A/N: Elf angst ahead…

"What do you think to the Elven King then?" Elladan ran a hand through his now loose un-braided hair and threw a curious look at his twin. "Somehow he is nothing at all like I expected him to be."

Elrohir sauntered over to his twin and handed him a glass of wine before he settled himself into one of their plush armchairs with a glass of his own. "I must say I am glad to hear that – you did not exactly have a flattering opinion of him did you?"

Elrohir arched an eyebrow at his brother and Elladan had the good grace to blush.

"Yes well…it is hardly my fault that he has the preceding reputation that he has. And to be fair when I met him he was in a fine rage and scaring the border guards half to death."

Elrohir snickered, "Yes I've heard about that – poor Camlost. It is clear Thranduil is very much the protective parent; I do pity him for being the one foolish enough to get in Thranduil's way... and for being equally foolish enough to draw arms against the King. Doubtless Glorfindel has many interesting and unpleasant tasks planned for him."

Elladan shrugged unconcerned, "Camlost is too hasty – always has been, perhaps this will be just the lesson he needs to cure him of that trait." Elladan waved a hand as though brushing that particular topic aside. "You are correct when you say Thranduil is the protective parent type. I do not doubt for a moment that had I not taken him past the border guards and down to the House proper he would have simply forced his way past them all and found his own way to Legolas and damn anyone who tried to stop him."

Elladan sipped his wine and hummed in appreciation before he continued, "I'm still honestly half in awe that he deigned to come all this way himself when doubtless he could have sent any number of servants in his stead. Yet he put himself through the dangers of the Misty Mountains and left his realm at the risk of losing their monarch should aught have gone ill simply to be at his son's bedside himself. I must say, after all I heard of his legendary temper and aloof frostiness I was not expecting that – I am pleasantly surprised and more than a bit ashamed for having judged the King so unfairly."

"I'd not beat yourself up over that too much Ladan – as you say your expectations were based on his reputation. I mean, even Adar and Erestor who have known the King personally for centuries were unsure as to whether he would actually show up. You certainly could not have known." Elrohir stuck his tongue out at his twin, "although you could have been perhaps a little more fair in your opinions of him."

Elladan winced as he recalled how he'd considered the King a bigot after first meeting Legolas and witnessing the Prince's reluctance to interact with edain. "Yes I could have. Reputations can be misleading and that certainly seems to have been the case here, for it was clear as day to me how much Thranduil adores Legolas. Even his anger at Camlost's errors was not enough to disguise the pure fear and worry I saw in his eyes for the Prince."

Elrohir nodded slowly, "Yes they are very close – that much is clear. Thranduil was very perceptive to every one of Legolas' moods and needs and Legolas was completely and utterly relaxed in the presence of his Adar. I haven't seen him this relaxed and at ease since he arrived."

Elladan gave a smile as he finished his wine with a hearty gulp, "Well I am glad – I was honestly worried Legolas would begin to fade again and that this time we'd not be able to halt it. Hopefully now that Thranduil is here with him Legolas will finally begin to heal and recover properly."

"The love of a parent is formidable medicine indeed and may be just what Legolas needs. Here's to hoping it is enough to help him pull through to the other side."

Elladan set aside his now empty glass and stretched lazily, "Well Elro I bid you good night – I find myself quite exhausted."

"That is simply because you were up at the crack of dawn preparing for a mission you had no business attending," Elrohir chided gently even as he pulled an old tome into his lap and continued to sip leisurely at his wine. "Though I suppose it worked out well enough – likely there would have been another kin slaying had you not shown up in time to put a halt to Camlost's foolish stubbornness." Elrohir smirked then gentled his smile as he waved his twin off to bed, "Hodo vae Ladan."

~o~

The happy chirping of the birds outside his window at last pierced Legolas' sleep fogged mind and he jerked awake violently. Haunted blue eyes swept the room around him…had it been a dream….had he imagined the previous evening…had he lost his grip on reality again or was it actually true? Was his Adar…

Legolas' wild thoughts ceased immediately as his Adar laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Las-nin are you well? Did you suffer a night terror?"

Legolas clutched weakly at his chest as his heart beat slowed back to normal. "Nay…I…I am well Adar – worry not."

The look Thranduil threw him told Legolas he had not been entirely convincing and the younger blonde gave a smile, "Truly Adar, I am well – I slept well – no nightmares at all."

A fact that Legolas could not quite believe; he'd suffered a nightmare (or three) every single night he'd been in Imladris and yet last night…nothing. He actually felt rather well rested. Yet it seemed he had still had to convince his Adar of the fact.

"Are you certain you did not have another bad dream? You awoke with such a violent jerk and seemed shaken – you have no reason to feel ashamed if you did have a nightmare."

"I promise you Adar that that was the best night's sleep I have had since I have been here. It's just…well I panicked a bit when I woke…I thought…I thought I might have hallucinated you arriving and being here. I have lost my grip on reality before and so I…well I panicked…"

Legolas trailed off uncertain what else to say. He'd noticed the barest hint of a worried frown flicker across his Adar's face at mention of his previous hallucinations. Yet Thranduil said nothing more simply leant over, kissed his brow and smoothed his hair back.

"Well you needn't worry – I am here ion-nin. I am here." Thranduil gave him a smile, "Shall we make you presentable for the day? Get you freshened up before breakfast?"

Legolas blanched a little, "I am not certain I could really stomach anything substantial for breakfast; but I will certainly not say no to the opportunity to clean up – though I do wish Lord Elrond would allow me a bath."

Thranduil stood in a fluid motion that gave away nothing of how cramped and tired his muscles felt as he began to gather the hot water and towels for Legolas' sponge bath. "I am sure Elrond has a good reason for forbidding it. I may not agree with him on most things but he is one of, if not the best healer in all of Arda. It would do you well to listen to him."

Legolas sighed at his Adar taking Lord Elrond's side, "Yes I suppose…he said something about my wounds still being open and introducing them to water would only induce infection."

"And he is correct of course as well you know Legolas…do not bother to look at me like that, for you will find when it comes to your health and recovery I will agree with Elrond on everything." Thranduil placed a basin of steaming water on the bedside table along with soap and a handful of towels. "Are you ready?"

Legolas hesitated as he mentally ran through all the injuries his Adar was likely to see upon his person. The familiar sense of shame begun to gnaw away at him.

"Would you prefer me to call Elrond himself or one the Elrondionnath….um…Elrohir- that's it. Would you prefer it if I sent for one of them to tend to you? I do not mind, I would have you be comfortable Las-nin." Thranduil ceased in his actions and waited with a look of patient love.

Legolas felt his heart clench. He undoubtedly would feel better in terms of his injuries being exposed if he were tended to by Lord Elrond or Elrohir but he really did not want to push away his Adar…again. His Adar who had come all this way just for him, his Adar who looked so weary and worried and who clearly longed to do his bit to help. Legolas bit his lip and did his best to choke down the shame he felt. He focussed on the fierce and loving words his Adar had spoken to him the night before and gave a small shake of his head.

"N…nay Adar you needn't call anyone else. This…this is fine."

Thranduil nodded and relief loosened his posture. "You must tell me if any area in particular hurts or if I need to be especially gentle…promise me."

"Yes…if you…if you promise not to judge me or get mad at what you see. I…I tried Adar I really did…I fought my hardest but the drugs…and…and I was tied up…and I…I…"

Legolas felt strong arms enclose him, "Hush Lasseg, I would never judge you nor be angry at you. I know who you are. You are my son, a fierce warrior of the realm – but even the fiercest of warriors can still be harmed – no one is infallible." Thranduil stroked his hair gently, "I know you would have done the best you could have under the circumstances and the very fact that you are here – alive and recovering proves it. I told you last night you had no reason to feel any shame and I stand by that now no matter what marks you bear upon your person. They will fade eventually Las-nin…shake off the shame."

That was of course easier said than done but Legolas took a huge tremulous breath and did his best to quash any lingering feeling of disgrace. "Le fael Adar. I appreciate your kind words."

"I want you to believe them Lasseg…not just appreciate them – believe them. Please. For I promise you this has not tarnished my opinion of you, nothing ever could – I will love you until the end of all days be upon us. Now come – I'll start with your hair – there is still far too much blood in it for my liking. You may not be able to have a bath just yet but I am certain I can wash your hair without spilling a drop of water on your person. I can certainly do a much better job at removing the blood than Elrond."

Legolas smirked at that and gradually let himself relax as his Adar set about his task with fervour. They remained in comfortable silence as the Elven King worked the blonde strands before him back to their previous shining glory.

At length after his Adar had indeed washed his hair without spilling so much as a drop on him and had begun to loosen his tunic Legolas spoke up again to distract himself from the still uncomfortable feeling of being exposed and touched.

"What news from home Adar? What of my troop – did they manage to overcome the môr-edain? I know I am a poor Captain indeed to only be asking this late but it slipped my mind yesterday in amongst the shock and excitement of seeing you again."

Thranduil gave an exasperated sigh, "You really must quit berating yourself for everything Las-nin. It is perfectly understandable you not having enquired of them straight away."

It was Legolas' turn to sigh, "But I did not manage to find out about them from Vel either before he…he…" Legolas gave a harsh exhale. "I did not enquire of them then either and it has been weeks now and I still do not know how they fare."

Thranduil shook his head, "With all you were going through and trying to escape from I am unsurprised you did not have the time to seek after the welfare of your troop. That does not make you a poor Captain and your troop have certainly not held it against you – I have letters for you from every single one of them as well as from Rithel, Thanniel, Aeglosson and Tauriel as well as a good number of ellith of whom I have no acquaintance…"

Thranduil smirked mischievously at his son as Legolas blushed then groaned, "Do not try to distract me Adar – how do they fare?"

"I do not attempt to distract you – I am merely stating facts. But since you asked so impatiently – yes your troop did eventually capture and subdue a portion of the edain who ambushed you. It seems they split up, one lot taking you and the other taking Arasson and Hadril but in the confusion your troop did not realise this and chased after the group that had Hadril and Arasson seeming to think you were with them as well." Thranduil waved a hand, "I am not aware of all the specifics – you will have to question them yourself should you want greater detail but they subdued those men and recovered Hadril and Arasson and I think it was upon discovering you were not with that group of edain that Faervel decided to track back and go after you on his own. At least that is when Aithel noticed he was missing."

Legolas gave a nod, "Are they all well now? Were Arasson and Hadril the only ones hurt?"

"They are all on their way to being well now – you needn't worry – they are in the capable hands of Calelon. Like you Hadril and Arasson are recovering and they will be well. Celegil will be too; she was the one who returned to the palace – on Morchant no less – to sound the alarm and report you missing. She was badly injured as well – she suffered greatly in your skirmish with the edain and the spiders but as I said, Calelon has them all under his watchful eye and when I left they were recovering well."

Legolas took a deep steadying breath and focussed on the fact that his troop had all made it back to the palace and were now recovering well. It hardly helped though and the guilt stabbed at him hard nonetheless.

Almost as though he could sense it his Adar chided, "Stop blaming yourself. The fault of this lies with the edain who dared to trespass and then treat you all in such an appalling manner. I will not have you feeling guilt over actions that were not your own. As I said your troop made it back to the palace with the môr-edain firmly in their custody; and they remain in my custody now awaiting sentence."

"I am glad on both fronts – glad my troop are well and glad you have most of our attackers in custody as they deserve."

His Adar looked as though he wanted to say something to that – to ask about the other Men who had taken Legolas captive yet in the end seemed to deem it a topic for another time and he instead stayed silent and continued his gentle ministrations.

Legolas himself remained quiet a long moment before, "How is Rithel? And Thanniel? And what of Aeglosson and Tauriel?"

Thranduil smiled, "Well your sister is rather annoyed with the fact that I made her stay home and play Regent in my absence – I only got her to agree by promising she will be allowed to escort you back home when the time comes. Thanniel of course has been worried out of her mind for you – I think you can expect a firm scolding there along with huge lashings of blueberry pie." Thranduil's smile broadened into a grin, "Honestly, she spoils you rotten. As for Tauriel and Aeglosson they have been annoying thorns in my side in their desperation to first join the searches for you then accompany me here. You are truly blessed with great friends ion-nin."

Legolas smiled, "I know – the Valar have blessed me indeed. But pray do tell how you managed to give Tauriel and Aeglosson the slip?"

Thranduil gave a jaunty little shake of his head, "I bribed them too of course and you will see them soon enough."

"Oh?" Legolas prodded.

His Adar looked a little shifty then and made no comment so Legolas poked again.

"When will I be seeing them? Did they follow you after all? Or will they be part of my escort back home?"

Thranduil sighed and looked at him a long moment as though gauging him somehow before he gave another sigh and spoke, "Lady Ìdhes intends to sail – she has no family left in Arda and has decided now is the time. She will head to Mithlond after she has come here and laid Faervel to rest. Tauriel and Aeglosson's troop are her escort and as such once they arrive here they will have the chance to visit with you – that was my concession to them. Thanniel also travels with them as an aide to Lady Ìdhes so you will get to see her as well before too long."

Legolas nodded dumbly – he was rather pleased to hear that he would soon be able to see his two best friends after so long and of course Thanniel too. He'd missed them all dearly and had at points during his ordeal despaired of ever seeing them again. Yet it was the mention of Lady Ìdhes that gave Legolas cause for pause; he was saddened to hear that she was sailing. Of course in light of everything and the fact she had no one left to her on Arda it made perfect sense for her to leave but it still filled Legolas with sadness. Lady Ìdhes had been so exceptionally kind and Naneth-like toward him during his entire life; she had always been there to offer a listening ear, to bandage scrapped knees, to feed him up with plates of goodies and to even listen when he had ellith trouble. She had been a fixture in his life for so, so long it would be a real blow to lose her as well so soon upon the loss of Faervel.

And worse than all that was the fact he would have to look her in the eyes once she arrived and tell her that he'd failed her son. He'd failed Faervel as a Captain and as a friend and that was the reason she was sailing. Legolas shivered – he did not know how he could face her. Lady Ìdhes been the epitome of love to him but because of him her son was now lost to her.

"Las?" A gentle touch by his Adar drew him from his increasingly melancholy thoughts. "Are you well? You have begun to shiver – here we are done now and you can dress again."

Legolas said nothing only gave another barely there nod and let himself be manoeuvred round as his Adar redressed him and settled him back down into his nest of pillows.

Thranduil begun to gather up the used towels and all the other bits he'd used when Legolas finally spoke up.

"I…I suppose I must…I have to deliver Lady Ìdhes the news of Faervel's death formally." The very thought caused another shiver to run through him and his Adar frowned at the sight.

"I knew you were not ready for such news," Thranduil muttered darkly to himself though Legolas heard him as clear as day. His Adar ran a hand through his own dishevelled hair before he gave Legolas a kind if tired smile. "You should speak to Lady Ìdhes – yes – that would only be the polite and caring thing to do. Yet you need not do it formally as the Captain of her son; I have already sat down with Lady Ìdhes formally about Faervel's passing. You can simply speak to her as you always have, as the friend of her son and offer your condolences and what comfort you may."

Legolas felt his lower lip begin to tremble and his eyes began to sting and water despite him trying to fight back the tears that threatened, "I do not know what possible comfort I have to offer Lady Ìdhes when I am the one who is the cause of her grief after all."

Legolas could hold back no longer as the crushing grief he felt every time he thought of Faervel assaulted him full force and for what felt like the hundredth time he began to cry.

~o~

Thranduil stared at his son in dumbstruck dismay for a moment before he moved to sit next to him on the bed and pulled Legolas up into his arms. The King cursed himself again for letting slip what he had about Lady Ìdhes; he knew Legolas was not ready to hear such news as her sailing or to face the prospect of seeing her one last time to offer his condolences over Faervel. Thranduil had meant to keep things as light as he could, had only meant to cheer Legolas up with the promise of him getting to see his friends again yet somehow he had reduced his son to tears.

The older blonde held back a sigh even as he continued to rub soothing circles into his son's bandaged back. He was so far doing a terrible job of being the comforting father in his opinion as he thought back to the previous night's tears and accusations by Legolas. Perhaps he should have sent Rithel in his stead after all – she certainly always seemed to know what to say and how best to comfort her tithen gwanûr.

Thranduil gave his son what he hoped was a comforting squeeze in effort to stem Legolas' tears; for he still had no idea what to say that could possibly help Legolas to feel any better. In all honesty Thranduil been expecting for his son to feel shy and upset about revealing his injuries and he'd been fully prepared to deal with whatever fears and concerns Legolas had in that regard. Yet in the end it seemed he'd prepared for the wrong thing (for ultimately he had been left far more upset at the sight of his son's injuries than Legolas had been over revealing them).

Thranduil cradled his son to him; seeing Legolas so upset made him feel upset too – dark, aching despair that threatened to drown him.

"Oh Lasseg-nin I am sorry. I am so, so sorry for your loss and all the pain and hurt you feel now. I truly am. I do not know how to make it any better for you save to say that I am here and will do my best to offer any aid and comfort I can. I will also remind you that Faervel loved you and will have gone to Mandos bearing no ill toward you and that Lady Ìdhes loves you like a second son and nothing that has happened now will change that. She does not hold Faervel's death against you – this I promise you."

"How…how can you be so sure of that Adar?" Legolas' voice was tremulous and muffled from where his face was buried against Thranduil's chest.

"I am sure Las-nin as Lady Ìdhes had nothing but joy and gladness when told that you had been found alive and in Imladris. She was very pleased you had not gone the same way as Faervel – I saw her reaction with my very own eyes. Now tell me do you think joy would have been her reaction had she held any malice in her heart toward you?"

Legolas sniffed and mumbled something unintelligible.

Thranduil prised his limpet like son from his chest and smoothed back the now clean hair, "Come again Las? I did not get a word of that."

Legolas heaved a deep sigh, "I said she might have simply shown you what you would like to see. You are my Adar after all and more than that her King."

It was Thranduil's turn to exhale in frustration and he held Legolas' face up firmly to his, "You dishonour her; you dishonour and besmirch Lady Ìdhes' character when you make her out to be so uncaring, cruel and unfeeling as to be so sure that she will blame you wholly for Faervel's death."

Legolas looked up then with huge bright blue and surprised looking eyes, "Th…that is not what I mean to do…"

The younger blonde was aghast and Thranduil was quick to press a comforting kiss to his brow.

"I know you would not do such a thing on purpose of course; but think how it would sound to an outsider. To the Elrondionnath for example, if they overheard you, what do you think would be their opinion of Lady Ìdhes?"

Legolas looked down shame faced but Thranduil simply hugged him close again. "I know you hurt ion-nin, I know your pain and grief are strong and threaten to overwhelm you and seek to warp your thoughts but you must not let them. It hurts now but eventually this too shall pass. Not that you will ever forget such a good life-long friend but the pain will become more tolerable with time until one day you will be able to look back and laugh rather than cry."

Thranduil stood and began to brush out his son's clean smelling hair, "And please, please Las-nin, please cease in blaming yourself. I know you would never have placed Faervel directly in danger and Lady Ìdhes knows this too. You are a great Captain who always puts his troop first – often to your own detriment."

Thranduil paused to give his son a wry look before he begun to tie Legolas' hair back into its customary archer's braids. "No one blames you for any of this Legolas so please try to cease in blaming yourself. Do not take responsibility for things you shouldn't; do not let the burden of unnecessary guilt crush you. Heed Faervel's last words to you – if he did not blame you then please do not blame yourself."

Legolas looked as though he would say something more, something to refute that he was not to blame and ladle more guilt and despair upon himself but in the end he simply sighed and let himself slump tiredly against Thranduil.

The Elven King frowned at his son's still obvious despair and felt frustration and anger burn through him. Frustration as he had no idea how to get Legolas to let go of the guilt and blame he clung to so tightly and anger at the Men who had brought all this upon his son in the first place. Still he remembered Elrond's words of warning and kept his emotions firmly suppressed letting none of them show on his face and instead settled Legolas back down into bed and his nest of pillows with a gentle kiss to the brow.

"I've had another drink prepared for you – are you ready for it now?"

Legolas gave a small nod, "There is no real point in me saying no is there? Not to you."

Thranduil smiled, "I'm glad you realise that."

The Elven King brought over the drink he'd had Aglardaer prepare earlier and set it in Legolas hands. It was the same thickened drink from the night before in a slightly bigger glass this time round and the older blonde watched with disguised relief as Legolas began to drink.

~o~

Legolas spoke little after that - simply quietly sipping his drink whilst Thranduil filled the empty air with inane chatter and palace gossip (which King or not he thoroughly if discreetly indulged in). It seemed to work for bit by bit Legolas came out of his subdued and depressed shell, begun to ask the odd question and Thranduil was ecstatic when he managed to get a small laugh.

At length there was a knock on the door which saw Legolas startle badly and the Elven King was ready to pounce on whomever was at the door until he saw it was only Aglardaer who had thought to bring through Legolas' letters and let Thranduil know that Elrond hoped to see him for lunch whilst Legolas rested. Thranduil thanked his best friend before he resumed his position at Legolas' side and presented his son with the thick sheaf of letters which earned him the widest smile of the morning. They sat then in companionable silence as Legolas read through the missives he'd received from his troop, sister, Thanniel and the ellith whom Thranduil could only assume were either lovers or admirers. Thranduil for his part let his eyes glaze over as he rested them and resisted the urge to frown as he thought about his upcoming meeting with Elrond.

In all honesty Thranduil really did not want to leave Legolas – not while his son was still clearly suffering with his grief and guilt. Yet he was intrigued over why Elrond had summoned him – it would most likely be about Legolas of course - for Thranduil had made clear he was not here to act as a head of state or deal with any matters between their realms. Therefore he supposed he really ought to go and see what his Peredhil host wanted.

Thranduil focussed his eyes and sighed; he doubted Legolas would be appreciative of his leaving. "Las-nin?"

"…Hmm," distracted blue eyes looked up at the Elven King before, "yes Adar?"

"Elrond has summoned me to him. I believe it is his intention that we take lunch together." Thranduil leaned over to smooth the small wrinkle that appeared in Legolas' brow at the announcement. "I promise you I shall not be gone over-long and I will fetch the Elrondionnath to sit with you whilst I am gone."

Legolas did not look any more appeased and if anything the crease between his eyebrows deepened.

"Please don't look so worried Las-nin – I will not leave you until you have had your own lunch and have settled down to sleep. For I do believe you've recently been sleeping the afternoon through." Thranduil gave a soft smile, "I'll be here again once you awaken and you won't even notice I was gone."

Legolas nodded though his frown intensified, "Is it…this meeting…is it to discuss me?"

Thranduil gave a small elegant shrug, "I imagine Elrond will want to speak to me about your injuries yes; but there is no need to look so alarmed ion-nin. Surely you do not think Elrond will speak ill of you? Noldo he may be but he is far too nice for that sort of thing and he cares deeply for all his patients. You really needn't worry."

Legolas sighed, "Tis not really Hir Elrond I am worried about…" the younger blonde hesitated. "I am more worried about what he will tell you of my injuries."

The emphasis Legolas put on the word 'you' clued Thranduil in as to what his son was truly worried about instantly.

"I have already told you Lasseg I think no less of you for any of the injuries you have sustained. I saw them a mere hour ago and I have not yet run away and denounced you have I?"

Legolas huffed a small laugh, "No you have not but I know healers always paint such a bleak picture and…and…I really was not myself when I arrived here Adar. I…I was very…" Legolas hesitated as he considered his words, "…ill. I was very ill and not in a very good place and I just…you should… you should just bear that in mind when Hir Elrond speaks to you."

Thranduil smiled, cupped Legolas's face gently and forced his son to look at him. "I do appreciate the forewarning ion-nin but it is unnecessary – I felt the turmoil and the pulling and strain on our bond and Calelon explained to me what it all meant. I am well aware of how 'ill' you were and it does not faze me and again I emphasise I do not think less of you in any way." Thranduil let go of his son and flapped a hand, "Now, do go back to blushing over your letters and worry no more about my meeting with Elrond. All will be well."

Legolas gave a tiny smile and Thranduil could not stop himself from giving him a kiss to his forehead before they both settled into companionable, peaceful silence once more.

~o~

Both Elrond and Erestor looked up from their conversation at the sharp rap on the door to Elrond's study. Erestor glanced out the window to gauge the position of Anor before he lowered his voice to whisper to Elrond lest he was overheard.

"Your Royal pain in the posterior is here for his lunch meeting."

Elrond threw his advisor a sharp reproachful glare, "Do not antagonise him please." Then the Peredhil Lord's forehead crumpled into a deep frown as he too glanced out at the sun even as he begun to shuffle his papers and scrolls away. Elrond dropped his tone even lower, "Time has completely escaped me this morn – I had intended for us to break in time for me to go look in on Legolas and escort Thranduil here myself. He will think me terribly rude to have left him to find his own way."

Another sharp rap.

Erestor shrugged uncaring, "He will find you all the ruder if you do not hurry up and open the door."

Elrond gave Erestor another baleful glare and shoved the last of the scrolls from his desk haphazardly into a drawer, "Do come in! The door is open."

The door swung open on silent hinges to reveal Thranduil – still so strangely plainly garbed and unadorned - with Aglardaer at his side. Elrond crossed over to meet them and gave an apologetic smile.

"I am sorry I did not come to fetch you, I got caught up here in work and well…I am sorry. Please do come and sit." Elrond led the way out onto his large balcony and the dining table set up there. "Please be seated and comfortable – lunch will be with us very shortly."

Thranduil gave a curt nod of his head and took the seat closest to the large beech that had over the years stretched its branches to just reach the balcony railings. Aglardaer sat beside his King and flashed Elrond a smile.

Erestor joined them and gave a thin smile, "Good day Aran Thranduil and Hir Aglardaer – I am just about to instruct the servants to send the food up. Is there a particular wine you'd prefer?"

Thranduil shrugged, "I am sure whatever you choose will be just fine. Hannon-le."

Erestor turned toward Aglardaer, "Have you any preferences Hir-nin?"

"Nay Hir Erestor, as Thranduil said whatever you choose for us shall be just fine – thank you for your kindness."

Erestor nodded, bowed ever so slightly to Thranduil and swept from the room. Elrond looked after his advisor for a moment before he turned back to face his guests with a smile; glad that Erestor had listened to him for once and not tried to bait or get a rise out of Thranduil.

"Lunch will be but a moment and I hope you do not mind having it out here – the weather is lovely today and I have been cooped up all morning."

Aglardaer smiled and settled himself backwards into his chair comfortably, "Tis a great idea to have lunch out here Elrond – springtime in your Valley is truly beautiful." The silver haired ellon folded his arms behind his head as he gazed off far over the Valley.

Yet where Aglardaer looked relaxed Thranduil was completely the opposite; he was ramrod straight in his chair and did not even seem aware of the conversation that had taken place between Elrond and his best friend so transfixed was he on studying the area of the Last Homely House where Legolas' room was.

"You needn't worry so Thranduil," Elrond tried to placate the tense blonde. "Did you not leave him fast asleep and with my sons? They will not let him come to any harm."

"And you know that Arthon and Duron watch over him too in our absence. Come, let us enjoy the lunch Elrond has so kindly invited us to."

Elrond reach out and gave the Elven King's arm a reassuring squeeze, "He is well Thranduil."

Thranduil snatched his arm back as though he had been burned and turned his sharp gaze on Elrond. "Legolas is not well. Not by any stretch of the imagination; and I would really rather be at his side right now. Not here trading niceties with you and eating lunch as though I had not a care in Arda."

Elrond sighed at Thranduil's increasing agitation, "Legolas may not be very well now but he is doing so much better and has come such a long way from when he first arrived here. Yes, he not at full health but he gains strength every day and now that you have gotten him to eat that is only so much the better. He will be well again Thranduil."

"He is hardly eating though, is he Elrond? Milky drinks and broth do not constitute real food - for which Legolas still has no appetite."

It was Aglardaer's turn to place a calming hand on the Elven King but though he was not shaken off Thranduil did not calm. "Do not try to placate me with falsities Elrond; I have had all night and this morn to watch and observe my son – I have seen the injuries he has suffered at the hands of that filth. Injuries by the way which still look fresh despite all the time Legolas has spent here, injuries that should be long faded. Do not think because I am not a healer that I do not know what that means. My son is fading – fading! Right before my very eyes – yet you drag me here to play at being nice and having lunch."

Aglardaer sighed at his friend's outburst but said nothing – as though it had been expected. And Elrond supposed that was true – Thranduil was a volatile and angry ellon. He hadn't always been – in fact the anger had only truly started to show after Oropher's fall but Elrond firmly put aside that train of thought – he had enough of a battle on his hands without opening the can of worms which was the fallout from the Battle of Dagorlad.

"There is a purpose to this meeting Thranduil I assure you; I am a healer and more than that a father. Do you truly think I'd be so cruel and misunderstanding as to drag you away from your ill son with no greater purpose than to frivolously eat and drink?" Elrond felt irritated at the very thought but brushed the feeling aside. "I want to put together a healing plan for Legolas – to get him back on his feet and home to your Woods as soon as possible. But for that I need some help."

At just that moment there was a knock at the balcony door before Erestor and flurry of servants appeared bearing food and drink. Elrond released a tired breath in a huff and sat back allowing the servants to set the table and their meals before them. Erestor poured wine for the wood elves before filling Elrond's cup and placing the flagon of wine at the centre of the table.

"I hope all is to your liking, please enjoy." With a dip of his head in Thranduil's direction and a reassuring squeeze to Elrond's shoulder Erestor and his small army of servants disappeared leaving an impressive spread before them.

Elrond waved a hand, "Please help yourselves. We can eat as we speak."

Aglardaer smiled and quickly gave thanks to Yavanna, ever the religious wood elf, before he dug in. Thranduil however made no move, not even to touch the glass of his favourite Dorwinion he had been served.

"Tell me more of this healing plan for Legolas. What help do you require of us?"

Elrond quickly swallowed and realised with dismay that he was not likely to enjoy any of the food before him until he had given Thranduil some satisfactory answers.

"Well it is a healing and recovery plan – how best to manage his pain and infections, taking care of his injuries and wounds, how to move him back onto solid foods again and most importantly helping him to recover mentally. For you will have noticed by now just how heavily grief and guilt weigh upon Legolas. Then there is the physical aspect of his recovery – physiotherapy and rehabilitation to ensure he suffers no lingering muscle damage."

Thranduil nodded and ran a hand through his braids in agitation. "Fine – but again what help do you require of us? You are the healer here."

"Yes and the majority of this plan will be undertaken by myself though you should not diminish the part you can play in helping Legolas to get well again. But what I need from you in particular is an understanding of how all this came to pass in the first place." Elrond took a small sip of his wine before he continued, "I need to know the circumstances behind the injuries and if possible how they were sustained. It will help me better prepare the treatments I use. It will also help me to be mindful of not causing Legolas further trauma if I understand what might trigger him. Not to mention if there is any danger still lurking I can send troops out to deal with the threat."

"The threat is well contained within my dungeons awaiting my pleasure and final judgement," Thranduil grit out. "You needn't worry about that side of things."

Elrond wrinkled his nose in horror, "You…you have captured the orcs and kept them in your dungeons? Why not slay them as they stand?"

"Orcs?" Thranduil turned a bewildered gaze upon Elrond, "Why the bloody hell would I have yrch in my dungeons? Do not be so absurd Elrond – what have orcs to do with it? Edain. Filthy, untrustworthy edain are the miserable creatures locked in my dungeons awaiting sentence."

"Men? Men are the ones who harmed your son? Elladan and Elrohir seemed certain it was the orcs that had harmed Legolas." Elrond felt confusion fill him though he did his best to keep his face neutral.

Aglardaer threw Thranduil a small smirk as he munched on his salad, "This is perhaps why this meeting was called. Neither of you are singing from the same hymn sheet."

Thranduil turned a baleful glare on his friend, "Unless you have anything of import to add Aglardaer I'd suggest your silence." The Elven King rolled his eyes as Aglardaer simply smirked and waggled his eyebrows at him before he turned back to Elrond and heaved a deep breath. "Several weeks ago now Men trespassed into my realm with the ill intent of capturing elves to sell at the slave markets."

Elrond gaped both horrified and stupefied at the same time – for surely the Men had not truly expected their plan to work? Least of all where wood elves were concerned; his woodland kin were considered more dangerous for a reason.

"Unfortunately Legolas and his troop were the first elves they happened upon and…" Thranduil let out another deep breath as he struggled for composure, "…they…they poisoned the troop and set about capturing who they could."

The last sentence had been ground out in barely suppressed anger and Thranduil cut himself off abruptly to take a violent swig of his wine in some attempt at calming himself. (Elrond hadn't even known it was possible to drink quite so aggressively).

When it became clear Thranduil would not continue Aglardaer took a sip of his own drink and continued the tale. Elrond managed to keep the majority of his horror and anger in check as he listed to how the group of mercenary edain had managed to capture three elves from the troop including Legolas, injured several in the process before the Men had split up, one group taking Legolas in the direction of the Misty Mountains which caused major confusion and delays in the ensuing search for him.

"It was at that point once Legolas' troop realised the Prince had been taken elsewhere that Faervel went missing and we now know he went back to the site of the ambush and tracked Legolas and his captors from there and up into the Mountains." Aglardaer leaned back and sighed deeply, "From that point our knowledge is limited I'm afraid. We have no idea why Legolas' captors decided to take a detour up into the Mountains – but since your sons seem to think orcs are involved in some way they may well have been the cause for the Men making an unplanned trip into the Mountains."

Elrond nodded slowly and rested his chin upon steepled fingers, "Yes, well I can't answer the question as to why or how Legolas got into the Mountains or even at what point Faervel caught up with the Prince. Elrohir and Elladan came across signs of a struggle with orcs before they ran into Legolas who then lead them to Faervel who by that point had already been mortally wounded." Elrond took a long slow drink from his wine as he frowned in thought, " I think due to the signs of the fight and the orc bodies my sons came across they assumed that the yrch were the ones who had inflicted harm upon Legolas and Faervel."

"So what we need to establish is what happened to Legolas during his time in the Mountains," Aglardaer mused. "It would also be helpful to know what happened to his edain captors, as well as when Legolas met Faervel and how he died. That information may provide some comfort to Faervel's Naneth and I would like to know that the scum that took Legolas are not still lingering in some dark hole waiting to strike again." Aglardaer stabbed a cherry tomato on his plate viciously as he no doubt imagined the edain in question in its place.

Elrond said nothing and glanced at Thranduil before he spoke again, "That is the tricky part – it has been difficult to get Legolas to speak of what has happened to him. He has been reticent on the matter and it appears to distress him greatly to even think on it so I am at a loss as to how we get him to speak of it. He has only admitted to capture and torture and that was only when he could not hide the fact from us as we tended his wounds. He said nothing on who captured him, who tortured him or what type of torture he suffered and in all honesty I am reluctant to make him do so when he is so heavily burned by grief, guilt and shame as it is."

"Then can we not just proceed without having Legolas re-hash all that he went through?" Thranduil spoke up at last. His wine glass was empty now and his voice sounded strained as though he were struggling to keep some emotion from leaking into his voice. "He is broken up enough over what has occurred and whilst I do not disagree that it would be comforting to Lady Ìdhes to know what happened to Faervel it will only serve to distress Legolas further. His fëa is still in very great danger of fading as is – I really do not want to exacerbate that – not until he is a bit stronger."

Elrond watched the way Thranduil traced the rim of his glass in an attempt at nonchalance before the Peredhil Lord rubbed a tired hand over his face. "I see your point Thranduil of course I do; tis why I have not pushed until now but… we really do need to know what happened so as best to help Legolas. What if I have missed an injury? What if I do something to trigger and upset him and set him further back in his recovery? And besides that keeping all that trauma bottled up within him is not healthy by any stretch of the imagination. He needs to release those negative emotions and I think now that you are here – now that he has familial support - it is as good a time as any to get him to open up about what happened."

Thranduil's light frowned deepened into an outright glower that he directed at Elrond. "I still do not think that is a good idea. You can simply be more thorough in your checks and care of Legolas – give him a once over again if you must to check that you have missed nothing and be gentle with him. You know more about bedside manner and treating the traumatised than me Elrond - use that knowledge. As for Lady Ìdhes Legolas will be speaking to her once she arrives here and what he chooses to disclose then is up to him; we need not pump him for information to pass onto her. It would be more meaningful coming from him in any case."

Thranduil crossed his arms in defiance and continued to glower and Elrond was momentarily at a loss but Aglardaer chose that moment to speak.

"And what of the edain? Those who captured Legolas – would you not have the peace of mind of knowing what happened to them?"

"It does not particularly concern me," Thranduil switched his sharp gaze to the Commander of his army. "If those edain were still around I think the Elrondionnath might have mentioned it by now." Thranduil arched an eyebrow at Elrond in question.

"Nay my sons did not mention sight of any Men only orcs."

Thranduil nodded once in Aglardaer's direction as if to say 'there, I told you so' and the silver haired ellon only rolled his eyes before he spoke up again, "I still think Elrond is right in this. If for nothing else than to have Legolas get it off his chest. He may have been reticent with Elrond and the Elrondionnath but he may well be willing to open up to his Adar."

Elrond nodded in encouragement, "Legolas is more familiar with you after all."

A strange mix of emotions crossed Thranduil's face too quickly to be identified before the blonde set his impassive mask back in place. "What would you both have me do? I mean truly – just waltz in and demand Legolas tell me everything here and now? I know you have not seen him Aglardaer but Elrond you have – you've seen my son. My son who was all sunshine and light who is now only gloom and despair; you've seen eyes that were once filled with so much wonder and love and friendliness now dulled with shame, guilt and grief. Must I really ask him to unpick this terrible event and relive it? When he already suffers through the memories night after night in his dreams?"

The impassivity of Thranduil's face fell with every impassioned word the Elven King spoke until it was no more and Elrond could see plainly the pain and guilt that Thranduil could no longer hide.

"I want to help Elrond truly I do but…but…" Thranduil heaved a deep sigh, "I have harmed Legolas enough in this matter. I will not inflict further pain on him." With that Thranduil stood abruptly and was out of the door before Elrond could even blink.

The Peredhil Lord directed his gaze to Aglardaer who looked after his King with sadness clear upon his face. "What does he mean he has harmed Legolas enough in this matter?"

Aglardaer pushed his empty plate away his eyes still on the doorway Thranduil had disappeared through before he dragged his eyes away to give Elrond a wistful look. "Legolas and Thranduil are far more alike than anyone truly knows; they both suffer from an immense guilt complex. They take the fault and burdens of every ill thing that happens upon their shoulders regardless of whether they actually had any hand in it or could have done ought to prevent it." Aglardaer shrugged, "Maybe it is a Royal thing - to feel so much responsibility for everything – I do not know, but I do know that Thranduil feels immense guilt over what has happened. It bothers him that the Men were able to breach our defences and get in undetected in the first place; I mean of course as Commander of the Woodland Army it bothers me a great deal as well but not to the scale it does Thranduil – he blames himself for that. Feels that he should have been aware of the trespassers in the Wood long before they had a chance to strike."

Elrond nearly groaned aloud. "I have told Thranduil he needs to put aside his own emotions to help his son. How will he aid Legolas in putting aside his guilt if he is mired in his own?"

Aglardaer shrugged helplessly again, "I will try and talk some sense into Thranduil once he's had the chance to collect himself – see if I can persuade him to speak with Legolas as I do believe that will be for the best. You must not be too hard on him though Elrond, he is in a difficult position as both a father and a King."

Elrond had to nod at that – he too would be worried if not only his son had been captured and harmed but a severe breech in the security of his Realm had also been exposed and exploited. "Very well – you know Thranduil better than I do so I will leave him to you; but please know I never intended to upset him nor you and I apologise if I have done so. It appears that this luncheon plan of mine was not as well thought out as I'd hoped."

Aglardaer grinned, "I would not say the meeting was a complete waste – we have all filled in some gaps in our knowledge concerning Legolas and the food was really rather good; do give my compliments to Erestor." The Commander's grin widened, "All in all I would not be too hard on yourself either – all things concerning Thranduil can be rather unpredictable – that is hardly your fault. Worry yourself no more about him being upset and instead tell me, what news of Imladris? We've not had a chance to really speak in an Age – what better time than now?"

Aglardaer re-settled himself more comfortably and helped himself to another glass of wine and though everything in Elrond screamed at him to run after Thranduil and make sure he was well, deep down the Peredhil knew any such actions would be unwelcome – at least coming from him. So ignoring the feeling that he was being an appalling host Elrond copied Aglardaer's actions, refilled his own glass and began with a tale of Glorfindel's latest ridiculous exploit.

~o~

Thranduil flopped down heavily upon the well-made bed in the chambers he'd been allocated. He'd considered heading back to Legolas' side but had ultimately decided against it. His son would still be asleep and Thranduil was still far too upset.

And the Elven King could admit to himself that he was upset – very upset.

Aglardaer's retelling of the tale had simply brought home to him just how easily the edain who had taken his son had been able to do so. It made for uncomfortable hearing that made him feel a nasty combination of emotions – shame, guilt but most of all a failure as both a father and a King; feelings that had been compounded in the presence of Elrond. Worse than that both Elrond and Aglardaer seemed to be under some illusion that him speaking to Legolas of his ordeal would help matters – as if he had not upset his son enough since he had arrived here.

Thranduil let himself fall heavily upon his back and stared up at Elrond's intricately designed ceiling as he tried his best to reign in the chaotic emotions that raced through him. How ironic that just this morning he'd been advising Legolas on how to handle his own shame and guilt and yet here he struggled to do the same. Like Adar like ion, Thranduil supposed.

Thranduil took a deep calming breath and closed his eyes as he considered both Aglardaer's and Elrond's pleas for him to speak with Legolas – he knew they both had a good point. Legolas suffered greatly under his burden and speaking of it could well see him freed of it. Yet visons of Legolas' bruised, battered body and shiny, tear filled eyes and the shadow on his spirit filled the King's mind and refused leave and in the face of such images Thranduil found it hard to find any resolve to make Legolas speak of his ordeal.

His thoughts continued in this manner round and round and round until at last Thranduil sat up and gave his head a shake in exasperation. There was nothing for it he decided, he would heed Elrond's words and speak to Legolas. Better to get all the painful subjects and treatments out of the way first so they could then look toward full recovery.

Thranduil rolled over to flop lazily on his front so that he could easily keep track of Anor's position in the sky through the large bay windows. No matter how much he dreaded it he would speak to Legolas tonight; he could only hope that Legolas would want to speak to him.

~o~

Thranduil tied off the last of his braids and glanced in the mirror not entirely surprised to see Aglardaer in it standing behind him.

"You took your time. I was wondering when you would make an appearance to 'calm' me." Thranduil placed his comb on the vanity before him and turned so that he faced his best friend.

Aglardaer shrugged, "I thought to give you some space; it cannot have been easy to hear that all over again."

Thranduil gave a small nod, "Aye, you are correct – it was not – especially in front of Elrond-the-perfect-Noldor no less."

Aglardaer snorted a laugh, "Truly Thranduil? 'Elrond-the-perfect-Noldor'? He is not nearly as stuck up and pompous as you make him out to be you know. And more than that he is afraid that he has upset you and he worries for both you and Legolas."

"See? This is why he irritates me – I do not need his pity nor his worry. I only need him to heal Legolas so we can all be gone from this Noldor forsaken place."

Aglardaer gave a loud and exaggerated sigh of frustration, "You are truly impossible Thranduil, truly impossible; but never mind all that now, you and Elrond can solve your petty differences later. What are you going to do about Legolas? Will you speak to him?"

"Ah and the true purpose of your visit becomes clear," Thranduil retorted sardonically.

"Why must you always be so difficult? Can you never let anyone care for you? Worry for you? Make a fuss over you?" Aglardaer sighed and reached out to straighten one of Thranduil's braids. "You need not carry all the burdens of Arda upon your shoulders alone Thranduil."

"Please spare me your preaching Aglardaer – I don't need them just as do not need anyone to care, worry nor fuss over me. I am a grown ellon and a King no less. Cease with this foolishness please." Aglardaer made to say something but the Elven King held up a hand, "Nay, no more – you will make me late to see Legolas. And before you nag at me any further I will speak to him and try to get him to tell me what happened, try and get him to get it off his chest."

Thranduil stood and begun to pace, "As well you know Legolas has found himself in many a tight spot but never such dire straits as this. I fear the lasting impact this may have upon his fëa. True – Legolas is strong, a Captain in the army no less, and he fights against the Darkness day in, day out – yet such pure evil has never been targeted upon him so directly. The glamhoth and yngyl have never targeted him specifically for their misdeeds for they fight against all elf kind; nor have they ever treated him so poorly and with as much hatred as Legolas has been made to face by these edain who took him – and I worry what such a thing will do to him – particularly if he does not get the right help now. So yes, I know both you and Elrond are right and I will go and speak to Legolas but…" Thranduil chanced a glance at his friend, "I…I have already upset him over Faervel – he feels I lied and kept things from him...he feels…he blames me for appointing Faervel his bodyguard…and that…that…"

Thranduil gesticulated in an aggravated but helpless manner, "He blames me Aglardaer! Legolas ultimately blames me for Faervel's death. So I don't know how I am supposed to speak to him about everything else that has happened to him. I do not want to make my son cry again Aglardaer; I am tired of seeing my Lasseg distraught and in tears. I know what is needed, what I am supposed to do…but I…I do not know how I am supposed to go about it."

Thranduil let his best friend pull him to a halt from his increasingly frantic pacing and leaned heavily into the comforting one armed hug he was pulled into.

"You will go about it as you do everything when it comes to your children – with care and determination. You will speak to Legolas and talk it all through with him and yes he may rail against you, and get distraught or be angry and of course there is bound to be some tears but you – his Adar – will be there to hold him through it all. And when all is said and done that is what Legolas will remember and cherish the most; that his Adar was there to be with and comfort him through one of the most difficult trials of his life."

Aglardaer gave Thranduil a squeeze, "You cannot always prevent the tears of your children mellon-nin but you can be there to wipe them away and offer a smile." The Crown Commander offered Thranduil a smile of his own, "You have no faith in yourself but I have every faith in you; contrary to what you seem to think you are a great Adar and your children adore you. You and Legolas will come through this latest challenge just fine. So cease in doubting yourself and know that Legolas does not truly blame you over Faervel – that is just the raw emotion talking – so please do not blame yourself either. You will both come through this just fine."

Thranduil could say nothing to that save a whispered 'hannon-le mellon-nin' and offer a weak smile of his own.

He could only hope that Aglardaer would prove to be right.

~o~

Legolas glanced covertly out the window at the ever deepening dusk and slow descent of Anor and tried to ignore the creeping anxiety within him at his Adar's continued non-appearance. Lord Elrond had popped in about ten minutes ago to check him over and administer his evening medicines before assuring him that both his dinner and his Adar were on the way. And whist his dinner had arrived a few minutes after Lord Elrond had left there was still no sign of his Adar.

"Do not look so worried mellon-nin," Elrohir cajoled him. "After all, do not Kings come and go as they please?"

Legolas frowned, "Adar does not ever make me wait…not unless I have displeased him in some way." And at this thought Legolas frowned all the more – perhaps the sight of his injuries (which were essentially confirmation of how weak he'd been through this whole ordeal) had upset his Father after all.

Elladan sensing the Prince's sinking mood elbowed his brother and gave Legolas what he hoped was a confident smile, "He will be here soon Legolas, do not worry – perhaps he has just got a bit lost."

Legolas could not stop the small disbelieving huff that escaped him. "Lost? If you saw our palace and the maze of corridors within you would know that Adar could not possibly be lost – not here where the layout is so straightforward."

Elrohir shrugged and gave a wicked smirk, "Perhaps the straightforwardness of our layout is exactly what has confused his wood elf sensibilities."

Legolas had to laugh at that, his anxiety easing somewhat before it disappeared altogether at the sound of his Adar's deep baritone at the door requesting entry.

Legolas smiled widely, "Yes come in Adar. I was just about to have dinner."

"Perfect, I am glad I do not even have to threaten you into eating anymore – you are making great progress indeed Las-nin."

Legolas smiled cheekily at his Adar, before he waved off the Twins as they took their leave to attend their own supper with promises to return on the morrow for which Legolas was glad. He enjoyed their company and teasing sense of humour immensely not to mention their way of keeping him calm and easing him out of his more unpleasant thoughts just as they had tonight in regards to his Adar's tardiness. Speaking of which…

"Did you get lost Adar?"

"Pardon Las-nin?"

Legolas gave another cheeky grin, "You said you would be here when I awakened but you were not. You were late."

Legolas was surprised to catch a glimpse of the stricken look that flashed across his Adar's face and the profuse apology that followed.

"My apologies Las-nin I had every intention of being here but…I got…I was held up. I am so sorry ion-nin."

"It is fine Adar take no notice of me really – the Elrondionnath were here and kept me marvellous company and Hir Elrond looked in on us as well. Think nothing of it."

Thranduil smiled and Legolas could see it did not reach his Adar's eyes and a trickle of anxiety flared up again. His Adar looked tired, sad and…resigned to something.

"Adar…what is wrong?"

The elder blonde seemed to startle at that and immediately fixed him with a smile – one that looked a lot more genuine. "Eat up Las-nin nothing is wrong."

"Adar?"

A gentle kiss was pressed to Legolas' brow before his Adar again gestured for him to eat. At his continued refusal and pleading look Thranduil sighed.

"Nothing is wrong ion-nin. We just need to talk – that is all. Eat up first then we will speak."

Talk. His Adar wanted to talk and Legolas was under no illusions what he wanted to speak about. Soon his darkest secrets and all his shame would be laid bare.

Slowly Legolas brought the spoonful of now tasteless broth to his lips as the anxiety within him turned into a heavy sinking feeling of dread.

TBC.

Adar – Father

Edain – (Plural of Adan) Men

Hodo Vae – Rest Well

Las-nin – My Leaf

Ion / Ion-nin – Son / My Son

Elrondionnath – Sons of Elrond

Lasseg / Lasseg-nin – Little Leaf / My Little Leaf – Family nickname for Legolas

Le fael – Literally: You are generous – Sindarin version of Thank you

Môr-edain – Dark (Evil) Men

Ellith – Female Elves

Naneth-like – Mother-like

Tithen Gwanûr – Little Brother

Peredhil – Half Elven

Hir – Lord

Anor – Sun

Aran – King

Hannon-le – Thank you

Ellon – Male elf

Yrch – (Plural of Orch) – Sindarin for Orcs

Fëa – Soul (Quenya)

Glamhoth – Din horde; yelling horde- Sindarin for Orcs

Yngyl – (Plural of Ungol) Spiders

Mellon-nin - My friend

Horses:

Morchant – Legolas' horse- (Sindarin) Shadow