Ch 10
Legolas paced around the bedchambers nervously fidgeting. Glorfindel watched the elfling with amusement at first but soon realized that the child was becoming more and more stressed, "Legolas sit, please. You will make yourself weary."
He looked upon the old elf with the eyes of a frightened animal, "I can't!"
Sensing the desperation and fear, he swiftly places the child on his hip and left the room. Legolas cried out, "Please, I didn't mean to be bad! Sase, Do not take me to the witch," he begged tearfully.
Glorfindel sighed, "Peace little elf, peace. I am taking you to a place I find a bit of reprieve when my own heart is heavy."
Legolas stopped struggling and let himself be carried out of the palace. His heart ached and he wanted nothing more then to give in to the darkness that kept calling to him. Once they reached a path that had been woven through the thick, lush grass Glorfindel set the child on his feet. "What is this place," the tiny voice asked in awe.
"Tis the entrance to the gardens of Rivendell; one of the most beautiful places in middle-earth to behold." He smiled down at the prince and held out his hand, "Shall we?"
He was stunned at the caring gesture of the Elder, both bringing him here and the offering of his hand. Only his mother had ever offered to hold his hand before that kind of touch was usually frowned upon in Mirkwood. He gently placed his hand into the much large one. He was tenitive at first; afraid he was being tested on his strength and would thusly be punished for failing but all doubts had faded when Glorfindel smiled brightly down upon him. They walked the gardens in silence for a long while stopping to admire the night blooming flowers and the occasional bird who'd been so happy it had to sing it's song at night. The silence was abruptly broken by the prince's giggle as he looked up at the elder with surprise, "You and Lord Elrond threw berries at Elladan and Elrohir from that tree when they were smaller and they ran away screaming. They were convinced a giant, berry throwing beast was after them and never tried to leave the safety of Rivendell alone again."
Dumb founded he knelt down in front of Legolas, "How in the name of Elbereth did you know that?"
"The trees told me," he said as if it should have been obvious to anyone.
Glorfindel was flabbergasted. This child had the ability of tree speech! It was rare among elves any more and even more rare from the linage of Mirkwood as the clan had not faired well after the death of its queen. His mind wondered back to the tales the story-men told, always rumored to be legends that had lost their interest and made into childhood stories. It was said that one day a great elf would help lead a war against darkness in an attempt to save middle-earth. It was said that this elf would buy the first born enough time to sail to the west and be safe from harm. The tales never spoke of where the elf came from, where he went after the great war or if he lived at all. Could this small elfling be that great being? He berated himself for thinking such things after all they were only fairy tales and Elbereth knows he knew not enough about this little one to assume such a thing but still.
Before he could speak he felt Legolas's hand torn from his own and watched to small blond forms smash to the ground in a tangled heap. Quickly lifting the newest elfling off the prince, "Haldir of Loren, what is the meaning of this?"
Before the breathless elfling could respond one of the servants came running upon them drenched to the bone. "You will pay for that elfling," he snarled reaching for the boy.
Legolas stood and brushed himself off as he listened intently. Glorfindel stepped between the elf and the elfling thwarting his grasp, "Peace sir, please explain the problem."
"This, this, child stood upon the stairwell and dumped a bucket of mop water on my head!"
Glorfindel heard Haldir laugh and grabbed him hard by the tip of the pointy ear causing him to yelp, "Is this so elf?"
"Ye, yes," he stuttered. Turning to the offended servant, "I'm sorry sir, I meant no harm."
Farther angered by Haldir's insincere apology the elf stepped forward and reached for the child. Glorfindel caught his arm in a hard grip leaving no room for question nor argument, "I will deal with the elfling's punishment sir. You may return to your duties now." He started to speak but thinking better of it he simply bowed and walked back to the palace.
Haldir swallowed hard, "What is that punishment to be m'lord?"
"We shall let Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel decide that when we tell them of your mischief."
"But," Haldir protested. "They will make me clean the stables and work the kitchens!"
"Something I say you well deserve," Glorfindel said threateningly.
He started to argue but knew he was in enough trouble as it was so he turned his attention to the new elf that he'd ran into, "And who are you?"
Legolas cowered behind Glorfindel who smiled, "This is Prince Legolas, of the Mirkwood Realm. Legolas, this is Haldir of Loren."
Reluctantly the small blond head peeked out from behind Glorfindel, "Hello."
"Mirkwood," Haldir scoffed. "No wonder he's a coward!"
Legolas stood straight, "I am not! I'm an elf!"
"Really," Haldir sneered, "I never saw a coward elf before!"
"It is 'I have never seen' and that is quite enough from you elf," Glorfindel growled.
Legolas's demeanor had changed; his face became as stone, "I am no coward." The tears in his eyes and the tremble of his lower lip gave way to the fact that the words had cut him deeply.
Glorfindel grabbed him up in a tender embrace, the small arms and legs wrapped around him as the blond head fell to his shoulder in a silent sob. "There, there little one," he soothed while rubbing his back gently. He cast a disapproving glance down at Haldir and saw a look of confusion and sorrow on his face. Knowing he had no idea what was going on the elder gave him a reassuring smile, "We should head back to the palace.
Ch 11
Galadriel looked out of the palace window, "You were correct in your concerns Lord Elrond, the child has fallen into grief but another force, one of impending 'hope', fights to hold him here. He is a great source of light and darkness with try to take him from us any way it can."
He is the one isn't he?" Elrond stated more then asked.
She smiled, "Yes and there will be another you will foster as well; they are of whom legends speak."
"Foster?" Elrond asked, eyebrow raised. "And foster another? What are you saying?"
She laughed, "I know much my friend and I know you wish to care for the elf. We will contact Thranduil immediately and demand he relinquish his rights to the child. If he refuses we shall bring him before a counsel of the elders and have him tried. He should be fostered to a place of light so he can grow and learn to love. He needs a place like the house of Elrond where the light inside him will be nourished not extinguished."
"No one can know who this elfling truly is, including Legolas himself. He shall be treated no differently then any other," Celeborn added.
"Agreed," the others said in unison.
"I would very much like to speak with Dunthral," Galadriel said. "I have a feeling I will need his trust before I can gain the prince's."
"You will have trouble with both I fear," Elrond sighed. "Dunthral is genuine in his concern and love for Legolas and knows only the horrors told of you in Mirkwood. Legolas has been taught you are an evil witch and is convinced I have called you come to take him away for being bad."
She gazed knowingly at Celeborn, "The trust Legolas has in you, Elrond, along with the support from Dunthral will suffice in dealing with me. It is the meeting with his father and the counsel that will cause him the most harm, yet it is something we must do before he can heal from his grief completely."
"If he suffers much longer My Lady he will be permanently damaged," Elrond panicked at the thought.
"He is much stronger then we think Elrond. Put your faith in the Valor."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Glorfindel put Haldir in his room until farther notice and was about to deposit Legolas in his chambers so he could discuss his thoughts with Lord Elrond when he came face to face with Ice blue eyes as the elfling craned his neck up to look at him. "Please don't leave me alone," he whispered. "I know you must work but," he was cut off by another voice.
"Never fear little one, we are here," Elladan teased.
"We will stay with you," Elrohir added.
Legolas stiffened as Elladan took him into his arms, "Are you alright?"
The elfling shook his head no. "You were angry at me earlier. You broke things and shouted like ada use to and I don't know what I did bad." Tears streamed down his face, "What did I do, for I do not wish to anger you again."
Elladan embraced him much like Glorfindel had in the gardens, "We need to talk." He walked into their chambers, Elrohir and Glorfindel in tow, and sat in one of the large chairs. Legolas was still wrapped around him, "We were not mad at you little one but we are very angry at what has been done to you." He paused and pushed the child back where he could look him in the eyes, "You have been made to suffer greatly and it is wrong there for it makes us mad. Not at you, rather, at the people who mistreat you and cause you pain. Do you understand?"
"Why," the small voice quivered. "Why do you care so?"
"Because you are special Greenleaf," Elrohir offered. "And besides, it's nice to have someone here to help me keep Elladan under control."
They all smiled and Elladan placed a small kiss on the child's head, "You look weary would you like to rest?"
"No!"
"Dreams," Glorfindel explained.
"Well then," Elrohir smiled, "How about we read a story?"
Legolas's eyes lit, "From Elrond's study?"
Elladan stood with the elf and started towards his father's room, "Any one you would like."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elrond watched his messenger ride away. He hated sending them in the darkness of night but they had to get Thranduil here as soon as possible. Legolas could not last with his grief much longer and he knew Thranduil would not give in.
After agreeing that he would bring the elfling to meet the lord and lay of the wood in the morning he excused himself to go check on Legolas before heading to bed himself. Truthfully he intended to set with the boy incase he had any more nightmares but when he entered the room no one was there. He heard voices from his study and went to investigate. Upon entering he smiled heartfelt and true, his sons and Glorfindel were waiting patiently while Legolas selected just the right book to read. Waling the rest of the way in he strode up to the prince and lifted him high to the upper shelves. He soon heard a joyous sound.
"This one, may I have this one?"
"Any one you'd like," Elladan said again.
Elrond sat the child down and looked at the book, it was indeed the one he thought he would pick. "Come little one, lets retire and read about the ents." Everyone piled around on Elrond's huge bed as he read to the elfling who was curled against his side.
Legolas paced around the bedchambers nervously fidgeting. Glorfindel watched the elfling with amusement at first but soon realized that the child was becoming more and more stressed, "Legolas sit, please. You will make yourself weary."
He looked upon the old elf with the eyes of a frightened animal, "I can't!"
Sensing the desperation and fear, he swiftly places the child on his hip and left the room. Legolas cried out, "Please, I didn't mean to be bad! Sase, Do not take me to the witch," he begged tearfully.
Glorfindel sighed, "Peace little elf, peace. I am taking you to a place I find a bit of reprieve when my own heart is heavy."
Legolas stopped struggling and let himself be carried out of the palace. His heart ached and he wanted nothing more then to give in to the darkness that kept calling to him. Once they reached a path that had been woven through the thick, lush grass Glorfindel set the child on his feet. "What is this place," the tiny voice asked in awe.
"Tis the entrance to the gardens of Rivendell; one of the most beautiful places in middle-earth to behold." He smiled down at the prince and held out his hand, "Shall we?"
He was stunned at the caring gesture of the Elder, both bringing him here and the offering of his hand. Only his mother had ever offered to hold his hand before that kind of touch was usually frowned upon in Mirkwood. He gently placed his hand into the much large one. He was tenitive at first; afraid he was being tested on his strength and would thusly be punished for failing but all doubts had faded when Glorfindel smiled brightly down upon him. They walked the gardens in silence for a long while stopping to admire the night blooming flowers and the occasional bird who'd been so happy it had to sing it's song at night. The silence was abruptly broken by the prince's giggle as he looked up at the elder with surprise, "You and Lord Elrond threw berries at Elladan and Elrohir from that tree when they were smaller and they ran away screaming. They were convinced a giant, berry throwing beast was after them and never tried to leave the safety of Rivendell alone again."
Dumb founded he knelt down in front of Legolas, "How in the name of Elbereth did you know that?"
"The trees told me," he said as if it should have been obvious to anyone.
Glorfindel was flabbergasted. This child had the ability of tree speech! It was rare among elves any more and even more rare from the linage of Mirkwood as the clan had not faired well after the death of its queen. His mind wondered back to the tales the story-men told, always rumored to be legends that had lost their interest and made into childhood stories. It was said that one day a great elf would help lead a war against darkness in an attempt to save middle-earth. It was said that this elf would buy the first born enough time to sail to the west and be safe from harm. The tales never spoke of where the elf came from, where he went after the great war or if he lived at all. Could this small elfling be that great being? He berated himself for thinking such things after all they were only fairy tales and Elbereth knows he knew not enough about this little one to assume such a thing but still.
Before he could speak he felt Legolas's hand torn from his own and watched to small blond forms smash to the ground in a tangled heap. Quickly lifting the newest elfling off the prince, "Haldir of Loren, what is the meaning of this?"
Before the breathless elfling could respond one of the servants came running upon them drenched to the bone. "You will pay for that elfling," he snarled reaching for the boy.
Legolas stood and brushed himself off as he listened intently. Glorfindel stepped between the elf and the elfling thwarting his grasp, "Peace sir, please explain the problem."
"This, this, child stood upon the stairwell and dumped a bucket of mop water on my head!"
Glorfindel heard Haldir laugh and grabbed him hard by the tip of the pointy ear causing him to yelp, "Is this so elf?"
"Ye, yes," he stuttered. Turning to the offended servant, "I'm sorry sir, I meant no harm."
Farther angered by Haldir's insincere apology the elf stepped forward and reached for the child. Glorfindel caught his arm in a hard grip leaving no room for question nor argument, "I will deal with the elfling's punishment sir. You may return to your duties now." He started to speak but thinking better of it he simply bowed and walked back to the palace.
Haldir swallowed hard, "What is that punishment to be m'lord?"
"We shall let Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel decide that when we tell them of your mischief."
"But," Haldir protested. "They will make me clean the stables and work the kitchens!"
"Something I say you well deserve," Glorfindel said threateningly.
He started to argue but knew he was in enough trouble as it was so he turned his attention to the new elf that he'd ran into, "And who are you?"
Legolas cowered behind Glorfindel who smiled, "This is Prince Legolas, of the Mirkwood Realm. Legolas, this is Haldir of Loren."
Reluctantly the small blond head peeked out from behind Glorfindel, "Hello."
"Mirkwood," Haldir scoffed. "No wonder he's a coward!"
Legolas stood straight, "I am not! I'm an elf!"
"Really," Haldir sneered, "I never saw a coward elf before!"
"It is 'I have never seen' and that is quite enough from you elf," Glorfindel growled.
Legolas's demeanor had changed; his face became as stone, "I am no coward." The tears in his eyes and the tremble of his lower lip gave way to the fact that the words had cut him deeply.
Glorfindel grabbed him up in a tender embrace, the small arms and legs wrapped around him as the blond head fell to his shoulder in a silent sob. "There, there little one," he soothed while rubbing his back gently. He cast a disapproving glance down at Haldir and saw a look of confusion and sorrow on his face. Knowing he had no idea what was going on the elder gave him a reassuring smile, "We should head back to the palace.
Ch 11
Galadriel looked out of the palace window, "You were correct in your concerns Lord Elrond, the child has fallen into grief but another force, one of impending 'hope', fights to hold him here. He is a great source of light and darkness with try to take him from us any way it can."
He is the one isn't he?" Elrond stated more then asked.
She smiled, "Yes and there will be another you will foster as well; they are of whom legends speak."
"Foster?" Elrond asked, eyebrow raised. "And foster another? What are you saying?"
She laughed, "I know much my friend and I know you wish to care for the elf. We will contact Thranduil immediately and demand he relinquish his rights to the child. If he refuses we shall bring him before a counsel of the elders and have him tried. He should be fostered to a place of light so he can grow and learn to love. He needs a place like the house of Elrond where the light inside him will be nourished not extinguished."
"No one can know who this elfling truly is, including Legolas himself. He shall be treated no differently then any other," Celeborn added.
"Agreed," the others said in unison.
"I would very much like to speak with Dunthral," Galadriel said. "I have a feeling I will need his trust before I can gain the prince's."
"You will have trouble with both I fear," Elrond sighed. "Dunthral is genuine in his concern and love for Legolas and knows only the horrors told of you in Mirkwood. Legolas has been taught you are an evil witch and is convinced I have called you come to take him away for being bad."
She gazed knowingly at Celeborn, "The trust Legolas has in you, Elrond, along with the support from Dunthral will suffice in dealing with me. It is the meeting with his father and the counsel that will cause him the most harm, yet it is something we must do before he can heal from his grief completely."
"If he suffers much longer My Lady he will be permanently damaged," Elrond panicked at the thought.
"He is much stronger then we think Elrond. Put your faith in the Valor."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Glorfindel put Haldir in his room until farther notice and was about to deposit Legolas in his chambers so he could discuss his thoughts with Lord Elrond when he came face to face with Ice blue eyes as the elfling craned his neck up to look at him. "Please don't leave me alone," he whispered. "I know you must work but," he was cut off by another voice.
"Never fear little one, we are here," Elladan teased.
"We will stay with you," Elrohir added.
Legolas stiffened as Elladan took him into his arms, "Are you alright?"
The elfling shook his head no. "You were angry at me earlier. You broke things and shouted like ada use to and I don't know what I did bad." Tears streamed down his face, "What did I do, for I do not wish to anger you again."
Elladan embraced him much like Glorfindel had in the gardens, "We need to talk." He walked into their chambers, Elrohir and Glorfindel in tow, and sat in one of the large chairs. Legolas was still wrapped around him, "We were not mad at you little one but we are very angry at what has been done to you." He paused and pushed the child back where he could look him in the eyes, "You have been made to suffer greatly and it is wrong there for it makes us mad. Not at you, rather, at the people who mistreat you and cause you pain. Do you understand?"
"Why," the small voice quivered. "Why do you care so?"
"Because you are special Greenleaf," Elrohir offered. "And besides, it's nice to have someone here to help me keep Elladan under control."
They all smiled and Elladan placed a small kiss on the child's head, "You look weary would you like to rest?"
"No!"
"Dreams," Glorfindel explained.
"Well then," Elrohir smiled, "How about we read a story?"
Legolas's eyes lit, "From Elrond's study?"
Elladan stood with the elf and started towards his father's room, "Any one you would like."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elrond watched his messenger ride away. He hated sending them in the darkness of night but they had to get Thranduil here as soon as possible. Legolas could not last with his grief much longer and he knew Thranduil would not give in.
After agreeing that he would bring the elfling to meet the lord and lay of the wood in the morning he excused himself to go check on Legolas before heading to bed himself. Truthfully he intended to set with the boy incase he had any more nightmares but when he entered the room no one was there. He heard voices from his study and went to investigate. Upon entering he smiled heartfelt and true, his sons and Glorfindel were waiting patiently while Legolas selected just the right book to read. Waling the rest of the way in he strode up to the prince and lifted him high to the upper shelves. He soon heard a joyous sound.
"This one, may I have this one?"
"Any one you'd like," Elladan said again.
Elrond sat the child down and looked at the book, it was indeed the one he thought he would pick. "Come little one, lets retire and read about the ents." Everyone piled around on Elrond's huge bed as he read to the elfling who was curled against his side.