Title: Youthful Misgivings

Author: MysticHeero

Chapter: two: Problems and Solutions

Warnings: MPreg.

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The guilty elf, Disaran, had been executed at dawn and the entire palace, though sad at the though of killing their own, was relieved that he would no longer be able to harm another elf. It also eased the king's mind, knowing his son's tormentor no long had the ability to harm his child.

Thranduil, however, was still worried about his youngest son. Legolas seemed to be growing more and more subdued every day, not that the woodland king blamed him. After all that had happened Legolas was indeed coping better than could be expected but it was still worrying. Talking with Calamansil earlier, not long after midday, Thranduil had explained who knew of Legolas' condition and they had discussed the predicament. So far only a small group, consisting of Thranduil, is sons, two healers and a guard, knew of Legolas' rape and pregnancy, and for that Thranduil had been pleased. If they continued along these lines then Legolas would be able to live a relatively normal life without fear of people treating him differently because of what Disaran had done. But the fact still remained that Legolas was pregnant and was five years from his majority. There were reasons as to why such strict laws had been made about elves under their majority, most especially maternals. Though a maternal came into full maturity between the ages of forty three and forty seven, their bodies were not yet able to cope with the mental and physical strain of carrying a child. Calamansil had informed Thranduil that though Legolas would not carry the child to full term, he would probably last until a late period. This had been bad news for Thranduil to hear and it was made worse by the fact that abortion was not an option. Normally abortion was seen as wrong and against the steadfast beliefs of elves, except in extreme conditions, such as the pregnant elf was unable to bear the child with out their own death, but as Legolas was a maternal – an under age one at that – abortion would do great harm if not cause death.

With every passing sunrise, Thranduil's heart grew heavier with despair for Legolas. His last child had already been through so much, what with never having known his mother and growing up in such a dangerous place like Eryn Galen, and dealing with the loss of most of the few friends he had had. Now with Disaran's crime against Legolas, Thranduil feared the effects it would all have on his son. But Legolas was strong, and despite the lack of years, the younger blonde was definitely very mature. This had always made Thranduil proud, though he usually wished that Legolas' older brothers would also behave so mature.

At this moment the middle prince, Tondar, was trying to keep Legolas occupied, while Thranduil and his eldest attempted to find some sort of solution for Legolas. All this morning they had come up with nothing that didn't involve Legolas' condition becoming public knowledge and that wasn't acceptable in the views of the royal family. Calamansil had been taken into council over the idea and the healer had provided an idea, even if it was unintentional. While in Eryn Galen, Legolas would not have the full attention he needed during his pregnancy as they only had basic knowledge of maternals, which could prove dangerous, and he would also not be able to hide his situation for very long after he started showing in just short of three months. Thranduil wouldn't settle for anything short of the best for Legolas, especially at a time like this, and Thranduil had just come back from his private study where he had been mind-speaking with Elrond. Knocking softly on Legolas' door, Thranduil waited until he heard the soft call to enter before making his way inside. He saw his two sons sitting beside one another on the soft divan, Legolas dressed in a high collar tunic with long sleeves, as was his habit of late. The effects of the diaphrim had worn off completely now, but it had proven to make all of Legolas' bruises and marks become more visible against his pale skin hue. Anyone could see the hand prints and bite marks in detail where Disaran had forcefully restrained the younger elf and tortured him and is was painful just to look at. Thranduil had caught Legolas staring at his clothed arms, as if looking through the fabric, at the places where there was a bruise or bite mark, and he knew that Legolas was seeing what he could recall from that night. At night he relived it in his dreams, though he hadn't said a word, but his family knew. They would hold him while he was only partially awake, still trapped in his nightmares, and sooth him while he shuddered in their arms.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you." Thranduil spoke, as he approached the divan beside the balcony, and was very much relieved to see Legolas smile back, even if it wasn't up to its usual vibrance. Tondar also smiled, a secretive glance to his father portraying his own relief.

"No." Legolas' voice was quiet but sounded a lot more alive than this morning. Sitting in the chair opposite the divan his sons were seated on, Thranduil decided to get to the point.

"I've been conversing with Elrond, and we have come to a decision regarding this whole matter." He waited for Legolas to nod his understanding before continuing. "We would not be able to keep your pregnancy hidden here and Elrond has agreed that you would receive the best possible care in Imladris."

"You're sending me away." Legolas had spoken the words Thranduil had feared, and his heart ached at the desolation that coloured the prince's voice.

"No Las. That was not how I intended you to take this. I wish I could keep you by my side, but the fact of the matter is that we can not keep this hidden here." Thranduil had moved off the chair to crouch in front of his youngest, grasping the smaller hands and meeting the sorrow filled eyes. "I would never abandon you, no matter what. I only wish for what is best for you and your health." Legolas simply nodded in silence, not sure what to say or do.

"Las?" Tondar nudged in on his thoughts.

"When... When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow morn. I know it's soon but Selinyar's small company leave then and the will escort you to Imladris. Everyone here will be told that you have gone with them on your novice trip." The king explained. "After this is all over, and Elrond releases you from his care, you will continue on with Selinyar's group so that you do actually have your novice trip."

"Then they know?" Legolas enquired sounding slightly disappointed.

"Yes. Selinyar already knew; he was with me when we arrested Disaran, but has agreed to keep it secret. Only the other three members of his small group will know anything and Selinyar has assured me that they are to be trusted to keep this a secret. All they have been told is that Disaran had attacked you, no more, and that you are going to Imladris to recover. They will accompany you as far as the border of Imladris where Glorfindel will meet you."

"Alright." Legolas nodded and Thranduil stood.

"There are still details to be sorted out and arrangements to be made, but I will see you later. Are you going to join us for evening meal?" Legolas looked up to meet his father's eyes and saw the imploring in his eyes. Looking to his older brother Legolas saw the same thing and sighed.

"Yes." He hadn't gone to either of the meals today, instead eating in his chamber; his family giving the excuse that he was busy with his private studies and one of the brothers would bring him something to eat, joking that without their thoughtfulness Legolas would completely forget to eat. It was well known that when Legolas did something he usually bypassed everything else in order to finish it. He hated leaving things half done, and for once Thranduil was actually glad of this as it gave a plausible excuse for is youngest's absence. Though according to his sons Legolas would hardly touch what he was brought, instead merely stirring it around the plate absently, his thoughts clearly elsewhere on darker topics.

"I'll see you at supper then." Thranduil stood and left, intending on sorting through the last details soonest with his eldest son. The sooner it was sorted, the sooner he could properly talk to Legolas and be there for him. The confusion over the last few days had prevented Thranduil from really spending any proper time alone with Legolas and it hurt the King to know what the youngest prince was most likely going through.

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The next morning arrived all too quickly for Thranduil and Legolas. At dawn it found a small number of elves rising and preparing to leave, checking that they had everything they would need before they left a hour later. For the Royal family, it had been a sad time, with them spending the hour in Legolas' rooms making sure that everything was arranged and that Legolas had something to eat. The youngest elf was not outwardly showing his nervousness, or in fact showing much outward expression at all, but his brothers and father knew that inside it was a different matter. The last prince of Eryn Galen had sustained his near complete silent demeanour and not even his family could get him to say more that a few sentences at a time. They had said goodbye in private, not wanting Legolas to feel more uncomfortable around the elves he would be travelling with for the next week or so. Thranduil had been able to find very few words for his son, but instead spent a long time just holding him close as his son had accepted the support silently.

It had been a quiet party that had ridden out of the Palace grounds that morning, and now they were eight days into the journey. Legolas was still quiet, but as long as he wasn't given chance to dwell on his thoughts he was practically his normal self; laughing at and making his own jokes. The other elves respectively kept clear of the subject regarding Disaran and Legolas' current condition due to the named elf, and for that Legolas was eternally grateful. The long week of travelling had been tiring on them all, as it had more often than not rained; the heaviest rainfall in the mountains where it rose to add to the humid air. They had left the passes two days ago and their pace had picked up being on the flats again. Rivendell lay ahead of them, though cloaked by the Elven magic that resided within, and Legolas felt his heart beginning to drop again. He had managed to at least push back the depressing thoughts from his mind while travelling with Selinyar's group, as he had been swept up in the thrill of his first trip out side of Eryn Galen. Now, however, with his destination nearing he found the shadowing thoughts creeping back into his mind. They would be inside the Vale in less than an hour, and the youngest elf of the group wasn't sure how he should feel. Once inside the borders Legolas would be stripped of any distractions that his current travelling had provided. Nudging his horse forward again, without having realised he had actually halted, Legolas sighed to himself, while trying to shake the thoughts from his mind.

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Review Responses.

NienneVala: Hey thanks for the review, I'm really glad that you like it.

Haldir's Heart and Soul: I'm glad that you liked the first chapter. Sadly this second one isn't as interesting or even quite as good, but it was the best I could get it. Next chapter will have more in it hopefully, and it revolves around Legolas mainly, though Elrond and Glorfindel play a big part.

Empath89: No I don't think there are any slash pairings in this fic. WAIT I tell a lie, duh smacks head there is a lovely little Elrond/Glorfindel bit, though there are continuous references to it all the time. Hope that settles you for now. There definitely are in the sequel. Believe it or not I've actually written the first chappy of the sequel but I can't post it because it will give this fic away.

Toby7: Sorry but no Aragorn pairings in this one. As for Legolas….. I won't give it away, though I'll tell you that he has no pairing in this one – he does in the sequel though.

MoroTheWolfGod: Hey we have a princess mononoke fan – one of my first animes, out of my huge resource now. Anyway thank you for your lovely review. Very short. But I can take a hint when it's that obvious.

Sponge: Thanks Phil. I am looking forward to reading more of your interesting ficcies. Remember KILL PHILL at all costs.

ScottyLass: Finally you bint. How could you forget. sulks

Carol T: Thank you for the review, I'm trying to write up as many of the chapters as possible. I now own a laptop, though the internet is limited on it, and so writing things up is sooo much faster now.

Arch-Nemisis: That was short but straight to the point. Will try to be fast with updates. My exams are nearly over now – just one left.