It was only a few minutes after the Royal Family had left the courtyard,
and Aragorn was seated in Elladan's room, deep in conversation with his
brothers. Both twins were lying on their respective beds, and nodding at
various points in the Ranger's tirade.
"There was no reason for Calaen to do that, especially in front of Thranduil and Legolas," said Aragorn, shaking his head angrily. "If I know those two, they will want nothing more to do with Aradan."
"You forget that their opinions will be up against Ada's, Mithrandir's, and Airëlus', and they all know the truth. That's a Servant of the Valar, an Istar, and a...a...." Elrohir trailed off into silence as a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "What would you call Ada?"
"I've never really thought about it," replied Elladan. "Anyway, I think that Legolas' mind will be more easily swayed than Thranduil's."
Aragorn nodded slowly, and drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. "What do you think will happen if they refuse to accept him for who he is?"
"First of all, Ada will offer Aradan a home here," replied Elrohir.
"Then he will gather all of our forces, put them together with Lórien's, and ride to Mirkwood," added Elladan.
"He will also take a host of Dwarves, and set them loose in the palace," put in Elrohir. "They will created un-imaginable havoc, and turn Thranduil's worst nightmare into a reality."
"Eventually, the poor King will be forced to take in Aradan," finished Elladan.
Aragorn looked from one twin to the other, and slowly shook his head. "I think that the Lord of Rivendell will approach the matter in a much more diplomatic, and may I say, realistic way."
"You never know," muttered Elladan.
Just then, the door flew open, and Legolas stormed in. He threw himself to the ground next to Aragorn's chair, shaking his head angrily. The Ranger raised an eyebrow, and gently touched his friend's shoulder, whilst the twins looked on in interest from their places on the bed.
"Legolas, are you alright?" asked Aragorn softly.
The Prince was silent for a moment, before shaking his head once more. "No, I am not. Airëlus apparently knew all along that Aradan was Calaen's son, yet he neglected to tell me. He has gone to discuss this matter with the "true adults", which does not include me."
"Did he actually say that to you?" asked Aragorn in surprise.
"Not word for word, but it does not matter how he phrased it, because the meaning was still there," replied Legolas.
Elrohir sat up with a start as horrible realisation dawned, and it was all he could do to stop from cursing violently. Instead, he glanced over at his twin, and made a subtle but meaningful gesture with his head.
'What is it?' thought Elladan. 'Are you thinking what I am?'
'Yes. Legolas is angry because Airëlus did not tell him about Aradan, but neither did we. Estel also knew before him,' replied Elrohir, watching as his foster brother and friend spoke quietly. 'Do we tell him or not?'
Elladan grimaced, weighing the choices in his mind. 'Legolas is not stupid, and will find out sooner or later. It would be better if he hears it from us. Do you agree?'
'Yes, I do,' replied Elrohir. 'But I do not wish to be the one who has the job of telling him. I will leave that to you.'
"Ai Elbereth," Elladan muttered out loud.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Aragorn.
The dark haired Elf sighed, and went around to kneel in front of his friend. "Legolas, there is something that you should know. It is only fair that I tell you now, for there have been too many secrets as it is."
"What is it?" asked Legolas warily.
"I...we...all three of us knew of Aradan's true identity," replied Elladan. "I'm sorry..."
The Elven-prince locked his eyes onto regretful ebony ones for a moment, before laughing quietly. He drew one knew up to his chest and shook his head, a strange light flickering in his ocean-blue orbs.
"Legolas, are you not angry?" asked Elrohir slowly.
"Angry? No, angry is not the word to describe how I feel right now. Try using 'furious', and you'll be a little nearer the mark," snapped the Prince. "While you're there, you can add 'betrayed' to the list."
"There is no need for you to feel like that," said Aragorn, moving from his chair to kneel beside the Elf.
"I feel betrayed because my three closest friends and my brother intentionally kept a secret from me," spat Legolas, his eyes flashing. "Who else knew about this?"
"There were not many others," said Elrohir truthfully. "The only people who also knew are Mithrandir and our father. We didn't tell you because-
"Save your breath," hissed Legolas, jumping to his feet and going across to the door. "I do not wish to hear from you what I have already heard from Airëlus."
With that, the Prince spun on his heel, wrenched open the door, and stormed out. Aragorn cursed and made to go after his friend, but Elladan put a restraining hand on his shoulder, and silently shook his head.
"Leave him for a while," Elrohir advised. "Just give him some time to cool off."
"You do know that this would not have happened if it wasn't for you two," sighed Aragorn. "Why did you have to tell him at that particular point? Could you not see how distressed he was to begin with?"
"Of course, but he would've found out sooner or later," replied Elladan patiently. "I am sure his anger would be greater if we were to put off telling him. He has a temper, Estel, and you know that. Surely you would not want to make it even worse, especially at a time like this?"
Aragorn sighed, though he nodded briefly. "Yes, I suppose so. Right, I must go and make sure that the Fellowship are alright. I fear that Frodo cannot stay here with the Ring for much longer."
Elladan lay back down on his bed as the Ranger went across and opened the door. There were two guards standing outside, and they politely inclined their heads to Aragorn, though it was the twins they looked at. Standing in between them was a small figure, though he went un-noticed by Aragorn as he passed.
"Elladan, Elrohir, you have a visitor," said one of the guards, propelling the stranger into the room. "When we were about to leave Síriel two days back, this young one came up and told us he had to see you. We questioned him, but he started sobbing, and told us it was urgent. So...here he is."
"Valar..." muttered Elladan.
"I don't believe it," said Elrohir quietly.
"Well, we will lave him with you for the moment, but we will wait outside for him," said the guard, swiftly vacating the room and closing the door.
The twins stared at the newcomer, who had gone across and made himself comfortable in the seat that Aragorn had been in. It was none other than Tain, the child from the village of Síriel.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Elladan, his eyes flashing angrily. "You are only a young boy, yet your spitefulness has cost lives. You were the one who alerted your soldiers to our presence when we were in your town, and that was what started the fight."
"Though we ended it," said Elrohir.
Tain flicked his eyes across to the Elf, and smiled vaguely. "No, it has not ended, at least not yet. I'm not going to tell you why I'm here, and you will not be believed if you tell anyone that I am dangerous."
Elladan clenched his fists at his side, and made a noise of anger. "What do you want here, child? What do you think you can possible do against the strength of Imladris?"
"He can do nothing," spat Elrohir.
Tain laughed, and it was a sound that should never come from a child of his age. "You say that now, but wait for a few days, and then everyone will see exactly what young ones can do to help powerful rulers. Well, I must go. The guards are waiting to show me my room."
"Wait," said Elrohir, as Tain jumped off the chair, and ran across to the door.
"No, leave him," said Elladan swiftly.
Tain smiled at the Elves, and gave a mock bow. "Goodbye, I might see you later." With that, he turned and left the room, laughing quietly to himself.
"I...really do not believe that," said Elrohir slowly. "I don't think I have ever seen a child like him before. 'Dan, he is evil, and that is not right, especially in one so young. Did you hear how he spoke? His words are like those an adult uses."
"Yes, but I suppose that is what happens if you live under Calaen's rule," mused Elladan. "It is very sad, if you think about it. That child has been robbed of all innocence, yet he does not know it. He will grow up to be our enemy."
"He already is," said Elrohir darkly. "What do we do now? I suppose we must report this to Ada at some point, though I am not looking forward to that."
Elladan shook his head violently. "No, me neither. Can you imagine how utterly ridiculous we will sound, claiming that a child is a possible danger to us?"
"Hmm, we will," replied Elrohir. "Still, I cannot help but feel slightly sceptical about what Tain said. He clearly means to cause some harm, but it will be hard, especially with all the guards being more alert. I do not think we really have that much to fear..."
.............................................................................................................
Legolas sat on one of the branches of a tall tree that was situated in the archery grounds. The garden was now empty, except for a group of five soldiers who were carefully guarding a dark haired Elf. Calaen was sitting under the eaves of the tree, oblivious to the Prince high above him.
The guards were somewhat surprised that their captive had not tried to escape, choosing instead to go peacefully, and complying with anything that was asked of him. Little did they know that he was biding his time, and waiting for the right moment.
Legolas shifted silently on his branch, not once removing his eyes from the dark head of Calaen. He was unsure as to why he had chosen this particular spot to come and sit, but it was the only place where he could be alone and un-disturbed. That was all about to change though.
A figure dropped down noiselessly behind Legolas, and swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth, to stop him from crying out. The Prince immediately jumped to his feet, prepared to fight his attacker, even though they were in a tree, but an arm was slipped around his mid-section, pinning his arms down.
"Quiet, it is only me," the stranger said, his voice so low that even his captive struggled to hear it.
Legolas rolled his eyes, but nodded in recognition. He felt the restraints moving away from his body, and he glanced down to see if Calaen had heard anything. No. The Prince turned around to face the stranger, though there was no-one there.
"Fine," muttered Legolas. He shook his head slightly, before leaping across from his branch to another, the leaves barely rustling under his feet. He jumped effortlessly from tree to tree, and it wasn't long before he was able to drop down to the ground in the courtyard.
"You took long enough," smirked Thranduil.
"That was un-necessary. There was no reason for you to sneak up on me like that, and attack me in such a way," said Legolas sharply. "Why could you not have just tapped me on the shoulder, as ay normal Elf would do?"
"I caught you unawares" said Thranduil, his voice serious now. "Never let yourself be caught off your guard, for that could prove fatal. Imagine if it was not me, and the situation was different. It does not matter where you are, you should always be prepared for the unexpected."
"Yes, I know. I was caught up in my thoughts," muttered Legolas. "Look, did you want me for any other reason than to attack me and then lecture me?"
Thranduil smiled vaguely, and sat down on a marble bench. "Actually, I did. First of all, what made you go to where Calaen is being guarded? I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, but I thought you wanted to stay away from him."
"That is true, and I don't really know myself why I went there," replied Legolas, taking a seat beside the King. "I just wanted to be alone with my thoughts, and I automatically went there. It is strange, I know."
"Maybe, or maybe not," mused Thranduil. "Anyway, the second thing I wanted to speak about was Airëlus."
Legolas narrowed his eyes slightly at the mention of his brother's name. "Oh? And what of him?"
"He did not mean to hurt you," said Thranduil gently. "He feels nothing but guilt and sadness for his actions and words, so I suggest you go to see him later. You will feel better if you do."
"As you wish," said Legolas, inclining his head.
"I do not ask you to do that because I want you to; nor do you have to go and talk to Airëlus if you really do not wish to," said Thranduil. "I merely suggested it, but do what you want, Legolas. Anyway, this brings me to a more pressing matter."
"Aradan," muttered the Prince.
Thranduil nodded, and glanced sideways at his son. "Yes, what do you think about him? I have made up my mind already, but now I wish to hear your views."
"He is no part of our family," said Legolas slowly. "He may have the same blood as us, but that does not mean anything. Calaen has the same blood as us, but that counts for nothing now."
"So, you are immediately prejudiced against Aradan because he is Calaen's son," said Thranduil. "I was at first, but then I was set straight by Mithrandir, Airëlus and Elrond. They changed my views on him."
Legolas shook his head in disbelief. "Ada, you cannot...but..."
"Aradan wants a family and a home. Where is he going to get either of those if not in Mirkwood, with those he has dreamed of being with?" asked Thranduil.
"Valar..." breathed Legolas.
"Believe me when I say that I really understand why you feel this way. It is only natural, because you have had such bad experiences with his father, your brother," said Thranduil. "But Aradan means no harm to anyone. All he wants is what he should've had from Calaen."
"You have offered him a home with us," said Legolas bitterly. "You will give him one of the best rooms in the family quarters of the palace, and he will become one of us."
Thranduil nodded, and touched a hand to the Prince's shoulder. "Yes, that is what will happen. However, you do not think it should be so. Mithrandir told me how Aradan released you for a brief time during your captivity. He was Calaen's son then, but you did not look on him in the way you do now."
"No, and that is because he was no relation of mine before today," said Legolas desperately. "Ada, he was merely a...a soldier with a kinder heart than his comrades."
"But he wasn't. He did that for you, because he knew who you were. He has not changed from the person he was last week," said Thranduil. "He has the same emotions and opinions as he did last week, and that will not change for a while yet. Can you not accept that?"
Legolas shrugged, wondering how best to answer. "I...I don't know. I will try to, but I can promise nothing. He is still Calaen's son, and it will take a while to get used to that."
"I understand," said Thranduil quietly.
"If that is all, I have things to do," Legolas pointed out.
The King nodded gently, and sighed as his son got up and began walking away. "Will you be joining us at the evening meal, Legolas?" he called.
"Maybe. If not, I will see you tomorrow," replied the Prince, not stopping to give his answer. Instead, he continued up the stairs, and into Elrond's house.
Thranduil shook his head slightly. He understood why Legolas was acting that way, for of course there were so many things spinning in his head, and so many facts that he had to come to terms with. The King only hoped that his son would come around soon.
............................................................................................................
Haldir's Heart and Soul: No, I'm not gonna do anything as mean as that. However...I do have something else planned that is meaner than that...
Inu Lover: Uh, yeah probably. I figure that there's only around 6 or 7 or 8 chapters left of this. It all depends on what happens in the chapter after the chapter after the next. Or something like that!
eleanor rigbey: Yay! I'm a comedian but I didn't...what the heck rhymes with that? Yeah, I once ate something really nice, but then my grandmother told me that there was something totally gross in there, and I don't like it any more!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: Yeah, I enjoyed writing that, cos I wanted to show that even those two aren't perfect. Still, it will be good to see them make up again.
Jennifer: You know, you have just given me such a great idea! Do you mind if I use that idea, cos that would work really well with what I've already planned!
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I really like that as well! You know, there will be a day when the power of princesses help take over the world. Of course, me and you are gonna be the head princesses! LOL
kathysidle: I wonder what people will say when they hear about Harry? LOL
mud-puddles: Hee hee, I love them too!
Hello! I'm in a surprisingly good mood today. Why is that? Oh yeah, cos I never need to do another maths problem as long as I live! I had my last maths exam today, and I have a whole week away from school before I go back in to take my last exam, which will be history! Anyway, I have something random to tell you. Me and kathysidle, a very cool person, have been calling Calaen 'Harry' lately, cos he has dark hair and green eyes and...you know, like Harry Potter? Ok, people are giving us odd looks! Anyway, don't worry about Legolas, I'm sure he'll come around to the idea of Aradan soon enough! Luv Misto x-x
"There was no reason for Calaen to do that, especially in front of Thranduil and Legolas," said Aragorn, shaking his head angrily. "If I know those two, they will want nothing more to do with Aradan."
"You forget that their opinions will be up against Ada's, Mithrandir's, and Airëlus', and they all know the truth. That's a Servant of the Valar, an Istar, and a...a...." Elrohir trailed off into silence as a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "What would you call Ada?"
"I've never really thought about it," replied Elladan. "Anyway, I think that Legolas' mind will be more easily swayed than Thranduil's."
Aragorn nodded slowly, and drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. "What do you think will happen if they refuse to accept him for who he is?"
"First of all, Ada will offer Aradan a home here," replied Elrohir.
"Then he will gather all of our forces, put them together with Lórien's, and ride to Mirkwood," added Elladan.
"He will also take a host of Dwarves, and set them loose in the palace," put in Elrohir. "They will created un-imaginable havoc, and turn Thranduil's worst nightmare into a reality."
"Eventually, the poor King will be forced to take in Aradan," finished Elladan.
Aragorn looked from one twin to the other, and slowly shook his head. "I think that the Lord of Rivendell will approach the matter in a much more diplomatic, and may I say, realistic way."
"You never know," muttered Elladan.
Just then, the door flew open, and Legolas stormed in. He threw himself to the ground next to Aragorn's chair, shaking his head angrily. The Ranger raised an eyebrow, and gently touched his friend's shoulder, whilst the twins looked on in interest from their places on the bed.
"Legolas, are you alright?" asked Aragorn softly.
The Prince was silent for a moment, before shaking his head once more. "No, I am not. Airëlus apparently knew all along that Aradan was Calaen's son, yet he neglected to tell me. He has gone to discuss this matter with the "true adults", which does not include me."
"Did he actually say that to you?" asked Aragorn in surprise.
"Not word for word, but it does not matter how he phrased it, because the meaning was still there," replied Legolas.
Elrohir sat up with a start as horrible realisation dawned, and it was all he could do to stop from cursing violently. Instead, he glanced over at his twin, and made a subtle but meaningful gesture with his head.
'What is it?' thought Elladan. 'Are you thinking what I am?'
'Yes. Legolas is angry because Airëlus did not tell him about Aradan, but neither did we. Estel also knew before him,' replied Elrohir, watching as his foster brother and friend spoke quietly. 'Do we tell him or not?'
Elladan grimaced, weighing the choices in his mind. 'Legolas is not stupid, and will find out sooner or later. It would be better if he hears it from us. Do you agree?'
'Yes, I do,' replied Elrohir. 'But I do not wish to be the one who has the job of telling him. I will leave that to you.'
"Ai Elbereth," Elladan muttered out loud.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Aragorn.
The dark haired Elf sighed, and went around to kneel in front of his friend. "Legolas, there is something that you should know. It is only fair that I tell you now, for there have been too many secrets as it is."
"What is it?" asked Legolas warily.
"I...we...all three of us knew of Aradan's true identity," replied Elladan. "I'm sorry..."
The Elven-prince locked his eyes onto regretful ebony ones for a moment, before laughing quietly. He drew one knew up to his chest and shook his head, a strange light flickering in his ocean-blue orbs.
"Legolas, are you not angry?" asked Elrohir slowly.
"Angry? No, angry is not the word to describe how I feel right now. Try using 'furious', and you'll be a little nearer the mark," snapped the Prince. "While you're there, you can add 'betrayed' to the list."
"There is no need for you to feel like that," said Aragorn, moving from his chair to kneel beside the Elf.
"I feel betrayed because my three closest friends and my brother intentionally kept a secret from me," spat Legolas, his eyes flashing. "Who else knew about this?"
"There were not many others," said Elrohir truthfully. "The only people who also knew are Mithrandir and our father. We didn't tell you because-
"Save your breath," hissed Legolas, jumping to his feet and going across to the door. "I do not wish to hear from you what I have already heard from Airëlus."
With that, the Prince spun on his heel, wrenched open the door, and stormed out. Aragorn cursed and made to go after his friend, but Elladan put a restraining hand on his shoulder, and silently shook his head.
"Leave him for a while," Elrohir advised. "Just give him some time to cool off."
"You do know that this would not have happened if it wasn't for you two," sighed Aragorn. "Why did you have to tell him at that particular point? Could you not see how distressed he was to begin with?"
"Of course, but he would've found out sooner or later," replied Elladan patiently. "I am sure his anger would be greater if we were to put off telling him. He has a temper, Estel, and you know that. Surely you would not want to make it even worse, especially at a time like this?"
Aragorn sighed, though he nodded briefly. "Yes, I suppose so. Right, I must go and make sure that the Fellowship are alright. I fear that Frodo cannot stay here with the Ring for much longer."
Elladan lay back down on his bed as the Ranger went across and opened the door. There were two guards standing outside, and they politely inclined their heads to Aragorn, though it was the twins they looked at. Standing in between them was a small figure, though he went un-noticed by Aragorn as he passed.
"Elladan, Elrohir, you have a visitor," said one of the guards, propelling the stranger into the room. "When we were about to leave Síriel two days back, this young one came up and told us he had to see you. We questioned him, but he started sobbing, and told us it was urgent. So...here he is."
"Valar..." muttered Elladan.
"I don't believe it," said Elrohir quietly.
"Well, we will lave him with you for the moment, but we will wait outside for him," said the guard, swiftly vacating the room and closing the door.
The twins stared at the newcomer, who had gone across and made himself comfortable in the seat that Aragorn had been in. It was none other than Tain, the child from the village of Síriel.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Elladan, his eyes flashing angrily. "You are only a young boy, yet your spitefulness has cost lives. You were the one who alerted your soldiers to our presence when we were in your town, and that was what started the fight."
"Though we ended it," said Elrohir.
Tain flicked his eyes across to the Elf, and smiled vaguely. "No, it has not ended, at least not yet. I'm not going to tell you why I'm here, and you will not be believed if you tell anyone that I am dangerous."
Elladan clenched his fists at his side, and made a noise of anger. "What do you want here, child? What do you think you can possible do against the strength of Imladris?"
"He can do nothing," spat Elrohir.
Tain laughed, and it was a sound that should never come from a child of his age. "You say that now, but wait for a few days, and then everyone will see exactly what young ones can do to help powerful rulers. Well, I must go. The guards are waiting to show me my room."
"Wait," said Elrohir, as Tain jumped off the chair, and ran across to the door.
"No, leave him," said Elladan swiftly.
Tain smiled at the Elves, and gave a mock bow. "Goodbye, I might see you later." With that, he turned and left the room, laughing quietly to himself.
"I...really do not believe that," said Elrohir slowly. "I don't think I have ever seen a child like him before. 'Dan, he is evil, and that is not right, especially in one so young. Did you hear how he spoke? His words are like those an adult uses."
"Yes, but I suppose that is what happens if you live under Calaen's rule," mused Elladan. "It is very sad, if you think about it. That child has been robbed of all innocence, yet he does not know it. He will grow up to be our enemy."
"He already is," said Elrohir darkly. "What do we do now? I suppose we must report this to Ada at some point, though I am not looking forward to that."
Elladan shook his head violently. "No, me neither. Can you imagine how utterly ridiculous we will sound, claiming that a child is a possible danger to us?"
"Hmm, we will," replied Elrohir. "Still, I cannot help but feel slightly sceptical about what Tain said. He clearly means to cause some harm, but it will be hard, especially with all the guards being more alert. I do not think we really have that much to fear..."
.............................................................................................................
Legolas sat on one of the branches of a tall tree that was situated in the archery grounds. The garden was now empty, except for a group of five soldiers who were carefully guarding a dark haired Elf. Calaen was sitting under the eaves of the tree, oblivious to the Prince high above him.
The guards were somewhat surprised that their captive had not tried to escape, choosing instead to go peacefully, and complying with anything that was asked of him. Little did they know that he was biding his time, and waiting for the right moment.
Legolas shifted silently on his branch, not once removing his eyes from the dark head of Calaen. He was unsure as to why he had chosen this particular spot to come and sit, but it was the only place where he could be alone and un-disturbed. That was all about to change though.
A figure dropped down noiselessly behind Legolas, and swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth, to stop him from crying out. The Prince immediately jumped to his feet, prepared to fight his attacker, even though they were in a tree, but an arm was slipped around his mid-section, pinning his arms down.
"Quiet, it is only me," the stranger said, his voice so low that even his captive struggled to hear it.
Legolas rolled his eyes, but nodded in recognition. He felt the restraints moving away from his body, and he glanced down to see if Calaen had heard anything. No. The Prince turned around to face the stranger, though there was no-one there.
"Fine," muttered Legolas. He shook his head slightly, before leaping across from his branch to another, the leaves barely rustling under his feet. He jumped effortlessly from tree to tree, and it wasn't long before he was able to drop down to the ground in the courtyard.
"You took long enough," smirked Thranduil.
"That was un-necessary. There was no reason for you to sneak up on me like that, and attack me in such a way," said Legolas sharply. "Why could you not have just tapped me on the shoulder, as ay normal Elf would do?"
"I caught you unawares" said Thranduil, his voice serious now. "Never let yourself be caught off your guard, for that could prove fatal. Imagine if it was not me, and the situation was different. It does not matter where you are, you should always be prepared for the unexpected."
"Yes, I know. I was caught up in my thoughts," muttered Legolas. "Look, did you want me for any other reason than to attack me and then lecture me?"
Thranduil smiled vaguely, and sat down on a marble bench. "Actually, I did. First of all, what made you go to where Calaen is being guarded? I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, but I thought you wanted to stay away from him."
"That is true, and I don't really know myself why I went there," replied Legolas, taking a seat beside the King. "I just wanted to be alone with my thoughts, and I automatically went there. It is strange, I know."
"Maybe, or maybe not," mused Thranduil. "Anyway, the second thing I wanted to speak about was Airëlus."
Legolas narrowed his eyes slightly at the mention of his brother's name. "Oh? And what of him?"
"He did not mean to hurt you," said Thranduil gently. "He feels nothing but guilt and sadness for his actions and words, so I suggest you go to see him later. You will feel better if you do."
"As you wish," said Legolas, inclining his head.
"I do not ask you to do that because I want you to; nor do you have to go and talk to Airëlus if you really do not wish to," said Thranduil. "I merely suggested it, but do what you want, Legolas. Anyway, this brings me to a more pressing matter."
"Aradan," muttered the Prince.
Thranduil nodded, and glanced sideways at his son. "Yes, what do you think about him? I have made up my mind already, but now I wish to hear your views."
"He is no part of our family," said Legolas slowly. "He may have the same blood as us, but that does not mean anything. Calaen has the same blood as us, but that counts for nothing now."
"So, you are immediately prejudiced against Aradan because he is Calaen's son," said Thranduil. "I was at first, but then I was set straight by Mithrandir, Airëlus and Elrond. They changed my views on him."
Legolas shook his head in disbelief. "Ada, you cannot...but..."
"Aradan wants a family and a home. Where is he going to get either of those if not in Mirkwood, with those he has dreamed of being with?" asked Thranduil.
"Valar..." breathed Legolas.
"Believe me when I say that I really understand why you feel this way. It is only natural, because you have had such bad experiences with his father, your brother," said Thranduil. "But Aradan means no harm to anyone. All he wants is what he should've had from Calaen."
"You have offered him a home with us," said Legolas bitterly. "You will give him one of the best rooms in the family quarters of the palace, and he will become one of us."
Thranduil nodded, and touched a hand to the Prince's shoulder. "Yes, that is what will happen. However, you do not think it should be so. Mithrandir told me how Aradan released you for a brief time during your captivity. He was Calaen's son then, but you did not look on him in the way you do now."
"No, and that is because he was no relation of mine before today," said Legolas desperately. "Ada, he was merely a...a soldier with a kinder heart than his comrades."
"But he wasn't. He did that for you, because he knew who you were. He has not changed from the person he was last week," said Thranduil. "He has the same emotions and opinions as he did last week, and that will not change for a while yet. Can you not accept that?"
Legolas shrugged, wondering how best to answer. "I...I don't know. I will try to, but I can promise nothing. He is still Calaen's son, and it will take a while to get used to that."
"I understand," said Thranduil quietly.
"If that is all, I have things to do," Legolas pointed out.
The King nodded gently, and sighed as his son got up and began walking away. "Will you be joining us at the evening meal, Legolas?" he called.
"Maybe. If not, I will see you tomorrow," replied the Prince, not stopping to give his answer. Instead, he continued up the stairs, and into Elrond's house.
Thranduil shook his head slightly. He understood why Legolas was acting that way, for of course there were so many things spinning in his head, and so many facts that he had to come to terms with. The King only hoped that his son would come around soon.
............................................................................................................
Haldir's Heart and Soul: No, I'm not gonna do anything as mean as that. However...I do have something else planned that is meaner than that...
Inu Lover: Uh, yeah probably. I figure that there's only around 6 or 7 or 8 chapters left of this. It all depends on what happens in the chapter after the chapter after the next. Or something like that!
eleanor rigbey: Yay! I'm a comedian but I didn't...what the heck rhymes with that? Yeah, I once ate something really nice, but then my grandmother told me that there was something totally gross in there, and I don't like it any more!
tHeBlOnDeInEveRkNew: Yeah, I enjoyed writing that, cos I wanted to show that even those two aren't perfect. Still, it will be good to see them make up again.
Jennifer: You know, you have just given me such a great idea! Do you mind if I use that idea, cos that would work really well with what I've already planned!
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I really like that as well! You know, there will be a day when the power of princesses help take over the world. Of course, me and you are gonna be the head princesses! LOL
kathysidle: I wonder what people will say when they hear about Harry? LOL
mud-puddles: Hee hee, I love them too!
Hello! I'm in a surprisingly good mood today. Why is that? Oh yeah, cos I never need to do another maths problem as long as I live! I had my last maths exam today, and I have a whole week away from school before I go back in to take my last exam, which will be history! Anyway, I have something random to tell you. Me and kathysidle, a very cool person, have been calling Calaen 'Harry' lately, cos he has dark hair and green eyes and...you know, like Harry Potter? Ok, people are giving us odd looks! Anyway, don't worry about Legolas, I'm sure he'll come around to the idea of Aradan soon enough! Luv Misto x-x