Chapter 73: Thinking Back
Thranduil thought of his father's death. Just the night before, his father was so brave and so strong. Thranduil had been having a conversation with his father...
-------Flashback
"You will get me more grand children, correct, ion-nin? And spend more time with your child?" Oropher looked over at his son, who turned pink at this, but nodded his head.
"I promise you Adar, I would love another child... I love Tonus with all my heart, and I would love another beautiful child. I want to be able to spend more time with my family too, Adar... I really would like to have less duties, adar, so I have more time with Aldaril and Tonus." Thranduil smiled, his father kissing him on his cheek.
"And I approve of that. I have spoken with Tonus, and he wishes you had more time for him. If you make it back to Mirkwood alive, which I am more than certain that you will, I will remove some of your duties! And Tonus is already a great warrior, so why not you train him, instead of me... Tonus would love that."
"Why did you not allow Tonus to come with us to war? Tonus would have given us great help!"
"I know that Tonus is strong and brave, and he wished to go and defend Mirkwood by your side, but I would never endanger Tonus. I would never let my child come Adar."
Oropher gently touched Thranduil's cheek.
"You are very brave to have came yourself. I know you would rather be home with your love and your son." Oropher whispered.
"Yes, those are my hopes to return home to. I miss them so much. Tonus is trying to grow up so fast, I don't want to miss the rest of his life by dying in war." Thranduil muttered.
"Thank you Thranduil. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful grandson, and thank you for being my beautiful, talented son.
"Adar, if I do not return home, please, please tell Tonus that I love him. And that I died protecting him, and I will always love him." Thranduil looked into his father's eyes, so alike where his own and those of his children.
"I will do that for you my beloved son, but only if you tell your child that I love him dearly in return if I am to die." Oropher kissed his son on his brow.
"I will not do such a thing, because you shall not die. You are the greatest warrior I know Adar. But in the chance you do die... I will tell my child that you love him, and I know you do love him." Thranduil whispered.
"I love you my son, I love you more than anything in Middle Earth. I am so glad your mother gave birth to you so many years ago. I can recall your childhood and it was wonderful to have you as my little rascal." Oropher whispered, kissing his son a second time on his brow.
The next day, his father was killed... and Thranduil saw in horror as his father fell to the ground. Thranduil returned to mirkwood with his ftaher's body and weapons.
Tonus was close to his grandfather, and was suprised when his grandfather did not return.
"Your grandsire Oropher has gone to the halls of mandos. He will not be returning Tonus... I am sorry..." Thranduil whispered, then pulling his son close
"Listen, your grandsire told me, the night before his death, that he wanted me to tell you that if he was to die, he wanted you to know that he loves you, and will always be with you." Thranduil whispered.
Some days later, Thranduil was king. There was still one thing he wished to do, one thing his father wanted.
Thranduil chose to have another child. A year later, Cield son of Thranduil was born, and Thranduil was happier than he had ever been since his father's death.
-------End Flashback
Thranduil missed his wife, and knew she would never be coming back. He remembered Legolas, the little rascal. One memory came to his head suddenly.
----Flashback
"Legolas, where have you been?" Thranduil asked, folding his arms across his chest. Legolas had been missing for fifteen minutes and Thranduil had gotten nervous.
"Playing outside... in da forest." Legolas smiled. Thranduil knew what usually happened when Legolas went into the forest.
"Legolas, empty your pockets." Thranduil ordered.
"They ARE empty daddy."
"Legolas do not lie to me. Empty your pockets now."
"They are empty."
"Legolas, empty them now."
"No."
"What did you say?"
"No."
"Legolas, empty your pockets RIGHT NOW or I will no hesitate to punish you."
Legolas sighed and emptied his pockets, two baby spiders in each. Thranduil sighed and knew there was still one thing. Thranduil removed his son's tunic and a frog hopped out.
"Legolas, what have I told you about going into the forest and bringing animals home?"
"Not to?"
"Exactly. Legolas, go to your chambers, and think about this." Thranduil ordered. Legolas sighed and embraced his father's leg before turning around and slowly walking away. Thranduil sighed and followed the elfling.
"Legolas?"
"Yes Daddy?"
Thranduil sat down on the floor and let Legolas come close to him.
"Are you sorry that you went into the forest Legolas?"
"I am really sorry and I'll never go outside again without you're pemission. I promise. Ada I'm sorry, please don't make me go to my bedroom or punish me!"
Thranduil sighed and took Legolas into his arms and walked in the opposite direction of the elfling's bedroom.
"As long as you are sorry, and will not worry me like that in the near future, I suppose I can let it slip this one time." Thranduil smiled. The elfling kissed his father as he was carried away happily.
Thranduil smiled at the thought, then groaned as the second toast he had cooked since the other had burnt, burnt. The king had to stop daydreaming.
To be Continued...