Disclaimer: Still not ours. Sorry.

Chapter Nineteen

It was fully dark before Legolas stopped weeping. He still lay in Estel's arms, limp with exhaustion. It had been Lomion's idea to move to his chambers, as Crown Prince he had the largest chamber of the entire brother's.

The only two missing were Elrond and Arwen. Arwen had taken it upon herself to return to Legolas' chambers and clear up the blood and mess; she had stopped by the kitchens and collected some salt. Back in the chamber, she mixed it with cold water and rinsed the soft toys. She repeated the action until the water ran clear and no sign of the blood remained.

Once satisfied, she took the three remaining toys with her as she made her way to Lomion's chamber, they could dry by the fire under the watchful eyes of their owner.

She met her father on the way; in his hands he carried a goblet. With a gentle smile they made their way into the room. Every available space held either an Elf or man. No one made a move to leave the room. Elardion had tried once only for Legolas to have further hysterics. They could only imagine what he must be thinking.

Elrond made his way to Estel's side handing him the goblet.

"Legolas, will you drink this for me? It will help the pain in your legs; I know they must be sore." Legolas looked at him with such sad eyes Estel felt his heart shatter. The Elfling nodded and drank the bitter brew in one gulp without complaint.

"Good boy, Arwen has brought you Growly, but he is wet and drying from his bath. When he is dry would you like him?" A tiny nod

"Snowy gone." Tears filled the blue eyes once more.

"I am afraid so, Little One, but you still have Growly, Pinkie and Elly. They just need to dry."

"Can they come too?" Estel could barely hear the Elfling's words.

"Go where, Legolas?" He brushed the fresh tears from the pale face.

"When I go to live with you can they come and Tel, too?" Silence fell in the room; no one had had the heart to tell him about his Foal, yet. He had been so distraught at seeing his toys and his father's decision, tomorrow they could speak to him properly.

"Yes, Little One they can all come with you. Have no fear, rest now." The tea was having the desired effect and the blue eyes were shutting even as they were speaking.

"Stay?" The word became a yawn.

"We will all stay with you and will be here when you wake." With that the Elfling went limp in Estel's arms.

Elrond sighed, he hated drugging the child once more, but with out the herbs he would not have rested at all this night. He was still healing and needed the rest his body craved.

"I think it would be best if we all did stay here tonight. I can at least lock my door, if Adar is still being so… so… strange, Valar knows what he will try. I can not believe what has happened already. How are we going to tell Legolas? It will break his heart." Lomion could not take his eyes off of his younger brother.

"I think that may be a very good idea, Lomion. I would rather have us all in one room, than apart. I have asked the kitchen staff to keep the glass of milk that Thranduil drank from, for me to look at. This may shed some light as to what is really happening." Elrond tried his best to reassure the shocked family. "We may as well sort out some bedding for the night. If we break off into groups of three, we can go in a group at a time to recover the things we need for the night. If you see Thranduil, you at least will have some chance to fight him off." He hated thinking of his old friend like this, but after the scenes he had witnessed earlier he would take no chances.

The others agreed and three at a time they left the chamber and as a group gathered all they would need from their own before returning to Lomion's chamber and settling down for the night. Not one of them had seen or heard from Thranduil.

As the last set of twins returned with Arwen, Lomion closed and locked his chamber door, thankful that he had at one point in time asked for the lock to be fitted to stop the twins from ruining his things. Little did he know then that he would need it to keep his own father out. Once the key and bolt had been turned and removed he made his way to the balcony window and did the same to those. He promised to himself that whatever it took he would prevent any further harm coming to his family and friends.

The first thing he became aware of was pain, a deep throbbing pain. A pain that seemed to increase with every second that passed. Raising a shaky hand he rubbed at his forehead, trying and failing abysmally to chase the pain away.

It took all of his energy just to crack open one eye to see where he was. He snapped the eye shut with a groan as the bright light caused the pain to deepen. He felt sick. He not only felt sick but he felt… odd. That was the only way he could describe it. Odd. He felt hard ground beneath him. Where was he?

Taking a deep breath to try and stop the rising nausea he tried once more to open his eyes. This time he had a little more success. Admittedly he had to squint at the brightness, but at least he had them opened. He tried to push himself upright. The world around him spun alarmingly and the bile rose in his throat. Some how he managed to control his dignity and forced the bile back down.

Moving with the utmost care he looked around him, careful not to jerk himself too much. He was in his chambers. How had he got into his chambers? The last thing he remembered was eating the evening meal with his family and friends. He could remember sitting Legolas on his knee and then… nothing.

It took him a while but he managed to get himself to his knees and using his bed he pushed himself shakily to his feet. He stood swaying a little as the room did a loop the loop around him. Finally, when he was sure the world would stay just as it should, he took a step forward.

Slumping on the bed he lowered his head into his hands. It was then that he noticed they were covered in dark red… what it was he could not for a minute think. But as he bent the fingers on his left hand the substance began to flake away leaving bare skin beneath. His heart clenching he realised then just what it was that covered his hands. Blood.

He actually felt the blood drain from his own face. What in all Middle earth was going on? He unconsciously began rubbing his hands on his robe, only to find they too were covered in the sticky red substance. With a shudder of horror he realised he was covered in blood.

He needed to see Lomion. Mind made up he staggered to the door, opening it he found an empty corridor. There was no sound what so ever. The silence stretched making seem as if the palace it self was deserted. Staggering down the hall towards the stairs he found his heart hammering, what was going on? A servant was cleaning the stairs of something that looked suspiciously like blood.

Clearing his throat he tried to get her attention, she looked up and froze on the spot, he eyes wide with fear. Fear? Before he could say or do any more she turned and fled, not looking back once. Confusion filled him.

He had no idea what was going on. Footsteps sounded behind him and he turned, grimacing as the dizziness made it self known once more. Elrond stood in the corridor flanked by his sons. All had their hands on their swords and were looking at him coldly.

"Elrond, Mellon-nin, what is going on? Where is everybody?" He winced at the confusion in his own voice.

"Safe, Thranduil, where you can not get them." The voice fairly dripped ice.

"Safe? Where I can not get them? What do you mean? I would never hurt my family and I would thank you to stop this know." This was not funny, with the pain in his head he could not think straight.

"You would never hurt your family? What do you think happened last night, then, Thranduil? A party?" Elrond's face and voice did not change and Thranduil thought he could hear contempt as well.

"Last night? What happened last night? I can remember all of us going down to dinner and Legolas sitting on my lap and then nothing. What has happened, please? Tell me they are all alright." There was a hint of desperation in his voice know.

"You really think any of your son's would be alright after your actions of last night? It may be a long time before any of them speak to you again. And poor Legolas. Well he will probably never be the same again!" Elrond could not stop the harsh words from falling from his lips, he after all had been one of the few Elves that Thranduil's felt comfortable enough around to turn to for help.

"My actions of last night?" Thranduil felt his jaw drop as he looked at his old friend. "Why would they not speak to me? And Legolas? What do you mean? Please, you must tell me. What is wrong with my baby?"

"Your baby? Oh, so know he is your baby. You call him a bastard, call your wife an adulteress and banish her child and he is now your baby?" The look of complete shock on Thranduil's face finally registered to the Elf Lord. He took a good look at the King, noticing the green tinge to his face, the shaking hands and squinting eyes, the feeling from last evening that this may have nothing to do with Thranduil returned in full force.

"B… banish him? Why would I banish him? And Laurelin… I would never say that of her. This is not funny, Elrond and I do not appreciate…"

"You have no memory of last evening do you?" Elrond's voice was slightly calmer.

"No, I remember sitting with Legolas and telling him to drink his milk and… and… What happened?" The brown eyes begged Elrond to tell him.

"Come, Mellon-nin, let us go back to your chamber and I will explain. Come!"

Thranduil followed the three Elves in front of him and felt a feeling of grim anticipation, he felt that what ever had happened he was not going to like.

He was right, he sat stunned half an hour later, barely able to take in all that he had been told. He had attacked Lomion and stripped him of his title and given it to Drowlin? He would never consider doing that, not after all the things he had done to Legolas. And Legolas, oh Elbereth, poor dear sweet little Legolas. How could he even think that of his wife?

But the worse thing, the part that broke his heart, was the fact that in his madness; for that was what it must have been, he had cold bloodedly slaughtered his son's beloved horse. That was unforgivable. It was all unforgivable and he had no idea why it had happened.

Elrond had voiced his suspicions about the milk he had poured for Legolas that had been acknowledged. But who and why? What could possibly be gained from hurting the youngest Prince?

Thranduil could only groan, his head spinning more with each passing moment. Elrond had left his twin sons with him, while Elrond himself had gone to the kitchen to look at the remains of the milk. He had also promised to bring him something that would both settle his stomach and ease his head. Not that he deserved it. After what he had done, he deserved the pain.

Elrond came back into his chamber his face, if it could be at all possible, looked even grimmer than he had earlier. In his hand was a goblet which he handed to Thranduil.

Thranduil took it with a small, pained smile.

"The milk had been doctored. It was a very powerful potion, it enhanced any negative thoughts until the point where the victim actually believed past events but with a negative affect. After all that has happened in the last few weeks, it is unsurprising that you reacted the way you did." Elrond sighed, closing his eyes momentarily. "I do not believe it was meant for you. I seriously believe Legolas was the target." He could not stop the shudder that shook him. "With the events of the last few weeks on and around him, this may well have been far too much for his fea to take. This may well have killed him, Thranduil. We need to find out what is going on and catch the perpetrator and fast."

"How do I face them? How do I explain to Legolas what I have done? He will hate me." A hand on his shoulder made him jump.

"I will speak to them first and make sure they understand. You will all get through this and be even stronger for it. Just give Legolas time, he was highly traumatised last night." We all werewas the silent comment.

"Thank you, Elrond, I do not know what I would do with out you, Mellon-nin."

"You have nothing to thank me for, just find this criminal and we will be even." With a nod Elrond left the room once more.

While Elrond was speaking to his sons, Thranduil took the time to bathe and change from his blood stained robes. He gave no thought to keeping the robes and having them salvaged. He knew deep down inside that he could never wear them ever again and so he put them to one side to have them burned.

Feeling a little more like his usual self he left the bathing chamber and made his way back into the main chamber. He stopped in shock as he took in the mess that had been inflicted on his son.

"Lomion?" It was tentative and shocked. "Did I…?" He could not continue.

"Yes, Adar, you did do this, no lasting harm was done." Lomion's voice was cold. "At least not to me. Lord Elrond has explained what happened and why. I forgive you and so do the others. Legolas, though, I do not know how he will react. He is still asleep. We have not even tried to tell him about Telmenelion. It will break his heart."

"I am sorry, Lomion, I would never do anything like this to any of you. What do we do know?" he turned once more to Elrond.

"Now, Mellon-nin, you pick up the pieces and try to win Legolas trust and love back. For know breakfast would be a good place to start."

That was easier said than done. The meal was taken in such silence a pin could have been heard dropping in Valinor. No one spoke unless they had to, no one would even look at Thranduil. Lomion held Legolas in his lap, the Elfling would not let him go. No matter how much Lomion tried, Legolas would not eat. He would not even take a drink of water.

Thranduil had tried, when Legolas was carried into the dining chamber to reach for his son. Legolas had just started to tremble and had drawn away. Of all the things Thranduil could have drawn upon, telling his son he was not his, had hit the Elfling's greatest fear. That he would be sent away. Thranduil knew then that he would try anything to win back his sons love and trust.

He knew just the right place to start. But he would have to leave it for a week or two, to go ahead with his plan know just might back fire.

"Drowlin, I wish to apologise in front of every one for hitting you. I have never done so before and I will never do so again. Please accept my apology?" Thranduil could only wait and pray that it would be accepted.

"I forgive you, Ada, as long as it really does not happen again. I speak for all of us when I say you scared us last night. I never want to have to spend another night locked into a room for my own safety. Naneth would be horrified." Drowlin kept his eyes trained on his father.

"I know and I am just as horrified and ashamed as she would be. I will try and make amends somehow, that I promise." His son's nods showed their acknowledgement of his vow.

"Legolas? Little One, Please look at me." The Elfling stiffened in his brother's arms but made no move to turn to his father. "Please, Legolas, I just want to talk to you."

He could see just how reluctant Legolas was as he turned not raising his head.

"I wasn't to say that I am sorry, I will never, ever send you away. I love you too much to ever do that. Tell me how I can make this right. Please?" He could not look away from that bowed head.

Slowly, so very slowly Legolas lifted his head and looked at his father. His eyes were bright red and puffy from crying and his tiny little nose was red. He had also bitten his lip to try and stop crying. Blood ran in a trickle down his chin. The look in his eyes though, was what stopped Thranduil in his tracks.

The heart break the Elfling was feeling telegraphed it self loud and clear. It was then Thranduil felt his own heart shatter. He could not talk, all he could do was hold his hands out wide in invitation.

For a moment no one moved, no one dared breathe and then with a loud sob the Elfling launched himself at his father. As soon as his arms closed around his son he felt and heard him sobbing and he could not stop the tears from running down his own cheeks. Looking up he noticed that there was not a dry eye in the chamber. Even the servants were drawn into the scene.

"Shush, Leafie, all will be well, I promise. I will never let you go. I love you, little one. I love you so very much. Please believe me. I love you, you are my Little Leaf and no one else's" He was brushing the blond hair, trying to calm the sobbing child, unsure of what else he should do.

"Snowy gone, snowy gone, Ada. Not want him gone." Each word was punctuated with a sob and Thranduil stiffened at the words.

"Sometimes, people have to go away, my Leaf, as much as we do not want them to. We will get you another Snowy, you will love him too." Fresh tears fell from the Eldar's eyes. How could he have hurt his son like this?

"Can we go and see Tel, Ada, I have not seen him today." Thranduil froze on the spot, he had thought that that was who Legolas was referring to.

It was Lomion who came to his rescue. "I am sorry, Leafie, Telmenelion was very poorly over night when you were sleeping. He has gone to join Naneth. I am sorry." Thranduil's look of thanks heartened the Crown Prince.

"NO! No, he was better, the horses say he was better. He not go!" Once more the Elfling was sobbing. This time he could not stop and all watched in alarm as he began to hyperventilate. Nothing they could do would help. In the end Elrond took the Elfling in his arms and left the room. "Wait here." Was all he said.

They did, despite every one of them wanting to run after the Elf.

It seemed an age before Elrond returned with a calmer Legolas in his arms. He was hugging Growly once more, an ear safe one more in his mouth. From the slightly glazed look in his eyes, Thranduil could guess that Elrond had once more given him some herbs.

"I gave him something to calm him down. I do not want him to be hysterical. He will be drowsy, nothing more. You need to keep him calm. All of you." He gave each person at the table a warning glance.

"Thank you. I think that after last night we should all have a day off today. I want us to just relax and try and put this behind us. I will ask the cook to make us all our favourite foods. All of us." He made sure even Elrond and his family was included.

"Strawberries, Ada?" Legolas was yawning as he looked at his father.

"Definitely strawberries, little One. As many as I can get you. And they will be all for you and no one else." He took Legolas from his friend and kissed his nose. Legolas gave a little wrinkle of his nose causing every one to laugh.

"I think we all deserve as good glass of Dorwinion, as early as it is." He motioned for a servant and gave him his orders. The servant smiled, nodded and with a wink at Legolas left the room. The Elfling snuggled into his Adar's arms, feeling safe and warm once more. Something was troubling him, somehow something was wrong, but he could not find the energy to go with the feeling, so he just lay there watching his brother's and their friends as they joked about the table.

Slowly his eyes closed as all the emotion of the night took its toll. Thranduil watched with fond amusement as Legolas fell into sleep, watching as for the first time ever not only did Legolas have Growly's ear in his mouth but his thumb had also joined it. It was obvious to the King that his son was feeling incredibly insecure and needed all the security he could find.

"There you are, Mellon-nin, a fine vintage if I say so myself." He accepted the goblet of wine from Elrond.

"You always did like your Dorwinion, Elrond. I think you may even rival Mithrandir!" Thranduil could not help but joke.

One by one the others at the table accepted their goblets. Each took a sip enjoying the bouquet as the wine flooded their taste buds. Thranduil found himself agreeing with Elrond it was a fine vintage. He did like his wine. All he concentrated on was his son in his arms, the warm, trusting Elfling who meant so much to him. He would make this up to Legolas, he would never let him feel as if he was not wanted. Ever again.

The sound of a chair crashing to the floor made him jump. He looked up in time to see Lomion staring at him, his face held a look of hate as he drew his sword and reached for his father….

To be continued.

Thank you once more to all our reviewers. You are the best!

Replies to Reviews.

Triptych: Please continue reading, there is an answer to all this. We can't say what at the moment, but there is a BIG plan.

Banana nut muffin: Wow! All you replies, where do I start? I am glad you like this story, though. I do have to say we are beginning to wind this one up, but we already have BIG EVIL plans for the next one!

Thranduil defender: I hope some of the explanation is beginning this chapter. We love Thranduil, too, you know! As I say there is a reason and I promise all will be explained. Shellxxx

Lirenel: You may be right about Drowlin you may be wrong. Aren't I rotten? He may be purely innocent, for once….

LadyJackIsBAck: We.. Er Meisalliam, had this idea, we are heading in a direction with this and the reasons will become apparent. Honest!! (Note from Meisalliam. I am not taking complete blame for the evil plans. I was a nice friendly Slash and Fluff writer until I met you Shell so you have to take half responsibility.)

AnathTheGODDESS: I hope this chapter helps answer at least some of your questions. You must remember that Legolas in this story is only five and not all adult believe a child of that age Elf or not. Have you thought also that it may not be Drowlin causing this problem? It could well be another in the room, someone trusted and not under suspicion?

Leeanne: We yelled at him too, if it is any consolation. At least I did when Meisalliam sent me the last chapter. Can I borrow your rusty pitchfork for myself? I have just the Elf to use it on…..

Bradleigh: The nosey wizard was not present. He will be back do not worry. All will be well….. In time!

Well every one, thank you once again, please will you let us know your ongoing thoughts? We can only grow that way.

Love,

Meisalliam, Shell, Leafie, Growly, Pinkie and Elly

xx