Disclaimer: See chapter One
Chapter Seven
Thranduil had been lost to his dreams with Legolas in the bed next to him. One minute the chamber was silent and peaceful and then next it was full of the little Elfling's screams. For one long minute panic filled him as he awoke, then he took in what Legolas was screaming.
"They are coming for me! No, keep them away. Ada, help me!" There was pure unadulterated panic in the Elfling's voice, his eyes shut tightly.
"Legolas, Leafie it is alright I am here. They will not get you, I promise you. Wake up, little One please?" He gently shook his youngest son trying to wake him from the night terrors that plagued him.
It had the opposite effect, if anything Legolas only became more and more hysterical. Nothing that Thranduil tried was helping. He was at his wits end as he heard the sound of footsteps running towards his chamber.
The first through the door was a panicked looking Lomion. He skidded to a halt beside his father's bed.
"Ada?" He was breathless.
"I cannot wake him, he just screams harder if I try." Thranduil looked up as Elrond, all normal dignity absent ran into the chamber followed closely by his sons.
"Let me see." Elrond tried to steady his rapidly beating heart. Legolas' screams had been so heart wrenching. He gently took the sobbing Elfling in his arms. He was murmuring soft reassurances as Elardion and Mithrandir joined them as well. Nolvo and Alcarnor stood in the hallway watching the scene play out. They wanted desperately to be in the chamber with their brother, but neither wanted to get in the way.
"Shush, Penneth all is well, you are safe." Elrond voice was soft and almost hypnotic, but it had no bearing on Legolas who continued to cry and whimper as he 'slept'.
Elardion moved to Elrond's side. "Shall I make a sedative?"
Elrond sighed, he had been hoping that they could bring Legolas back from his dark, frightening world without any sedatives. "Yes, it would be better if you did; it seems he will not calm down if we do not use one."
With a nod Elardion left the chamber, gently brushing each of the twins on their shoulder and trying to reassure them. If he were honest with himself he needed the contact to. No one noticed in the melee that one of their family members was missing.
Elardion soon hurried back to his father's chamber with Legolas' screams still echoing through the palace. A lot of the servants had gathered, trying to find out what was going on, but he ignored them. For this minute Legolas held his attention and the rest could stay as they were.
He did usher the twins into his father's chamber and closed the door behind them. He handed the herb laden tea to Elrond and between the two of them they somehow managed to get Legolas to drink it between sobs and screams.
Thranduil could only watch not daring to take his eyes off of his youngest. Afraid that if he did Legolas would vanish from in front of him.
Finally the screaming stopped and Legolas lay silent in Elrond's arms. Without hesitation he handed the Elfling back to his father. Thranduil took him with a tentative smile and cradled his son once more.
"Will he be alright?" Thranduil brushed the pale hair from Legolas' sticky face.
"Yes, it was a nightmare only, he was deeply asleep. It is almost as if he had a night terror." Elrond tried his hardest to reassure.
"Why did your tea not work from earlier?" Thranduil was referring to the tea that he had made to stop the nightmares and to block out the voices that Legolas had been hearing.
"I do not know. The tea should in all theory have worked. His feelings and fears may be more deeply engrained and rooted than I thought. His screams." Elrond had to clear his throat. "His screams show that something is almost feeding off his feelings, for you to be unable to wake him." He shook his head.
"What do we do now?" Thranduil's voice was soft.
"For tonight there is nothing more that we can do. Let him sleep off the tea. Keep him with you tomorrow even if you attend court. He may be sleepy and grumpy, stay calm and patient with him. I will search Elardion's books to see if I can come up with another tea to try tomorrow night." Mithrandir smiled and agreed with Elrond's advice.
"What about school?" Thranduil's voice was louder as he realised there were things he could do to help his son.
"Not for the moment, I am afraid. Legolas will be unable to give it his full attention, maybe in another day or so? There is no reason to stop him playing with his friends though and if the teacher is reading Legolas can join them for that, as long as one of you is with him." Elrond sighed. "He is likely to be very distressed at this."
"We are there to help him. He has us with him."
"Good. Now I will say goodnight and please try to get more sleep? Legolas needs you well, all of you." The latter was to the room in general.
"Elrond is right. I will stay with Legolas, go back to your bed and we will talk later." Thranduil smiled at his sons.
Soon the chamber was empty apart from Thranduil, Lomion and Legolas.
"You heard what Elrond said, Ion-nin. Go and rest." Thranduil gently settled Legolas down on the bed.
"May I stay a while? We can care for him together. I do not think I could get back to sleep." Lomion had moved so that he stood beside Legolas' bed side.
"I understand, dear Twilight of course you may stay. Pull a chair up."
Lomion needed no further bidding and he pulled the large overstuffed chair from its normal place by the large windows, to sit beside the bed.
"I was so frightened when I heard him screaming, Ada. I am so afraid that we will loose him to this. I do not know what I will do if he leaves to join Nana." Lomion's voice was husky as he finally let go of his fears.
"We will do out best to prevent that from happening. I will not let him go without a fight, believe me." Thranduil's voice was sure at what he was saying. To the Crown Prince it brokered no leeway.
"I will be with you all of the way." That made Thranduil smile with pride. "Sleep, Ada I will take the first watch. You need some sleep."
Thranduil bowed to his sons wished knowing that Lomion was right, for the last few nights he had had little sleep he had been too worried about Legolas.
Thankfully the rest of the night passed without further incident. Legolas slept for the rest of it watched by his two protectors.
Morning came with the cool wet mists that signal spring. The Palace slowly woke and began its day. In the kitchen bread was being made and the cook Simnella was busy crushing strawberries ready for the Elfling's morning milk. This had become a firm favourite and more space had been cleared in the hot houses so that there would be strawberries aplenty though out the year.
In the dining chamber the table was being set ready for the family. Servants and councillors hurried about the business.
The Royal family and their friends were rousing to the new day.
Thranduil had difficulty rousing Legolas and when he managed it was immediate obvious that Elrond's summation on Legolas' mood was right. He was grumpy and did not really want to get out of bed.
It was with great reluctance that he did and once he was dressed he, along side of Lomion, was carried by Thranduil down to the dining hall. It was already buzzing with chatter and laughter. If you had the time to really listen you could hear the falseness in the tones. They were all trying to act, for Legolas' sake, as if nothing had happened the night before.
They all gave a chorus of "Good Morning!" as they entered the chamber.
Legolas gave them a little limp wave. Thranduil made to sit him down on his own chair, but Legolas simply clung onto his father's robe with what felt like a death grip and would not let go. Thranduil said nothing, he only tightened his grip on the Elfling and carried onto his own chair and sat down making sure that Legolas was comfortable.
All through that meal Legolas did not speak once and showed no interest in what was going on around him. Thranduil tried to make him eat but to no avail and he looked up to Elrond his right eyebrow rising in query to his friend. At Elrond's negative nod he stopped pushing the Elfling with food and began with the milk shake. This was met with a measure of success as Legolas drank roughly half of it.
Not even having Estalado in the room with him helped and the other Elfling did not seem to let the blond Prince put of his line of sight.
As soon as the meal was finished Estalado made his way to his friend's side.
"Mr King, is Legolas alright?" Large worried brown eyes met his.
"No, little One, Legolas had a very bad nightmare last night and he did not sleep very well as a result." Thranduil smiled down at his son's friend.
"Was that who was screaming last night? I was scared." Thranduil had to smile once more at the Elfling's honesty.
"Yes that was Legolas I am afraid. I am sorry that you were scared; I would like you not to be scared, nothing will happen to you while you are here with us. Your Nana and Ada will be safe as well."
"Good I am glad. I do not like the spiders."
"Me too." They almost missed the statement from Legolas.
"Are you coming to class today?" Hopeful eyes turned to the Prince.
"Not today, Estalado, Legolas is not well enough." The Elfling's face in front of him dropped. "If Legolas feels better he can join you for your break time or you can come to him to play. It will be a few days before Legolas will join you in class."
Thranduil was hoping that he would get some kind of reaction from Legolas, but he just sat there staring apathetically at the floor.
"Legolas can I play with you later?" Estalado's voice was hopeful as he looked at his friend.
Legolas shrugged his shoulder before saying. "I suppose so." His voice was faint.
"Good, we can share cookies again. I will see you then." He was stopped at the door by Ellarin with the bag of cookies that the cook had prepared.
Soon Thranduil headed off to the chamber's to begin his morning's work. He had taken Galion to one side to make sure that there would be no mention of spiders during that morning's session. All the petitioners that day would have to accept that Legolas was with him.
He settled and made sure that Legolas was comfortable on his lap, smiling as the Elfling snuggled even further onto his lap. Growly had been brought to the table by Elardion and even though Legolas was not so clingy with the bear he was cuddled safely on his chest once more.
The look of surprise on the councillor's and other Elves faces would have been very comical at any other time. This morning he would take no games from those in front of him.
"Before we start I want to explain that Prince Legolas is ill and for the next few days he will be attending court with me. As such I ask that you keep your manners about you at all times and try to remember that he is only young. Now what is it that I can do you for you?" The morning's session began.
Half way through the fist matter Thranduil became aware that Legolas seemed to be heavier on his lap. He looked down and the Elf in front of him stopped talking, noting his liege's attention was no longer on him. He could not help but look at the small Prince. A tender smile crossed his face at the sight.
Legolas was asleep, curled onto his father's lap. His bear was still being held tightly as if he was afraid to let go, one of the bears ears was firmly in the tiny mouth. As the others in the chamber watched Thranduil gave his son a tender smile, brushing the stray strands from the pale face.
"Is the Prince alright, Sire?" The Elf's voice was soft; he did not want to wake the Elfling.
"Yes, he is just sleeping he had a very bad night. Please continue."
Finally the morning session broke for a break and Thranduil carried Legolas to the family chamber laying him on the overstuffed couch and covering him with a blanket. A noise at the door warned him that he was not alone. Michelle and Estalado stood in its frame, worriedly looking at Legolas.
He gestured for them to enter a finger to his lips.
Michelle made sure that they were quiet. "Is he alright, Hir Nin?"
"He is sleeping and please Michelle it is Thranduil, I thought that we had that settled." His smile took the sting out of his words.
"Estalado tells me it was Legolas that was screaming last night?"
"Yes, he had some nasty nightmares."
"Can we help at all?"
"Can you watch him while I sort some food out for him? I need to speak with the cook. Would you like a milkshake, Estalado? I will be bringing one for Legolas."
"Yes please, Mr King." The Elfling looked shyly at him and in with the shyness was something else. It was not until Thranduil reached the kitchen that he realised what it was that he had seen. Hero worship. His heart lifted at the thought.
Ten minutes later he was heading back to the chamber with a servant by his side carrying a tray. He had protested the need of the servant; he was capable of carrying a tray himself. The cook had insisted though and had taken the matter out of the King's hands.
Once they were back in the family chambers he handed Estalado his drink which earned him a smile and a quiet. "Thank you, Mr King."
"Please call me Thran, Estalado." The King ruffled the brown hair.
"Thank you, King Thran."
Thranduil smiled, it seemed that the youngster would not call him any other that that. He dropped the subject as he handed Michelle a glass of wine and a plate of pastry's that the cook had provided.
"The others will be joining us soon. I hear that Timethla is out on patrol with Lomion." He sat back with a sigh next to Legolas.
"Yes, Timethla told me that the spiders are encroaching more by the day. They are going to see if they can find the main nesting area." She blushed then. "But you know that anyway."
"Indeed, but it is nice to get another angle on it. How are your chambers? Are you settling in alright?" Thranduil watched as she took a sip of her own drink, Estalado sitting in front of Legolas watching him sleep.
"Yes, thank you. Everyone has been so kind. Our rooms are fantastic. Thank you."
"It was the least I could do after all your kindness towards Legolas."
"I would do the same even if he was not a Prince. That does not matter to me; all I saw was an Elfling in distress. I could not leave him." The last was said in a rush.
"I can still thank you, though. Legolas is lucky to have a friend such as Estalado and to have you watching out for him."
They both looked up as the door opened and the two sets of twins entered, playfully pushing at each other. Seeing Legolas asleep they all calmed down and settled themselves around the room, accepting the glass of wine from Thranduil.
Legolas woke in time for the noonday meal and he seemed to be in a better mood and even interacted with the others around the table. The soup that was set before him was finished in record time and he was soon tucking into a large bowl of strawberries, happily sharing them with Estalado.
Drowlin was happy as he walked back to the palace with his friends following archery training. It had been a good morning and his archery was earning praise from the tutors. That would show Legolas. He was not the only one in the family that could be skilled with a bow and arrow.
At the thought of his younger brother he scowled, the Brat was at it again. He always had to have the attention. How his father put up with it he did not know. If he was King he would have had the freak banished.
Instead it was left up to him to show his father just what his brother was. And it certainly was not a member of his family.
But what to do? He could not really attack Legolas personally again. His father had made that clear from the last time. No, it would be subtle; he would have to work it so that it did not get back to him.
The fact that Legolas was hearing voices helped. Only a freak heard voices. He deliberately shut off the thought that he sometimes heard voices; this was not about him, but Legolas.
He could work that to his advantage. He was still lost in thought as he neared a group of Elfling's gathered at the front of the palace. They were in a huddle and talking quietly. Drowlin moved nearer making sure that he had not been seen or heard by the others.
The target of the group discussion was no other than his brother. He listened even more attentively.
"I see 'The Prince' was not present again today. What a waste of Rallina's attention. The place should have gone to another more worthy of him." This was one of the larger Elfling's.
"Ada says that he is fading and will not be long on Arda. He also says that we should show him kindness while he is still with us."
"How can you show kindness to that runt? He is so small and weak." This was the other older Elfling. Drowlin smiled as he listened. This was too good to be true.
"Is he even the King's son? Nana says that there are rumours surrounding his birth. He is so unlike the other Prince's." The first Elfling spoke again.
"As I say he is a runt. Runts should be done away with. It is like with the runt of a dogs litter, they are always put out of their misery."
Drowlin's smile was wide as he listened to them talking, this would be a lot easier than he had first thought. With that he melted back into the shadows and made his way to his room to begin to make his plans.
Lomion led his patrol through the trees and into the surrounding woods. All in his band of eight were on the alert. The spiders in this part of the woods were becoming more aggressive and they needed to stop this.
The weather was not helping. It was still raining, light and very wet. It also looked as if it was going to be in for the day. It would make things a little more difficult.
Lomion sighed he really had not wanted to leave the palace and Legolas, but he really had no choice in the matter. He was so worried about Legolas that he was not really concentrating as he should have been.
Luckily, those in his patrol knew what was happening with Legolas and were making sure that Lomion was alright while he was distracted.
They stopped for a short break beneath a large Birch tree. The tree being old and wise shaded them from the rain with its leaves earning thanks from all of the Elves present.
They had been walking perhaps another ten minutes when they saw the first signs of spider occupation. Tattered webbing hung from the trees around them. It was old, but it put them even further on the alert and Lomion cleared his mind of all thought of Legolas so that he could concentrate on the here and now.
As they moved further into the copse the atmosphere seemed to change. No sound was to be heard around them, none of the usual sounds of the forest. Just complete and utter eerie silence. It was all the more unnerving.
Lomion could practically smell the evil in the air around him and the trees seemed to be begging them to leave.
Motioning to the others they moved on. More and more of the webbing hung from the tree limbs and Lomion would have sworn that he sae red eyes watching him. He had to try heard to suppress the shivers that shot down his spine. Every one of his instincts was telling him to turn and run.
By the time he had decided to do just that, it was too late. As if from no where they were surrounded by the fell beasts. Their chattering was harsh to the Elves tender ears. It took all their will power not to cover their ears.
Swords drawn they were ready for what ever the spiders had in store for them. It was not exactly what they expected when it came.
The spiders seemed to part and in front of them was a huge spider. The biggest they had ever seen and with a forest full of them, that was saying something. This was not as much of a surprise as to what happened next. The spider spoke!
They will be good food for my children. Gather them quickly and if more come bring them to………
The voice even sounded evil and they could only watch as the spider left. The others soon closed the only exit off and there was only one thing that they could do and that was to fight.
It was short and very vicious, they were heavily outnumbered.
Lomion found him self under attack almost at once. Three spiders circled him; this was not there usual tactics. Reaching inside of him he concentrated on sending a message back to his father. They needed help and soon. Then there was no more time to think only to fight.
Legolas was sat upon his father's lap watching the procession of Elves and Men as they spoke with his father. This was interesting, to see all the strangers bow to his father.
Suddenly Thranduil felt his son stiffen in his arms. "What is it, little One?"
Big frightened blue eyes met his. "Spiders." It was just one word.
"What do you mean spiders?" He could only gape at his youngest son.
"Spiders attack Lomion." There was certainty in that young voice.
"Legolas, Lomion is…" Thranduil broke off as he suddenly felt his eldest sons fear.
He stood and lifting Legolas onto his hip called for the captain of his guards. Swift orders were soon carried out and several large heavily armed patrols with Thranduil in the lead were leaving the palace. Legolas watched from his vantage point on Elardion's hip as his father vanished from view.
"Come, Leafie we need to ready the halls of healing, will you help me with that?" Elardion somehow kept his fear for his elder brother under control. The last thing he wanted to do was scare Legolas even more than he already was.
"Yes, Lomion will need it." There was no lie in Legolas' eyes as he said this.
Elardion did not know what to say and instead he made his way down to the healing rooms. As he entered he noticed that some of the female Elves had gathered to help where and when they could. In the lead and most obviously their leader, was Michelle. Soon all was ready and the long impatient wait began.
Thranduil had just made the canopy of trees on his horse when it happened. Pain and fear flooded through him, leaving him breathless. It could only come from one source. Lomion.
He urged the others onwards sword at the ready and as they neared the copse that Lomion was in he could hear the sounds of a well fought battle. As they broke through, it took a while to see what was happening. There were more spider's than he could imagine fighting the heavily outnumbered Elves.
With a roar the arrivals joined the battle and suddenly from being the aggressors and winners, the spiders were suddenly on the offensive.
Thranduil had just killed three of the foul beasts when he heard Timethla scream out Lomion's name above the sounds of battle. With fear in his heart he turned in time to see Lomion fall to the ground a large spider standing over him with its pincers covered in the silver red blood of the first born.
To be continued
Thank you once again to all our faithful reviewers and readers.
Replies to reviews:
Bradleigh: Of course we could not leave it alone, but we have to ask do you really want us to?
Alibi girl: That would be telling, although I (Shell) like that idea! As the saying goes, a leopard never changes its spots. Thank you.
ScreaminInsanity: What his plans are you will have to wait and see. Aren't his plans always dangerous?
Moonshine44: Thank you and yes, evil Drowlin is back with a vengeance!
Philo: Oh, yes Drowlin is still trying. I would love to say yes, go ahead and kill him, but Mei would kill me instead!!!
Alatariel Narmolanya: Glad that you liked the long chapter. They happen sometimes when I get inspiration! You will have to wait and see what Drowlin is up to. All I will say is that it will have far reaching implications. You will have to see exactly what the spiders are up to; yes you will have to wait to find out. Sorry.
Hanna M: yep, Drowlin's back and up to his usual tricks. We are glad that you like these stories, they mean a lot to us too. LOL, I am sure he is threatened by the evil milkshake!!!
Dark Borg Drone: LOL!! We will be sure and let him know.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Let us hope so time will tell.
Pointy-eared-elfs: Thank you! I did not even realise that there were two cliffies!!! You will have to wait and see with Estalado, all I will say is he is here for a while. I am glad you liked the long chapter.
Lirenel: I would say that evil is exactly the right word to describe him.
SaphireCat: Ah, I love care Bears. I have an Ellaroo (yes I know I am 41 but I like my bears. I have over 300 of them.) I'm glad that she had a nice party. Very, very bad spiders as you will have seen. (okay note form Mei here. The care bears were great and the best was Tender Heart. Also Shell is basically a big kid. Nicky bear.)
Littlecrazy1: I will pass the Almighty Glare Of Doom onto those it is directed to! Here is an update for you.
Immortalwizardpirateelf-fan: Thank you. It should say somewhere that this is very AU. I will check with Mei and see if that is so. I'm glad that you enjoy it though. I agree with your sentiments with regards to Dwowlin.
Triptych: That is good that they can keep in touch, I know what it is like to move away from all friends having done so three years ago myself. Thank you; he could never really repent his ways as we all know all too well.
Astalder27: Yep it is set straight after Once. Just because he seemed to have changed his ways does not mean he stays that way. I swear there is something more going on with that Elf. Mei and I will be discussing this as I have an idea as to exactly why he like this, there must be something far deeper going on that not even he is aware of. Thank you with the compliments on Michelle, I was very hesitant to write about my namesake and so I wrote the complete opposite of what I am.
Well every one, that is all for now. But if you ask really, really nicely you may just get another long chapter soon.
Love,
Mei, Shell, Leafie and the gang