Thranduil had always known that the Kingdom of Greenwood adored his son. That had always been obvious, from the very moment he entered the world.

It started when he was a little elfling, and he wanted to say Hi to everybody he saw and be their friend. Especially if they had fun stories to tell him.

Once he began walking, it became even more obvious. If possible.

Kitchen staff used to sneak him treats, stable hands would let him help feed and brush their elks, guards used to let him wander the paths with them with a wooden sword. Sometimes with one holding each hand and swinging him merrily between them.

Librarians used to read to him whenever he wanted, whatever he wanted. Gardeners let him help plant seeds in the garden, and look after sick plants. The healers would let him crush up herbs and as long as he promised to be careful.

Galion used to carry him around on his shoulders while he carried out his errands, and take him for 'camping trips' in the forest iust behind their home. Ferdan taught him to swim, and to safely climb huge cliffs and mountains, since he insisted on doing it anyways.

Performers spent hours teaching him all of the old dances of his mother's people, and as many songs as he wanted or could remember.

When Thranduil would sit on his throne for his people to come and tell him their grievances and troubles, Legolas would come and sit on his lap and insist that Thranduil whisper his response into Legolas' ear so that he could be the one to tell them himself.

Nearly every single elf that saw the little prince would say hello to him, or give him a hug, or at the very least an affectionate pat on the head. Even the most grumpy of councillors would wear the flower crowns the little prince had made for them.

Thranduil never had to worry about his son, even if he did have an awful habit of wandering away with incredible speed and stealth, because literally every elf that saw him would assist him if he needed it. Or return him to his father, or Galion, if it started getting late.

And then Legolas grew up, and all of Greenwood watched with pride and love as he grew into an even greater version of himself. As he remembered every single one of their names, families, and troubles.

They laughed and rolled their eyes when they watched him be up to mischief, leaping waterfalls and visited settlements around them.

"Does your father know where you are, Legolas?"

"A bit late to be returning home, isn't it?"

"That better not be a bottle of wine behind your back."

They watched as he trained day and night to help defend them, as he went against every natural instinct he had to not cause harm. As he became swift and silent as Mandos himself. As

led their own children into battle after battle and then back to safety again.

As he helped to lift their spirits, and make his father laugh. As he continued to glow like a beautiful star in their dim and darkness filled forest.

Thranduil knew that they had all felt his heartbreak when Legolas did not return to them from the council of Elrond, especially when they figured out exactly where their beloved Prince was headed with all haste.

And when the war ended, and they found out that against all odds, somehow, the eternal Greenleaf of their kingdom had survived they loved him all the more.

Thranduil had been stunned into silence, and also to tears when he found out what his people's suggestion for a new name was their newly reclaimed, and beautiful home.

Eryn Lasgalen: Wood of Greenleaves

0...0

Can't wait to hear all of your thoughts!