Disclaimer: I do not own any of The Lord of the Ring's characters.
===means change setting
The Wounds of the Pastby: firewingz
Chapter 8: Hope
Light from the stars, moon and sun could barely reach the underground caves that the King of Mirkwood had made into a refuge. The air was clean but stale, lacking in the vitality and spirit of the forest. The cave system was vast and enormous, allowing it to house so many elven families with ease.
King Thranduil sat in his own room, with the painting of his family hanging in front of him. The King sat in his oversized chair and sighed sadly.
The King couldn't help but remember the happy days he had with his wife and his son before that tragic day and before he imposed the self-isolation from Lothlorien and Imladris. He sat looking at nothing in particular, but his mind, filled with happy light-hearted memories.
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It had been spring when Legolas came into the world. The flowers and leaves were just blossoming, the sweet melodic songs of the trees had just filled the air. King Thranduil was overjoyed to find his wife holding their son in her arms, joy radiating out of her."Nalian..." King Thranduil whispered, joy washing over him, unable to form words.
Queen Nalian looked up. Her eyes were a tired, but she couldn't stop herself from looking at the bundle of miracle laying in her arms.
King Thranduil came by his wife and sat down, gently lifting his son into his arms. His hair was as golden as the sun, like his mother, but his eyes were blue, like a piece of the sky was captured in them.
Thranduil kissed Nalian before they both looked at their son again.
"His name shall be Legolas, our little greenleaf of spring."
Nalian smiled her agreement, "Legolas," she called to her son, kissing him on his tiny forehead. The head healer came inside and settled the Queen into a quiet rest. Thranduil bent down and kissed his beautiful wife once more before he left the room, with a smiling Legolas in his arms.===="Legolas, where are you?" Queen Nalian shouted into the forest. It was mid-day and the royal family decided to go out for a picnic under the shade of the trees by the river. But Legolas had been so excited that he had ran off first, disappeared. He had been barely one year, and Legolas had learned how to walk and run.
"Ada! Atara!" Little Legolas shouted with delight.
"Legolas! Be careful!" Queen Nalian shouted, a little fear in her soft brown eyes. But now that he was seven, Legolas was beside himself with glee now that he had learned how to cimb trees. Little Legolas had managed to pick the highest tree and climbed it to its top most branches. "We have to tell Rahnir not to teach Legolas these things, he could get hurt."
King Thranduil merely smiled at her. She was very protective of him, but it was understandly so. Thranduil was a little worried himself, but he was also immensly proud.
"Legolas, climb back down!" King Thranduil shouted at his little son.
"Ada, Atara, come up here. It's pretty," Legolas shouted back, wanting to savor the taste of how it felt being so high above the ground, looking over the forest.
Thranduil and Nalian sighed at their son's request but went up anyway, hoping to surprise their little greenleaf. As they climbed closer, Legolas knew that his parents were playing a little trick on him. He prepared himself to jump to another branch. Just as his parents reached him, Legolas jumped up and got onto an upper branch. Thranduil and Nalian merely smiled when Legolas jumped back down and landed into his parents' embrace. Legolas rich laughter entwined with the laughter of his parents as they all sat on a steady branch, embracing the warm afternoon sun and the soothing sound of music.
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Elrohir and Elladen came back inside Legolas' room quietly. They had almost searched the entire forest but found no one suspicious. But they did not doubt Estel's word, next time, they'd be more careful.Legolas just started waking up, his eyes clearing from his sleep. He looked around and almost relaxed before nearly jumping out of bed.
"Legolas, relax, we're right here," Estel said, trying to comfort his friend.
"Thank you."
A quiet knock came before Lord Elrond came inside the prince's chamber. "Lord Elrond," Legolas spoke up, "did you find my father?"
"Legolas, we haven't found anyone yet. But I believe Thranduil and the people are somewhere safe. We have to wait patiently for them. They will come out again," Lord Elrond assured the Prince. Elrond looked at Legolas for any sign of confirmation. Legolas looked up and nodded, understanding that if Thranduil had indeed evacuted the city, there would be no chance that they could reach them. Legolas sighed, hopeing that Elrond's words were right, that Thranduil and their people are indeed safe. Legolas couldn't help that nagging feeling that something was amiss, but for now, he will trust Elrond and wait.
Lord Elrond saw the conflicting emotions running through Legolas' eyes before finally resigning to believe in his words. Elrond hoped that his guess is right, that he isn't leading Legolas astray. But right now, there is nothing that can be done.
"Legolas, do not worry. You will reunite with your father again," Elrohir comforted, Elladen and Estel nodding in agreement. Legolas finally let his last doubt stray with the wind before smiling.
"Right now though, Lady Galadriel sent a message, wishing for all of us to go to Lothlories. She said it is urgent. If it is alrigt with you, we will leave at noon."
Legolas nodded and bowed before Elrond and his sons left his chamber to give the prince time on his own, now that the prince is no longer in danger.
To Be Continued:
I'm sorry that it took me so long to finally update. I was away on my trip longer than I expected and then my computer started acting funny. I'm sorry how short this one is, but I'll try to update as soon as possible. Please, if any of you have any suggestions, please tell me. Thanks! Thank you to all of you Reviewers! Thank you! Plz RR! Thanks!
got-lotr: thank you. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.
Aranel of Mirkwood: You like Thranduil right? I like Thranduil as a fatherly type as well. But I hope maybe this chapter sort of gave hints for the future. Do you think how I portrayed him was okay?
Deana: I hope you liked this chapter and I'm sorry it took so long to update.
Coolio02: Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't write more about those two elves in this chapter, but I assure you they will be in the next chapter when theyr each Lothlorien.
Starlit Hope: I hope you enjoyed this, please tell me if something is amiss. Thanks.
