Disclaimer: Please see chapter one
Chapter Nine
Lomion returned to the chamber to find a very subdued Legolas. The Elfling was in exactly the same place that Lomion had left him. The story book lay open and forgotten on the bed. Lomion did not know whether to be happy or worried that Legolas had as much of Growly's ear as he could manage in his mouth. It was obvious Legolas needed comfort.
He sat on the bed and gathered Legolas into his arms. The only response he got from his sibling was an even more nervous sucking on the wet ear. "What is it, little Leaf? Has something upset you?"
This was answered by a frantic shake of the little one's head.
"Shall we get you ready for the day? I hear you have some Elfling's coming to play with you, would you like that?" A shrug was his only answer.
"Let us get you clean." Lomion did not know what else to do.
Half an hour later Legolas stood washed and dressed while Lomion brushed and plaited the small child's braids that all Elfling's wore. Legolas' were slightly different because his were of royal origin.
"There you go, all done. How would you like to have your morning meal with the others?" A shrug, the wide eyes looked almost fearful. "There will be strawberries, your favourite." Seeing he would not be getting an answer other than the shrug, he picked Legolas up and carried him from his chamber.
As Legolas was carried nearer to the dining hall he could feel his nerves getting the better of him. He would have to see his Ad… no, his King. Pain shot through his tiny heart at that thought. Followed by the thought that this could be the last time he saw every one he loved. Would Estel still like him if he was not a Prince anymore?
Unaware of his brother's growing inner turmoil, Lomion made for the table around which every one was seated, already eating. They all smiled at the newcomers apart from Thranduil and Drowlin.
Once seated and having wished every one good morning, Lomion began to fill two plates. One had an abundance of berries of all kinds, but particularly the juicy red strawberries Legolas so adored.
The group around the table this particular day was very subdued. All knew this day was going to be hard.
Lomion broke the silence, unaware of the shy looks Legolas was giving their Ada. "Have a strawberry, little Leaf; they look delicious do they not?" His effort was rewarded by a shake of the head. "Come on, sweet heart, you need to eat something." The shake of the head came once more.
"Legolas, you need to eat, you have along day ahead of you." If Legolas' eyes could get any larger, they managed it. What was Lomion saying? All Legolas' fears came to fruition. It was going to be today!
He whispered in Lomion's ear. "Not hungry."
"Legolas, please you need to eat." All eyes were on them, not that Legolas noticed that, he was fiddling with Growly, trying to stop the tears that were welling in his eyes from falling.
"Not hungry." It was the barest of whispers.
"Do you hurt, Legolas?" A tiny nod was his answer. "Where does it hurt?"
"My tummy, my tummy hurts."
"You may be you just need to have something to fill it. Here you are I am sure you will feel better once you have eaten." Lomion held the strawberry to Legolas' lips. The Elfling reluctantly ate it.
Across the table Thranduil watched with mounting anger. He had explicitly told his son's not to mother Legolas and what were they doing? Also, what was with the bear? Legolas should know by now that toys were not allowed at the table. The more he thought the angrier he became.
"Legolas, stop playing at the table!" His voice throbbed with suppressed anger. His attention was completely on the Elfling who now sat frozen in place with fear. He did not see the looks of shock and horror that passed across the features of every one else at the table.
"Ada, could you not let Legolas have his toy, just this once?" Elardion could not believe what he was seeing and hearing.
"Do not interfere, Elardion, this has nothing to do with you."
"But, Ada…"
"ENOUGH!!!!" Thranduil could hardly contain himself, how dare they question him and in front of guests as well! "If you do not like what you are hearing you are dismissed. It is for me to decide what does or does not happen in this realm. Not you!"
Nolvo tried to be diplomatic. "Ada, with all that will be happening today….."
"That is all the more reason that Legolas should behave. Look at him; he looks nothing like a Prince should!"
Drowlin had to smother a triumphant grin. This was working so well.
"He is but five years old, Ada." The minute he said it Alcarnor knew he had said the wrong thing.
Elrond and his sons watched in shocked amazement at the scene in front of them. Then all began to be embarrassed, they should not be watching this, it made them feel just a little voyeuristic.
Thranduil glowered at each of his sons before resting it once again on his youngest. "What have I told you about bringing toys to the table?" Silence filled the room. "Well, I am waiting."
The little voice was shaking as Legolas whispered. "Not allowed."
"That is correct. Tell me then why have you brought it with you?"
"I Forgot. Sorry, Ad… King."
If there had been silence before, it was nothing compared to what fell after hearing Legolas' comment.
"What did you call me?" Thranduil's voice was calm and cold a sure sign that his temper was really going to blow.
"K… king." Legolas was shaking now, unable to believe that his old Ada could be like this.
It was Alcarnor who saved that particular minute. He stood crossed around the table and lifted Legolas out of Lomion's arms. "Come, Little one, shall we go and play/" He left the room, not once looking at his father and asking for permission to be excused as he normally would. He was just too angry at his Father.
The minute he closed the door loud voices could be heard, as the tempers that every one had kept in while Legolas was in the room burst forth.
He had not even made it to the bottom of the stairs before the door opened once more and Elrond, followed by his family made a dignified but hurried retreat. Leaving the Mirkwood royal family continued their heated argument.
Seeing Alcarnor at the foot of the stairs, they hurried to join him.
Estel looked down at the Elfling, who was adorable to find he was still shaking like a storm tossed leaf. He held out his arms and Legolas launched himself into them. Someone who did love him was holding him.
"Come, Legolas let us see about getting some stories ready for when your friends come over." He carried the young Prince to his room.
It was much later and Legolas found himself once again alone. He was bored and hungry now his worry at seeing his father had worn off. Why was he having other Elfling's to visit? Were they his new family come with their parents to collect him?
He sat in the window watching the garden, longing to be out there chasing the birds and squirrels, to hear the trees. Instead he was stuck in here. He could not even open the window to hear them; Estel had made sure that they were firmly shut so that he could not fall out.
He sighed and was about to turn away when movement caught his eye. Elves were arriving, Elves dressed all in black and lots of them. How he wished he could be out there with them. He was so confused, when he tried to think it over both his head and stomach hurt.
It hurt that his Ad… the King had shouted at him once more. He sucked on Growly's ear once more, deep in thought as he watched the visitor's arrive. He did not want his Ad… the King to shout at him again, it frightened him.
A solution suddenly hit him. If he went away from here, he would not have to shout any more, would not have to put up with an Elfling he hated. "Would you come with me Growly? I do not want to be on my own. We could find our real Nana and Ada. They will love us."
His mind made up he looked around then room. Taking one last look at all the things he loved. Before making his way slowly towards the door.
Thranduil stood in his place, his face devoid of all emotion, only his eyes spoke of his true anguish. All his children bar one were gathered around him in what looked like family unity. In reality four of his sons were not talking to him after that morning's row over Legolas.
Legolas, sweet Legolas. He really did not know what it was about his son that made him angry, but at the moment it seemed just looking at him hurt. He looked so much like Laurelin that it physically hurt.
Sweet, adorable loved, Laurelin. Why did she have to go out riding that day? In the rain? She knew that there had been sightings of Orcs and Spiders. She knew how worried he was. Why had she ignored his warnings? He would never know the answers.
So here he stood in front of her briar waiting for the ceremony to begin. How he hated black. It was the only time a Wood Elf wore the colour. It made everything so depressing, if it could be made more depressing.
Slowly the mourners began to gather. Almost all of the Elves in Mirkwood, who could attend the funeral, had arrived. Old friends, distant family members, cousins all wanted to say good bye to the Queen they all loved.
As they all took their places one lone Elleth began to sing the traditional dirge. The sound was haunting even the air seemed to shimmer along with it. Thranduil had to fight back the tears that already wanted to fall. He had to be strong and get through this. As angry as he was with Elrond for drugging him, he had done the right thing. It galled him, but he would have to thank him for it later.
It was Lomion's task as Crown Prince to begin the ceremony and he stepped forward gently bowing, giving the traditional Elvish greeting before laying his hand gently on the linen covered figure of his Naneth. He had to take a deep steady breath before he could begin; a lump had formed deep within his throat.
"We are here today to rejoice and give thanks for the Queen who loved us all in life. I need not tell you of all her accomplishments, most are well know. In life our Queen and Naneth was kind, happy always sunny no matter what she faced. She gave her time freely to any one who needed her and never begrudged giving it. No one can replace her, either as Queen and certainly not as a Naneth."
Lomion had to bow his head and get his emotions under control finding it extremely hard. Finally he could lift his head again, silver tear tracks clearly visible on his face. A hand on his arm made him jump and he turned his head to find his Adar, tears also on his face behind him. A nod of encouragement gave him the strength to carry on.
"I would like you all to join with our King and family in a prayer to aid Queen Laurelin on her way to Mandos Halls." Tear stained faces bowed and silence reigned for long minutes only to be broken by Thranduil's lone voice:
I see you are the world,
A force formidable to fight,
The love and patience ever there
To get the balance right
I see you are a tree,
Standing tall and proud,
Never let your talents fade
And let your heart sing loud.
Not a whisper could be heard as Thranduil sang the traditional mourning song of the royal family, just as tradition dictated.
I see you are a flower,
With petals large and bright,
And hidden down, deep inside
A shining inner light.
I see you are a rainbow,
With many different shades,
Share your light and love with us
And think of dreams you've made.
Tears fell freely now among the Elves. Tears for the immortal lives lost during the attack. Tears for their Queen to whom, this should never happen and finally tears for their youngest Prince who would never have the joy of knowing his Mother.
I see you are the sun,
The one the only love,
You show your strength, giving hope,
Like one innocent white Dove.
I see you are the gravity,
The glue that holds us all,
You stand for us against the crowd
And protect us from a fall.
Nolvo and Alcarnor had forgotten all royal decorum and we holding each other crying, both trying to ease the others pain.
I see you are the ground,
The stable ever sure,
You try to help, to guide us
With love so so pure.
I see you are the wind,
Swirling in and out,
Giving hope and joy to us
Without a single doubt.
Estel could feel a lump building in his throat; this ceremony was beautiful but so sad. He had been to eleven funerals before, but this was so unique.
I see you are a leaf,
Floating to and fro,
You'll do great and be happy too,
Of this I'm sure I know.
I see you are the sky,
Towering above the ground,
You've gone, so we look for you,
In Mandos Halls you are found.
Elrond kept his gaze on the ground, the last time he had heard this dirge was for Thranduil's Father, this time it seemed unbearable to think of, unbearable to admit it was being sung for Laurelin.
I see you are a butterfly,
With wings beautiful and fare,
Your love is unique to me,
Your life so extremely rare.
I see you are the heavens,
Friendships forming new,
With loved ones truly lost to us,
Although still loved it's true.
Elardion could only think of his Naneth as she had been on that picnic. It seemed to have been so long ago, not just the few weeks it had been. He thought of her hair flowing, laughing at their antics. Never would he again see that…
I see you are a shining star,
Up high in heavens night,
This is where you belong,
But that doesn't make it right.
I see you are a cloud,
Floating up on high,
Looking down on all of us,
And teaching us to fly.
Lomion stood head bowed heart heavy as he remembered how happy his Naneth had been at Legolas' conception, her joy at his birth. It seemed so wrong that she would not be here; to raise him to see the amazing person Lomion had no doubt his brother would turn into one day.
I see you are an Angel,
I really hope you know,
We love you know and always will,
You raise us when we're low.
Thranduil's voice was gruff, tear filled as he as King sang for his love. This was so unfair. Why did Mandos need her, when she was still so needed here? When he needed her. How could he get through this without her? Valar he needed a drink.
Drowlin watched all this; he had no time for sorrow not when he had Legolas to blame for all this. Tears were a stupid waste of time. It would not bring his Naneth back, so why try?
One by one the mourning elves passed the briar, laying their offering of flowers, before moving away to leave the royal family to grief. Soon only the immediate family and Elrond along with his children were left in the clearing. Slowly they made their way to the royal cemetery, to bury their loved one.
Legolas could not believe his luck. He had made it into the main hallway with no one catching him. In fact the Palace seemed to be completely deserted, not even the Elfling's he had been told would be here to play with him had arrived; not that he minded that much just as long as he could get away. Not that he knew where he was going.
By the time he got to the trees his leg was hurting badly, but he was determined that he could not go back, so he gritted his teeth and carried on.
It was cool but by the rime he made it to the great willow tree his Naneth liked to sit under, he was hot and sticky. Panting for breath he tried to ignore the pain and carry on. He rested for a short while before standing to begin again; he walked around the tree, only to jump.
In front of him was a horse with what looked like an ancient man on top of it. He was dressed in the drabbest of greys and had a very, very large hat on his head. That was fascinating enough, but what really caught Legolas' attention was the hair on the Man's face. He had never seen any one with hair on their faces before.
Seeing the shocked Elfling the rider, reined his horse to a halt. "Well, well and what do we have here?" The voice was kindly and Legolas immediately felt he could like this man, he felt as reassuring as Estel did. But he would not go back.
Legolas took a step backwards without looking and fell, his leg caught in the roots of the old tree. He could not stop his cry of pain as his leg began really throbbing. He blinked once and the man was by his side. Surely an old man like that should not be able to move that fast?
"Easy, little One let me see. Dear, dear you have been in the wars have you not?" Legolas' leg was red and swollen from the use it should not have had at this point in its recovery.
"My name is Mithrandir; may I ask who you might be?" Legolas looked up and any doubt as to who this Elfling was fled from Mithrandir's mind. "Please, forgive me, Prince Legolas, I did not realise it was you. What are you doing so far from home? I bet your Ada is very worried about you?"
"No, Ad…" A sigh, "King is not worried, he is sending me away to my real family." Under the kindly gaze it all became too much for the Elfling and at long last tears began to fall.
"Hush, little One, I am sure it is not that bad and of course he is your father. Who told you he was not?" His tone may have been kindly but deep inside he was in a fine temper. How could any one psychologically torture this Elfling when he had been through so much?
"Drowlin, he said I would be sent away today, that nobody loved me and I am to blame for Nana's going away. And Ada shouted at me and slapped me and I can not go back there!" This last was a real wail; he just could not do this anymore.
"I promise you, Legolas, that you are loved. Will you let me prove it to you?" Wide blue trusting eyes met his and the bright blond head nodded. Mithrandir gently lifted him up onto Dururion and then settled himself behind the Elfling, holding him tightly to him. "Let us be on our way then and see about this nonsense that your brother has been telling you."
With that they were on their way, back the way that Legolas had just so painfully come.
To be continued.
The song sung by Thranduil was the brain child of Meisalliam. If you would like to use it please, please ask her first. Thank you
We would like to say a big thank you to all out readers and reviewers, please continue to let us know how we are doing. Flames are received will be looked at, dealt with and given to Knight Growly's new pet dragon!
Replies to reviews:
Coolio02: They will have help, lots of it. I promise…
Pointy-eared-elf's: Um no, he's just not too bothered about his own personal odour! When I write I just want to hug Legolas so yes I can understand your feeling's all too well. We are looking at the fact that the brother's apart from Drowlin (Bo Hiss!) are of age and can look at the situation a little more objectively; just because Legolas was there it did not make it his fault. Does that make sense? Glad you liked the chapter and hope you like this err… slightly longer one.
Butterfly-elf: We agree!!!
Leeanne: I agree no saying Dwowlin's name right until he apologises to our Leafie! You nearly cried? Sorry. Naughty Shell, making readers cry! I just wonder what will happen to you during the monster I wrote today!
The horses name in English means Storm son Of Cloud.
So until tomorrow when it is Meisalliam's turn to write the chapter, please take care,Love,
Meisalliam, Shell, Leafie and Growly.
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