Precious Stones and Petty Gems

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Disclaimer: The characters belong to the Professor and I claim no ownership. Except for Rubi, Elaith and Telemor who are OCs.

A/N: Thanks to Christina for spotting the typo, I've corrected it.

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Chapter 1 - Little Intruder

There was only one tunnel leading to the treasury and it was guarded at all times. Anyone trying to access the treasury had to get past two guards. A very small number but the elves of Doriath were confident in the magical protection woven by their queen.

Today however, the treasure room was to be besieged by a most unusual but resourceful intruder the guards have ever seen.

Elaith and Telemor stared in disbelief and no little anxiety at the elfling before them. Thranduil, son of Oropher was both the terror and darling of the palace guards. He could be very adorable when he choose to be, with his father being the captain of the guards, Thranduil had easy access to the barracks and often visited. Unfortunately, as a result of this, the guards have grown used to the sight of elfling and their tongues were more loose than normal around him. This had on occasions led to various amusing if somewhat embarrassing incidents, at the dinning hall when the elfling told everyone what Oropher's subordinates have said and done behind the latter's back. It was only recently that Thranduil been taught that what the guards said to each other was not meant to be repeated, especially not for Oropher's ears!

Unfortunately, the elfling was still prone to rambling on it especially when he was annoyed with them.

From the looks of the current situation, Elaith and Telemor suspected that they were the unlucky individuals who would feel Oropher's wraith.

Already, there was a pout on the elfling's lips and the face was starting to obtain a telltale reddish tint.

Telemor quickly kneeled down so that he was almost level with the elfling. "Ah, ah Thranduil, please don't cry. If the captain sees us now he'll hang us by our ears. You don't want your Adar to be mad do you?"

A warning sniffle from the youngster and Telemor started to panic. Elaith hurriedly went down besides his companion and tried to calm the elfling as best as he could. "Oh child, please don't cry. Pray tell, why do you need to go see the king so badly?"

Thranduil wiped his eyes and muttered. " Thingol being bad to Melian! Nana said that she misses the king but he only wants that petty stone. He made her cry and Adar used to say that if a boy make girl cry, he is bad! So I've come to scold him."

At the end of speech, Thranduil gave a huff and he struck out a stubborn chin, crossing his arms the way he had seen his father done. It had always intimidated the guards and Thranduil hoped that it'll work on Telemor and Elaith. He really didn't want to see Melian cry anymore.

Both elder elves stared in shock at the elfling. True, they knew about how Thingol's latest obsession had hurt the queen deeply, in fact the city knew about it. But Thingol was their king and one doesn't go around telling one's ruler what to do. The Valar be their witness, Oropher and Celeborn had tried to consult the king which only served to annoy him. And now, this child who barely reach their kneecaps was going to tell king Thingol of the Sindar off!

Telemor grinned at that image. Examining the figure before him, Telemor thought, 'why not? Perhaps where his wisest advisors and oldest friends have failed, a child might succeed. Besides, if gentle consultation would not work, a rude scolding might. And it was long overdue.'

Stealing a glance to his side, he noticed the glint of agreement in Elaith's eyes. Both stood up and executed graceful bows to the youngster. "So be it Lord Thranduil, and might I say we wish you success on your endeavour."

Thranduil grinned and with a quick cry of thanks, stepped through the entrance of the treasury as Elaith held open the door.