OKAY, first of all...because I am such a nerdy fan! Did anyone catch the worldwide hobbit fan event?! I am just loving the coverage...Lee Pace is perfect for Thranduil I admit there was for awhile I was worried he was gonna be a real meany, but Lee gives him a softer dimension ..so I am happy! Super excited to see what Peter Jackson has done with my most favorite elf family! :)
Secondly...Sorry about the later than usual update, I had like a billion ideas for this chapter and literally had to control myself! So I have edited it alot and changed it alot...hope you like?! If you's do please, please, please review I just love sharing this stuff with you guys and hearing from you's is like...awesome! It gives me lots of ideas :)
With that said THANK YOU, as always to Win Lockwood, who shares my Thranduil love XD Celticank, hope I have not kept you waiting too long for the update :) The unsigned fan review; thanks I appreciate that you like my depiction of Thranduil, I love exploring his character :)
Aranel Mereneth; I have like loads of little memories that I edited out of the Last Queen or have not included yet, so expect lots of reminiscing :) I hope you like this chapter though, some nice revelations for Legolas!
Anyway hi followers, *thumbs up* hope you enjoy...
Italic conversations are in Sindarin Because if I tried to actually translate english to elvish I would lose the will to live!
Oh and if someone catches a reference from The Last Queen, I will think you are the coolest :P
12. Revelations
"This is not real?" Was all Thranduil managed to whisper though he was not sure if this was a question or a statement? Lairiel sat perched on the edge of his settle, their settle, as real and as vibrant looking as any other living thing. She let out a tinkling laugh at his expense and stretched out a dainty hand to smooth a few loose strands of his hair back. He felt himself intake breath sharply, he felt her touch, the softness of her palm on his face and he forcefully tried to make his own hand move. With deliberate slowness, both to ensure that yes his limbs were moving under his command again and, so as to not disturb this strange hallucination he was having; Thranduil gracefully brought his left arm up and placed his hand gently on Lairiel's cheek.
"Lairiel?" his voice breaking on her name, he felt his chest tighten and a gritty, half broken sob escape his lips. He could feel her; really truly feel her it was almost too much to take! Thranduil had never stopped dreaming about his wife, not once since her death did a minute go by that he did not yearn for her. His dreams were always plagued by her face, whether they were reliving the nightmare of her death or beautiful memories of their too short a time together. But this was so different, this was Lairiel, he could touch her and feel her spirit, she was with him.
"How? I do not understand-"
"Ssshh," Lairiel silenced him with one of her long fingers to his lips, "This is not real, not truly, what you see and feel is an apparition of myself; but oh how I wish it was not!" She smiled sadly and blinked away the beginnings of tears, as Thranduil continued to trace the planes of her face and run his hands through her hair.
"But you are here? I do not care if I am seeing spectres, or if this is a cruel trick! Let me stay like this," Thranduil pushed himself up into a seated position, so as to be nearer to her and let their foreheads meet. Her sweet scent completely overpowering, her beautiful sparkling eyes pulling him in and when her lips touched his, his pain vanished.
"Thranduil, love, I know this hard but you must let me explain," Lairiel whispered between soft kisses and longing looks. "I am here as a messenger, for the Valar know you will not heed the council of any other." Lairiel wrapped her hands tightly around his and leveled him with a serious look, until he nodded in understanding.
"You will not stop the enemy overpowering our home Thranduil, you do not have the power on your own to succeed. They will come in numbers much greater than our own and they will show no mercy, all will be lost. Even if the ring bearer succeeds, even if the evil is destroyed forever, you will not live to know this, and-" Lairiel choked, tears freely running down her face, "and neither will our children."
"Lairiel, why are you telling me this, if the Valar have shown you this then they must offer comfort?" Thranduil asked anxiety colouring his tone, "What must I do, tell me what can I do to stop this?"
"Nothing my love, there is little you can do," Lairiel sobbed, "a greater purpose is at work here, which will affect us all. Legolas, Ellenya and even you have been set on a path that you will follow now until whatever end, my death in this world started a chain of events that cannot be undone now."
"I do not understand, Lairiel these are riddles?" Thranduil shook his head trying to reject the horrendous thoughts that imprisoned his mind.
"Listen to me love," Lairiel clasped Thranduil's face in her hands forcing him to look at her, "A power reminiscent of mine must be found to tip the battle in our favour."
"There is no power, the last of it died with you; the stone left with you it does not remain here. Even if it did there are none that can wield it, our children have not shown those traits" Thranduil responded in frustration.
"No they have not, for their own protection that was the price I paid, but that does not mean they are not blessed. Ellenya knows where to look she is wise and she can follow the voices of the trees, her dreams have been creating in her mind a map."
"How did you know about the dreams?" Thranduil gasped and then watched a knowing smile spread across his wife's face, "You have been with her too?"
"I never left my little one, our dreams keep us close," Lairiel whispered her eyes misting over for a moment, "She must find Legolas, for he has my eyes, he can see what is hidden from others. The Valar have made a connection between him and what they need to be found, what that is I do not know? All I am allowed to know is that if Legolas can see what is hidden he will send you hope, it is a riddle but the Valar do not break their promises."
"Then when Elladan leaves, Ellenya will go with him?" Thranduil swallowed a hard lump in his throat as the realization of the meaning behind recent events hit him; it went against every paternal instinct he had to allow his daughter to take such a risk. He already struggled with the separation from his son, but was comforted with the knowledge that Legolas could handle himself in battle.
"Their union was no mistake, Elladan is her shield. Do not fear for her when she is with him, he will assist her to finish the map," Lairiel soothed and smiled adoringly, "I like him Thranduil, he is perfect for her."
"I cannot take this in," Thranduil murmured and clutched his forehead, his heart feeling as if it were being crushed. "What purpose will I serve, to be left behind and wait for help?"
"No, Thranduil you must remain, stand firm and resist the darkness like you always have. So many look to you for safety and protection, as long as you hold so will your people, and so will our children," Lairiel spoke resolutely and wrapped her arms around him pulling him close and burying her face in the crook of his neck; "I know I cannot be with you my love, but know if I could I would stand with you until the bitter end."
The sensation of having Lairiel hold him after all these years of loneliness was almost unbearable. She was warm and solid in his arms, it was too hard to believe this was only a dream, how would he survive another separation from her? As if in answer to his silent questions, Lairiel untangled herself from him and stared into his deep eyes watching the tears gather there; "I can take the separation as long as you promise me you will come home to me when you are finished here."
Thranduil managed a painful smile and rested his forehead against hers, the tears escaping him; "What hurts me most is not knowing what could have been? It is hard to live with these regrets but I will do these things for you, and when there is no more use for me here I will find my way back to you."
Lairiel's answering smile was heartbreakingly beautiful and she gently coaxed Thranduil back on the settle. They spent a few moments locked in each other's gazes, Thranduil drawing as much strength and courage as he could from Lairiel. She soothed him and murmured words of love and healing for him, her hands sweeping the length of his injured side. Thranduil frowned when Lairiel's gaze left his and focused on something faraway in the distance, but by the time her eyes returned to his he felt suddenly weary and his vision blurred.
"I do not want this to end," Thranduil mumbled drowsily as he fought to keep his eyes focused.
"Hush rest now," Lairiel soothed, "We have eternity together." She smiled when his lips twitched upward in a smile, a memory from long ago replaying in his mind. Gently she leaned in and stole one last kiss.
"I love you Thranduil."
xXx
"Shhh! Be quiet! I can't hear?"
"Ow! Move over Pip!"
"Can you make out them elvish words Mr Frodo?"
"Merry! I can't see?"
"Why do you need to see Pip? We are supposed to be listening!"
"Would you ever just be quiet? I will never catch what their saying at this rate!"
"Sorry Mr Frodo, I was only askin'."
"Sorry Frodo, Merry blocked my view with his big fat head!"
"Pippin you do not need to see, you need to listen! Sorry Frodo."
Four inquisitive hobbits had expertly hid themselves in a dense cluster of foliage when raised voices were heard a short distance from their pavilion. On any other occasion Frodo Baggins would have not bothered with the heated discussions of elves and men, but when he noted the usually calm and cheerful voice of Legolas splitting through several octaves his curiosity was piqued. It was not long until both Merry and Pippin had joined the eaves dropping and even Sam, who had been opposed to 'interferrin' at first was quickly intrigued when Aragorn's voice appeared to be roaring back at the elf. This was not a normal occurrence, Aragorn and the elf were close, something was afoot and all ears were pricked in anticipation. The only problem most of the yelling was in Sindarin and only Frodo had the ability to translate, though he struggled to catch anything, Legolas was rattling on at such a rate it was hard to follow.
"Legolas please you need to sit down and think clearly," Aragorn muttered as he strode into view and the four hobbits quickly quietened and huddled was followed by a clearly irate Legolas who stormed after the man, his expression murderous. The elf began to pace like a caged animal a tirade of elvish and common tongue curses exploded from him. The words sounded strange and out of place when the elf spoke them and the hobbits just about managed to stifle their giggles.
"I AM THINKING CLEARLY," Legolas roared, "You have some explaining to do Estel and do not even bother to defend him!"
"Who, defend who?" Aragorn groaned not following his friend's pattern of thought whatsoever. He had simply been enjoying a draw of his pipe and a contemplative stroll when he had heard raised voices, most notably Legolas was the loudest and the other was none other than Lord Celeborn himself. Now he had known Legolas had went to speak with the Lord in relation to aid and his homeland, and all the ranger could fathom was it was a strained political argument. However when Legolas had stalked up to and unceremoniously shoved Aragorn that hard that he faltered on his feet, the man assumed the worst.
"Oh do not even play coy with me boy, you know who?" Spat Legolas as he pointed rather threateningly at Aragorn.
"Boy? My did we wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning! Legolas your arrogance astounds me!" Aragorn bit back, unhappy with his friend's choice of words.
"Arrogant? Do you know what is Arrogant? Waltzing into my home and having the outright audacity to bed my little sister!" Legolas cried at an alarming level, the murderous look growing ever more threatening!
Frodo gasped in shock and turned pink, he definitely grasped that statement; three sets of inquisitive eyes peered at him hopefully;
"This is shocking!" Frodo whispered and trained his keen ear closer to the sound of the arguing.
"What, what is it?" Merry practically vibrated with anticipation but was callously dismissed by a flick of Frodo's hand as he gestured for them to be quiet.
"What? Who did that?" Aragorn felt the questions tumble from his mouth, but could feel a cold sweat break on his brow; he had a sickening feeling he knew exactly who Legolas was referring too. The enraged look from the elf practically answered that question for him; "Oh for the love of all that is holy please do not tell me it was Elladan?"
"SO YOU DO KNOW?" Legolas fumed, "Do not even try and lie, you spoke with me a few nights ago, lulled me into a false sense of security, told me he was looking out for my sister and, how did you put it, would find something to occupy her with?"
"That is a pretty loose assumption of the meaning behind that word!" Aragorn spluttered at the insinuation that he had anything to do with such behaviour, "Are you sure of this? Elladan is by all accounts a little wild but he is very honourable, I cannot see him engaging in such an activity."
"Are you suggesting my sister led him on?" Legolas practically turned purple from the thought.
"No! By the Valar no! It is just I think maybe you are jumping to conclusions without knowing the whole story. Now I was privy to the information that he planned to propose to Ellenya, if the moment arose and if she was receptive, but that is all I knew." Aragorn held his hands up in attempt to prove he did not want to fight with the elf, who appeared to be eyeing him up for a brawl.
"Oh she was receptive; she accepted his proposal and married him within the week!" Legolas' voice ripped through another octave.
"Oh thank the Valar!" Frodo practically cried with relief, the thought of something so seedy and shameful befalling two of the great elven houses was too terrible to contemplate.
"What happened Mr Frodo?" Sam piped in this time unable to help himself.
"There was a surprise wedding," chirped Frodo excitedly and the three other hobbits were suddenly all questions; "Shush, they will hear us! What I gather one of Lord Elrond's sons has wed Legolas' sister and by the sounds of it, it was not expected at all!"
"Wow! That is a pretty important wedding, wonder why Legolas is so unhappy?" Pippen thought out loud and received a thump on the back of the head by Merry. "What was that for?"
"Clearly by unexpected Frodo means Legolas did not know, honestly Pip keep up!" Merry muttered and shook his head in disapproval.
"Oh poor Mr Legolas, musta been a terrible shock to find out like this! And him bein' so far away and all. Just the other night 'e was tellin' me all about his lovely sister, said 'e misses 'er terrible y'know. Nearly had me in tears, 'e's had to look after her all these years since their Mother died, don't believe 'e was ever aware of any suitor for Miss Ellenya," Sam rambled on unaware of the baffled looks from his friends.
"Sam, how do you glean all this information, the elf never speaks to us about such things?" Frodo asked incredulously.
"Well did you ever ask 'im?" Sam replied innocently, "Stand up fellow that mister Legolas, was very interested in all me talk of growing things, gave me lots of handy hints so 'e did. Anybody with a love of growing things is fine by me!"
"Indeed dear Sam, indeed!" Frodo chuckled, "We should all be more like you, maybe then we would learn more about our new friends. Now quiet they are still arguing." And just like that all four hobbits quietened again, ready to pick up more of the interesting turn of events.
"They are married Legolas, that is hardly a crime, Elladan has done nothing wrong and neither has your sister," Aragorn attempted to soothe the angered elf with reasoning words.
"It was not in line with tradition, it was hasty and ill-advised! He should have waited like any other self-respecting elf," Legolas fumed, only a little quieter now.
"That is not for you to judge!" Aragorn started more angrily this time, if he knew Elladan like he hoped he did, he knew that timing was no reflection on his emotions. He and grown up with the elf that had come to be like a brother to him, and in all that time he was well aware of the love Elladan had for the Woodland's Princess. The ellon had more patience and determination than any other Aragorn knew, when it came to love. It was his unwavering hope that Ellenya would one day accept him, which had given Aragorn the same hope that he and Arwen could be together. It was no less than a minor miracle that those two were joined together, a blind man could see how well they fitted. So it was rather ridiculous that Legolas did not see it thus!
Legolas narrowed his eyes at the man who he had considered a friend and returned to his pacing and directed a few more insults at Aragorn, whom remained unperturbed. The elf would never admit to being wrong, even if he knew in his heart that this was just an overreaction. There was no denying he was hurting, Ellenya was and always would be his little sister, no matter how old she was. He could not help it he had spent all of his life protecting and caring for her! In his mind there was not one living creature able to love and care for Ellenya in the way in which she deserved and required. He even considered their Adar to be inadequate at times, he often did not understand Ellenya's mind which resulted in many arguments and unnecessary tears.
"You should have told me," Legolas muttered after a few more minutes of intense pacing, "If you knew Elladan wanted to propose, and he did not have the courage to ask me, you should have told me! At least then I would not feel like I was the last one to know!"
"I did not believe him, I thought he was jesting? You know how he and Ellenya are, always playing with one another. Besides it was not your permission he required, it was your Adar's and frankly Legolas I would rather face your wrath than Thranduil's!" Aragorn reasoned, feeling a twinge of guilt for not divulging what he knew to the elf, but in honesty he had not fully believed Elladan. What was the point in filling his friend's head with unnecessary distractions?
Legolas' lip twitched at the thought of his Adar's reaction to the proposal, he would have very much liked to have seen that. However the moment of amusement passed quickly when he realised that, evidently, it had not been that bad, Elladan still lived and claimed his wife;
"Adar may be notorious for his inhospitable attitude, but when it comes to his little star he is pathetic! Ellenya sheds some tears and pouts a little and he gives in, even if it is not good for her!" Legolas replied with a rather convincing portrayal of his sister's pout and her tearful eyes. The action causing a cluster of ferns to giggle, this caught the elf's attention.
"Is something amusing Master Took?" Legolas asked dryly switching easily to the common tongue, he had been well aware for several minutes the halflings had been eavesdropping but was far too upset to care. The foliage abruptly stopped its laughter and a loud yelp was heard, presumably from Pippin who no doubt had been punished for outing their hiding spot. Four sets of guilty eyes peered through the greenery and Aragorn shook his head disapprovingly at all of them.
"S-s-sorry," Sam attempted to apologize as they all shuffled into view, "We just heard raised voices is all."
"It is my fault, the others don't understand elvish I translated," Frodo interjected and tried his sincerest and most apologetic look on both Legolas and Aragorn.
Pippin nodded enthusiastically and piped up; "Yes if Frodo had not have translated we would not have a clue what all that gibbering was. Congratulations by the way, I think it is wonderful news, weddings are great and you have gained a brother, it's always nice to extend your family. Oh just think you could have little nieces and nephews soon? When my cousin got married she wasted no time at all, she must have at least eight little 'un's!"
The deathly silence that followed Pippin's cheery synopsis and personal thoughts on the private matter went completely unnoticed by him. Everyone else gawped in disbelief and Frodo dropped his head in his hands, too embarrassed to admit the hobbit was in anyway related to him! Legolas had just turned several shades paler than he already had been and turned to Aragorn with a frantic look;
"Brother? Elladan as a brother? Elflings? I need to go for a walk or I need to lie down? This is just too much!" Legolas shook his head violently from side to side and then stalked off in the opposite direction to the small gathering.
"Well done Pip," Merry muttered, "Only you could drive an elf to madness."
xXx
Legolas was not sure how far he had walked, or where exactly he had ended up? It was however far enough from anyone else and he did not feel quite so violent now. In his state of perpetual walking he had come to the conclusion he could not change what had happened, nor was he angry at Ellenya. Slightly annoyed and upset that she could not have picked a better time and place to get married, but his sister enjoyed causing a scene and he was sure she secretly loved the gossip she was causing. Legolas had also decided that no matter how wonderful Elladan was for Ellenya, it was instinctual to dislike him. Obviously he had managed to win their Adar's approval, by some miracle, but that did not mean Legolas intended on making it quite so easy on him. If Legolas returned home, he expected much grovelling and free reign to 'test,' his new brother, if only to be sure he could withstand belonging to their family. A wicked grin began to creep across the elf's features at the mere thought.
All the thoughts of family and home caused the ellon to suddenly feel quite lonely. Here among the trees of a foreign place, the elf wondered absently had his Naneth ever trodden the same path as he took today. Did she know these trees? They seemed familiar too him and he felt comforted by their presence, his whimsical heart made him want to believe it was the work of his Nana, and he let some tears gather in his eyes for the briefest moment, before wiping them away. Legolas skilfully clambered onto the low branches of a nearby tree and settled himself against the trunk. His favourite hiding place when the world around him got a little too much to cope with. He smelt rain in the air, but instead of wrapping his cloak around him he let the rain fall about him, enjoying the sensation of it. It felt good not to think and just exist amongst nature, the life giving rain reviving his frayed senses and clearing his mind. He felt his mind drift and old memories surface…
…
"Good Morning!"
The trilling sound of a familiar voice and the sensation of his bed practically giving way from the force of another landing on it sent Legolas sprawling and searching for some kind of weapon to defend himself. Alas a feathered pillow was the most he could come up with, although if push came to shove he could tickle the intruder to death.
"What are you going to do with that?" Two big, silvery, blue orbs peered over a mountain of blankets.
"Suffocate you with it! Ellenya it is not morning?" Legolas groaned and groggily eyed his little sister questioningly.
"Mmmm kinda is!" The elfling answered ignoring her older brother's threats and clambering up the bed, "Well it is past midnight which makes it morning."
"Oh well in that case this is perfectly acceptable, just let me fetch my tunic and I shall make us all breakfast!" Legolas rolled his eyes and collapsed back on the bed, he was pretty sure older siblings were not supposed to be subjected to this level of torture.
"Really?" Ellenya's hopeful voice shot up and she fell on the bed beside him, giving her brother that manipulative look that worked so well.
"No! Go away Ellenya, go wake Ada," He moaned and buried his face in his pillow, turning away from the little orc that was the bane of his existence.
"I don't want Ada, he does not know how to make midnight feasts and you know he would shout," Ellenya whined and rolled on top of Legolas and waited patiently for a response. When he did not answer the elfling frowned and began poking her brother's face and cheek, which remained perfectly expressionless in his pretend slumber. Determined to get Legolas to cooperate with her late night adventure, Ellenya resorted to more drastic measures. With a wicked grin she gripped the tip of his ear and twisted it!
"AAAAIIII! Ellenya! THAT HURT!" Legolas shot up in bed gripping his ear, visibly seething as he glared daggers at his young sibling. Who rolled about the bed in fits of laughter, not a hint of regret in her eyes; "You are a troll Ellenya, I do not know where Ada got you from, but you are certainly not an elf!"
"I am not a troll!" Ellenya's laughing halted immediately and she slapped her hands down hard on her brother's chest, "And I am an elf, Ada says I am the prettiest elf in the entire world and that I am far prettier than you."
Legolas smirked at his sister's disgruntled look and tugged the sheets up to his chin in an attempt to dispel the cold night air; "Well if Ada thinks you're so wonderful go wake him, or Na-" The word was on his lips before the reality hit him, the sudden look of distress filled the elfling's eyes and it cut like a knife. It had only been ten years since their Naneth's death and still it did not feel real, he often still spoke like she was with them.
"Do you know what? I am starving, let us make a feast!" Legolas quickly countered his mishap and jumped out of bed, animatedly darting about the room piling robes and training weapons on the bed. This had the desired effect on the elfling who began jumping on the bed with excitement, the pain all but evaporated from her features.
"Why do we need swords?" She practically sang, as Legolas pulled an oversized robe over her arms and fastened about her neck.
"Because of the dragon silly!" He chuckled and wrapped himself in a green robe, complete with hood and tied a scarf about his nose and mouth. He expertly caught Ellenya as she jumped from the bed brandishing a wooden training knife.
"The evil kitchen dragon that guards the treasure!" Ellenya hooted and raced into the hallway, swinging her weapon in dramatic sweeping motions.
"The deadliest of all dragons, but no match for the famed Princess warrior of Greenwood!" Legolas proclaimed and grabbed his little sister's hand and the two raced along the great corridors of their home. Narrowly dodging evil spiders and dark wizards who would try and cast powerful enchantments upon them; indeed the journey to the grand kitchens was fraught with great peril.
It was easy to get caught up in Ellenya's wild imagination, there was nothing too farfetched or extravagant for her young mind, everything was possible. The young elf scampered into the dimly lit main kitchen, her eyes wild from escaping the clutches of a great goblin, blonde wisps of hair dancing in the draught of the abandoned kitchens. Legolas was quick on her heels and was enjoying this a little more than he should have been for his age! Crouching down to Ellenya's level he whispered;
"What should we do?"
"Be silent and stealthy, the dragon will never catch us of we are quiet," Ellenya whispered excitedly, with a glint of mischief in her wide eyes.
Legolas nodded in approval and hopped up onto the long work table that ran the length of the room, it was piled high with plates, bowls, trays and various bags of grain and rice; all ready to be used in the morning, but for tonight they were the obstacle. Ellenya followed her brother's example and gracefully leaped onto the table, fighting back a fit of hyper giggles.
In a show off fashion the elfling expertly raced along the length of the table, vaulting over stacks of ceramic pots and nimbly balancing along backs of chairs before reaching her end goal at the other end. Of course it would make much more sense to walk around the table, especially if one did not want to alert an imaginary dragon to their whereabouts, but it was much more fun this way! Legolas copied his sister and reached the end of the long, long table, truly it was an exceptionally large work table. However Ellenya, envious of her brother's acrobatic ability, had other plans and just as Legolas gracefully came to halt his toes just perched on the back of the end chair, the little terror caught the leg of said chair and pulled it out from under him. Causing the older elf to fall, with the class and elegance of a cart horse! His scrambling taking several silver trays and numerous wooden utensils with him, he also managed to unleash a sack of apples that tumbled loudly off the table and unto the floor.
Legolas had literally only hit the floor when he was back on his feet, giving Ellenya a frosty yet slightly bemused look, it was not often someone was quick enough to make the prince lose his footing. Her angelic features always managed to lull him into a disillusion and he crossed his arms about his chest in mild annoyance;
"If that wakes the dragon, you are on your own great warrior!" Legolas huffed and turned to stride off in the pursuit of treasure. In this case being cake or honey, or both and maybe leftover pie, he was particularly fond of pie. Following his nose or his stomach, Legolas lifted a stray lamp and began to check the various pantries that branched off from the main kitchen, searching for the goods. Ellenya unconcerned with the 'dragon,' cleared part of the table and retrieved cutlery and plates for their spoils; once satisfied she assisted her brother in the hunt.
Their little adventure yielded a great bounty, between Legolas and Ellenya all baked goods had been claimed and stacked on their field of victory. Court etiquette and proper dining matters were thrown out the window on this occasion, as Ellenya sat cross legged on the table mouth stuffed until overflowing with cake. Legolas using the table as a seat, mopped up the over generous remains of a plate full of honey with a slice of bread and his fingers; sometimes it felt good to be messy.
"So," Legolas began, though his words slightly obscured with his mouth full; "you never did explain why you disturbed my slumber?"
"I was hungry," Ellenya just about mumbled as she took another too large bite.
Legolas, not fooled by the impassive tone of his little sisters voice, reluctantly set his plate down and turned to look Ellenya full in the face, "Ellenya?"
"I am telling the truth," The elfling defended too quickly and lifted another cake to chew on, but it was forcefully extracted from her hand by her brother. She lowered her gaze and played with the hem of her borrowed cloak, whilst Legolas waited patiently for an explanation. Eventually she blew out a long sigh and fixed Legolas with a distressed look; "Am I sick?"
"No of course you're not," Legolas frowned and stretched over to place a hand on the elfling's head.
"No not like that," Ellenya pouted and shrugged away from his touch, "No-one plays with me anymore. I heard one of the servants tell her son that he was not to play with me because I had a sickness. I do not want to be sick anymore, I want to be strong like you and Ada."
Legolas worked hard not to show his temper to his little sister, it had not slipped his attention that some of the more superstitious subjects of their realm, felt Ellenya's survival was unnatural and thus she carried some sort of curse or simply was not as perfect as an elf should be. It was a disgusting and foolish notion and rejected by many, but every now and again the whispers made their way to royal ears. Ada had worked hard to shield Ellenya from most of it, but as with all things, he could not keep all the negativity out of her life.
"Who says you are not strong?" He eventually replied and smiled crookedly when Ellenya rolled her eyes with impatience; "You are the daughter of warriors, it is in your blood to be strong Ellenya, anyone who tells you otherwise have no idea about our family!"
Legolas words managed to coax a small smile from his sister, not satisfied with this response, Legolas picked up the wooden sword and jumped on the table and pointed the training weapon at Ellenya's chin; "And if they continue to doubt, point them in my direction and I shall soon change their opinion!"
Ellenya erupted into a fit of laughter and launched across the table crashing into her brothers arms; "I love you Legolas," she muttered into his chest and then lifted her eyes to meet his with a determined look; "You will teach me how to fight won't you? So I can prove to everyone I am not sick and I am just as strong as you?"
Legolas smiled and nodded, "of course, but you have to promise me something first?"
"What?"
"That you never listen to any of those silly rumours again!"
"I will try."
Legolas laughed and quickly offered his sister another slice of cake which she eagerly accepted. The two siblings returned to their feast. Ellenya enthusiastically discussing in great detail all the battles she was would win when she was older, whilst Legolas mused over the best weapons to use in these said battles. Both young elves were so engrossed in their lively discussions and too involved in their delicious feast that they did not hear the presence of another until it was a little too late.
Legolas in the midst of demonstrating the best way to skewer an orc, using a knife as a weapon and the remains of a loaf as the orc; was cut short with the unmistakable presence of their Adar and his disapproving sigh. The young prince dropped his weapon and slinked off the table, coming to a more respectable standing position, whilst Ellenya sucked in a horrified gasp.
"Uh oh!" She whispered and shot behind her brother, peeking around him, trying to judge the level of trouble she was in from her Adar's expression.
The two waited with bated breath as Thranduil scanned the crime scene with an uninterested expression. He eventually let his impassive gaze land on his two messy and entirely guilty offspring; Legolas squirmed uncomfortably under his Adar's gaze, mostly because he knew he was far too old to be still playing imaginary games. Ellenya, unaware of her brother's thoughts, simply concluded that her Adar was a spoil sport, intent on ruining her fun. However much to the shock of both of them Thranduil drifted passed them and disappeared into the pantry they had recently raided. Only to return carrying a large jug filled with milk. Without a word the elven King stoked the cooking range in the corner and placed the milk in a pan to heat over the fire; before returning to his children and taking a seat.
"So what are we dining on tonight?" Thranduil asked nonchalantly and speared a piece of the fruit pie with a fork. When neither of his children answered, he turned to give them a questioning look waving his fork over the ill gained treats.
"A feast," Ellenya answered quietly and tiptoed around her brother, the adoring smile her Adar gave her was enough to reassure the elfling she was in no trouble tonight, and danced to his side. Thranduil easily lifted his daughter onto his lap using one arm and planted a kiss on her temple;
"Indeed, though it seems I am a little late for this grand affair, tell me what have I missed?" Thranduil asked and listened intently while Ellenya reiterated their whole little adventure; censoring out the part where she confided in Legolas her worries. Legolas in the meantime found three mugs and served the warmed milk when it was ready, relived he was not to be on the receiving end of another of his Adar's 'responsibilities,' lectures.
Sliding into a chair beside his Adar and sister, Legolas quietly supped his milk and smiled warmly at the view. Their Adar had softened greatly in the wake of Nana's death; he did not shout so much or be quite so quick-tempered with his children. It seemed to Legolas that his Ada was trying his hardest to fill the maternal void for them, sometimes he got it right and other times he did not; on this occasion though he had.
"And Legolas is going to teach me to be strong like you, and then I can fight in great battles," Ellenya eventually rounded up her long winded story.
"Is that so?" Thranduil asked and gave Legolas a knowing look, "Well then you better listen to your older brother Ellenya, he will teach you well." The look shared between Father and son, alerted Legolas that his Adar had heard Ellenya's little revelation earlier and he could see the same defensiveness mirrored in his eyes. Ellenya oblivious to the whole exchange nodded in agreement and shovelled a few more bites of cake into her mouth.
"Though I must protest, I do not like the idea of you becoming a warrior, is there nothing else you would like to be?" Thranduil dared to ask.
Ellenya mulled over this for a few moments and pursed her lips in concentration; "Well," she mused, "if I could not be a warrior, I think, I would like to be like Nana!"
"Like Nana?" Legolas interjected this time, "How so?"
Ellenya clambered off her Adar's lap and smiled brightly; "Because she is like a fairytale," the confused looks expressed by both her Ada and her brother made the elfling sigh in exasperation, the action causing her to appear just like her Ada ; "I would like to meet a handsome prince and live in a faraway place that is magical and happy! Like Nana said happened to her when she met you Ada!"
"Well that sounds…like a very well-considered plan," Legolas was the first to answer, aware that an approving response was what Ellenya was waiting for, "Do you not think so Ada?"
"I think I much prefer the warrior idea," Thranduil grumbled and quickly lifted his mug to take a drink.
"And maybe I would have babies, and I would play with them all the time and tell them stories," Ellenya continued on her little daydream, unaware of her Adar's twitching at the mere thought.
"Ada?" Ellenya turned to face her Adar with extreme curiosity, a burning question evident on her lips.
"Yes?" Thranduil asked with trepidation, taking another slug of his drink.
"How do you get a baby?"
Legolas was not sure which was more comical, his sister's innocent curiosity or his Adar's reaction. Thranduil physically choked on his drink, his expression twisted into one of shock and embarrassment as he tried to vainly come up with a reasonable and completely believable lie. The longer he took the more confused Ellenya became.
"You had to ask?" Legolas sniggered, resting his chin in his hand and waiting patiently for the explanation. The sarcastic grin on his face only fuelling his Adar's irritation, as Thranduil shot his son a warning look.
"Oh I am really not cut out for this," Thranduil grumbled into his mug as he drained the contents, before turning his attention back to his overly curious elfling; "Right I think that is enough questions for one night."
"But you didn't answer-" Ellenya whined.
"And I will not answer because you are too young," Thranduil responded in a matter of fact tone, rising from his seat and wrapping an arm around his daughter's tiny shoulders.
"Why am I too young?" She continued to question.
"Ellenya, child, what did I just say?" Thranduil sighed as he gently guided his youngest out the door.
"Enough questions, I know!" The elfling huffed and peeked up at her Ada, "If I can't ask any more questions, can I at least have a story before I go to bed?"
Thranduil laughed softly and ruffled her silken locks, relieved he had distracted his daughter enough, "Go on then go pick a book to read." The elfling smiled brightly and raced ahead her mind set on the new deliema of picking a suitable story.
"I really wanted to know the answer to that question?" Legolas quipped and then shrunk back when his Adar's icy glare landed on him. "Or not? Ada I am joking," the prince quickly added, aware that Thranduil did not often get sarcasm or humour at times, particularly in relation to awkward conversations.
"It is not funny Legolas, how am I supposed to answer those questions?" Thranduil sounded quite distressed and gave his son a pleading look.
"Just wait for the questions about love," Legolas laughed merrily and slapped his Adar on the shoulder.
"I will have to lock her up," Thranduil responded resolutely, "Or find a way to keep her from growing up!"
"Or find someone else, with more sensitivity, to answer her questions," Legolas tried, as he tucked into the remains of a honey cake he had brought with him. He was verging on the edge of gluttony now, but it was oh so good.
"That is a marvelous idea?" Thranduil's delighted tone made Legolas grin smugly, he was awful good at this older brother stuff. As the prince internally congratulated himself on his pearls of wisdom, he did not register the appraising look his Adar was giving him.
"A more sensitive soul?" Thranduil mused and eyed his son knowingly, one eyebrow arched.
Legolas frowned for a moment, assessing his Adar's expression before his eyes widened in realisation; "NO! Not a chance Ada!" The pleading look on his Adar's face was disconcerting and the young elf felt entirely guilty, "No, Ada?…ugh…fine! But I am not touching the elfling subject that is beyond sibling territory!"
"Suits me," Thranduil replied and patted his son hard on the back; the answering grimace sent the King into a fit of laughter.
"And I am not sensitive!" Legolas growled defensively, "I just have the ability to communicate with others in a way that does not leave them cowering in fear!"
"Legolas?" Thranduil interjected.
"Yes?"
"Stop being so sensitive son, I was only joking." Thranduil smirked and wondered off in the direction of his daughter. Legolas glared after his Adar, not sure whether to laugh or plot revenge, between Ellenya and his Ada his nerves were frayed…
…
The rain was beginning to subside when Legolas poked his head out from under the cover of the leaves and twisted branches. Realising his daydreaming had taken up most of the afternoon and concluding that he should really go put Aragorn out of his misery and forgive him. The elf tentatively crawled out of the ancient branches, relishing the last of their comforting tones and jumped to the ground as if it were no effort whatsoever. His heart a little heavier than usual, the more he lingered on the memories of his family the more he missed them, and he did not have the luxury of such emotions. Though he felt comforted that maybe at last his little sister had found her handsome prince, though he doubted this would quench her desire for battle, but maybe Elladan would cause her to stop and think before she acted rashly. However Legolas yearned to talk freely with his Adar, he never really considered their relationship much before, but now after all he had seen and with news of his sister's marriage, he wanted nothing more than his Adar's presence to settle him. The prince made a vow to never again take for granted the love and protection his Ada had created for him. So caught up in his musings the ellon did realize he was being watched closely by wise eyes.
"You are as wild as your sibling young prince," the musical, whispy, voice made Legolas freeze. He was automatically distracted by her presence with the odd sensation to fall to his knees. Slowly the ellon turned to face the enchanting visage of the Lady of Lorien, not since the fellowship had arrived in Lothlorien had he come into direct contact with Galadriel and he absently wondered how Ellenya held conversation with such a divine being, he was already tongue tied. Though he knew the answer, his sister was more apt at political and social exchanges than he.
"Why I do believe Thranduil's son has lost his power of speech! Whoever thought such a thing possible?" Galadriel mocked playfully and watched as Legolas quickly gathered his thoughts together.
"I am sorry Lady Galadriel I was just resting in the trees, I am not fully awake," Legolas tried to reply and sound convincing all at once.
"Your sister used to hide in that same tree," Galadriel began, drifting closer to the younger elf and staring up at the branches with a twinkle of memories long past in her eyes. "I could never coax her down, for the first several years I just had to let her find solace in those branches, I feared that maybe living here was causing her to become even more reclusive."
"Ellenya with all her bravado prefers solitude," Legolas answered with a sad smile.
"Ah but you are wrong Legolas," Galadriel corrected him and smiled with amusement when the prince automatically scowled at the rebuke. "I believed that too for a long time, and then a strange thing happened. One evening when Ellenya was particularly stubborn and would not return home, I was forced to go seek her out myself and instead of being confronted with the usually indifferent youth, I was greeted with laughter. She was laughing because my Grandson had devised an elaborate hunting game to coax out of her safe haven. My what a lovely sound it was, no doubt you are familiar with it?"
Legolas dropped his gaze to the ground, yes he was familiar with his sister's infectious laughter but it was scarcely heard and very rarely was it genuine. The older Ellenya had got the more she came to realise her shortcomings and how others viewed her, so she became bitter and disinterested, her guarded expression more famous than her bright smile; "Alas it has been a long time since I heard her laugh so, you are lucky My Lady to have heard it."
"Lucky? It was a common occurrence in my home," Galadriel answered evenly, "though not by any work of mine or of the golden wood. Nay child, it was another that could truly mend little Ellenya's heart, and she his when the same evil reached our family." Galadriel turned her head away, refusing to shed a tear for her own grievous memories, but the familiar look of hurt did not go unnoticed by Legolas.
"I know what you are trying to do and I appreciate the counsel. I have had much time to think and I guess I have made my peace with the news," Legolas answered as diplomatically as he could, truly in awe that the revered Lady of Light would seek him out just to quell his misguided anger.
"Good, for Elladan is my eldest Grandson and I would not be too amused to hear of his untimely demise," Galadriel quipped then chuckled softly when Legolas paled slightly. "You are Lairiel's boy, you react entirely on your initial feelings, what heartache you must have caused your Adar?"
The prince nodded guiltily; "His hair is more silver now, or so I am told?"
To this Galadriel laughed heartily and clapped gleefully, before placing a hand on the ellon's cheek her gaze turning more serious; "Do not regret your decision to leave your Adar, the Valar have a plan for you child, it is by no mistake Elrond elected you for this quest. Such a pair as eyes as those can only see what is hidden."
Legolas frowned confused by the statement, he was no gifted elf. He was brought up among the customs and traditions of silvan elves, he hardly had the grace or the wisdom of the higher elves. His skills were is weapons and war, which was what he was renowned for and nothing else.
"I know what you are thinking Legolas, you are wrong, you come from the Sindar; descendants of the Teleri your Grandfather was blessed by Queen Melian herself. In time you will come to realise your birth right and take your place among the high elves, but only after you serve your purpose here. Something stirs and you can feel it, be mindful son of Thranduil there may be more to your part in this quest than even I can tell?"
The prince was aware that he had not spoken for some time, but his mind tried to wrap itself around Galadriel's words. He was never very good at riddles, mostly preferring for others to be direct with him, but when such an elleth as the Lady of the Golden Wood chooses to speak words of wisdom over an individual they would do well to heed it.
Galadriel sighed and released the young elf from her capturing gaze; "Your friends seek your company, they are remorseful. Come now your days draw to a close here; enjoy what peace is given you. Do not dwell on the trouble of your home Lord Celeborn will do what he can for your people, what he can for his kin, he will not leave Thranduil to stand alone."
Legolas nodded numbly and mumbled some sort of thankful farewell, still contemplating the Lady's strange words. The elf felt he was dismissed from Galadriel's presence and so left to find his companions, suddenly less burdened and strangely comforted, it would be easy to forgive them now. His mind less focused on the worry over his home, he would take Celeborn on his word, Legolas now looked forward with a new uncertainty twisting in his gut, unsure where his own path was heading?
Galadriel watched the young prince until he was long out of her view, she stood for a lengthy time still and unmoving, her mind's eye searching the will of the Valar. Eventually the approach of her husband drew her back to her surroundings;
"You did not tell him what you saw?" Celeborn asked curiously.
"I have seen many things, none of them certain, the young one does not need to be burdened unnecessarily he already carries too many woes," Galadriel murmured sadly.
"Yet he remains surprisingly unscathed, I still wonder over Elrond's judgment to send him, when there were others much older and more skilled." The wise sindar lord mused; he did not doubt the skill of Legolas it was just that the youngster would not have been his first choice.
"It is because of his purity and his naivety that he was chosen, these are traits that make a wise servant of the Valar. Be assured Celeborn there was no other that could represent our race," the firm tone of Galadriel's voice was enough for Celeborn to leave the subject alone, if his Alatariel believed it to be divine will then so it was.
"What of the news of Elladan and Ellenya, has he recovered from it?" Celeborn asked, changing the subject to a lighter note.
To this Galadriel chuckled softly, "Legolas accepts the union but I do not believe he cares too much for our Grandson, Elladan will just have to use charm to win him over."
"Alas! Elrohir should have wed Thranduil's daughter if charm was required," The elf shook his head, amused at the idea of Elladan attempting to win anyone over with charisma.
"Nonsense! You are too hard on him, Elladan has a wonderful way with others!" Galadriel clucked, her maternal instinct to defend flaring.
"Not hard enough, he has caused an absolute stir, I blame you for encouraging romantic notions! He and Elrohir have you wrapped around their little fingers." Celeborn warned but it was pointless his wife just shrugged.
"I love my Grandchildren and as long as they're happy I do not see any need to worry. Of course they have me manipulated, I adore them, and they can do no wrong!" The elleth answered resolutely with a doting look in her eyes.
"Ai! You still see them as elflings!" Celeborn chuckled and decided it best not to engage in this argument; if he was being truthful he equally adored his Grandchildren. Though he did wish they would be less reckless with their choice of mates; if it was not enough that their Granddaughter loved a mortal, her brother had to go and practically steal a sindar princess from under the noses of their unfriendly neighbours. Celeborn resolved that Elrohir was the only sensible one, having showed no signs of settling down, and the elven Lord made a mental note to congratulate his Grandson on this feat when next they met.
"You will meet with them sooner than you think," Galadriel answered her husband's unspoken thoughts, her eye's darkening as she turned her head to the stars; "I fear all paths are soon to be intertwined."
