trying to convince you that I love you. Why won't you accept that love?"

"Maybe it's because you shackle me like a prisoner to your doorstep. You say you want time with me, and then you go South. You say you want me to be a tauron, and yet you won't let me explore the woods. You say that you care, but you keep me from those who really love me. Your actions betray you. You may care for the Prince, but you do not love me at all."

The King's eyes grew wide, and I knew that my words had hit their mark. He shook his head sadly. "I think that it's much easier for me to say that the Prince must not travel than to admit how much I've needed you, Legolas. Perhaps I haven't shown you enough of my heart," he continued, "but so many of my loved ones have died. So many, many good friends. My mother and father are gone. Even Lethriliel," his voice grew rough, "Even Lethriliel has passed away. You are all I have left. Don't you understand? I love you, Legolas. I needed for you to be safe."

"You needed me to be safe?" I said accusingly. "Nador and Nathel and Brethilas needed me! You took me from my family and you never let me return! You have no right to be selfish, even if you are King!" I crossed my arms and stared angrily at his face.

My father glared at me and for a moment I thought he was going to rebuke me. Then his features softened and he shook his head. He met my eyes. "I can see that I have not earned your love, even after all this time. You were wounded, Legolas, when your mother left you. You were wounded again when you were taken away from the village. Each time I leave you to go South you are wounded again. I can't change what has happened, but someday I hope you will realize the healing that can happen when you offer forgiveness."

I narrowed my eyes. My father had no idea of how tangible and deep my anger was. The thought of forgiveness had never crossed my mind. I wanted to strike out and have him share the pain that I had felt, but my anger was too great for words. Silence hung dark and ominous between us.

"I admit that I was wrong, Legolas. I had no idea that you were in such pain. You have hidden your heart well from me, and I've been far too distracted to listen to what has troubled you. I was wrong." he said. He moved to put a hand on my arm, but I backed away. "I know it won't be easy, but will you forgive me?" When I didn't answer, he shook his head and implored, "Renounce being prince, renounce the king, but don't renounce me! I beg of you. I love you, Legolas, flawed as that love may be."

It was as though my father's fea lay open before me. I knew that he was speaking the truth. I considered for a moment turning my back on him, but then I realized that much as I hated him for what he had done to me, his love was something I wanted. Something I had wanted all along. Perhaps I was being foolish, but I turned towards him.

"Ada," I said at last, "I cut my hair."

"I know, Legolas," and he stepped forward and embraced me. "I will help you through this, if you will have me."

I leaned into his embrace and sighed.

As it turned out, it was well that I had my father's help. That night, with Galion's assistance, we trimmed my hair, and my father counseled me in what to expect over the next few days.

"Malenech expects all new recruits to find him within a week of making their decision," he told me. "Fortunately for you and Ereglin, you don't have far to travel. I'll take you to him in the morning to formally present you. There is no use putting off what can't be helped."

"But what of my training as a tauron? I asked. What of my music lessons? What of Istuilalf?"

"You'll have to put that aside, I'm afraid. Training for war is a full time vocation. I'd give you a home assignment if I could, Legolas, that would protect you from danger, but you will be under Malenech's provision from now on. He isn't likely to play favorites. Your skills as a listener will need to be forsaken as well. If you listen near the enemy, you risk your very soul."

Tears sprang to my eyes. "But it was a mistake, Ada! Oh why did I cut my hair? I need to be a tauron!"

"And perhaps you will be someday, if this war ever ends. But you are an adult now, Legolas, and you are accountable for your actions. There are many people who will be disappointed that you are not a tauron, it is true, but it is honorable to make the sacrifice of service. It isn't how either you or I would have it, but you can serve proudly, and give it your best."

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Ereglin came the next morning. He was somber and distant through breakfast. After the meal he helped me to dress in a plain tunic of dark blue with black leggings to match. He was silent as he did my braids. I wanted to offer him reassurance, but I found that I had nothing to say.

My father met us to take us to Malenech. He spoke kindly to Ereglin then turned to me. "I'll say my farewells to you now, Legolas," he said, embracing me. "Malenech has no patience for lengthy goodbyes."

The tunnels of the caverns were busy with the goings on of the day. People murmured as we passed by, but no one stopped to talk with us. We cut across the yard and headed up the stairs to the training field. I could hear the shouts of the soldiers and the clang of metal on metal as they practiced. As we reached the top of the stairs, I spotted Malenech coming towards us.

My father is not small, but he seemed so next to Malenech. Malenech was tall, broad shouldered and solidly built. Years of training and teaching had resulted in a strong body, built for fighting. Malenech moved smoothly. Each action was planned. There was no wasted movement. He reminded me of a lynx getting ready to strike. He bowed graciously as my father approached, then looked at me with keen gray eyes that missed nothing.

"Malenech, I have two new recruits for you," said my father.

Malenech nodded, "I had heard as much. I'm surprised to see them so soon."

"I leave today," said my father, "I thought it best to get them under your tutelage before I departed."

"And I for one, would prefer that they not come at all. Excuse my boldness, your highness, but neither one of these youngsters is likely to prove their mettle as soldiers. They are two impulsive boys who demonstrated an alarming lack of discretion and self control. I will take them if you insist, but understand I will cut them no quarter in their training. There is no room for foolishness in your army."

I expected my father to stand up for me, but instead he tilted his head and looked at Malenech for a long moment. "Understood," he said at last, nodding. "That's as it should be." He turned to us, "Legolas and Ereglin, may I present you to Malenech, my armsmaster? He will teach you well. Obey him as you would obey me. Farewell, Legolas." He offered me a small embrace then turned and left. I would have liked to watch until he descended the stairs, but Malenech called me away.