*****
Part 4
*****
Thranduil had first taken his son to see Belegmen to be looked over. Then they had gone to his study where they spent the rest of the day. Nurhenion had been the only one to disturb them and she had only brought in some food before turning around and leaving them alone. Neither had felt up to eating the food and they left it sitting as they lay down on the couch for a while. Thranduil had continued to talk and reassure his son that it wasn't his fault and after a bit, Legolas had dozed off into a restful sleep. His father had followed him not much later.
It was only as the sun started to set that Rudhiathion had come in to wake them. He had opened the door and approached the couch to find Legolas having a nightmare and muttering something about being sorry. Rudhiathion bent down and shook his father's shoulder until he awoke. Thranduil immediately sat up wrapping his arms around Legolas.
"It's all right my little one," Thranduil tried to calm his son. He gently rubbed one of his hands up and down Legolas's back. It took a few moments, but Legolas slowly woke up.
The first thing Legolas did was throw his arms around his father's neck and bury his head in his shoulder and start to cry once more. For Legolas it was more tears of relief, as he realized that his earlier conversation with his father was not a dream. Rudhiathion on the other hand, was feeling helpless, as he looked at his father and bother, uncertain of how to help.
"Adar. What's going to happen now," Legolas asked, finally getting his sobbing under control.
Ignoring the true meaning behind the question, because he didn't have an answer, Thranduil replied, "First both of us are going to eat something, and then we'll see your Naneth and sister off. Tomorrow we'll worry about anything else."
"Yes, food will do you both some good and I see Nurhenion left you something," Rudhiathion said getting up. He walked over to the food and picked up the platter it was on. He walked back to them, watching how his father gently soothed back Legolas's hair from his face and continued to whisper words into his brother's ear. "Neither of you has eaten in several days and you need food to keep up your strength."
Legolas looked at the food, and feeling his stomach churn, he turned away. Closing his eyes, he tried to get his stomach to settle even as his father reached for something on the platter. He knew his father wasn't going to let him get away with not eating something. Opening his eyes, Legolas saw his father holding out a piece of fruit for him. Taking the fruit, he took a small bit and chewed it over and over again. Finally when the piece was nothing more than mush, he swallowed.
As Legolas chewed, Thranduil and Rudhiathion talked quietly. Rudhiathion was updating his father on everything that had happened within the kingdom during the past week. He also informed him that Novkrision had been found dead. "It looks like they were from the race of men. We aren't sure who they were at the moment, but we are still searching."
"Call off the search; I believe I know who did this," Thranduil looked down at Legolas as he spoke. He had recently turned down a group of humans looking for sanctuary here in Mirkwood from the Gondor authorities. He had denied them their request and because of that they had vowed revenge. The last they had been seen was within Mirkwood's borders and there was a party of warriors out searching for them. They were wanted in Gondor for murder.
Before Rudhiathion could ask who, Legolas suddenly pulled out of his father's arms and slipped off the couch. He didn't make it far before he started to get sick. The piece of fruit he had been eating lay forgotten on the floor. Both Thranduil and Rudhiathion were to their feet in seconds after Legolas slipped to the floor. They dropped to their knees on either side of him. Thranduil laid a hand on Legolas's back and gently rubbed his hand in soothing circles.
"Would you get your brother a glass of water?" Thranduil asked as Legolas sat up and gasped for air. As Rudhiathion went for the water, Thranduil pulled Legolas back into his arms. He used the sleeve of his robe to wipe his son's face clean. "It's all right little one, that fruit was just too much to start with."
"Here you are, Adar." Rudhiathion knelt back down next to them and handed the glass to his father when he noticed that Legolas's hands were shaking too much to be able to hold the glass.
Thranduil smiled at his oldest son in thanks. "Here take a small sip, Legolas." He held the cup up to his son's lips as he took a small drink from the glass and then Thranduil handed it back to Rudhiathion. "We're going to go see Belegmen again. Make sure there are clothes waiting for both of us in Legolas's room and a warm bath for your brother."
"Of course, Adar." Rudhiathion watched his father pick up Legolas and walk out of the room. He sat there for a few more minutes as tears ran down his cheeks. It was the first time that he allowed himself to grieve. It wasn't long until he saw Nurhenion standing in the doorway and he quickly got himself under control.
"You do have the right to grieve too, you know," Nurhenion commented.
"I need to be strong right now for Adar and Legolas. I can grieve later," Rudhiathion, replied as he got to his feet.
"Just make sure you don't wait too long my brother."
"Adar has a few things for us to do. Would you help me?" Rudhiathion asked. Nuhenion's response was to hold out her hand for him and then they both walked out of their father's study together.
***** Belegmen walked over to his king and prince, holding a cup of tea in his hands. Putting it in Legolas's hands, he explained that it would help settle his stomach. Then together Thranduil and Belegmen carefully changed Legolas's bandages and looked for any new injuries that might have been cause by him slipping off the couch and onto the floor. Except for the strained muscles that they found earlier, there was nothing new nor had he aggravated any of his old injuries.
"I also put something in that tea for the pain. It's only a mild pain reliever, so it won't make you sleep. Later I'll give you something to help you sleep peacefully tonight." Belegmen smiled and ruffled Legolas's hair a bit as he said this.
"Thank you, Belegmen. If you would, bring it to Legolas's room after the funeral."
"Certainly, my lord." Belegmen watched as Thranduil once more picked up his son and carried him out of the room.
Thranduil ignored the glances they received as they walked through the halls of the palace. Legolas just wrapped his arms around his father's neck once more and laid his head down on the king's shoulder with his eyes closed.
Soon they reached Legolas's room where they found Nurhenion and Tanhuineion waiting for them. Nurhenion said nothing as she took Legolas out of her father's arms and walked away. Tanhuineion just smiled at his father's confused look and directed him out of the room.
"I take it, there is no chance of my changing your mind," Thranduil inquired as he was prodded to walk down the hall. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to be separated from his youngest yet.
"Nurhenion has given me specific orders to make sure you get ready for tonight. She said that she would bring Legolas to the family room when they were done," replied Tanhuineion directing his father in through an open door that led to a set of unused chambers. They didn't believe that their father was ready to face the room that he had shared with their mother and unknown to them, Thranduil was quite relieved when that wasn't where he was directed. "You have had us all worried, Ada."
Thranduil turned to look at his son. "For that I'm truly sorry. It's hard to imagine life without your Naneth, but I still have you children and that is enough to keep me going."
"I'm glad because we would be lost without you." Tanhuineion gave his father a hug. "Now there is a bath waiting for you and clean clothes. Don't worry about anything; it's all been taken care of," instructed Tanhuineion. Then he turned and walked out of the room, closing the door after him.
Looking around the room, Thranduil saw his clothes sitting on the bed and knew from looking at them, that Nurhenion had left them. He could also hear running water in the next room and smell the relaxing fragrance of lavender. He started for the bathroom but stopped to look out the window. With dusk coming to an end, the stars were starting to come out, just barely visible through the trees. It was a perfect night. It was one of those nights that Pennmetiel and he would spend hours walking through the gardens talking about nothing and just enjoying each other's company. It was a night like this that had shined down on their first meeting. He wished he could share this one with her too. Tonight however, was not a night to be enjoyed, nor would he walk under the stars hand in hand with his beloved again. In the future he hoped that he would be able to share these types of nights with his children though and tell them the stories of the stars.
***** Rudhiathion and Tanhuineion were already in the family room when Nurhenion carried Legolas in. All four were dressed in simple green robes that were almost black because of their dark shade. Standing up, Rudhiathion took his brother from his sister's arms before reclaiming his seat. He hadn't had the chance to hold him back in the study when he wished he could have taken Legolas in his arms and made the pain go away. However he could be there for him now by just holding him close. Nurhenion said nothing about it and sat down also. Silence penetrated the room as the four of them sat waiting for the last two members of their family. Vorsarnion was the next person to enter, dressed like them; he had this strange urge to crack a joke just to lighten the atmosphere of the room, but he didn't. He wasn't sure he was able to even make a joke at the moment with his heart so heavy. He quietly took a seat next to Tanhuineion and patiently waited.
When their father arrived, he stopped in the doorway stunned. He had never seen these five so quite and still and he wasn't really sure that he wanted to see it again. The pain he felt in his heart was reflected in each of their eyes, no matter how calm their facial features looked. The four oldest got up with Legolas still in Rudhiathion's arms, when they noticed their father.
"We are ready, Ada," Vorsarnion whispered, afraid if he talked any louder that they would all shatter, including himself.
"You shouldn't have to be," Thranduil replied, pulling them into a giant hug. Each of their voices imprinted itself into his mind and heart at that moment. He wanted as many memories of them as possible, even during times like these, because this incident had taught him once again, how fragile life was. He wasn't sure he could survive any one of them dying after this.
"Adar, please don't blame yourself," Nurhenion implored.
"I know it isn't my fault, just like Legolas needs to understand that it wasn't his. I just wonder what might have happened if I had gone with them," Thranduil remarked. "We are family and I just want you all to know that nothing can nor ever will change that. Mirkwood will always be your home." Thranduil smiled sadly at each of his children. When his eyes came to rest on Legolas, who was staring at him with sorrowful eyes, he reached for him and took him in his arms.
"My king, it's time," Erdal said from the doorway.
"We will be out there in a moment." Thranduil responded, never turning to look at his advisor. Instead he kept his eyes locked with those of his youngest. Only when he heard the door close did he speak once more. "I have only one request for tonight. Do not cry or show emotion during the funeral. We need to present a strong front for our people to show that we will always be strong for them. Once the funeral is over and we are alone once more, we can grieve in peace."
"We understand Adar," Rudhiathion replied for them all. "Do you want me to hold Legolas during the funeral?" he asked making a move to take his brother, judging that it would look more proper if the King were not carrying his youngest.
Thranduil backed out of reach and answered, "No, I'll hold him." With this Thranduil turned and walked out of the room. His children followed, schooling their expressions to match that of their father.
The doors leading to the palace opened up and the gathering crowd turned and bowed slightly at the approach of the royal family. In front of them were two funeral pyres that held the bodies of Pennmetiel and Maltaquelleiel. Once the family had taken their places, the people who had gathered to speak began to do so. For the most part, it was words of send off for the two, but others spoke of their love of the two. Then the people sang laments for the two of them. For Thranduil and his family, the words blended into the background and held no real meaning for them. They were lost in the memories of time before. Soon the burning torches were brought to each pyre and they were set on fire.
It was only when each one had burned out that the royal family left, as soundlessly as they had come. Each had said their goodbyes silently as they watched two of their family members burn so that their ashes could be carried away and their souls set free. No tears were shed by anyone in honor of their father's one request. However, once they were back in the palace, Legolas broke down and started to quietly weep and he buried his head into the side of his father's neck.
"Shh. It's all right to let it all out now my little one," Thranduil whispered to Legolas. "Get some sleep my children. I will be with Legolas if you need me. Tomorrow we can start hunting down those responsible and have our revenge." With that Thranduil walked away knowing his older children would be all right and that it was Legolas who really needed him right now.
Walking slowly through the halls of the palace, heading for Legolas's room, they began to hear hurried footsteps behind them. Stopping, Thranduil knew that it wasn't any of his children and let out a sigh trying to decipher who would be willing to disturb them tonight. Turning around he saw Erdal heading towards them.
"My King, I'm sorry to disturb you, but we need to speak to Legolas immediately if we are going to catch those responsible," Erdal said as he came to a stop in front of them.
"Legolas is tired and in no shape to be questioned," Thranduil snapped, completely surprised that his advisor wouldn't have more sense than to do this. He was beginning to wonder if it wasn't time to find a new one, since Erdal had also been the primary advisor for his father. "Any questions will be asked by me and when I say."
"I understand that you wish to protect him, but."
"There is no but," Thranduil growled, total displeased at his advisor's actions. They had just sent his beloved and daughter off, and Erdal wanted answers when Legolas was exhausted and deeply mourning. "Leave us be if you cherish your life."
Erdal's eyes went wide in shock at hearing his king speak like that. He took several steps back and looked as if he were going to say something, but stopped suddenly. Then he turned and hurried away.
Thranduil watched his advisor walk away, before turning back around and continuing on to his son's room. He looked down at Legolas who was resting with his eyes closed. It didn't seem that his conversation with Erdal had affected him, and for that Thranduil was grateful.
As they approached the door to Legolas's room, Thranduil saw Belegmen waiting for them. His eyes were focused on Legolas with a look of concern when he noticed how pale the child looked. He could see the new dried tear marks on Legolas's cheeks, and the ones barely being held back from falling, in the king's eyes. Now that he looked at Thranduil too, he also noticed that the king was looking a bit on the pale side also.
"I can see that you both could probably use this," Belegmen remarked, holding out a cup of tea. "Unfortunately I only brought enough for Legolas, but if you don't get some sleep my King, I'll make sure to bring some for you too and get your sons help to hold you down if you don't drink it. Make sure Legolas drinks all of this and I will check on you both later." Belegmen turned and walked out of the room before Thranduil could protest his remarks.
"I think that was a gentle observation that we both need some sleep," Thranduil commented. "Here drink this." He set Legolas on the edge of his bed before handing him the cup of tea. Once he was sure that Legolas was drinking it, he walked over to get the nightclothes that had been laid out across a chair in the room.
"Yuck," Legolas announced.
"Well then I guess it hasn't changed any from the last time I was forced to drink it," Thranduil laughed, glad to have something that they could laugh and smile about. "Time for little elves to go to sleep."
"Will you stay with me tonight?" Legolas asked as his father helped him change. He still remembered the nightmares that he had suffered earlier that day and he didn't want to be alone.
"Certainly. Now crawl under the covers my little one before Belegmen comes back and we are both in trouble." He helped Legolas get under the covers, and then kicked of his shoes before lying down on top of the covers. "You know that I will never leave you, right?"
"I know Ada, cause you promised you wouldn't," Legolas responded. His eyes were starting to take on a slightly glazed look as the drugs in the tea took effect.
"Night my little one. I love you," Thranduil whispered. He curled around his son's smaller form and laid his head down. He could feel himself starting to drift off and didn't fight it. Soon both were sound asleep.
Quietly the door to the room opened and Rudhiathion, Nurhenion, Vorsarnion, and Tanhuineion peeked their heads in. They smiled at the sight that greeted them. Rudhiathion walked over the lantern burning and extinguished the light. Only shafts of starlight provided any illumination in the room. The crown prince then took the throw blanket from the end of the bed and gently laid it over his father before leaving the room. Nurhenion said a silent goodnight and closed the door.
"Yes, goodnight my little son and my beloved husband," came a voice from the far corner of the room. A white form took shape as a she-elf approached the two figures on the bed. "I love you all and we shall see each other again. Until then look after each other." Pennmetiel's form bend down and gave each a kiss on the forehead, before backing away. "Goodbye for now." Then her form disappeared, leaving Legolas and Thranduil alone to sleep and dream of happier times.
The End
Thranduil had first taken his son to see Belegmen to be looked over. Then they had gone to his study where they spent the rest of the day. Nurhenion had been the only one to disturb them and she had only brought in some food before turning around and leaving them alone. Neither had felt up to eating the food and they left it sitting as they lay down on the couch for a while. Thranduil had continued to talk and reassure his son that it wasn't his fault and after a bit, Legolas had dozed off into a restful sleep. His father had followed him not much later.
It was only as the sun started to set that Rudhiathion had come in to wake them. He had opened the door and approached the couch to find Legolas having a nightmare and muttering something about being sorry. Rudhiathion bent down and shook his father's shoulder until he awoke. Thranduil immediately sat up wrapping his arms around Legolas.
"It's all right my little one," Thranduil tried to calm his son. He gently rubbed one of his hands up and down Legolas's back. It took a few moments, but Legolas slowly woke up.
The first thing Legolas did was throw his arms around his father's neck and bury his head in his shoulder and start to cry once more. For Legolas it was more tears of relief, as he realized that his earlier conversation with his father was not a dream. Rudhiathion on the other hand, was feeling helpless, as he looked at his father and bother, uncertain of how to help.
"Adar. What's going to happen now," Legolas asked, finally getting his sobbing under control.
Ignoring the true meaning behind the question, because he didn't have an answer, Thranduil replied, "First both of us are going to eat something, and then we'll see your Naneth and sister off. Tomorrow we'll worry about anything else."
"Yes, food will do you both some good and I see Nurhenion left you something," Rudhiathion said getting up. He walked over to the food and picked up the platter it was on. He walked back to them, watching how his father gently soothed back Legolas's hair from his face and continued to whisper words into his brother's ear. "Neither of you has eaten in several days and you need food to keep up your strength."
Legolas looked at the food, and feeling his stomach churn, he turned away. Closing his eyes, he tried to get his stomach to settle even as his father reached for something on the platter. He knew his father wasn't going to let him get away with not eating something. Opening his eyes, Legolas saw his father holding out a piece of fruit for him. Taking the fruit, he took a small bit and chewed it over and over again. Finally when the piece was nothing more than mush, he swallowed.
As Legolas chewed, Thranduil and Rudhiathion talked quietly. Rudhiathion was updating his father on everything that had happened within the kingdom during the past week. He also informed him that Novkrision had been found dead. "It looks like they were from the race of men. We aren't sure who they were at the moment, but we are still searching."
"Call off the search; I believe I know who did this," Thranduil looked down at Legolas as he spoke. He had recently turned down a group of humans looking for sanctuary here in Mirkwood from the Gondor authorities. He had denied them their request and because of that they had vowed revenge. The last they had been seen was within Mirkwood's borders and there was a party of warriors out searching for them. They were wanted in Gondor for murder.
Before Rudhiathion could ask who, Legolas suddenly pulled out of his father's arms and slipped off the couch. He didn't make it far before he started to get sick. The piece of fruit he had been eating lay forgotten on the floor. Both Thranduil and Rudhiathion were to their feet in seconds after Legolas slipped to the floor. They dropped to their knees on either side of him. Thranduil laid a hand on Legolas's back and gently rubbed his hand in soothing circles.
"Would you get your brother a glass of water?" Thranduil asked as Legolas sat up and gasped for air. As Rudhiathion went for the water, Thranduil pulled Legolas back into his arms. He used the sleeve of his robe to wipe his son's face clean. "It's all right little one, that fruit was just too much to start with."
"Here you are, Adar." Rudhiathion knelt back down next to them and handed the glass to his father when he noticed that Legolas's hands were shaking too much to be able to hold the glass.
Thranduil smiled at his oldest son in thanks. "Here take a small sip, Legolas." He held the cup up to his son's lips as he took a small drink from the glass and then Thranduil handed it back to Rudhiathion. "We're going to go see Belegmen again. Make sure there are clothes waiting for both of us in Legolas's room and a warm bath for your brother."
"Of course, Adar." Rudhiathion watched his father pick up Legolas and walk out of the room. He sat there for a few more minutes as tears ran down his cheeks. It was the first time that he allowed himself to grieve. It wasn't long until he saw Nurhenion standing in the doorway and he quickly got himself under control.
"You do have the right to grieve too, you know," Nurhenion commented.
"I need to be strong right now for Adar and Legolas. I can grieve later," Rudhiathion, replied as he got to his feet.
"Just make sure you don't wait too long my brother."
"Adar has a few things for us to do. Would you help me?" Rudhiathion asked. Nuhenion's response was to hold out her hand for him and then they both walked out of their father's study together.
***** Belegmen walked over to his king and prince, holding a cup of tea in his hands. Putting it in Legolas's hands, he explained that it would help settle his stomach. Then together Thranduil and Belegmen carefully changed Legolas's bandages and looked for any new injuries that might have been cause by him slipping off the couch and onto the floor. Except for the strained muscles that they found earlier, there was nothing new nor had he aggravated any of his old injuries.
"I also put something in that tea for the pain. It's only a mild pain reliever, so it won't make you sleep. Later I'll give you something to help you sleep peacefully tonight." Belegmen smiled and ruffled Legolas's hair a bit as he said this.
"Thank you, Belegmen. If you would, bring it to Legolas's room after the funeral."
"Certainly, my lord." Belegmen watched as Thranduil once more picked up his son and carried him out of the room.
Thranduil ignored the glances they received as they walked through the halls of the palace. Legolas just wrapped his arms around his father's neck once more and laid his head down on the king's shoulder with his eyes closed.
Soon they reached Legolas's room where they found Nurhenion and Tanhuineion waiting for them. Nurhenion said nothing as she took Legolas out of her father's arms and walked away. Tanhuineion just smiled at his father's confused look and directed him out of the room.
"I take it, there is no chance of my changing your mind," Thranduil inquired as he was prodded to walk down the hall. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to be separated from his youngest yet.
"Nurhenion has given me specific orders to make sure you get ready for tonight. She said that she would bring Legolas to the family room when they were done," replied Tanhuineion directing his father in through an open door that led to a set of unused chambers. They didn't believe that their father was ready to face the room that he had shared with their mother and unknown to them, Thranduil was quite relieved when that wasn't where he was directed. "You have had us all worried, Ada."
Thranduil turned to look at his son. "For that I'm truly sorry. It's hard to imagine life without your Naneth, but I still have you children and that is enough to keep me going."
"I'm glad because we would be lost without you." Tanhuineion gave his father a hug. "Now there is a bath waiting for you and clean clothes. Don't worry about anything; it's all been taken care of," instructed Tanhuineion. Then he turned and walked out of the room, closing the door after him.
Looking around the room, Thranduil saw his clothes sitting on the bed and knew from looking at them, that Nurhenion had left them. He could also hear running water in the next room and smell the relaxing fragrance of lavender. He started for the bathroom but stopped to look out the window. With dusk coming to an end, the stars were starting to come out, just barely visible through the trees. It was a perfect night. It was one of those nights that Pennmetiel and he would spend hours walking through the gardens talking about nothing and just enjoying each other's company. It was a night like this that had shined down on their first meeting. He wished he could share this one with her too. Tonight however, was not a night to be enjoyed, nor would he walk under the stars hand in hand with his beloved again. In the future he hoped that he would be able to share these types of nights with his children though and tell them the stories of the stars.
***** Rudhiathion and Tanhuineion were already in the family room when Nurhenion carried Legolas in. All four were dressed in simple green robes that were almost black because of their dark shade. Standing up, Rudhiathion took his brother from his sister's arms before reclaiming his seat. He hadn't had the chance to hold him back in the study when he wished he could have taken Legolas in his arms and made the pain go away. However he could be there for him now by just holding him close. Nurhenion said nothing about it and sat down also. Silence penetrated the room as the four of them sat waiting for the last two members of their family. Vorsarnion was the next person to enter, dressed like them; he had this strange urge to crack a joke just to lighten the atmosphere of the room, but he didn't. He wasn't sure he was able to even make a joke at the moment with his heart so heavy. He quietly took a seat next to Tanhuineion and patiently waited.
When their father arrived, he stopped in the doorway stunned. He had never seen these five so quite and still and he wasn't really sure that he wanted to see it again. The pain he felt in his heart was reflected in each of their eyes, no matter how calm their facial features looked. The four oldest got up with Legolas still in Rudhiathion's arms, when they noticed their father.
"We are ready, Ada," Vorsarnion whispered, afraid if he talked any louder that they would all shatter, including himself.
"You shouldn't have to be," Thranduil replied, pulling them into a giant hug. Each of their voices imprinted itself into his mind and heart at that moment. He wanted as many memories of them as possible, even during times like these, because this incident had taught him once again, how fragile life was. He wasn't sure he could survive any one of them dying after this.
"Adar, please don't blame yourself," Nurhenion implored.
"I know it isn't my fault, just like Legolas needs to understand that it wasn't his. I just wonder what might have happened if I had gone with them," Thranduil remarked. "We are family and I just want you all to know that nothing can nor ever will change that. Mirkwood will always be your home." Thranduil smiled sadly at each of his children. When his eyes came to rest on Legolas, who was staring at him with sorrowful eyes, he reached for him and took him in his arms.
"My king, it's time," Erdal said from the doorway.
"We will be out there in a moment." Thranduil responded, never turning to look at his advisor. Instead he kept his eyes locked with those of his youngest. Only when he heard the door close did he speak once more. "I have only one request for tonight. Do not cry or show emotion during the funeral. We need to present a strong front for our people to show that we will always be strong for them. Once the funeral is over and we are alone once more, we can grieve in peace."
"We understand Adar," Rudhiathion replied for them all. "Do you want me to hold Legolas during the funeral?" he asked making a move to take his brother, judging that it would look more proper if the King were not carrying his youngest.
Thranduil backed out of reach and answered, "No, I'll hold him." With this Thranduil turned and walked out of the room. His children followed, schooling their expressions to match that of their father.
The doors leading to the palace opened up and the gathering crowd turned and bowed slightly at the approach of the royal family. In front of them were two funeral pyres that held the bodies of Pennmetiel and Maltaquelleiel. Once the family had taken their places, the people who had gathered to speak began to do so. For the most part, it was words of send off for the two, but others spoke of their love of the two. Then the people sang laments for the two of them. For Thranduil and his family, the words blended into the background and held no real meaning for them. They were lost in the memories of time before. Soon the burning torches were brought to each pyre and they were set on fire.
It was only when each one had burned out that the royal family left, as soundlessly as they had come. Each had said their goodbyes silently as they watched two of their family members burn so that their ashes could be carried away and their souls set free. No tears were shed by anyone in honor of their father's one request. However, once they were back in the palace, Legolas broke down and started to quietly weep and he buried his head into the side of his father's neck.
"Shh. It's all right to let it all out now my little one," Thranduil whispered to Legolas. "Get some sleep my children. I will be with Legolas if you need me. Tomorrow we can start hunting down those responsible and have our revenge." With that Thranduil walked away knowing his older children would be all right and that it was Legolas who really needed him right now.
Walking slowly through the halls of the palace, heading for Legolas's room, they began to hear hurried footsteps behind them. Stopping, Thranduil knew that it wasn't any of his children and let out a sigh trying to decipher who would be willing to disturb them tonight. Turning around he saw Erdal heading towards them.
"My King, I'm sorry to disturb you, but we need to speak to Legolas immediately if we are going to catch those responsible," Erdal said as he came to a stop in front of them.
"Legolas is tired and in no shape to be questioned," Thranduil snapped, completely surprised that his advisor wouldn't have more sense than to do this. He was beginning to wonder if it wasn't time to find a new one, since Erdal had also been the primary advisor for his father. "Any questions will be asked by me and when I say."
"I understand that you wish to protect him, but."
"There is no but," Thranduil growled, total displeased at his advisor's actions. They had just sent his beloved and daughter off, and Erdal wanted answers when Legolas was exhausted and deeply mourning. "Leave us be if you cherish your life."
Erdal's eyes went wide in shock at hearing his king speak like that. He took several steps back and looked as if he were going to say something, but stopped suddenly. Then he turned and hurried away.
Thranduil watched his advisor walk away, before turning back around and continuing on to his son's room. He looked down at Legolas who was resting with his eyes closed. It didn't seem that his conversation with Erdal had affected him, and for that Thranduil was grateful.
As they approached the door to Legolas's room, Thranduil saw Belegmen waiting for them. His eyes were focused on Legolas with a look of concern when he noticed how pale the child looked. He could see the new dried tear marks on Legolas's cheeks, and the ones barely being held back from falling, in the king's eyes. Now that he looked at Thranduil too, he also noticed that the king was looking a bit on the pale side also.
"I can see that you both could probably use this," Belegmen remarked, holding out a cup of tea. "Unfortunately I only brought enough for Legolas, but if you don't get some sleep my King, I'll make sure to bring some for you too and get your sons help to hold you down if you don't drink it. Make sure Legolas drinks all of this and I will check on you both later." Belegmen turned and walked out of the room before Thranduil could protest his remarks.
"I think that was a gentle observation that we both need some sleep," Thranduil commented. "Here drink this." He set Legolas on the edge of his bed before handing him the cup of tea. Once he was sure that Legolas was drinking it, he walked over to get the nightclothes that had been laid out across a chair in the room.
"Yuck," Legolas announced.
"Well then I guess it hasn't changed any from the last time I was forced to drink it," Thranduil laughed, glad to have something that they could laugh and smile about. "Time for little elves to go to sleep."
"Will you stay with me tonight?" Legolas asked as his father helped him change. He still remembered the nightmares that he had suffered earlier that day and he didn't want to be alone.
"Certainly. Now crawl under the covers my little one before Belegmen comes back and we are both in trouble." He helped Legolas get under the covers, and then kicked of his shoes before lying down on top of the covers. "You know that I will never leave you, right?"
"I know Ada, cause you promised you wouldn't," Legolas responded. His eyes were starting to take on a slightly glazed look as the drugs in the tea took effect.
"Night my little one. I love you," Thranduil whispered. He curled around his son's smaller form and laid his head down. He could feel himself starting to drift off and didn't fight it. Soon both were sound asleep.
Quietly the door to the room opened and Rudhiathion, Nurhenion, Vorsarnion, and Tanhuineion peeked their heads in. They smiled at the sight that greeted them. Rudhiathion walked over the lantern burning and extinguished the light. Only shafts of starlight provided any illumination in the room. The crown prince then took the throw blanket from the end of the bed and gently laid it over his father before leaving the room. Nurhenion said a silent goodnight and closed the door.
"Yes, goodnight my little son and my beloved husband," came a voice from the far corner of the room. A white form took shape as a she-elf approached the two figures on the bed. "I love you all and we shall see each other again. Until then look after each other." Pennmetiel's form bend down and gave each a kiss on the forehead, before backing away. "Goodbye for now." Then her form disappeared, leaving Legolas and Thranduil alone to sleep and dream of happier times.
The End