Disclaimer: we still do not own these characters as much as we would like to!
Chapter thirteen
Early morning sun flowed in through the tall windows as Arnor rose to shine on another mid autumn day. No sound could be heard, after all it was just after dawn and no sane creature would be out of their bed at this time.
Slowly a door opened and three figures could be seen making their way silently down the corridor. Two were full grown Elves; one was a very, very small one. The larger two were identical and were whispering incredibly low words of encouragement to the smaller.
The smaller Elf was in actual fact an Elfling, one which had bright golden hair and eyes of the most startling azure. An innocent expression was on his face and his eyes were wide as he was given last minute instructions by his friends.
They reached the door they needed. "Now, do you understand exactly what you need to do?" The Elf on the right whispered.
The Elfling nodded. At his agreement the Elf on the left handed him a jug. Taking it the Elfling took a deep breath. The door was opened slowly so as not to waken the occupant. Slowly, silently the Elfling, hardly daring to take another breath entered the room, looking back to make sure the door had not been closed behind him.
Slowly and very carefully he made his way across the room to his prize. Once there he knelt and slowly filled the scuffed boots that lay on the floor. Once each boot had been filled to capacity, he stood and crossed to the door. Silently the door closed leaving no one the wiser, for the moment, that any other being than it's occupant had been in the room.
Outside, the triumphant Elves once more made their way back down the corridor, two congratulating themselves on having achieved the perfect prank. After all who would punish the adorable Elfling at their side? One by one they returned to their own chambers to wait.
Later, Lomion made his way down that same corridor to collect his brother for breakfast. It had been three days since Estel had taken Legolas to see the bunnies in the courtyard and Legolas was still not happy leaving the safety of the Palace. Only last night Elardion had had to spend a lot of time in Legolas' room before he would sleep.
Two things had become apparent in the aftermath of his younger brother's trip to the forest. He was petrified of the dark, in fact would not sleep without at least five candles in the room. Four had to be placed in each corner to prevent shadows and one by the side of his bed. Without them he would not stay in the room.
But by far more the worrying was Legolas' fear of any spider, no matter what the size. If he saw one Legolas literally had hysterics. They had resorted to asking Elrond for his opinion and had been told not to make too much of a fuss about either fears. That for Legolas the trauma was still far too new, but that with time the memories would fade and things would return to normal.
Lomion was glad; his little Leaf had been through far too much already at the hands of their brother. To know he would be well again was a relief.
He opened the door expecting to find Legolas still asleep in his bed. But the bed was empty. Moving further into the room he spotted Legolas at his easel, busy with his new drawing, Growly perched on the chair beside him.
"Good morning, little Leaf, what are you up to this day?" Lomion's smile was bright, it was nice to see
Legolas looking so content.
"I am drawing." Legolas voice stated the obvious, but all Lomion could see was his legs, hidden as he was.
"May I ask what you are drawing?" Lomion could not hide his amusement.
"It is Estel."
"May I see?" Lomion' curiosity got the better of him.
"Yes."
Lomion joined the Elfling and stood by his side. Once more Legolas' drawing was incredible. Incredible and very, very funny.
The picture showed Estel his rumpled bed in the back ground pulling on one of his boot, a boot that looked to be full of water. Legolas had even captured the look of shock on Estel's face.
Trying to hide his amusement, Lomion had to ask. "That is very good, Legolas, but where did you get the idea for this?"
Legolas shook his head a small smile in place. "Told not to tell."
"I see, who by?" Lomion already had a good idea, but he still needed confirmation.
"'Dan and 'Ro"
Lomion could have groaned. "Legolas, what did they make you do?"
"Nothing. They never told me to fill his boots with iced water…." A small hand clamped over his mouth as he realised what he had said.
Lomion laughed; relieved it was only something minor. After all the twins were well known for their mischief making.
"Come on, trouble, we need to go down for the morning meal. Ada will be waiting." Legolas put his crayons away and washed his hands before following him from the chamber.
They had made it as far as the stairs when the heard Estel roar of shock. The two brothers laughed as they carried on their way, hurrying to be out of sight when the human left his room.
All were still present when Estel stormed into the room and much to their amusement confronted his brother's, vowing revenge.
"But, Estel, how do you know it was us that filled your boots with water?" Elrohir's voice was pure injured innocence.
"Did I say what had been done to me?" Estel's voice was triumphant.
Elrohir's mouth snapped shut as he cursed his foolish tongue.
"It may not have been us…." Elladan was cut off by Estel
"No, I would imagine you would trick a poor defenceless Elfling to corrupt and carry out your plans for you."
The twin looks of shock spoke volumes and Estel ruffled Legolas' hair as he went passed to his own seat. The laughter was a relief to the adults, who this morning had a very serious matter to attend to.
After the morning meal had finished in a wave of laughter at the two sets of twins antics, the adults left them to their fun and made their way once more to Thranduil's study.
It had been decided that Drowlin's punishment would be left for a few days so that nothing could be done in the heat of anger that might be regretted at a later date. Until now, he had been kept in his room entirely. Thranduil had toyed with the idea of putting bars against his window, but had decided that that would be just a little more than impractical.
Once they were all seated and comfortable, there was a knock at the door. Drowlin was led in by three guards. His lip was still bruised and his nose very swollen.
To Elrond's expert eye he could detect a rather prominent pair of echimosis. They looked rather painful and Drowlin himself looked rather pleased with himself.
Lomion could not help taunting. "How are you eyes feeling? Sore I hope and your poor swollen nose. You should have some one look at that." He could not believe his brother could willingly hurt Legolas not once but twice.
"Echimosis." Elrond could not help but speak up.
"Pardon you." No one could say the Crown Prince was not polite.
Elrond smiled. "Echimosis means black eyes."
"Oh, I never knew." Lomion's voice was smug. "Thank you Drowlin, I like to learn new things."
Drowlin's look could have peeled paint.
Thranduil called order before any more interruptions could happen.
"Drowlin, you have once more made an attempt on your younger brother's life. The first time, you ignored my warning and it has resulted in you being brought back before me. This time the reason is a lot more serious and I have taken this opportunity to accept advice from both Lord Elrond and Mithrandir." He nodded his head at both Lord and Wizard in recognition.
"We have agreed that your punishment shall be this. You are barred from all family gatherings and if I find you have been anywhere near Legolas you will find yourself in the dungeons. For the next four months you will alternate your days between working in the kitchens and the stables."
Drowlin looked thunderous.
"While you carry out your punishment, you will not be addressed as Prince and you will obey every instruction given to you. Again if you do not, you will be taken to the cells. Just so that you and every one in this room are aware, you will have no access to the food provided by for the dining table, you will be washing the dishes and every thing else the cooks wish you to do. You will be under watch at all times."
If anything Drowlin looked even more angry and rebellious.
"I can not tell you how disappointed I am that we have had to have this meeting. I thought after the last time you would have had chance to rethink your feelings towards Legolas. Your closed minded attitude is what has brought you here and nothing else."
He looked at the guards. "Take him away. His punishment starts tomorrow. Until then I wish to neither see nor hear him."
Drowlin did not have a chance to say any of the speech he had prepared in his defence, the guards just turned him and marched him from the room.
Drowlin was woken rudely the next morning by one of the guards. Dawn had not even broken and it was pitch black outside. He was about to shout at the guard before his Adar's words from yesterday replayed in his mind. Being in the cells would not help him get back on the two whom he blamed for his plight. He could not be watched all the time, someone would be lax and as soon as he saw it he would seize the moment.
All he wanted was to slip back into his warm bed; the Brat's screaming had kept him awake until the early hours. He gloated as he thought of his younger brothers screams about spiders and the dark. Loosing him sleep was just one more item to add to the list.
Rough clothes being thrown at him brought him out of his daydreams of revenge. "What are these?" He would not be seen dead wearing clothes like this.
"The clothes the King and head cook believe are practical for your work for the next two months, my Prince." The gleam in the guard's eyes was not a pleasant one and Drowlin could have groaned as he thought of just how rude he had been to some of the King's guards in the past. Obviously some of them would no doubt take the time to get some revenge.
"The cook wants you in the kitchen setting up the fires in five minutes. Trust me you do not want to be late; he is not a morning person." The sneer was obvious and Drowlin wanted nothing more than to knock it right off his face, instead he took a deep breath and began to get ready for the first day of his punishment.
His first job was to set the fires ready for cooking, not an easy job if you have no idea what to do and not one person would help him. Then he had to sweep the floor, his ears still ringing with the cook's fury at the fires not being ready. This was all watched by the two guards who watched everything he was doing. Not once did both of them have his eyes off him.
Mid morning found him elbows deep in soapy water, stomach grumbling as he washed the morning dishes and all the utensils used by the cook. He took his time, if he had not finished they could not find him other jobs to do. So instead of taking notice of what he was doing he began to daydream.
His thought's slipped to the past, of happier times, of times before Legolas. Times when he was the baby of the family and got all the attention. The times when Lomion would come and play with him. Of when Elardion would take him walking in the Palace grounds. Of his Naneth.
His Nana; how he missed her. Her bright happy smile and gay laugh. The sun shining on her hair and making it look like strands of gold that shimmered and shone wherever it fell. He missed hearing her singing as she went about her activities.
He looked blankly down at the suds and his sopping hands, his eyes filled with tears. It was not fair, it really was not fair! Why his Naneth? Why did she have to go and HE survive? If he had a wish it would be the other way around. All would soon forget they had had another brother. But Naneth? It was almost as if he had a hole where his heart had once been. If she were still here she would not have let his Ada punish him so severely, she would make it all better.
One lone silver tear ran down his cheek, when would he stop wishing and praying to the Valar? When would he feel her arms slip around him as he was hugged to her and he could smell the blossom fragrance that she used in her hair, the rose perfume he had made especially for her? When?
"Boy!" He jumped, so lost had he been in his memories. The glass bowl he held in his soapy wet hands fell onto the hard stone floor shattering into a million pieces and all he could do was gape as the cook began another of his loud tirades, going on about how lazy he was, how stupid and if the cook was to be able to prepare the noon day meal for the royal family he would have to move faster than he was now. After all the cook did not have all day!
It was an exhausted Drowlin who made his way back to his chambers just before midnight, between his two minders. He had never worked so hard in all his life. Two months of this? He would go mad. He needed fresh air that would help.
Crossing the room he made for the windows, only to pull up sharp in shock as he took in what had been done in his room while he had been gone. On each of the windows was a new lock each without its key. His windows could not be opened! There were no guards outside, not that it mattered there was no way he could get out now.
He turned mouth gaping to see the guards laughing at his shock. "What's the matter, little Prince? Do not tell me you wanted to go for a moon light climb?" With that the door was closed in his face.
His night was just as bad as the night before. The Brat screamed for what seemed like hours and hours. He was exhausted but every time he closed his eyes Legolas began screaming.
When the guards opened the door to wake him the next morning he was too tired to even comment on their sarcasm as once more his clothes were thrown at him, his only weary thought was at least he would be outside and with his horse.
No such luck. If Drowlin had thought the previous day was bad, he had been wrong. Not once did he see his beloved horse. Every hard and filthy job was given to him and only him. Mucking out, sweeping the yard. Making the mush form the nursing mother's. Any thing you could think of he was made to do it.
The only bright spot was being able to tend the mares about to foal. This was one of his favourite past times normally, he loved how gentle the mares became as they drew nearer to their birth date. And then the foals! They were so sweet, so trusting. Out of the last few days this last hour had been the best part so far
It was ruined by the stable hand seeing to the mare in the next stall, the only one so far to speak to him kindly. "That is nasty looking pair of bruises you have there. When you get a break put some Witch Hazel and some Arnica on them that will see to the bruises in no time and bring the swelling down."
"Thank you, I will." Surprise filled him. So far his face and lip had been a source of ridicule.
"She is a nice mare that one, you need to look after her well." The dark head bobbed as he continued his work.
"Why?" Now his interest was piqued.
"The Foal is for the youngest Prince, did you not know?" One eye was quirked at him in surprise.
"No, the King has not mentioned that." Drowlin had learnt hard and fast not to refer to the King as his Ada.
"I am not surprised; after all why get the little One's hope up to be dashed by a premature birth or still born? No as soon as he knows the foal is healthy I have no doubt the King will bring the young Prince to see him. I had better go, Valleren will not be happy if he finds me talking and not working." with that the other Elf left the stables, whistling.
Drowlin eyed the mare, Haedoiel, in displeasure. Did everything he liked have to be tainted by that Brat? He continued brushing the mare unaware of just how heavy his hand was on the body brush until Haedoiel had had enough and turned to nip at him, causing him to scowl and the 'minders' to laugh at him.
He lightened his hold, smiling ton himself as a plan began to form. He may be banned from seeking Legolas out but what if Legolas was to come here while he was working to see his foal?
Yes, it just might work. He carried on feeling happier than he had for the last two days.
It was two weeks, two long exhausting weeks before the Haedoiel began to show signs of nearing the end of her pregnancy. It just so happened to be Drowlin's torturous day in the kitchen's which he was beginning to loath.
His days were long and hard. But his nights were just as bad, why did his chamber have to be opposite the Brats? Every night he screamed. Every night! Without a break. Always his Ada or Lomion, neither of whom he had seen since the meeting in the study, came rushing often accompanied by the filthy human.
So when the guard brought the news, it brightened his day and knowing how long it could take for the labour to progress, he may just be at the stables when she gave birth. He had to hide his excitement at the thought of his plans coming so near to fruition.
He was woken the next morning by the guard in his usual manner. He had promised himself that when his punishment was over the guards would never laugh at him again. But not even that could ruin his mood this morning, even the brisk October morning was perfect in his mind.
His day ran the usual course until just after the evening meal when he was called to help with the mare, which was just entering the last stages of her labour.
At Valleren's orders he took charge of the Haedoiel's head, whispering words of encouragement and praise in her ears, stroking her neck to calm her.
Another great contraction shook Haedoiel and he vaguely heard Valleren send another groom to warn the King that the time for the foal to be born was close.
The groom came back with his Father and Elrond. It was with a feeling a satisfaction that he noted that his Adar looked exhausted. It seemed he was not the only one suffering with Legolas' screaming.
His father took absolutely notice of him. Drowlin may as well have not been in the stall. He watched the pair talk with Valleren and then examine the mare themselves.
No sooner had they moved away than another greater contraction hit and with a slither and a neigh from the Haedoiel the foal was born. Thranduil rushed forward to help remove the gangly new born from its birthing sack, the mare nosing him in encouragement to help him stand up.
No one breathed. The foal was incredible. Pure white he had the long limbs of his mother and the regal bearing of his father, who just happened to be Thranduil's own mount.
Thranduil felt as if his heart would burst. The foal was perfect in every way. He could just picture Legolas on its back. The pair would complement each other perfectly. Tomorrow he would bring his little Leaf down and introduce him to his foal. It would be his choice to name him.
Not one of them noticed the triumphant gleam that flashed momentarily on Drowlin's face before it became once again calm.
Legolas was puzzled the next morning as he made his way with Elardion down to the morning meal. Elves could be seen talking eagerly in corners or at intervals along the corridors.
"'Dion, what is happening?" He could sense a puzzle and wanted to know, being an inquisitive little Elfling.
"What do you mean, little One?" Elardion smiled down at his brother.
"Every one seems excited, look all the Elves." Legolas pointed to a pair of guards talking quickly by the doors of the Palace.
"Hmm, they do look excited do they not? But I am afraid I have no idea why. May be you should ask Ada after we have eaten? He may know." In fact Elardion did know it just was not for him to tell Legolas.
"Oh. I will!"
The meal for Legolas seemed to take for ever. To his frustration every one present seemed to be happy and buzz seemed to be in the air. This was so frustrating!Finally, everyone finished eating and before everyone left the table, to meet at the stables, not that Legolas knew that off course; Thranduil asked him to wait with him.
Legolas frowned worriedly trying hard to think if he had done anything wrong as he moved to his Ada's side.
"Do not frown so, Little One, you are not in any trouble. I have a present for you, but I need you to be brave." Thranduil lifted Legolas up and sat him on his lap, soothing his hair. "Can you be brave for me?"
Legolas took a deep breath, why would his Ada want him to be brave? "Yes, Ada, I can be brave."
"Good, I would like you and Growly to accompany me to the stables." Legolas' eyes widened with fear. That would be the furthest he had been since… "Lomion and Estel will be with us and I will hold you all the way. Can you do that for me?" A slow nod. "Good, why do we not go and join them? They are waiting for us outside."
And so the group made their way across the court yard, Legolas held tightly in his father's arms, Growly tight in his arms an ear being nervously sucked as his wide eyes darted about, expecting a spider to leap out of the trees at any minute.
Finally, to his relief they were under cover. His eyes widened once more and he smiled as he realised they were at the stables. He loved horses, they were so funny the way they snuffled and blew straw up with their noses. His face fell as he realised he had no apples or carrots to give to his friends. It was then that he noticed Estel's hands held just those provisions and he smiled brightly as he rubbed one mares face, laughing as she snuffled his hair blowing it about his shoulders.
Then they were making their way towards a particular stall, only to stop just short of the stall. Thranduil looked down at his youngest. "You need to be very good and very quiet, now."
Legolas nodded his agreement and to the two grown Elf's and he human he even held his breath as was carried to the stall. He could not stop the quiet "Oh!" As he saw the foal.
"Baby!" Was his whisper in Thranduil's ear.
"Yes, Legolas, a baby foal. Is he not sweet?" Haedoiel moved towards the door of her stall and the foal followed. A small hand slowly reached out, ready to pull back at any moment should his Ada tell him to. Finally it reached to stroke the foal, pleased when the foal did not move.
"Do you like him, little One?" Thranduil's voice was low.
"Yes, Ada, he is lovely. What is his name?" Legolas' voice was eager.
"Well, that would be down to his new Master, Legolas. Only he has the right to name him."
Legolas' face fell. "He has no name?"
"Not yet, Legolas, what do you think his name should be, if you were to name him?"
"Telmenelion." There was not even time for Legolas to have thought. "He should be called Telmenelion."
"Snowy. Perfect." Thranduil could not help but smile, somehow the name fitted the foal. "Legolas, meet Telmenelion."
Legolas' eyes were wide as he looked from the foal to his Ada. "Yes, little one, he is yours and when you are both big enough, Lomion and I will teach you how to ride him. Next time Estel visits you will both be able to go for a ride. How would that be?"
"Thank you, Ada, thank you! Estel we go riding!" Estel jumped guiltily from where he was feeding Haedoiel an apple.
"Not just yet, Legolas, but soon I promise you."
Legolas was already reaching for Telmenelion, stroking him once more. "Hello, Telmenelion, we will have a nice time together, I promise you, lots of fun. Just do not go near the spiders they are nasty." This last was only a whisper, imparting what he thought to be sound advice to his new friend. It caused all the adults to smile once more and look at the Elfling with great fondness.
The trip to the palace was easier than the outward journey. Legolas was still held safely in Thranduil's arms, but this time he was sucking happily on Growly's ear eyes still on the stables, trying to get a last look at his friend.
That night the Palace slept somewhat easier, as the Elfling was still too excited about his new friend to worry about things like spiders.
The next morning his Ada was presented with a new drawing of Telmenelion to say thank you properly.
Each morning after the morning meal. Legolas was taken to the stables to care for Telmenelion. This had a two fold advantage. It helped Legolas feel accustomed to leaving the courtyard, the feeling being that a little at a time would be best to get the Elfling back to loving the outdoors and it also began the training he would need later to care for his own horse.
Before too long Telmenelion was following his young master around as much as he could. It was obvious that Legolas' love was more than returned and the little foal had become devoted.
Everyday Legolas spent time with Telmenelion, loving to brush and braid his mane and tail, making the grooms laugh as he pranced around the grounds head and tail held high.
The only one who never laughed was Drowlin, he kept out of the way as much as he could biding his time. The time when he saw Estel and the Brat together.
The day finally arrived two weeks before the end of his punishment. It was a cold morning and most Elves had managed to find jobs to do under cover unless they could help it. For the first time his 'minders' were not as attentive as they were more concerned with keeping warm. They stood far back in the stables warming themselves by the brier.
Drowlin was emptying a wheel barrow of manure enjoying the frosty morning, when he saw them. Estel was dressed with thick scarf and gloves as well as a winter cloak. Legolas wore a light cloak only and even from where he stood Drowlin could hear his happy chatter.
Not missing a beat he moved back to the stable and as he silently made his way to the one stall that most of the Elves he had been working with steered clear of. It held a stallion, a very large and bad tempered stallion.
It had been brought in from the fields two days ago for treatment on a leg wound it had acquired trying to escape from his handlers. It had been brought for stud purposes. But had been found unsuitable. What mare would want to be bitten as well as chased across the field. No this horse could only be called Evil and took at least six elves just to treat. It seemed to think any thing on two legs were its prey and not masters.
So Drowlin silently opened the stall pushing the door slowly open a crack, before slipping out once more and returning to the barrow and pushing it to the front of the stables and taking up his brush, making sure to keep out of the way.
It seemed to take an eternity until Estel and Legolas came into view, his 'minders' calling their hellos and smiling at the excited response from the Elfling.
Drowlin made sure he was at the opposite end of the stables and well out of the way to watch the fireworks.
Estel was laughing, the daily excursions that Legolas was making to the stables were doing the Elfling a lot of good. While he would not loose sight of who ever was taking him to see Telmenelion he was not stuck like glue to their sides. Even the nightmares seemed to be receding.
Legolas loved this time of the year, the frosts, and the fresh bright mornings. Once he had loved the way the spiders cobwebs shone in the sun; that he no longer liked, but he loved the rest. His bright chatter filled the air barely pausing for breath.
Tell me, Legolas, have you ever climbed a tree?"
"Yes, lots. I like trees, they talk to me, and they are so interesting! In the Spring I will be able to see the baby birds and squirrels. I hope to climb my favourite tree." Legolas pointed to the big old Mallorn that could still be seen from where they were.
"I would like to see that, little One, it sounds as if you are going to be having a busy year." Estel's smile was broad, oh, yes, Legolas was beginning to bounce back with a vengeance!
"And I will be learning to ride, Telmenelion and I can not wait for that. Oh and I want to learn archery, then we can take care of the spiders!" Legolas gave the usual shudder when mentioning the spiders that inhabited the woods, but the distant memory of an arrow hitting its target still sometimes played in his mind. To be able to fire an arrow like that!
"Does your Ada know about this plan of yours?" Legolas was so adorable and Estel was sure that even if Thranduil did not know of Legolas' plan then the determined Elfling would carry out his plan.
"Not yet, no, but he will." The answer was bright and perky followed by a smile so bright it could have rivalled the sky.
They were nearing the stables and Estel could see Drowlin's guards gathered around the fire that had been set in the middle of the stable. Answering their happy calls with waves, he hastened his step, it was cold after all.
They had just entered the stable and were moving towards Telmenelion's stall when it happened.
One minute all was calm and peaceful, the next pure unadulterated mayhem.
The horse in the stall they had just reached snorted in anger at them. One of the guards called a warning, but it was too late, the horse nudged at the stalls door and it swung open. Everything froze for a moment and then the horse fled the stall, heading directly for Estel and Legolas.
Estel tried to reach Legolas, tried desperately in fact, but time was against him. He could see the look of terror on Legolas face as he saw the size of the angry stallion in front of him. His eyes widened as the horse struck Estel on the shoulder sending him flying against the wood beside him.
All Estel could do was watch in a daze as the horse reared and kicked out. Shrieking its anger at the creatures who dared to hold him here. Its rear legs collided with Legolas sending him crashing to the hard floor of the stable. That was the last that Estel saw as darkness descended.
Pain. Huge thumping pain so bad it felt as if his head was pulsing with his heart. Estel gave a groan as he cracked his eyes opening, closing them once more when the pain increased. One eye at a time, he finally managed to open them both.
He was in his chamber, Elrohir sitting beside him, reading.
"'Ro?" His voice was a little above a croak. Elrohir's head came near to his.
"Estel? How are you feeling?" Elrohir moved to get a glass of water and helped him to drink.
"Like I have been run over by a Mumakil! What in Mordor happened?" Estel could remember walking to the stables with Legolas and then….
"Legolas!" He tried to sit up, but his head felt as if had exploded as the pain hit.
"Easy, Estel, you took quite a hit on the head. Ada wants you to…."
"What about Legolas, is he alright? Where is he?"
"Ada's with Legolas now, I do not know how he is, but Ada…" He raised his eyes to the heavens as he was once again cut off.
"Fine, but where is he?" Estel was beginning to get frustrated with the lack of answers from his foster brother.
"In his chamber." Elrohir gave in.
"How badly was he injured?" Estel was swinging his legs out of bed, deliberately ignoring the continued pounding that increased as he stood swaying as he caught his balance.
"I told you I do not know and Ada wanted you to stay in…"
Estel was making his way unsteadily across the room. "I need to see him, if Drowlin had hurt him again…"
"Whoa, wait a minute. Drowlin? What does he have to do with this?" Elrohir was completely confused now.
"He was working in the stables. I swear, Elrohir if he has hurt…."
"Estel, it was an accident. It looks as if the bolt was not closed properly on the stable door. It was just an accident." But Estel had already left his room and was making his way towards Legolas' chamber.
Following quickly, Elrohir grumbled under his breath about the stupidity of humans.
Elrond looked up a the door opened, his youngest son framed between the wood, waving as if he were a sapling caught in a breeze. He sighed, not at all surprised that Elrohir could not hold his brother in his room; in fact he had expected this and had already warned Thranduil who sat beside his youngest son.
"Estel, come on in, ion-nin, we have been expecting you." He joined his son at the door and led him to the chair he had just vacated.
"How is Legolas?" He took in the pale unconscious face, a large scrape and bruise marred the cream of the Elfling's skin on the right side of his face.
"He has not woken yet, but I do not think it will be long. He is bruised and will be sore and he has landed hard on his back, but I do not think it will have caused any lasting damage. He may have difficulty moving his legs for a while until the bruising and swelling recedes, but he will be fine." His father was full of reassurance and Estel felt his guilt, lighten.
"He will be alright?" Estel had to hear it being confirmed.
"Yes, Estel, Legolas will be alright and none the worse for this little adventure. After all who can claim to have been run over by a stallion called Mornmenel as an Elfling?"
They all chuckled at that, even Thranduil.
"What about Drowlin?" Estel could not help but ask.
"What about Drowlin?" Thranduil and Elrond were both puzzled.
"He was working in the stable and the guards were not exactly watching him closely. If truth be told they seemed to be more interested in keeping warm and greeting Legolas." He knew the guards would be in trouble, but when he thought of what could have happened, he felt Thranduil should know.
"Drowlin was in the stable?" Thranduil's voice was urgent.
"Yes."
"And the guards were not watching him." Another nod. "He could have released the bolt, I will need to speak to the guards as well. Not that we could ever prove it was him that left the bolt unfastened." Thranduil sighed. "I really do not know what I am going to do with him. This time we have no direct link, Estel, I am sorry, but we will make sure he can not get any where near to Legolas in the near future. He still has some of his punishment to finish as well."
A tiny groan from the bed alerted them to the fact that Legolas was walking up at last.
To be continued
We would like to say thank you to all our wonderful reviewers you keep us going.
Responses to reviewers:
Bradleigh: Yep, flames all sent Dwowlin's way! Glad Thranduil is back in your good books, though. More to come with Estel, too…
Larnia: We are glad you like this too. Shell thanks you for the comment on being a good author (Meisalliam is praying that one day she will believe it and stop doubting herself!).
Karushna5: We agree poor Leafie. Rotten Drowlin, sends flames in his general direction. More fluff next chapter, we promise.
MoroTheWolfGod: We've hurried, or at least Shell tried!
Stephanie: Wasn't the fluff good and LOTS promised for next chapter.
Leeanne: The window problem has been sorted at least temporarily! The dungeon was considered greatly, we thought this might be a little better, though!
Triptych: What will Drowlin do know? The more his plans seem to fail the more he needs them to succeed. Rotten Drowlin!
Pointy-eared-elfs: That felt really good didn't it? A spider bite? I will see what we can do for that one. Broken bones? Even. Yep, he's down right evil. Send him away? We have an idea for that later in the series… Legolas has a lot of people to love and help him, never fear!
Ak-stinger: Glad you like Drowlin's punch. We like Estel and Legolas too!
Well, what can I say? This started out as just an average length chapter and became a monster. It was all Meisalliam's fault she kept wanting more! She has promised lots and lots of fluff next chapter so keep an eye out for it. I can't wait!
Love,
Meisalliam, Shell, Leafie and Growly.