The next morning as they were getting ready to leave, Nib saw Avery packing. "Oh, you're coming too?"
"Yes. Legolas wants me to meet your father."
"Lovely," Nib muttered. "Not that I mind your coming, I'm glad. You just don't want to meet Thranduil."
"I don't?" Avery asked.
"No. Trust me. And you certainly don't want to be around for the confrontation when he sees me. I expect that to be a very big blow up."
"Sounds like fun," Avery said.
Soon afterwards they set off with plenty of provisions for the week or so journey. They rode hard and fast until they were within a day's journey of Mirkwood. Then they slowed, and when they were within a mile of the boundaries, Legolas called for a break. They ate a quick meal and were packing up when Avery noticed Legolas sitting alone, staring off into the distance.
"What's wrong?" Avery asked him.
"My father will never allow me to go," he replied, still staring into space.
"What do you mean?"
"My father has had sons before, and lost them all. I'm the last. He could not bear to loose me too. So he will never send me into danger. He will not let me go."
"You don't know that. Besides, he has to let you go."
"Have you changed your mind then? Are we heading back?" Nibin, suddenly beside them, asked. "You know we could just turn around and take our time going back and tell Elrond Thranduil said yes."
Legolas chuckled and shook his head. "Nice try Nib. We better get going."
They rode slowly now, with Nib lagging farthest behind, but none of them too eager to reach their destination. They arrived at the edge of the forest and sat silently on their horses, not moving.
"This is silly," Legolas said after a minute. He dismounted and led his horse on foot. "Common."
They walked along the path for a while. "Legolas, why are there elves following us through the woods, pretending we don't know they are there? Why don't they just show themselves."
Legolas shrugged. "It is just an escort. And we are not supposed to know they are there." He lowered his voice. "I don't think I was expected back this soon."
Later that day they arrived at the kingdom of Thranduil. News of their arrival had apparently been sent ahead, because there were elves waiting to take their horses. They were then ushered directly to see Thranduil in his throne room.
"Father," Legolas said, kneeling briefly in respectful greeting.
"Legolas, I did not expect you home so soon. Is something wrong?" Then he looked over Legolas' shoulder. "Who is this you have with you?"
Nib and Avery stepped forward. "Your Majesty," Avery said, and copied Legolas and knelt.
"King Thranduil," Nib said in mock respect, nodding her head in what could hardly be called a bow.
"What is she doing here?" Thranduil demanded of Legolas, avoiding Nib's eyes.
"There are somethings I need to discuss with you," Legolas said.
"Not while she is here."
"Father-"
"No Legolas."
"But Father it has to do with Nib-"
"I WILL NOT TALK ABOUT ANYTHING WHILE SHE IS HERE!" Thranduil thundered over his son.
"It is okay Legolas. I will wait outside. Told you this wasn't a good idea." Nib left the room.
"Father, I wish you wouldn't-""And I wish you would listen to me and obey me! I told you to stay away from her, did I not?"
"But-"
"Answer me. Did I tell you to stay away from her?"
"Yes but-"
"Then why did you bring her here? How is it you dare disobey your father and king?"
"It is easy when you are wrong," Legolas muttered softly; only Avery heard him.
"What?" Thranduil demanded.
"I… she was in Rivendell when I was there."
"So she just followed you here?"
"No I-I asked her to come."
"Why?"
"She is your daughter! Why-"
"I do not need to explain myself to you. You however, are my son, and I want to know why you brought her here when you know I disapprove."
Avery cleared her throat and stepped forward, putting a hand on Legolas' shoulder. She was surprised to feel how tense he was, like every muscle in his body was strung and ready like a bow. She could tell he feared his father, but she could also sense a building resentment.
"Who's this?" Thranduil asked.
"This is Averthoron, descendant of Galadriel, of Lothlorien," Legolas said. Thranduil's eyes narrowed as he looked from Avery to Legolas. Avery felt as though a storm cloud had descended on the room, and the tension between father and son was great. They locked eyes, Legolas now standing stubbornly and unafraid under his father's glare. Thranduil suddenly broke off and stood, turning to Avery.
"I welcome you to Mirkwood. I hope you will find your stay pleasant. If you should have need of anything, just ask. But you must be tired from your journey. I will have one of my guards show you to a comfortable room. The rest of you, leave us. Do not return until you are called for."
Avery saw Legolas gulp slightly, and though he remained stiff on the outside, she could tell that inside doubt was creeping up and some fear still lingered. She squeezed his shoulder gently before leaving the room. Outside she saw Nib and whispered, "There's going to be trouble.
Back inside the room, there was a heavy silence. Finally Thranduil spoke. "Why do you do these things to me Legolas?"
"I do not know what you mean. I have done nothing to you."
"But you do. Can you not see? You do these things you know I do not approve of. Have I ever been a bad father?"
"No," Legolas said, surprised. "You have been a good father. To me."
"To you? Is there anyone else?"
"Nibin."
"Why do you always bring her up? She has nothing to do with you! I told you before, have nothing to do with her."
"Why?"
"What reason do you need? Do you question the order of your father and king?" Thranduil's voice rose.
"Yes, when there is no logic or reasoning behind it."
"I will not be spoken to like that!"
"But you are wrong!" Legolas yelled.
Thranduil stared at his son in disbelief, and Legolas too seemed shocked by his own outright defiance of his father.
"Legolas. Come here," Thranduil ordered. He stood and took a step forward, waiting as Legolas slowly approached. Thranduil stood perhaps a few hairs taller than his son, but there was not much of a difference in their height. Thranduil raised his hand suddenly, and Legolas flinched inwardly, but the hand fell and no blow came.
"No, I could never," Thranduil muttered, mostly to himself. "Legolas, what has happened to you my son? You were such a good, obedient boy," Thranduil said softly.
"I am sorry father. I did not mean to be disrespectful. I have just never understood why you hate Nib so much."
"Hate Nibin…" Thranduil seemed startled. "I do not… no… you do not understand."
"Then maybe you would be willing to explain it," Nib
said, causing them both to jump.
