Ch 8
It was late afternoon when Elrond left Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir fast asleep on their big bed. They had been so tired and emotionally drained that they fell asleep talking so Elrond took Arwen to the nursery then went back to his study allowing them much needed rest.
Legolas yawned and stretched lazily; his eyes still heavy with sleep but his body told him he should be awake. The day had been pretty much a blur of emotion, pain and fear but in the end, even though he still didn't understand what was going on he knew he was safe here.
As quietly and easily as he could he disentangled himself from the sleeping twins and crawled off the bed so the he didn't wake them. After changing into some leggings and a tunic he ventured out into the hallway. The palace was huge and strange to him, he knew not were he was allowed to go but he remember the Lord Elrond had told him he was to act here as he would at home. The elfling sighed, adjusted his tunic and set off to find the armory, "It's time to earn my keep." He walked the long, winding halls until he found the armory and went straight to work.
Laying a soft blanket on the floor and setting the polish and cloth on the edge of it he struggled to get one of the big battle swords down. He knew if he dropped it he would be in trouble so even though it weighed twice as much as he did he managed to get it gently to the blanket and went to work polishing the steel.
Hours had passed when a guardsman entered Lord Elrond's study. He bowed, "My Lord?"
Elrond nodded, "How may I help you, Cleat?"
"Sir, I was returning my sword to the armory after my patrol and," he paused, "there is something I think you may wish to see."
Intrigued Elrond followed the guardsman until they reached the doors of the armory. Cleat stepped aside so that the Lord could see. To his shock the small elfling had polished half the swords and shields in the huge room. Elrond quietly stepped inside; Cleat followed. "Legolas?"
The voice startled him and he almost dropped the handle of the sword he was holding but realizing it was a friendly voice he smiled, "Hello."
Elrond knelt down next to him, "What are you doing?" "Cleaning the 'quitment' he said proudly. Elrond had to suppress a smile at the 'child speech' as it had been yeas since he'd heard it spoken. Legolas got worried when Lord Elrond didn't respond, "I didn't do it good?"
Cleat couldn't contain himself any longer. Never had he seen such a determined and mature elfling of this age. He picked up one of the swords, "Young Prince, I have never seen a sword so brilliant. Why an Orc would go running from it's reflection alone."
Legolas smiled widely for a moment but Elrond noted a tremble in the small body, "Cleat, is right, they are perfect but why are you doing it?"
"To earn my keep," he answered nervously. This wasn't going well at all.
"What?" Elrond snapped incredulously, almost angrily. He reached for the elfling but Legolas yelped and scurried back, pressing himself hard into a corner.
"I'm sorry," he cried, pulling his knees tight to his chest as the elf king walked towards him. "Please do not punish me?" he begged. "I'll be better, I promise," his voice cracked and a strangled cry escaped him. "Please no!"
Elrond pulled the elfling harshly to his feet. He was terrified and Elrond knew of no way to stop it. "Legola,s calm yourself!" The elfling's eyes bulged and his lower lip quivered but he stopped babbling. Elrond couldn't help but hug him tightly. "I have no intention nor reason to punish you, child. You have done nothing wrong."
Legolas pushed away from the hug a bit, "But you yelled."
Elrond sighed then smiled, "I was angered, little one, because you said you had to earn your keep. You have to earn nothing here, as you are an honored guest and friend. I had hoped you knew that."
"But you said to do as I would at home," he said confused. "At home I must earn my keep or get punished."
"What?" Cleat snapped. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dunthral had told him stories of the prince's treatment in Mirkwood but this was horrid.
Elrond's temper flared but he kept it in check so he wouldn't frighten the child more. "Your father punished you if you did not clean battle armor?" he gritted out.
"And dishes and help with the cleaning and the stables."
"You seemed rather afraid of punishment; how does he punish you?" Elrond hoped this would answer some of his suspicions about Thranduil with out being to hard on the prince.
"Some times I have to go to my room without meals or I get locked in the closet. Once I was thrown in the dungeon with the prisoners," he shook at the memory. "But mostly I'm spanked," he whispered hanging his head in shame as his face blushed red.
"Legolas, those things are wrong! No child should have to endure that. It is not commonplace for elves to chastise their offspring it is barbaric!"
"Sir" Cleat interjected. "Do you mean to say this elfling's father hits him with his bare hands as punishment for mere childhood offenses?" He was sickened at what he overheard.
"And a leather strap," the tiny voice added as he dropped his head back to Elrond's shoulder to hide his face.
Elrond and Cleat both cringed. "I will do all in my power to assure that never happens to you again, Legolas Greenleaf," the Elvin king vowed. He pulled the child back a bit, "Now. Lets go get you cleaned up for evening meal; I think it's time you ate someplace besides your chambers."
Legolas nodded and began to pick up the sword nearest him, "I will put these away and go straight to the bath, sir."
Cleat lifted the steel blade from the struggling arms, "You have been so kind in caring for our gear young prince," Cleat bowed, "I will put these things away."
Legolas smiled and bowed in return, "Thank you."
He took Elrond's hand and allowed the older elf to lead him down the halls. He didn't go to the same bathing chamber that he had before but to a huge room. The walls were lined with books. More books then he ever knew existed.
Elrond stopped when he felt a tug on his hand and smiled at the bright, shining eyes scanning the room, "Do you like books, Legolas?"
The blond nodded, "Naneth would read to me often."
He pulled the child through the study and his sleeping chambers into his private bath. The huge sunken tub in the middle of the room was full of warm scented water with sweet smelling soaps lining the sides. Legolas's eyes widened; the tub was as huge as a pond! "I get to bathe in there?"
"Yes," Elrond smiled. "I shall get a cloth and you climb in."
Cloths went flying in all directions and with in seconds he was in the water. The tub was so deep as he wadded in he had to stand to keep his head above water.
When he heard the water splash Elrond turned and went back to the side of the tub. Legolas was so small he looked lost in the water. "Come, set on the steps, little one." Legolas did as he was told and began to wash. Elrond took this opportunity to speak to him, "There is something I need to discuss with you." Small eyes turned to him as he kept washing. "I wish you to accompany the twins and myself to a place called Lothlorien."
"You wish to give me to the witch?" Legolas yelped! "I have angered you," he said sadly.
"The witch?" Elrond questioned.
"The lady of the wood!"
"Galadriel? Legolas, I assure you she is no witch! She is an elf of great power who has been gifted with sight not the folly your father filled your head with."
Legolas wanted to argue, his father told him that if Elrond ever captured him he would give him to the witch and they would try to turn him against his father. Was this happening? Thranduil sent him to Elrond himself so should he not fear the witch? He was confused and his heart hurt that he had to worry so. He didn't believe Elrond would harm him but he also never thought his father would send him to their enemy. Unable to voice the complex thoughts in his head he just sat in the warm water.
Elrond hadn't counted on this reaction; damn Thranduil for all his lies. "I assure you that no harm will come to you. Elladan, Elrohir and I will be at your side at all times. You will find Galadriel to be very kind." He sighed when the elfling disappeared under the water to rinse the soap out of his hair and, or so Elrond felt, to escape the conversation. Elves had the ability to hold their breath for a while but Elrond was getting worried; he reached into the water and pulled Legolas up by the head. Little eyes looked at him and tried to escape once again. "Legolas," he scolded.
"Fine, if it is what you wish," he said in defeat.
"Very good," Elrond smiled as he dumped a bowl of water over the prince's head electing a slight smile. This is going to be harder then he thought.
Ch 9
Legolas pushed the door to his room open; Elrond had sent him to wake the twins for evening meal. He looked on the bed where they both lay sleeping still and sighed, he would miss them when the witch took him away. He walked to Elladan and shook him gently. No response. He shook him harder finally using all his weight to make the elf move but he didn't rouse. He decided to try Elrohir and see if he could wake him. It was simple to wake Elrohir as he was ticklish or so Legolas found out when his hand touched Elrohir's ribs and he laughed.
"No fair, little one, you can't attack when one is sleeping," he smiled.
Legolas laughed, "Your father sent me to wake you for meal but I couldn't get Elladan to wake even though I shook him hard so I was going to climb up and shake you."
"He could sleep though anything," he laughed. With and evil glint in his eye he grinned, "Want to know how to wake him?"
Legolas shook his head; after all it was what Elrond had told him to do. Elrohir whispered to Legolas and laughed.
Legolas was perched upon Elladan's chest, a leg on either side of his body and a huge goblet of water in his hands. "Are you sure about this, Elrohir? Won't he be angry?"
"No, it's the only way to wake him, really." Elrohir knew Elladan would be mad but then find it funny. "Go on then, lest you do not mind father."
Legolas's eyes widened at the thought of disobeying Elrond and obediently dumped the water on Elladan.
"Ai!" Elladan yelp as he sat straight up knocking the prince backwards in the processes. "What the hell?" He glared at Elrohir who was doubled over with laughter then saw Legolas on the bed with offensive goblet still in hand. He looked at the child, whom by now had gotten to his knees, "Why did you do that?"
"To wake you, it was the only way."
"And who told you that?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"Come Legolas," Elrohir said pulling him to his feet. "We must go down for evening meal now."
"Oh no," Elladan said placing the prince back on the bed. "I'm not finished with you yet. I think some form of retaliation is in order here." Legolas tried to run but was captured and tickled relentlessly. He had never laughed so hard in his life as Elrohir joined in the attack. Squeals and giggles filled the room until the twins decided it would be wise to let the child breath. They walked to the dining hall together with a few more tickles along the way.
Elrond looked up when he heard the laughter and saw the three walking in. They took their seat at the table and their food was brought out. "So, what was so funny?"
"A joint attack on my person," Elladan answered. "It seems that little one here is capable of mischief."
"Yeah," Elrohir agreed. "He poured a goblet of ice cold water on Elladan here just to wake him."
"You told me to!" the small but proud voice rang out. "You said he would sleep through anything and it was the only way to wake him. I had to or I would be disobeying.. "
Elrohir stuffed a roll in the prince's mouth before he could finish, "Try some bread, it's wonderful today." They all laughed.
At the end of the meal all were still in good spirits and talking about what they were going to do tomorrow. Elladan rose and poured himself a large amount of red wine; walking unknowingly behind Elrohir he dumped the red liquid over his head. "Perhaps next time, brother, you will not send an elfling to do your job."
Even Elrond laughed at the look on his son's face.
Later that night everyone was sleeping peacefully when a shrill cry of pure terror pierced the air, "No! Naneth! Sase! (No! Mother! Please!)" Legolas jumped from the bed screaming and unsure of where he was. The only thing he knew was that his mother was gone and no one loved him anymore. He had to get away, had to run now but there were hands holding him and distant voices talking.
The twins were on the floor with Legolas in an instant after being startled by the scream. They were holding the struggling elfling when Elrond walked in. "Adar, what's wrong with him," Elrohir asked, worried.
The child was covered in a sheen of sweat, his eyes vacant and distant almost like he was in a dream trance. "He's had a nightmare and can not wake completely. It is a part of grief," he said sadly.
"But he was so happy today," Elrohir pleaded.
"Happy but for a few moments, son; his heart is still in pieces. There is a long road ahead of this one yet and I'm afraid it will not be a pleasant one at first." He lifted Legolas into his arms and sat on a near by chair, "It's ok, little one, it was only a dream." He continued to sooth him until he calmed.
Legolas snapped from his nightmare and realized he was in Rivendell and Lord Elrond was holding him. Looking around with frightened eyes he saw the twins watching in concern. Turning back to Elrond he couldn't stop the tears, "I'm sorry."
"What have I told you about that? It is ok to cry, Legolas I will hear no apologies for it; understood?" The small head buried in his chest shook. "Good now, would you like to share your dream with us?"
He clenched Elrond's sleeping robe in his fists, "I saw her die. I saw them kill her and she cried out for me!"
"It was but a dream child, not real."
"But she is really dead," he cried.
"Yes she is, Legolas, but you could not have stopped that; you are but a child. You have to face that."
Legolas sat straight up and looked Elrond in the eyes, "But father said I killed her! Why would he say things not true?" Elladan and Elrohir went into the hallway and Legolas could hear things crashing and breaking. Looking back at the Lord he saw fury in his dark brown eyes and cowered. He heard the wood on the arm of the chair split under Elrond's grasp and slid to the floor, "I'm sorry sir, I did not wish to anger you."
Two guardsmen and Glorfindel came bursting into the room, "My Lord, what is the trouble," Glorfindel panicked.
Elrond stood and lifted the elfling form the floor on to his hip. Turning to the guards men, "Fetch the gold box on the dresser in my chambers now!" Turning back to Glorfindel, not even realizing that's who it was he ordered, "Prepare horses, we leave for Lothlorien at sunrise, I can not wait for Glorfindel's return."
The elder smiled, "I have returned my king and there is no need for travel Celeborn and Galadriel returned with me."
Elrond turned to his companion and put a hand on his shoulder, "I am grateful for your return, my friend, I fear for him deeply. I must speak with the lord and lay immediately, would you stay with him for a while?"
Glorfindel was not use to being asked to baby-sit but he agreed and took the elfling from Elrond as the lord dashed from the room. He noticed how stiff and uneasy he was, "There is no need to fear me child, I mean you no harm."
"You brought the witch with you? You want me to go away too, don't you?" He pouted dejectedly.
Glorfindel had expected this because he knew the folly Thranduil liked to preach about other elves. "Legolas, I assure you Galadriel is no witch, she is a very gifted elf and I do not want you to go away. It would do my heart well to see you stay in the house of Elrond forever."
The elfling was stunned, why was he being so nice to him? "Why?"
The older elf chuckled and sat on the bed holding the young one against his chest, "I knew your mother once, and she was an amazing woman. She was beautiful and smart but most of all she was loving. As a child of 2 millennia I felt unwanted by my father as well and I did join the awareness that he truly didn't care If I was around or not so I rebelled against everything to try and get his attention. I done things that were a disgrace to myself and my people but your mother, she saw to it that I was healed emotionally. It was like she was the only one who could see the pain inside me and for that I cherished our friendship. She saved me child and I told her that I would repay her someday. I will honor part of that debt by helping you through this." He looked down and saw the boy sleeping on his chest and smiled, "Sleep well, little one."
It was late afternoon when Elrond left Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir fast asleep on their big bed. They had been so tired and emotionally drained that they fell asleep talking so Elrond took Arwen to the nursery then went back to his study allowing them much needed rest.
Legolas yawned and stretched lazily; his eyes still heavy with sleep but his body told him he should be awake. The day had been pretty much a blur of emotion, pain and fear but in the end, even though he still didn't understand what was going on he knew he was safe here.
As quietly and easily as he could he disentangled himself from the sleeping twins and crawled off the bed so the he didn't wake them. After changing into some leggings and a tunic he ventured out into the hallway. The palace was huge and strange to him, he knew not were he was allowed to go but he remember the Lord Elrond had told him he was to act here as he would at home. The elfling sighed, adjusted his tunic and set off to find the armory, "It's time to earn my keep." He walked the long, winding halls until he found the armory and went straight to work.
Laying a soft blanket on the floor and setting the polish and cloth on the edge of it he struggled to get one of the big battle swords down. He knew if he dropped it he would be in trouble so even though it weighed twice as much as he did he managed to get it gently to the blanket and went to work polishing the steel.
Hours had passed when a guardsman entered Lord Elrond's study. He bowed, "My Lord?"
Elrond nodded, "How may I help you, Cleat?"
"Sir, I was returning my sword to the armory after my patrol and," he paused, "there is something I think you may wish to see."
Intrigued Elrond followed the guardsman until they reached the doors of the armory. Cleat stepped aside so that the Lord could see. To his shock the small elfling had polished half the swords and shields in the huge room. Elrond quietly stepped inside; Cleat followed. "Legolas?"
The voice startled him and he almost dropped the handle of the sword he was holding but realizing it was a friendly voice he smiled, "Hello."
Elrond knelt down next to him, "What are you doing?" "Cleaning the 'quitment' he said proudly. Elrond had to suppress a smile at the 'child speech' as it had been yeas since he'd heard it spoken. Legolas got worried when Lord Elrond didn't respond, "I didn't do it good?"
Cleat couldn't contain himself any longer. Never had he seen such a determined and mature elfling of this age. He picked up one of the swords, "Young Prince, I have never seen a sword so brilliant. Why an Orc would go running from it's reflection alone."
Legolas smiled widely for a moment but Elrond noted a tremble in the small body, "Cleat, is right, they are perfect but why are you doing it?"
"To earn my keep," he answered nervously. This wasn't going well at all.
"What?" Elrond snapped incredulously, almost angrily. He reached for the elfling but Legolas yelped and scurried back, pressing himself hard into a corner.
"I'm sorry," he cried, pulling his knees tight to his chest as the elf king walked towards him. "Please do not punish me?" he begged. "I'll be better, I promise," his voice cracked and a strangled cry escaped him. "Please no!"
Elrond pulled the elfling harshly to his feet. He was terrified and Elrond knew of no way to stop it. "Legola,s calm yourself!" The elfling's eyes bulged and his lower lip quivered but he stopped babbling. Elrond couldn't help but hug him tightly. "I have no intention nor reason to punish you, child. You have done nothing wrong."
Legolas pushed away from the hug a bit, "But you yelled."
Elrond sighed then smiled, "I was angered, little one, because you said you had to earn your keep. You have to earn nothing here, as you are an honored guest and friend. I had hoped you knew that."
"But you said to do as I would at home," he said confused. "At home I must earn my keep or get punished."
"What?" Cleat snapped. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dunthral had told him stories of the prince's treatment in Mirkwood but this was horrid.
Elrond's temper flared but he kept it in check so he wouldn't frighten the child more. "Your father punished you if you did not clean battle armor?" he gritted out.
"And dishes and help with the cleaning and the stables."
"You seemed rather afraid of punishment; how does he punish you?" Elrond hoped this would answer some of his suspicions about Thranduil with out being to hard on the prince.
"Some times I have to go to my room without meals or I get locked in the closet. Once I was thrown in the dungeon with the prisoners," he shook at the memory. "But mostly I'm spanked," he whispered hanging his head in shame as his face blushed red.
"Legolas, those things are wrong! No child should have to endure that. It is not commonplace for elves to chastise their offspring it is barbaric!"
"Sir" Cleat interjected. "Do you mean to say this elfling's father hits him with his bare hands as punishment for mere childhood offenses?" He was sickened at what he overheard.
"And a leather strap," the tiny voice added as he dropped his head back to Elrond's shoulder to hide his face.
Elrond and Cleat both cringed. "I will do all in my power to assure that never happens to you again, Legolas Greenleaf," the Elvin king vowed. He pulled the child back a bit, "Now. Lets go get you cleaned up for evening meal; I think it's time you ate someplace besides your chambers."
Legolas nodded and began to pick up the sword nearest him, "I will put these away and go straight to the bath, sir."
Cleat lifted the steel blade from the struggling arms, "You have been so kind in caring for our gear young prince," Cleat bowed, "I will put these things away."
Legolas smiled and bowed in return, "Thank you."
He took Elrond's hand and allowed the older elf to lead him down the halls. He didn't go to the same bathing chamber that he had before but to a huge room. The walls were lined with books. More books then he ever knew existed.
Elrond stopped when he felt a tug on his hand and smiled at the bright, shining eyes scanning the room, "Do you like books, Legolas?"
The blond nodded, "Naneth would read to me often."
He pulled the child through the study and his sleeping chambers into his private bath. The huge sunken tub in the middle of the room was full of warm scented water with sweet smelling soaps lining the sides. Legolas's eyes widened; the tub was as huge as a pond! "I get to bathe in there?"
"Yes," Elrond smiled. "I shall get a cloth and you climb in."
Cloths went flying in all directions and with in seconds he was in the water. The tub was so deep as he wadded in he had to stand to keep his head above water.
When he heard the water splash Elrond turned and went back to the side of the tub. Legolas was so small he looked lost in the water. "Come, set on the steps, little one." Legolas did as he was told and began to wash. Elrond took this opportunity to speak to him, "There is something I need to discuss with you." Small eyes turned to him as he kept washing. "I wish you to accompany the twins and myself to a place called Lothlorien."
"You wish to give me to the witch?" Legolas yelped! "I have angered you," he said sadly.
"The witch?" Elrond questioned.
"The lady of the wood!"
"Galadriel? Legolas, I assure you she is no witch! She is an elf of great power who has been gifted with sight not the folly your father filled your head with."
Legolas wanted to argue, his father told him that if Elrond ever captured him he would give him to the witch and they would try to turn him against his father. Was this happening? Thranduil sent him to Elrond himself so should he not fear the witch? He was confused and his heart hurt that he had to worry so. He didn't believe Elrond would harm him but he also never thought his father would send him to their enemy. Unable to voice the complex thoughts in his head he just sat in the warm water.
Elrond hadn't counted on this reaction; damn Thranduil for all his lies. "I assure you that no harm will come to you. Elladan, Elrohir and I will be at your side at all times. You will find Galadriel to be very kind." He sighed when the elfling disappeared under the water to rinse the soap out of his hair and, or so Elrond felt, to escape the conversation. Elves had the ability to hold their breath for a while but Elrond was getting worried; he reached into the water and pulled Legolas up by the head. Little eyes looked at him and tried to escape once again. "Legolas," he scolded.
"Fine, if it is what you wish," he said in defeat.
"Very good," Elrond smiled as he dumped a bowl of water over the prince's head electing a slight smile. This is going to be harder then he thought.
Ch 9
Legolas pushed the door to his room open; Elrond had sent him to wake the twins for evening meal. He looked on the bed where they both lay sleeping still and sighed, he would miss them when the witch took him away. He walked to Elladan and shook him gently. No response. He shook him harder finally using all his weight to make the elf move but he didn't rouse. He decided to try Elrohir and see if he could wake him. It was simple to wake Elrohir as he was ticklish or so Legolas found out when his hand touched Elrohir's ribs and he laughed.
"No fair, little one, you can't attack when one is sleeping," he smiled.
Legolas laughed, "Your father sent me to wake you for meal but I couldn't get Elladan to wake even though I shook him hard so I was going to climb up and shake you."
"He could sleep though anything," he laughed. With and evil glint in his eye he grinned, "Want to know how to wake him?"
Legolas shook his head; after all it was what Elrond had told him to do. Elrohir whispered to Legolas and laughed.
Legolas was perched upon Elladan's chest, a leg on either side of his body and a huge goblet of water in his hands. "Are you sure about this, Elrohir? Won't he be angry?"
"No, it's the only way to wake him, really." Elrohir knew Elladan would be mad but then find it funny. "Go on then, lest you do not mind father."
Legolas's eyes widened at the thought of disobeying Elrond and obediently dumped the water on Elladan.
"Ai!" Elladan yelp as he sat straight up knocking the prince backwards in the processes. "What the hell?" He glared at Elrohir who was doubled over with laughter then saw Legolas on the bed with offensive goblet still in hand. He looked at the child, whom by now had gotten to his knees, "Why did you do that?"
"To wake you, it was the only way."
"And who told you that?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"Come Legolas," Elrohir said pulling him to his feet. "We must go down for evening meal now."
"Oh no," Elladan said placing the prince back on the bed. "I'm not finished with you yet. I think some form of retaliation is in order here." Legolas tried to run but was captured and tickled relentlessly. He had never laughed so hard in his life as Elrohir joined in the attack. Squeals and giggles filled the room until the twins decided it would be wise to let the child breath. They walked to the dining hall together with a few more tickles along the way.
Elrond looked up when he heard the laughter and saw the three walking in. They took their seat at the table and their food was brought out. "So, what was so funny?"
"A joint attack on my person," Elladan answered. "It seems that little one here is capable of mischief."
"Yeah," Elrohir agreed. "He poured a goblet of ice cold water on Elladan here just to wake him."
"You told me to!" the small but proud voice rang out. "You said he would sleep through anything and it was the only way to wake him. I had to or I would be disobeying.. "
Elrohir stuffed a roll in the prince's mouth before he could finish, "Try some bread, it's wonderful today." They all laughed.
At the end of the meal all were still in good spirits and talking about what they were going to do tomorrow. Elladan rose and poured himself a large amount of red wine; walking unknowingly behind Elrohir he dumped the red liquid over his head. "Perhaps next time, brother, you will not send an elfling to do your job."
Even Elrond laughed at the look on his son's face.
Later that night everyone was sleeping peacefully when a shrill cry of pure terror pierced the air, "No! Naneth! Sase! (No! Mother! Please!)" Legolas jumped from the bed screaming and unsure of where he was. The only thing he knew was that his mother was gone and no one loved him anymore. He had to get away, had to run now but there were hands holding him and distant voices talking.
The twins were on the floor with Legolas in an instant after being startled by the scream. They were holding the struggling elfling when Elrond walked in. "Adar, what's wrong with him," Elrohir asked, worried.
The child was covered in a sheen of sweat, his eyes vacant and distant almost like he was in a dream trance. "He's had a nightmare and can not wake completely. It is a part of grief," he said sadly.
"But he was so happy today," Elrohir pleaded.
"Happy but for a few moments, son; his heart is still in pieces. There is a long road ahead of this one yet and I'm afraid it will not be a pleasant one at first." He lifted Legolas into his arms and sat on a near by chair, "It's ok, little one, it was only a dream." He continued to sooth him until he calmed.
Legolas snapped from his nightmare and realized he was in Rivendell and Lord Elrond was holding him. Looking around with frightened eyes he saw the twins watching in concern. Turning back to Elrond he couldn't stop the tears, "I'm sorry."
"What have I told you about that? It is ok to cry, Legolas I will hear no apologies for it; understood?" The small head buried in his chest shook. "Good now, would you like to share your dream with us?"
He clenched Elrond's sleeping robe in his fists, "I saw her die. I saw them kill her and she cried out for me!"
"It was but a dream child, not real."
"But she is really dead," he cried.
"Yes she is, Legolas, but you could not have stopped that; you are but a child. You have to face that."
Legolas sat straight up and looked Elrond in the eyes, "But father said I killed her! Why would he say things not true?" Elladan and Elrohir went into the hallway and Legolas could hear things crashing and breaking. Looking back at the Lord he saw fury in his dark brown eyes and cowered. He heard the wood on the arm of the chair split under Elrond's grasp and slid to the floor, "I'm sorry sir, I did not wish to anger you."
Two guardsmen and Glorfindel came bursting into the room, "My Lord, what is the trouble," Glorfindel panicked.
Elrond stood and lifted the elfling form the floor on to his hip. Turning to the guards men, "Fetch the gold box on the dresser in my chambers now!" Turning back to Glorfindel, not even realizing that's who it was he ordered, "Prepare horses, we leave for Lothlorien at sunrise, I can not wait for Glorfindel's return."
The elder smiled, "I have returned my king and there is no need for travel Celeborn and Galadriel returned with me."
Elrond turned to his companion and put a hand on his shoulder, "I am grateful for your return, my friend, I fear for him deeply. I must speak with the lord and lay immediately, would you stay with him for a while?"
Glorfindel was not use to being asked to baby-sit but he agreed and took the elfling from Elrond as the lord dashed from the room. He noticed how stiff and uneasy he was, "There is no need to fear me child, I mean you no harm."
"You brought the witch with you? You want me to go away too, don't you?" He pouted dejectedly.
Glorfindel had expected this because he knew the folly Thranduil liked to preach about other elves. "Legolas, I assure you Galadriel is no witch, she is a very gifted elf and I do not want you to go away. It would do my heart well to see you stay in the house of Elrond forever."
The elfling was stunned, why was he being so nice to him? "Why?"
The older elf chuckled and sat on the bed holding the young one against his chest, "I knew your mother once, and she was an amazing woman. She was beautiful and smart but most of all she was loving. As a child of 2 millennia I felt unwanted by my father as well and I did join the awareness that he truly didn't care If I was around or not so I rebelled against everything to try and get his attention. I done things that were a disgrace to myself and my people but your mother, she saw to it that I was healed emotionally. It was like she was the only one who could see the pain inside me and for that I cherished our friendship. She saved me child and I told her that I would repay her someday. I will honor part of that debt by helping you through this." He looked down and saw the boy sleeping on his chest and smiled, "Sleep well, little one."