Chapter 15: Thranduil's Talk

"Thranduil?"

Thranduil snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at Celeborn.

"Sorry, I am a little... off today."

"So I see. What is on your thoughts?"

Thranduil stammered slightly. He was lucky Celeborn had not asked him what was on his mind during the meeting.

"Legolas. He is so young, but Haldir is also. I know Legolas is very hyper and does not behave. I know Legolas was also very sad to see me leave."

"Thranduil, my friend, this is all very normal for an elfling. He should act like that."

"So are you saying that Legolas rejecting all the rules I have set down for him does not call for discipline and I should not beat him, just because he should act disrespectful?"

"Well... yes. I would not beat Legolas at all. He is still young. Perhaps a gentle slap but nothing more."

"You just say that because Legolas is so sweet and cute." Thranduil sneered. He knew he was one of the only elves who could get mad at his adorable son.

Celeborn shrugged. "I tried to help." He muttered quietly. "What happened the last time you beat the adorable fool?" Celeborn asked, trying to help as much as possible.

---Flashback

"Legolas Thranduilion, please come see me in my room after your snack." Thranduil whispered as the little elfling nibbled at a cookie. Legolas nodded his small head as his father left the kitchen, and Legolas immediately knew he was in trouble.

It was pouring ran and terribly muddy outside. His Ada had forbidden him to go outside because of the rain and mud. But Legolas had not listened and snuck out. Thranduil had caught the elfling about to enter the forest. Thranduil had seemed very angry though he tried to hide it.

Legolas was in his thoughts so deeply he only realized his cookie was gone when he bit his finger.

"Owy!"

Legolas slowly walked to his father's room and pushed the door open with his little fists.

Thranduil awaited his son, his staff of oak on one hand, tightly held.

"Ah, Legolas, so glad you have finally arrived. I need to speak with you."

Legolas bit his lip and came over to his father who took him on his lap.

"Now Legolas, what did I tell you about going outside in the rain?"

"Not to..."

"And what happens when you disobey a rule?"

A small tear ran down Legolas' face, but no answer came from the saddened prince.

"Legolas..." Thranduil said, though Thranduil felt sympathy for his little baby.

"You punish me for being bad."

Thranduil nodded his head and the elfling looked at the floor.

"The floor is preatty."

"Ion Nin, you knew very well you would be punished if you went outside. Normally, I would not punish you, but, you also tried entering the forest... which you know you are never to do until you are much, much older."

"I'm sorry! I just... was bored."

"No excuse Legolas."

Thranduil sighed. He knew he had to do this or he would have a son with not a bit of discipline. Legolas looked at his father sadly as his father pulled his over, Thranduil placing his staff on the floor to slap Legolas' backside with his hand, the elfling closing his eyes in pain.

When Thranduil finished he stood his son up. Legolas had tears in his eyes and pain in his backside.

"Sorry Ada..."

The elfling left the room, head hanging down. He wished he could go to his hiding spot but knew what his father would do if he did, so ran off to his room, sobbing on his bed.

---End flashback

"Thank you Celeborn for making me feel like a terrible father." Thranduil nodded, leaving the room to go to the guestroom he stayed in.

Galadriel slapped Celeborn across his face, Celeborn backing away from his scary wife.

"What?"

"King Thranduil is having rough times, with his wife gone. You are not helping! He always has been over protective as well as much too strict. Just let him be, I know Haldir will take great care of his son."

To Be Continued

Yay! It's the Galadriel-Slap chapter!