Hours passed, but Legolas did not wake again, not until lunchtime. By this time, Thranduil had stopped drinking. He was sifting through the last of his papers when he saw the prince stir out of the corner of his eye. He stood, approaching the bed slowly, nervous to look into his son's eyes. They had not recognized him before. What if Legolas did not know him permanently? The prince's eyes were clear, and this time they widened when he saw his father.
"Ada. You came," he croaked. "I have been so alone. The world was dark and cold. I was searching for someone, anyone…" The prince closed his eyes as his voice trailed off. It was a moment before he opened them again.
"You are safe now, my son. I am here." Thranduil gently grabbed Legolas's hand, holding it while a healer helped Legolas drink some kind of herbal medicine. The curtain was pulled back, a silver haired elf stepping in. She looked around before her eyes settled on Legolas.
"Oh! You're awake!" she breathed, hurrying to her father's side.
"Thanneth! You came too. I have been so lonely, and they keep making me drink bitter things." Legolas swallowed, trying to control his expressions. Clearly, he was still in pain.
Thanneth laughed shortly before sobering. "You may be ill, but you have not lost your humor. I know you are still in pain. I cannot bear to see you this way any longer." She stroked Legolas's hair gently before turning away. "Forgive me, I must go."
Tears escaped her eyes, and her thin frame shuddered before she left the room. Thranduil watched the curtain swish closed behind his only daughter.
He sighed. It seemed she had lost more weight, her clothes hung on her frame, again. She had been steadily becoming more and more frail since her mother passed. It was beginning to alarm the king. He would speak with her later. His gaze returned to his son, but Legolas was already breathing deeply. Sleeping again. Taking his hand from the prince's, the king rose. He would go find some food. After pausing to leave strict instructions to send for him if his son woke or if conditions changed, Thranduil left the infirmary.
He strode through the halls purposefully, only stopping to send a maid to bring his meal to his study. He closed the door to his study softly, before settling himself behind his desk. A new stack of reports had been neatly placed at his right hand. Ignoring these, he reached into one of the cupboards in his desk, pulling out a bottle of strong ale. It had been made by dwarves, and though he hated them, he could not deny that their alcohol was excellent.
He studied the reports while he sipped his drink. He gave a small start when he saw the number of elves lost in the same patrol Legolas had been injured on. So many elves had died. Their numbers were shrinking, almost daily as the evil infiltrated their once beautiful forest. His thoughts were interrupted by the soft knock on his door. A maid entered at the king's call, placing the tray of food in front of him before quickly retreating from the room. Once alone, the king turned back to his papers, but he found he could not think of anything but the brutality the Legolas had endured. Taking a deep drink of ale, he stood.
"Enough of this madness. I will speak to Thanneth. She will be calm now," he muttered. Taking one last swig, he left his desk, his food untouched. Worries about his oldest child began to fill his thoughts as he turned down the hallway to the royal chambers.
Ok. Sorry it took a few days to get this written. I've had a few personal problems I've been trying to deal with. I actually have had this written for a few days, I've just gotten to typing and editing it. Thanks for your reads, I'd love to hear from you guys! And thank you to those who have reviewed. Much love!