Disclaimer: We still do not own these characters.
Chapter twenty
Lomion's lunge was stopped just in time as Elardion grabbed his brother's arm and pulled him off of his chosen path. All present at the table jumped to their feet making their way around the table, Thranduil took a deep breath and looked over towards Estel. "Please take Legolas to his room and remain there until I send for you."
Estel moved quickly to his side and picked up the trembling Elfling before carrying him from the room. "Shush, Leafie it will be well. Lomion is not angry at you and everybody still loves you." He felt he needed to reassure the quivering bundle in his arms.
As the two left the room, Thranduil gave his attention to his eldest son. It was taking all of Elardion and Nolvo's strength to hold Lomion flat on the ground so that he did not attack anyone.
Kneeling beside Lomion's head Thranduil started to talk calmly to his son. "Lomion, breathe deeply, you have to calm down. This is not the real you and you need to realise that every one here loves you."
While they may be struggling and managing to keep Lomion's body restrained the same could not be said for his mouth. "Oh, shut up, Adar. You know nothing about me or my other of you so called sons. Each of us is different and you are just too blind to see it. I hate you and I hate every one here! Elardion is too weak to be a true warrior and takes the weakling way out by becoming a healer. And the twins? They are good for nothing other than trickery and deceit. Drowlin feels nothing but a self pity he has no right to feel. He wants to be the baby, but little Legolas beat him to it. And Legolas? Well, Legolas… he…" Lomion trailed off his tirade as he felt his head begin to spin and then slowly clear.
Thranduil realising Lomion was once more in control of him self, ushered the others off from the Prince and helped Lomion to sit up. "Oh, Ion-nin, are you well?"
Lomion weakly nodded and his father embraced him. Thranduil rocked his son in a way he had not done for many centuries.
Lomion felt his eyes begin to fill with tears; his emotions seemed to be all over the place. He could not stop them from falling, no matter how hard he tried; he made him self face his brother's. "Please, forgive me for what I said. I did not mean a word of it and I beg you to forget my harsh words."
Drowlin settled down next to his brother and whispered in his ear. "I know how you feel, to say and do things you in no way mean. If it helps at all, you have my love and forgiveness, my dear brother." Lomion smiled at his younger brother.
"It means a lot to me, 'Lin." Lomion yawned loudly and Thranduil smiled down at his son. Picking him up, he made his way to the Crown Prince's chambers. Elrond watched as Thranduil carried his fully grown son from the room knowing all to well him self that a child is never too old to need a parent's love.
Estel was amazed at how happy Legolas seemed at the moment. He knew eventually Legolas would have to speak about the death of his foal, his mother and everything else that had happened recently. Legolas was sitting on his bed, looking at the pictures in his fairy tale book and talking to Growly.
Estel took a deep breath and decided it was know or never. "Leafie, I need to talk to you about Telmenelion. Are you sad that he died?"
Estel turned wide, clear eyes to him. "I sad, but I knew that he go away."
Estel could not hide his shock. "What do you mean? How did you know he would go away?"
Legolas just shrugged. "I just knew, that night in the stables. I knew he would live through that and then he would go away to be with Nana and wait for me."
"But how did you know? How did you know that all that would happen? Legolas, it is very important that you tell me." Estel did not mean to raise his voice, it just happened.
Legolas flinched at the raised voice then he just shrugged again. "I not know, I just could tell. I happy as well as sad, Tel is with Nana and I will see them again. He told me so." Legolas went back to his book.
Estel could not believe how optimistic Legolas was. The child had suffered so much fear and doubt, yet he still found good in everybody and everything. He was truly inspirational.
Lomion could not stop the loud yawn. Having only taken a few sips of the wine, he had not consumed much of the potion. Because of that the effects had only lasted for a short time, unlike his father. He also clearly remembered all that he had said and done. As such he was glad that Legolas had been removed from the room and had not seen him berate his brother's. They had been feelings he had deep, deep down inside of him, but had never really given much thought to as they were not his true feelings.
Elrond had been very right when he had suggested that the potion manipulated one's thoughts and brought out your most negative emotions.
Thranduil stroked his eldest son's hair and felt very guilty. Since Laurelin had died, he had been very neglectful, not just of his work but his eldest son's as well. Lomion and Elardion had taken on a lot of his paper work, but Lomion had been working a lot more than any one, trying to help, and that included Thranduil. "Sleep, Lomion I will wake you later."
Lomion closed his eyes and Thranduil placed a kiss on his cheek. "I love you, my Twilight." Thranduil held his now sleeping son and quietly used a nickname from his Elfhood that had not been uttered in many years, not since Drowlin's birth if he thought on it.
Just as he was about to leave the room he heard a faint voice reply. "I love you to, my Adar."
The next morning Lomion awoke early and sat up. He smiled when he took in the sight of his father sitting in a large over stuffed chair, eyes glazed in deep sleep. He smiled at his father's sleeping form and got out of bed looking down as he did so. He was still wearing the same robes from yesterday, he had never had the chance to undress, but know the rich fabric was covered in creases and wrinkles.
He went into his bath chamber and bathed before dressing in a clean tunic and leggings. By the time he was finished he was ready to wake his father and greet the new day that would hopefully be better than the day before.
He stood watching as the family and friends gathered once more. So far all his hard work seemed to have been thwarted. First, the impostor had drunk the milk meant for the Elfling. It had worked for a while, and he thought he might finally have managed to get his desire. That had failed, though right at the end. The Lomion had not drunk any where near enough and Thranduil had become wise as to what the potion had been designed to do.
He had just enough left to have one more go. He would need to be a little more… careful and more circumspect with his machinations.
He would leave it for a day and then….
The morning meal had been very boisterous that morning. That was the only word Elrond could put on it later. The only one at the table who had been quiet had been Legolas; he had sat with Lomion once more, eyes wide as he took in all the jokes and smiles around him. No one noticed that he ate very little and drank even less. He also watched every one closely as they ate their meal, worried in case another in his family turned funny.
"What do you have on for this morning, Little Leaf?" Lomion gently brushed his hair behind his ear, smiling down at him.
"I play with bunnies. I have not seen them in a while." His voice was quiet, yet all heard him.
"That will be nice, may I come to? I have not seen Scamp for few days either." Thranduil was smiling widely, he was so proud of Legolas' love of wild life. He was so giving to every one.
A strange look passed over Legolas' face that he could not really read and it seemed to him that it was with great reluctance that Legolas agreed.
Once the meal was over, Elardion carried Legolas back to his room, Thranduil beside him. They settled Legolas on the large bed and made their way towards the pen that held the beloved rabbits. Gently holding all in their hands they turned to find Legolas looking at them very warily, or rather he was looking at Thranduil very warily.
It was with a sinking heart that Thranduil recalled his talk with Lomion of the day before. No wonder Legolas had been wary of him coming any where near his friends. After all that had happened with Telmenelion, it would only be natural that Legolas would expect him to hurt them.
He made him self smile brightly as he placed them gently on the bed. "There you are, little One, some of your friends. Elardion has the others. Will you introduce them to me? I know Scamp there." The little black rabbit in question had hopped into Legolas' lap and was sniffing his hand.
"The one in your hand is Honey." Thranduil looked down, indeed the little bunny matched his name, and he was a deep golden honey colour. ""That one is Trouble. 'Cause he is, he is always doing something naughty. Lomion said he was trouble." Thranduil had to smile at the earnest explanation.
"I like his name. What has he done to earn it though?" He smiled at Elardion who was laughing at the bunny he was holding.
"He over turned their water bowl. He also ran his sister over to get to the food. Lomion's bunny has been called Squeak, he does. When he is happy he makes a squeaky noise." Elardion picked up the tan and black bunny and began stroking him, to Thranduil's amazement the rabbit did actually begin to squeak quite happily.
"This one is Frowny, be cause he always looks as if he is frowning, look." Legolas was warming to his subject and he picked the small grey/black rabbit up to show his father. The markings on his face did in fact make him look as if he was permanently frowning. "This one is Thumper; he likes to thump his leg." As if the rabbit knew they were talking about him he began to do just that, thumping his little leg against the bedding.
"They are lovely, Leafie, you have named them well. What do you feed them on?"
"Estel said they liked grass and carrots. We found they liked Lettuce, too. They like lots of vegetables." Scamp had moved back onto Legolas' lap and was sniffing his fingers. "They like to play lots."
"Why do we not set them up an assault course so that they can have more fun?" Thranduil was heartened by how quickly Legolas jumped at his idea.
Soon all three were on the floor using bits of boxes and clothes to make hiding places for the rabbits. Neither Thranduil nor Elardion said anything as they noticed Legolas begin to move by himself for the first time. It was obvious the Prince was not even thinking about it, so wrapped up in the rabbits was he.
When Elardion came to tech them for the mid day meal he found lots of laughter once more as they watched the rabbits hopping contentedly about the room, navigating the course with some aplomb.
It took a while for them to catch all of the rabbits safely, the last being Scamp, living up to his name. Lomion gently stroked his pet as he made sure he was safely back in his pen.
The meal was slightly less exuberant than the morning meal had been. Lomion had quietly told his father that a group of Orcs had been sited and that two patrols had been sent out to deal with the problem. Thranduil had been pensive. Mithrandir had taken some time out to visit Lake Town and the human's there. He would be making his way back and Thranduil did not wish anything to happen to his old friend. The patrols had been warned to look out for the Istar and aid him if it was needed.
It was half way through the meal that Legolas found his courage to ask his Adar something he had wanted to all day. "Ada, can I go and use my bow?"
"Of course, we never did get to do that, did we? How about we take some time out this afternoon and we all gather on the training fields? Would you like that, little One?" His reply was a smile of such heart stopping beauty that Thranduil felt as if his heart would stop on the spot. In that one minute, Legolas looked so like Laurelin it physically hurt.
"Can we, Ada, please?" He looked at every one at the table, getting every one's agreement.
"Yes, my Little Leaf, if every one would like to we can do just that." Thranduil felt the lump in the back of his throat as he looked down at his youngest Son.
So it was that later that afternoon they could all be found walking towards the archery field. Legolas safe in his father's arms. His bow clutched in his hand. Lomion held both his own and his father's bows. The only ones with out a bow and quiver were Elrond and Arwen. They had both declined to join in as they knew there would not be enough targets.
It was a fun if cold afternoon. They would not have long before the long winter night fell, so all took advantage and practised hard. Thranduil, Lomion and Estel gave their sole attention to Legolas and showing him how to string and set up his bow. It took them a surprisingly short time to teach him how to stand. Once more Legolas surprised them all. He seemed to know what they wanted him to do before they even told him.
By the end of the hour Legolas completed the surprise. Never expecting him to be able to even shoot from the bow, let alone hit anything, Thranduil jokingly asked the Elfling to fire at the target Elardion had been using.
They all exchanged amused and loving looks as the Elfling made him self ready. He stood as he had been told pulled the string taught and as his arm began to shake slightly from the stress on unused muscles; he took a deep breath and pulled the string tighter. Eyes on nothing but his target he let the arrow fly.
It flew true and a stunned silence fell as it his right in the centre of the bull's-eye. Thranduil could not believe it. He had never in all his long years seen anything like it! How could an Elfling of only five years who had never before today even held a bow hit the target like that?
Nolvo whooped and swooped at Legolas and catching the Elfling in his arms swung him around. Soon the others joined in still stunned at what they had just witnessed. Legolas was laughing and happy as even Drowlin made a great fuss of him.
If the morning meal had been boisterous, the evening meal was one that would never be forgotten by all as Legolas' skill was celebrated and the shot retold to any who had not been there. Thranduil did not think he had ever been that proud of his family as at that moment.
They had all moved to the warmth of the family room and soon all were happily talking.
"Elardion? Can you tell Growly and me another story?" Legolas was sitting contentedly on Alcarnor's lap.
"I think we could manage that, Legolas. What do you others all think?" He smiled around the room at the eager nods of agreement. How quickly they had all come to like these stories. He had not mentioned it to any one, but he had started to write them down in a leather book he had made. Any pictures Legolas drew of Growly were being collected and put to one side. One of his friends was an artist and he was drawing some incredible pictures to be added to it. It was for Legolas' next begetting day.
"Let me see. Once upon a time, Knight Growly and his friend Little Las were once again looking for more adventures. Ever since the day they had rescued the two poor horses, they had been firm friends." He did not feel he could leave the horses out. He watched Legolas closely for any signs of distress. He looked happy and content so he carried on.
"They were out riding one day when they came upon another settlement who was having a party. As soon as the Elves saw them they invited the friends to join them. Through out the day they had lots of fun and competitions. Growly had been entered into the sword fighting part. He won with no difficulty and accepted his prize of a ribbon from a very pretty pink and white bear. Much to little Las' amusement Growly had blushed a deep red as he was kissed on the cheek."
"Yea, Pinkie!" Cried Legolas so caught up in the tail he could not help himself.
"How ever did you know that that was her name?" Elardion made him self sound surprised, to the amusement of the others in the room.
"Little Las had been entered into the archery competition and he was very nervous. He had not had a lot of practice with his new bow. Every one fell silent ass each of the Elves took their turn. One by one they all fired. Some missed completely; some hit the targets but missed the middle. Finally it was Little Las' turn and he nervously took his place." There was silence in the room, even the servant who had come in to add logs to the fire was still and listening intently.
"Little Las took a deep breath and readied himself. Carefully he took aim and fired. The arrow sailed right into the middle of the target. For a moment no body moved and then every one let out a loud shout as they celebrated the wonderful shot. Growly was so proud of his friend that he clapped the loudest, so loud that his paws hurt. They left the settlement the next day, having had a wonderful time and with each of them proudly wearing the bows they had received. They went back to the settlement very often and soon they were all friends with Pinkie. Every time they would visit she would be waiting for them. Until, one day Growly asked her to go and live in their town so that he could see her every day and get to know her properly. But that is a tale for another time. For the moment all was well in their world as they rode of into the sunset and onto another adventure." Elardion accepted the clapping and praise with aplomb. Pleased to see just how much Legolas had enjoyed his story.
Soon laughter once more filled the room. It was some time later that Thranduil noticed that Legolas was looking very tired and trying to hide a yawn. He was just about to suggest that he aught to go to bed when the door opened and a servant announced that they had a visitor.
It was Mithrandir, looking very cold and tired.
"Mithrandir, Mellon-nin, you look cold, come sit by the fire. Let me get you some food and some wine. I need to settle the little One here, so I can sort that out on the way back." Mithrandir found him self being hustled towards the rather comfortable looking chair by the fire.
"Thank you, Thranduil, I would like that. But before you take Legolas away I have a favour to ask of him, if I may?" He smiled his reassurance at the King who nodded his agreement. Mithrandir tuned to look at the youngest Prince. "While I was riding through the forest I came upon a family of mice that had been attacked. Only one little one still lived. Could I ask you to look after him for me? He has no one left and looks very sad." He took his hand safely out of his pocket to show Legolas the very small sad mouse,
"I will look after him, Mif, will not be lonely and I will see that he is happy." Mithrandir had smiled at the shortening of his name; after all it was rather long for a young one to cope with. Legolas carefully took the mouse from the large old hands in front of him. "Can I look after him, Ada?"
"Of course you can, my Leaf. We will need to make somewhere for him to safely live." Thranduil looked thoughtful.
"I have the little house my mouse used to live in, may be he would like that?" Drowlin was watching his younger brother with amusement. Legolas would help anything.
"Can he have it, Drowlin, Please?" Legolas' eyes were wide.
"Yes, Little Leaf, he can have it, let me go and get it for you." Drowlin stood and made his way to the door.
"Join us in Legolas' room, 'Lin; we can settle him after that." Thranduil was so pleased with his son at this point. Maybe everything really was settling back down.
"Of course, Ada." He left the room.
Reaching his own chamber, Drowlin quickly found the little house and made for Legolas' chamber. Entering he found his father and brother along with Mithrandir. Between them they quickly settled the little mouse in his new home and Lomion came in with some food he had managed to find.
"What are you going to name him, Leafie?" Drowlin was the surprising questioner.
"I do not know." Legolas was carefully watching his new pet through the little window's as he looked over his new home. "Mousey, I think, he looks like a Mousey."
He did not see the looks of amusement on the others face as he settled the house down on the cabinet beside his bed. "Thank you, Mif; I will make sure Mousey is happy." He kissed the old cheek and hugged the wizard
"I think it is time you went to bed, Legolas. Mousey will be here in the morning. You can play with him then." Thranduil ushered the others from the chamber, He found it surprisingly easy to settle Legolas that night and it was not long before Legolas was fast asleep.
The next morning was dull and every one felt sluggish after the merrymaking of the last evening. Even Legolas was still sleepy as he and Elardion made their way to the dining chamber. For once he had had to be woken up. He was very silent all the way earning him a worried look from the elder Elf.
He had quietly wished every one good morning before making for his seat beside his father and Lomion. He was not really hungry, just tired and he pushed his porridge around in his bowl.
"You need to eat that, Legolas, not play with it." Thranduil smiled gently at the young Prince.
Legolas smiled back and took a few mouthfuls before returning to play with it. Losing interest with that he reached for the glass of the hated milk in front of him. He took along drink, watching as the others carried on chatting quietly.
"Would you like a strawberry, Legolas? They are special for today." Lomion offered him the well loved fruit. It did not last long. One by one the others at the table gave him their portions and they all disappeared with alacrity. All watched with amusement as Thranduil handed the Elfling his portion.
Dark eyes watched carefully as the fruit was taken and eaten. Pleased he left the room.
Legolas had enjoyed all the fruit; he would have to remember to use this trick again. As the fruit melted on his tongue he felt a deep burning sensation in the back of his throat and his eyes widened.
"Legolas, are you alright?" Thranduil had noticed how still the Elfling had become.
Wide blue eyes looked at him with something akin to fear.
"Legolas?" He reached for his son, Legolas pulled back as if he could not bare to have Thranduil touch him.
"Leafie, what is wrong?" Lomion asked, also reaching for his brother, he got the same reaction. As everyone watched stunned the Elfling stood and ran from the room. No one moved, then.
"I will go and see what is wrong. Wait here." Estel moved quickly from the room in search of his young friend.
To be continued.
Thank you all once again for your reviews, they mean a lot to us. This is a joint chapter from both of us, we hope you enjoy it.
Replies to reviews:
Karushna5: Thank you for taking the time to reply. We hope school is going well.
Bradleigh: He is taking it better than we all thought, for the time being. EVIL GRIN. We like his three protectors. And yes the nosey wizard is back and just in time too….
MoroTheWolfGod: Umm. No. Ducks and hides from all the projectiles thrown our way.
Banana nut muffin: Not cool, but also wrong. Read on…
LadyJackIsBack: Thank you we are glad you like it. Here is chapter 20 extra fast for all of you.
Lirenel: Very rotten. And again I'm sorry you are wrong. Here's a fast update for you to keep you going.
Triptych: Yep, drugged wine. You hit it right on the head. The perfect victim. And we all love him,
Too.
Ceyxa: We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your comments are so kind. I'm trying to think how I can make washing machine lint exciting! Don't worry we won't stop writing… (note from Meisalliam. I have an intricate plan that involves Leafie, Lint and a banana.)
Well everyone, her we are again at the end of another chapter. We hope you like this please; please let us know how we continue to do?
Love,
Meisalliam, Shell, Leafie, Growly, Pinkie, Elly all the bunnies and Mousey.
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(We have a rather large family.)