Disclaimer: Please, see chapter 1! Basically it says I own nothing. :) *sob*
Beta: Not betaed by Akedhi yet, but revised by myself. Yes, after re-reading the beta-version of chapter 5 I've been able to figure some mistakes out by myself. Akedhi, watch out for that line about "giant spiders" you wanted me to include somewhere. It's not exactly the same line, but quite close and it's somewhere in here! :)
Additional A/N: This is a rather large chapter and my neck hurts awfully from spending way too much time in front of that damn screen! Loads of Legolas-action here! I hope you like it!
Responses to reviews:
Thanks for all those encouraging reviews! It's always good to see that some peope actually are enjoying reading this story! :)
An especially big THANK YOU to farflung who really amazed me with his/her detailed and well done reviews, wow! You really made my day! *hugs* The wooden spoon-thing was something I came up with to make clear that the tension was really very high in that scene. I mean, you can easily cut something with a sharp knife, but how much worse would it be if you could even cut it with a blunt thing such as a wooden spoon? But maybe that's a typical German misinterpretation of the English language…? Mhmm… :/
No, Haldir's Heart and Soul, there's nothing romantic about Thranduil's and Míriel's relationship. No Fran Fine-Maxwell Sheffield-thing going on there, sorry! ;) Míriel has a family of her own and Thranduil, well, he will forever love his wife as you will probably find out at the end of this chapter. :) Actually there's not much contact between king and nanny – thinking about it there isn't even much contact between nanny and prince… ;)
TigerRain, you wondered how Thranduil, as an elf, could ever get a heart attack. Actually it was not really a heart attack – at least not a common one like humans can have. I just thought that if elves can die of a broken heart, wouldn't they at some point start to actually feel their heart breaking physically? And wouldn't that be quite a painful thing and amazingly resembling a heart attack? That's kinda what has happened to Thranduil in chapter 5/6. You also wondered why Legolas, as an elfling, hasn't become sick from all this yet: well, actually he has! You can find hints on that in chapter 6. His headaches and kinda ever present tiredness there indicate that he didn't get out of this physically unharmed, either. :) Besides I always thought of him as a character that rather would do something about his situation than lying down somewhere and slowly fade. And as long as his father is still alive he has two good reasons not to get too sick, lay down and die: 1) he wants to be there for his Ada and help him and protect him, 2) deep inside of him he still knows/hopes that his Ada loves him, too. If only he would show it to him once!!! *argh* ;)
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Father and Son - Chapter 7
Legolas had been running for what seemed an eternity to him and still had not caught up with Sel. His head was hurting really badly now and he felt thirsty, hungry and tired. Slowly but surely he started to believe that he would not find the warrior ever. And even worse, he knew he had been running alone through the forest far too long for his Ada's comfort. He sighed and crouched down on the branch he was on, catching his breath.
He did not know the part of the forest he was in right now even though his Nana had often taken him out for a ride or a walk to show him their realm. He took a deep breath, rose again and continued running through the trees.
Once more he came to a halt as the path beneath him divided into several smaller paths leading into different directions. He was at complete loss which one to follow.
For a moment he seriously considered running back to the two warriors who had accompanied him hours before, but then again he thought of his Ada and that they would take him back to the palace. He did not want to go there because his Ada did not want him there anymore, and he did not want to make his Ada angry and sick again. He felt tears stinging in his eyes as he thought of his father and how much he already missed him. But there was no use in crying now. He had to find Sel. He looked around the trees frantically and saw a squirrel running over the path to his very right. He took that as a sign that this might be the correct way.
Little did he know that this path led into the complete opposite direction to where Sel had headed.
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Férlaes and Hador had been searching the area they had walked with Legolas for quite some hours now. They had worked their way back to the archery field, checking every single bush, tree and hole in the ground, but still they had not found the slightest trail of their prince. They had went through what had been said at the archery training ground in the earlier afternoon and finally had hit the idea that Legolas probably had run back to follow Sel.
Both knew that Legolas could never catch up with their friend, and besides, the way to the settlement where Sel's family lived was rather complicated – especially for an elfling who did not know the route at all! They were sure that by now Legolas must have been completely lost somewhere in the forest. Unfortunately for them the area was too big to search it on their own. They knew they needed a search party to find the missing elfling.
Darkness was drawing nearer and nearer when they finally admitted to themselves that their attempts were futile. Both of them shuddered at the thought how their king would react to the news that they had lost his only son. Thranduil was famous for his hot-headedness, especially where his son's safety was concerned, and any merely halfway sane elf would rather not be at the receiving end of his wrath! But there was no way they could avoid that today and their concern for Legolas' safety was greater than anything else. So they hurried up, making their way back to the palace.
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Mithrandir was already waiting at the great gate, impatiently pacing between the two guards on duty. They had told him that all warriors except for three had returned to the palace area and that Sel was one of those three who still must be at the archery training ground. Of course all the warriors and also Gandalf knew how much Legolas admired the aforementioned warrior. They all were sure Legolas would come back with him. Nonetheless, the Istar was restless.
He was this close to take off to the archery field himself as he saw two warriors running towards the palace – neither Legolas nor Sel were with them. Mithrandir's face went slightly pale. And his heart sped up a little as he saw the worried looks on Férlaes' and Hador's faces.
"Where is he? Where is Legolas? Where is Selmacas?" He demanded as calmly as he could, randomly grabbing Hador by the elbow as the two warriors came to a halt before him.
"Selmacas is on his way to his home settlement, my Lord. We don't know where Legolas is for sure, but we think he has tried to follow our friend. We were walking back with him from the training field and lost him. We have searched the area for quite some time now and could not find him anywhere. I am so sorry, Mithrandir…" Hador explained hastily, catching his breath, guilt written all over his face.
"We must inform King Thranduil immediately, my Lord. We need a search party to look for the prince!" Férlaes said, anxiously looking from Gandalf to Hador, who nodded, and back to the wizard.
"The king is not well, and I rather would not bother him with such ill news. We should inform Lord Elrond and Lord Bellbeor instead." Gandalf suggested, already pulling Hador with him towards the palace. "You, go and get the search party ready." He ordered to Férlaes. "We should move out as soon as possible. It is dark already and I would not have the prince out there all on his own for the whole night." He went on, and Férlaes nodded, bowed and rushed down to the warriors' quarters, while the other two quickly made their way into the palace.
They found Lord Elrond, Thranduil's healer and Lord Bellbeor, one of Thranduil's most trusted counsellors, in the great hall. As they saw Gandalf and Hador approaching all of them knew instantly that something was wrong. Hador filled them in on what had happened in the forest and everyone jumped into action immediately. Lord Bellbeor instructed Hador to help Férlaes getting the search party ready and went straight into his king's study, collecting all maps he considered useful for their search. Lord Elrond rushed to his chambers, grabbed his healing pack and several supplies he thought that might be needed. Gandalf went down to the kitchen to get some Lembas and water for the search party and – more importantly – the prince.
He regretted that he had sent Míriel home earlier that day, but now was not the time for crying over split milk. She had told him that one of her sons had send message that he would return home from a very long journey today. And although she wanted to stay and wait for Legolas she also wanted to go home, welcome her son back and spend as much time with him as possible before he left again. She had not seen him for almost hundred years now. A few days ago she had asked her king to allow her to have some days off and of course he had agreed. Gandalf did not want to take that back and had sent her home, trusting that no one would take offence from his actions.
Ten minutes later Lord Bellbeor, Lord Elrond, Mithrandir and twelve warriors including Férlaes and Hador met at the great gate.
"I have instructed our healer to stay with the king and not tell him anything about this until absolutely necessary." Lord Bellbeor informed Lord Elrond and Gandalf, and both nodded approvingly.
"Very well, I also talked to him. I have made one of my special sleeping draughts, so he can sedate the king if necessary. Thranduil really only needs a good night sleep, and I am quite certain he will be back on his feet in two or three days at most." Lord Elrond explained. Bellbeor and Gandalf nodded once again.
Then the search party took off into the forest.
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Legolas was lost and in complete despair. He had left several twists and turns behind him and now he could not even remember which way he had come from, let alone which way to go. He could not travel on because the path he had followed up to this point sloped down in a very steep angle beneath the tree in which he stood on a branch. His throat was dry and his stomach hurt as badly as his head. And he was frightened because it was already getting dark and he still had not found Sel. He wished his Ada was here. He managed not to cry. He must be more grown up, his Ada had told him. Crying was not a grown up thing to do, he knew. So he bit his lip and fought back the tears.
Down the slope he saw something silver reflecting the last traces of light and he climbed down the tree, walked towards the edge of the slope and cautiously glimpsed down to see what it was. There was a small brook running down there and his spirit lightened up a bit since he really was very thirsty. He struggled to sling his small bag over his shoulder because his toy bow and toy quiver always got in the way. As he finally managed to get things sorted out and his hands were free, he crouched down on the ground and slowly started to climb down the slope. He was so thirsty! He tried to be as brave as possible but could not help groaning from time to time when his feet could not find anything to step on and his hands and arms hurt from the strain he put on them.
He was halfway down the slope when he got stuck. He could not find anything to step on next and the root he was holding onto was beginning to cut into the soft flesh of his palms. The other thin root he was standing on swayed dangerously under his light weight. He did not have the strength anymore to climb up the slope again but there was no way he could get down, either. He took a deep breath, trying hard not to start crying and looked down, desperately searching for something to step or hold onto, carefully shifting his feet on the unsteady vein beneath him. Suddenly he heard the sickening crack of the root he was standing on, and the next things he knew was that there was only thin air beneath his feet. He held onto the vein in his hands as tightly as he could, but his palms hurt so much. Finally his small body could not stand the pain anymore and he lost his hold on the root, with a small cry escaping his mouth. He flew down the slope going head over heels as he hit his little head against a root further down. Finally he landed in the thick undergrowth at the lower end of the slope with a low thump. He gasped in pain as the air was hit out of his small lungs and his quiver was violently shoved into his back. His fall was enough to send him over the edge, not only literally. He started crying soundlessly, his small hurting body trembling awfully.
"Ada, please, help me…" He sobbed out with a small voice. Then darkness claimed him.
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The search party had spread out in order to cover as most ground as possible at one time. They moved slowly though, not wanting to miss the slightest hint that could lead them to their prince. But due to the fact that Legolas obviously had taken his way through the trees it was almost impossible to tell where he had gone.
Hoping that the elfling had followed the way to Sel's settlement, they decided to also take that route first before starting to search other areas of the forest.
They searched all the way through the night until the sun rose at the eastern sky when they finally reached Sel's home settlement. The warrior must have walked through the night as well since they had not found any signs of a camp during their search.
Sel was startled as he saw his fellow warriors entering the clearing where he, his family and several other elves had settled down so many years ago. As he caught sight of his two friends Férlaes and Hador, shame, guilt and fear written all over their faces, he knew exactly what was wrong. He instantly offered to join the search party but Lord Bellbeor and his friends convinced him to stay home and enjoy the holiday with his family. They had to promise him to inform him immediately when the prince was found though.
Sel's wife supplied the search party with fresh food and tea as they rested and Lord Elrond, Mithrandir and Lord Bellbeor took the opportunity to sit down somewhere a little bit away from the rest of the group and talked.
"I am at loss, my friends, he could be everywhere out there!" Lord Bellbeor shook his head and shuddered at the thought that the small elfling had spent the night in the forest all alone. "Let us pray to the Valar we will find him before anyone or anything else does! I cannot stand the idea of giant spiders with appetite for little elflings getting near the prince far too close for comfort!" He exclaimed, still shaking his head. "If only the king was not ill. I am certain we could find his son sooner with his help." He went on.
"What do you mean?" Lord Elrond asked curiously, looking up from his mug of hot steaming tea.
"These two share such a deep bond without really noticing it themselves, you see. I know sometimes Thranduil seems to be at loss to understand his son's needs, well, I admit, he sometimes in fact is at loss, but nonetheless he loves Legolas with all his heart as much as Legolas loves him. They always seemed to have some sort of telepathic connection when it comes down to know where the other one lingers. I have never heard any of them ever ask anyone else where the other one is. They seem to know that instinctively for some reason. Look, do you remember how Legolas ran straight to Thranduil's chamber when he returned from the archery field two days ago? How could he know the king was there? We had been in the conference room before that. And it is always like that. They have given up playing hide and seek long ago because they simply could find each other too easily." Lord Bellbeor explained.
"Well, then, I guess, it is no surprise why Legolas could not quite remember the concept of that particular game yesterday!" Lord Elrond joked and despite the seriousness of the situation they shared a laugh.
Growing serious again Gandalf took a deep breath. "Mayhap we should return straight back to the palace then. I am sure Thranduil is already better today and should be informed about what has happened. I would have you check him over first before we tell him anything though, Elrond. We would not risk another heart attack – if it was one, that is," the wizard said and his two companions agreed.
After ten more minutes of rest the search party started their journey back to King Thranduil's palace, taking a slightly different route now to cover up another area on their way home. It was late in the afternoon when they arrived at the palace and again they had found nothing.
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Legolas started with a soft moan. His small body hurt all over and he had to blink as a beam of bright sunlight blinded him.
He turned his head to look around because at first he was a little bit confused as to where he was. He had slept through the night, and fortunately the bushes he had fallen into had protected him from the view of any creatures that might have happened by. His head and back hurt terribly and he was hungry and thirsty and worst of all he really missed his Ada very badly.
Carefully he rolled over on his stomach, crawled out of the bushes, stood up and swayed slightly but managed to walk over to the small stream, where he kneeled down and drank eagerly. He washed his small face – really being the good boy he was taught to be – and carefully palpated the big bump on his forehead.
That's way my head hurts so much, he thought.
He more or less crawled back into the undergrowth and picked up his toy bow and his bag which he had both lost during his fall but had landed right next to him. He rummaged through his bag and pulled out his cuddle cloth. Slinging all his items over his shoulders once more, he swiftly strode back to the brook, wetted one corner of his cloth and pressed it against the bump on his head. He looked around the surrounding trees cautiously and only hardly ignored the urge to put his thumb in his mouth to suck on it. Ada had told him that sucking his thumb was not good for his teeth, and he did not want them to start hurting, too.
He still did not know where he was, but he remembered that his Nana had once told him that all brooks and small streams he could find in the forest would ultimately flow into a great river and then into the lake near where the humans lived. The only river he knew was the one running next to and partly even beneath his Ada's palace. And even though he was not sure if that was the great river his Nana had talked about, his face lightened up at the idea that maybe he had finally found a way back home. If he would follow that brook and could find the river he could also find his Ada's palace! He got so excited about that idea, that pain, hunger and sadness were suddenly forgotten, and he took off following the small stream.
The elfling had run for several hours, only resting once in a while to drink some water, until he found a blackberry bush. He stopped and ate until his stomach almost hurt again, this time from the sweet fruits. His mouth, chin and hands were covered with the fruits' violet and sticky juice. He washed himself in the brook, rubbed his face dry with the already dirty cloth and wiped his wet fingers on his tunic, leaving slightly violet marks of his tiny hands on the silver shirt. He felt rather tired now but decided to walk on. He did not want to stay in the forest for another night. He was afraid of the dark and he missed his Ada. Nonetheless he also was afraid of getting home! Ada will be very angry with me and maybe he will send me away again and it makes my chest and my head hurt, he contemplated sadly. He tried to shake those thoughts off but he just could not get them out of his mind. So his headache got worse again. However, he rather lived in the palace with his angry Ada than living anywhere else without his Ada at all!
The elfling stumbled on for a while until he finally decided to climb on a tree to take a well-deserved break. He slept for an hour or so before he continued his journey. The excitement about eventually finding a way back home was replaced by renewed despair as the brook he followed never seemed to flow into any river at all!
He had gone on for another two hours until suddenly in some distance he saw a very large tree that seemed utterly familiar to him. He had been here before! He dashed down to the tree which was farther than it had seemed and looked up at the treetop, panting heavily from his sprint. Yes, he knew this tree! He then ran from one tree to the next, overjoyed that he finally had a slight idea of where he was. He knew there must be a clearing somewhere nearby where his Nana and he often had walked to.
After another half an hour of running he finally found the clearing and the birch tree his Nana and he had always sat on when they had been here. He was so glad at that moment that he tightly hugged the tree as if it was an old friend. Tears of relief rolled down his small face as the tree greeted him whispering comfortingly to him. He climbed up on the tree and sat on his favourite branch. The sun falling through the treetop was soothingly warm on his skin and he smiled. He had not felt so safe for days!
This birch tree had been his Nana's and his secret place. Only they knew of it being "their" place. And Nana had told him that even Ada was not to be told about it because he would get very angry with Nana if he knew she had secretly left the palace without an escort, taking Legolas with her. And now that he had learnt from own experience how right his Nana had been he was glad that he had kept his promise to her and had never told anyone about this place and therefore had never make his Ada be angry with his Nana.
Such thoughts of course reminded him painfully of how angry Ada had been with him yesterday morning. Sighing sadly once more he leaned his still pounding head against the trunk, closed his eyes and listened to the tree. He could almost hear his Nana's soft soothing voice whispering to him and it felt so good and comforting that he fell asleep within mere minutes, totally exhausted from his run and from the deep sadness that tightened around his chest every time he thought of his Ada.
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Thranduil tried to focus his vision. He felt someone shaking his shoulder slightly, but he had to blink several times before he finally could see Lord Elrond leaning over him, smiling.
Indeed the king must feel better if he slept with his eyes open, the healer from Imladris noticed.
"How do you feel, mellon nin?" He asked and set down on the edge of the king's bed.
Thranduil mused for a moment, absentmindedly rubbing his left arm.
"My left side hurts a little bit, but I think I will live. I am fine." He replied honestly, his voice still a little hoarse though.
"Can you sit up? I would like to take a closer look at you." Elrond helped him into a sitting position and assisted him removing his sleeping tunic. He put one hand on the king's left breast and the other one on Thranduil's forehead, closed his eyes and listened intently. After a while he nodded approvingly.
"Mellon nin, I am afraid you are right. You will live." He teased and smiled. Thranduil slightly smiled back, locked eyes with him for a brief moment and noticed that the other elf's smile did not reach his eyes. Something was wrong.
"Elrond, what…" He started and tried to get up, but Elrond gently pushed him back into the pillows.
"Legolas…?" Thranduil murmured anxiously and his heart almost stopped again as he heard Elrond taking a deep worried breath and saw him nod.
"What is it? Elrond, where is my son? Is he ill? You must tell me!" Thranduil demanded anxiously, grabbing the other elf's arm.
"Mellon nin…" Elrond started but did not get any further because Thranduil instantly jumped out of his bed as he heard the deep concern in Elrond's voice.
"Peace, my friend, easy! Do not overexert yourself! You will be of no use for him if you do that!" Elrond grabbed the other elf by the shoulders and tried to calm him down.
"What is wrong with him, Elrond? Tell me!" Thranduil demanded more angrily now while throwing on his clothes.
"Mellon nin, you have to calm down first, and then I will tell you everything I know." Elrond soothingly squeezed the king's shoulders and led him to a nearby chair.
"Elrond, please, no beating about the bush. I cannot stand that now. Say it straight away!" Thranduil's voice was shaking slightly, worry written all over his fair face.
"Very well, mellon nin. I am sorry to have to tell you that Legolas has gone missing in the forest yesterday."
"What?!" Thranduil jumped onto his feet again. "How? When? Where?" He shouted, a sickening feeling of fear and guilt tightening around his still slightly hurting chest.
Elrond gestured him to calm down.
"Let us go to your conference room. Mithrandir and the others are waiting there for us. Hador, one of the warriors who were so unfortunate to lose your son while escorting him from the archery ground back to the palace, will fill you in on the details. But please calm down and save your strength, Thranduil. Legolas needs you and you will only be able to help him staying as healthy as possible under the given circumstances. So, please, look after your heart." Elrond admonished gently and Thranduil nodded.
However he did not waste precious time lingering on here in his bedroom while his little squirrel was lost somewhere out there in that cursed forest of his! He more or less ran to his conference room, where he found Gandalf, Lord Bellbeor and twelve of his warriors hovering over a large, detailed map of his realm.
"You!" He yelled at Hador, recognizing him, and grabbed the warrior by the collar.
"Yes, m-my Lord, we, I, he…" Hador swallowed hard. Ooh, he had feared the king's wrath!
"Speak!" Thranduil demanded.
"We, I-I lost him, my Lord…" The warrior replied in a small voice avoiding the unbelieving, incredibly worried glare of his king.
"Where? When? How?" Thranduil was practically shaking the other elf, his booming voice returning to him with full force.
Elrond and Gandalf exchanged sorrowful looks and each grabbed Thranduil by one of his shoulders.
"My friend…" Elrond's soft voice always seemed to have a bit of a calming effect on the king. Thranduil closed his eyes briefly and inhaled deeply, trying to get his temper under control.
"Tell me everything that has happened – and right now!" He ordered harshly, still glaring at the warrior. Hador swallowed hard once again and took a deep breath.
"We were on our way back from the archery ground. Prince Legolas had been waiting for our friend Selmacas. But Sel told him that he could not take him with him because he was going to his home settlement to see his family. Legolas seemed a little bit upset about this but did not protest as Férlaes and I took him with us. We were at maximum an hour away from the palace as we had to… well, uhm… take a break. Legolas and I were waiting for my comrade to return and Legolas suggested playing hide and seek. It never occurred to me that he might run away!" Hador explained.
"Dare you not putting the blame on my son! He is far too small to know what danger he would put himself into! He is only a small elfling, by the Valar!" the king interrupted the warrior harshly.
And suddenly Thranduil's gaze softened as he realized the meaning of his own words. What had he just said? Legolas was only a small elfling…?
"Yes, my Lord, I know, my Lord. And I am not putting the blame on Legolas… I just tried to explain… I mean, he…we… I… could not…uhm…" The guard stuttered, unsure how to proceed. He could not tell the story without putting at least some blame on Legolas. He was a clever little elfling, to say the least.
"I think Legolas plaid a trick on me to get rid of us." He finally managed to say. But Thranduil did not seem to listen at all. He was lost in his own thoughts.
"My Lord?" Hador asked, returning the king's attention to him.
"Beg you pardon?" Thranduil said very gently now and unconsciously let go of Haldor's collar. The warrior relaxed visibly.
"I said, I think Legolas plaid a trick on me to get rid of us, my Lord. He convinced me to play hide and seek while Férlaes was temporarily gone, and somehow the prince managed to disappear unseen and unheard. As I have already said, he wanted to go with Sel. And I think he wanted to get rid of us so he could follow him, so..."
"So he managed to get rid of you." That was a statement not a question, and Thranduil could not help smiling slightly and somewhat proudly considering his son's cleverness. This small elfling clever enough to turn two proud Mirkwood warriors into complete idiots was his son!
"It never crossed your mind that a warrior who happens to guard my son or any other elfling or just any other elf is not supposed to play hide and seek?" He asked, but there was only a slight hint of accusation in his voice.
Thranduil knew this all was his fault and his fault only. He had quite a good idea why Legolas had wanted to go with Sel. Why his son wanted to leave him. Even though he could not remember exactly what had happened in his study after he had grabbed and shaken his son he could awfully well remember the hurt and scared look on his son's face. And he could understand why Legolas despised him so much that he could not stand being close to him anymore now. His heart almost broke just again at the thought. But he had to be strong now. His son was in danger and needed him!
"My Lord, it is just, Legolas is… he is just so…" Hador stuttered on. He knew he was going to sound completely ridiculous but at least the king did not seem to be as angry now as he had expected him to be. Quite honestly, the king seemed to be amazingly calm.
"He is what?" Thranduil asked curiously, searching the other elf's face.
"He is just so cute." Hador said and blushed, suddenly finding the pattern of the floor very interesting.
"What?" Thranduil questioned, confused. He had not expected such an answer. Not from one of his warriors at least!
"It is just, how could I have possibly rejected him, my Lord?" Hador explained blushing even more. "He looked at me with those big blue eyes of his and he smiled his sweet little smile, looking like an angel… I know this is my fault and I am not making any excuses, my Lord, please believe me, but I simply could not help it. If you pardon the expression, but quite frankly the prince simply is such a sweet mucky little pup." Haldor rambled on nervously.
"Now, where have I heard this before?!" Thranduil threw his arms in the air, shooting Elrond and Gandalf a halfway amused, halfway desperate, surrendering look.
"So, I assume you have already been out searching for him?" The king asked calmly after a moment of silence, looking at Lord Bellbeor.
"Of course, my Lord. We have been searching since yesterday, early evening and have only returned half an hour ago from Selmacas' home settlement. We have already searched this area on our way to the settlement and that area here on our way back." He drew two invisible circles on the map with his right hand. "Unfortunately we have not found anything yet, not the slightest track, nothing. I am very sorry, my Lord."
"I see." Thranduil pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking. He could not stand the thought that his beloved little squirrel had been spending the night out there all on his own. He would never live if something had happened to Legolas.
"You, go back to your quarters and rest." He instructed the twelve warriors. "Hador, get a new search party ready. I want twenty other, well rested warriors ready to take off in ten minutes. Am I understood?" He went on.
"Yes, my Lord." Hador bowed his head.
"You are dismissed." Thranduil waved him off, but Hador stood there, stunned.
"My Lord?" He gasped in disbelief.
"For now, Hador, for now. Go and rest." Thranduil patted the warrior's shoulder somewhat pityingly and smiled as Hador let out a relieved breath.
"Yes, my Lord." He said and left alongside his eleven fellow warriors.
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A little noise from beneath woke Legolas from his slumber. He looked down cautiously and saw - a rabbit! He had never seen a wild one, only the few tame ones in the big hutches near the palace's stables! If he could only touch the cute little rabbit once! He swiftly climbed down the tree, but the sound from above frightened the animal and quickly it hopped into the high yellow grass of the large clearing and disappeared into a hole in the ground. Legolas followed, kneeling down before the hole, trying to look into it.
"Come out, little rabbit, I don't hurt you, please, come out again…" He softly whispered in Elvish and after a while the rabbit poked his little head out of his hole. Legolas smiled, holding out his small hand, but not trying to touch the animal yet. He did not want to push it. He just wanted to let the rabbit check him out to assure it he was no foe. Slowly the cute little animal checked the prince's fingertips, which still were slightly violet from the blackberries. The rabbit worked its way forth his hand, then the rather dirty sleeve of his shirt and finally his face as Legolas cautiously lowered himself on the ground, his head next to the small creature. He giggled when the rabbit's nose touched his cheek and it tickled him. But suddenly, without any warning, the creature fled back into its hole. Legolas was startled. And quite alarmed at that since, no matter how young he was, he knew full well it had not been him that had frightened his new little friend. Slowly he turned around, his senses on full alert now.
A wolf had entered the clearing not far away from him, holding its nose high in the air, snuffling, checking the area. Then it went back in the woods, only to return a few moments later. Legolas could not see properly what was going on because he tried to hide in the high grass at the same time, his heart beating madly in his chest, his toy bow firmly clenched in his hands. Never before had he seen a wolf. He had just heard the stories of the dangerous animals - oh well, eating elflings! He shuddered a little at the thought. As he still could not see anything he tried to concentrate on his keen hearing. He heard the soft footsteps of the great animal getting closer to him. Not good. But there was also a little rustling sound and some sort of joyful, playful whimpering.
It's a wolf family! He finally concluded, getting a bit excited about it. A she-wolf with her babies!
Legolas quickly scanned his brain for any information on female wolves and if a she-wolf provided any danger. He had only heard stories of big bad, black male wolves! And this one was not even black, no, only a grey one! It couldn't be that bad then, could it? And she was of course female! And she had some sweet little cubs with her! No, she couldn't be dangerous! Finally his inquisitive, curious elfling self won over and he slowly got back on his feet.
The she-wolf froze and locked eyes with Legolas. Now as he saw her looking at him like that he was not so sure anymore whether female wolves really were not dangerous at all. He swallowed hard. What could he do now? It was too late to hide somewhere, she had seen him and she was only a few metres away. Running away? Not an option, he was not a coward and turning his back on the beast did not seem the best thing to do, either! He sighed slightly, thinking, if he had to be eaten by a wolf, so be it. There was nothing he could do. Trying to shoot her with his toy bow seemed mean to him because she had babies and he did not want to kill their nana! Remembering his encounter with the funny bunny and also remembering the way he could talk with Labahû, who looked a bit like a wolf, he thought, why not try that here, too. After all, this wolf seemed to be some sort of dog, too. Casting all his fears aside, he slowly approached the she-wolf who watched him cautiously, slightly baring her teeth as he got too close for her comfort. Legolas stopped.
"Hello… my friend… My name is Legolas… I don't hurt you. I don't hurt your babies… Hello, you want to smell me? Don't be afraid… come here… smell me…" He whispered to her in elvish and his angelic voice calmed the animal as much as himself. Just like he had done it a few moments ago he reached out his hand, palm up, to give her the chance to check him out. He was on his all fours or better said threes now, leaning his weight on his unoccupied hand, waiting patiently for the she-wolf to come closer, showing her he was not planning an attack on her or her offspring. Still she looked at him, not moving as so much as an inch. Legolas risked a quick glimpse at the cubs. Sweet, little ones, three of them! He smiled softly and looked up again, the mother's bright green-brown eyes locking with his blue-silver depths.
Slowly she finally approached him. She could not smell any danger or fear here. This strange animal in front of her seemed to be kind, his eyes were pure love and awe and he was radiating peace and no evil at all. She did not consider him a threat. And fortunately for Legolas she did not consider him a good meal, either, as she quite simply really did not know what he was. Actually Legolas seemed to be some sort of cub to her, somehow, but there was no mother animal with him. But still there was something vulnerable about him, in these big lovely eyes looking at her. She was soothed by the fact that he did not seem to be afraid of her, so…one more step forward… Her warm wet nose touched the soft skin of his small hand and she smelled that this one was young, quite young in deed and finally her mother instincts got started! Just like she would never do any harm to any other wolf's cubs she would not hurt this one here, either. No, she would protect him as he seemed to be a little bit lost. She softly licked Legolas fingers, finally loosening the tension that had held her back when she had seen him.
Much to Legolas' joy, the three little cubs were not as cautious as their mother and when they saw her licking his fingers, obviously trusting him, they began to jump on him and to lick his neck and chin, biting him slightly in their attempt to convince him to play with them. Legolas smiled brilliantly. They were so sweet and cute and they liked him! It was like a miracle for him! Happily he stroked their soft grey furs, giggling about their funny reaction when he stroked the soft spot behind their ears. He radiated so much happiness that the mother wolf simply had to lick him across the face to show him her affection. He laughed wholeheartedly, and it sounded like the stars and the moon and the sun were laughing and singing with him.
He was so happy at this moment! He only wished his Ada was here and could play with them, too. Hugging the she-wolf's neck carefully, not too tightly as that might frighten her, and stroking her fur, he kissed her soft nose, and she licked his face once more. The three little puppies jumped up at both of them excitedly and managed to pin Legolas down to the ground with their weights. He could not stop laughing. Slowly he got back on his feet, running a bit, and the cubs followed him quickly, softly biting his heels to bring him down - again, so they could jump on him – again and lick his sweet face – again and again and again.
The she-wolf lay down and watched the four young ones play. And actually she somehow seemed to be relieved that her babies had finally found a new victim to torment. She raised her head from time to time, holding her nose in the wind, smelling, checking the air for any danger, but there was nothing threatening in it. She listened to the happy laughter of her new family member and the playful whimpering of her babies and relaxed.
Legolas was so glad he completely forgot about his sorrows at home and he also had totally lost track of time. Therefore he was a bit surprised as he finally realized that the sun had already begun to set behind the far mountains and it was getting dark again. He suddenly stopped laughing, froze and looked up to the already grey sky. The cubs headed to their mother's side under a tree that stood, surrounded by some protecting bushes, at the edge of the clearing, offering enough space for the small family and also providing a good view across the field. Legolas stood and watched. He had been a brave little elfling for the most part of the day, but now he felt rather hungry and tired again and the idea of spending another night in the woods all alone, in the darkness, frightened him. As if she knew what Legolas was going through, the she-wolf approached him and comfortingly licked his face once more. He looked at her with sad eyes, feeling suddenly very sad and lost again. Carefully she took his sleeve between her teeth and gently dragged him along to the tree where her babies waited for them. The elfling lay down and curled himself into a small ball next to her, his head resting slightly against her chest. He cradled the three little puppies in his arms and listened to the steady beating of the she-wolf's heart beneath his ear. It comforted him and somehow it told him he would be safe and she would not allow anyone or anything to hurt him tonight. After a while he finally fell asleep, his last thought on his father… Ada, I wish you were here. Please forgive me…
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"LEGOLAS?!!!"
"Legolas?!!"
"Legolas?!"
King Thranduil's booming voice echoed through the woods as he, Lord Elrond, Gandalf and the twenty warriors walked beneath the tall trees, again searching every inch of the forest for a sign or hint or track that might lead them to the lost little prince. They had decided for Lord Bellbeor to stay at the palace and take care of the king's daily business that had gotten slightly out of hand in the course of the last two days. There were dispatches to read, border patrols to coordinate and several other things to deal with.
The party had been searching for hours now without success. The fact that Legolas would have to spend another night out there on his own if they did not find him soon upset all of them. Apart from the danger he might be in right now they especially disliked the idea because Legolas was way too young to not be scared halfway to death out there all on his own. As brave as children were doing things on their own during daylight, it was a completely different story in the darkness of the night! They all assumed the elfling would have had at least tried to return home if he could have. So probably he simply could not? This question was nagging awfully at the backs of everyone's mind.
The idea of his little son out there, alone, in these dangerous woods, in the darkness, worried Thranduil to no ends. He listened to the trees intently, hoping they would give him any hint as to where his son was, but they were just whispering grateful thanks for the beautiful sunny day and the soft evening breeze. As much as he usually would love to listen to such more or less light-hearted murmur he actually was this close to freak out and cut down the next unlucky tree that happened to tell him what a nice day it had been today!
"If something has happened to him, I will never forgive myself." Thranduil muttered under his breath but Lord Elrond, walking only a few metres next to his right side, had heard him just as well as if he had said it out loud.
"Thranduil, do not despair yet. So far I could not feel or see or hear any danger beneath these trees. I am certain he is alright. The trees would have told you if he was not…" He comforted though he could hardly believe in his own words.
"I wish I could believe that, mellon nin, but I am so…" Thranduil paused, he was not sure if he really wanted to confess how scared and frightened and guilty he felt. After all he was supposed to be the strong, proud Elvenking of Mirkwood and not the emotional wreck he seemed to be lately. He felt he had already displayed too much weakness in front of Elrond and Mithrandir recently anyway.
They walked on for quite a while, not talking and only calling out for Legolas from time to time.
It was well past midnight as Mithrandir suddenly stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the canopy for several minutes without even blinking once.
Thranduil and Elrond swiftly walked over to him, hoping he had found something, but the wizard just stared at thin air.
"Mithrandir?" The king touched his shoulder slightly and Gandalf started.
"Ah, I know you are scared, young one. But I have a feeling there is much more about your son than you and all of us may give him credit for. Just as he already has proven to us those two days ago." Gandalf said, patting Thranduil's back. "We might be surprised to find what power that little one has about some creatures." He muttered lowly and walked on smiling more to himself than to anyone else.
"What do you mean, Mithrandir?" Thranduil advanced him again, a pleading look in his eyes. "Do you feel anything? Can you foresee something? Mithrandir, please tell me! Please… Do you know where he is? Is he hurt? Is he safe? Please tell me…" It was obvious how great the king's despair was, and right now he could not care less to keep on pretending he would not die right here and now if that would mean his son was safe - because quite honestly he rather would if it meant Legolas was alive.
It was then that Lord Elrond realized with concern that, if really something should have happened to Legolas, this proud, strong elven warrior king ultimately would break down and simply shatter into thousand tiny pieces. He had never thought his friend could ever have such a strong feeling about anyone ever. Even not after their long talk two days ago had he looked at him in such a way. And either not after what Lord Bellbeor had told them about his king earlier that day had he truly believed Thranduil's will to live would depend on his son's safety and health – and only on it. But now Lord Elrond realized that he had been wrong. And it made him feel sick in the stomach. How could he have misjudged his friend so badly?
"Yes, Mithrandir, tell us, please!" He heard himself say, surprised by the sudden urge in his own voice. Gandalf shot him a somewhat puzzled look, but then smiled that knowing smile of his.
"Well, my friends, I have reason to believe the little one is safe for now." He said, mused for a brief moment and looked up into Thranduil's wide eyes again. "I suggest we make camp right here. There is no use searching on in the darkness, glooming elves or not. We will not find him tonight." With that he turned around, sat down on a nearby log, laid his staff across his lap and lit his pipe.
Thranduil was stunned – as was Elrond, which was quite a rare case for the latter, to say the least. But they had always trusted Mithrandir. And if the Istar said they would not find Legolas tonight, then there might be some truth in that. Nonetheless did the king only reluctantly summon his warriors to make camp for the remainder of the night.
Finding the inner strength to do so was one thing, of course, finding the inner peace to sleep was a totally different story though! Only a few of them slept that night. Most of them simply lay on their bedrolls and listened to the trees surrounding them. None of them wanted to miss any hint that the trees might give them in the middle of the night.
Thranduil stared at the canopy, praying countless times his son was safe. There were no stars to be seen tonight, heavy clouds blocking them out from view, and the king ached badly for the little comfort the stars usually offered him.
"Oh, Legolas, please do not leave me! I will never hurt you ever again, I will not let you down ever again, if only you come back to me safely! If only you are alright!" Thranduil murmured inaudibly under his breath.
He was so afraid of losing his son, his only true treasure, his only joy, his only reason to live. And he felt so guilty and angry with himself he hardly could breath. Why was it that he seemed to be unable to protect the ones he loved?
How many times had he told his wife not to walk into the forest unaccompanied? And how many times had she rolled her eyes at him, laughing sweetly, when he pleaded her to take some of his warriors with her? And yet the one day she had obeyed if only for a change and took some guards with her, was the one day she had been killed. Why had he ever let her go in this trip? Why had he not stopped her? Why had he felt so damn safe that nothing could happen to her as long as there were guards around? Why had he not seen this coming? Why had he not been able to protect her? Why had he not been able to save her? Why, why, why?
He tossed around on his right side, turning his back on the others, staring at the silver ring on his left hand. It was their wedding ring, just one more of those little things which would always remind him of the fact that his she was gone, forever gone. Every night he remembered how it had felt when she had been next to him in their bed, her head resting on his shoulder, one arm tightly wrapped around his waist, her chest rising and falling in her peaceful slumber, a soft smile playing around her beautiful lips. Every night he remembered the sweet smell of her golden hair - exactly like Legolas' hair smelled.
And every night he remembered the summer evening they had conceived Legolas in a hot spontaneous act in a clearing under a large birch tree only a few hours away from the palace. He remembered her lips' taste on his mouth and her happy angelic laughter when she had kissed him and told him that she was indeed carrying their child, their son beneath her heart. He remembered the day Legolas was born and how much that day had changed their both lives. Never before they had been happier, never before had their immortal lives ever made more sense to them.
And suddenly his anger faded into nothingness, emptiness. Oh, how much he needed Legolas! Why could he not just come running around the next corner and fly into his open arms and laugh when he would whirl him through the air like he had done so many times before?
"My little squirrel, I wish you were here. Please forgive me." He whispered breathlessly, almost expecting, hoping he would get an answer, but there was nothing. Nothing but silence. Painful silence and emptiness. He closed his eyes, trying hard to fight back the tears.
And of course he failed – just exactly like every night in the past twelve months.