Ch 12
Elrond read about the Ents for hours until his voice was scratchy. The twins and Glorfindel had fallen asleep sprawled across the bed hours ago. He looked down to the child tucked under his right arm and smiled; finally asleep. Exhausted himself Elrond laid his head back against the eloquently carved wooden headboard and let himself slip into elvin dreamscape.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas smiled up at the bright sun that shone through the trees of Mirkwood as his mother led them to their 'favorite place'. When they reached the clearing it opened out into a beautiful crystal blue pond with lush green grass growing all around. He looked up at his mother pleadingly, blue eyes speaking a thousand words with out voicing one. She laughed happily, "Alright little one you may swim before our afternoon meal."
"Thank you naneth," he squealed as he ran towards the inviting water.
Dunthral could not help but smile as the Queen of Mirkwood walked behind her son gathering the belt, tunic, shirt and boots that had been so haplessly discarded in his haste to dive into the water. He laid a large soft blanket upon the grass then helped the queen to lower herself into a setting position.
Legolas dove under the cool water for a moment then swam back to the top to wav at his mother. When he surfaced it was as dark as night, "Naneth?" He cried out but no one answered. Fearful, he swam towards the shore. Suddenly hundreds of Orc appeared; froze to his spot in the water he looked on as two of the Orc killed Dunthral. "No!" Suddenly he heard his mother's screams and tried with all his strength to force his body to move but two swords were pointed at him. The Orc forced his mother to her knees in front of him, the front of her Royal Robe falling in the water.
"Help me Legolas! Please, save me!"
Keeping his eyes locked with hers he tried to fight but was far to small. He saw the glint of a blade and heard a swish; horrified he watched as his mother's head fell into the water in front of him, her dead eyes still open.
"No!" he screeched!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"No!" Legolas screamed hysterically, still trapped in his dream.
Elladan fell off the bed, Elrohir and Glorfindel both jumped to their feet running into each other then falling to the floor in an unceremonious heap. Elrond's eyes snapped open as his tired brain tried to find the cause of the shill sound pounding through his head. He quickly realized it was Legolas. Still in dreamscape the child was screaming no continuously, hysterically, his face turning scarlet from the lack of air. He grabbed the child by his arms and pulled him to his chest, "Legolas, shhhhh, it's just a dream! You must calm yourself!" By now Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel were back on there feet looking on with great concern.
Elrond tried everything he knew to wake and console the still screaming prince to no avail. Surly all of Rivendell had been awoke by the terrified cries. To his surprise the child was lifted from his arms. What he saw before him was shocking and heart touching.
Elladan took the screaming child into his arms and began to chant in elvish, a true form of the old Sindarin language. "Fear not young prince, the ways of the light shall guard you always." Softly the words flowed from his mouth and with in moments the prince was silent. Elladan sat down in a chair, still cradling the prince and gently rocked him, "All better now little one."
Glorfindel, standing with his mouth agape finally found purchase to speak, "How did you?"
"Galadriel," Elrond smiled. "She reached into Elladan's mind an told him the words to say. It's a gift the twins have with each other, they can communicate through thought although I have never seen it used by anyone else. We assume it is a gift from the Elders as was Galadriel's ability."
"Ada, I am worried," Elrohir said. "He looks even paler and his breathing is labored."
"He is cold to the touch as well," Elladan said softly.
Elrond sighed, "The grief has taken a stronger hold upon him."
The rest of the night was spent watching Legolas. Elladan never put him down; they sat in the soft chair, Legolas laying face down on his stomach and chest, the small arms and legs wrapping loosely around his sides. He continued to mutter soothing words to the child and kept him wrapped in warm blankets, lovingly stroking his face. The sun had just begun to color the sky when there was a knock upon the door; Glorfindel opened it.
Galadriel walked straight to Legolas and Elladan, noticing the tension in her grandson she smiled, "Peace Elladan, I mean no harm to either of you."
Tears stung his eyes, "I'm sorry, I know you would never harm him. I just.."
Placing a loving hand on his shoulder, "It's alright, you need not explain. Now, turn the elfling to face me." He did as he was told, shifting the child's body until he was on his back. Galadriel placed a hand on either side of Legolas's head and drew in a deep breath, "I can not cure his grief but I can assist in pushing the torturous thoughts from his mind." Moving her hand to his heart she began to chant.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dunthral walked back into the palace after taking a long walk to clear his head and think about the things Galadriel and Celeborn had told him. He pondered their concern for the young prince and weighed it with that of his father's. Thranduil had turned out to be just the opposite of what he thought he was so maybe if he trusted the lady of the wood she would be opposite as well. Perhaps she was not evil, as Thranduil had preached to his people. His mind reeled at all the questions but for some reason he felt in his heart the lord and lady could be well trusted. He was torn from his thoughts when a maiden ran to him.
"Dunthral, is the young prince well?"
Confused he looked at her, "What?"
"The screams last night, they were horrible. Did you not hear them?"
"Nay I was walking in the forest. Where is he?"
"In Lord Elrond's chambers."
Like lightning Dunthral was up the stairs and in Elrond's chambers. Celeborn placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him as he watched Galadriel chanting over the child. The former Mirkwood guard stilled knowing the lady would not harm the prince but not liking the looks of Legolas just the same.
When the chanting finished bright blue eyes flickered open. Legolas looked around frantically trying to place where he was when his eyes landed on Galadriel. He tired to run but Elladan held him tight until a well-placed kick forced him to let go. Legolas ran as fast as he could to the door but was lifted from the ground. He struggled for a moment until he realized it was Dunthral who held him, "Dunfral!"
He smiled; the child could not yet say his name. Hugging him tightly, "Legolas, it's good to see you." Pulling him back a bit, "We need to speak young one."
"You may use my study," Elrond smiled. "We will be down stairs at breakfast, when you have finished please join us."
With a nod Dunthral carried Legolas into the study and shut the door. He sat down in a chair and placed Legolas in front of him on one of the large wooden reading tables. "I wish to speak with you about Galadriel my prince."
His bottom lip began to quiver as silent tears spilled from his eyes. "You wish for me to go away as well," he whispered dejectedly.
"Nonsense!" He grabbed Legolas harshly by the arms causing him to yelp in surprise, "I wish only to see you well and happy once more. I know your fear of the Lady of the Wood and wish to ease your mind." The blue eyes locked with his searching for the truth hidden with in. "I have spent hours conversing with both the Lord and the Lady; Legolas she is nothing like the tales we were told portrayed her! She has a pure heart young one, she wishes to do good by you. Everyone here wishes to help you but you have to be brave and face your fears." Cradling the small face in his hands, "You have to let go of the grief and blame! You must let us help you or you will fade child."
"I wish to fade," came the whispered voice. "I wish to see my mother again. To tell her I'm sorry I failed her."
"You failed no one!" Quickly getting his anger under control he started again. "You have failed no one Legolas and you will see your mother in the halls of Mandos but that time will not come to pass for many years yet. I can promise you this comfort; she will always be with you. She will live right here," he placed his hand over the boy's heart, "as long as you draw breath."
Ch 13
Taking a deep breath Legolas jumped from the table and held out his hand. Dunthral accepted the offered hand and asked, "What's this?"
"Naneth trusted you and I trust you. Take me to the lady."
Dunthral's heart pounded inside his chest as he said a prayer to Elbereth that he made the right decision in trusting Lady Galadriel. He squeezed the small hand and led the prince out the door. The elf knew the child was not as fast as he normally was but did not realize how weak he'd become until he fell. The exertion of walking from the room had placed him in a weakened state of distress. Quickly he knelt at his side, "Are you alright?"
"Tired," he panted as he tried to smile.
Dunthral lifted the child into his strong arms and carried him down the stairs, "Everything will be alright my prince."
All attention turned to them as they entered the private dining hall. Elladan started to stand and go to Legolas but Elrond stopped him. Legolas whispered something to Dunthral, "Are you sure my prince?"
The small blond head shook to the affirmative as Dunthral slowly lowered him to his feet. Taking a breath to brace himself for what he was about to do Legolas began to walk forward, each step becoming more unstable then the last. The short distance to Lady Galadriel seemed like a walk across the vast plains of Middle Earth but he finally made it. Standing beside of her, fear showing in his face, "I am Prince Legolas Thrandillian," he paused, "my naneth called me Prince Greenleaf."
"I think I prefer Greenleaf myself," she smiled. "May I call you Prince Greenleaf?"
"Yes. No." He swallowed hard past the knot in his throat, "You may call me Legolas."
"And I am Galadriel," she smiled. Legolas gasped as he was lifted and placed in a chair beside of her but was grateful for the rest. Galadriel smiled and pointed to the man behind Legolas, "This is my husband and the Lord of Lothlorien, Lord Celeborn."
Legolas started to stand and bow but a firm hand pushed him back down, "Lets skip the formalities shall we?"
Legolas smiled up at Celeborn, "Thank you."
"It took a lot of courage for you to come to me," Galadriel said. "I know of the things your father told you and in your heart you know they are not true, do you not?" Legolas sat still with his hands folded in his lap not wanting to answer her. Once again her voice rang out, this time with more force, "Do you not?"
"Some of the things he said were true," he said fidgeting. "My father is a good King. He loves his people and they love him. Everyone was happy until I was born."
"That is not true," Glorfindel said from across the table. "I know for a fact that your birth was the happiest event of your mother's life Legolas. I knew her as she was carrying you within her and all she could speak of was you."
Legolas smiled through the tears at the thought of making his mother happy. "Naneth loved me, I know that but father does not. I let her down cause I am not a good heir to the thrown."
"Never have I seen a child of this age take so much blame upon himself!" Elladan roared as he stood from the table. "How can this be father? Is it magic? Is it a curse or just the damned lies Thranduil drilled into his head?" Turning to Legolas, "How can you do this? Legolas, I am heir to my father's thrown in Rivendell and I am of age to be learning the ways of leadership but until I reach majority I can not begin training. It is the same for you! Your father puts the weight of his kingdom upon your shoulders and it is not your weight to bear!"
"But I am Mirkwood's last hope! I have to be a good King or it will fall and I can not let those people fade because of my stupidity!"
"Legolas," Galadriel intervened, "What if we can prove to you that is not true, that until you are past majority you cannot truly learn the ways to rule? Would you then allow us to keep you here and be an elfling with out the worry?"
"How could you prove it to me?"
"Have you ever heard of the council of the elders?"
"Yes. It's where the best of all races gather and hold court on something to decide the best out come."
"Very good," Celeborn smiled and mussed his hair. "What if we held a court of the Elders here for you? Would you then believe that what you were taught was not true?"
"Why would the elders bother with me? I'm just a prince, nothing more."
Everyone in the room looked at each other knowing in their hearts that he was much more then just a prince. "Trust me Legolas," Elrond smiled, "they will be here."
"There is one catch little one," Elrohir eased. "Your father will be brought here as well."
Panic quickly riddled his body at the thought of his disapproving father being with him once again but he wondered if Thranduil would be proud about a council being held on his behalf. Elladan knelt before him, "Legolas, I know this will be hard for you but we will let no harm come to you. We will not leave your side, I swear it."
He looked around the room at all the concerned faces; he really just wanted to sleep but could not for being plagued by dreams. Sighing, "If you think it's best then so be it. I just want the pain to end."
"Pain?" Elrond asked wondering which pain hurt him the most, emotional or physical.
"My heart hurts and my head and I'm so tired," he whined like a five year old.
Elladan stood, "Now that is how a child should sound!" Everyone laughed as he picked Legolas up, "We are going for a walk around Rivendell. You coming Elrohir?"
"Absolutely!"
When the princes had left the room Glorfindel smiled, "I'm impressed Galadriel I never thought he would willingly agree."
"It was not my doing but Lord Elrond's and the twins. It seems there is a connection there that runs far deeper then we realized."
"The council should arrive tomorrow Elrond. Are you prepared?" Celeborn asked.
"Yes, the rooms are ready and the servants are on call. We shall save this child," he said, distracted.
Elrond read about the Ents for hours until his voice was scratchy. The twins and Glorfindel had fallen asleep sprawled across the bed hours ago. He looked down to the child tucked under his right arm and smiled; finally asleep. Exhausted himself Elrond laid his head back against the eloquently carved wooden headboard and let himself slip into elvin dreamscape.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas smiled up at the bright sun that shone through the trees of Mirkwood as his mother led them to their 'favorite place'. When they reached the clearing it opened out into a beautiful crystal blue pond with lush green grass growing all around. He looked up at his mother pleadingly, blue eyes speaking a thousand words with out voicing one. She laughed happily, "Alright little one you may swim before our afternoon meal."
"Thank you naneth," he squealed as he ran towards the inviting water.
Dunthral could not help but smile as the Queen of Mirkwood walked behind her son gathering the belt, tunic, shirt and boots that had been so haplessly discarded in his haste to dive into the water. He laid a large soft blanket upon the grass then helped the queen to lower herself into a setting position.
Legolas dove under the cool water for a moment then swam back to the top to wav at his mother. When he surfaced it was as dark as night, "Naneth?" He cried out but no one answered. Fearful, he swam towards the shore. Suddenly hundreds of Orc appeared; froze to his spot in the water he looked on as two of the Orc killed Dunthral. "No!" Suddenly he heard his mother's screams and tried with all his strength to force his body to move but two swords were pointed at him. The Orc forced his mother to her knees in front of him, the front of her Royal Robe falling in the water.
"Help me Legolas! Please, save me!"
Keeping his eyes locked with hers he tried to fight but was far to small. He saw the glint of a blade and heard a swish; horrified he watched as his mother's head fell into the water in front of him, her dead eyes still open.
"No!" he screeched!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"No!" Legolas screamed hysterically, still trapped in his dream.
Elladan fell off the bed, Elrohir and Glorfindel both jumped to their feet running into each other then falling to the floor in an unceremonious heap. Elrond's eyes snapped open as his tired brain tried to find the cause of the shill sound pounding through his head. He quickly realized it was Legolas. Still in dreamscape the child was screaming no continuously, hysterically, his face turning scarlet from the lack of air. He grabbed the child by his arms and pulled him to his chest, "Legolas, shhhhh, it's just a dream! You must calm yourself!" By now Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel were back on there feet looking on with great concern.
Elrond tried everything he knew to wake and console the still screaming prince to no avail. Surly all of Rivendell had been awoke by the terrified cries. To his surprise the child was lifted from his arms. What he saw before him was shocking and heart touching.
Elladan took the screaming child into his arms and began to chant in elvish, a true form of the old Sindarin language. "Fear not young prince, the ways of the light shall guard you always." Softly the words flowed from his mouth and with in moments the prince was silent. Elladan sat down in a chair, still cradling the prince and gently rocked him, "All better now little one."
Glorfindel, standing with his mouth agape finally found purchase to speak, "How did you?"
"Galadriel," Elrond smiled. "She reached into Elladan's mind an told him the words to say. It's a gift the twins have with each other, they can communicate through thought although I have never seen it used by anyone else. We assume it is a gift from the Elders as was Galadriel's ability."
"Ada, I am worried," Elrohir said. "He looks even paler and his breathing is labored."
"He is cold to the touch as well," Elladan said softly.
Elrond sighed, "The grief has taken a stronger hold upon him."
The rest of the night was spent watching Legolas. Elladan never put him down; they sat in the soft chair, Legolas laying face down on his stomach and chest, the small arms and legs wrapping loosely around his sides. He continued to mutter soothing words to the child and kept him wrapped in warm blankets, lovingly stroking his face. The sun had just begun to color the sky when there was a knock upon the door; Glorfindel opened it.
Galadriel walked straight to Legolas and Elladan, noticing the tension in her grandson she smiled, "Peace Elladan, I mean no harm to either of you."
Tears stung his eyes, "I'm sorry, I know you would never harm him. I just.."
Placing a loving hand on his shoulder, "It's alright, you need not explain. Now, turn the elfling to face me." He did as he was told, shifting the child's body until he was on his back. Galadriel placed a hand on either side of Legolas's head and drew in a deep breath, "I can not cure his grief but I can assist in pushing the torturous thoughts from his mind." Moving her hand to his heart she began to chant.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dunthral walked back into the palace after taking a long walk to clear his head and think about the things Galadriel and Celeborn had told him. He pondered their concern for the young prince and weighed it with that of his father's. Thranduil had turned out to be just the opposite of what he thought he was so maybe if he trusted the lady of the wood she would be opposite as well. Perhaps she was not evil, as Thranduil had preached to his people. His mind reeled at all the questions but for some reason he felt in his heart the lord and lady could be well trusted. He was torn from his thoughts when a maiden ran to him.
"Dunthral, is the young prince well?"
Confused he looked at her, "What?"
"The screams last night, they were horrible. Did you not hear them?"
"Nay I was walking in the forest. Where is he?"
"In Lord Elrond's chambers."
Like lightning Dunthral was up the stairs and in Elrond's chambers. Celeborn placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him as he watched Galadriel chanting over the child. The former Mirkwood guard stilled knowing the lady would not harm the prince but not liking the looks of Legolas just the same.
When the chanting finished bright blue eyes flickered open. Legolas looked around frantically trying to place where he was when his eyes landed on Galadriel. He tired to run but Elladan held him tight until a well-placed kick forced him to let go. Legolas ran as fast as he could to the door but was lifted from the ground. He struggled for a moment until he realized it was Dunthral who held him, "Dunfral!"
He smiled; the child could not yet say his name. Hugging him tightly, "Legolas, it's good to see you." Pulling him back a bit, "We need to speak young one."
"You may use my study," Elrond smiled. "We will be down stairs at breakfast, when you have finished please join us."
With a nod Dunthral carried Legolas into the study and shut the door. He sat down in a chair and placed Legolas in front of him on one of the large wooden reading tables. "I wish to speak with you about Galadriel my prince."
His bottom lip began to quiver as silent tears spilled from his eyes. "You wish for me to go away as well," he whispered dejectedly.
"Nonsense!" He grabbed Legolas harshly by the arms causing him to yelp in surprise, "I wish only to see you well and happy once more. I know your fear of the Lady of the Wood and wish to ease your mind." The blue eyes locked with his searching for the truth hidden with in. "I have spent hours conversing with both the Lord and the Lady; Legolas she is nothing like the tales we were told portrayed her! She has a pure heart young one, she wishes to do good by you. Everyone here wishes to help you but you have to be brave and face your fears." Cradling the small face in his hands, "You have to let go of the grief and blame! You must let us help you or you will fade child."
"I wish to fade," came the whispered voice. "I wish to see my mother again. To tell her I'm sorry I failed her."
"You failed no one!" Quickly getting his anger under control he started again. "You have failed no one Legolas and you will see your mother in the halls of Mandos but that time will not come to pass for many years yet. I can promise you this comfort; she will always be with you. She will live right here," he placed his hand over the boy's heart, "as long as you draw breath."
Ch 13
Taking a deep breath Legolas jumped from the table and held out his hand. Dunthral accepted the offered hand and asked, "What's this?"
"Naneth trusted you and I trust you. Take me to the lady."
Dunthral's heart pounded inside his chest as he said a prayer to Elbereth that he made the right decision in trusting Lady Galadriel. He squeezed the small hand and led the prince out the door. The elf knew the child was not as fast as he normally was but did not realize how weak he'd become until he fell. The exertion of walking from the room had placed him in a weakened state of distress. Quickly he knelt at his side, "Are you alright?"
"Tired," he panted as he tried to smile.
Dunthral lifted the child into his strong arms and carried him down the stairs, "Everything will be alright my prince."
All attention turned to them as they entered the private dining hall. Elladan started to stand and go to Legolas but Elrond stopped him. Legolas whispered something to Dunthral, "Are you sure my prince?"
The small blond head shook to the affirmative as Dunthral slowly lowered him to his feet. Taking a breath to brace himself for what he was about to do Legolas began to walk forward, each step becoming more unstable then the last. The short distance to Lady Galadriel seemed like a walk across the vast plains of Middle Earth but he finally made it. Standing beside of her, fear showing in his face, "I am Prince Legolas Thrandillian," he paused, "my naneth called me Prince Greenleaf."
"I think I prefer Greenleaf myself," she smiled. "May I call you Prince Greenleaf?"
"Yes. No." He swallowed hard past the knot in his throat, "You may call me Legolas."
"And I am Galadriel," she smiled. Legolas gasped as he was lifted and placed in a chair beside of her but was grateful for the rest. Galadriel smiled and pointed to the man behind Legolas, "This is my husband and the Lord of Lothlorien, Lord Celeborn."
Legolas started to stand and bow but a firm hand pushed him back down, "Lets skip the formalities shall we?"
Legolas smiled up at Celeborn, "Thank you."
"It took a lot of courage for you to come to me," Galadriel said. "I know of the things your father told you and in your heart you know they are not true, do you not?" Legolas sat still with his hands folded in his lap not wanting to answer her. Once again her voice rang out, this time with more force, "Do you not?"
"Some of the things he said were true," he said fidgeting. "My father is a good King. He loves his people and they love him. Everyone was happy until I was born."
"That is not true," Glorfindel said from across the table. "I know for a fact that your birth was the happiest event of your mother's life Legolas. I knew her as she was carrying you within her and all she could speak of was you."
Legolas smiled through the tears at the thought of making his mother happy. "Naneth loved me, I know that but father does not. I let her down cause I am not a good heir to the thrown."
"Never have I seen a child of this age take so much blame upon himself!" Elladan roared as he stood from the table. "How can this be father? Is it magic? Is it a curse or just the damned lies Thranduil drilled into his head?" Turning to Legolas, "How can you do this? Legolas, I am heir to my father's thrown in Rivendell and I am of age to be learning the ways of leadership but until I reach majority I can not begin training. It is the same for you! Your father puts the weight of his kingdom upon your shoulders and it is not your weight to bear!"
"But I am Mirkwood's last hope! I have to be a good King or it will fall and I can not let those people fade because of my stupidity!"
"Legolas," Galadriel intervened, "What if we can prove to you that is not true, that until you are past majority you cannot truly learn the ways to rule? Would you then allow us to keep you here and be an elfling with out the worry?"
"How could you prove it to me?"
"Have you ever heard of the council of the elders?"
"Yes. It's where the best of all races gather and hold court on something to decide the best out come."
"Very good," Celeborn smiled and mussed his hair. "What if we held a court of the Elders here for you? Would you then believe that what you were taught was not true?"
"Why would the elders bother with me? I'm just a prince, nothing more."
Everyone in the room looked at each other knowing in their hearts that he was much more then just a prince. "Trust me Legolas," Elrond smiled, "they will be here."
"There is one catch little one," Elrohir eased. "Your father will be brought here as well."
Panic quickly riddled his body at the thought of his disapproving father being with him once again but he wondered if Thranduil would be proud about a council being held on his behalf. Elladan knelt before him, "Legolas, I know this will be hard for you but we will let no harm come to you. We will not leave your side, I swear it."
He looked around the room at all the concerned faces; he really just wanted to sleep but could not for being plagued by dreams. Sighing, "If you think it's best then so be it. I just want the pain to end."
"Pain?" Elrond asked wondering which pain hurt him the most, emotional or physical.
"My heart hurts and my head and I'm so tired," he whined like a five year old.
Elladan stood, "Now that is how a child should sound!" Everyone laughed as he picked Legolas up, "We are going for a walk around Rivendell. You coming Elrohir?"
"Absolutely!"
When the princes had left the room Glorfindel smiled, "I'm impressed Galadriel I never thought he would willingly agree."
"It was not my doing but Lord Elrond's and the twins. It seems there is a connection there that runs far deeper then we realized."
"The council should arrive tomorrow Elrond. Are you prepared?" Celeborn asked.
"Yes, the rooms are ready and the servants are on call. We shall save this child," he said, distracted.