Disclaimer: See last chapter
Chapter Twenty five
The next morning dawned early and looking out over the court yard it looked like a winter wonderland. Over night more snow had fallen and it lay crisp and untouched. The trees barely moved, their limbs so laden that it looked like icing on a cake.
Despite the fact that it was incredibly early, the white snow gave it a feeling of being much, much later. All was peaceful and silent. The snow continued falling gently, adding to the magic of the scene.
Inside the Palace all was quiet and calm. Then tiny feet could be heard running down the corridor. Although to be truthful you would have to listen extremely hard to hear the slap, slap as the feet landed. Around the corner came an Elfling, with long blond hair and very thin; he hugged a brown bear tightly to him.
He still wore his white sleeping robe, crumpled as it was. His feet were bare although he took no notice of that.
Running down the corridor he stopped as he reached the door that he wanted. Standing on tip toe he reached for the handle that was situated far above him. Too far above him, it took him four tries to get the door open.
Widening the gap he poked his head around the door and looked in the room. It was in darkness, the drapes pulled shut. His mind made up he entered the chamber and made his way over to the bed.
He gave a small frustrated sigh. The bed was too high for him to climb on. Not to be deterred he moved to one of the wooden posts that stood at each corner. Swinging agilely he used the post as if it were a branch and swung him self up on to the bed. Grinning to him self at just how easy that had been he made his way up the bed on all fours, his bear was clutched between his teeth by its ear.
The occupant of the bed lay on his back, dark hair spread across the white linen pillow. His hands were crossed on his chest and his eyes were open but glazed in Elven sleep.
The Elfling sat beside him and poked the older Elf on the nose. Nothing happened. He poked again; one hand came up and brushed the finger away causing the Elfling to giggle.
Using the Bears paw he poked the royal nose again. Before he could move out of the way his hand was caught and he was pulled into a strong grip.
"What do we have here? Who dares to intrude and wake the King from his sleep? Where are my guards? They need to see to this intruder, he can not get away with this! This is treason!!"
The Elfling was laughing at his father's antics. "It is me, Ada, Legolas."
"Legolas? No, the intruder could not be Legolas for he is a very good Elfling and would not wake his Adar. That just adds to your crimes. Impersonating the Prince." Fingers began tickling Legolas unmercifully until he was crying with joy.
Thranduil looked down at the precious bundle in his arms and gave a fake cry of alarm. "Why it is Legolas! You must pay for waking the King in such a manor." He continued tickling the bundle until the Elfling could take no more and begged for him to stop.
Once Legolas had calmed down he hugged his father. "Good morning, Ada I love you."
"Good morning to you too, my Leaf. I love you to. What are you doing up at this time of the morning?" Thranduil could not hide the yawn; something told him that this was just a little bit too early.
"You said we could go and play in the snow in the morning. It is the morning." Eager happy blue eyes looked at him.
"I know I did Ion-nin, but not this early. We need to bathe and dress before having the morning meal. This is just a little too early, every one is still asleep." He tried to reason to the excited Elfling.
"I go wake them!" Legolas made to slide off of the bed, but Thranduil managed to catch him.
"Oh no, you do not!" He scooped Legolas up off the bed and walked towards the window. Pulling the drapes so that they could look out over the forest he held his son in his arms.
"It is pretty, Ada." Legolas was practically shaking with excitement.
"Yes, it is and cold. You will have to dress warmly. But for know it is far too early for you to be up. Come sleep with me." Thranduil crossed to the bed, smiling widely at the gorgeous little pout on the pink lips. "No arguing or I may change my mind."
That put paid to any arguments Legolas may have had as he did not want to miss out on the fun later on. It did not take him long to close his eyes and sleep. He had been too excited to sleep at all over night.
Three hours later Thranduil had to give a small wry smile. He had had to wake Legolas so that he could get him ready for the morning meal. Even getting him dressed had been a job as Legolas was jumping about in happiness and anticipation.
When they got down to the family chamber for the meal, Legolas had run from one Elf to another telling them his excited news. The sight of him being so incredibly happy was a marvel and brought smiles to all their faces. He finally came to a halt by Estel.
Smiling he opened his arms in invitation and Legolas sprang into them.
"Do you like the snow, little One?"
"Yes! We go and play."
"Yes, once we have eaten we will go and play. But first you need to eat some food. Go to your Ada." With a brief squeeze Legolas let him self slide off of Estel's lap and made for his own chair.
If it had been down to Legolas he would not have eaten at all, but under Thranduil's stern but kindly gaze he managed to eat some warm porridge liberally mixed with honey. Then when they had all finished Legolas pulled him towards the door.
"Wait, Legolas I have things I have to attend to first." Catching the Prince up into his arms he made his way to his study to finish the last pieces of work he had before he could go out and play with his family. Since the incident with Darenholt it had brought home to him just how much work he had out upon his eldest sons. It would not be happening again.
He finished the last few pieces of paper work and spoke with his head councillor and butler. It would not be long before the winter solstice and he wanted to combine it with a feast to thank his friends for all that they had done since Laurelin's death.
Then he and Legolas made their way down to the great doors, stopping at both their chambers along the way to change their light shoes for heavy boots and collect their winter cloaks. Legolas chatted happily all the way.
The others including Elrond and Mithrandir were waiting for them. All were dressed and ready to go out into the pristine snow.
Once the doors were opened Legolas wasted no time. He slipped out of his father's hold, all fear of the evil spiders gone in his eagerness to play. Smiling widely the others joined him. With in moments two groups had been formed to have a snow ball fight.
Mithrandir stood off to one side, happily smoking his pipe as he watched the others play. Even Thranduil and Elrond joined in, eager to show the young ones that they could play just as well.
They had given in to Lomion's pleas to join them so that he could watch, even if he could not join in. He was seated on a chair wrapped in bright blankets his leg in a cast before him.
The fight was vicious and well fought with many, many squeals and laughter from Legolas.
Nolvo had just picked up a huge hand full of snow and was about to target Elladan when Legolas came into his sight. "Down, Legolas!"
Legolas having learnt that if he did not he would be hit, ducked just in time as the snowball sailed through the air where he had just been standing.
Elladan hearing the call turned to see what was happening and caught the snowball right in his face. He gave a playful roar. "You will pay for that, Nolvo." He picked up a huge handful of snow and chased the other, eager to get his revenge.
Estel while this was happening sneaked up behind Elrohir, who was laughing too much at the others antics to realise what his foster brother was doing. In one sweet move he pulled Elrohir's cloak away from the Elf's neck and dumped the snow down it. Elrohir whirled scowling at Estel.
"You are on our side."
"Ah, Ah, I just may have switched sides to save my little friend." Elrohir looked puzzled until Estel pointed Legolas out.
Legolas was sneaking as much as he could upon Elardion, snow in his little hands. Elardion was fighting it out between his father and Elrond, Drowlin by his side. Thranduil and Elrond could both see what the Elfling was doing and deliberately took the others attention away from him. It worked; Legolas caught Elardion on the back of the head causing every one to laugh.
Thranduil smiled down at his youngest. Legolas was in a state of disarray; his hair had come free from its braids. His face was bright pink from the cold and also with rushing around.
"Having fun, little One?" He sung Legolas up to sit on his shoulders so that Legolas could see all about him.
"Yes, Ada, thank you." Legolas was regaining his breath. Thranduil headed towards where Lomion and Mithrandir were sitting.
"How are you feeling, Lomion?" Thranduil sat Legolas down beside him.
"A little sore, but not too bad." That caused Thranduil to raise his eyes. Lomion was pale and had fine pain lines around his mouth and eyes.
"I will organise some herbs." Elrond appeared as if by magic at his side.
"Thank you, Mellon-nin." He watched as Elrond disappeared back into the Palace, he became aware that the others had all come to join them. Good natured bantering could be heard.
Elrond emerged with a goblet in his hand. He was followed by servants carrying trays of hot tea for the adults and hot milk for Legolas. None could miss the delicately wrinkled nose that Legolas pulled as he accepted his drink, but he drank it all the same.
Elrond handed Lomion his herbal tea and watched as he drank it with out pause. Once finished he was handed his own hot drink.
As they finished with their short break, Thranduil fussed around his eldest making sure that he was both comfortable and warm before the fun started again.
"Legolas, I do not think you have ever made a snow angel have you?" Drowlin smiled down at his younger brother.
"No, is there a snow angel?" Legolas' eyes were wide once more.
"Yes, Angel there is. Would you like me to show you how to make it? You can help." Drowlin's smile was wide and happy.
"How about a competition? We break into teams of two and who ever build's the best Angel can have the first go at tobogganing." Thranduil was proud of Drowlin in that minute.
"Who will be the judges?" Alcarnor asked he and Alcarnor were play fighting with Elladan and Elrohir.
"Hmm, I think it should be Mithrandir and Lomion as they are not competing." Thranduil turned to them. "Will you be the judges?"
It was quickly agreed that they would, although Mithrandir insisted that the two sets of twins be split to prevent foul play.
So it was that the five sets of teams were made ready. Legolas and Drowlin made the first team. Thranduil and Arwen made the second. Nolvo and Elladan while Elrohir was paired with Alcarnor. That left Elrond and Estel.
At a signal from Mithrandir the competition began.
"What do I do, 'Lin?" Legolas asked as they ran to the spot that Drowlin gestured to.
"Well, we need to make a round ball of snow first, like this." Drowlin began rolling the snow. Soon Legolas was helping and they had a large pile of snow in front of them in a very short time.
"Now we need to make a smaller one so that our Angel has a head." Again they were rolling snow into a ball. Legolas helped his brother lift it as high as he could, but Drowlin had to place the head on its body.
"We need to dress him, Legolas what do you think he should wear?" Drowlin knelt in the snow beside him.
Legolas thought. "A hat and scarf to keep him warm." He turned to look at their Angel critically. "He needs eyes and nose to see and wings. Angels need wings."
"So they do, my little Angel." He turned to see what he could find. On the ground beside them was seven small pieces of coal and a carrot. They wasted no time and soon their Angel had a nose, mouth and eyes.
With Legolas help Drowlin found some twigs and between them they fashioned them to look like wings. Standing back Drowlin frowned. "He needs a cloak." Without thinking he unfastened his cloak and put it around their Angel careful not to dislodge the wings.
They both stood back pleased that it was finished. It was good as well. Laughing they made their way back over to Mithrandir and Lomion. While they waited for the others to finish Drowlin made his way back inside the Palace and collected another cloak.
When he returned the others had all finished as well. They were grouped around Lomion and Mithrandir chatting excitedly.
Finally Mithrandir cleared his throat and silence fell. "We have been watching you all very carefully as you made your Snow Angel's and they all look very good. It made it very difficult for us to decide who the better one was made by. But for realism and inventive use of the branches around them we have decided the best Angel belongs to Legolas and Drowlin."
The others all cheered and clapped at hearing this and Legolas jumped up and down, excited once more.
"The second place goes to Nolvo and Elladan. Third to Thranduil and Arwen."
Congratulation's rang out loud.
"I think it is time for the noon day meal." Thranduil broke in the cheering. "We can come out later and go tobogganing."
It was an incredibly cheerful meal and before long they were once more back outside, although they all had changed into dry clothing.
It was Elardion who walked over to the shed that held the sledges. Legolas' eyes were wide as he looked at them, he had never been allowed on one of them before.
Thranduil had already realised this and suggested. "Drowlin, Legolas has never been on a sledge before. Will you show him how it is done?"
"Of course I can, Ada." Soon he was explaining to an attentive Legolas what he was doing and why, then he was sliding down the slight incline towards the trees.
It was Legolas' turn then and he performed admirably. Not falling of once. They all took turns then cheering each other on.
Once every one had had one turn they started at the beginning again and Drowlin was once more sailing down the slight incline towards the forest.
Then it was Legolas' turn and after Thranduil had made certain he was holding the rains correctly and then gave a gentle push to get him going.
Legolas was screaming with joy as the wind rustled through his hair, suddenly the wind picked up behind him and he was going faster than ever. The trees seemed to loom in front of him, coming nearer by the minute. He could hear the shouts of his family behind him and he tried frantically to stop, to no avail.
With a loud crack the Elfling disappeared in a giant cloud of snow, for one very, very, very long second no one moved or dared to breathe. The first to move was Drowlin, he ran as fast as he could on the snow towards the tree followed by his father. Soon the whole group apart from Lomion who was shouting to see what had happened.
Drowlin skidded to a halt at the sight of the broken sledge. The he saw the small snow covered lump. Falling to his knees he brushed the snow away and turned Legolas over. He was limp and pale, with his eyes closed his long dark eyelashes standing out starkly. Blood trickled from some where above his hair line. A deep graze ran down his left cheek.
"Legolas? Little Angel, can you hear me?" He cradled the Elfling in his arms.
"Drowlin is he alright?" Thranduil skidded to a halt beside his son's.
"He is unconscious, Ada." Dark eyes turned to Thranduil and he could read the fear in them.
"Let me see him." Elrond was the next Elf to arrive. Drowlin reluctantly gave his brother to the Elf Lord.
"Legolas, can you wake up for me?" As he said this he was checking him over for injuries.
"Elrond?" Thranduil could keep silent no longer.
"He will be fine. He has broken his wrist but apart from a lump and cut on his forehead I can fins no other injuries. Legolas?" he lightly tapped the Elfling's right cheek.
The eyelashes fluttered and were followed by a low groan. "That is it, little Leaf, open your eyes for your Adar." Thranduil tried to urge the Elfling on.
"Ada?" The blue eyes opened slowly.
"Yes, My Leaf, I am here." He gently stroked the forehead, careful not to touch the growing lump.
"That was fun, can I do it again?" Legolas groaned even more when he tried to move his injured arm.
The others had gathered around the small group and could only laugh at the Elfling's comment.
"I am glad that one of us found that to be fun, Ion-nin." Was Thranduil's wry comment. "You can do this again, but not today."
Legolas tried to change his father's mind. "But Adar, you need to have your turn."
"Little One, the sledge is broken beyond repair and we will have to make a new one. Beside, we need to have a good look at you and see to that pain in your wrist." While Thranduil was speaking Nolvo had turned and was moving back up the hill to reassure Lomion.
Soon they were all once more in the warm. At Thranduil's insistence they all sat in the family room where a roaring fire had been readied. Thranduil sat with his youngest on his lap in the chair nearest the fire. Legolas was wrapped in one of the fluffy thick blankets that had covered Lomion.
Elrond was checking him over once more. His initial observations had been right, it did not take long before he had set and bandaged the wrist and seen to the cuts. As he finished one of the servants arrived with warm tea and cakes for the group.
"Legolas, can you tell me what happened?" Thranduil helped the Elfling sip his warm milk.
"The wind tried to make me go faster, I fell off." His eyes turned towards the window. "He says he is very sorry and only wanted to play. My tree tried to stop Me." was the simple answer.
Thranduil did not quite know how to react to that. Drowlin asked the question the every one else was thinking.
"Your tree, Angel?" He was still hovering near to Thranduil; he did not think that he would ever forget the sight of his brother lying so still, it had scared him more than he could have though possible.
"Yep, he tells me stories and in the spring he is going to show me the birds nest and the baby squirrels. He always talks to me." He was looking in earnest at Drowlin.
"How many trees do you talk to, Legolas?" Estel could not help but ask.
"All of them, they talk all the time. Can you not hear them?" The wide trusting blue eyes looked at Estel.
"No, I am afraid they will not speak with me. What about the rest of you? Can you hear the trees?"
It was soon established that although the other members of Legolas' family could hear the talk of the trees to some extent, it was no where near that of the young Prince.
Elrond returned then with the pain killing herbs for the young one. He chewed them with distaste, pulling a face at the bitterness. It deepened as he was encouraged to take a sip of milk to take the taste a way. If any thing the mixture tasted even worse with the herbs.
"Ada, can I play in the snow tomorrow?" Legolas so wanted to play outside again.
"I am sorry, little One but you need to keep that wrist dry." Elrond saved his friend from answering.
The pout was beautiful. Lomion found he could not resist it. "You can come and sit with me, Leafie and order the others about."
Thranduil quirked his eye brow at that. "You can, can you?"
"Well, Ada you do need some one to organise who to throw the snowballs at and who better at that then us?" Lomion could not help but smile, neither could Thranduil.
"I would have to agree with you at that. It is agreed then, tomorrow Legolas, Lomion and Mithrandir will be our referees so that we can play properly." He smiled down at the blond snuggled comfortably in his arms. "Would you like that, Leafie? I know it is not the same as playing in the snow but you will be with us."
The enthusiastic nod was his answer. Talk then turned to the play of the day and how much fun it had been.
Later that night a dark figure made its way down the corridor. All was once again dark and quiet. The figure stopped at a door and looking around to make sure he was alone the figure opened it and stepped inside.
Making its way over to the bed the figure stopped and looked down at its occupant. Sitting he watched the Elfling sleep.
Drowlin reached forward and brushed the loose hair from Legolas' face. Sighing he spoke even though the other could not hear.
"You scared me today, Angel. I never thought I could be so scared. It was such fun making the snow angel with you and the snowball fight. But when you crashed I thought my heart would stop. Pease do not do that again, please? I love you more than you can know and I just want you to be safe." He could not stop the tears from falling.
"I am glad you are my brother despite what I may have said earlier. Sleep well, Angel, have pleasant dreams." He kissed the blond, gently tracing the graze down his face, making certain not to touch it. Then he left the chamber. As he closed the door he turned to find his father, frowning down at him.
"What are you doing out of bed, 'Lin?"
"I just wanted to make sure that Legolas was alright, Ada. He scared me today." Thranduil could see the sincerity in Drowlin's eyes.
"He scared me too, I have to admit. Is he sleeping?" Thranduil admitted.
"Yes, Ada, he is fast asleep. He looks so angelic." He could only smile at the memory of his brother, so innocent in sleep.
"Go to bed then, 'Lin it has been a long fun day. Sleep well." Thranduil kissed his son before leaving.
"Good night, Ada. Sleep well, too." Drowlin turned and made his way back to his own chamber.
The next week passed quickly, Thranduil made sure that he was up earlier than normal so that he could continue with the pressing matters of state. He would then spend the morning with his family and friends before returning to his office and his work. This system was working well and he was extremely pleased to see the growing closeness between Legolas and Drowlin.
They had all recovered from their scare with Legolas and he was healing well, even though his wrist was still in a cast. Lomion was healing well too. His cast on his leg was being removed later that afternoon.
Just in time for the Winter Solstice celebration, this was being held in two days time. This year, even though it was the first without Laurelin, was going to be special. He wanted to thank his friends from the bottom of their hearts for the help and kindness.
He had a great feast planned, it would, hopefully be a good night.
The day of the Winter Solstice dawned cold and bright. Many Elves scurried around, today would be a busy one, they had much tom complete before night fell.
Legolas was excited, this was going to be the first time he had been allowed to attend the festivities, and last year he had been told he was too young. He was on his best behaviour for he did not want to be punished and miss the feast.
At the moment he was in his room, playing quietly with his pets. Scamp was with Lomion in his room, keeping him company. He loved talking to them, found their chatter relaxing. They were all growing know and were extremely contented with their new friend.
Mousey's nose quivered as he caught the delicious scent of the food that was being prepared for that night. Legolas laughed at the sight before whispering conspiratorially to the mouse. "I know, it smells very good, does it not? I will save you some, I promise."
A nudge of the little nose was his reward. Legolas did not even complain when later that afternoon he was made to nap, to his way of thinking, if he slept then he would not need to have an early night. He would be able to stay up longer that night.
Elardion woke his brother and helped him get ready. His outfit was made of greens and reds and Legolas chatted happily telling his brother about his day and what his pets had told him.
Elardion could only smile at his brother although the chattered turned to a slight hiss as he tried to move Legolas' arm into its sleeve. He could barely sit still as Elardion brushed and plaited his hair before putting the tiny coronet into place, despite the face that Legolas pulled.
"I will take you to sit with Lomion while I get ready." At Legolas' happy nod they made their way to Lomion's chamber. The two played with Scamp until it was time to go down to the main audience chamber. They stopped to drop Scamp off with his friends on their way.
Legolas could not believe his eyes as he walked into the chamber. This was just magical!
The chamber was decorated with boughs laden with candles so that the room was illuminated, silver and gold decorations dotted them. A dance floor had been set up at one end of the room and Legolas could see the musicians already tuning their instruments ready for after the feast.
Long tables also decorated with candles of varying colour and glittering baubles were scattered around. Elardion had to smile at the wide eyed smile of the Elfling in front of him. Exchanging a grin with Lomion he knelt.
"Is it as you thought it would be, Leafie?" All Legolas could do was nod his head. Then he noticed Elardion was also wearing his Mithril coronet.
He pointed this out and received grins from both his brothers. They watched as the guests began to arrive. This was such fun for Legolas as his brothers pointed out the people they knew.
Then the heralds called for silence as Thranduil arrived. If Legolas' eyes could have gotten any bigger, they did then. He had never seen his father look so majestic and wonderful.
Indeed the King seemed to glow with power. He was wearing his ceremonial gown of green and gold of rich silks and velvets. On top of his head he wore the old Mithril crown passed down from his own father. He smiled at the awe struck look on his youngest son's face.
Soon they were all sitting at the tables; along side Thranduil sat Elrond on his right. Legolas sat on his left and next to him was Mithrandir.
The meal was exquisite; Legolas did not think he had ever tasted such wonderful food in all his life. Plate after plate of fresh fruits from Mirkwood's hot houses. Then the strawberries arrived. Legolas did not dare have them. Luckily his father realised what the problem was.
"Little One, if I have one of your strawberries will you believe they are alright?" He smiled down at his tense son.
Legolas nodded and watched with bated breath. As his father took the strawberry on the top of the pile and ate it. He waited for a short time until he was absolutely sure that his father was alright and then he too took a strawberry and bit into it. It tasted as good as it had ever done, if not better. It took the work of seconds before the bowl was empty. Thranduil said nothing as the serving Elf gave the Elfling another bowl.
Once the speeches were made it was time to dance and the music began. Legolas had the time of his life dancing with all the pretty maidens who came to speak to him about his cast.
Much later he sat on Lomion's lap as they watched the others dancing. He did not want to admit it but he was tired. Resting his head against Lomion's shoulder he slipped his thumb into his mouth. Lomion said nothing but just watched his brother as he relaxed against him. Soon those beautiful blue eyes closed and he slept.
How long Lomion sat like that he did not know he was content to sit there with the warm bundle. Pleased that Legolas was getting the maiden's attention because then they had to speak with him or it would be rude.
Thranduil finally took his brother from him with an affectionate grin and took the Elfling to his bed and left the others to dance and chat.
To be continued.
Thank you once more to all our readers and reviewers, you mean a lot to us.
Replies:
Bradleigh: Dare we admit that we feel the same? Strange that. We are glad you liked Elardion saving his brother, it was fun to write, and we both will admit that. You will have to wait and see with the twins. Let me just say we have some ideas.
Blue September Rain: may be Elardion wanted to make sure that Darenholt would not be able to return to hurt his family again. Glad you liked it though. Don't worry there is more to come with this story. You will have to wait and see what is happening with Drowlin.
Triptych: Time will tell what will happen with Thranduil. But he loves his son and as far as he is concerned that is all that matters.
Pointy-eared-elfs: Yep, Lomion is alright and Elardion is his hero. Go, Elardion!!! We are glad that you still enjoy this story.
LadyJackIsBack: Cute Legolas is best; you just want to hug him, don't you? I'm glad you like Legolas' abilities.
Dark: We promise, hand on hearts there is much more to come before this story ends, we are glad that you love it.
Well, our friends that is that until next time. If only Shell could get the right villain with the right story then she would not have the mails from Mei saying: "Do you really want Fingoran in Once?" or "Does Darenholt really belong in Darker?"!!!!
Love,
Meisalliam, Shell and all the gang.