Chapter 8
"No. A human child is not going on patrol with the Gurth-Oneth." King Thranduil was surprised that Legolas had even asked. He knew Elrond greatly favored this boy, Estel, and had no intention of anything happening to him while in Mirkwood. He did not believe the newfound alliance with Rivendell could survive such a loss.
Legolas knew not to press the issue. Once his father had made his mind up on any matter, there was little chance of changing it.
Thranduil's tone softened as he asked his son, "Are you going with them this time?"
Knowing his father was carefully watching him, Legolas kept his face neutral. "I think not, Father. I am going to show Estel around." As if offering an excuse he added, "Elladan and Elrohir are staying behind, also."
Hearing his father clear his throat, he knew he was revealed. He said softly, "It is not yet time."
Thranduil's heart ached for his Golden Child. He wanted to hold his son, but did not dare risk such an outward show of affection. Wanting to give solace, he offered Legolas what he could. "It is hard for such as we, who feel so deeply, to suffer loss of those whom we love. It does not become easier as the years go by. Perhaps it hurts Elves more, because we think not of loss being the chosen of Eru. Are we the blessed or the cursed of Eru? I know not."
Looking directly at his son Thranduil surprised Legolas. "You are all that I have left, my Son. I cannot face endless years without you. I only wish for your happiness. You are most precious to me."
Legolas knew what it took for his father to say these words to him. He approached Thranduil and put out his right hand to touch his cheek. Thranduil took the hand and held it against his cheek with his own.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Legolas found Estel in the stables stroking the muzzle of Chylar.
"He said no." Estel could tell by the look on Legolas' face.
"It was not a difficult decision to make. Mirkwood is full of danger, even with the Necromancer gone." Legolas was glad that the three would be staying at the palace. He was becoming quite fond of this human who was so young but possessed ways of one steeped in years.
Dark hair fell across his face as Estel turned to rub the neck of the horse. "I did not expect to go. I was hoping."
Legolas studied the form before him. The brown traveling clothes were nondescript and his hands were dirty. The jaw was firm and the features were handsome. The limbs were already well muscled, a promise of power. His bearing was of pride and assurance. Wisps of hair grew from his face. It appeared soft as down, unlike a dwarf's. Legolas had a strange thought. What would it feel like to have hair growing on one's face?
Estel turned and fixed his gaze on the Elf who was assessing him.
"Elladan and Elrohir have found means to be occupied." He smiled. "I have not seen them interested in She-Elves at all before coming to Mirkwood."
Chylar whinnied as if laughing.
.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Dinner was served as the sun set through the trees. Legolas could see the reasons for the absence of the Sons of Elrond. Both reasons sat across the table, shyly smiling at the tall black-haired brothers.
Elladan sat on his left laughing over a joke that Elrohir had made; Estel was on his right. Legolas savored the warmth of the moment before beginning his meal. To feel friendship again made his heart sing. He didn't know it at the time, but his eyes began to get back the twinkle that they once had. He was smiling when he turned to Estel.
When Estel met his look, he did a double take. The shining eyes and happy smile on Legolas shocked him. He had not realized how much pain Legolas had been in until it was eased. He had never before seen such beauty in any Elf, male or female. It took his breath away. At that moment, Estel swore inwardly to protect this Elf from further suffering. He had to preserve this gentle heart.
Suddenly Legolas froze. He heard Chylar screaming. Then other horses joined in. It was a warning!
They heard yelling in the courtyard. Orcs! Inside the palace walls! How could that be? The Gurth-Oneth had left earlier, which left only the palace guard. But this still meant a large contingent of warriors, since Thranduil had been caught unawares once before and had sworn it would never happen again.
The dinner guests hurriedly moved towards the inner rooms while the remaining Elves went to the hallway for weapons.
Legolas saw Estel choose a heavy sword and wondered if he could even wield it. As Estel tested it for balance, any doubts Legolas had of his swordsmanship vanished. He seemed as practiced as any Elf he had seen.
Legolas strapped on his pair of knives and took up his own sword. He knew if the enemy was inside the gates, he had to be ready for close combat.
Then the Orcs were upon them.
Elladan and Elrohir worked their way to either side of Estel and Legolas. Thranduil and his palace guard were pressing the Orcs on their side of the room towards the doorway that led to the Great Hall. The sheer number of Orcs staggered Legolas. How could this many Orcs travel through Mirkwood without warning, much less make it through the gates?
TBC
"No. A human child is not going on patrol with the Gurth-Oneth." King Thranduil was surprised that Legolas had even asked. He knew Elrond greatly favored this boy, Estel, and had no intention of anything happening to him while in Mirkwood. He did not believe the newfound alliance with Rivendell could survive such a loss.
Legolas knew not to press the issue. Once his father had made his mind up on any matter, there was little chance of changing it.
Thranduil's tone softened as he asked his son, "Are you going with them this time?"
Knowing his father was carefully watching him, Legolas kept his face neutral. "I think not, Father. I am going to show Estel around." As if offering an excuse he added, "Elladan and Elrohir are staying behind, also."
Hearing his father clear his throat, he knew he was revealed. He said softly, "It is not yet time."
Thranduil's heart ached for his Golden Child. He wanted to hold his son, but did not dare risk such an outward show of affection. Wanting to give solace, he offered Legolas what he could. "It is hard for such as we, who feel so deeply, to suffer loss of those whom we love. It does not become easier as the years go by. Perhaps it hurts Elves more, because we think not of loss being the chosen of Eru. Are we the blessed or the cursed of Eru? I know not."
Looking directly at his son Thranduil surprised Legolas. "You are all that I have left, my Son. I cannot face endless years without you. I only wish for your happiness. You are most precious to me."
Legolas knew what it took for his father to say these words to him. He approached Thranduil and put out his right hand to touch his cheek. Thranduil took the hand and held it against his cheek with his own.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Legolas found Estel in the stables stroking the muzzle of Chylar.
"He said no." Estel could tell by the look on Legolas' face.
"It was not a difficult decision to make. Mirkwood is full of danger, even with the Necromancer gone." Legolas was glad that the three would be staying at the palace. He was becoming quite fond of this human who was so young but possessed ways of one steeped in years.
Dark hair fell across his face as Estel turned to rub the neck of the horse. "I did not expect to go. I was hoping."
Legolas studied the form before him. The brown traveling clothes were nondescript and his hands were dirty. The jaw was firm and the features were handsome. The limbs were already well muscled, a promise of power. His bearing was of pride and assurance. Wisps of hair grew from his face. It appeared soft as down, unlike a dwarf's. Legolas had a strange thought. What would it feel like to have hair growing on one's face?
Estel turned and fixed his gaze on the Elf who was assessing him.
"Elladan and Elrohir have found means to be occupied." He smiled. "I have not seen them interested in She-Elves at all before coming to Mirkwood."
Chylar whinnied as if laughing.
.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Dinner was served as the sun set through the trees. Legolas could see the reasons for the absence of the Sons of Elrond. Both reasons sat across the table, shyly smiling at the tall black-haired brothers.
Elladan sat on his left laughing over a joke that Elrohir had made; Estel was on his right. Legolas savored the warmth of the moment before beginning his meal. To feel friendship again made his heart sing. He didn't know it at the time, but his eyes began to get back the twinkle that they once had. He was smiling when he turned to Estel.
When Estel met his look, he did a double take. The shining eyes and happy smile on Legolas shocked him. He had not realized how much pain Legolas had been in until it was eased. He had never before seen such beauty in any Elf, male or female. It took his breath away. At that moment, Estel swore inwardly to protect this Elf from further suffering. He had to preserve this gentle heart.
Suddenly Legolas froze. He heard Chylar screaming. Then other horses joined in. It was a warning!
They heard yelling in the courtyard. Orcs! Inside the palace walls! How could that be? The Gurth-Oneth had left earlier, which left only the palace guard. But this still meant a large contingent of warriors, since Thranduil had been caught unawares once before and had sworn it would never happen again.
The dinner guests hurriedly moved towards the inner rooms while the remaining Elves went to the hallway for weapons.
Legolas saw Estel choose a heavy sword and wondered if he could even wield it. As Estel tested it for balance, any doubts Legolas had of his swordsmanship vanished. He seemed as practiced as any Elf he had seen.
Legolas strapped on his pair of knives and took up his own sword. He knew if the enemy was inside the gates, he had to be ready for close combat.
Then the Orcs were upon them.
Elladan and Elrohir worked their way to either side of Estel and Legolas. Thranduil and his palace guard were pressing the Orcs on their side of the room towards the doorway that led to the Great Hall. The sheer number of Orcs staggered Legolas. How could this many Orcs travel through Mirkwood without warning, much less make it through the gates?
TBC