Disclaimer: Not ours. We are just playing with them for a very short while.
Chapter Six
"Mithrandir, by the Valar, how come you are here? It is good to see you, Mellon-Nin." Thranduil would have stood to great the old wizard, but he was more than conscious of Legolas sitting listlessly on his lap.
"I had a feeling, a rather urgent feeling I might add, that I was needed here. I have been in Lake Town visiting old friends. I could not ignore my feelings. Is everything well here?" Mithrandir looked around the room, noting that nothing was out of place until his gaze rested upon an empty chair and he turned to Thranduil.
Thranduil meanwhile took in the Maia's attire; it looked as if Mithrandir had had a long and hard journey. His clothes were dusty and dirty. His cloak had a few new rips in it, here and there was what looked to be blood. Yes, the King mused his journey had certainly not been without incident.
Mithrandir moved closer to the King noting the blond Prince on the king's lap.
"Is Legolas alright?" Concern throbbed in his voice. Normally Legolas would have been the first to jump up and greet him. Not today it seemed.
"Not really, he had a lot of nightmares over night." Thranduil's keen and sharp eyes caught the Maia's eyes. "We can talk later after Legolas has left for school. I need to try and get him to eat something. You must be hungry, please sit and eat. Have Legolas' seat, I do not think Leafie would mind for one meal, do you Leafie?"
His reply was a shake only. Mithrandir took his place smiling at Ellarin as she came forward to serve him. She in turn only had eyes for the Elfling, she had become close to him in her short time here, and it hurt for her to see him like this.
"Are you injured? Your journey appears to have been eventful." Thranduil commented to Mithrandir. It brought Legolas' head around. His first show of interest so far this day.
"I am fine; I had a little altercation with some spiders." They all watched Legolas shiver. Even now so many years on his antipathy towards the giant spiders that lived and bred in the forest around them was great.
"Yucky." The voice was small and very, very low, but it was there none the less.
"As you say, Little One, they are yucky. They will bother not one person any more." The calm reassurance helped.
"You killed them?" Legolas looked up with deep blue eyes.
"Yes, little One, they will never attack another being, believe me." He smiled down at the young Elfling.
"Good, they are nasty." The finality in that young voice caused them all to smile.
"They are very nasty indeed, Little Leaf. How are you? I hear that you are going to school now?"
"Yes, I have a friend; his name is Estalado he is coming to play with me and Ada this afternoon after school." For the first time that morning, Legolas was interacting with another.
He made his way from his father's lap over to Mithrandir's, once there he made him self comfortable. Mithrandir smiled down at him despite the worry that flooded through him at how thin the Elfling was. He looked up to see Thranduil's sad smile and knew immediately that something was amiss.
"Would you like some of my bread and jam?" He thought if he could get Legolas to eat something it would be that.
"No, thank you not hungry." Legolas was fiddling with Mithrandir's beard.
"Well, I am." He tried to hide his disappointment, but continued to gather his morning meal.
It was not long before the meal was over and Legolas was carried away by Lomion. They made their way down to the school flet, before they left Ellarin ran to join them handing Legolas a small cotton bag.
"These are for you, my prince the cook, Simnella made me promise to give you them for your morning break. They are his best cookies. I will be bringing you them every morning so that you do not forget them."
Legolas gave the Elleth a big, wide smile as he held the bag closely to his chest. He would not even let Lomion put it into his school bag.
Thranduil waited until all of the others had left. Elardion to the halls of Healing with Nolvo and Alcarnor, he needed to check the wound, Alcarnor was there because Nolvo needed help and as yet he would not let Nolvo out of his sight.
Drowlin went off for his weapon practice. That left Thranduil and Mithrandir.
"What is it that is happening here, Thranduil?" Mithrandir's voice was grave.
"Legolas is fading, I would guess that it started a little while ago, but we did not know until two days ago. We are trying to give him as many ties to Middle Earth as we can."
"I understand know why I was called here." Mithrandir settled back into the chair.
"Oh and why was that?" Thranduil sat forward interested as to what the Maia would say.
"Legolas is important to the fate of Middle Earth, my friend. I can not see why and Galadriel will only back me up and say nothing more. All I know is that we must stop this or Middle earth is doomed."
Thranduil frowned at that. "How can a small Elfling be so important to Middle Earth?" He was astounded.
"As I say, that I cannot answer for it is not clear. Do you know why Legolas is fading?" Mithrandir did love being mysterious.
"No, but I have a feeling that it is linked to Laurelin. I have no proof, though, just little thing's that he has said and done in the past few days. I need to stop this. I have sent for Elrond and Estel."
"That is good; Estel will be able to help him. They have a great future together. They will be friends for eternity." Mithrandir looked pleased at this.
"What do you mean? How can a man share eternity, he will die as all mortals must." Thranduil could not believe his ears.
"Are you sure about that, Thranduil? Estel is a member of the Dunedain he has a much longer life span than most people and even then there can be exceptions."
"Hm, I suppose so. I have sent for him anyway, I thought he would like to say goodbye to Legolas if this goes ill."
"We will just have to make sure that he does not fade, then my friend." Mithrandir smiled once more at the King.
"As you say, Mellon-nin will you be staying long?" It was good to have someone to talk to, someone who was a friend.
"Yes, for a little while at least as I really do feel as if I need to be here; if that is alright with you?" Mithrandir replied as he quirked an eye brow at the Elf before him in query, waiting for his reply.
"You are always welcome to stay here, Mithrandir at any time. Have you been taking lessons from Elrond?" Thranduil could not help but ask.
"That is good. I… I beg your pardon?" He looked at his old friend in surprise.
Thranduil waggled his eyebrows in such s manner that Mithrandir let out a loud rumble of laughter.
"I believe I just may have been. Now, Legolas, I will have as much interaction with him as I can, see if we can get to the bottom of this and start him to healing. May I accompany you to play with him this afternoon?"
"Mithrandir, you do not need to ask, Legolas will love it. Mousey has grown since you last saw him."
"Mousey is still alive? That is good news to hear, I would like to get reacquainted with him."
"I will make sure that it happens. Now would you like to walk with me, it is too nice to go straight into chambers, I have nothing booked until later this afternoon." At Mithrandir's nod they left to walk in the bright spring sunshine to talk about news from other parts of Middle earth.
Lomion watched pleased as Legolas made his way towards the flet, joining with Estalado as he went. He could see him showing his friend the cotton bag and had to smile at the others joyous reaction. Beside him Michelle could not stop the giggle that erupted.
"All he would talk about last night was Legolas and how they were going to play in the Palace. I thought that if Timethla heard it one more time he would burst with laughter."
"They have become friends very quickly have they not?" They both watched as the Elfling's made their way into the flet before turning and making their way back to the palace.
"It is nice to see Estalado so happy; I was getting worried when he did not seem to make any friend's." Michelle admitted.
"I am glad that they are friends, I am very worried about Legolas, though." Lomion admitted his feelings, shyly.
"That is to be expected. How did Legolas sleep last night?"
"Very badly, he had a lot of nightmares. He spent most of the night with Ada; I do not think that either of them got much sleep. Still it should be better now that Mithrandir is here."
"Mithrandir is here?" Michelle was surprised at that.
"Yes, he arrived suddenly this morning. He already has had Legolas opening up to him. He will help Legolas I am sure of it."
"Good, if that is the case then I am glad that he is here." Michelle was being honest.
"Is it still alright for you to pick Legolas up at noontime?" Lomion smiled at the Elleth at his side.
"Yes, there is no problem. You must be busy."
"Yes, we have just had confirmation of another spider attack. Luckily Mithrandir was unhurt. They are growing bolder by the day." Lomion frowned.
"That is what Timethla say's. He has admitted that they seem to gaining greater intelligence." Michelle shivered at the thought. Thank the Valar she had never seen one of the giant spiders. She had seen the desolation and injury that they could cause.
"Aye, he is right. Still we are on to it, never fear." Lomion hurried to try and reassure her.
"With all you wonderful brave warriors protecting us, how could I fear? I must go; I will see you this afternoon with Legolas."
"Thank you, Michelle we owe you a big thanks for looking after Legolas for us."
"It is the least I can do he is so adorable."
That made Lomion laugh aloud, everyone, just everyone loved that Elfling. "I see he has you wrapped around his little finger as well!"
They were still laughing as they made their separate ways.
Legolas took his place next to Estalado as the other Elfling's trooped in. This time instead of sneers the other Elfling's wished them both good morning. One or two even bowed to Legolas which made him blush.
Little did he know that the previous evening they had been making fun of the Prince in front of their parents and they had been reprimanded and told to be respectful of the small Prince as he had just lost his mother, the Queen; though fuming they had complied with parents.
Rallina called for the attention. This morning the first lesson was identifying the different leaves in the forest around them. This was easy for Legolas and he was the only one who got them all right. The mid morning break was lively, but Legolas and Estalado sat to one side chatting about what they would do that afternoon. If Estalado noticed that Legolas only had half of a biscuit he made no mention of it.
The next lesson was reading. Legolas loved reading and he was quite good at it He found him self enjoying the lessons very much and did not groan as the others did when told they had to read a chapter for that days home work.
Then the morning was over and they were dismissed. The others fled quickly, still grumbling because they had work to do at home. Watching the two friends pack their bags, Rallina smiled at them.
"That was a very good morning, Legolas. You both did very well with your reading, I will mention that to both of your parents." They both were pleased at her words. "How ever do you know that many leaves, Legolas?" Rallina was truly amazed no Elfling had ever got all of them right before.
Legolas shrugged. "They are my friends, I know all of them."
"Do you mean the trees?" Rallina was unsure if she believed that.
"Yes, they talk to me. They were my only friends until I met Estalado."
Now Michelle understood the trees were almost like an invisible friend to the Prince. "That is nice, Legolas. Do you miss them in the winter?"
"Ye it is lonely; but there is a Mallorn tree in the courtyard who stays awake so he can speak to me. He has a lot of tales to tell, Estalado will love him." Blue eyes looked seriously up to her.
"Then I must not keep you, Estalado your Naneth is here for you both. I will see you tomorrow." She watched in amusement as they ran from the flet. How sad that the Prince had been so lonely that his only friend was a tree. She wondered if she should speak with the King about this development. He had a right to know after all. Yes tomorrow she would speak with Prince Lomion and see if he could set up a meeting with the King.
The walk back to the palace passed quickly with the two of them telling Michelle all that had happened that morning. Of course, it was Estalado who did the talking.
Michelle handed them over to Thranduil with an admonishment that Estalado was to be good and on his best behaviour before arranging to pick her son up just before the evening meal.
First they had their noon meal with the family, Lomion moving up a space so that Estalado could sit next to Legolas. Estalado's eyes were wide as he took in the other royals in the room. They grew even wider when he saw the old Wizard sitting opposite him.
Lomion had to smile at the Elfling beside him; he was silent and no longer chatting. It was obvious that he felt just a little overwhelmed.
"Did you have a good morning at school, Estalado?" Lomion was eager to put the Elfling at his ease,
The dark hair gave one nod.
"What did you do?"
"We had to identify leaves. Legolas was really he good, he got them all right. He was the only one who did."
"Is that so, Little Leafie? I am very proud of you." Thranduil ruffled his Elfling's hair, pleased with the small grin that he received from his small son.
"Then we read, Rallina said I was good, but I am not as good as Legolas is, he is the best out of the rest of us."
"Is that so?" Thranduil was amused; it seemed Estalado had overcome his awkwardness with the family and their friends.
"Yes, we have homework to for tonight."
Thranduil turned to Legolas. "Is that so, Little One?"
"Yes, Ada we have to read a chapter from our book. I have already done so; I skipped ahead in class while the others were reading." Legolas was pushing his peas around his plate and to Mithrandir who was watching this was the most worrying of all as Legolas did not take one bite of the food on his plate.
"Really, then you will not mind my testing you later on it will you?" Thranduil smiled to take the sting out of his words.
"No, Ada it is a really good book." Legolas was earnest as he spoke to his father.
"Good. Legolas you actually need to eat some of that food instead of playing with it." Thranduil watched pleased as Legolas did just that.
Once the meal was finished, Legolas led the way to his room. Mithrandir and Thranduil followed closely behind.
Once there, Legolas introduced all of his pets to Estalado. They played with them for a while, it was obvious to the others watching that Estalado had never had a pet.
Mithrandir was reintroduced to the small mouse that he had rescued two years ago. He was ecstatic when Legolas started to laugh at Mousey as he tried to burrow into his beard. This time it was a genuine laugh and reached his eyes. Thranduil looked as pleased at this as he was.
Once they tired of playing with the pets they made their way toward the garden and began an energetic game of hide and seek. The afternoon passed in a rush that was accompanied with shrieks of laughter.
It was two weary but happy Elfling's that were carried back into the palace. Michelle had to carry her Elfling back that night to their Flet. Tired though he was Estalado did not stop talking the entire way home.
Back in the castle the evening was well under way and as usually it was lively.
Legolas sat upon his father's lap, for some reason that Thranduil could neither fathom nor extract from Legolas; he was very clingy that night and would not let his father alone.
That suited Thranduil as he hand fed the Elfling small bites of food, the King was aware that the others were watching him and Legolas closely. They were all worried and they were pleased that Legolas was eating at least something.
Legolas him self did not even appear to realise that he was eating, he automatically opened his mouth as Thranduil offered him the food.
Once the meal was finished, the family made its way, with Mithrandir, to the family room. They all settled and Thranduil picked up the book that Legolas had brought home from school. It took the astonished King only fifteen minutes to realise that not only had Legolas read the chapter and understood it, as he had said he had in fact read the entire book. Granted it was only a small Elfling book of fairy tales, but even so he had read it all.
"That is very good, Leafie I am pleased with you. You need to ask for another book tomorrow." Thranduil ruffled the flaxen hair.
It was another tough night for Thranduil. Legolas had an awful night, more so than the night before.
It was a grateful Thranduil who carried his son down to the morning meal. They did not make it to the dining chamber. A loud ruckus outside drew both of their attention and they made instead for the front door that led to the courtyard. There were four horses standing calm as Elves dashed around taking orders.
Thranduil made his way outside, coming to a halt as he realised who the horses belonged to.
Legolas gave a cry and scrambled from his father's arms. "Estel! Estel, you are here!" The Elfling ran for the grinning human.
Estel caught him up in his arms and swung him around. "Leafie, you have grown! Look at you, you are so big now."
"How come you are here? I am so glad that you have come. Will you be staying long?" Legolas was so pleased to see his friend. He had not wanted to ask his father to send for him, but he had wanted to see him so much.
"A little while, Leafie you can not get rid of me that fast." Estel could only laugh at the delighted Elfling.
"Is there no welcome for me?" Elrond stood looking amused by his horse.
"Uncle El! You are here too! Ada, look who is here!" Legolas turned to his father.
"I can see ion-nin. Elrond, thank you for coming."
"How could we not come? Estel felt something was wrong and was going to come on his own, we could not let him do that we received your missive while we travelled. How is Legolas?" Elrond turned to look at the Elfling who was now greeting the twins.
"Not good, he is barely eating and sleep? Impossible! He has nightmares two to three times a night. I am very worried, Mellon-nin."
"I can understand that. Would you let me examine him? Elardion can also be present; in fact I think that that is imperative that he is there."
"I will arrange it. When do you want to see Legolas?"
"As soon as possible, this morning going to be alright?"
"He is meant to be at school, but I will arrange it. Come on in all of you, you must be hungry. Mithrandir arrived yesterday." Thranduil led the way inside the palace.
"Did he? That is good to hear."
They made their way into the dining chamber. The meal that morning was lively as the two families caught up with each other.
Legolas, much to his family's relieved delight ate more than he had in a while and chatted away happily to Estel.
He was not so happy a little later when he was informed that he would not be attending school that morning. To Thranduil it was a relief to see at least some kind of reaction from his son.
The family split after the morning meal. Lomion headed towards the flet to explain to Rallina why Legolas would be absent from his lessons. Rallina had been informed of Legolas' condition before he had started in her class, so to her it was not a great surprise and told Lomion that.
"There will be days when Legolas will be unable to come, do not worry I will set work for him to do at home so that he does not fall behind. Prince Lomion, I am worried about him. The Prince informed me yesterday that before he came to school his only friend was a tree." She watched him closely to see his reaction and was surprised when he laughed.
"Yes, Legolas has a great love for the trees and they in turn love him. Do not worry yourself, Legolas really can hear and commune with the trees. In fact only a couple of nights ago one told me off for neglecting him and said that if we hurt him they will us, I have no reason to doubt them."
Rallina looked at him in shock. "Then he really can commune with them, more so than is normal?" Lomion nodded. "Is there a large Mallorn tree that stays awake in winter to talk to him?" This was incredible.
"Yes, a few years ago it told him about the baby rabbits that were nesting within him. Legolas can also speak with the wind, we do not know why or how, but believe me it happens. If he ever warns you that he can sense a spider believe him. It has saved our lives quite a few times, already."
Lomion watched as Rallina slumped in her chair with shock. "But how? How can he feel the spiders?"
"It is a long and complicated story, but to put it simply. After our Naneth died Drowlin, my brother, blamed Legolas for her death and tried to rid him self of what he termed 'the Brat'. One night he led Legolas into the forest under the pretence that they would look for rabbits. Then he insisted they play hide and seek, only Drowlin left him alone in the forest It was fully dark."
Rallina gasped, shocked at what she was hearing, how could another Elf do that to his brother? Especially one as lovely as the small, adorable Prince?
"I know we were all shocked too. Anyway, spiders found him and he was bitten and stung numerous times. He was found by a patrol and brought back to the palace. We nearly lost him that night. It was awful. Since then he has always been able to sense spiders. He never fails either." He gave a wry grin.
"What do you mean?" Rallina wanted to know all she could about this very special Elfling that she would have the pleasure of teaching.
"Many years ago not long after the spider incident, as it has become known as, Legolas had a new born foal called Telmenelion, and it fell ill with influenza. We all spent the night with him; no one thought he was going to see the light of day, apart from Legolas. I had to return to the palace for some herbs when Legolas warned us that there were spiders about. That was the only time we failed to believe him. I was attacked as I made my way back, none of us had believed him but Legolas had been right. When we asked him how he knew he told us that the horses and the wind had told him."
"That is incredible. I have never heard of such a thing. He must be a very special Elfling." Rallina was also smiling in relief, she would believe him from know on. Little did she know her belief would be tested all too soon.
Back up at the Palace Elardion carried Legolas into his fathers study with Elrond following them closely. Thranduil had stayed in the dining chamber with Estel, Elrohir and Elladan.
Once the door was closed behind them, Elardion settled his brother onto his lap. "Leafie, do you remember how I looked at your tummy a while ago?" Legolas gave a wide eyed nod. "Would you let Lord Elrond do it as well? He will be asking you lots of questions and to help him you have to be honest with your answers. It is well, Leafie he just needs the practice."
That comment was met with a giggle from the Elfling and a disdainful sniff from the Elf Lord, it was not meant to be taken seriously for when Elardion looked up Elrond's eyes were twinkling with amusement.
Elardion first helped Legolas off with his tunic, he had to stifle a gasp at what he saw before him. Legolas had always been on the thin side despite having a healthy appetite. But now, well now you could count every one of the prominent ribs. He looked up to Elrond once again, only this time with shock.
Elrond's face was grim as he moved forwards. "Legolas, you told Elardion that you had been having tummy ache, is that still happening?"
"Yes, a lot." Legolas' voice was thoughtful as he answered.
"Is there any specific time that it happens." Elrond's answer was a shake of the head. "So it happens at any time?"
"Yes."
"Is that why you will not eat?" He tried to smile his reassurance at the blond Prince.
"A little, not hungry." Legolas had begun to fiddle with the threads on Elardion's sleeve.
"Are you still having headaches?"
"Yes." The voice was low.
"Are they bad?"
"Yes, they hurt."
"How often do you get them? Everyday?"
"Yes."
"I see. These nasty dreams that you have been having, do you remember them?" Elrond brushed a few stray hairs away from the thin face.
"Yes." This time it really was a whisper.
"Can you tell me?"
Legolas shivered hard before answering. "Monsters, I dream of monsters. They hurt Nana, I tried to stop them but they hurt me too. Then Nana went away. Where is Nana? Why she not here? Does she not love me anymore?"
"Your Nana loves you very much, Legolas just because she cannot be with you does not mean that she does not love you. When the monsters hurt her they did so very badly and no one could help her that was why she had to go." Elrond had to clear his throat of the lump that the Prince's question's had formed. It was obvious that although Legolas knew that dead was bad he had no actual idea of what it was.
"But she left. I no see her. Can I join her, where is she?"
"You will see her one day, Legolas but that may be very far into your future. As for you joining her, that would not be wise, we would all be very sad if you did, who would I hug? And what about Patchy and your animal friends? How would they feel?"
"Oh, never thought of that. The monsters were horrible, they scary." Legolas shivered just at the thought.
"Yes they are, but they are only in your dreams and we can stop that from happening. Tell me, Penneth is being with your Naneth the only reason you want to leave us?" Elardion took a shaky breath at that question.
"Yes, she lonely and I want to be with her. Scared."
"Oh, Leafie." Elardion could not stop him self as he held his baby brother. He could not stop the tears that slid down his cheeks.
"What are you afraid of, Little One?" Elrond had to swallow that lump again.
"Scared of dark, that's when they come."
"Who comes, Legolas?" Elardion looked up the shock on his face mirroring that on the older Elf's face. This was new.
"They do, the voices that tell me I no loved, that I not meant to be here. They say I can go to Nana if I really want to. I do not like them."
Elrond's eyes rose at that and his eyebrows all but disappeared into his hair line. Voices? This was so not good.
"Who do they belong to?"
"The nasty dark trees in the forest. I no like them, they have black squirrels and their chatter is nasty. They tell me that the spiders are waiting for me if I not go."
They could think of nothing to say to that. At least it was only the trees that were talking to the Elfling that at least was a relief.
Elardion helped the small Elfling redress and the three of them made their way back to the dining chamber.
As they entered the four Elves, Maia and one Man turned to them, Lomion had joined his father as soon as he had returned to the palace.
Estel stood and moved to Elardion's side. He smiled down at the blond Prince. "Why do we not go to the kitchen and see what the cook is making for the noonday meal?"
Legolas nodded happily and they left the chamber, Legolas safe in his friend's arms.
They made their way through the corridors, stopping now and again so that Estel could admire some of Legolas' paintings. His friend really did have talent in that area.
The kitchen was a hive of organised chaos as the Elves who worked there. Simnella spotted them though and made them welcome sitting them down at the table and producing hot tea for Estel and milk for Legolas. Estel had to laugh at the Elfling's look of disgust.
"Do you not like milk?" Amusement was plain in his voice.
"No it is horrid."
"Have you ever tried milkshake?" Estel asked him.
"No, what is it?"
"Well, let me see. Simnella do you by any chance have any strawberries?"
"Yes, Estel let me get them for you." The cook headed for the cold room and returned with a bowl of the succulent fruit.
"What you do, Leafie is crush the strawberries." He followed his words with action and soon the fruits were pulped and Estel drained off the red liquid that was the end result. He smiled broadly at Legolas attention. He was watching every move that he made.
"You gather the juice and add it to the milk." He did this. "And then you have to mix it well."
Simnella offers him a whisk and soon the milk changed from its normal white colour to a deep pink.
"Then it is ready to drink. Go on and tell me what you think." Estel smiled at his young friend.
All the Elves in the kitchen had stopped what they were doing to watch the Prince.
Legolas took the glass tentatively and his eyes still on Estel he took a sip of the liquid. His eyes shot up in amazement and then he lifted the glass once more and before another thing was said he drank the whole lot in one go. Once he had finished he looked up, Estel tried not to smile at the pink moustache that the Elfling had around his mouth.
"Did you like that?" He was openly smiling now as was the kitchen staff. They all knew the Elfling's hatred of the nutritious drink.
"Yes it was wonderful. May I have another?" The last was said very shyly.
Simnella needed no further bidding, they all knew what was happening with the Prince and if he enjoyed this, then he could have as much as he wanted. Simnella later that afternoon added the milkshake to the menu for every meal. If Legolas drank his milk in this form what did it matter?
Legolas helped Estel this time and soon had the knack of making it. Even if by the end of the session he was covered in sticky strawberry.
Estel took him to his chamber to wash and change.
Back in the dining chamber the others were discussing Legolas.
"He is very underweight and we need to address that. You can count every rib." Elrond watched as Thranduil nodded, he knew that this had been one of the reasons that Thranduil had sent for him, even if he had pre-empted him.
"He is in the first stages of fading and yes, you were right, Mellon-nin it is all to do with Laurelin's death." He watched closely as Thranduil slumped in his chair, defeat written all over the King.
"He does not understand, Ada. Legolas has no real understanding of what death is. Yes, he knows animals and people die, but he has no understanding of what that means." Elardion looked at the others as he spoke.
"Elardion is right, Thranduil. Legolas thinks that Laurelin will return someday whole and well." Elrond added.
"This is my fault." Thranduil's comment brought all eyes to him.
"Why do you say that, Thranduil?" Mithrandir's deep voice broke the silence that had fallen.
"I should have let him attend the funeral. You were all right, I was very wrong. Maybe then Legolas would be able to accept this."
"You are not to blame. This would in all probability still be happening. We talked about his nightmares." Elrond was quick to reassure.
"What is causing them?"
"He is dreaming about the attack. It is his mind's subconscious way of trying to deal with this. But he is also hearing voices."
Every person in the room looked horrified at this.
"Peace, he is hearing the trees." Elrond rushed to calm them.
"Yes, Ada Legolas told us that the trees are talking to him. The dark trees as he calls them." Elardion hurried to explain.
"Dark trees?" Thranduil frowned as he tried to take all of this in.
"Yes, Legolas explained that they even have black squirrels."
Understanding dawned on all at the table as they heard this.
"Exactly. The trees are telling Legolas that he has to leave and that if he does not then the spiders will come for him." Elrond finished.
"What do we do? How do we help him?"
"Firstly we need to make sure that Legolas begins to eat at least a little every two hours, it needs to be tempting and nutritious. I will make a mild sleeping potion that will also help him with the voices. It will suppress them but it will also stop the nightmares."
"Good that will help him and me." That latter was said without a drop of humour. "What about the rest? The trees and spiders?"
"It is the darkness. Remember our talk yesterday and how Legolas is important to Middle Earth's future?" Mithrandir looked to the King and watched as he nodded. "This is to try and get him to leave. Evil has targeted Legolas, the threat of the spiders is very, very real. Legolas will need to be watched and guarded. We must take no chances with this, Legolas is too important."
"Do you think that they will attack the palace?" Lomion's voice was soft and full of anger at what was happening with his brother.
"I do not know, but we cannot take the chance." Mithrandir wished he could tell them otherwise.
"I will make certain that there are more patrols around the palace. All entrances will be guarded inside and out." Lomion stood and made for the door only to be stopped by his father.
"Lomion, warn the people who live around the palace, they need to be on their guard. If they wish they can move into the southern side of the palace in the guest rooms until this is over. But I want you to make sure that Michelle, Timethla and Estalado move into guest quarters in the family wing this afternoon. I want them safe. Estalado is the first Elfling friend that Legolas has and I do not want anything to happen to him."
"As you wish father. I agree and I will make sure that rooms are ready for them. Legolas will love this." His grin was infectious.
"Yes, he will. You also need to speak with Rallina. I want her to move the classes from the flet into the palace. I want all the Elfling's safe."
Lomion gave his farther a small bow before leaving.
Thranduil turned to Elrond. "Do you need to speak with the cook about Legolas' nutritional needs?"
"Yes, that would be a good idea." They all went about their business.
They all rejoined each other for the noonday meal. To Thranduil's absolute pleasure, Legolas ate the small meal that was placed before him. He also finished of the pink drink that had been set before him.
"What is this, Leafie?" He asked his son.
"Shake." Legolas put the half filled glass down to reveal a pink rimmed mouth.
"What is a shake?"
It was Estel that answered. "It is milk with strawberry juice."
"Milk? And Legolas is drinking it without complaint?"
Estel laughed. "Yes, this is his fifth so far today!"
The entire table laughed at that.
"You are being good, Little One. How would you like Estalado to come and stay in the palace with you?" Thranduil ruffled his son's hair.
"Please, Ada can he?" Legolas' eyes were wide.
"Yes, Leafie he can. He is coming to stay this afternoon and will have a chamber near to yours." The hug he received was a big one that showed just how happy he was.
The afternoon passed in a blur of activity as nervous Elves moved from their Flet's into the palace. Michelle had been very nervous about moving in with the royal family but Timethla reassured her. Deep down he was pleased the warriors on the patrols had all been aware that the spiders were evolving, that they seemed to have a purpose. He was glad his family was safe.
The evening meal was busy and rowdy that night as Estalado was introduced to the first human he had ever met. Michelle tried to make him be quiet but Thranduil waved her worries away. He had noticed that even as he was talking Estalado was making sure that Legolas ate. He did not want that to be interrupt, Legolas was eating hanging on every word that Estalado said.
The evening passed surprisingly fast as Legolas gave Michelle and family a tour of the palace. Nothing was said as Legolas was given a snack before going to bed. Thranduil had insisted that Legolas sleep in his chamber and he watched closely as Elrond mixed the potion he had brewed into a glass of pink milkshake.
Legolas took it without complaint and before long he was asleep in his father's arms.
It was not long before Thranduil him self made his way with his son to his bedchamber. Soon the room was in silence.
It did not last long. In the early hours of the morning a scream rang out in the silence, it was quickly followed by more screams. It was Legolas.
His family quickly gathered around him, all apart from Drowlin who would not leave his bed to see what was going on. Legolas was getting far too much attention as far as he was concerned.
He laid listening to his brother's hysterical cries. "They are coming for me! No, keep them away. Ada, help me!"
A grin spread across Drowlin's face as an idea began to form in his mind.
To be continued
Thank you to all our wonderful reviewers.
Replies to reviews:
LittleCrazy1: I love the Almighty Death Glare Of Doom! I'm glad that you like the last chapter and hope you like this little monster even more. It is extra long to make up for the wait between chapters. Please let us know what you think?
Bradleigh: Te he. Guess who?
Alibi girl: Here is more for you, I hope you like it.
Pointy-eared-elfs: Thank you. Estalado is great isn't he? You may be a little wrong about the initial visitor.
Triptych: That is sad, is he moving far away? Will your son still be able to see him? Thank you.
IwishChan: Thank you!
Alatariel Narmolanya: I'm glad that you liked school. This is a little late and larger to make up for it.
Dark Borg Drone: The wrong spelling of your name. I am sorry, Mellon-nin.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Glad you liked the 'nice' cliffie! Everyone seems to like Estalado and yes a friend is just what Legolas needs right now.
Lirenel: Here you are an update!
SaphireCat: I'm glad that your sister is well. I take it she is young? They always heal faster than adults. It is something to do with the adult mind expecting them to be in a lot of pain so the body gives them pain. Children do not have that expectation. Estel is here!
MoroTheWolfGod: Here you are an update.
Philo: Here is a big update for you with more of Leafie.
Well, that is it for this time. I would like to apologise for the lateness of this update it is mine (Shell's) fault. I have had a fraught first half to my week and I am still playing catch-up. I want to thank Mei for her support during that time. She was brilliant.
Until next time, which will lots of fluff from Mei. Note from mei. It is my fault no shells she has been doing a lot of favours for me recently and betaing my chapters before worrying about her own.
Love,
Mei, Shell, Leafie and the Gang