#20 Gems And Jewels

Taking one look at the grim expression on their prince's face, elves almost tripped over their own feet in their rush to get out of his way as Legolas stormed through the halls. Covered in blood and gore and fresh from battle he was indeed a grim sight. Reaching the tall, ornately carven doors marking the entrance to his father's private rooms he never missed a step as he reached out with both hands to push hard against them, leaving perfect, bloody handprints as they flew back, hitting the walls with a loud crash.

"Ion?" Thranduil turned stunned features upon his only son as he marched in like an avenging angel.

"No more ada!" Legolas shouted, his usually calm, beautiful face twisted in anger. "I will bear this no more!" Spittle flew as he continued his tirade. "Why should our people suffer and die whilst they…they sit in their green and peaceful havens…protected…safe…"

"Oh, Legolas."

Tears washed pallid tracks down grime covered cheeks as the king swept forwards to enfold his distressed son into silk covered arms, careless of the mess made to his own, regal clothing.

"How many this time?" Thranduil gently murmured whilst one strong, elegant hand smoothed circles between his sons heaving shoulders.

"T…two…ada." Legolas gulped out between sobs. "Tr…Trewath and Baralimben."

Thranduil's heart almost broke to see his son like this.

"I tried, ada. I just…there were so many…too many…I couldn't…" He stiffened and took a deep breath, pushing himself from Thranduil's embrace.

"You have to tell them, force them to help." Blue eyes glinted with fervour as he firmly grasped his father's shoulders and held his gaze. "Force her to help. To give us what we need."

"Nay Legolas…"

"You must, ada." The younger elf broke in vehemently. "Can you not see?"

Letting go of his father he began to pace back and forth across the room.

"'tis not fair they leave us here to be overrun by the dark whilst they thrive in perpetual summer's peace. Sacrifice our people to keep the enemy far from their own doors."

Stopping suddenly he turned to his father once more his voice thick with desperation.

"It would only have to be for a while. Just long enough for us to be able to clear the forest, bring back some light, allow our people some rest from the constant fight."

"Ahh, Legolas…ion nin…" Thranduil sighed. "Do you really think their gems and jewels would bring what you seek?" Compassion filled his eyes. "It is hard, I know…"

He held up one pale hand to forestall interruption.

"I do know." He continued forcefully at his son's raised eyebrows. "You forget, I have been fighting the dark for far more years than you."

The prince bowed his head in mute acceptance and apology.

"Believe me when I say there have been times I have wished to go to Lorien and wrest that wretched trinket from the lady's finger on many occasion. But I have not."

Thranduil crossed the room, to the large open fireplace, his voice calm and collected.

"No, I have not." He reiterated as Legolas opened his mouth to speak. "I have not because I have no wish to. Oh, not because I am afraid of its power. Or what it could do to me." He continued as Legolas frowned. "But because I am afraid of what I would do with it. Of what I would become if once it rested upon my own finger."

He raised his hand, twisting it this way and that as if watching something gleam and catch the light then turned sharply, levelling the hand out to point towards his son.

"Is this what you want?"

Legolas paled as his father appeared to grow in size, his face growing cold and harsh, pale blue eyes turning deep, verdant green and his long silver hair and pale blue robes darkening to take on the lustre of a raven's wing.

For a few heartbeats they stood together in the calm centre of a whirling storm. Eyes locked, before finally Thranduil's arm relaxed and the room returned to normal.

"No." The king continued as if nothing had transpired. "We have no need of curséd jewels ion nin." He smiled gently. "We have all we need right here."

A/N

Ok, so I'm officially abandoning the idea of making these proper drabbles. Whatever I try I just can't keep them short enough!

Thanks for reading and if you want to leave me a comment I will probably be so excited I'll squee!