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Legolas yawned widely as he woke up, he felt Growly's paw in his hand and he bought the bear up to his mouth so that he could chew on his ear. His back and legs still hurt even after two days of hardly moving. The pain was slightly easier, but Legolas was still taking pain killing herbs, which he hated as they made him feel both drowsy and sick. The main problem was that he was bored. He was not allowed to pay with any of his toys and there is only so long that you can listen to stories and try to read them your self, at least when you are an Elfling.
He had drawn so many pictures that he had run out of paper and his crayons and paints were extremely depleted. A knock on the door made him jump and Arwen came in carrying a tray for the Elfling's morning meal.
"Good morning, little one, how are you this morning?" She asked brightly setting the tray on the table and going to pull the drapes back and open the windows.
"Owwy." Legolas replied, the word muffled somewhat as he still had Growly's ear in his mouth.
"Arwen looked sympathetically at the wriggling Elfling and offered some advice. "Well stop fidgeting like that and you may well feel a little better." Legolas shook his head defiantly and Arwen laughed.
Sitting next to the young blond, she helped him to eat his meal, namely porridge. The family had discovered over the past few days that Legolas liked Arwen to give him his morning meal. Elrond had speculated that Arwen reminded him of his mother. Other than Laurelin, Arwen was the only female Legolas had had contact with, so he liked being fussed over.
After he had finished Estel and Elladan came into sit with Legolas while the others were busy, they tried to encourage the Elfling to read or draw, but he just glared daggers at them every time they suggested it.
Realising they were getting no where, Elladan asked him. "What would you like to do then, Legolas?"
After thinking a moment he replied. "I want to see the bunnies and Telmenelion." As if it should have been the most obvious thing in the world.
"I am sorry, little One, but you now you can not." Estel told the disgruntled Elfling.
Elladan stood up and placed a kiss on the blend's forehead. "I will be back shortly, be good." And he swiftly left the chamber.
Estel sat back down on the bed with Legolas. "Now, little One, what do you want to do?"
Legolas yawned and looked out of his window, he then answered quietly and hesitantly. "Nana, I want to talk about Nana."
Estel was startled at the turn of the conversation; he had no idea what to do next. He managed to keep his voice and face neutral so as not to distress Legolas. "What do you wish to talk about?"
Legolas looked at his friend his eyes full of tears. "I forget her. I do not remember her hug."
Estel could feel the young one's pain, his own parents had died when he was young and he could barely remember them. "Legolas, it may feel as if you are forgetting her, but you will not. I promise that I will not let you forget her. Her hugs feel like everyone else's except they are filled with more love and feeling, because she loved you so very much. If you want to remember, close your eyes and relax. She will always be in here." He touched Legolas' chest over his heart.
"I miss Nana." Legolas said fearfully. "We were in the woods and she screamed and screamed, but she said she loved me." Legolas was looking down at his bedspread.
Estel knew that this was the first time that Legolas had spoken about his mother's death. That day in the wood had become something that Legolas had refused to share.
Legolas glanced up at his friend and asked. "May I tell you?" He sounded and looked far older and wiser than any Elfling ever should.
Flashback
The horses snorted full of excitement as the group were getting ready for their ride. The Queen and her youngest son, Legolas, had decided to go for an afternoon ride. Because of the latest Orc and Spider attacks in Mirkwood they were taking a large guard with them. Ten elves in all. All of them were mighty warriors of Mirkwood.
The Queen rode a majestic Mare of great lineage and the guards were riding an assortment of Stallions and Geldings. The little Prince rode in front of his mother holding onto the mare's mane.
They had been riding for some time when Legolas asked if they could stop so that he could see the trees. The Queen, unable to refuse her blond haired blue eyed boy, called for a halt.
The guards did a quick scout of the area as the Prince and Queen played. All fun stopped when one of the running through the trees calling for the rest of the group. He reported dozens of Orcs coming their way. The group fanned out and drew their weapons, willing to protect their charges.
End Flashback
"It hurt lots." Legolas said trembling in reaction after telling Estel all that had happened that day out in the woods.
Estel frowned and made a mental note to let Thranduil know that his son had finally found some one he felt able to talk to.
He was saved from having to say anything when Elladan and Elrohir walked into the chamber holding a large box between them. Placing it on the bed they yelled "Surprise!"
Legolas opened the box to reveal the family of rabbits. The rabbits jumped up at him and he smiled.
"Bunnies." He looked at the twins and smiled happily. "Thank you 'Dan. Thank you 'Ro." He spent the rest of the morning playing happily with his new friends.
Thranduil was in the stables talking to the head groom over safety procedures that needed to be set in place with regards to the renegade horse.
"Do you know how he escaped?"
The groom shook his head. "Not really, my Lord, but if there is to be punishment then I fear that it should be mine. I was the last to come into contact with the horse as far as I know."
Thranduil shook his head. "No, I will not place any blame for what appears to be a freak accident."
"Thank you, my King, please excuse me, I do have some work to do."
"Please, before you go, how has Drowlin been since he has been working here?" Thranduil felt he needed to know if Estel's fears were grounded.
"We have had no problems with him, my Lord; he has turned into a good worker." The groom smiled remembering the look on Drowlin's face as he was confronted by the pile of manure on that first day.
"Good, I am relieved to hear that. Would you please make certain that the foal Telmenelion is looked after? Legolas is unable to do so at present."
"Of course, my Lord, it would be a pleasure, please give him our regards and say that we hope to see him soon." The groom gave a small bow.
"Of course I will and thank you." Thranduil made his way back to the palace, guards close to his side.
Thranduil made his way slowly to his eldest sons study. He knew all to well that Lomion had been doing a lot of the paperwork, to help keep Mirkwood running smoothly. Since his mothers death had been doing only two things. Looking after Legolas and paperwork. Knocking on the study door he heard a muffled voice grant entry. Pushing the door open he revealed a hunched over figure, seemingly hard at work. About to scold his son for working too hard, a small giggle made him stop. Looking around to see if one of his younger sons were in the room, he was shocked to find it empty apart from his eldest.
"Lomion, what are you laughing at?" The King asked, puzzled.
"Well, Elladan and Elrohir decided to cheer Legolas up. They rounded up the rabbits from the courtyard and then let them loose in his room. Legolas decided I needed one to keep me company and his tail is very soft and it tickles!"
Thranduil smiled at his son's explanation and watched as the Crown Prince reached into his lap and produced a small rabbit. Laughing the King shook his head. "Come on, I think we have all worked a little too hard for one day. Let us go and see if our little Leaf feels up to coming down to eat at the table with us today."
Lomion agreed and they made their way down ton Legolas' chamber. As they neared they heard a shrill panic filled scream. Exchanging a startled glance they ran down the corridor and burst into the blond Elfling's chamber.
In side they found Estel hugging the little one, rocking him and whispering to try and reassure him. The twins were on all fours on the ground searching for something. Lomion went to talk to the twins while Thranduil made his way to the bed.
"What happened?" He gently took the Elfling from the man.
"A spider got in; he was happily playing when it ran over his hand. He flicked it onto the floor. He thinks that they are going to come and get him. Nothing I say seems to help." Estel was looking worriedly at his little friend.
Thranduil rubbed the child's back soothingly and handed him Growly from the bed. Picking him up he walked out of the room quickly, calling over his shoulder. "Find the spider and release it outside please. Legolas and I will be in the family room."
The twins and Lomion nodded absently as they continued the hunt for the spider. They found it eventually hiding behind the table leg. All agreed it would be a good idea to carry on the search; at least that way they could reassure Legolas that there really were no other arachnids in the room. That way they could get the Elfling to sleep in his chamber.
It was a good idea; they found five spiders of varying sizes, hiding in the room. Lomion was pleased that they had persevered; Legolas aversion to the animals was beginning to become worrying. Satisfied at last, they left the room and made for the family room
Elardion sat next to Thranduil singing to the Elfling. Nolvo and Alcarnor were sat to one side trying to cheer him up, nothing was working and the Elfling was still sobbing.
"Legolas, please, little Leaf, there are no spiders here, Lomion and the twins have made sure of that. It is alright."
"Hurts." It was a hiccupped sob.
Elardion was concerned. "What hurts, Legolas?"
"Legs, they tingle and hurt. Make it stop!" The red puffy eyes were heartbreaking.
Elrond was just coming into the room when he heard this. "I will get some herbs, try to keep him calm."
That was easier said than done and if anything Legolas was crying even harder by the time he returned.
Setting the goblet down on the table he carefully took the Elfling from his father's arms. With a lot of coaxing the young Prince accepted the tea.
Thranduil turned to Alcarnor. "Please go to the kitchen and bring him some thing nice as a treat. I do not care what it is." The twins exchanged a grin and fled the room before their father could rephrase that. He had just given them carte blanch to treat Legolas and they had just the right idea.
Thranduil did not even take any notice; all he was interested in was his youngest son. Elardion continued to sing softly as Legolas began to relax and finally the tears stopped.
"Legolas, how do you feel know?" Elrond's voice was soft.
"Better." The Elfling yawned.
"May I look at your legs?" A drowsy nod and Elrond gently stretched the thin limbs out and began to examine them. "Do you feel this?" A nod. "Good and this?" Another nod. "And you say they tingle?" The Elfling's eyes were dropping but he managed another nod as the herbs sent him into sleep.
"Elrond?" Thranduil's voice was full of worry as he looked at the healer.
"It is well. Thranduil, the feeling is returning it his legs and that is why they 'tingle' it will ease quite quickly. It will not be long before he is once more running around the Palace causing mischief." Elrond's smile was wide.
"Should I take him back to bed?" Thranduil was smiling in relief at the Elfling who was once more sucking on Growly's ear.
"No, leave him here, I think he needs to be with his family for a while and the sooner he gets used to once more moving around the better."
No one noticed that the twins were still missing. When Legolas woke later he was feeling as lot happier and was happy at the change of scenery.
"Elardion?" He was laughing at 'Dan and 'Ro's antics.
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Can you tell me a story?" The look was hopeful.
"Of course, little One. Now what would you like me to tell you?" He settled down on the couch beside his baby brother.
"Knight Growly, can he have another adventure?"
"I think we can manage that." He ruffled the blond hair earning a playful glare from the recipient.
"Let me see. Knight Growly and his good friend little Las were walking through some wood one day, enjoying the sun shine and looking for an adventure. They liked adventures very much. In the past they had battled a Dragon and some Wargs all with success. This day they stumbled upon some Dwarves who just happened to be lost in the woods." He smiled once more as he saw all in the room were once more under the stories spell, even Elrond.
"As it was getting late, Knight Growly and little Las kindly offered to help them find their village. It took some time as Dwarves are notorious for their lack in a sense of direction." This caused a laugh around the room. "Eventually they could see some lights in the distance and realised they had found the Dwarves home. They were so grateful they invited them to supper."
"What did they have?" Legolas' eyes were wide, he liked this story.
"Lots of things. Mellon, apples and even some…."
"Strawberries!!" Was the cry from the door. Nolvo and Alcarnor stood holding a tray between them. On it was a large bowl of strawberries covered in cream with coloured sugar strands all over them. There was enough for everyone to share. Thranduil said nothing, even though he knew exactly where the strawberries had to have come from at this time of year, he decided to say nothing the look on Legolas' face made it all worth it.
As everyone began eating Elardion continued his tale.
"On the way back to the clearing they had chosen to camp in, they heard aloud neigh. Investigating they found a horse caught in a thorn bush. The poor thing was so caught it could not get out of the bush. Growly and Las did not hesitate they drew their swords and cut the bush away, releasing the horse. Nudging them she thanked them, looking over her shoulder to follow them, she led them to their clearing, there in a small bush covered clearing was a baby foal. He was all white and so beautiful, it took their breath away." Not one person was eating, they were hanging on his every word.
"From that day onwards the mother and her foal were never to be seen without the Knight and his friend. Where ever they went the horses went too, always loyal and loving. And so the next morning the four friends went in search of their next adventure."
Clapping could be heard from outside the room as the story teller brought his tale to an end.
In the kitchen, Drowlin was seething, the Brat and the filthy human had survived the horses' attack. This really just was not fair. He knew all too well he would not get another chance to get to either of them in the next few days.
But wait. He could not get at either of them, but he did have access to something that Legolas loved just as well. Yes, this could just work.
The Elf stood working, making the last plans for his next try at getting back at the Elfling who he blamed for all his troubles…
To be continued.
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This was half written by Meisalliam and Half by MCross so slightly weird. I hope that you liked it and please review. We need to know what you want to see from the fic, angst, fluff, adventure, humour maybe alien attacks from Mars.
Galadryal: Okay MCross and I have reached the decision that we have violent reviewers but please keep t coming.
Stephanie: Have you read the other chapters to know where this relationship ends up? But thanks for the review.
Ceyxa: YOU ROCK TOO. Well Drowlins real problems are dealt with in one of Meisalliam's fics called Happily Ever After. It goes onto slightly more detail about Drowlins problems. (Okay shameless plugging from Meisalliam there.)
bradleigh: Technically one of six if you include Leafie. But no one is being skinned alive unless we receive 200 reviews for this chapter.
Triptych : To be honest my stories make no sense in order. Cause Legolas meets Sowlin and Frandra in Perfect but they are never mentioned in Happily but maybe we can have Drowlin kill someone I will see what I can do okay.
Pointy-eared-elfs: Apologise for the short chapter. Maybe we could have Drowlin meeting up with Sowlin and Frandra one day in the future and all plotting their revenge together on Legolas.
MoroTheWolfGod Its here.
Thanks Again and please review. Do you want to see me beg?
Love
Shell, Meisalliam, Leafie, Growly, Pinkie and Elly