~ To start anew ~
by Ola
~*~*~
A/N~ huh, it has been so long since I have written this story… I really hope that it hasn't lost too much of its character, and that there isn't too much of a gap between…well everything. I'm a little reluctant to post this new chapter, since I don't know how well it will go through with you guys. Aii! Please tell me if something is going wrong…won't you?
~*~*~
Part 14~
"I want you to con-vince ada to let me learn to ride a real horse!"
Laurenor.
How long had it been? How long since that day?
The world narrowed down to Laur, all other thoughts pushed out of his mind. Guilt flooded through him. Yes, he had shunned all his other friends but…this was Laur. His Laur. His partner. He had a right to know. But are you ready? Are you ready to face the past?
Legolas squeezed his eyes shut, desperately wanting to roll into a ball of cold comfort. Lying like this, every hour of every day…staring at the ceiling…And Laur? Was he well cared for? Was he warm enough? Ada took care of him. I know. But… but you didn't. You left him, just like you left everyone else. You're not the only one who is hurting Legolas. Ada has suffers as much, and so has Laur, in his own way.
Once again, tears could not stop from flowing down his cheeks, for as much as those words stung his soul, they were also very true. And they made the young elf sick to realize what he had forced Laur and his friends to go through. You're a selfish little prick.
And the tears flowed faster, blurring his vision. No feeling, no sight…only smell and sound. The sound of a soft knock, and even softer "Legolas?"
"Ada." His voice broke as Lord Thranduil sad down on the edge of the bed and gently smoothed his hair away.
"Yes Sunshine?"
"I…I want you to take me outside…to see Laurenor…" his father's eyes were unreadable, and that, more than anything gave him the little strength he needed to meet his resolve. "Please ada. I need to see him."
As for Lord Thranduil, he was torn between elation that his son finally wanted, needed to experience life, and fear for his well being, physical as well as psychological. He did not want someone to laugh or to point a finger, for he knew it would destroy his son's hard won confidence in himself. But perhaps Laur would help the prince that much more… and Legolas wanted to see him. The king shook his head and smiled ruefully. I've never been able to refuse him anything.
"Wish you to go now?"
The young elf bit his lip and nodded, whispering "yes please."
Bundling the elfling into a warm blanket was a short affair, but getting him out of the royal chambers unnoticed was another matter altogether, that left the king somewhat out of breath, and Legolas laughing at the narrowly missed encounters with guards and friends. Avoiding any and all elves became an impromptu game such as one both royal family members had not engaged in a long time.
Out of the stony embrace of the palace walls however, the pair earned a few curious glances. Their owners were fortunately polite enough not to run to the king and their prince to finally demand explanations. But as they drew close to the corrals housing the elfin steeds, their presence did not go as unnoticed. As they turned a corner, a piercing neing resounded from a streak of gold galloping toward them at full speed. Lord Thranduil's smooth gate faltered, his grip on his son tightening unconsciously. But there was no time for thoughts. Laurenor jumped over the low fence and was by his partner's side in a heartbeat, nuzzling Legolas as if he was a mare reuniting with her own youngling.
"I do hope the both of you will behave yourselves," the eldar admonished with a smile kept behind tight lips. Legolas suppressed his own little smirk as he looked into his father's merry eyes.
"Of course ada." Whether the youngling would keep his promise remained to be seen, but at least, when Lord Thranduil walked onto the field and propped him up next to Laur when the horse laid down, he knew that this day he should be thankful to Eru for this little step in his son's recovery.
~*~*~
I can't believe I have been such a selfish little brat, Legolas thought to himself as he reclined leisurely against the smooth coat of Laurenor. He looked at his partner again and smiled at the happy steed. He could practically feel the glow of pleasure emanating from Laur. I should have come to him much sooner. But what is done is done. At least now he knows how grateful I am to him. With a soft sigh, he once again repeated what could never be said enough.
"I will always be in your debt, Laur. I owe you my life. And so does everyone in Mirkwood for your timely missive." Laurenor whickered and softly nudged his shoulder with his muzzle.
"Yes, yes, I know you love me." The prince's face brightened with a beautiful smile. "I love you too. And I wish I could hug you, and brush your coat until it shines, and…and… so many other things do I wish." Ssuch thoughts should not be held in my mind. Not when you are once again next to me. Not when the sun shines so bright. Not when there is hope for a better tomorrow. The elfling's sigh turned into a little smile. Yes, there should always be hope. Even when's I am tiring much too quickly. And t…
The prince's head gently dropped onto his partner's flank and his eyes slid shut, as the sun continued to shine over the pair, and the wind gently caressed his hair.
Hope.
Always…hope.
~*~*~
A/N- aiii!! The above chapter definitely sucks. =( and it's way too short. And nothing happens in it. And…and… gahhh. I think I'll skip a few months of the story and begin the next chapter with something more interesting going on…
*sigh* still review please!
-ola-
