Well, I'm back with chapter 4

Astalder: Legolas won't be ok, he rarely is. And as for the tree, wasn't looking where he was going, and the root was sticking up because of the storm, I think. It didn't tell me. But Leggy's connection with nature isn't a big part of this fic.

Mornflower: It takes very little to amuse me. Don't worry. Heehee…computers flinching. (Mine doesn't do that sulks)

Well anyway, here's chapter 4…

Chapter 4

Legolas stirred, and opened his eyes. It was night time; he sat up and looked around. Seeing there was no one around he got out of the bed and limped over to the balcony and looked down into the moon lit gardens. The wind blew against him lithe form wrapping around him and tugging at his hair. But his happiness was short-lived, the door opened, and a familiar footfall was heard entering the room. Legolas span around. He was right

It was his Father…and the king was not happy.

"Adar" Legolas greeted the king with a smile

Thranduil looked over at his son "Ah so you have awakened." The King's voice was dangerously quiet, a sign of his anger.

Legolas nodded "Yes," he replied with a smile

"Good. Then I wish to discuss what happened last night" the King said "What were you thinking of! You could have been killed! Or worse! The orcs could have taken you to Dol Guldur!" he paused "You know what evil lies to the South of this forest! You should be more careful!"

"Adar…" Legolas began "I heard a noise; I thought someone was in trouble. I am the Prince; I am expected to protect my people!"

"You cannot protect anyone by getting yourself killed!" Thranduil exploded "And you do not protect them alone! Legolas have I taught you nothing!"

Legolas looked at his Father, annoyed at this injustice, "Adar! I apologise if I get myself killed while trying to protect those dearest to me! But I know you too would give your life for Mirkwood. Or me."

Thranduil nodded "I would, but you are my son! It is my duty to protect you"

"As it is mine to protect Mirkwood and her people, and you" Legolas fired back "Adar, if you were alone in Mirkwood, are you denying you would come to my aid if I so needed it." He could see his Father giving in.

"The bond between you and I is different Legolas!" the King looked into his son's eyes "Legolas, I do not wish to discus this further. I do not say what you did was right, I only wish you would be more careful" with those words the king turned and walked out of the room.

Legolas followed him "Adar I am sorry" he said touching his father's tense shoulder "Really I am"

Thranduil then did something unexpected he turned and embraced his son "No, you have nothing to be sorry about. I am sorry" he said "I just worry about you ion Nin."

Legolas nodded "I know…" he muttered "and I'm sorry I cause you so much worry."

Thranduil smiled and kissed the top of Legolas' head. "You don't mean too…I caused my father as much worry…"

Legolas shook his head in disbelief "Adar…"

He was cut short when Elrohir and Estel burst into the room, "Thank the valar!" Elrohir sighed while embracing Legolas, while Estel stood behind him.

Legolas glanced over at him "Are you alright Estel?" looking pointedly at the bandage on his arm. The mortal had received the injury in the incident with the spiders.

Estel smiled "I'm fine, I'm fine" he insisted. "What about…"

Legolas laughed "A little leg injury isn't going to slow me down. I'm already insisting I visit the gardens today."

Elrohir laughed softly "Ever the troublemaker Legolas" the younger twin commented

Legolas placed a hand on his old friends shoulder "How is he?" he asked gently

"He's fine being forced to lie in…Elladan!"

The other twin had limped into the room "Hello Legolas, how are you faring"

Elrohir turned on his twin "You should be resting"

Elladan shook his head "stop fussing over me" he demanded. "I'm well" he looked at Legolas, "I think we should…"

"What ever do you think you are doing!?" shrieked a voice from the door, the four elves turned to see the menacing form of Ilyanna the healer. "Estel, I told you the prince needs some rest"

"It's just a…" Estel protested

"Now!" Ilyanna yelled, "And same goes for you Elladan, Elrohir escort your brother to his room. And as for you Prince Legolas! You should have more sense!"

Legolas, normally so brave in the face of evil quailed under the tirade of the healer. "I am…" he started

"Don't you even dare suggest you are fine!" Ilyanna snapped herding Legolas back to the bed;

Legolas dared a glance at the door, where he saw his Father laughing to himself "Adar! Tell her I am fine" he pleaded

Thranduil chuckled "Ilyanna never listens to me" he pointed out

Legolas groaned "But you are the king…"

Ilyanna sighed as she forced Legolas back into the bed "I don't care if he is Lady Elbereth. You are not leaving this room until you are healed!" Legolas grumbled under his breath, words not meant to be heard. However things like that cannot be promised…

"Don't you dare speak like a common urchin" She scolded on hearing his words "You are a prince, you should act like one"

Thranduil chuckled as he watched her leave and went to sit beside his son "Ever the fiery one" he said "and just as stubborn as you" he smiled at his son and ruffled his hair, gaining protests from his son. "Am I forgiven for my anger earlier?"

"As always" replied Legolas "And I for my rash actions?"

Thranduil stroked his son's hair gently "I blame myself for that?" the king grinned "after all it is I you inherited it from"

The Prince smiled, barely holding back a yawn "You…."

Thranduil interrupted him "You need some sleep ion-nin. I see you are tired"

Legolas protested, but his words fell on deaf ears. His Father rose to his feet and swept promptly out of the room, however at the door the king stopped "besides, it is late" Legolas watched him go before drifting into a peaceful sleep

But the Elf Prince's sleep was not peaceful; he twisted and turned in his bed as he tried to achieve some rest. But the voice would not allow him this.

"You escaped my clutched once little Prince?" It hissed "You won't a second time"

Legolas was certain he recognised the voice; it was if it lingered from a long forgotten dream or memory. Waking suddenly he found himself in darkness. Even the moon had fled to hide behind a cloud, no longer shining its pale yellow light into the Prince's bed chamber. Where Legolas felt some presence other than his own

Legolas knew he was not alone…

He reached out to the bedside table where he always left a single dagger. His hand searched around frantically, but not once did he feel the hard cold steel of the blade or the silver hilt.

The dagger was no longer there…and if that was the case…

Legolas leapt of bed, feeling a sudden terror at being alone with a hidden assailant, in his current condition it was impossible to try to escape, or fight the intruder. And to call for guards, by the time they reached him he would be dead.

"Who is there?" he called his keen eyes scanning the shadows, he saw nothing…

But there was no answer…

The prince repeated his question and once again, there was no answer. But then, a shadow rose up in front of him. Legolas cursed his blindness and backed away, knocking into the tall single candelabra which stood by his bed it fell to the floor with a loud clatter. Legolas glanced at it and prayed it would have alerted someone.

But his hope was short lived, for someone behind him grabbed his wrist, Legolas cried out, as he realised the strength of the man grip had broken his wrist. He tried to pull away, but the second man swung an object at the side of his head, and the prince saw no more

TBC…

Er...bye