Chapter 19: Run Legolas Run

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The elfling ran around the hallways yelling as Haldir tried as hard as he could from inside the guest bedroom to block out the elfling's wails. He could hear Legolas' small booted feet tapping across the marble floor, and heard elder feet as well.

Haldir groaned as he heard the elfling bash into the wall then get up again, running more.

Haldir had no choice. He stormed out of bed and slammed the door open.

"EVERYONE SHUT UP AND FREEZE!"

Everyone obeyed Haldir. Legolas froze from running, sweat covering his face. Cield, who had been freed by Legolas and his chubby little fingers, had one hand on the elfling's belt and another at his chest. Smiling but sweating and also frozen in his run, close behind him being Tonus who had stopped in his tracks as well.

"For one thing, what in the name of Valar is Cield doing out?"

Tonus gave no answer, nor did Cield. Legolas looked panicked and worried but decided he had to admit what he had done.

"I let him go."

Haldir raised an eyebrow and sat beside the elfling.

"He was there to keep him from you!"

"I know... but Tonus was chasing me so I let him go... I wanted him to help me. But he chased me too... and whenever they caught me..."

Haldir put a loving hand on the elfling's cheek.

"What did they do? Beat you? Hurt you at all in any way?"

"Nay... they tickled me until I fell on the floor!"

"But why did you free Cield? You knew he would not help."

"I knew. But Cield dont deserve to be locked up. Ada says no one does - except for dwarves."

Haldir smiled and took the elfling in his arms.

"I think we both need some sleep. Cield, since Legolas is such a big elfling and says you will cause no harm I am letting you go about the palace – and only the palace – freely. But you best not cause any harm. I am taking Legolas to sleep with me, you've tuckered the little thing out."

Haldir entered the guest room again and lay down in bed, tucking the small infant in bed beside him. Haldir laid his head on the pillows. Legolas, still confused, sat up until Haldir put a hand on his chest and pushed him down.

"Goodnight elfling."

Haldir kissed the elfling good night on his small, sweaty cheek as the elfling fell asleep, tired as he was though he already had a nap.

To be continued