A Long Time Ago

by Meisalliam and MCross

Legolas as a seven year old learning about life and how to deal with it. The continuation of Once Upon A Time

10. 10

Disclaimer: As much as we loved to own these characters we do not and write for the pure joy it brings.

Chapter Ten

Estel had decided to leave the Palace and go for a walk around the extensive grounds that surrounded it. As he stepped out into the early spring sunshine, he took a deep breath of the fresh air. It felt good to be outside.

It would not be long before he had to return and pick up Legolas and Estalado from school. He had been given permission to give them both a rising lesson and he needed to go and choose a foal that would be suitable for the young Elfling that would be joining him and Legolas.

As he made his way down to the stables he exchanged pleasantries with the Elves that he met along the way. The nearer he got to the stables the more he became aware of armed Elves. They held themselves ready as if expecting trouble at any minute.

As curious as he was, he continued on his way. As he entered the stable he was greeted by the head groom, who called to him and greeting and hurried over to join him.

"Estel, it is good to see you, I hope that you are keeping well?"

"Yes, thank you and you?" Estel liked the head groom; he would never forget the night they spent together with Legolas nursing Telmenelion back to health following a bad bout of influenza.

"I am well, how is the little Prince? We have been very worried about him and looking after Patchy for him."

"Thank you, Solaeren I am sure that Legolas will be down later and will thank you himself. I will be taking him riding once school has finished. I need a foal for another Elfling, Estalado. He is the Prince's friend and the King has said that I was to ask you to put aside a foal for his sole use." Estel had moved with the head groom into the stables and undercover.

"I have just the prefect foal in that case. He is here." Solaeren led the way down to a stall that contained a small foal that as the groom said would be perfect for Estalado. He stood about the same height as Patchy but was completely brown. At the sound of their voices he came to the stall door and began to nuzzle their hands.

"He will be perfect and seems to have a wonderful temperament. I am sure that Estalado will love him. I will bring him down later with Legolas, does he have a name?" Estel was enjoying the fuss that the foal was giving him.

"Not as yet, I am sure the Prince and his friend will be able to come up with something suitable." Solaeren had no doubt what so ever about that.

With that the pair headed out of the stables.

"Tell me, Mellon what is going on with all the Elves about?" Estel could finally assuage his curiosity.

"The King has asked that they be on the alert for more of the spiders. He seems to think that they are after our young Prince and has asked us all to keep a look out so that if they do attack they can be seen to before they get near the prince, we all know his aversion to the creatures." Solaeren's grin was grim.

"Yes, even after all these years, he still hates them. I wonder if he will ever truly stop fearing them. But then again, would we want him to it comes in handy sometimes, knowing that they are around and that Legolas can sense them." Estel could recall the nights of broken sleep after Legolas' first encounter with the giant Mirkwood spider's; all due to Drowlin.

"I know, but still to fear them like that." The head groom shivered at the thought. "Well, I must get on I will see you later this afternoon then, Estel."

"You most certainly will, be ready for some hyper Elfling's, they were quite happy to be back at school this morning!" With a wave Estel left the stables and made his way back to the palace. As he drew nearer to the palace, the atmosphere seemed to change.

It grew heavy and a feeling of forbidding seemed to permeate the air. The nearer he got the more the feeling grew and Estel hurried forward.

The trees around him seemed to be very agitated their boughs and branches whipping back and forth, a clear sign that they were upset. Estel had never once seen trees act like this and was astonished.

Waving to the guards on the door he entered the palace. All seemed to be calm. For some reason his feet led him as if by magic to the lower corridor which led to the Royal Garden. There talking away happily to the guards was Drowlin.

To the young Human's concern they were not doing their duty as instructed by the King. They were not meant to let Legolas out of their sight for a minute, so where was Legolas? And what was it that Drowlin was doing with them?

Estel sighed; he had not liked the other Prince for some time now. If he could do the things to Legolas that he had done in the past... No, Estel did not trust him as far as he could throw him. If Legolas was missing then Drowlin was almost certainly involved.

He hurried along to them just as Drowlin wished the guards goodbye and with a knowing grin at the Human he hurried down the corridor. He had a few things to set into motion before Legolas got back to his chamber.

Estel watched him for a minute, unsure as to what to do, he only snapped out of his daze when a small figure ran at him in panic. The pair crashed to the ground and it took a minute for Estel to get his breath back enough to stand. Luckily one of the guards had come to their aid and was helping them to stand.

The Elfling was Estalado and he looked terrified.

"Estalado, what is wrong?" He could not hide his surprise for normally where Estalado was Legolas would not be far behind. But the corridor was suspiciously empty of one Blond Prince.

"Estel, you must come, Legolas is hurt." The dark haired Elfling was pulling at Estel's arm.

Estel shared a look of shock with the Guard and then he quickly followed the Elfling, the guard in tow.

Legolas looked nervously up at the group who had surrounded him. Gone were their friendly smiles and in place were heavy frowns of dislike. He felt his mouth grow dry and his heart began to thump. It was not helped by the trees growing distress.

"What do you want?" He nervously flicked from one Elfling to another.

"Now that is not a nice to ask, is it? As we said we wanted to talk with you. What is that you have in your hand?" Gilrone was acting as spokes Elfling for the group and he had just noticed the cotton sack that Legolas held in his hands.

"They are for Estalado. What do you want with me?" Legolas tried to put the bag of cookies behind his back, but he did not move fast enough.

"For Estalado? Well, I am sure that he will not mind sharing them with us, give them to me." The large Elfling held out his hand, his tone one of command.

"No, they are for Estalado and not you. You have your own cookies." Legolas would not give into them.

"Maybe we have, but maybe, Little Princeling we want your cookies as well. Give them to me." Gilrone was not impressed that the small Elfling was standing up to him.

"No, they are not yours. Leave me alone." Legolas tried to push past them, but they would not let him go.

"Not until you give us your cookies and we have a talk as to who your father really is!" Gilrone was beginning to get angry know and all the other Elfling's knew that that was not a good thing as he had a mean temper.

"I will not give you them and you know who my Ada is." Legolas was really frightened know and he was trying hard not to cry.

"Ah, but is he? We know for a fact that he is not you father. Your father is a lowly Human who has not even the courage to come and speak with the King. How he can put up with you under his roof is beyond me!" With that Gilrone gave the small Prince a mighty push with his hand and sent him crashing to the ground.

Pain shot through Legolas as he landed and his right hand, the only hand he had free to try and stop his fall, twisted awkwardly underneath him and the advancing Elfling's stopped moving closer in on him when they heard the loud crack that filled the air.

Legolas winced as the pain in his wrist flared and grew. Tears of pain filled those perfect blue eyes as he looked up at the others, terrified.

"My Ada is the King and he will be very angry at you over this. Please, leave me alone."

"Not yet, you still have the cookies, after all. How do you know he is your Adar? You look nothing like him or your brother's. Your Mother must have been a whore to carry on like that behind his back!" With that Gilrone let fly with a kick that connected with Legolas left upper arm. He let the bag of cookies go with a pained cry.

One of the smaller Elfling's moved into retrieve them. Shooting the prince a look of loathing.

"We do not want to learn our lessons with the son of a whore, do you understand us?" Gilrone let another kick fly and at his signal the other's joined in.

Legolas could do nothing bar curl into a ball to try and protect himself. It did not work. The blows seemed to connect just where he was trying not to let them. It seemed to go on for ever and he could not stop the tears of both pain and fear from falling.

Thing's were just beginning to go hazy as he heard a loud commanding, familiar voice say. "What do you think you are doing?" The blows stopped and with a sigh Legolas let the darkness take him.

Thranduil had been listening to the petitioners before him for some time now. It was boring, their dispute stupid. It should have been dealt with by the Elder's of their village and not brought before him and he would be letting them know that before he had finished.

The King's mind was not really on the proceedings before him, he was still mentally with Lomion in the healing wing. He had been so relieved when the Crown Prince had woken that morning. He hated to see him in such pain, but so glad that he was awake. He had to smile as he recalled his eldest son's reaction to the change in his youngest. Legolas had been very happy again this morning.

At the though of Legolas a feeling of great unease began to fill him. Something was wrong with Legolas, he could feel it. He looked up for Galion, to break into the petitioners spiel when he felt the trees.

They were calling for him, for him and Lomion. Legolas was in trouble and needed him. Now!!!

"Galion, please see that these Elves make it back to their village safely, their petition is denied and I wish to speak with the village elder. Court is adjourned for the afternoon."

Thranduil did not giver them the chance to reply as he swept from the chamber, his head held high. If they had looked out of the door they would have seen the most unlikely sight of the King drawing his sword and hitching up his long court robes so that he could run.

And run he did, as fast as he could go. For the trees were growing more frantic by the minute. They also told him where it was that he needed to be. Guards astonished to see their King running, rapidly joined him; it was obvious that something was wrong.

Thranduil did not bother using the usual route to get to the garden, instead he headed for the large chamber that was used to entertain guests at formal dinners, and it had a balcony that over looked the garden that he could use.

He gave no thought to his own safety; he leapt over the balcony to land softly on the grass. The guards were quick to follow him and soon they were making their way over to the group of Elfling's.

Thranduil, thanks to his Elven heritage could hear every word that they said as he drew near and his famous temper was beginning to simmer nicely. But what was enough to set his temper free was the loud crack that sounded in the quiet garden. Then the Elfling's were kicking at what ever it was, or rather, who ever it was that they had surrounded.

It was the work of seconds to be behind them and then he called out anger clear in his voice. "What do you think you are doing?"

He had the satisfaction of seeing everyone of the Elfling's stiffen before standing erect and turning around to face him. Every one of them had white faces and looked terrified. In one of the Elfling's hand was clutched a small bag that the King knew all too well. It was the pack that held Legolas cookies.

"I do not think that that belongs to you. If you would give it to me? Where is my son?" He looked at each of them coldly.

For what seemed like a very long time nothing moved, the Elfling's all seemed to be frozen to the spot. Then the small Elfling that was holding the bag that held Legolas' cookies dashed towards him to give him the bag. He then scuttled back to the others.

Thranduil was about to speak again when the sound of small feet running came across the grass.

"King Thran, I cannot find Legolas!" It was a panicked Estalado.

"Come here, Estalado we will find him." The Elfling did so his eyes going wide at the frightened group before him. They were all shaking and very pale.

"Well, I will ask you only once more. Where is my son?" The group did not dare take their eyes off of him, but seemingly as one, they moved to reveal the small, bloodied lump that they had previously hidden.

Estalado gave a cry of horror, while Thranduil strode forward towards the group, they scattered scared that he would harm them, this had not been what they were expecting.

But Thranduil had no time for them, he called over his shoulder. "Estalado, go and find someone that can help, preferably Lord Elrond or one of his son's." The Elfling nodded and with one last, scared look at his friend he ran from the garden, tears running down his face. "Jalenta, please take these... Elfling's into custody, I want to speak with both them and their parents."

"Of course, Hir nin." Jalenta turned aware that the guards that had been looking after the Prince were just know arriving on the scene, he gave them an angry glare. It pleased him to see them pale as they realised that the small, bloodied lump that their King was just reaching was their ward.

Their arrival was not lost on Thranduil, either. "Jalenta, I want them out of my sight. They have failed to look after Prince Legolas. I want them removed from duty and brought to me along with their commander's tomorrow morning after the morning meal." His voice was cold and throbbed with anger.

"As you wish, Sire." Jalenta gave his orders with quick, efficient orders and soon his group was leaving the garden.

They met Estel and Estalado hurrying back into the garden. The pair did not even look at them; they were more concerned with getting to Legolas and Thranduil.

Thranduil had turned Legolas over with shaking hands, not exactly sure what he would find with all the blood that seemed to be around. As it was he had to hide a gasp, Legolas was pale and on his forehead was a growing lump surrounded by a livid bruise. His nose was bleeding and his lip badly split. There was also a large bruise forming on the small jaw. His clothes were ripped and dirty. Through the tears Thranduil could see bruises and contusions forming as if by magic.

He was vaguely aware of Estel and Estalado joining them, he looked up his large eyes wide with a mixture of shock and horror. "Estel, is he?" He dared not continue, not sure he really wanted to find out.

"Let me see? What happened?" Estel began to check the still Elfling over, aware of the shocked friend standing as close to him as he could get in search of comfort.

"It was the Elfling's from his class; they were taunting him about his Naneth." Thranduil nodded at Estel's shocked glance, letting the man know he was right in his assumptions.

Estel hurriedly continued to check Legolas over, before turning to Estalado. "Estalado, do you know that way to the Healing Wing?" The scared Elfling nodded his answer, eyes not leaving his friend. "Good, could you go and warn Elardion that we are bringing Legolas to him badly hurt?" Another nod. "Good boy, go on then we will be right behind you." Another nod and Estalado began to run from the garden.

"How is he?" Thranduil was still cradling his son gently.

"We need to get him to the Healing Wing, can you manage him?" Estel stood and watched as Thranduil carefully stood, within seconds they were heading towards the palace doors. "What were they taunting Legolas with?" He felt his anger rise at those responsible for this.

"They told him that Laurelin was a whore and that I was not his father. They stole his cookies as well." Thranduil gave a sad sigh. "I thought that this was all over with. I will need to speak with Rallina. It is becoming obvious that Legolas and Estalado will need to be taught by themselves. I do not want to segregate them, but I fear we have no choice; they made it perfectly clear to Legolas that he was not welcome. Jalenta took the Elfling's into custody and made certain that their parent's will be brought to see me in the morning." Thranduil looked up at the sound of hurried footsteps and could have cried with relief as Elrond followed by his twin son's hurried towards them.

"We passed Estalado on his way to the Healing Wing; he told us that Legolas has been hurt. What happened?" Elrond was by Thranduil's side in an instant.

It was Estel that replied. "Legolas has been badly beaten by the other Elfling's in his school group, Ada. He has broken his arm and I think he has a concussion, he may have some fractured ribs as well." He stopped as he heard Thranduil's gasp of horror.

"We need to get him to Elardion in that case. What caused this?" They were all hurrying now, while Elrond kept a close watch on Legolas.

"They were taunting Legolas that he is not my son, they called Laurelin a whore and said that he was not to go to class with them any more." Thranduil was not aware of the sharp, worried look that his friend threw his way.

They had just reached the door to the healing wing when Jalenta hurried towards them. "I have summoned the parent's, Sire. The Elfling's are being kept apart so that they cannot speak with each other."

"Good, thank you. Keep the parents from their children, they can see them so that they know they are alright, but I do not want them staying with them. They are not to speak of what has happened to their parent's, so a guard is to be with them at all times. I need to be calmer when I speak with them. Jalenta, please find both Michelle, Estalado's mother and bring her here. The poor Elfling will need her, he is very scared. Also find Rallina and inform her that I need to see her? Bring her here, also. She will know by now that her classes have effectively been cancelled for the time being, I think that she needs to know why."

"Of course, Hir-nin I will get them both now for you." He bowed and with a worried glance at the still Prince hurriedly left.

They pushed open the door to find Elardion was waiting for them. A bed was already open and waiting for his small brother. Lomion was half sat/half slouched in the bed next to it. It hurt too much for him to either sit up or lay down, for him to do any other. Beside him, terrified and still crying was Estalado. Lomion was doing his best to comfort him. He looked up as his father entered with Legolas in his arms.

Lomion could only wince as his brother was settled on the bed next to him; they had known it would be bad, his father would not send a message ahead to warn them otherwise, but this? How could this have happened? Legolas was meant to be safe and happy at classes.

They all watched as Legolas was checked over once more by Elrond and Elardion. Once they had finished they stepped back with a tired sigh. Elrond headed to get the bandages and herbs that they would need to treat the Elfling. Elardion faced the others in the large, bright chamber.

"How is he, Elardion? Estel said he thought he might have some broken bones?" Thranduil was practically pacing with a mixture of worry and anger.

"Yes, Ada he has. His right wrist is badly broken; we will set that while he is still unconscious. He also has a few broken ribs..."

"Estel said that he thought that they were fractured, but broken?!" Thranduil was horrified.

"It is the same thing, Ada. Broken and fractured are one and the same. I am sorry that I confused you." His father shot him a distracted smile. "Legolas also has a minor concussion, his nose is broken and his jaw very badly bruised. That is aside from his bruises and contusions. What the Valar happened, Ada?"

The door to the chamber opened and Jalenta let the two ladies he had been asked to gather enter. Michelle looked almost frantic and she hurried with a small cry to Estalado's side, gathering him into a huge hug. The Elfling began crying once more in the safety of his mother's arms. She in turn turned towards Legolas and stiffened with shock at what she saw.

Rallina was nervous as she made her way across the chamber. None of the Elfling's had returned from their break as normal and she had been going to collect them when the Guard and Michelle had asked her to go with them. She suddenly had a bad feeling about this. It grew even more when she realised who it was on the bed and she turned confused eyes to the King.

Thranduil gave a sad smile at his youngest son, wishing that this had never happened. He needed to let them all know what had happened. It was Estel who spoke to him first.

"Would you like me to tell them for you?" The look the King gave him was of untold relief that he would not have to relive what he had seen quite so soon. At his nod Estel turned to the others. "It appears that Legolas was cornered by some of the Elfling's in his class, apparently they stole his cookies, he must have tried to prevent them, from doing so, and they attacked him. The King broke them up or I think that Legolas' injuries would have been even more severe."

Rallina sat down with a large thump, a hand going to her mouth to prevent her cry of shock. "But why?"

This time Thranduil did answer. "They were alluding to the fact that some rumours have circulated that I am not Legolas' father. Utter nonsense of course, not that I would care if it was true. As far as I am concerned Legolas is and always will be my son, no matter what. I know that Laurelin would not willingly deceive me like that. If these unlikely rumours are true there must have been a reason. I care not." He turned to Jalenta, who stood shocked by what he had just heard. "I want the source of these rumours found and brought to me. I want this to stop and stop now."

The other Elf nodded and hurried from the chamber, calling together his trusted Elves to carry out the King's wishes. As if the Queen would do something like that!

Thranduil turned to Rallina. "I do not blame you for this; this was outside of your classroom. Needless to say your classes for the day have all been cancelled. The Elfling's responsible for this have been taken into custody and their parent's brought to the palace. I will be speaking with them in the morning when I have calmed somewhat."

"How could they do this and to Legolas? It is unthinkable. With your permission, Sire I wish to ban them from my classes. I do not want to teach Elfling's that can do this to another. I find it aberrant." fresh tears were running down her face.

"As you wish, you are their tutor and this was carried out during your class time. I wanted to ask if you would tutor Legolas and Estalado privately. I think it unwise to let them mix with other less mature Elfling's at present."

"I would be honoured to teach such wonderful students, Hir Nin." She gave him a watery smile.

"Good, Michelle, Estalado do you mind me making these arrangements for you?" Thranduil turned to where the Elfling was still being comforted by his mother.

"No, Thranduil as long as Estalado is happy that is all that I care about. What about you, Ion-nin would you like to learn your lessons with Legolas?"

"Yes, Nana if that is alright?" He sent a frightened look to Thranduil; his anger earlier had given him a fright.

"It is more than alright, Penneth." Thranduil reached over to ruffle his hair causing the Elfling to giggle. "Rallina, will you join me after the morning meal to speak with the other's parents? I think if we speak with them together they may realise the gravity of what their offspring have done. They could have killed Legolas that is a crime of great consequence. It must never happen again."

"Of course, Hir-nin you are right, I need to explain to them why I am removing them from my class. I will meet you in the morning." A loud pop followed by a crack made them all jump and they turned to see Elrond and Elardion between them resetting Legolas' arm. The young Prince was still mercifully unaware of what was being done to him.

"Will Legolas be alright, Sire?" The worry was back in Rallina's voice.

"I do not know; let us ask the experts on that matter." Suddenly everyone in the chamber turned to face the two healers who were mid way through splinting the slender arm.

"He will be very sore for a few days, but yes, Legolas should be fine. We will keep him here in the healing Wing for the next few days, he can keep Lomion company."

Once more the chamber doors opening cut Elardion off. It was Thranduil's twin's this time and they looked as panicked as Thranduil had felt earlier. They stumbled to a halt beside their father looking down at their youngest brother.

"Ada, we just heard is Leafie alright?" Nolvo asked.

"Yes, Ion-nin, he has a few broken bones, but they will heal and we have the perpetrators in custody." He realised that he was one son short and a feeling of worry and unease began to build inside him. He was just about to speak when he was cut off by Elardion's stern voice.

"Nolvo, have you been out on the practice fields?" The twin's shared a worried look.

"I was only watching as Alcarnor practiced." Nolvo tried to look as innocent as he could manage. How on Arda did he know? This was almost like having another father!

"Is that why your shoulder has been bleeding?" Elardion was frowning at his brother in displeasure. Neither were aware of the stifled laughter that came from the direction of their father.

"It is not! I have done nothing to cause it to bleed." Nolvo sounded indignant as he looked at his shoulder. He gulped at what he saw.

"Then why is there blood on your tunic? Come sit, as soon as I have finished with Legolas I will see to you. Do you remember what I said would happen if you disobeyed me?" Elardion had turned back to Legolas and while Elrond cleaned his face and reset the Elfling's tiny nose, he saw to his ribs, wincing as he noticed the deep bruising that was already begin to come through. Legolas would be sporting some good colours come morning.

"Yes, you said that you would sedate me and tie me to the bed." Nolvo's voice sounded very small.

"Good, you have clear recall of that at least. Do not move from that chair. Alcarnor, please go and get some night robes for both Leafie and your incredibly stupid twin." Alcarnor did as he was told, trying to give his brother an encouraging grin. He had to smile as he left the chamber to the sound of his twin whining to his father.

"But, Ada you cannot let him do this!"

"What gives you that idea, Ion-nin? I am not that foolish, you forget who the master Healer here is, and I will do nothing that could put me in his bad books and on the receiving end of an unwelcome potion! You were warned what would happen if you did not rest that shoulder, Nolvo; you refused to do as requested. It is time to take your punishment as an Elf!" Thranduil tried as hard as he could to stop the smile from breaking out, it was hard though, very hard. Nolvo looked cowed and crestfallen, he looked at the others, and they were struggling to keep their faces straight as well.

Elardion hid his smile as he wrapped the small, thin chest with tight bandages to hold the ribs in place. Legolas was lucky that they had not pierced a lung. He knew that he would not keep Nolvo sedated, but the other Elf did not need to know that!

As soon as he had finished he turned to Nolvo and helped him off with his tunic and undershirt. If the blood had been bad on the outer tunic, it was worse on the bandage. He frowned as he unwound his previous bandage. The wound looked sore; how Nolvo could move it he did not know. He had been doing so far too much by the look of it.

"Nolvo, please tell me that you did not try to use your bow!" There was exasperation in his voice.

"Alright, I will not tell you." The voice was low and muffled.

Elardion could only sigh again, it was as he feared. "You have managed to tear the wound open again, this is what three times now, that I have had to suture it? Are you trying for a record?" Even Rallina laughed at this comment before bowing and leaving the family and friend to tend the walking wounded. He crossed to the herb table and began to mix a sleeping potion, he did not think that Nolvo would like to be awake when he removed the old sutures and re-did them. He had just handed the goblet to a scowling Nolvo when the door opened to show a very, very pale looking Alcarnor. In his hands were the two requested sleeping robes. He handed them to hi elder brother before crossing to his father.

"Ada, I need to talk with you, in fact I need to show you something." Thranduil knew that something was wrong the minute the twin had entered the chamber.

"What is it, Alcarnor?" He stood and with a nod to the others he joined his son at the door. He noticed with a stab of amusement that Estel had joined them as well, he had never really taken to the man, had accepted him out of loyalty to his friend. Maybe he had been wrong; he was close with Legolas and truly seemed to care for all of his sons. The fact that he was willing to help him with what ever problem there was now; spoke volumes to the worried King.

The three of them left the chamber and Nolvo waited until they were out of earshot before he spoke.

"Ada, someone had killed one of Legolas' rabbits. Whoever did this just left it in the middle of his chamber; he would have walked right into it." Alcarnor sounded sick.

Thranduil could not speak, who could have done such a thing and today of all days? He exchanged grim looks with the others.

Estel took a deep breath before he entered the room; this was not going to be pleasant. He had spent many happy hours in this chamber with Legolas playing with his friend and his pets. Which ever this dead rabbit was, too Legolas it was a friend and his friend would be hurt by this.

It was as bad as he feared. The rabbit had been slaughtered. There was no other word for it. Blood was sprayed about, testament to the violence used to kill the pet. Its throat had been slit with force, so deep that the spinal cord could be seen. Estel closed his eyes, it was Trouble. It was just such a shame that he had lived, or rather died, up to his name. Legolas would not be the only one upset at this, Elardion would be too as this was his favourite rabbit from the group. Estel vowed that he would find the one responsible for this.

He began to clear the mess up, he could not leave the chamber like this, Thranduil moved to help him. Alcarnor checked the large rabbit house that stood to one side, making sure that all the others were accounted for, they were, thank the God's.

It meant, though, that not one of them was prepared for the nasty shock that they received when Estel moved the small corpse. Trouble was not the only one to have been killed this day. Legolas would be distraught by this. For under the small cold body was another. Its neck was twisted in an obscene manner that showed just how he had been killed. It was Mousey, the small mouse that Mithrandir had given to Legolas all those years ago. There was a shuddering sigh and Estel looked up from the scene of carnage to see tears slipping down the face of the mighty king of Mirkwood.

"This could well take Legolas from us. After the Elfling's earlier, who would do this to him?" Thranduil's voice was shaking, he was so frightened that this would be one loss too many for his smallest son.

"We need to find out. Alcarnor, are the other rabbits alright?" Estel gently gathered up both of the small bodies.

"Yes, Estel they are all well." The younger Elf was crying, too.

"Good, for that I am grateful. Is there somewhere that we can keep these until Legolas can bury them?" he gently asked the shaken King.

"Yes, I will arrange for a box to be made for each of them, they can be kept in the House of Preparation until Legolas is well enough to deal with this. Thank you, Estel you have helped us so much. I can never repay you."

"There is nothing to repay, I only want to see Legolas well and happy."

Once the chamber was at least a little more presentable, they made their way down to the House of preparation with the bodies. The attendant's there listened gravely to their King's instructions and why he wanted them. They accepted the tiny bodies and hurried to make them ready for the young Prince. They had already silently agreed that the Prince's friends would be treated with the respect that they deserved and would have the finest woods to carry them to their final resting place in the Royal tomb; for that was where Thranduil had decided that they should be buried.

It was two downhearted Elves and one man who made their way slowly back to the Healing chamber. Thranduil was already trying to think how best to tell his son about his friends.

"Well you do look rather sorry for yourselves, I must say!" They all looked up as Mithrandir entered the palace. He had decided to join one of the patrols earlier that day to see if he could find any sign of Sslina.

"It has been a rather evident day, Mellon-nin to say the least." Thranduil was pleased to see the old wizard.

"Oh? What has happened? This is not the way to the family room." The grey Maia glanced at the King with a clear question in his eyes.

"Legolas has been attacked..." Thranduil started to explain.

"What! But how? He was to be protected by your guards!" Mithrandir sounded furious. Thranduil held a hand up to halt the flow of words so that he could further explain.

"It was the children in his school class, they told him that he was the son of a whore and I was not his father. They also stole his cookies." For some reason that hurt more than angered him that someone, Elfling's at that, could steal from his son... "We think that he tried to stop them from taking them and they then proceeded to beat and kick him. He is still unconscious, until he wakes up we have no way of telling what else happened. We have the Elfling's in custody; I will be speaking with them in the morning along with their parents."

"Not until the morning?" Mithrandir still sounded very angry.

"No, I am too angry to be fair with their punishments. At this moment I want nothing more than to banish them all. That would not be fair on their other family members." Thranduil rubbed his forehead with a tired sigh.

"That is a wise decision in that case. What else has happened?"

Thranduil gave another sigh; his friend was far too astute. "Someone has killed two of Legolas' pets."

"Which ones?" Mithrandir had a feeling that he knew the identity of one of the two. It was confirmed.

"Mousey and Trouble. We have just come from dealing with it. Legolas still does not know." They had reached the door to the healing chamber.

"I do not know if this will help with easing the shock, but I came across this pair together on my travels. I saved them from a rather hungry looking creature that I am not really sure of the identity of." from those never ending, or so it seemed, pocket's he drew two small furry bodies. One was an older Mouse the other a very small baby. It could not be more than a few days old. The older one was obviously its Mother. "I was going to ask Legolas if he would care for them for me."

"I am sure that he will love them. It may well help him. I will find out who did this, though. I have also set Jalenta to find the source of the rumour and I have relieved Legolas' guards of their duties, they are obviously incompetent."

"I saw Drowlin speaking with them as I was walking to the garden. It must have been at the same time the Elfling's were beating Legolas up. It may have been co-incidence, though." Estel tried to stop the wary tone from entering his voice.

Thranduil could have groaned. "I noticed that he was missing this afternoon. The others came running, but there was no sign of Drowlin. I do hope he has not been up to his shenanigans again. I will talk with him later."

The chamber was peaceful when they entered. All three patients were either unconscious or drugged.

Elardion and Elrond looked up from where they were preparing the herbs they would need to use later that evening.

"How is Nolvo?" Thranduil hugged his second eldest child.

"Sleeping. His wound has been tended to. I.. We have decided that it will be best if he is made to wear a sling for the next few weeks, to remind him that he cannot use his arm. Alcarnor has promised to me that he will make sure that Nolvo rests his arm. I will keep him to that promise." This was followed by a glower at the twin.

"As will I. And Lomion?" He looked over to where Lomion lay fast asleep.

"I gave him something to help with the pain; he was trying to convince us that he was not in pain. He could not hide it in the end."

"And Leafie, has he been well?" Thranduil had left his biggest worry for the last.

"He has not stirred. He will be fine, Ada he is sleeping off the concussion. As long as we keep checking him regularly, he will make a full recovery. What was wrong in his chamber?"

Thranduil reluctantly told them of what had happened. To say the others were shocked and upset was an understatement.

No one was willing to leave the chamber as the afternoon turned into evening. Nolvo woke up and joined in the talk. Galion made certain that the evening meal was brought to the chamber for them, informing Thranduil that Drowlin had taken his meal earlier before leaving the palace to meet with his friends. That would be another thing they would be speaking about. None of the younger Prince's were meant to leave the palace without speaking with their father first. It was just too dangerous.

Lomion awoke in time to eat with them; he too was horrified by what had happened to the pets. But also grateful that Mithrandir had by some lucky chance brought some new ones that he had found. They could not be replacements, but it would help.

The evening was a long one and just before the two elder twins left to go and settle for the night, Legolas finally woke up.

To say he was fractious was an understatement. He hurt, pure and simple. His head was thumping and all he could see was two of everything. He was also very nauseous. In fact his head was so bad that he vomited all that his little stomach held, even if that was not a lot.

He only settled when held by Thranduil. It was the start of a long night for them. Mithrandir had walked with Estel to Legolas' chamber and settled the two newcomers into Mousey's old house. If Legolas wanted it changed, they would do so. It may hold too many memories for the poor Elfling. They returned to the chamber housing the others. Estel was not aware that the wizard had cast a spell over the chamber door to keep out those with malice in the heart against the small Prince.

Morning dawned as Drowlin made his way back to the palace. He had had a good night with his friends and had drunk more than a little too much wine with his friends. He had even taken five bottles from his father's store. Five of his best Dorwinion, never expecting them to be found missing.

He had not reckoned with Galion, his fathers new butler. Thranduil had genuinely been saddened when both Galion, his family and Talaeri, his former head healer, had decided to sail to the West. But he was more than pleased with his replacement. Not that Drowlin knew that.

He had barely made it through the palace doors when he was met with what seemed like an immoveable object. He owlishly blinked up to see what it was that had had the audacity to bump into him, muttering under his breath that whomever this was, should bow and apologise at once, he stumbled to a halt as he realised that the Elf looking down at him with a fiercely disapproving look, was his father. His mouth ran dry. He had not been expecting to see his father so early in the day and certainly not as he was currently.

Thranduil gave a tired yawn as he crossed the empty corridor to go his audience chamber. It had been a very long, poor Legolas had been so ill over night that he really wished that he did not have to leave him, but this was far too important for him to leave. Never had he seen his youngest being so sick, he would not have thought it possible.

He would never forget his fear when just before dawn the Elfling had begun to vomit fresh blood. He had been almost hysterical. Thank the Valar for the calm of his friend and son. Once the had looked Legolas over they had reassured him that this was nothing to be worried about, that the bleeding was from a small tear in the back of the Prince's throat and caused by the force of his retching. (1)

That had eased his worry somewhat, but not fully. Then there was Drowlin, why his son would leave without speaking with him was beyond his comprehension, it just did not make sense. He was drawing level with the palace doors when a figure stumbled and fell through, it picked it self up and made for the stairs, taking no notice of the King in front of him. It staggered once more and fell to the ground.

Thranduil frowned; his sensitive nose had already caught the smell of alcohol in the air. He glared down at the sprawled figure, noticing for the first time just who it was before him. His temper flared once more. It became red hot when he heard the figure mumble something about apologising and bowing to him. He then saw the dawning comprehension in the other's face as he realised who it was that stood before him. The other Elf, Drowlin swallowed thickly and managed somehow to stand. Even if he was wavering as though he was in a strong wind.

"Adar, I can explain." His voice was slurred even to his own ears.

Thranduil's voice was cold and the Elf in front of him could not stop a small shudder. "I am sure that you can. I do not have time for this at present. You are to go to your chambers and clean yourself up. Stay there until I send for you. Under no conditions are you to sleep or leave your chambers. I am disappointed in you, Drowlin. I thought that you were far more sensible than this. Now go!"

Drowlin did not wait for any more and fled to his chamber to do exactly what it was that his father had told him.

Thranduil sighed after him, wondering for perhaps the thousandth time, just how one of his son's could turn out like this. Where had he and Laurelin gone wrong? He shook himself and made for the chamber. Rallina was waiting for him.

"Good morning, Sire." She curtsied as he entered. "How is Prince Legolas?"

"Good morning, Rallina. He had a very bad night, I am afraid. The concussion was worse than Elrond and Elardion had first thought. He has been sick all night."

"I am sorry to hear that. I am still horrified that some of my students could do such a thing. I hope you do not mind, but I have mentioned this to no one, I thought it best until we have seen their parents." Rallina was nervous of being with the King after what had happened.

"Thank you, Rallina, I think that was a good idea on your part. Did you not even tell your husband? Where does he think you are?" Thranduil smiled at the tutor.

"No, not even him, I thought it was too sensitive. He thinks I am getting ready for my class. With your permission I will tell him tonight. Will that be alright?"

"Yes, my Dear that will be more than alright. Jalenta will be bringing your student's in a few minutes." Thranduil motioned her to sit down. It was just in time for them to see the chamber door open as the guards brought the Elfling's and their parent's before them.

If Thranduil expected the parent's to be worried about meeting with him then he was very wrong. The father's seemed to be very angry at being kept from their son's and made that very clear.

"What is the meaning of this?" it was a very large Elf with broad shoulder's, his son Gilrone, stood beside him pale and shaking as he looked at the seemingly impassive King in front of him. His eyes widened as he took in his teacher standing beside him.

Thranduil glowered at the Elf noting with amusement that his son seemed to take after his father in more ways than one. "I would be quiet and courteous If I were you. You have been brought here to discuss a very serious matter..."

"What serious matter and why have you kept us separate from our Elfling's? I demand an explanation!" If he could Gilrone would have winced at the tone of his father's voice.

"You demand an explanation?! You demand an Explanation?!!! How dare you! It is I who should be demanding an explanation! I would like to know why your son's have seen fit to call my beloved Queen a whore! I would also like to ask them why they have seen fit to put my youngest son in the Healing Wing, with serious injuries, for the foreseeable future! How dare you demand an explanation from me?" Thranduil's finely held temper had finally erupted.

The Elf in question faltered and fell back a step, not really believing what he had heard. His son would not be so foolish as to do such a thing. That had been drummed into him, that he was not to discuss what was said at home with anybody.

"I am sure that there has been a mistake here, Sire." His voice had gone from confrontational to being slimily ingratiating. "May I ask who has accused my son?"

"There has been no accusation." For a minute the Elf's, Gilrenelle's face had held a look of triumph. "He was found kicking the Prince along with his... friend's. They had also stolen Legolas' cookies. That Elfling." He pointed to the smallest Elfling in the chamber who looked for the entire world as if he wished to disappear. "Was in possession of the cookies. Besides I was there and heard every word that they said to him, I could just not reach them in time to stop them. For your information..." He turned to Rallina for help with his name.

"Gilrenelle, Sire." Her voice was full of respect, in direct contrast to the other Elf's who so far had shown no sign that they were in the prescience of the King. This would change before the meeting was finished.

"Thank you, Rallina. Gilrenelle, for your information not only was your son with them, but he was the ring leader." That took the puff right out of the parent's, right their and then. They seemed to all deflate as their chosen leader subsided in front of them.

"But... But..." Gilrenelle looked from the King to his son in shock.

"I would like to know what made your son and his friend's take such an action and I also want to know where they heard the malicious gossip about my wife." Thranduil arched an eye at Gilrenelle.

The other Elf had no choice but to push his son forward. "Go on then tell him!"

"He is your King and you will address him with respect." Jalenta had had more than enough of this pompous, self opinionated Elf who had done nothing but complain all night.

"Speak to the King, Gilrone and I would like to hear your explanation as well." He gulped at the sight of an angry King and his rather competent looking guard.

"Yes, Ada." Gilrone's voice was small and quaking. "We heard some other Elf's speaking about his mother and how he could not be your son. It made sense. None of us like him; he is a show off and thinks he is above all of us."

Rallina glowered at him when she heard this. That was one thing that Legolas had never done. He was always polite and courteous. Never once had he mentioned what he was, never.

"Who is this he?" Thranduil's voice fairly boomed out in the chamber.

"Legolas." Gilrone's voice was sullen as he answered. He had never expected his own father to desert him like this.

"That is Prince Legolas to you. Never address him as anything less, do you understand?" Thranduil's voice was imperious and strong.

"Yes." Gilrone seemed to shrink before him.

"Yes what?"

Confused brown eyes looked up at him and then he recalled what his teacher had called the angry King in front of him. "Yes, Sire."

"So you do not like him and feel he should not be at school with you. Why did you all attack him?" Thranduil glowered down at them.

"Attack him? Surely that is a little melodramatic? I am sure that if Prince Legolas was to be brought here he would tell you that it was just Elfling games..." Once more Gilrenelle tried to appease the King before him, once again it failed.

"I would love to be able to bring Prince Legolas before you, but alas the Prince cannot be here, your son and his friend's have seen to that. The Prince is currently in the Healing Wing with a very badly broken right wrist, a severe concussion and three broken ribs." The look of horror that passed over the older Elves in the chamber appeased him somewhat. "That is not without mentioning the bruises and cuts, as well as the broken nose and badly bruised jaw. Legolas is in no condition to be brought to speak with you. I want to know why?"

"He would not give us his cookies!" There Gilrone had said it, he had not meant to go so far and hurt the prince so badly but when he had lost his temper all reason had left.

"Ah, that makes it all different then." The sarcasm in Thranduil's voice made Jalenta wince. The more sarcastic the King became the angrier he was. "Did you ask Legolas if you could have them?"

"No." Gilrone looked shocked at even the suggestion, it was something he would never do him self.

"That is what makes the Prince a better, more worthy Elf than you. If you had asked him nicely, Legolas would have given you the cookies without any argument. I also think that you have not heard the rumours just from some gossiping Elves, have you?"

This time it was Gilrenelle that gulped as his son answered quietly. "No, Sire my parents and their friend's have been talking about it."

"I see. That does not surprise me. You were the ring leader?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Your punishment will be this: You will all, when Prince Legolas is well enough to receive visitors, go and beg his forgiveness. You are confined to your home and only allowed out under supervision. The only time you and your friends can meet is at school and even then you will be held apart so that you do not mix. You will be closely supervised at all times. Be pleased that Prince Legolas did not sustain further serious injury or the punishment would have been much harder. If the Prince had died then you and all your family would have been banished, do you understand?" The frightened wide eyes told them that they did. "Good, now Rallina would like to speak with you about this."

Rallina stepped forward. "I cannot tell you just how upset and disappointed that this has happened, more so when I think it happened when you were at school. It is something I will not tolerate and your parent's were warned that any fighting or bullying would be viewed with great displeasure. It also means that I no longer feel that I can have you in my class." The Elfling's said nothing, but their parent's gasps rang out in the huge chamber.

They had been so proud to boast that their sons had been to school with the Prince and now that was gone, finished.

Again, it was Gilrenelle who spoke up first. "You cannot do that! Where will they get their education from?"

"I can do that and I do it with the agreement of the King. You knew the rules when they began their schooling. As to who will teach them there are other classes around who I am sure will be delighted to take them on." She did not need to say that the classes were for those who would not be considered as the brightest of Elfling's and likely to cause trouble.

The parent's may well grumble but they knew that there was nothing that they could do about it.

"Jalenta, take the Elfling's outside, I wish to speak with their parent's out of their hearing. Rallina, thank you for your help and understanding in this, please would you accompany them. I will be speaking with you very soon." Thranduil waited until the chamber door closed before he turned to the Elves grouped in front of him.

Nothing was mentioned about what was said that day. It was noted that very soon at least three families left for the haven's and Gilrone's family left to live in Lothlorien, their life there was not happy either as Thranduil had written to Galadriel to warn her of the potential trouble that was heading her way. They too soon left Middle Earth.

It was only once they had left the palace that Thranduil asked Jalenta to go and collect Drowlin. It gave him the chance to have a hot honey tea; so far it had been a long morning.

Across the palace Elrond and Mithrandir were debating whether or not to tell Thranduil should be told of Legolas' heritage. Mithrandir was against it until Elrond pointed out to him that Thranduil had said that he would not care, that Legolas was his son no matter what.

It was finally agreed that they would speak with the King later that afternoon...

To be continued

1. This is called a Mallory Weiss Tare and is a know medical condition - Shell

Thank you all once again for your patience. Shell's husband is home and she has been taking time out to be with him. So thank you all for waiting!

Replies to reviews:

Manwathiel: Sorry, yep more cliffies, I hope this chapter eases that sore spot!! You are so right about Drowlin. Evil through and through!! Oh, yes, we have more than a few ideas let me tell you! We love Lomion too!! You would have to ask Mei if you can kill Drowlin as he is her creation after all!

Hanna M: Well, we hope it is!! Threatening us with Leafie and a paintball gun will only delay things!!!

SaphireCat: You will have to wait and see!!!!

Alatariel Narmolanya: Yep, evil Elfling's. Nasty things!!!!

Moonshine44: Yes, Poor, poor, poor, poor Leafie as Mei kept saying!!! Very stupid and about to get their reward as well!!!

Triptych: Well, it would not be fun without him being worried would it? Not a good hiding but a very good scare!! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

LittleCrazy1: I did make him skip didn't I? LOL Silly me!! BEG. They received the AG of D and are hiding!

Philo: here's a tissue, sorry you cried. He will be better I promise....

Haldir's Heart and Soul: So do I. I was bullied very badly as a child and I will never forget it, even though it was many moons ago now. It is something that stays with you. I agree with you entirely. If you fight back they are scared themselves.

Dark Borg drone: No probs!! Consider it sent!!

Bradleigh: we are glad that you are enthralled.

Pointy-eared-elfs: Nope not good at all! What is the old saying about great minds and all that?

Kel: Sorry to make you beg and keep you waiting. I hope this er... extra long chapter makes up for it!!

Well, that is all for now, we hope you like it. More very, very soon!!

Love,

Mei and Shell and all the gang!!!

Message to you all from Shell.

I hope that Mei does not mind my doing this. It is an apology to all those waiting for an Update on Tomorrows Destiny. Mei has had the next chapter for over a week now, but ff will not let us update. I have mailed them and they have ignored my e-mail. We have no idea what to do apart from keep trying, which we will. It will be updated as soon as we can. All I can say is sorry.

Love,

Shell

And one from Mei . . .

First I need a shorter name it is to long and I would like to apologise for the lack of writing I have been doing and those waiting for Hope for the future I promise I will get an update done soon I promise.

Love

Meisalliam