#2 - Pet
A pair of huge eyes peered from behind one of the ornate tapestries which adorned the walls of the great dining hall and quickly scanned the room. Seeing his father was finally alone the small elfling crept out from his hiding place and scurried across the stone floor, his gaze darting about the room. If she should appear now he did not know what he would do. With a small sigh of relief he reached his target and burrowed under the edge of his father's long silver robes.
"Legolas?" Thranduil looked down, an indulgent smile upon his fair features. "What is the matter ion nin? I thought you were playing with your new friend."
He placed a hand upon the elflings head and began combing his long, elegant fingers gently through the child's flaxen hair.
Relaxing slightly under the safety of his father's touch Legolas smiled and looked up. His father always knew when he was troubled or upset, in fact, he amended to himself, his father seemed to be able to read his every mood.
"I…"
"Ah! There you are." A high pitched childish voice broke in before Legolas could speak. "You naughty little thing. I have been looking for you everywhere! Look, I has a new ribbon for you to wear."
Thranduil tried not to chuckle as a small, dark haired elleth, just about a head taller than his son came rushing over, brandishing a pink ribbon in one hand and he felt the small body beside him nudge closer into his legs.
"Now, Legolas."
The king moved his hand down to the small of his sons back and gave a small push.
"Arwen is our guest."
He smiled at the young elleth then looked down at his son.
"You should go and play nicely. Look she has a very pretty ribbon for you to wear. Don't you see?"
"Silly!" Giggled Arwen and simpered at the king. "His name isn't Legolas. It's Fluffy!"
"Fluffy?" Thranduil frowned
"Fluffy" Arwen replied emphatically with a shake of her head. "He's my pet rabbit."
A sudden sympathetic understanding rushed over the king and as his son's eyes pleaded for intervention he smiled ruefully. Legolas was just about to learn that sacrifices sometimes had to be made to ensure diplomatic relationships were maintained.
