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The minute Thranduil looked at the foal he knew what was wrong. He could only pray to the Valar that he was wrong. His heart dropped as Solaeren confirmed his suspicions.
"It is influenza, my Lord. It is very serious. With his dam being ill I am afraid we neglected him slightly. We will start to treat it, but with his being so young, I can not promise that he will survive."
Thranduil looked at his head groom nodding. "I understand, but please try. I beg of you do not let him die it will break Legolas' heart, again."
Solaeren and the others in the stable had become attached to the young Prince since he had begun visiting his foal. "We will do all that we can, I promise you, my Lord."
"Is it possible for Legolas to come and visit him? I know that Legolas would want to say good bye." He could only think to himself 'I have already refused to let him say goodbye to a loved one and that was a mistake, I will not do so again.'
"Of course, my Lord, but might I suggest he comes soon?"
Thranduil made his way back up to the Palace his heart heavy, he was dreading talking to Legolas and he really did not know what to say. He decided he would need some help on this one.
He headed for Lomion's room and knocking on his door he went to wake his eldest son.
Lomion panicked when he realised it was his father who was in his room. It was a rare occurrence and being the eldest the only time it happened was if there was something wrong. It was also still early in the evening; he had put Legolas to bed and had decided to have an early night himself. "Ada, what is wrong? What has happened?"
Calming his son he replied. "Telmenelion has become ill with influenza; there is no guarantee that he will survive the night."
Lomion looked at his father sadly. "Why do all the bad things happen to Legolas? Why can he not have something go right for once?"
"I know, I feel the same, Solaeren has suggested that we take Legolas down to the stables to say goodbye. I thought you may like to join us?"
"Of course, he will need all the familiar faces he can get. We should take Estel as well; Legolas would want him to be there." Lomion was already pulling on clothes as fast as he could manage.
"Very well, you go and wake Legolas, please say nothing to him, he will need to keep calm, and I will tell him my self. I will go and wake Estel." Thranduil was already leaving the room.
Lomion crept into his younger brother's room and sat on the edge of his bed. A tender smile passed over his face as he took in his little Leaf. He gently brushed a strand of loose hair away from the pale face, whispering. "Little Leaf, I need you to wake up. Please open your eyes, Legolas."
The Elfling gave a huge yawn and tried to snuggle down once more.
"Oh no, you do not come on, sleepy, open those blue eyes of yours." He smiled broadly.
Finally bleary blue eyes opened. "Is it morning?"
Legolas had Growly's ear in his mouth. His two newest friends lay on either side of him. It was a sweet sight; his brother was surrounded by his cuddly toys.
"No, little one it is not morning, but I do need you to get up and dress for me. Can you do that?" Legolas nodded wanting to please his brother.
Soon Legolas was dressed in a warm tunic and legging's, clutching Growly to his chest he was picked up by Lomion. They met a half asleep Estel and their father in the hallway.
"Whats matter?" Legolas asked sleepily as he rested his head against Lomion's shoulder.
"Legolas, Telmenelion is very ill, he may not live." Thranduil's voice was very calm; he really did not want to frighten his youngest son.
Legolas started to shake, tears filling those wonderful blue eyes. "No, he not go. He not go like Nana and Drowlin."
Thranduil was shocked by the Elfling's reaction. "Legolas, Drowlin has not gone."
"Yes he has, I not see him in long time, so he gone." Estel and Lomion exchanged a look that spoke of what they could not. They could not believe that such a young Elfling had been forced to go through so much.
"Legolas, I promise that Drowlin has not gone. But Telmenelion may, do you want to say goodbye to him?" Thranduil made a promise that Legolas would get a glimpse of Drowlin over the next few days so that he could be sure that his brother really was still alive.
Legolas nodded and the small party made their way down to the stables. Legolas clutched Growly tightly to him and he clung on to his brother as it became darker and darker as they moved away from the security of the Palace.
"Do not like it, Ada wanna go home." The young voice quivered.
"We are nearly there, my little Leaf, I promise nothing will happen out here." Thranduil petted his sons blond hair to try and calm him down.
Legolas, Lomion and Estel entered the stable, Thranduil hung back talking to Solaeren. "Will he survive?"
"I have to be honest with you, my Lord; it does not look as if the foal will survive. I am trying to help, but he will not let any of us help him and he refuses the medicine he needs." The grooms face was grim.
"May be Legolas can help. He has built a strong bond with Telmenelion; perhaps he can coax him into taking the herbs."
"It is worth trying; at this point anything is worth trying." The groom's voice was disconsolate.
"It is that bad?" Thranduil was frowning at the Elf beside him.
"Aye, my Lord, it is that bad."
They made their way solemnly into the stables. Lanterns shone bright so that every one could see. Legolas was kneeling on the floor beside Telmenelion, stroking his neck. The foal was shivering badly and every now and then he would give a harsh cough. Thranduil winced the cough sounded painful.
A groom was doing his best to feed the foal some herbs especially for horse influenza but Telmenelion refused to let him near.
"He has a high temperature, Sire, the medicine will reduce that if…" Solaeren broke off as Legolas moved to the groom's side and took the bottle that held the herbs. Without being asked he gently whispered into Telmenelion's ear and as they all watched he opened his mouth and allowed Legolas to feed him the herbal medicine.
The older Elves and man watched in amazement as the scene played out. The bond between this horse and his master was undoubtedly strong.
By the time mid night came Telmenelion had taken a turn for the worse. He now had a clear discharge from his nose and despite the herbs he had been given the foals temperature was very high. The only person he would let give him any medicine was Legolas.
Legolas sat by Telmenelion's head trying to comfort the foal that lay on a fresh pile of straw shivering. Thranduil tried to give him all the encouragement and support he could. Solaeren entered the stall once more feeding bottle in hand full of a creamy mixture.
"Prince Legolas, would you kindly give this to Telmenelion? It will help with his temperature."
Wide curious eyes met his. "What is it?"
"It is just some medicine to help him." Solaeren smiled at the young Elfling.
"I know it medicine, but what is it?"
"I think what Legolas is trying to ask, Solaeren is what the medicine is. Am I right, little Leaf?" Thranduil smiled down at his youngest. Legolas nodded.
"It contains goldenseal and Echinacea to bring down his temperature; if this does not help we will try another remedy. It also has some slippery elm bark powder mixed with honey for his cough. We also got some mile from his dam to mix it with. Hope fully it should not taste too bad for him."
Legolas content with this explanation took the bottle and gently coaxed Telmenelion to drink the potion. Then they sat down to wait. Legolas would wipe the sweat from his foal so that he could not catch a chill on top of his influenza.
No body began to notice as the wind began to pick up; all were concentrating on the drama playing out in front of them.
Telmenelion's temperature unfortunately continued to rise and he began to become distressed. His harsh congested breathing filled the stall. Solaeren disappeared once more, returning with a pail and tubing along with a jug. Laying that on the floor, he left the stall once more returning with a steaming bowl and a blanket.
"I need to give him an enema of cat nip tea, my Lord; I will need help in standing Telmenelion up." Both Thranduil and Lomion moved to help him, giving Legolas to Estel to keep him from harm should the foal panic.
Legolas watched all of this with wide eyes; Growly's ear firmly wedges in his mouth as he took in all that was happening. It did not take long, although to Legolas' eyes Telmenelion looked very uncomfortable, but then he reasoned he would not be happy either with tubing pushed there!
Once Telmenelion had settled from his experience, Solaeren made his way to the foals head and placed the bowl just in front of his head and placed the blanket over his head so that the medicinal steam could reach him. As soon as he moved away, Legolas took his place, stroking and offering him encouragement.
This was only broken when a large bang echoes through the building, it made every one jump and Legolas sought his father's arms his eyes wide with fear. Estel left to see what it was.
"The wind is picking up; I think we may be in for a winter storm. A branch is banging against the roof." Estel moved to the brazier trying to get warm, it was very cold outside.
"No spider?" The little voice held a quiver.
"No spiders, little one, just the wind." Estel moved to ruffle the flaxen hair but Legolas pulled back a scowl on his face causing every one to laugh.
"You sure?" Legolas could not stop the shaking that started as the bang sounded once again.
"I am sure, all is well." Legolas did not look convinced at this assurance, but at his father's suggestion went back to stroking Telmenelion. Every one heard his whispered conversation with the foal.
"We do not like spiders do we, Tel? They are nasty horrible things. We do not want them here. Ada will make sure they stay away and I will not let them get to you. I promise they will not hurt you."
Thranduil had to smile at his little Leaf's confidence in him. A bigger bang had Legolas scrambling back until he was sitting on Thranduil's lap.
"It is just the wind, little Leaf, just the wind." He brushed the hair in front of him.
An emphatic shake of the head. "Spider."
"Legolas we are too far from the forest for them to be near." Lomion tried to comfort his brother.
"Spider, they get into my room. They every where."
"Would you like me to take you outside and show you that there are no spiders?" It was the only thing that Estel could think of.
"No! Ada do not let me go. They have come for me, please let me stay with you, please?" Panic was loud and clear in Legolas voice.
"You do not have to go outside, Little Leaf, but I promise there are no spiders. I would not let them come here. Look Telmenelion has fallen to sleep." Thranduil pointed to the foal.
He was right, the foal had fallen asleep, the blanket having slipped from his head, even his breathing did not sound as strained, although his cough was still harsh, almost hacking to hear.
"He be alright?" the voice was quiet; Legolas did not want to disturb the slumbering foal.
"I do not know, Leafie, only time will tell." The Elfling in Thranduil's arms jumped as another loud bang echoed through the stable, this time followed by a low moan as the wind became stronger.
"No like, Ada, make it stop." The blue eyes were full of tears.
"It is just the wind, I promise." The wind picked up even more and an empty stall door that had been left open began to bang back wards and forwards with the force. Legolas was shaking in Thranduil's arms.
Solaeren took this all in and moved to close and fasten the wide stable doors. He stopped as he looked out into the forest and for one long moment could have sworn he had seen large red unblinking eyes staring back at him. He blinked and when he opened his eyes there was nothing there. Muttering to himself about over active imaginations he shut and bolted the door.
Again and again, Legolas fed his beloved horse the medicine; he was the only one that Telmenelion would really let near. Every time the wind blew the tree limb against the wooden building Legolas would jump wide eyed and seek his fathers reassurance.
"Ada?"
"Yes, little one?"
"Legs hurt." The voice was soft and held a quiver. Thranduil winced; he had forgotten his son might need some herbs himself.
"I will go and get him some herbs, Ada, we can not let the pain become bad or Legolas will not want to move." Lomion knew how important it was for Legolas to continue with his exercises.
"Thank you, Lomion, please be careful?" with Solaeren's help he left the stable.
They all watched the foal as he began shivering once more. Legolas tried to help him relax, but to no avail and when the next almighty bang sounded, Legolas could take it no more and made his way back to his father's arms, quietly sobbing in fear. A fear that covered both the noises and the wind; and for the reality that he could not help his friend.
Nothing Thranduil could do helped and he began to have the feeling that the Elfling was also becoming over tired. As soon as Lomion returned and Legolas had taken the herbs he would try and persuade him to sleep.
This was easier said than done. The wind prevented that. As long as that lasted Legolas would not sleep, as far as he was concerned the noise was caused by spiders and nothing, just nothing would persuade him other wise.
A knock at the door startled Legolas and Solaeren moved to open it once more to reveal a breathless Lomion. He entered the stable in a rush and made his way to his father's side. He handed the goblet full of herbal tea and watched as his father helped the Elfling to drink.
Once he had finished Lomion caught his eye. "Ada, I need to have a word with you."
"I am listening." Thranduil cradled his sleepy son to him.
"In private, Ada."
That caught Thranduil's attention. He handed Legolas to Estel and moved out of way of ear shot so that Legolas could not hear.
"What is it, Ion-nin?"
"Legolas was right, Ada, there are spiders about. I killed two on the way back to the Palace. I think the wind may have driven them away from their webs."
"Valar! We must not let Legolas know, he will be terrified. What is being done with them?" Thranduil rubbed his forehead. This was a complication he did not need.
"I brought a patrol with me, they are seeing to them as we speak. Ada?"
"Yes, Lomion?"
"Do you not think it strange that Legolas knew they were out there? The spiders I mean?"
"I have to admit I have not thought of it. It is a little strange that he was so adamant. May be we should ask him. But I do not want him to know the spiders are out there. I do not want him becoming hysterical."
They moved back to Telmenelion's stall. Estel was cradling Legolas in his arms while sucking once more on Growly's ear, eyes half closed, at least until another bang sounded and he woke again.
"I added a sleeping herb, Elardion thought it might help. He wanted to come down too, Ada, but there would be no one to keep an eye on the other's." Lomion's voice was soft.
Thranduil flashed him a grateful grin. He moved to Estel's side and took Legolas once more.
"Legolas, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, Ada." The yawn was wide.
"What makes you think that there are spiders outside?"
"Tree's tell me, can you not hear?"
"No, little one." Thranduil smiled at his adorable Elfling in his arms.
"Oh, and the wind tells me to stay inside as they coming. Are they coming, Ada?" The once half lidded eyes were wide once more.
"No, Legolas, they are not coming and they will not get you. We just wondered as you seem so sure."
"Horses also say. They talk to me all the time. I like that; they tell me lots of things." The voice was beginning to become slurred as the drugs took effect. "Lots of stories, I like stories."
Thranduil watched as Legolas' breathing eased out as he slipped off into sleep.
A knock on the door and one of Lomion's old friends entered. "We have seen to the spiders, my Lord. I will leave a patrol continue to search on the off chance. But I think the threat is gone. Dawn will not be long and they will not want to be seen this near to the edge of the wood."
"Very good, the corpses have been burnt?" Thranduil was unconsciously rocking his son and the warrior smiled at the sight. This was one all of Mirkwood loved to see. Every one of the Elves here loved their youngest Prince with his sunny disposition and caring nature.
"How is the Prince, Sire?"
"A lot better, thank you. We just need his foal to be that way to."
"I am glad we have missed his smile since he was hurt. Please tell him we are thinking of him and praying for his foal?" At Thranduil's nod he left.
"You would appear to have every one of the Elves in this realm falling at your feet, little One. I will have to keep an eye on that; we do not want you to become spoilt now, do we?"
"You mean he is not already, Ada?" Lomion could not help but ask.
"You may be right there. We do tend to do we not? But I think it is worth it."
Companionable silence fell as the cold winter dawn began to break and a new day began.
Contrary to their fears, Telmenelion had made it through the night and the worst part of his illness. The first twenty four hours were always the worst. Hopefully the foal would make it. Hope continued to rise with the sun. Time would tell.
To be continued
Hi everyone. Okay the first half of this is Meisalliam and the second shells. This is because Meisalliam went on strike. She had to go baby sit and Shell being the lovely person she is decided to help out and finished the chapter so thanks.
angelbird12241: Hopefully you like this.
Pointy-eared-elfs: Would you mind us finishing this story before we plan our next although we actually have the bases for our next. We will consider joining them all up but remember Frandra and Sowlin are not even thought of yet.
bradleigh: Actually we have decided that it will properly be natural. It would be hard for even Drowlin to give a horse Colic or influenza.
Leeanne : No worries. Slash is not everyone's cup of tea but thanks for not holding it against us. I hope you like this and continue to follow it to the end and thanks for not simply flaming Meisalliam's fics.
Lirenel: Could not resist. Please continue to review and tell us what you like.
MoroTheWolfGod: Good thing you realised and I hope you like this one too.
Stephanie : No worries but thanks for reviewing and we hope that you love it. Please review as I need them.
Triptych : You would think but no he is not.
Love
Leafie Meisalliam Shell Growly Pinkie and Elly.
Wow we are getting a large group of toys we not. Any ideas for other toys we could give Leafie if you do then tell us the details and I (Meisalliam) Will try and get them into my next fluffy chapter.
Please review,