Disclaimer: We would like to own Legolas and can we have him as our Christmas present's??!!
Chapter Eleven
Thranduil sat slumped at a table. He was tired and worried about Legolas. He was furious with Drowlin and his antics, on top of that he was in a raging temper (and knew it) with the parent's of the Elfling's. Galion had brought his some warmed wine to have while Jalenta collected Drowlin.
He took a long, good sip of the wine. This meeting would not be a pleasant one and then he would have to deal with the guards who had failed him so spectacularly yesterday. That also would not be pleasant. For both of these 'meetings' he would have to keep his temper. He also needed to find out who was behind all these rumours. He had thought these had stopped.
A knock on the door had him sitting up straighter in the chair. For this one it would be better to be sitting in a normal chair instead of his throne.
It was Jalenta and with him was a very sullen Drowlin. His son had bathed and was in fresh clothes. His hair was freshly washed and in the braids of a royal child. If he passed the warrior training he would change them to warrior braids. That was if he passed the training. The tutor's reports back to the King had not been good.
"Ada, I just…" Drowlin did not even let Jalenta leave before beginning.
"Be quiet. Come stand in front of me." Thranduil's voice was cold as he spoke to his son.
Drowlin gulped. It was rare to see his father in such a fine temper. It was normally on someone else and not him. Well, not that often and when he did have it on him the punishment was severe. He recalled vividly the last time it had happened. He did not want to have to wash platters or muck out the horses ever again!
"Where were you last evening?" Thranduil's look was as cold as his voice.
"I was with my friend's." There was a quaver in the voice.
"I will ask again. Where were you last night?"
"I was at Flaleton's house."
"Where does Flaleton live?" The glare was fully on Drowlin.
"It is on the North side of the palace." Drowlin's voice was quiet.
"Speak up please. So I will ask again, where were you last night?"
Drowlin finally understood what his father was saying. "I was out of the palace, Ada."
"Yes, you were out of the palace. Did you ask me if you could leave?"
"No, Ada I did not."
"And why not?" Thranduil was watching every change of emotion on his son's face.
"I did not think, Ada."
"You did not think? You did not think that I would notice that you were gone? You did not think that I would notice that your bed was not slept in last night? You did not think that the tutors would notice that you did not attend training yet again?" If Drowlin had had colour to loose he would have done, as he was he went a sickly grey as he gulped.
"Oh yes, I have been having a rather interesting conversation with your tutors. You thought I would never find out what you are doing? Do you wish to be a warrior like, Lomion? If you do you are going the wrong way to gain that accolade. Do you wish to continue your training?"
"Yes, Ada I do."
"Then you will need to work hard to reach the same level that your fellow student's have reached. You will be working exclusively with your tutors. You will have no contact with your fellow students until you have reached their level. When you are back with them I do not wish to hear that you have been throwing your position as my son around. Oh yes, I have heard about that as well."
Thranduil's talk had covered the fact that Drowlin pushed the other pupil's in his class around and flaunted his royal status to get others to do his work for him. That would stop. Thranduil had already put the changes into motion.
"Then we come to last night." Drowlin had made no move to try and change his fathers mind about his 'punishment' with Thranduil in this mood it would not work. "Last night I needed all my sons with me. Last night we almost lost Legolas again. Can you tell me how Galion has come to loose five of my best bottles of Dorwinion wine?"
"No, Ada I have…." The swift change of topics made Drowlin blink in surprise.
"I do not appreciate being lied to and certainly not by my own son!" Jalenta had been to Flaleton's family flet to find a very sick Elfling being told off by his parent's and the missing bottles empty lying about the flet. Apparently the parent's had left their son to look after his younger brother after being called away to a birth in the family. They had thought that at his age he was old enough to take responsibility. Unfortunately they had been wrong.
"Jalenta has found the bottles. How do I know?" Thranduil could practically read what his son was thinking as it crossed his son's face. "I know because Galion has just accepted a shipment from Lake Town. He also has given me an inventory of every thing I have in stock and in my stores. That was one of the first things that he did when he took up his post. It is something he intends to carry on with."
"Well what do you have to say to that?" One eyebrow was raised as he looked at his recalcitrant son.
"I am sorry, Ada I should have asked for permission to see Flaleton and I should have asked you for the wine. I…"
"I would not have let you have the wine and you know it! Also, Legolas has been seriously hurt and is in the healing hall being…" Thranduil was cut off by a deep sigh from Drowlin.
"What has the brat been up to now?" The minute he finished speaking he could have bitten his tongue off. The wine from the night before had more than loosened his tongue.
"Brat, you call Legolas a Brat? It is not Legolas who is the Brat, it is you. I am disgusted with you. For your information Legolas was beaten up by his school mates. He will be in the Healing rooms for two weeks while he heals. Lomion also has been hurt; we could have lost him too. Nolvo has been using his arm when he was expressly been told not to, he is also in the infirmary and where were you? You were with your friends drinking. What do you think your mother would say if she was to be here?"
Drowlin had the grace to look repentant. He stood with head bowed, shuffling his feet as he tried to think of what to say. He tried to dredge up the remembrance of how he felt at the loss of his mother; he had buried it deep within him. Somehow he managed to force the single tear out. It ran down his pale cheek as he looked up.
"She would be sad." He managed to make his voice crack. This had always worked in the past. The minute his father saw a tear he would calm down and cuddle them and reassure them saying everything would be alright. It worked every time.
"Yes, she would be sad, sad and disgusted with you. She would be angry at being let down like this. What kind of role model are you for Legolas to look up to? What do you think the other Elves around Mirkwood would think if they were to see you staggering around drunk? What would that say to them about the royal family? Well?"
Drowlin for once could think of nothing to say to that. He had not even stopped to think what his actions would look like to an outsider, or one of his father's subjects. To be truthfully all that had mattered was that he and his friends had had fun. But finding out that his brothers had been hurt made him look cold and unfeeling. He had known that Lomion had been hurt, but he was being well cared for, why the rest of them had to sit like mannequins around him watching as he slept was beyond him.
It was something that he had always thought was stupid, not that he would share those thoughts with his father. And if Nolvo was stupid enough to ignore the healers warning and use the arm, why should he care? He would never do that and risk his shooting arm. Nolvo could if he wanted to, but Drowlin never would.
And Legolas, Legolas was at it again. Thing's had settled down and his father and brothers had begun to ignore the Elfling. It had been fun to watch as the small Prince had begun to withdraw and fade away. Then he had been 'lost' in the garden. He had been pleased to see him safe and sound, but then he had begun to get all the attention again and Drowlin had to watch from the side as he was lavished with love and all the attention that he, Drowlin, wished for.
That should have been him. He should be the one that the other's spoilt. He should be the one that the others gave all their attention to. He should be the one…
"Well, I am waiting for and answer?" Thranduil was watching his son closely.
"I am sorry, Ada I did not stop to think how this could look. I promise it will never happen again. I will pay for the wine." That alone would wipe out the money that he was given in the form of an allowance from his father. They all had one apart from Legolas that would change as Legolas got older.
"Yes, you will. You will also go and apologise to Flaleton's parents for the mess to their flet. You will help clear it up, vomit as well. His Naneth has been told to leave everything just as it is for you both. They will be having tea here with me as you clean." A spark of hope filled his heart, they could round the other's up and he could watch as they… "You will have a guard with you at all times to make sure that you along with Flaleton are the only one's to do the work." Drowlin's hopes were shot down in flames.
"You will then be taken to your chambers where you will stay under guard until I come and see you later today. You will not be seeing Flaleton and your other friends again, do you hear me?" Thranduil really felt he should nip this in the bud before it became an even bigger problem. Once again he wondered where he could have gone wrong.
To have two children that were so different in their actions made him wonder. On one hand was Legolas who could never willingly hurt a fly and would help with anything until he would drop, and then there was Drowlin. Drowlin seemed go out of his way to be antagonistic with any one and in any given situation. He had thought after the last fiasco with Legolas he would calm down and begin to love his younger brother. It seemed as if he was wrong about that.
"But, Ada they are…" Drowlin was horrified at the thought of not be able to see his friends.
"I have decided on that, Drowlin and nothing will change my mind. If they have led you astray then I cannot in all conscience allow you to continue to be friends with them. Their parents have come to the same conclusion. If I hear that you have had any form of contact I will not be amused and your punishment severe." He was glowering at his son once more and then he recalled what Estel had said about seeing Drowlin in the corridor talking with the guards.
"Drowlin, what were you doing talking with the guards yesterday? When the Elfling's went for their break?"
"I was not there, Adar it was not me." Why he lied Drowlin did not know.
"You are telling me that Estel lied about seeing you with them?" Thranduil was frowning, doubt crossing his face. Estel was after all human; he could be excused for making a mistake.
"Estel? It would be easy for him to think it was me there. He is after all just a lowly human. His eye sight is nothing like ours. I do not know why you tolerate having him here. He is filthy…"
"That is enough!!" It was a roar, a loud angry roar. "How dare you say such things of my guest?! How dare you say such things!!! I will not stand for your prejudices. He is my guest and while he is here you will be polite to him. No more of your poisoned thoughts are to be allowed to be spoken. If I hear one more word or have it reported to me you will regret it for a very, very long time. Where have you got this attitude from? I am ashamed to call you my son. If I find that you are behind the rumours you will live to regret that too. Go, get out of my sight. Jalenta has assigned some guards for you. I do not wish to see or here from you for the rest of the day. You are confined to your chambers." If Thranduil had been in a temper before he was know in a fine rage. His eyes were flashing and his fist's balled. After everything had happened and all the worry that was hidden tight inside of him, Drowlin's words were the final straw.
"But, Ada, Lomion and…"
"You have shown no worry or thoughts of them before now, why the sudden worry? No, you will not see them today. You stay in your chamber and see me first thing tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock sharp and do not be late. I will assign your work for the day. Your tutor will also meet you there. This will happen every morning so that I know you are attending your lessons. Now go!" This last was a roar that echoed around the chamber.
Drowlin did not need to be told once more, after that roar he fled. If he had had a tail it would have been tucked between his legs as he ran. The guards were waiting for him, not that he stopped; to their amusement he ran straight to his chamber. They heard not a peep from him all day as he sat at the desk and began frantically to do some of the work for his training that he had ignored. If his father was going to be keeping an eye on his progress he would have to work twice as hard to catch up and keep up with his fellow trainee's.
Once Thranduil was alone he stood shakily and told Jalenta that he would like a break before seeing the guards. Jalenta asked if he could see him before then as he had some news on who was spreading the rumours about the Queen.
He had a glass of wine as he tried to get his raging temper under control; he had to have it under control. It would not be fair for them to have his temper taken out on them for something that was not of their doing.
It took him a while to calm down, but he finally felt he was able to cope with them and stood to let Jalenta into the chamber.
"You wanted to give me an update?"
"Yes, Hir Nin I have spoken with the Elfling's from yesterday and they have given me the names of the students that they over heard. It appears that the main instigator was Flaleton. He and a group of friends were seen discussing this sordid rumour. If you wish I can have them brought here to speak with you. We could find out where they heard this rumour." Jalenta was horrified at the entire situation.
"Flaleton? Is he not in Drowlin's training group?" Thranduil sounded puzzled as he tried to think of who was in his disgraced son's group.
"Indeed, Sire. He is one of the Prince's close friend's. It appears that they do everything together and he was indeed present for some of the time last night." Jalenta nervously gave his King this news.
"Why am I not surprised at this? Yes, have the entire group of my son's friends brought to me. I want to put a stop to this once and for all." Thranduil gave a tired sigh at this. He hoped above hope that what had happened did not include Drowlin's help of any kind. But then he realised he would not put it past his son at all. He hated Legolas; it was a pure and simple as that. Drowlin thought that Legolas had taken his place; nothing any of them could do would help to convince the younger Elf otherwise.
"I will see that they are brought to you immediately." Jalenta made to move from the chamber.
"No, Jalenta have them brought to me this afternoon, after the midday meal. I will be taking that in the healing chamber."
"Of course, Sire I will see to that, shall I send the other's in?" He was as angry as the King was over what had happened and they had had what could possibly be the longest lectures of their life, the night before. Two had already been demoted; the rest of the punishment would be up to Thranduil.
"Yes, have them come in." Thranduil stood and crossed to his throne, once there he brushed his long regal robes so that any creases were removed. Jalenta watching was amazed to see his King change in seconds from a worried and angry father into the King he knew well. Thranduil looked regal; angry and very regal. It was a sight that would easily make Orcs flee in terror.
As Thranduil was sitting on the throne Jalenta moved to the door and ushered the waiting Elves in. They look terrified as well they might. Putting the young Prince in danger indeed!
Thranduil watched as the six Elves were brought before him. They stood in a row and after formally bowing none would meet his gaze.
"Well, what a sorry bunch we have here. Can you tell me what happened yesterday afternoon?" Thranduil's voice was cold enough to send shiver's down their spines.
"We were guarding Prince Legolas, Sire." The group leader, Rinthiol spoke for his men. This they had decided after Jalenta's Lecture the night before. The King could not be worse that Jalenta when it came to this matter.
They were wrong, very, very wrong as they were about to find out.
"You were guarding Prince Legolas. Very good, at least you know what you should have been doing. 'Tis a pity that you were not. Why was my son injured? And please tell me what you were doing at the time?" Thranduil really did look majestic Jalenta thought. Never had he seen his King like this, usually he was out with his patrol. He had only been at the Palace for a meeting to see if he was suitable for promotion. Funny how thing's work out really. He had been promoted indeed, far higher than he could ever hope of attaining. He was now in charge of the Elves responsible for the young Prince's protection.
Silence met the King's questions.
"Well?!" The roar literally made the window's shake.
"We saw the Prince and his class go into the Queen's garden and were about to follow when Prince Drowlin came and started talking with us." Rinthiol started to explain nervously.
"So rather than protect my youngest son as you were supposed to you sat or stood talking to my second youngest like women nattering over herb tea!"
"Yes, Sire… I mean no Sire; we just felt it very rude to ignore the Prince." His voice was panicked now as he realised that he had made a big mistake by talking without thinking.
"Prince Drowlin was not the one you were meant to be protecting!" Thranduil was getting angrier and angrier by the minute. Why was it that Drowlin's name came up in connection with everything at present? First the rumours and now this.
"Yes, Sire." They all hung their heads as they realised the extent of their transgressions.
"How did the Prince come to be injured? Did any of you even realise what was happening?"
"No, Sire we…" Rinthiol knew that no matter what he said now they were in deep trouble and the next item was not going to be in their favour. "We were inside the door way and could not see the Prince."
Behind them Jalenta could do nothing but wince. This he had not been told, if he had they would not just have been demoted, still the King would see to that. He waited with baited breath for the King's response it was not long in coming.
"WHAT???!!!" Thranduil had stood and was quivering with tension and anger. "You mean to stand here and tell me that you completely neglected your duties? You knew why Legolas was under the protection of my guards. You knew that the spiders we are so plagued by are out to capture him. They could have easily jumped over the walls and taken him! Be very grateful they did not."
The Elves before him shuffled uneasily, they had not thought of it in that way.
"As it is Legolas will be in the halls of healing for at least two weeks. His assailants managed to break his arm rather badly as well as giving him concussion. Not that any of you have even had the decency of even asking after his well fair."
Once again the Elves before him seemed to shrink with embarrassment at their plight.
"Your punishment will be this. For dereliction of duty you are all dismissed from your posts in the King's guards. If you cannot protect my son, you can certainly not be able to protect me. You will return to the general ranks within the army of Mirkwood. I have taken the liberty of talk with those who will be your superiors. Not one of you are to be put into a position of decision making. That will continue until I am absolutely certain that your standards are up to where they should be. You will also not be given any chances of promotion until I say so." The king watched as they looked up at him. Some of them had a look of resigned acceptance, the others looked angry at their new status.
"You will also all be separated; I do not wish you to be within each others company. You will also be going to fight the spiders in the South as part of your punishment. I do not wish to hear your names spoken with a negative report ever again, do you understand?" They nodded. "Good. Get out of my sight!"
The six grown Elves scurried from the chamber with childlike haste. As soon as the door closed behind them he sighed and slumped in the chair for a few minutes. He was tired of this. He was tired of constantly being at war. Weary of the evil that came from Dol Guldur. Along with the evil beings that seemingly went hand in hand with it.
What he needed, what he really needed was to have a cool hand on his brow and a soft voice telling him that he was doing well, that he was teaching his son's to be fine Elves. What he needed was Laurelin. The one thing he could never have ever again.
How he missed his wife. They should have had all of eternity together, should have been able to take the ship to Valinor to spend the rest of their lives in peace. Now the only way that would happen was if Mandos took pity on them and Laurelin was re-born as had happened in Glorfindel's case.
It hurt for Thranduil to think that Legolas would grow up with no real memory about his mother; all he would have would be his family's memories and pictures. He would never know of her soft laughter and sparkling eyes. Legolas would never know of the love with which he had been conceived under one of the great Oaks that dwelt in the forest. It had been the same Great Oak that had given them the single leaf with which Legolas had been named under.
Thinking of that time he recalled how… depressed his wife had been before learning of the new baby that was nestled within her. He had tried to find out what had been the matter and had been rebuffed with excuses.
Thranduil frowned. Laurelin had been depressed for at least a month before she had conceived their baby. A month in which he had been too busy to care much for his family, too engrossed with the growing darkness. Could Laurelin have been unfaithful and with whom?
When Elves marry they married for eternity. They could never break their bonding. Did his wife really love him? If she could do something like that? Was her depression caused by loosing her lover? Was Legolas his son? Did it really matter? He loved his youngest son more than he could ever truly say. Would that change?
Suddenly he realised that it didn't matter. At the end of the day Laurelin had stayed with him and they had had five very happy years together. If she did not love him would that have happened? Would she have said the words that she had to him before dying? No even if Legolas was not his son, it did not matter. He would love him until the end of time. It was as simple as that. Legolas was his son.
It had been Thranduil who had been present at his son's birth. It had been Thranduil who had helped change his clouts when necessary. It had been he who had cradled Legolas to sleep or simply held the child on the nights that he could not sleep. No Legolas was his, it mattered not that Legolas was not his full blood son. It also did not lessen his love for his wife. She remained his love.
With his sudden decision made he stood, stretched and left the chamber, heading for the Healing Wing and his family.
Opening the door he was struck by the silence. Never was the Healing Wing quiet, the Orcs and spiders saw to that. He pushed the door open further worry coursing through him only to stop as Elardion's voice sounded in the echoing chamber.
"Right, Leafie you want a story about Knight Growly and his fellow Knight Little Leaf. Let me see. I have one. Let me settle you down next to Lomion and I will begin. Careful of that arm, Leafie, there you go. No wriggling now so that you do not hurt Lomion." Thranduil watched as his son straightened and moved towards his chair, catching sight of his father at the same moment.
"Ada, come in I was just about to give Leafie a story before lunch." Elardion smiled at his father and Thranduil felt his worry lessen.
"I will listen if that is alright? I thought I might join you all for lunch. How is Legolas?"
"I will get another chair, Ada. Use mine." Before he could move Alcarnor stood and hurried to get a chair. "Leafie is doing a lot better. He is still not happy though. See for yourself."
At Elardion's gesture Thranduil turned towards where his son was pointing. Legolas was huddled safely in Lomion's arms. His eyes were very bruised and he had more bruises blossoming as well, but for all that he looked a little better than he had done the night before. So come to that did Lomion. Thranduil sat as near to them as he could. Near enough to touch Lomion's arm and to ruffle the bright blond hair of Legolas.
They all settled down and Elardion began. "Once upon a time, a long time ago lived two friends. Now these two friends' did everything together. Their names were Knight Growly and Knight little Las."
"That ith my name. Little Lath, it meanth Little Leaf." Legolas was trying his best not to move his mouth as his jaw really hurt, it meant that a few words came out with a slight lisp.
"That is right, Leafie how do you know that?" Thranduil beamed down at the young Elfling.
"Rallina told me in clath. We were going to begin learning other languageth." The Elfling suddenly looked sad and tears rushed into his eyes.
"Then you will begin them very soon." Lomion's voice was pained, but during the long night of watching over both Lomion and Legolas had meant they had talked a lot and Thranduil had explained what would be happening from here on in with Legolas and his classes.
"Really? Ada?" Those adorable blue eyes looked too him.
"Yes, Leafie, really. Rallina will be teaching both you and Estalado, as soon as you are well." The beam that was shot his way, with a small wince, was reward enough.
"Thank you, Ada." Legolas shot him a suddenly shy smile.
"You are welcome, my Leafie. Shall we continue with the story?" Legolas gave a very careful shake of his head.
"They were very brave and had lots and lots of adventures together. They were riding through the forest one day when they heard crying. It did not take them long to find where the crying was coming from and rushing to the area, they found a young girl on the ground and crying." Elardion had to smile. Every Elf in the chamber had stopped and was listening to his every word. This happened every time. Even his father was listening with an eagerness that would have surprised others looking in.
"They quickly hurried to the little girl's side. She looked startled and frightened as they approached her.
"Do not worry, we are friends. I am Little Las and this is Growly." Las knelt down beside her. "What is wrong? Perhaps we could help you?"
"I have lost my Naneth!" The little Girl began to sob once more.
"Hush; there is no need to cry. We will help you find your Naneth, will we not, Growly?"
"Of course, Las we could not leave her here all alone. What is your name?"
"Katy." This was said with a sniff.
"Can you tell me where you come from, Katy?" Growly smiled down at her. A knock on the door made them all look up.
Elladan, Elrohir, Estel as well as Elrond and Mithrandir hurried into the chamber.
"We heard you were telling a Knight Growly story and insisted that Mithrandir needed to come and hear one. I hope we have not missed too much." Estel sounded breathless; as well he might they had been practising on the archery range when word had reached them. They just loved these tales. As they settled down, Mithrandir whispered into the King's ear that they needed to have a word with him. Thranduil nodded thinking that he knew exactly what it was that they wished to speak with him about.
Once they were settled. Elardion began once again. He gave a brief run through so that they could understand what was happening. Estel sat close to Lomion and Legolas smiling down at the Elfling brightly. He had been very upset at hearing and seeing what had happened with his friend and was pleased to know that Legolas was alright.
Elrond sitting next to his two old friends watched as his son did this and suddenly he was not in the chamber but far away. He had a quick glimpse into the future of his son. He said nothing, though because destiny is not something to trifle with.
"No! I want my Naneth!!!" More sobs came from the young Elfling." Elardion continued with the story.
"Shush, we will find your Naneth, I promise you." Little Las caught her up into a hug, trying to stop her from crying.
It helped and the little Elfling burrowed happily into Little Las' arms, happy to be warm and safe. The three of them searched long and hard in the forest, trying to see anything that may recall Katy's memory of the way that she had come." Legolas' eyes were wide as he recalled the time that he had run away from home after his mother's death. It had been very frightening; luckily Mithrandir had found him and brought him home.
"It was just getting dusk when they heard the frantic calls of Katy's name. The little Elfling moved in Little Las' arms. "That is my Naneth!" she sounded very excited.
"They headed towards the voice and soon a small clearing with a few Flets came into view. "That is my home! Naneth, I am here!" Soon a pretty she Elf came into view she had been crying, but as soon as she saw Katy she gave a small cry and hurried towards them. "Katy, I was so very worried!"" Legolas' was almost smiling through the pain of his jaw at that. All the others in the chamber were listening avidly as he spoke.
"I am safe; Naneth, Little Las and Growly found me and helped me find you!" Soon others in the small village hurried to them and there was a happy reunion. That night they had a meal in celebration of the safe return of the Elfling, but also for the new friendship between Little Las and Growly. The festivities carried on late into the night. The next morning the two were on their way with the cheerful goodbyes of the village ringing in their ears. They hurried on, on the look out for more adventures and new friends."
The clapping was muted so that they would not cause the Elfling more pain. Elardion smiled down at his youngest brother. "Did you like that, Leafie?" He asked.
"Yeth, thank you." Legolas tried to smile widely for his brother.
"I am glad, you need not try to smile your jaw must hurt you very much." Elardion was more than aware of the large bruise that marred the pale features and which he knew just had to hurt. "If you would like if you eat all of your dinner we can have another story later, would you like that?"
This time Legolas did not need to smile for Elardion to know he was happy the expressive eyes told their own tale.
The meal was brought then and it was not long before they were all eating and laughing with relief that all three invalids were on their way to recovery. Legolas enjoyed his meal; it was soft so that he did not have to chew because his jaw was really sore. As was his head and wrist now he came to think of it and his nose and chest. If Legolas were to be asked he would say he was alright when in truth he was not. He was in a lot of pain. Luckily Elardion seemed to realise.
Once they had all finished and Legolas was sat comfortably, cradled in his father's arms. Elardion moved to the herb table to prepare three goblets of herb tea filled with pain killing herbs and one in Legolas to help him sleep. Sleep would aid the small body more than anything.
Legolas accepted the help from his father and drank the bitter fluid, grimacing as the herbs hit his taste buds. Elardion was ready with a drink of juice to take the taste away and Legolas took that happily.
Once more he settled back watching the others in the chamber. The two sets of twins were joking and plotting on one side. Lomion and Elardion were talking softly while Mithrandir and Elrond were chatting happily by the fire. Of Drowlin there was no sign and for once Legolas did not ask where he was. He tried to stifle a yawn, knowing that the moment he did he would be out back to bed and that he did not want.
Elrohir gave a loud giggle that made Legolas want to smile, he would have but suddenly he was too tired and too sore to care. His free thumb made its way to his mouth. He wished he had Growly, but he was trying to be a big Elfling and do away with his comforter. But know… he would give anything to have his ear to suck. His eyes were closing before he knew it and he succumbed to the drug that he did not even know he had taken.
Thranduil sat as still as he could, he did not want to cause his son even more pain than he had to be in with his broken bones and bruises. He had an idea that Elardion may just have slipped a little extra into the bitter fluid. He watched with amusement as the thumb made its way slowly into his mouth and he stilled even more as he caught the wistful look on the small face before the eyes slipped shut and Legolas settled back onto him with a sigh.
"He can come and sleep with me, Ada I am going no where." There was a smile on Lomion's face as he looked at his youngest sibling. Even with his bruises Legolas looked adorable.
"He will not hurt you?" Thranduil looked worriedly at his son as he asked this.
"Nay, Ada he will be fine." Between them they settled Legolas on his bed, the chamber had fallen silent as the others realised Legolas was asleep. One by on or two by two in the case of the Peredhil twins, they left the chamber leaving only the patients, their father and Elrond along with Mithrandir.
"You wished to see me?" Thranduil turned to his friends.
"Yes, Mellon-Nin. But perhaps it would be better to talk in private." Elrond looked uncomfortable.
"My study would perhaps be the best place for this conversation. Would you join me?" Thranduil stood and after giving his sons all soft kisses on their foreheads he lead the way from the chamber.
The door had barely closed before Thranduil started to talk. "I have a feeling that I know what it is that you want to speak to me about."
"You do?" Mithrandir looked at the King in open surprise.
"I am not blind, Mellon-Nin, neither am I an idiot." Thranduil's words were without rancour.
"We did not mean to give the impression that you were…"
"I know you did not. I also know that Legolas is not my blood son." Thranduil broke in with a small smile. It was not very often that he could shock both of his friends at the same time. "How long have you known?"
"Since the incident with Darenholt. When we tested his blood we knew. We did not feel that telling you would be at all helpful after all that had happened. I am sorry, Thranduil we did not mean to keep this so quiet for so long…" Elrond was increasingly worried that Thranduil would break their friendship. A friendship that had been through so much. Through the loss of both of their wives and the raising of their children. Through wars and peace. It had been too long just to end like this.
"It is alright, Mellon-Nin I understand. I have been thinking about it and have come to the decision that it really does not matter. Legolas is my son and always will be. Who his real father is…"
"Darenholt, it was Darenholt." Mithrandir muttered under his breath.
"Does not matter. What matters to me is his happiness. Why Laurelin did as she did is of no importance."
"Yes, it is. You obviously think that she is guilty of adultery. That is not what happened. She was raped Thranduil. Laurelin was raped by that beast. Why she did not tell you I know not." Elrond could only shake his head.
"She was so depressed in the month before Legolas was conceived. I understand know. In that case I have him to thank for five more happy years. She would have faded if Legolas had not been in this world." Thranduil's voice was reflective as he spoke.
Both Elrond and Mithrandir was stunned at just how well their friend was taking this. Obviously he had done some thinking.
"No, Legolas is my son in all but blood that will not change. I will be putting a stop to these rumours for once and for all. I will be seeing the Elfling's who were spreading these rumours this afternoon. I have more than a sneaking suspicion that Drowlin is deeply involved in this. His name has so far come up with every aspect. He is currently confined in his chamber. I want your word that this will go no further than this chamber. I do not want any of the others to know. When I feel that Legolas is of age to handle this news I will inform him, but until then I want this secret kept. Would you do that for me?"
It did not take long for them to agree with a slight mixture of bewilderment and amusement. They soon all hurried on their way. It was time to face the Elfling's.
With a deep sigh and the thought that he had been doing it far too much this day he made it back to the throne chamber. Jalenta was waiting patiently by the doors for him. He smiled at the warrior pleased that at least one seemed to be more than aware of his duties. He would make a fine leader once he had more experience. Yes, Jalenta was in line for great things. Very great things.
"The Elfling's are here, Sire. Galion is holding them in on of the antechambers."
"Thank you, Jalenta. I cannot thank you enough for all your help; I do not know what I would have done without you here." Thranduil was absolutely honest about this. With Lomion injured and in the healing wing the army seemed to be thinking they could be a little lax. This could not be allowed to carry on. If it did then the darkness would take advantage and spread even further, that was something he really did not want.
"It is my pleasure, Sire I am just pleased that I could help the Prince. Shall I bring the Elfling's in?" At Thranduil's nod the Elf walked to the door of the antechamber. Soon a small group of uneasy looking Elfling's stood before them. Jalenta left the chamber so that the King could deal with this on his own.
"You are probably wondering why you have been brought here this afternoon?" They all nodded looking afraid. "Well this is all connected with a small incident that happened two days ago. An incident where you were all involved in what can only be gossiping. Gossiping in front of some even younger Elfling's than you are." They all looked affronted at being called Elfling's. They were nearing their majority after all.
Thranduil held up his hand to indicate silence. "You were gossiping about my wife. Nasty gossip that could and has caused a lot of trouble." He looked them all in the eye. "I want you to tell me where you got this item of gossip from." There was silence.
"I am getting tired of waiting. If you do not tell me I will have you taken down to the dungeons to wait until you do tell me. If it is my son, Drowlin you need not fear for I am under no illusions as to how he can act." There eyes were wide with fright as they looked at him and Thranduil could not help but think that Drowlin's choice of friends was more than a little revealing. They were all on the large side and looked to be bullies. They seemed it to, like all bullies they caved under pressure when the tables were turned on them. It was just so know. The thought of spending time in the dungeons was unappealing to them all.
It was Flaleton who spoke up, he was the unofficial group leader after Drowlin and it was expected of him by the others in their group. "It was Drowlin; he wanted to get back at Legolas."
"Get back at Legolas for what?" Thranduil's voice was cold and hard.
"He never really said except to say that he hates Legolas and wants him gone. He told us to…"
"Told you?" Thranduil was once again getting angrier by the minute. It seemed that his fears were coming to pass. It also seemed that today was the day for him to be incredibly angry.
"Y… Yes, he told us what to say and when to say it. There was a group of Elfling's that he wanted to listen to our conversation. So we did." Flaleton was very anxious and worried about the King's reaction.
"So you follow him like sheep and do what ever it is that he says. Why?" Thranduil was more than just a little confused by this as he asked.
The Elfling's before him seemed to shrink and try their hardest to blend in with the furnishings of the chamber.
It was then that Thranduil realised the answer and it was with a bare whisper that Thranduil spoke. "He has threatened you. He has used his position to have you do his work!" He sought and held Flaleton's gaze. "You have no wish to be friends with him at all do you?"
"No, Sire. He told us he would have you send our families away if we did not do as he says." The voice was shaky and some of the younger one's in the group huddled together as they sought comfort from their friends.
The sight poured cold water on his anger as he realised that none in the chamber before him was to blame for what had happened. It was Drowlin who had ultimately planed this and that he had carried it through. It was Drowlin who had made certain that Legolas' guards had been distracted. It had been Drowlin who had spread the rumours. His son.
Grief mixed with anger filled him. He honestly did not know where he had gone wrong with Drowlin, all of his sons had been treated the same. None had been any different. So why out of all six was Drowlin so different?
He looked into the worried and scared faces and smiled. "Be at peace, I do not blame you. I understand. Nothing shall happen to either you or your families." He watched as they sagged with relief. "You may go. You are free for the afternoon; enjoy it with your families. I will sort it out with your tutors. You will also no longer have to do my sons work. He will be doing that himself along with a lot of other things. Nor do you have to be friends with him through pressure. Go now it is a fine afternoon to relax by the large pond set aside for my family. You all have permission to use it; I will send a message to the guards."
The small faces lit up with unexpected joy and it broke his heart to think tat they had been so scared because of something that Drowlin had instigated. He would be talking with Drowlin tomorrow after the morning meal. As it was he had a letter to send. And if he wanted it to get there by tomorrow he would have to hurry. He left the chamber to find a puzzled look on Jalenta's face.
"They were not to blame; it was all Drowlin's doing. Come, we are finished. The afternoon is finished, go home and share the rest of this day with your wife and give her my regards."
An hour later he sat with a drowsy Legolas in his arms and the rest of his family bar Drowlin, around him as well as his friends. This was how it should be. The missive had been sent, his decision made. Drowlin could not be trusted to stay in Mirkwood. Maybe Celeborn and Haldir could make him see sense and give him a bit of the discipline that he lacked at present, discipline that he would not accept from Thranduil himself.
So he relaxed enjoying the afternoon too. Little did he now it would be the last time he would get to relax for quite some time to come.
To be continued
Thank you to all our wonderful reviewers and readers. Hopefully normal progress on our stories will begin to be renewed. Mei is still bogged under with college work. But I am feeling a lot better; it's amazing how I have come to love writing so much. I missed it a lot.
Replies to reviews:
Estalader27: Thank you and yes Poor Legolas and all for the cookies in his hand. For Estalado to see that will be hard. Bless him.
Larnia: They get their come uppance trust me I hope you like what happens to Drowlin.
Manwathiel: LOL. Yes, I agree with you. Thank you and we will.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: More about Legolas' heritage in this chapter I hope you like it. In my view a slap of the wrist would not be good enough. Gald you approve.
Bradleigh: Thank you I'm glad you approve of the long chapter. Here is another one as I could not see to find the right place to stop. I'm sure that as we carry on Legolas' reaction will become obvious. I'm glad you like scary, angry Thranduil s there is more in this chapter.
Lelann37: Thank you, blushes bright red. More on Drowlin this chapter.
Aranna Undomiel: Thank you and wow!! Aside from Legolas Lomion has become a firm favourite of mine, I will admit. I love writing for them all but he just shines a little more. Drolwin is seen to in this chapter. Yep, they needed to go, the Elfling's that is.
Alatariel Narmolanya: Leafie is safe for the moment so calm down, nice deep breaths, there you go all better. I'm glad my thoughts came over and you could picture the parents. Nasty things. You liked Drunk Drowlin? Try saying that in a hurry! LOL!!! Thrabnduil just may surprise you…
Little crazy 1: Thank you and I will try…
Alibi Girl: Sorry about the cliff hangers, there is just a tiny one this time.
SaphireCat: I am sorry you feel that way. This story is set in meisalliam's world and she has explained her theory else where I think. It is very Au, but then isn't all fan fiction? I like to think thet Tolien would be flattered that we all write so lovingly about his characters; you have to admit it is quite a compliment to my fellow country man. It did bother me at first. You may note that my stories hold true to the 'form' You didn't need to make us think, we already had done so a while ago, so thank you.
Triptych: Thank you and no not forgotten just real life invading I'm afraid. So would I he would not just smirk at me either. Nasty Drowlin. Kick!!!
Barbara Kennedy: Thank you and the next update of Tomorrow will be later this week.
Kel: Thank you, glad you approve! Here is your update!!!
Daniel: here you are!!!
So until next time take care and please let us know what you think?
Love,
Mei, Shell and the Gang