Interlude:
Mirkwood's Icy King: for the whiners
A/N: I know that a few of you are either very confused, or are glaring at the computer screen. Let me explain. I have gotten several reviews, and also several emails, complaining. I know that many people probably think I'm taking this too far, but it's getting on my nerves. There have been several people who are being extremely nasty about it. A few keep sending me long emails every single chapter. But when I first started this work of fiction, there were several polite reviews/emails that pointed this out, and I realized that the story should be labeled AU since it didn't go along with the books. But no matter how many times I said that it was AU and that Thranduil was OOC (and even after I CHANGED THE ENTIRE BEGINNING OF THE STORY!), there were still some very nasty emails. So, to end all of these stupid little verbal battles I've been pulled into, I have written this version to appease the whiners. To the people who actually like reading the story, I have posted the next chapter immediately after this.
"But uncle…" Legolas whimpered. "Why can't I come with you." The older elf looked at the small boy sadly.
"You are too young and have not lived in Middle Earth long enough to leave it. Believe me, you would want to come back very soon after you reached the undying lands." He explained, sitting down and pulling the small elf onto his lap.
"Will you want to come back?" He asked with a sniffle.
"No, I have served my time here. I am ready to go to the peace there. You are not." He said, smoothing back the blonde hair. Legolas pouted. "And besides," He added, "It's about time you got to know your father." This didn't improve the boy's mood at all.
"Why did mother not want me to in the first place?" He asked. His Uncle shrugged.
"I haven't a clue. I suppose it was personal. A fight they had or something." Legolas was confused.
His uncle was gone. A messenger from the King had arrived and taken him to the magnificent cave that served as his palace. Legolas had expected it to be dark and gloomy, only to find out that it was light and cheerful. The messenger left him at the door of the throne room to await the audience with his father.
Legolas wasn't sure how long it was until a small group of elves emerged from the door and left. The guard ushered him inside, and pointed towards the throne. The young elf walked forward uneasily, looking up at the tall figure that sat on the throne.
King Thranduil held in his hand a wooden staff. Leaves were woven into his hair, serving as a crown. The braids of a great elven warrior drew the hair nearest his face back. At his approach, the King smiled and laid the wooden staff aside.
"Hello my son." He greeted, standing up and stepping off the dais.
"H-hello." Legolas said shyly. Thranduil knelt down and gave the nervous elfling a brief hug.
"I am so glad you are finally staying with me."
And so Thranduil and Legolas lived in peace and happiness until the darkest days came, and Legolas was sent to Rivendell and the Council of Elrond.
THE END
A/N: Happy? And before you point it out: Yes, I am aware that I could possibly substitute this for the first couple chapters and it would still make some sense. But I am also aware that that would completely change the story. So before you say it, no I will not be changing it. All those who complain just because they don't like the story line will be pointed to this chapter. Again, thank you to all the reviewers who sent praise and constructive criticism!