Hey! Thanks for the comments, even the bad! All accidents in spelling and such are purely
because I seem to be purely oblivious to all spelling/grammar while I'm typing. It's a curse!
Also, I do realize that many people don't see many Thranduil as any more than stern. Thranduil is
one of my fave characters... what there is of him ^_^. Hope you enjoy the second part!
"Risk of Yesterday"
Author: Spark. Just... Spark.
Email: LimeVegetaSpark@aol.com
Rating: PG13, for mentions of slight torture (no Cassia thing going on here, I could never
pull that off ~_^) and some physical abuse.
Feedback: Very welcome! The bad and the good please! One request, if your telling me it
sucks, please... tell me why!
Disclaimer: No, for those people who have the strange idea that I am J.R.R.Tolkein and
own Lord of the Rings or anything related, I don't. Yup. Sad, but true
Summary: When Aragorn pesters Legolas into letting him travel with him as he goes home
he finds himself seeing a part of Legolas's life Legolas doesn't normally show... his
relationship with his father. When time is running out, will Legolas risk himself for a man
who never truly cared for him?
Notes: Like Cassia and Sio, I hold the fact that Aragorn was raised by Elrond among
Elladan and Elrohir to be true to these stories even if some do not agree.
Fairly Important only to title of story: 'A risk of yesterday' is a phrase I thought would
seem like a very elven phrase, meaning it was of the past, it was something that can not
be changed, etc... as 'yesterday' to the elves is more or less a greater idea of time. If an
elf wanted to literally say it was a risk of the day before, it would make more sense to
state a more direct time reference, such as 'yesterday morning' or 'yesterday evening' or
such. Thanks for understanding my odd mind ^_^
Elven references
nin mellon: "my friend"
Estel: Aragorn's elven name, meaning in elven, Hope.
Namarie: Farewell
Mae Govannen: Well met
Think that's it! Enjoy!
Chap. 2
Legolas was up early the next morning, and seeing to his light gray horse, who was
shuffling his hooves and occasionally giving and impatient "mpph".
Legolas just smiled at his friend and let his hand slide over the soft skin of Fahtae's
nose. "Hush, hush nin mellon. Just a few more hours and we will be off. We must wait for
Estel. And Lord Elrond may want to see us off." He really wondered if Lord Elrond would
come. He felt as if he had been very disrespectful the night before. But he really needed to
get back to Mirkwood. If his father had indeed sent a messenger, his patience was growing
thinner than Fahtae's.
Legolas absent mindedly left his thoughts drift off as he continued to stroke Fahtae,
so he was caught fairly unawares of another elve's graceful entry, so he was slightly
surprised, but would not let that be beheld by anyone and kept himself under control, as a
hand sliced through the silent morning air and fell upon his shoulder. He did turn his head
quickly, and there, standing like a beacon in the morning mist, was Lord Elrond, in another
of his long robes, this one, however, a deep purple. Legolas gave a bow then looked back
at Lord Elrond. Was he angry? No... Elrond's eyes showed none of his emotion.
"I did not want you and my son to leave without my blessing, young prince." A
small smile lighted his calm face.
Legolas returned the cool look though he was much relieved that the elf he so much
respected held no rage against him. "I did not want to leave with out it Lord Elrond. You
knew I would leave?" The question held no accusation, only a decided slight confusion.
Elrond gave a larger smile, his eyes also twinkled with laughter at the younger elf.
When he was older, he would understand much more. "One of the many things you
inherited from your father is your stubbornness. Not that we at Imladris helped it any. No.
But it is but one thing you inherited from your father."
Legolas gave another bow. "I'm sorry I spoke to you disrespectfully last night,
Lord Elrond." He really did feel very sorry for what he had done, but to his surprise,
Elrond only started to laugh.
"You? Disrespect?!" His light laugh caused any uncertainty to vanish, and seemed
a healer to a worried mind in itself. "I wish my sons would be struck with such disrespect.
Do not apologize, little Greenleaf, for you spoke with anything but disrespect last night.
You have a wisdom and respect above those of your age."
Legolas's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped enough for his mouth to hang open
for a bit, as if trying to find a thing to say. Such a compliment he never expected to
receive! "Th..thank you Lord Elrond." His shock, only turned to bliss, which he hid as best
he could. Compared to yesterday, today was starting out fairly well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aragorn and Legolas rode out from Rivendell together when the sun rose, after a
few goodbyes and some words of encouragement from Lord Elrond. Aragorn really
couldn't place his finger on it, but Legolas was really acting fairly more happy than he ever
was while leaving Imladris.
"Legolas! Don't ride ahead! Come back here and talk to me! For you seem full of
cheer!" Aragorn was smiling at his elven best friend, who did ride his horse back to where
Aragorn was riding. "Well my friend, will you tell me what makes you so gleeful this
morning?"
"Gleeful? Nay my friend... just happier than I usually am leaving Imladris." He
remembered Elrond's assurance and it felt very good to know someone cared...
-flashback-
"Now Legolas... remember, Rivendell is forever open to you till the ending
of the stars." Elrond looked at the young one with sincerity. Legolas just nodded,
but seemed not to really accept what was said, so Elrond took him by the arm before
the prince could walk away. "Please Legolas, you do not take me seriously. If
anything should happen and you must or want to get out of Mirkwood, you know
where you will always be welcomed." Before Legolas could speak, Elrond wrapped
him in a large embrace, before looking him straight in the eyes again. "I will await
you here Legolas. I care for you as a father cares for a son, and if you ever need
one, You do know where to find me." For moments Elrond thought he had
overtaken his advance, but Legolas's smile only widened, and he nodded, more
seriously this time.
"Namarie Lord Elrond." He gracefully swung onto Fahtae, and rode to Aragorn.
"Namarie Legolas." Elrond watched the two go and started wondering if Iluvatar
really wanted him to be a father figure to every elf that passed his way... Oh Iluvatar,
the games you play!
-end flashback-
"Come now Legolas, you have been in and out of your own world of the Valar for
some time now. Tell me of what you are thinking about!" Aragorn's voice rang true and
broke Legolas out of his thoughts.
"Nothing too special for you perhaps Aragorn. I got a very flattering compliment
from Lord Elrond. But of course, that's not much for you, huh?" He gave a sideways
glance at Aragorn.
"Hah. A compliment, surely it's more than that? Of course the Prince of Mirkwood
gets enough compliments from his own kind." Aragorn did not know of what he spoke, but
Legolas never thought much of it. Aragorn really never was inside the palace or really much
of Mirkwood, except maybe the outskirts of the woods.
"Fine young Aragorn, whatever you say! But I still believe I can get there before
you!" He grabbed Aragorn's extra knife that he kept against his left arm, but was easy to
get out if you knew what it was, making sure he had a hostage. "And you are not getting
your knife back unless you beat me!" He reared Fahtae before starting out along the path
at a smooth canter, not as fast as he could go of course, but he didn't want too big of a lead
on Aragorn!
A yell of surprise came from Aragorn, and then the sound of quick hoof beats as he
tried to even out with Legolas, muttering words about unfair starts and tricky elves.
Legolas's laughter and Aragorn's taunts seemed to fill the whole wood with a feeling of joy
and playfulness...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Legolas and Aragorn finally got to Mirkwood, both were fairly tired from
the long trip. Aragorn was admiring the tall trees of Mirkwood, even though they were a bit
creepy, but that was very much shattered by the presence of his elven friend. It seemed to
Aragorn that many an elf just seemed to lighten a gloomy area with their presence. Legolas
had gotten nearly to the more populated area near the palace where he stopped.
"This is where we part dear friend." Legolas smiled at Aragorn, knowing his friend
would now try to argue what he could never win, so Legolas took a light-hearted attitude
towards it.
"Legolas! That's not fair! You let me go farther than this last time! What are you
hiding nin mellon? Surely the wood-elves are not so xenophobic as not to let me pass
further in their lands!" Aragorn wore a small pout, though he really held no animosity
against his light-haired friend.
Legolas did not back down in the least, even with the teasing slight against
wood-elves. "Ah, we don't like humans and I don't believe even my father has truly
amicable feelings about the Noldor elves. I'm sorry Aragorn." His excuse usually was
enough for Aragorn to except, and today was no exception. They had had a smooth,
problem-free trip there, which put everyone's spirits on a high.
"Fine my friend. But one day, I'm going to get past the gates to the palace, you'll
see!" The man slowly pulled back on the reigns of his horse, who was unusually jumpy
every time he was near Mirkwood.
A smile lit Legolas's face, as his mind toyed with the idea. "Yes, nin mellon...
someday you may, someday you may. But I'm afraid today is not that day. Namarie Estel.
Give my best to Lord Elrond also." He gave a small nod to Aragorn, then turned and let
Fahtae trot towards Thranduil's palace.
Aragorn sighed slightly, his shoulders sagged a bit as he watched his friend
disappear into the mist of Mirkwood. And he had to go back through the other way... he
was somewhat glad today Legolas hadn't let him go further, he hated riding back himself.
As he moved to turn his horse, a thought struck him...
Legolas still had Aragorn's dagger.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fahtae slowly lead Legolas past the gates of Mirkwood, the guards only
glancing at him before breaking out into smiles. "Legolas!" Legolas had already
permanently forbidden them for using his formal title except on formal issues or at formal
events. "You have arrived! It's very good to see you."
Tilting his head back so he could look directly at his addresser Legolas spoke in his
mellifluous voice. "Mae govannen Kephitan. I've missed you too." With that, he spoke a
small word to Fahtae and he walked forward again, and Legolas slid off.
Kephitan left the other sentries on duty and came down to take care of Fahtae.
Legolas held up a hand to stop him, but Kephitan only gave a small smirk. "I though we
had an agreement Legolas, we take turns taking care of Fahtae. Or do you want to go
back on your decision?"
Legolas shook his head, chortling under his breath. "Yes, yes Kephitan... I had
hoped you had forgotten about that. I must be off." He gave Fahtae one more pat before
Kephitan took him away. Once he got to where many of the attendants were, he started
getting noticed by the others.
"Legolas! Legolas is back!" Many of the younger elves around came running to
him, and Legolas bent down and let them hang from his arms and neck. "Legolas!
Legolas! I'm glad you're back! Are you going to start teaching us how to shoot again?"
One of the younger boys spoke, eyes wide in anticipation.
A short laugh erupted from Legolas as he hugged the kids. "Of course! Then you
promised me you'd learn how to wrap wounds." A groan erupted from some of the smaller
kids. "Now you little troublesome elflings, knowing how to heal an arrow wound can be
just as important as shooting an arrow! Besides, I'll find some way to make it fun for you!"
Giggles from the children put Legolas in an even better mood, and he watched each filter
away with a goodbye, called to one chore or another with their parents. It was not long
before his walk to through the courtyards was interrupted again.
"Legolas! I'm so glad you've come! And just in time! Will you be a dear and cut
this vine from the new fabric?" One of the more thorny vines was stuck in one of the richer
newer fabrics of the new supply. It was obvious the woman, who was older than Legolas,
was the seamstress and didn't want to pull on the fabric lest it tear or snag.
"It would be my pleasure ma'am." He bent and took a dagger, which he still didn't
notice was actually Aragorn's and cut away the vine, freeing the material. "There my lady, I
believe this vine will be troubling you no more." He stood straight again and smiled at the
slightly shorter woman.
"Thank you Legolas dear, you have the perfect timing, did you know that? I don't
know what I'd do without you." She was flustering around, trying to refold the fabric and
put it on the stack she was taking away from the palace.
"I'm sure you would fare perfectly fine without me ma'am." Legolas replied, giving
a wave to her before actually getting to the great doors into the entrance of the palace.
Suddenly all glee that had accumulated previously drained from his face as he slowly
entered.
Every step seemed to drain more joy from the young elves face. Would his father
be mad he took so long? Maybe he had seen him stop to talk with the children, or
Kephitan, or maybe when he was helping Tolianen, the seamstress. Oh well, he never had
been very good at not getting sidetracked. He slowly pushed open the grand redwood
door that made the entryway to his father's throne room.
His feet made no sound against the warm red carpet that lead to where a
blond-haired royal looking elf was sitting on a throne of beech, with a golden circlet upon
his forehead. The elf slowly stood to his full height. It was often of much annoyance to the
king that his son had grown equal in height to the king himself. Legolas bent on one knee,
then stood and did not look his father in the eye, he had learned he couldn't sort out his
father's thoughts from the look in his eye as he could others, but he had been accused of the
same thing by many people.
"You're late." Thranduil's eyes held a cold disapproval towards his only son.
"I'm sorry my King. I did not mean to linger so long in Rivendell. I did not know
it was against your wishes. It seemed to do no one harm." He regretted his last words
even as they slipped out of his mouth. He had not yet acquired the ability to hold his tongue
when he wanted too.
"Just because something does not seem to cause anyone harm doesn't mean that it
is right! Why must you always try to ride the lines so?! Have I taught you nothing or do
you just forget it the moment it is told you?" King Thranduil's voice was slowly getting more
sharp and more angry in sound. Legolas's eyes still found his shoes very interesting.
"And why must you always leave? The hospitality of the Silvan is not good enough for
you, is it Legolas?" The name of his son seemed more of a slight on his tongue than an
actually living object in front of him. "You run to your friends the Noldor. Is that it? And if
that's not bad enough... you befriend a human! A human! How far have you slunk
Legolas?!" The anger in Thranduil's voice was even more apparent, and now the elven king
tensed his fist. "I thought I asked you a question!" Legolas continued to look at the floor,
knowing no answer would appease his father, only lead to more confrontation.
"Look at me when I'm speaking to you! You seem to have no troubles looking
anyone else in the eye!" Legolas raised his head slightly, but still did not answer Thranduil.
A small guttural growl emitted from Thranduil's throat and he raised his fist. Legolas's eyes
did not move from Thranduil's, though it was obvious he saw the oncoming punch because
he seemed to brace his body as the fist came down squarely against the prince's jaw.
Legolas only took a small intake of breath, but still looked towards the king who
still had a face full of anger. "Tell me Legolas, why do you befriend those of such lesser
kind!?"
Legolas continued to look at his father, and slowly spoke clearly, not letting the king
fault him for mumbling. "They are not of a lesser kind my King." Talking back always had
it's consequences, and for Legolas it meant to more thumps of pain but still Legolas kept
looking towards Thranduil, who then was even more enraged. Legolas then heard as small
sound of sneaking feet in the hall behind him, and to his horror they sounded human.
Thranduil didn't notice, his attention was focused in other places.
"You are not worth my attention or care! You're not worth the bloodline of my
fathers!" Seemingly angered at himself for producing such a son, and Legolas for being so,
he gave Legolas a few more hard thumps, all of which Legolas saw beforehand, and it was
well in his power to block, but that would only entice the angry king. Legolas now had a
couple bruises and a split lip, not to mention shorter breath, as his father had gotten him
once in the gut. His father looked him over once again and decided this could go no
further. "Get out of my sight! You are too much of a disgrace to be in my presence!"
Legolas obeyed immediately, head lowered, but instead of taking the shorter route through
the side hall to get to his room, he went out the way he came. He had a confused ranger to
grab on his way out. His father, of course... did not notice in the least.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aragorn had snuck into Mirkwood, he had to find his dagger. It had been a
present from Elladan, who would definitely notice if it was missing. He had successfully
gotten past many elves, who saw him, but he had his cloak over his head, so all they though
was it was one of the more troublesome adolescent elflings sneaking around. Legolas had
indeed told him of another entrance into the main hallway that lead to his father's throne
room, just as an extra tidbit of information, and Aragorn was almost certain his friend would
be talking to his father or in his room, which Aragorn only knew how to get to from the
throne room. He only hoped he remembered Legolas's directions. He really didn't want to
disturb the wood-elves, for fear their xenophobia was indeed real.
He heard a raised voice as he neared the throne room, so he stopped in the
entrance and only peeked around the side, not wanting to disturb whatever controversy
stirred within. There, to his utter astonishment, was Legolas, he knew even though his
friend's back was towards him. What he heard and saw next stopped him in his tracks.
"You are not worth my attention or care! You are not worth the bloodline of my
fathers!" And then to Aragorn's astonishment, Thranduil lifted his fist high and hit Legolas a
few times, and each time Aragorn had to hold himself back or hold back the small intakes
of breath he was prone to give. "Get out of my sight! You are too much of a disgrace to
be in my presence!" Thranduil's voice floated towards him, and Aragorn clenched his fist,
though could not judge a thing for he had no idea what he had seen... or if he was supposed
to see it. Legolas turned around and Aragorn could see Legolas's new bruises that were
just coming in, and the thin line of blood coming from his friend's chin. He could also see
that his friend's eyes met his. He knew he was there.
because I seem to be purely oblivious to all spelling/grammar while I'm typing. It's a curse!
Also, I do realize that many people don't see many Thranduil as any more than stern. Thranduil is
one of my fave characters... what there is of him ^_^. Hope you enjoy the second part!
"Risk of Yesterday"
Author: Spark. Just... Spark.
Email: LimeVegetaSpark@aol.com
Rating: PG13, for mentions of slight torture (no Cassia thing going on here, I could never
pull that off ~_^) and some physical abuse.
Feedback: Very welcome! The bad and the good please! One request, if your telling me it
sucks, please... tell me why!
Disclaimer: No, for those people who have the strange idea that I am J.R.R.Tolkein and
own Lord of the Rings or anything related, I don't. Yup. Sad, but true
Summary: When Aragorn pesters Legolas into letting him travel with him as he goes home
he finds himself seeing a part of Legolas's life Legolas doesn't normally show... his
relationship with his father. When time is running out, will Legolas risk himself for a man
who never truly cared for him?
Notes: Like Cassia and Sio, I hold the fact that Aragorn was raised by Elrond among
Elladan and Elrohir to be true to these stories even if some do not agree.
Fairly Important only to title of story: 'A risk of yesterday' is a phrase I thought would
seem like a very elven phrase, meaning it was of the past, it was something that can not
be changed, etc... as 'yesterday' to the elves is more or less a greater idea of time. If an
elf wanted to literally say it was a risk of the day before, it would make more sense to
state a more direct time reference, such as 'yesterday morning' or 'yesterday evening' or
such. Thanks for understanding my odd mind ^_^
Elven references
nin mellon: "my friend"
Estel: Aragorn's elven name, meaning in elven, Hope.
Namarie: Farewell
Mae Govannen: Well met
Think that's it! Enjoy!
Chap. 2
Legolas was up early the next morning, and seeing to his light gray horse, who was
shuffling his hooves and occasionally giving and impatient "mpph".
Legolas just smiled at his friend and let his hand slide over the soft skin of Fahtae's
nose. "Hush, hush nin mellon. Just a few more hours and we will be off. We must wait for
Estel. And Lord Elrond may want to see us off." He really wondered if Lord Elrond would
come. He felt as if he had been very disrespectful the night before. But he really needed to
get back to Mirkwood. If his father had indeed sent a messenger, his patience was growing
thinner than Fahtae's.
Legolas absent mindedly left his thoughts drift off as he continued to stroke Fahtae,
so he was caught fairly unawares of another elve's graceful entry, so he was slightly
surprised, but would not let that be beheld by anyone and kept himself under control, as a
hand sliced through the silent morning air and fell upon his shoulder. He did turn his head
quickly, and there, standing like a beacon in the morning mist, was Lord Elrond, in another
of his long robes, this one, however, a deep purple. Legolas gave a bow then looked back
at Lord Elrond. Was he angry? No... Elrond's eyes showed none of his emotion.
"I did not want you and my son to leave without my blessing, young prince." A
small smile lighted his calm face.
Legolas returned the cool look though he was much relieved that the elf he so much
respected held no rage against him. "I did not want to leave with out it Lord Elrond. You
knew I would leave?" The question held no accusation, only a decided slight confusion.
Elrond gave a larger smile, his eyes also twinkled with laughter at the younger elf.
When he was older, he would understand much more. "One of the many things you
inherited from your father is your stubbornness. Not that we at Imladris helped it any. No.
But it is but one thing you inherited from your father."
Legolas gave another bow. "I'm sorry I spoke to you disrespectfully last night,
Lord Elrond." He really did feel very sorry for what he had done, but to his surprise,
Elrond only started to laugh.
"You? Disrespect?!" His light laugh caused any uncertainty to vanish, and seemed
a healer to a worried mind in itself. "I wish my sons would be struck with such disrespect.
Do not apologize, little Greenleaf, for you spoke with anything but disrespect last night.
You have a wisdom and respect above those of your age."
Legolas's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped enough for his mouth to hang open
for a bit, as if trying to find a thing to say. Such a compliment he never expected to
receive! "Th..thank you Lord Elrond." His shock, only turned to bliss, which he hid as best
he could. Compared to yesterday, today was starting out fairly well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aragorn and Legolas rode out from Rivendell together when the sun rose, after a
few goodbyes and some words of encouragement from Lord Elrond. Aragorn really
couldn't place his finger on it, but Legolas was really acting fairly more happy than he ever
was while leaving Imladris.
"Legolas! Don't ride ahead! Come back here and talk to me! For you seem full of
cheer!" Aragorn was smiling at his elven best friend, who did ride his horse back to where
Aragorn was riding. "Well my friend, will you tell me what makes you so gleeful this
morning?"
"Gleeful? Nay my friend... just happier than I usually am leaving Imladris." He
remembered Elrond's assurance and it felt very good to know someone cared...
-flashback-
"Now Legolas... remember, Rivendell is forever open to you till the ending
of the stars." Elrond looked at the young one with sincerity. Legolas just nodded,
but seemed not to really accept what was said, so Elrond took him by the arm before
the prince could walk away. "Please Legolas, you do not take me seriously. If
anything should happen and you must or want to get out of Mirkwood, you know
where you will always be welcomed." Before Legolas could speak, Elrond wrapped
him in a large embrace, before looking him straight in the eyes again. "I will await
you here Legolas. I care for you as a father cares for a son, and if you ever need
one, You do know where to find me." For moments Elrond thought he had
overtaken his advance, but Legolas's smile only widened, and he nodded, more
seriously this time.
"Namarie Lord Elrond." He gracefully swung onto Fahtae, and rode to Aragorn.
"Namarie Legolas." Elrond watched the two go and started wondering if Iluvatar
really wanted him to be a father figure to every elf that passed his way... Oh Iluvatar,
the games you play!
-end flashback-
"Come now Legolas, you have been in and out of your own world of the Valar for
some time now. Tell me of what you are thinking about!" Aragorn's voice rang true and
broke Legolas out of his thoughts.
"Nothing too special for you perhaps Aragorn. I got a very flattering compliment
from Lord Elrond. But of course, that's not much for you, huh?" He gave a sideways
glance at Aragorn.
"Hah. A compliment, surely it's more than that? Of course the Prince of Mirkwood
gets enough compliments from his own kind." Aragorn did not know of what he spoke, but
Legolas never thought much of it. Aragorn really never was inside the palace or really much
of Mirkwood, except maybe the outskirts of the woods.
"Fine young Aragorn, whatever you say! But I still believe I can get there before
you!" He grabbed Aragorn's extra knife that he kept against his left arm, but was easy to
get out if you knew what it was, making sure he had a hostage. "And you are not getting
your knife back unless you beat me!" He reared Fahtae before starting out along the path
at a smooth canter, not as fast as he could go of course, but he didn't want too big of a lead
on Aragorn!
A yell of surprise came from Aragorn, and then the sound of quick hoof beats as he
tried to even out with Legolas, muttering words about unfair starts and tricky elves.
Legolas's laughter and Aragorn's taunts seemed to fill the whole wood with a feeling of joy
and playfulness...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Legolas and Aragorn finally got to Mirkwood, both were fairly tired from
the long trip. Aragorn was admiring the tall trees of Mirkwood, even though they were a bit
creepy, but that was very much shattered by the presence of his elven friend. It seemed to
Aragorn that many an elf just seemed to lighten a gloomy area with their presence. Legolas
had gotten nearly to the more populated area near the palace where he stopped.
"This is where we part dear friend." Legolas smiled at Aragorn, knowing his friend
would now try to argue what he could never win, so Legolas took a light-hearted attitude
towards it.
"Legolas! That's not fair! You let me go farther than this last time! What are you
hiding nin mellon? Surely the wood-elves are not so xenophobic as not to let me pass
further in their lands!" Aragorn wore a small pout, though he really held no animosity
against his light-haired friend.
Legolas did not back down in the least, even with the teasing slight against
wood-elves. "Ah, we don't like humans and I don't believe even my father has truly
amicable feelings about the Noldor elves. I'm sorry Aragorn." His excuse usually was
enough for Aragorn to except, and today was no exception. They had had a smooth,
problem-free trip there, which put everyone's spirits on a high.
"Fine my friend. But one day, I'm going to get past the gates to the palace, you'll
see!" The man slowly pulled back on the reigns of his horse, who was unusually jumpy
every time he was near Mirkwood.
A smile lit Legolas's face, as his mind toyed with the idea. "Yes, nin mellon...
someday you may, someday you may. But I'm afraid today is not that day. Namarie Estel.
Give my best to Lord Elrond also." He gave a small nod to Aragorn, then turned and let
Fahtae trot towards Thranduil's palace.
Aragorn sighed slightly, his shoulders sagged a bit as he watched his friend
disappear into the mist of Mirkwood. And he had to go back through the other way... he
was somewhat glad today Legolas hadn't let him go further, he hated riding back himself.
As he moved to turn his horse, a thought struck him...
Legolas still had Aragorn's dagger.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fahtae slowly lead Legolas past the gates of Mirkwood, the guards only
glancing at him before breaking out into smiles. "Legolas!" Legolas had already
permanently forbidden them for using his formal title except on formal issues or at formal
events. "You have arrived! It's very good to see you."
Tilting his head back so he could look directly at his addresser Legolas spoke in his
mellifluous voice. "Mae govannen Kephitan. I've missed you too." With that, he spoke a
small word to Fahtae and he walked forward again, and Legolas slid off.
Kephitan left the other sentries on duty and came down to take care of Fahtae.
Legolas held up a hand to stop him, but Kephitan only gave a small smirk. "I though we
had an agreement Legolas, we take turns taking care of Fahtae. Or do you want to go
back on your decision?"
Legolas shook his head, chortling under his breath. "Yes, yes Kephitan... I had
hoped you had forgotten about that. I must be off." He gave Fahtae one more pat before
Kephitan took him away. Once he got to where many of the attendants were, he started
getting noticed by the others.
"Legolas! Legolas is back!" Many of the younger elves around came running to
him, and Legolas bent down and let them hang from his arms and neck. "Legolas!
Legolas! I'm glad you're back! Are you going to start teaching us how to shoot again?"
One of the younger boys spoke, eyes wide in anticipation.
A short laugh erupted from Legolas as he hugged the kids. "Of course! Then you
promised me you'd learn how to wrap wounds." A groan erupted from some of the smaller
kids. "Now you little troublesome elflings, knowing how to heal an arrow wound can be
just as important as shooting an arrow! Besides, I'll find some way to make it fun for you!"
Giggles from the children put Legolas in an even better mood, and he watched each filter
away with a goodbye, called to one chore or another with their parents. It was not long
before his walk to through the courtyards was interrupted again.
"Legolas! I'm so glad you've come! And just in time! Will you be a dear and cut
this vine from the new fabric?" One of the more thorny vines was stuck in one of the richer
newer fabrics of the new supply. It was obvious the woman, who was older than Legolas,
was the seamstress and didn't want to pull on the fabric lest it tear or snag.
"It would be my pleasure ma'am." He bent and took a dagger, which he still didn't
notice was actually Aragorn's and cut away the vine, freeing the material. "There my lady, I
believe this vine will be troubling you no more." He stood straight again and smiled at the
slightly shorter woman.
"Thank you Legolas dear, you have the perfect timing, did you know that? I don't
know what I'd do without you." She was flustering around, trying to refold the fabric and
put it on the stack she was taking away from the palace.
"I'm sure you would fare perfectly fine without me ma'am." Legolas replied, giving
a wave to her before actually getting to the great doors into the entrance of the palace.
Suddenly all glee that had accumulated previously drained from his face as he slowly
entered.
Every step seemed to drain more joy from the young elves face. Would his father
be mad he took so long? Maybe he had seen him stop to talk with the children, or
Kephitan, or maybe when he was helping Tolianen, the seamstress. Oh well, he never had
been very good at not getting sidetracked. He slowly pushed open the grand redwood
door that made the entryway to his father's throne room.
His feet made no sound against the warm red carpet that lead to where a
blond-haired royal looking elf was sitting on a throne of beech, with a golden circlet upon
his forehead. The elf slowly stood to his full height. It was often of much annoyance to the
king that his son had grown equal in height to the king himself. Legolas bent on one knee,
then stood and did not look his father in the eye, he had learned he couldn't sort out his
father's thoughts from the look in his eye as he could others, but he had been accused of the
same thing by many people.
"You're late." Thranduil's eyes held a cold disapproval towards his only son.
"I'm sorry my King. I did not mean to linger so long in Rivendell. I did not know
it was against your wishes. It seemed to do no one harm." He regretted his last words
even as they slipped out of his mouth. He had not yet acquired the ability to hold his tongue
when he wanted too.
"Just because something does not seem to cause anyone harm doesn't mean that it
is right! Why must you always try to ride the lines so?! Have I taught you nothing or do
you just forget it the moment it is told you?" King Thranduil's voice was slowly getting more
sharp and more angry in sound. Legolas's eyes still found his shoes very interesting.
"And why must you always leave? The hospitality of the Silvan is not good enough for
you, is it Legolas?" The name of his son seemed more of a slight on his tongue than an
actually living object in front of him. "You run to your friends the Noldor. Is that it? And if
that's not bad enough... you befriend a human! A human! How far have you slunk
Legolas?!" The anger in Thranduil's voice was even more apparent, and now the elven king
tensed his fist. "I thought I asked you a question!" Legolas continued to look at the floor,
knowing no answer would appease his father, only lead to more confrontation.
"Look at me when I'm speaking to you! You seem to have no troubles looking
anyone else in the eye!" Legolas raised his head slightly, but still did not answer Thranduil.
A small guttural growl emitted from Thranduil's throat and he raised his fist. Legolas's eyes
did not move from Thranduil's, though it was obvious he saw the oncoming punch because
he seemed to brace his body as the fist came down squarely against the prince's jaw.
Legolas only took a small intake of breath, but still looked towards the king who
still had a face full of anger. "Tell me Legolas, why do you befriend those of such lesser
kind!?"
Legolas continued to look at his father, and slowly spoke clearly, not letting the king
fault him for mumbling. "They are not of a lesser kind my King." Talking back always had
it's consequences, and for Legolas it meant to more thumps of pain but still Legolas kept
looking towards Thranduil, who then was even more enraged. Legolas then heard as small
sound of sneaking feet in the hall behind him, and to his horror they sounded human.
Thranduil didn't notice, his attention was focused in other places.
"You are not worth my attention or care! You're not worth the bloodline of my
fathers!" Seemingly angered at himself for producing such a son, and Legolas for being so,
he gave Legolas a few more hard thumps, all of which Legolas saw beforehand, and it was
well in his power to block, but that would only entice the angry king. Legolas now had a
couple bruises and a split lip, not to mention shorter breath, as his father had gotten him
once in the gut. His father looked him over once again and decided this could go no
further. "Get out of my sight! You are too much of a disgrace to be in my presence!"
Legolas obeyed immediately, head lowered, but instead of taking the shorter route through
the side hall to get to his room, he went out the way he came. He had a confused ranger to
grab on his way out. His father, of course... did not notice in the least.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aragorn had snuck into Mirkwood, he had to find his dagger. It had been a
present from Elladan, who would definitely notice if it was missing. He had successfully
gotten past many elves, who saw him, but he had his cloak over his head, so all they though
was it was one of the more troublesome adolescent elflings sneaking around. Legolas had
indeed told him of another entrance into the main hallway that lead to his father's throne
room, just as an extra tidbit of information, and Aragorn was almost certain his friend would
be talking to his father or in his room, which Aragorn only knew how to get to from the
throne room. He only hoped he remembered Legolas's directions. He really didn't want to
disturb the wood-elves, for fear their xenophobia was indeed real.
He heard a raised voice as he neared the throne room, so he stopped in the
entrance and only peeked around the side, not wanting to disturb whatever controversy
stirred within. There, to his utter astonishment, was Legolas, he knew even though his
friend's back was towards him. What he heard and saw next stopped him in his tracks.
"You are not worth my attention or care! You are not worth the bloodline of my
fathers!" And then to Aragorn's astonishment, Thranduil lifted his fist high and hit Legolas a
few times, and each time Aragorn had to hold himself back or hold back the small intakes
of breath he was prone to give. "Get out of my sight! You are too much of a disgrace to
be in my presence!" Thranduil's voice floated towards him, and Aragorn clenched his fist,
though could not judge a thing for he had no idea what he had seen... or if he was supposed
to see it. Legolas turned around and Aragorn could see Legolas's new bruises that were
just coming in, and the thin line of blood coming from his friend's chin. He could also see
that his friend's eyes met his. He knew he was there.