Disclaimer: Go see the other chapters.

Okay this was written by Meisalliam so she can be blamed for any badness. Also we refer to Gandalf as Mithrandir in this story encase anyone did not know who Mithrandir was.

Legolas sniffed loudly as Mithrandir helped the small Elfling dismount. Caught slightly off balance, he landed awkwardly on his injured leg and gave a yelp of pain. Mithrandir gently picked the blond Prince up and he held him close, gently rocking and shushing the Elfling, whispering soft words of comfort until he stopped crying.

Once Legolas had settled once more, Mithrandir instructed his horse to go to the stables. Mithrandir then made his way towards the palace, Legolas still in his arms. Legolas had Growly held tight in one hand and was firmly chewing on one of the bears ears.

Once at the Palace he was met by a herald and was led to the reception hall. When he had been announced the wizard made his way towards the Royal family, who were passing through the gathered Lord's and Ladies excepting condolences.

Drowlin had tears running down his cheeks, but to Mithrandir's sharp experienced eyes; they looked completely fake. Slowly approaching the Royal family he caught sight of Elrond and his family standing nearby.

Nodding his head at Thranduil, Mithrandir offered his own condolences to the King. Legolas by this time had hidden himself half under the Istar's cloak and half under his beard. All that was visible to anyone looking was a small bump.

"I think I found something in the woods that belongs to you, Thranduil." He gently pulled back his cloak to reveal Legolas; who was clinging with all his might to Mithrandir afraid to let go.

Lomion gasped in surprise and darted forward, gathered Legolas in his arms, giving him a once over to make sure he was not hurt he then hugged Legolas tightly to him. He then carefully extracted the soggy ear from the Elfling's mouth. "Leafie, why were you in the woods?" Just the thought brought chills down his back.

Legolas kept silent but frantically searched for Growly's other ear.

Thranduil looked down at his youngest face impassive, but inside his stomach churned with guilt at having raised his voice to his youngest; it was becoming obvious just how important the bear was to Legolas.

The King took his youngest son from his eldest and made to leave the room, only to be stopped by a hand on his arm, He turned to find Mithrandir looking at him seriously. "Once you have Legolas settled I need to have a word with you." The wizard's voice was grave and left Thranduil in no doubt as to the seriousness of this coming conversation.

"Very well, I will meet you here; I do not know how long I will be. Perhaps Elrond may join us?"

"That is a very good idea; we may well need his help." Thranduil frowned at that. "But first I think you may well have more important matters to attend to." He nodded down to the scared Elfling held tightly in his Ada's arms.

Thranduil made his way to his study and placing the young Prince on the couch returned to the door to lock it. He settled himself on the couch next to Legolas, noting that the Elfling was shaking. He would have to be slow and gentle if he wished to find out what had caused Legolas to go into the forest alone.

"Legolas, why were you in the woods?" The voice was very gentle no censure to be heard.

Legolas shook his head, refusing to answer, but he stopped chewing on Growly's ears however; scared that the King would take his friend away.

"Please, Legolas, tell me? I can not help you if you do not tell me. I promise I will not be angry." at youThranduil added silently.

Legolas whispered something that the King missed. "I am sorry, Legolas, what was that? Please say it again."

"I wanted to find my real family, my real Nana and Ada."

Thranduil was both shocked and dismayed at hearing this. "We are your real family, we love you. What gave you the idea that I am not your Ada?"

"I not tell, made me promise I not tell." Legolas felt panicked that he may have told his Ada just a little too much and in his panic he let something slip. "I promised Drowlin that I tell no one what he said."

Thranduil heard what his son said and wanted to ask more, but realised that if he pushed or reacted in the way he really wanted to, he just may well scare his Greenleaf away from him and would never get him back in all probability. The process had already been started by his previous behaviour. He made the silent promise that he would do everything in his power to make things right with his precious baby.

"Little Leaf, instead of this boring talk, do you want to play with me?" The watery smile he got was all the reward he needed. How could he have been angry at this innocent bundle? The pair sat and played for a short while, Legolas was very happy that his Ada wanted to be with him and was not angry anymore.

It was a very thoughtful Thranduil that made his way back to the reception hall. His youngest son had given him much to think about following their talk. Now he needed his friend's opinions.

The hall was empty apart from his two friends and for that Thranduil was thankful. This was going to be hard. He made his way to his friends only to stop right in front of Mithrandir. "Thank you, Mellon-nin, for bringing my son back home to us. When I think of what could have happened." He could not stop the shiver. "He was meant to be in his room playing. How he slipped out I do not know. Come, sit you must be hungry and thirsty after your trip."

The three sat at the long family table that had been pushed to one side to accommodate the mourners. A servant brought wine and fruit.

"I also need to thank you, Elrond, if it had not been for you I would not have been able to cope with today. I am sorry for my harsh words."

"You have no need to apologise to me, Thranduil. I only did what any friend would given the circumstances." Elrond's smile was sincere.

"I fear we have a greater problem that needs dealing with. It appears that Drowlin has told Legolas he is not a member of this family, that I am not his Ada."

"He said as much to me. He also said you were going to be sending him away today, so you would not care if he had disappeared. That is bad enough, but Drowlin seems to have convinced Legolas that he and he alone was to blame for Laurelin's death. The poor Elfling really seems to think he is to blame and that you all hate him for it." Mithrandir's voice was grave.

"Why would he do such a thing?" Elrond's voice sounded so incredulous, how could a brother do this to a younger sibling?

"I do not know." Thranduil sighed heavily. "But I do mean to find out. Then we have to deal with Drowlin. That I am unsure about, what punishment should I give?" He looked up. "I am sorry my friends I did not mean to ramble. Forgive me, I will find a way to punish Drowlin. I thank you for your help. I fear I must see my son now."

He stood, smoothing the hated black robes "I will leave you to your food and wine. There will be a family dinner tonight, please come you are all welcome." He turned and left the room.

Drowlin made his way towards his Ada's study. As he walked he thought over everything that had happened in the past few days. Legolas was so easy to convince. Maybe just maybe his Ada would get angry enough to send the Brat away, and then he could reclaim his rightful place.

He knocked on the door and opened it. The study was large and warm. Huge glass windows allowed the sun to spread its rays and brighten the room. It smelt of the comforting smell of old parchment and books. Drowlin had always loved this room. His Adar stood in the window taking in the view of the courtyard.

"You wanted to see me Ada?"

Thranduil turned and gave him a long searching look, Drowlin suddenly found himself very uneasy. "Yes, I did. Do you have any reason I would want to talk to you about?"

"No, Ada." Drowlin wracked his memory trying to see what he could have done wrong.

"I want you to answer my questions truthfully, if I find you have been lying you will be in greater trouble than you already are, do you understand?"

Drowlin's mouth was dry as he answered. "Yes, Ada, I will."

"I want to say how disappointed I am with you. I thought your Naneth and I raised you to behave better than this. What drove you to tell Legolas we were not his family?"

Drowlin's eyes widened the Brat had told on him! He could only look speechless at his father, how could he get out of this now. He would pay Legolas back for this.

Thranduil seeing the look in his son's eyes gave a sly smile. "Your brother told me nothing. What I learned was from Mithrandir. It seems Legolas is too scared of being sent away to let me know exactly what you said. Now please, I would like an answer to my question." Thranduil's eyes held no warmth.

"He took Naneth away from me. Everything I had he took! If he had not been with Naneth she would not have been riding. It is all his fault that she is dead and I hate him!" Drowlin's voice lowered to a hiss.

"You do not know if your Naneth would have been out riding without Legolas. He had nothing to do with this. We nearly lost him because of the injury and trauma and you have added to this. You still have not answered my question, why did you tell him I am not his Ada?"

Drowlin hung his head, thinking fast, he had to get his Father onto his side.

"He looks so different from the rest of us. The Brat is nothing like the rest of us. I have heard the rumours; everyone is talking about how he is different…"

"Do you believe all rumour's that you hear? I do not believe this! Just because he looks different does not mean he is not my son. You do not remember my brother, he sailed to the West when you were young, and he had Legolas' colouring. It is in the family, we do not know when and in which generation it will appear. You believe your Naneth slept with another Elf? That is completely disrespectful and I can assure you categorically that Legolas is my son. Now, your punishment…."

"Punishment? But, Ada, I have not…."

"Do not say you have done nothing wrong. You have caused hurt and anguish to an Elfling who did not deserve them so the punishment you get is this. You are to stay in your room for two months; you can come out for the evening meals and your schooling. Your bow and horse are out of bounds to you and I want you to go and get the bow and give it to me. You will also tonight, in front of everybody at the evening meal, publicly apologise to Legolas. If it is not sincere, I will know and add to your punishment. Do you understand?" With each word Drowlin's shoulder's had slumped as he realised he could not easily get out of this.

"Yes, Ada, I understand." The voice was meek.

"Good. Go and get your bow, after that I do not wish to see you until tonight. And, Drowlin, if I hear you have been saying such things to Legolas or spreading malicious rumours again, we will be talking again and you will not like the consequences."

Drowlin turned and left the study, thinking furiously about how he could get back at Legolas for this. Two month's in his chamber! He could not afford to anger his Ada further he would have to wait and bide his time.

Several days later Legolas sat in his fathers study, drawing. He held a crayon between his fingers as he intently studied his bear. He then began to draw.

Across the study sat Elardion who was reading another story to Legolas, but the entire family, minus Drowlin, was also listening intently. Lomion and Thranduil were sitting close to Legolas, pretending to be discussing the state of Mirkwood. But they too, were enthralled by the story as were the others.

Elrond and his sons had decided to go hunting and leave the family to spend some time together. After finishing the story about an Elf who ventured through out Middle Earth robbing from the rich and giving it to the poor. Elardion turned to his little brother. "Little one, would you like another story?"

An enthusiastic nod was the only reply he got as Legolas was still concentrating on his drawing. "What one would you like?"

Legolas shrugged, his shoulder had finally healed and his leg was starting to feel better.

It was Nolvo who asked in a timid voice so unlike his usual voice. "I really enjoyed that story you told us the other day. Remember when Legolas was hurt in Lomion's room?"

Elardion smiled fondly. "Right, I remember, Knight Growly and Little Las." At the twins nod and his Ada's raised eye brow, he thought for a moment and began.

"Once upon a time there was a brave Knight called Growly and he had a very good friend called little Las. They had many adventures together and had even battled a nasty Dragon. Once the Dragon had fled they set out going to wherever they were needed. They both loved adventures and had many small ones." Every one in the room was listening, captivated.

"One day they were travelling neat a small settlement, as they got nearer they could see terrified villager's running all around in panic. They charged in and saw two large Wargs that were terrorising all the people. Growly and Las looked at each other and drew their swords. Now was the time they had to be strong…." Even Thranduil was hanging on every word Elardion said.

"They were very brave and fought long and hard, it was a ferocious battle, full of blood and not all of it belonged to the Wargs…" Elardion saw his fathers scowl at the direction the story was taking; Legolas' eyes were full of fear.

"But in the end Growly and Las won. They beat the Wargs and then they celebrated with the villagers. Once the celebrations were finished Knight Growly and Little Las made off into the sunset, eager for their next big adventure."

As Elardion finished the room broke out into applause, apart from Legolas who had once more returned to his drawing.

Lomion looked down at all the maps spread out across the table and lifted a goblet of wine from the desk and took a sip. His father absent minded did the same and both smiled as they realised this.

Legolas finally looked up from his drawing and smiled. Nolvo looked at his brother and asked. "What have you been drawing, I hardly ever see you without a crayon in your hand? You never liked to draw before."

Legolas could only shrug; he did not know why he suddenly liked to draw. He handed the picture to his older brother and held his breath waiting to see if Nolvo liked it.

Nolvo took the drawing with a smile and looked down. What he saw amazed him. For an Elfling of five the drawing was incredible. It was better than he could have drawn or painted with water colours, yet Legolas had managed it with crayons.

The picture was of Growly, but in the picture he was wearing a helmet just like the ones the Knights wore in Legolas' story book. It looked as if they might just have found one of Legolas' extraordinary hidden talents.

"Legolas go and show this to Ada."

Legolas ran across the study as fast as his little legs could carry him. Reaching his father he thrust the parchment under his Ada's nose. Taken by surprise, Thranduil jumped and knocked his goblet of wine over. It spilt all over the table and maps before falling onto the floor and smashing into small sharp shards.

Legolas flinched back in fear; sure his Ada would be mad at him again. Thranduil stepped forward yelling as a small piece of glass embedded itself into his toe. Before he could worry about himself he had to get Legolas away from the glass.

Picking him up carried the trembling Elfling to the couch. "Shush, it is fine, Legolas. No one was hurt and it was an accident. It was my fault not yours, I should have been more careful." Legolas stopped shivering and buried his head into his father's chest.

"Now what were you trying to show me, little One?" Thranduil admired his youngest son's picture as Alcarnor organised some servants to clear up the mess.

Suddenly Thranduil handed Legolas to Lomion and fled from the room. They all turned to Lomion who was the only one not to be surprised at their father's sudden disappearance.

"Before any of you were born and I was just an Elfling, Nana loved to paint. I do not remember much, but a lot of the paintings in the gallery were hers. It seems as if this is one more thing Legolas has received from Nana, her ability to draw."

Legolas looked up with large sorrowful eyes. "I am sorry, Lomion, I did not mean to."

Lomion smiled gently and shook his head; they all knew how insecure Legolas was thanks to Drowlin. "It is not your fault, Little Leaf, you have a gift and you should work on that gift. Never be ashamed of it."

Legolas refused to come out of his room for several days. The only ones allowed to enter were Lomion and Estel; they even took his meals, refusing to let on what Legolas was up to. Thranduil allowed this; they ate very seldom at the family table any more, the large empty space where Laurelin used to sit seemed so empty and it still hurt a lot.

Finally after three days had passed he allowed Arwen in to his room as well. He took comfort in having a female presence as it reminded him of his Nana.

Estel had taken him around the galleries of fine art that Mirkwood held whilst Lomion stood guard in his room to make sure no one went in.

After five days Legolas asked if his family and Estel would come to his chamber.

When they had all gathered, Lomion opened a small cupboard and removed a small canvas like the ones that artist low on money use.

Pulling off the covering sheet, Legolas revealed a picture that while not perfect and flawless conveyed the raw emotion felt by Legolas.

It was a picture of Laurelin walking in the woods among the trees. She looked beautiful and her eyes seemed to glimmer. She looked as if she had no worries or care, just blissfully happy.

Thranduil was speechless as he slumped in the rocking chair that was always present by Legolas' bed. He was amazed at his youngest son. Elardion was the first to snap out of his daze.

"Legolas, this is amazing, it truely looks like Nana. It is the best I have ever seen of her."

The others all quickly added their agreements and not even the twins could come up with a witty comment.

Legolas walked slowly over to his father and pulled himself into his lap, hugging him. "I made it for you, Ada, so you would always remember Nana."

Thranduil smiled down at his son. "Thank you, Legolas, it is wonderful. But I need nothing to remember her by. I have six sons to do that and you look so much like her. All I have to do is look at you and I remember her, thank you, I have never been given a greater gift."

Legolas snuggled deeper onto his Ada's lap. "I love you, Ada."

The hug was returned. "I love you too, Leafie."

Across the corridor Drowlin lay sulking on his bed, thinking of ways in which he could get back at the Brat. This was just one more reason to hate Legolas. He would be patient and bide his time, but he would have his revenge.

Okay there it is chapter ten of Once Upon a time. Slightly disappointed with the lack of response we are getting for this story but please continue to review as your reviews are really giving us something to think about. There will be more action soon I promise.

Meisalliam wrote this chapter and she is the master of Fluff in our partner ship where Shell writes the angst. Please tell us what you want to see in the story, Fluff, Angst, anything else.

Big thanks to those who reviewed.

Leeanne: Your close to getting that apology and thanks to the review we all hate Drowlin sorry Dwowlin to. If you want to see more of his evilness go read Meisalliam's fics specially Happily Ever after where he gets a bit of comeuppance.

ak-stinger: Sorry no Mithrandir going crazy but who knows what the future holds. Thanks for the review and I hope you like this chapter.

butterfly-elf : We had to get Mithrandir in there somewhere and it seemed right. Do you want to see more Mithrandir in here.

randomramblings: You're a reviewer after Mcross's heart. She's obsessed with the partnership of Growly and Legolas. You may be in luck I am considering re posting a story that removed that stars Growly and Leafie in another setting.

Triptych: Sorry about making you cry and tell your husband from me that it is mean to laugh and he should read the story. It made me cry and I knew what was happening.

Ceyxa: Thank you for sharing that with us and we hope that this continues to live up to your expectancies. MCross was touched that you thought she caught the real emotion ad I thank you for liking this story. Please continue to review. Or email if there is anything that you think we should include or change. That goes to everyone.

angelbird12241: Yep. I have to make sure that it is said here to everyone that Our Thranduil is not horrible and cruel is a kind and wonderful after but we wanted to show what losing someone close to you could do.

Pointy-eared-elfs: Thanks that means a lot. I wrote the poem for someone who died and all my friends and it seemed to fit. I have the full copy on fiction press and if you want please go read it there.

Okay that's it everyone thanks for the reviews and I am sorry if I left anyone out.

Remember flames will either be used to feed Growlys dragon or to burn Drowlin.

Please go read the full copy of Friendship of Nature by Meisalliam at Fictionpress

Love

Shell and Meisalliam