"He's grown up completely wild."

Truth be told, Legolas always was wild. He had been since he could walk. Since before that, probably, they just haven't noticed yet. Like some powerful river or thundering waterfall, there was no stopping or changing him, only guiding.

Though Galion knew there was no other way Thranduil would ever want his son.

But Legolas was wild in the sense his people used the word and not the other Elven realms. Who saw 'wild' as packs of rabid animals, mudslides, and the darkness of caves. 'Wild' was just another synonym for 'Bad' or Dangerous.'

But to him, and his people it was wonder and beauty. Wild was flower fields, howling under the moon, endless laughter, and running beneath the canopy of the trees. Wild the same way the changing of seasons was, or a flock of birds, or a powerful and consuming love.

It was free and happy and simple. Wild was good.

The group of elves snickered. "What else could you expect? They're all like that."

One of them checked to make sure King Thranduil had not heard them talking, and being satisfied by his distance continued, "I do not know why he and his father would ever willingly descend to their level."

But they had forgotten one crucial factor, and Galion fought a smile as he poured another cup of wine, muttering, "Be nice."

They had forgotten that he was the Woodland King, he was the King of the forest the same he was King over the elves. A title that held him great respect for any who were aware enough to know who he was; tree, shrub, or otherwise.

What the elves had forgotten, was that they were sitting by an open window. And just because the trees choose not to speak to them, did not mean the trees did not speak.

"Do you think Thranduil would ever allow him to marry one?"

Thranduil had never taken people insulting his son, or his people, very well.

Thranduil didn't hide his smirk, "Its not me that you should be concerned for."

But then, neither had Legolas.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that last part."

Arwen had followed from where Legolas had abandoned her mid-dance, reaching down she laced her hand with his right one, and held onto his upper arm.

Much less a gesture of affection than one of restraint. He let her without even acknowledging it happened.

Thranduil wondered if she knew Legolas had been trained equally with both hands.

"It wasn't for your ears to hear."

"Don't say it in a public place then. Or at least have the courtesy to do it in a room other than the one I am in. At the other end of the room, at the very, very, least."

Arwen tugged on his arm but he did not move an inch, "Come on Legolas, let's go dance. Forget this."

He just kept staring at the table of elves, "Nothing to say now?"

Galion could tell they were nervous, very nervous. He could not blame them, Thranduil had raised a very formidable elf even before all if his warrior training with Ferdan.

None were confident they would win if this escalated any farther. Glorfindel kept a watchful eyes on the encounter and shifted a bit closer, just in case.

Another person joined the small and very quite showdown, and Arwen quickly made room for Avaleina.

The one Legolas already knew he was going to marry, the match that Thranduil supported wholeheartedly. One who had never left to live anywhere but the forest, who was not born into a high standing, who they would not view as good enough.

Like Arwen she entwined her hand with his, but her other came to spread across his chest as she tucked herself perfectly into place.

Unlike with Arwen, Legolas glanced over and away from the elves at the table for the first time to look at her face.

"Leave them, before they wet themselves with fear. Leave Elrond's halls peaceful." She was good at soothing Legolas' temper, as good as his mother had been with Thranduil. "It doesn't matter what they think."

Then, in old Silvan they wouldn't understand she added and twirled the tiny vines made into a ring on his finger, "It cannot change us."

The elves at the table glanced between the two wood elves with slight panic and hesitation. Wise enough for perhaps the first time in their lives to keep their mouths shut.

She turned and looked each one up and down with disdain, "Next time I suggest you do not utter words you are not willing to repeat. The reason King Thranduil and King Oropher left to join our people and our way of life was because they were tired of having their homes riddled with people like you. I feel sorry for you."

Avaleina tugged in his hand and like sand against a wave and Legolas allowed it.

Not even an hour later his entire escort approached their King, Legolas spoke for them, "We're going to go dance with the trees somewhere that is not in the city walls. Want to come?"

Somewhere they could breath. Where they could laugh as loud as they wanted and sing happier songs.

The invitation was extended to both of them; Galion said "Yes," and Thranduil stood up from his chair.

They were all too wild for a place like this.

...

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