80 Cowardice.

Thranduil stood beside the closed door and listened to the muffled sounds of distress from within. His heart clenched in his chest, nothing hurt more than knowing his child suffered, he would do anything to ensure Legolas came to no harm, either physically or mentally but unfortunately it was not always possible.

"Legolas" the king murmured as he opened the door and stepped into the airy room, "Ion nin."

Crossing over to the bed where a small lump under the sheet quivered and exuded soft whimpers and sniffles he perched on its edge.

"Aie, Legolas," Thranduil reached out to where he thought the boys head must be and gently rested his hand. "Tithen pen."

The sheet shifted slightly under the king's hand to reveal he had been correct in his assumption as the crown of a blonde head became visible, slowly followed by a pair of huge, tear filled eyes.

"What ails you ion nin?" Thranduil soothed. "Have you been hurt?"

The head shook from side to side.

"Are you ill?"

The small head shook again.

"Legolas," Thranduil said a little louder this time. "If you don't tell me what is wrong I can not help make it better."

"I…" the child sniffed and allowed the sheet to slip away further. "I was… you will…"

Tears began to fall once more and Thranduil reached to pull his young son into his arms causing his sobs to become louder.

"Please, Legolas. Tell me what has you so upset. Let me help." Smoothing his hand up and down his sons back the king wracked his brain to think just what may have happened to cause such distress.

"I… Ada…I…ranaway." The elfling sobbed out. "You…I…it…Gallion said…youwouldbe…angry…" He sniffed and turned his eyes away, his fingers fiddling with a loose thread on the hem of his tunic.

"Sorry." He whispered

Thranduil just stopped himself from letting out a low growl as his hands clenched. What on Arda could have possessed Gallion to say such a thing and for what reason?

"Look at me Legolas." He reached out with a finger and tilted his son's chin up. "I promise I will not be angry tithen pen. Just tell me what has happened to upset you so."

"I was in…the library," the young elf stammered out. "I needed a book…for my lessons…a history book." He continued, his piping voice quivering as he went on.

"I…I pulled out a very old looking one. It was very dusty and…" He stopped, staring up at his father as his small body began to shake.

"A sp… a spider… ran…" He began to cry once more. "It ran…over…my hand… and I…." He paused once more to take a deep breath before blurting out.

"I screamedada, Iscreamedveryloud, andGallionshouted, andIdroppedthebook, andiranaway, I'msorryIwasacoward."

"Breathe Legolas, Breathe." Thranduil said gently as he pulled his son into his arms once more, rubbing his hand up and down his small spine absently and murmuring soft, soothing noises. He resolved to have words with Gallion about upsetting the child like this.

"I did not mean to Ada." Legolas said quietly at last. "Gallion said you would be angry I made such a noise over a tiny spider." He sniffed. "He said… you would say I was not your son… for being…so silly."

For a moment Thranduils arms tightened as anger threatened to overtake his senses then he realised that Legolas' little body had tensed in his grip. Looking down he saw the nervous anticipation in his son's eyes and forced himself to relax. This was not the child's fault.

"Oh, my child," He said softly. "I could never disown you, no matter what you did." He smiled suddenly, resolving to speak to Gallion once he had calmed Legolas enough to leave.

"And you are not a coward." He continued as a sly thought came to mind. "Let me tell you of the time Gallion found a rat in his closet…"


A/N

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy poor little Legolas.

I must say a belated thank you to the guest who left a lovely constructive review for chapter 78. I hope you read this chapter and wish I could reply to you personally.

Thanks also go to Siveronlyreads and Rose61393. I hope you are still enjoying these little drabbles

Also I am indebted to my regular reviewers to for their continued support. LadyLindariel, KShadeslady and Nurayy.

Keep Safe

Nyx