Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

Author's Note:

This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)

~ LXXXIII: A Father's Love ~

~ Part II ~

Caras Galadhon, 3019 TA, April 15th

The golden hardwood ceiling initially appeared as a blur, after which the eyes focussed and consciousness followed. It was the first time he was awakened by a loud voice, and he eventually understood that his father and Xena were shouting. The elf inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, seeing that both were so engrossed in their debate that neither noticed that Legolas was awakening. Xena would fight anybody and anything if she had to, so he should not be surprised.

When he concentrated on their talk and remembered what had transpired, a smirk disappeared from his face. Even with the quantity of blood, he had lost, the influx of blood into his veins was enough to stimulate his adrenaline. He realised that he was not yet cured and that they had arrived in Lothlórien. As they travelled to Lórien, his half-consciousness assisted him in retaining such knowledge.

He let himself lean back against the healing bed and shut his eyes once again, deciding to relax for a bit before trying to sit up. And despite his efforts to eavesdrop, his father and Xena were bickering. He was still dizzy due to a persistent ailment and complete disorientation. And all of this resulted not from his illness, but from his realisation that his father was in fact in Lothlórien.

He recognised it as the Elvenking. His father had travelled as far as Lothlórien on horseback from his hall. Never before had he seen his father undertake such a voyage after the loss of his mother. There must be a significant explanation for his father's visit. One explanation is that he was told about Legolas and rushed to his son's rescue out of concern. However, his wounds occurred days ago, and it would take a considerable amount of time for the Elvenking to be notified and to organise travel on such short notice.

Legolas attentively listened to what was stated. How concerned Thranduil was, and how much Xena supported him without being snarky or spiteful. However, throughout the course of their conversation, Legolas discovered that his father had really concealed the fact of how and why his mother had died. He was aware that Uagz was responsible for the death of his mother. What more was his father attempting to hide?

Their once-excellent relationship was now on the brink of irreparable dissolution. Why was his father so discreet over the loss of his mother? He could see how hard it was for Thranduil, but concealing the truth from Legolas would not alter anything. Finally opening his eyes, Legolas turned toward his father's side. Xena had already stormed out of the healing wards, leaving him to finally take the position he had always avoided for the sake of his father.

Legolas grimaced and put his palm against his head, knowing that the next conflict would be unpleasant and lead to a fight. Legolas' father would undoubtedly refuse to tell the truth once again, but this time Legolas had evidence to offer to him. He could no longer avoid Legolas. Legolas exhaled loudly, his free hand clutching his injured side as he struggled to sit up.

The lengthy conversation with the human-made Thranduil did not pay attention to his son, and it was only when he gasped that all of his focus shifted to his own child. He was pleased with Legolas. At first, he could not move as he saw his son. All of his earlier memories from the days he had returned to his halls returned, and he was left with nothing but emptiness. This anguish would never leave him, and he would never again let his son be in such a situation.

The forest was quiet. The Elvenking observed as his son fought to sit up while holding his breath. His eyes analysed Legolas' motions and determined that he was mending. When he realised his son was staring at him, though, the gloom seeped back into his world. He was aware of the reason he was attempting to sit up and face his father.

Thranduil wiped his eyes and pulled in a harsh breath, preparing to face whatever his son had in store for him. He would respond to every inquiry with as many responses as possible, answers that did not help him recall. The Queen was dead; he could do nothing more. But Legolas was still alive, and he would battle to protect him from the truth that would lead to his demise.

"You fought well," he said. "I am pleased."

Legolas raised an eyebrow in response to his father's opening comments, concealing his grief and rage. If he want to speak with Thranduil, he could never do so via anger. He was familiar with his responses. Thranduil was a strong king who would not be easily duped. And now that Legolas need responses from his father, they would not come easily.

"I was harmed," Legolas answered, indicating his wound with his hand.

Legolas was unable to comprehend Thranduil's implication when he said, "However, you have lived." He took a step back, located an armchair, and sat down with his legs crossed to demonstrate his elegance. His sorrowful and dismal facial features have vanished. "And here you are, preparing for your next battle; do you intend to be injured once more? How often did you hurt Legolas? You've never been that careless?"

"Is this the question you intended to ask me, father?" Legolas answered as he completely sat up, biting his lips to conceal the anguish he felt from his wound and his grief.

"What do you want me to say, Legolas?" said Thranduil in a bitter tone. "I offered my son the opportunity to choose his own path. He craved a life separate from his home. You have chosen a life of hunting and being hunted. Legolas, the Lord of the ring, has perished. Go on, discover your desires, and quit behaving like the elf you are no longer."

There was an extended period of quiet between the father and son as they scowled at one another. Thranduil got defensive and his remarks sounded acrid because he did not want to discuss his wife and want to avoid doing so. However, Legolas did not share the same viewpoint. He was on fire and despised learning about his mother and exacting retribution.

"I'm doing the best I can with what you've taught me, father," he said, realising he could be as icy as his father if necessary. "I have protected your realm for ages by acting as a warrior and a prince. What has changed? Because I have left my homeland, am I no longer a legitimate warrior?"

The Elvenking glared disapprovingly at his son for what he had just spoken to his own father. "You choose to participate in this game with me now, Legolas. It is a risky game to begin." He reflected. "You were a fighter for as long as there was a cause to be one. What are you thinking, becoming a mercenary and slaughtering orcs for a living?" Legolas became enraged when Thranduil doubted his actions. Because, up until this point, he had always been proud of his son.

"If necessary," he dared his father, "If it takes that much to discover the truth about my mother's murderer, I am willing to risk my life to do it." Legolas made a mental note to never again oppose his father, but he would not back down today. He was aware that his mother was off-limits; they were not permitted to mention her. Not now, however.

"Legolas, you should seek peace rather than fight to fight. Your mother was my wife and my obligation, therefore I will take care of everything pertaining to her." The Elvenking pledged to remain as calm as possible, but he could already anticipate a conflict with his son.

The elf found the irony humorous. In front of him stood his son, a reflection of his dark nature; Legolas' face was emotionless. He said, "I met Uagz" and watched as his father lost his voice. "You probably know him. Because he knows you, myself, and most importantly, my mother. He was responsible for her death."

"Legolas," Thranduil stopped to collect his emotions and keep his rage under control; his son had failed him, and he continued attempting to provoke him. "You do not know the whole truth, thus you cannot believe what Uagz told you!"

Legolas said, "I would not have," but he had confirmed that Uagz had given him the truth. "However, seeing your emotions and hearing your responses made it evident that you knew him and that he was responsible for the killing of my mother. And you chose to suppress the truth and cause me suffering. Why?"

Thranduil was unable to respond. The truth would kill Legolas, not set him free. He ultimately lied again. "Because you lacked sufficient strength, Legolas, you still do not possess it. So cease your folly. Uagz is my issue. You look out for your friends. Those odd friends of yours who continue to back all of your irrational views."

"My desire to discover who murdered my mother and what happened to her is not a good excuse, father?" Legolas's voice trembled at this point, as he was upset and resentful of his father. "Do you think I cared less for her, or that I wouldn't want to learn about my mother? My friends are doing what you were unable to accomplish, so please support me!"

"You can even be friends with Orcs if you have the right mindset. But cease your pursuit of Uagz. Do you hate your own father and crave vengeance? If I advise you to stop having that thinking, it is my responsibility, not yours. Can you not trust me Legolas? I told you earlier that your mother loved you beyond life itself. Is that not sufficient?" Thranduil pleaded now that the majority of his icy demeanour was departed because he was concerned that Legolas meant what he said. Because his acts were motivated by hatred, he would not recant.

Oh, the tenacity of his kin!

"Uagz is mine since you cannot provide the information I need and choose to conceal the truth by remaining silent. Father, keep your secrets and drown in them if you must! I will discover and disclose the truth. Then I will exact my vengeance." Legolas spit and rose to his feet while gripping his side and looking away from his father. He no longer wanted to communicate with him and just desired to be apart from him.

"And what about those who will follow you, Legolas?" Thranduil addressed him aloud, "Would you be able to bear the loss of any of your closest friends in your pursuit of vengeance? Is it deserving?"

Legolas halted and looked at his father from atop his shoulders, but Thranduil again failed to get his attention. "Those who follow me are the greatest of the best; we've faced worse and survived; we will face this as well. Farewell, Father!"

As though the room was whirling around him, the Elvenking felt himself slipping into the chair he was seated in. He had to return to Mirkwood immediately and begin searching for Uagz before his son could track him down. Legolas now disliked his father so much that he would not return to Mirkwood, which offered him at least some cause for optimism.

Legolas slammed the door behind him and stared blankly in front of him. After a long while, he observed that Lord Elrond had asked him how he was feeling. And Legolas only nodded to indicate that he was OK. It was the first time Elrond saw Legolas disregarding him and striding away angrily without responding.

((Upcoming Chapter Eighty-Four))

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