Chapter 66: Oropherion
Thranduil lay on the snowy floor, his horse tied to a tree near a river for drinking. Thranduil admired the stars, thinking of his children. They where all Thranduil had left, since his wife and father died.
Thranduil loved all his children dearly and he could not choose a favourite: Tonus was first born, and therefore would always have a special place in his heart. Legolas was last born and still had the innocence of a baby, which Thranduil loved so much despite how it often was annoying. Illiendal was his only daughter, and Thranduil had always wanted a daughter. Cield resembled his mother the most, and when missing Aldaril, Cield could easily remind him of a male version of his wife and comforted him to think he was the child of Aldaril.
The crowned prince was not chosen yet. Thranduil did not plan to die any time soon, so he did not worry about it. Many times before with his wife had they discussed this, Aldaril had wanted Legolas crowned prince. But Thranduil would always fight against this: Crowning Legolas was not the way it shoukd be. He was crowned prince of Mirkwood for he was eldest of Oropher's two children. Thranduil wanted to crown Tonus. And now, Thranduil could, with no one around to say otherwise.
Thranduil's memories trailed to Legolas, and he thought of any time he had to hurt him to teach him a lesson. Never had Thranduil used a belt or backhanded Legolas before, nor did he want to ever need to, especially not at Legolas' age. Thranduil never slapped Legolas across his face, with a belt or whip, and he was proud of that. Simply slapping Legolas' backside hurt Thranduil more than Legolas would believe.
Thranduil remembered when Legolas had first broken his arm, during the meeting that was held at his house. Seeing Glorfindel carrying Legolas' crying, little form made Thranduil sickened. He could not stand seeing the tears running down his baby's face. Whilst Thranduil healed Legolas, the baby looked at his father for support, and Thranduil gave what he could, singing and holding Legolas' small hand. The king did recall that once the healing procedure was over, Legolas was attached to his father. Thranduil felt that Legolas loved him dearly, and Thranduil loved Legolas in return. The elfling even remained quiet during the meeting just for his father. The blankets of Thranduil's bed needed washing, but after that he even slept with the little elfling and kept sleeping with him until his arm was healed. Legolas appreciated it and every morning, Legolas would wake up and nearly land on his arm but thankfully with Thranduil's help he was caught just before landing by Thranduil and never did Legolas have much harm caused.
Thranduil feel asleep, thinking of his dear young children and how joyful it would be to return to them.
To Be Continued...
I'm not sure if I should put the prequel or the sequel out first. I think it will be the prequel... In the prequel, Legolas and Thranduil go to Lorien, and Legolas gets lost. Our brave March Warden finds him, and that's the first time they will meet... In the sequel Legolas will be older, but still not of age, and Haldir will come to baby-sit again - but this time, Legolas is not alone: Not only will Haldir have to watch the teenage Legolas, but also the little baby Nenmir, son of Cield... There's also another sequel to THAT in Lorien, with Legolas, the fellowship and Haldir... it don't need explaining!