August 13 TA 1636

My dear Earien,

How have you been faring? I have heard of your visitor from Gondor. Master Lorn is trustworthy and companionable, I feel he will take well to the kindness of the elves of Mirkwood. How has your family been? I imagine Legolas matures by the day, and I long to see him again before he is full grown. He will have quite a role in the history of Middle Earth, as you know I have foretold.

Thank you for asking about Celebrian, Arwen and the twins. They are doing well, although I have a request. Elladan and Elrohir have been fighting often, sometimes leading to physical contact that must be broken up by Erestor or myself. Even Glorfindel has expressed his concern for their behavior. Elladan has approached me with the request of temporary leave to allow tempers to cool, and I wonder if he could spend some time on the patrols in Mirkwood. I am familiar with the reputation of the Mirkwood patrols. Close-knit and ever active, but yet I know all but the southern patrol is safe enough- if what you said from your letters in the past is still true. He would enjoy seeing you all again, and would get away from his problems for a period of time long enough to get homesick. They have never been separated for more than a few days, and I think some space would do them well, as Elrohir wishes nothing more than to stay in Imladris. Do not feel obligated to take him on if you are not able to, wishing you the best,

With Love,

Elrond Earendilion, Lord of Imladris

Earien stared at the letter a moment and looked over at Thranduil. His arm was around her shoulders, and they sat in front of the fire in their sitting room. He looked at her from his book, "what is it?"

"Elrond wishes to send Elladan here for a time," she said quietly.

"Why is that?"

"He and Elrohir are having problems and he wishes to get away and do something different with himself for a while."

Thranduil remained silent a moment, and turned the page of his book, "It is alright with me if he comes to stay. But I feel he will try to leave after a few days."

"I feel the same. Perhaps we could treat him as a traded warrior versus a guest. In that case he would have to fulfill his duty before he could leave."

"I was thinking the same way. Perhaps I could send him with the sentinel going to the western village. Lorn's village."

"Elrond wants him out of harm's way. He does not wish to worry about him he just wants him to cool down and miss his brother. This is hard on Elrond, seeing his sons argue in such a way. Ever since they were small he wished for them to have a better future than him and Elros. Now they argue, and I am sure it hurts him to break up their fights."

"They are hitting one another?" Thranduil asked, surprised.

"That is what he says in the letter," she said quietly.

"There must be something more to their fighting. Elrond has done much for us in the past, I would not mind his presence."

"I will write him back and let him know."

Dear Elrond,

Legolas and Thranduil are thriving, and send their love as well. I am well, we are enjoying having Lorn and his son here in the stronghold. Legolas is learning much from their presence and I am happy to expose him to the culture. Thranduil and I would be happy to have Elladan here with us. Thranduil has suggested having him as a guest captain under one of our own, so that he must stay for a period of time and cannot return to Imladris without permission of leave from the King. I assure you he will be safe, Thranduil has spoken to the captain of the northern patrol and he has agreed to take him on. He will return to the stronghold every three days with the patrol, so he will not be in the forest for long. We do not wish to expose him to the forest's enchantment for long.

Do not worry, they will work things out and be close again. Elladan is welcome whenever he wishes, and we look forward to seeing him.

With Love,

Queen Earien of Mirkwood

"What does she say?" Elladan asked quietly, sipping his juice. Elrond, Erestor, Elladan, and Glorfindel sat at the breakfast table on the balcony overlooking the waterfall, the sun rising in the distant purple and orange sky.

"She says you are welcome whenever you wish to be there. They have planned out a position and tasks for you as a guest captain."

"Really? That is wonderful, that is exactly what I hoped for. Must I commit or can I leave at will?"

Elrond glanced at Erestor, who was cutting his toast, "it is a commitment. You must retain permission to return."

Elladan stared at his father a moment, a warm breeze pushed his raven hair into his delicate face. "What do you think?"

"I think you should go. Clearly Earien and Thranduil will not hold you hostage or put you in harm. Mirkwood is far more dangerous than Imladris, however. Their sentinel warriors are different than our patrols here."

"I know, Adar. I will learn," he said thoughtfully.

"I also believe it would be a good experience for you. You will learn their ways, see your kin, and I believe they will help you figure out what you are doing with yourself."

Elladan nodded, suddenly lit with the knowledge he would be leaving for an unknown amount of time. He was fearful, but excited at once. He wished to prove himself as an individual and find his own identity. Not just as Elrond's son or Elrohir's twin.

Elladan rose, "I will leave at once, before Elrohir departs for patrols."

Elrond rose as well, emotions battling on his features, "You will leave so soon?"

"Adar- I must," he said quietly, and stood before him.

"I know. You will do well."

Elladan nodded and walked from the balcony, and Elrond sat in his chair with a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"He will be alright, Elrond," Erestor said.

"I hope this all works out soon."

Elrohir was brushing his horse when Elladan got to the stable. He watched him a moment, a nervous pain in his chest, and watched his brother as he spoke quietly to the horse. Elladan entered and his horse whinnied. He approached and pat him, nervous for Elrohir to turn.

"Something is wrong," Elrohir said without turning around.

"I am leaving. I do not know when I will return."

Elrohir froze, his head turned slowly around. His pained eyes met his brother's, and he shook his head gently, "you jest."

"No. I leave for Mirkwood this morning, I just received permission to serve in their sentinel patrol as a captain."

"What? Elladan, their sentinels are legendary, dangerous. Those elves have seen horror-"

"I will be alright," Elladan said quietly.

Elrohir stared, his mouth opened and closed slowly in confusion, "I know lately we have been fighting, but, but you cannot leave me. I am sorry about-"

Elladan strode toward him, his hands on his shoulders, "muindor nin, I am not angry with you. I must do this for myself, for us. Some time apart cannot sever what we have. I believe it will strengthen us, and dissipate this rift we have between us now," he said quietly.

"Please be careful. I cannot lose you-"
"You cannot. You will not. Take care of Adar, and I will be home in no time."

Elrohir nodded, and embraced him, "Give them my love."

"I shall."

Elladan smiled sadly, before he turned and strode quickly from the stable. He found his father in his study after he packed and readied his horse.

"I am ready," he said nervously.

Elrond stood and walked around his desk and smiled encouragingly, "You will do well, you are a fine warrior."

"Thank you, Adar," he said quietly.

"Be careful, listen and learn all you can. Try and write often, although I do not think you should write your brother."

Elladan nodded, adjusting his bag, "talk to Earien if you need someone to talk to. She has a way about her, and even Thranduil is more kind than he gives off."

Elladan threw his arms around Elrond, "Gi melin, Adar."

"I love you too," Elrond whispered. "Everything will be alright."

Erron sat on a bench in a sunny patch just outside the stronghold. He was drawing one of the trees, and suddenly there were hands on his shoulders. He flinched, his hand over his heart. Blonde hair swayed into his view, and Legolas' eyes met his, "Sorry."

"It is ok," Erron laughed and Legolas returned it with a smile. He sat down next to him, and eyed his drawing. Erron seemed hesitant to speak with him, but he did not know Legolas had spent most of the last few days pouring over his father's westron books and making his mother help him.

"It is very beautiful," Legolas tried carefully, the words feeling incredibly foreign on his tongue.

"You learned westron?"

"As well as I could. Elves learn quickly when they wish," he smiled gently.

"I am glad, Sindarin is very difficult for me to learn."

"I will help you if you wish. Your tree looks very good,"

"It is a hobby."

"My father draws and paints beautifully, I wish I inherited his skill."

"Do you think maybe I could see one? I have never seen any elvish art."

"I do not see why not."

Erron followed Legolas to the Royal Wing, and into the King and Queen's quarters. It was the sitting room. On the far wall there was a large roaring fire place with two large chairs in front of it. There were two long couches and several bookshelves. Books lay on the side tables and the desk off to the side with parchment sticking out of them. The desk was covered in important looking papers and scrolls, open letters half folded and sitting on books and folders. Fresh flowers adorned the room, and it truly looked like royalty lived there. Their sitting room was the size of Erron's entire house back in Gondor, and he gasped. "Your parents have an amazing home."

Legolas was already through another door and Erron followed. The bedroom. It was just as large as the sitting room, but a bed lay in the center, a large fireplace had dried flowers hanging in it. The bed had sheer fine linen hanging from the high poster frame onto the hardwood floor. The bed itself had thick down blankets, and numerous silk pillows of the finest greens and ivory shades. A plush carpet of hand stitched tapestry lay before the bed. Two large wardrobes were on one side of the room, a large vanity of silver between them with two mahogany boxes on it. Erron opened the drawers, and hair things lay in the first, and medical supplies in the second. He opened one of the boxes, and a grand silver crown lay within. It was the queen's, and he'd never seen anything like it.

"Do not touch that," Legolas said quietly, pulling a folder from his father's wardrobe.

"Sorry, it is just all so beautiful."

"It is alright. It is just very old and nothing can happen to it."

"Is that, your father's sword?" Erron asked and pointed to a sheathed sword in the weapon portion of Thranduil's wardrobe.

"That is his battle sword, Celebren-lach. It is only used in warfare," he held out his father's painting and Erron held it gingerly.

"It is stunning," he breathed, the watercolors used in such a gentle way. Each stroke was deliberate, calculated.

Legolas took it gently and put it back in the large folder. "Come, we should not be in here." Erron nodded, and watched Legolas leave. The sword's scabbard glimmered in the dim light, and Erron pulled it from the wardrobe, a bow fell onto the floor.

The bow was light wood and silver, intricate vines carved all over as well as tengwar script along the side. He put the bow back in the wardrobe, and he realized just how many weapons the King had. There were four of five swords, two bows and an entire suit of armor within that part of the wardrobe. He shook his head in awe, and unsheathed the sword. It glimmered, being nearly six feet long, it was heavy, but he could feel the balance and grace of the weapon.

"Erron-"

He jumped, spinning around to face legolas, and slashed across his chest with the sword. Legolas staggered back and looked up at him with wide eyes. His knees buckled, and he fell to the floor. Blood spread quickly from the wound, his shirt already covered in blood. Erron dropped the sword, and fell to his knees next to Legolas.

"Legolas!"

"Welcome. I have gathered you here today to discuss your assignment," Thranduil said, looking at those sitting at the table in front of him. Lorn sat on the opposite end, and around him sat Luin, Huldion, and several members of the eastern sentinel, "Master Lorn, I would like to introduce you to my sentinel captain, Huldion." He said, and Huldion inclined his head to him, "and my trade representative Luin, who is also my brother in law."

"It is nice to meet you both," Lorn said with a small smile.

"Master Lorn's village, Pell, has been obtained by two fugitives, a male and female, who have murdered many of his people and caused fear and terror to spread. These fugitives are elves of Mirkwood, and I have agreed to search for and obtain these criminals and remove them from Master Lorn's village. They should not be difficult to find, as they do not expect us to be searching for them. I would like to send you as the leader, Huldion, if you will accept the mission."

"Ofcourse your majesty," he said and Thranduil nodded, "very good. The number is small to retain our secrecy. I would like the rest of you to join him, you leave in two days. Any questions will be answered at this time?"

The group said nothing, and Thranduil stood. Everyone else stood as well, as was custom when the King did so, "good luck and be safe," they all bowed their heads in thanks, and Thranduil and Lorn left the meeting room.

"I cannot express my gratitude."

"It is not necessary, I will not have my people causing discomfort to innocents. It should not be a challenge."

Lorn smiled, "I should hope not. I would hate to endanger any of your team, they seem loyal."

"The captain, Huldion, he is one of our strongest military minds. I trust him entirely to finish the task quickly and effectively with little rebound."

"That is good."

"I must find my wife, it is getting late, but I shall see you tomorrow?" Thranduil said.

"Indeed, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Thranduil sighed to Thangannas, "I am exhausted, and I believe I will sleep until Tuesday."

Thangannas chuckled, and took his place beside the door, "goodnight, sir."
"Goodnight Thangannas."

He pushed open the door to his quarters, and the door was ajar to his bedchamber. Alarm filled him, and he hurried in. His sword was on the floor dripping blood, and Legolas lay on the carpet, blood pouring from his chest.

Erron collapsed to his knees before him, "Legolas!"

"Legolas," Thranduil gasped, fear threatened to overtake him. He knelt, and Legolas was conscious, but pale. He lifted him into his arms and hurried out the door into the corridor. Thangannas fell in line behind him.

"What happened?"

"Find my wife, please!" Thranduil asked, panicked.

Thangannas ran down an adjoining corridor, and Thranduil rushed through the double doors of the healing wing. Unwe saw him and his eyes widened. "What happened?" he asked and rushed over.

Thranduil spun, anger and fear in his eyes as he glared at a tearful Erron. "It was an accident, he scared me-"

Unwe took Legolas from Thranduil and put him in one of the beds. He tore what remained of his bloody shirt, and wiped the blood from his chest with a clean cloth. Legolas' eyes were trained on Thranduil's, their ice blues wide with fear and pain.

Thranduil was numb, his mind unable to process what was happening. His heart pound heavily in his chest, and he couldn't get over the amount of blood. Legolas had never had more than a broken finger or a skinned knee.

"He is alright, the cut is quite shallow. I do not think it will even scar." He said quietly and sighed with relief. He threaded his needle, and Thranduil turned away, his hands over his face. It was such a close call-

"What were you doing with my sword?" Thranduil asked dangerously.

"I-I- I saw it and-"

"Who said you could go into my wardrobe? My belongings?" His voice was low, like a snake getting ready to strike.

"Ada, I saw him drawing, and wanted to show him your watercolors-" he said quietly.

"I am sorry, I-" he cried, and Earien raced in.

"He is alright, just a close call," Thranduil said, his ears still ringing and his limbs still numb.

"Go and find your father," Thranduil said to Erron, and he dashed from the healing wing.

Unwe finished up his last stitch and tied off the wound. "He is all set to go rest, Earien." Unwe said and she nodded. "Thank you."

Thranduil sat on the edge of the bed and brushed Legolas' hair from his face. His heart pounded in his ears, and Earien squeezed his shoulders.

Lorn looked up from his letter, Erron running in with tears streaming down his face. "What?" he asked, alarmed.

"Legolas I-"

"Calm down, what is it?"

"I was in the King's bedchamber and I wanted to see his sword that I saw in his wardrobe and Legolas startled me and-"

"You broke his sword?" he gasped.

"I cut Legolas!" he sobbed.

"You cut the prince?" He roared. "Is he ok?"

"They said he was going to be fine-"

"Erron, you could have murdered the prince with his father's sword. Do you understand that?"

Erron stared at his father, tears forming in his dark eyes. "I know, and the King is angry with me."

"Do you blame him? That sword is probably important to him, and you nearly killed his son."

"What am I going to do?" Erron cried, "They probably hate me."

"You must apologize tomorrow and face the consequences of your actions."

Thranduil lay in the dark, the covers around his waist. A dim moon light shone through the window onto the floor next to the bed, where Legolas was when he found him, and he stared at it. Earien ran her hands through his hair, pressed against his back.

"Go to sleep meleth nin. He is alright," Earien said quietly and kissed his ear.

"He could have died," he said, staring at the floor with wide eyes, "if he had been any closer to the boy-"

"But he was not, you cannot think that way, you must simply be grateful."

He rolled over to face her, "he is awake."

"I know. He is upset as well as we are."

Thranduil stood, "I am going to go see him."

He walked across the hall, knocking quietly on the door.

"Ada?"

"Yes," he said quietly. Legolas had his lamp lit and a book in his hand.

"I cannot sleep."

"Nor can I, did you have another nightmare?" Legolas nodded and Thranduil sighed. Of all the things for his son to inherit from him. "Is it from earlier?"

"No, just the usual smoke and flames."

Legolas often had nightmares filled with war, smoke, and flames. At first it had alarmed his parents, and council was sought from Galadriel. She had said it was simply visions of what was to come for him. It was out of their hands, and far in the future. Elrond believed it was from Earien's relations, as Thranduil never had prophetic dreams, simply dreams of the horrors of war. It was the reason that Legolas could never sleep in his parents' room when he had a nightmare. Thranduil had them as well, and did not want his son to know. He knew his reactions to his nightmares could easily scare an elfling. They scared Earien at the start, but she grew used to them. But often he spent nights pacing, wondering what horror it was that awaited his son that he consistently received clues for.

"Are you in pain?"

Legolas shook his head, "I am alright. It was an accident. I am sorry I brought him into your quarters, I did not think curiosity would strike him so. I merely wanted to show him your art."

"It is alright. Although in the future I would like for you to ask permission to bring anyone into my quarters."

"Of course. I am sorry."

Thranduil stared at Legolas a moment, his heart heavy. He had grown beautifully, and he hadn't truly realized just how grown he was, as no parent ever did. He was no elfling, he was a prince on the brink of adulthood. He still had his childish fun side to him that laughed at the simplest things and wanted to run and play and climb trees. To hear stories of the first age. But for the most part he was done with that part of his life. He wanted to join the patrols and create stories of his own to tell one day. He was powerful, strong and skilled. Far ahead of those his age.

"I am incredibly proud of you, ion nin. You have exceeded my every expectation."

Legolas looked up at him, a smile spread on his lips, "Thank you, Ada. It is what I strive for."

Thranduil smiled and stood, and Legolas grabbed his hand, "is it almost morning?"

"No. There is much time yet until morning," Thranduil said sadly, as he too dread the long drag of the night.

"I know I am grown, but-"

"You know you cannot," he said automatically, knowing his son wished to sleep in their bed.

"I know," he said sadly.

"I will stay here with you until you fall asleep," Thranduil said quietly and noticed blood on his son's shirt. Legolas followed his eyes and lifted his night shirt, the stiches pulled slightly.

"I must have struggled in my sleep."

"Your naneth will look at it in the morning," Thranduil said, and pulled the book from Legolas' hands. Thranduil moved and sat on the edge of the bed, and ran his hand through Legolas' hair as he read. Soon Legolas' breathing even out, and he was asleep again. He put the book on the night table, blew out the lamp, and pulled the blankets around him before he returned to his own bed. Earien was still up, and Thranduil was surprised to see her doing exactly what Legolas had just been doing.

"How is he?"

"He is asleep now," Thranduil sighed and cuddled up against her. She wrapped her arm around him, and smiled. "Now you go to sleep."

She laughed gently, "I will go to sleep and you will stay up the entire night worrying about your son, who is safe in his bed."

He stared at her a moment, and smiled, "when you say it in that manner-"

"You have nothing to worry about," she smiled, "When I was a child Luin shot me with an arrow in the side. He broke my arm and I broke his leg on one occasion. We both fell out of a tree into a half frozen running river. Everyone has had terrifying accidents. Although it scared us all, we cannot dwell on it."

"You are right, I cannot dwell on that which I cannot change."

She shut off the lamp and put her book down, and he fell asleep to Earien's soothing touch soon after.

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