Disclaimer: Those you recognize belong to Tolkien. I do not own them. Those you do not recognize belong to me.
Summary: Gaining the friendship of a mortal child was not something Thranduil expected on his trip to Imladris with his son. But when secret plots result in grave consequences, the boy may be the king's one hope of survival.
Author's Note: Wow! Talk about an unexpected response to that last chapter, lol. Many, many thanks to PatonxJulia, The Pearl Maiden, Gwedhiel0117, Elven Warrior Princess, SiriusBlackFan2, Zammy, aronoiiel, Doreen, and iccle fairy for all of your reviews on multiple chapters. You guys are awesome! I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and the story overall, so much! Sorry this took me so long to get up. Besides school, a certain Elf prince was giving me difficulties this time. *glares at Legolas* Hopefully it doesn't disappoint! This one is also a bit on the longer side, just for you guys! Lol. Also, special shoutout to Gwed, who inspired a scene toward the end that I think you'll all enjoy. And absolutely no slash, as always. Anyway, enjoy!
Elvish:
tithen pen– little one
ada– father
talan– Elvish tree house, flet
muindor– brother
daro– stop/halt
mellon-nín– my friend
Chapter 7
Legolas felt his eyes slowly begin to clear. The darkness of the room he was always given when he stayed in Imladris greeted him, but he gasped quietly when he was suddenly blinded by a bright flash of lightning, which was accompanied by a loud rumble of thunder. The prince turned to the window, watching as heavy rain pounded against the high window, having not realized it had started to storm after he had fallen asleep. He must have been exhausted after his journey from Mirkwood.
His light eyes narrowed thoughtfully. It was not often he was disturbed by the rain, he frequently found the sound comforting, and he wondered what could have possibly woken him.
Then, he noticed it. Legolas raised himself up on one arm, confusion entering his gaze as he looked at the small lump under the blankets near his leg. And as he looked closer, he saw that it was shaking slightly. Curious, the prince reached forward and slowly lifted the blankets, blinking with surprise when he was met with a pair of wide gray eyes.
"Estel? What are you doing, tithen pen? Should you not be in bed?"
The small, trembling form of Estel remained silent for a moment, the young Mirkwood monarch just able to catch a glimpse of his pale face beneath his wild hair. His tiny fingers were clamped tightly onto the soft sheet beneath him, and he took a deep breath before he spoke. "I... I'm scawed, Legowas."
"Of what, Estel?" Legolas asked, concern crossing his face as he pulled the blankets back further to reveal the child who had snuck his way under them. He had known the boy for a little over a year, and the small mortal had already secured his place in his heart.
Estel cautiously looked up at him. "The stowm," he breathed, glancing at the dark night outside. "Ewwadan and Ewohir awe on patwol with Gwowfy. Ewestor is stiwl in the libewwy. Ada is busy..."
Legolas' gaze faltered, able to clearly see how afraid the child was. He began to reach toward him, but he paused when another bright flash lit the room, the loud rumble that came shortly after nearly causing the room to shake. Estel whimpered, curling in on himself as he shut his eyes tightly.
"Come, Estel," Legolas said gently, reaching out and pulling the terrified four-year-old onto his lap.
Estel clutched his friend's light gray night shirt so tightly his knuckles turned white as he buried his face in the Elf's sturdy chest. Legolas sighed quietly, resting his chin on top of the boy's dark hair as he gently rubbed his tense back. It was the same comforting touch his father had always used when he had run to him when he was afraid as an Elfling. The effect was also the same, and a small smile graced Legolas' fair features when the child in his arms slowly stopped trembling. It broadened when Estel cautiously looked up at him.
"There, tithen pen. It is all right. The storm will not harm you."
"You awe not scawed?" Estel asked, surprise on his young face.
Legolas carefully brushed some of the boy's dark hair out of his damp eyes. "Nay, Estel," he answered. "Not of the rain."
Admiration appeared in Estel's gray eyes. "You'we so bwave!"
The prince chuckled quietly. "I said not that I was fearless," he corrected him. "I was once afraid of the storm, as you are, though time has eased that fear. When I was an Elfling, it was the darkness I feared the most. I still feel some unease from its presence."
Estel's eyes narrowed with slight confusion. "The dawk?" he repeated.
Legolas nodded once in confirmation, his smile returning. "Do you wish to hear a story, Estel?" he wondered. If he could provide some distraction from the storm raging outside, he would gladly do so.
Another bright flash of lighting split the sky, a low rumble of thunder following shortly after. Estel tensed for a moment, but then a smile appeared on his face as he looked up at the prince. "Pwease!"
"All right." Legolas set Estel down on the bed before leaning back against his pillows, his smile broadening when the child moved so he was sitting close beside him. "When I was an Elfling, my father would often bring me with him when he sought counsel with the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. Each time he met with them to discuss agreements, I was left in the care of my friends Rúmil and Haldir, two of the Wood's captains.
"While there one evening, Rúmil was called for the patrol, and Haldir stayed in their talan with me. It was dark soon after we ate dinner, and my father had not yet come for me. As the hour grew later, Haldir had me lie in his bed in attempt to rest until he came. I know not how much time passed while I was alone in his room as I tried to sleep, but I was afraid. That night was dark, there were no stars, and there was still no word from my father."
Estel's gray eyes were wide. "What did you do?" he asked.
Legolas chuckled. "I left the room in search of Haldir," he answered. "He was in the study doing some sort of paperwork, too absorbed in it to notice my presence immediately. But my panicked mind took no notice that he was occupied."
The child tilted his head slightly. "Was Hawdir mad?" he pressed, his gray eyes widening even more.
The prince smirked. "Thinking back, I am certain I irked him," he replied. "Though no, I would not say he was angry. He did continue to suggest I attempt to get some rest, though I would not. Soon, he abandoned his work and took me down to the kitchen, where he made some hot tea for me. My father arrived soon after to find me sitting on Haldir's lap at the table, nearly asleep."
Legolas paused as Estel laughed, ruffling the child's hair. The boy quickly straightened it out again with slight frustration before smiling up at his friend. Legolas returned it before he glanced at the window, noticing the rain had lightened with only an occasional soft rumble.
"Couwd I stay hewe 'til Ada's done with his wowk?" Estel suddenly asked uncertainly.
The prince sighed quietly before nodding once, watching as the child curled against his side. "Rest well, Estel."
Legolas secured his quiver of arrows around his torso, ensuring it was comfortable before he reached for his bow he had kept on the end of the bed. The soft white blanket brushed lightly against his fingertips, the material nearly as familiar as the sheets that covered his own bed in Mirkwood. A hint of a smile graced the prince's fair, youthful features, though all traces of it vanished as his light eyes traveled over the intricately carved weapon he held in his palm, pulling back on the string a bit with three slender fingers to test it. It was tight, but it did not offer much resistance under his usual draw.
Perfect.
"I... I'm scawed, Legowas."
Legolas closed his eyes for a moment, the words echoing loudly in his ears. He clearly remembered the fear the storm had caused the small mortal that night a year before, and he could not imagine how terrified he must have been now. Why Aeglironion would take the boy he still did not understand, but the reason did not matter to him as much as how he would suffer for his actions.
"Ada!"
The prince's intense eyes quickly opened, his jaw clenching angrily. The image of his father, pale and lifeless on his bed, still burned in his mind's eye. Legolas had never before seen the proud king so near to death, and that he still lingered there, so weak, terrified him. Aeglironion would suffer dearly, he would ensure that.
Fueled by his sudden ire, Legolas turned from the bed and hurried toward the door. But he paused before he could step out into the hallway, resting his hand lightly on the smooth doorframe when he felt a slight ache in his chest. His father. How he longed to be beside his king when he knew his presence was needed. How he desired, though he did not possess the healing touch of the lord of Imladris, to take his father's hand as though he too could share his own strength with the waning Thranduil, to offer some of his spirit to keep him with him. There was nothing he would not give to see him well again.
"Legowas..."
The young Mirkwood monarch sighed heavily, tightening his fingers around his bow. He could almost feel his heart being rent in two, his worry for Thranduil and his fear for Estel dragging him in separate directions. He was not aware how long he stood leaning against the doorframe, the ache in his chest not subsiding as he struggled with his racing thoughts. The small mortal he had grown to love and the father who had his devotion, who had been there for him in his every moment of need, both now needed him, but only one could he lend his aid to. Only one. Never had he felt so helpless, for the longer he stood in this place in constant dispute, the further both his father and his friend seemed to be pulled out of his grasp.
But had his father not told him to search for the boy? Had his father not assured him he would still remain upon his return? Legolas slowly straightened, fresh determination entering his gaze as he stepped out of the dark room. Thranduil was strong, and though he was still ill, the prince had seen some of that strength return to the king's eyes when he had spoken with him. His father would be all right. Elrond would not allow him to fall if it was in his power to support him. He had trusted the Elf lord implicitly since he was an Elfling.
Legolas sighed as he hurried down the hall. He would return to the king's side, but first, the child had to be found.
"The fault for this is mine."
Elrohir slid his sword in its sheath that was secured tightly around his waist, sighing as he closed his weary eyes. His father's haunting words echoed in his mind, though he still could not believe them. He could not imagine what Elrond, the gentle-hearted master of Imladris, could have done to cause Aeglironion to attempt to take both his life and Thranduil's. He could not believe Elrond, his father and lord, to be capable of any sort of treachery. Surely Elrond's guilt was misplaced. Surely his father had done nothing.
But what had happened while the Elf lord was in Greenwood to make Aeglironion so enraged?
Elladan secured his quiver around him, turning to his twin expectantly. But when he noticed how stiffly the other dark-haired Elf he knew as well as he knew himself was standing, his eyes narrowed with concern. "Elrohir?"
For a moment, his younger brother did not reply. It did not even appear as though he had heard him. Sighing, Elladan approached him, placing his hand lightly on his arm. "Elrohir," he repeated firmly.
Elrohir jumped slightly under the older twin's touch, quickly turning to face him. Elladan found himself met with a pair of gray eyes so like his own, but what bothered him was the slight traces of fear he saw in them. "We will find Estel," he attempted to assure him, tightening his hold on his arm slightly.
"Aye," Elrohir agreed quietly, lowering his gaze. "Glorfindel has set the perimeter. Though that is not what troubles me, Elladan."
Worried now, Elladan took a step closer to his brother. "Then what does?" he pressed. "Tell me, muindor." Normally, his tie with Elrohir allowed him to be aware of his fears and doubts, but this was different. Aside from their missing foster brother, he did not know what could be troubling him.
Elrohir sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before looking back at Elladan. "You know I would not doubt Ada."
"Ada?" Elladan's gaze faltered slightly. He was concerned about their father, for he saw how exhausted Elrond had appeared when he had told the room's occupants that Estel was missing. But he knew that was not what his brother was now speaking of.
The younger twin slowly lowered his gaze, passing a hand over his face. "He... he places the blame of Aeglironion's actions on himself," he muttered.
Elladan sighed as he released Elrohir's arm, causing the other dark-haired Elf to look back at him curiously. "You know as well as I Ada would not have intentionally done something to hurt Aeglironion," he said quietly. "He is placing unneeded guilt on himself along with the pressure of sustaining Thranduil."
Elrohir smiled slightly. "Thranduil did disagree with him," he admitted.
The older twin nodded once. "I know not what Aeglironion believes Ada or Thranduil have done," he continued thoughtfully, "though we will find out when we bring him into custody." He paused for a moment, taking Elrohir's hand and giving it a quick but reassuring squeeze. "Let us find him. Estel needs us now."
A moment passed before Elrohir nodded in return, tightening his fingers around his brother's hand. "Aye, muindor. Let us find Estel."
The first hint of morning light began to break the horizon as Aeglironion guided the horse past the gate and out of Rivendell. His light eyes traveled over the shadowed trees warily. The mortal child he had taken was precious to the lord of this realm, and under Glorfindel's leadership, he had anticipated to be met with some resistance. But there had been none.
Estel took a deep, shuddering breath as tears continued to fall freely down his cheeks, his small hands keeping their tight hold on the horse's mane as he looked at the dark forest around them. Where was the patrol that he knew guarded these trees by night? They always kept his new home safe. Would they not protect him now?
But then, his heart dropped as a quiet sob escaped from him when another thought crossed his mind. Did they even know he was in danger?
Aeglironion chuckled when he heard the sound. "Do not be afraid, Estel," he said. "I will bring you no harm."
Estel shuddered at his words, unsure if he trusted them. A smirk appeared on Aeglironion's face as he continued to guide the horse however unwillingly through the trees. Then, his eyes gleamed when the faint touches of the sun's fresh rays began to filter between the trunks, lighting their way.
"Do you see that, tithen pen?" he asked lightly. "The sun is beginning to rise." He paused for a moment, his voice dropping to a darker tone. "Your dear friend Thranduil should be dead by now."
The small mortal's body trembled with sobs at these words. "Thwa-il..." The king had to be all right. He had tried so hard to help him. His foster father could heal anyone, he knew he could. Thranduil could not be dead.
Then, Estel's eyes widened slightly when he saw the brief glimpses of the sun low on the horizon between the trees, and his tears slowed a bit. His brothers had always playfully chided him for never being awake to see an Imladris sunrise, and now he understood why. It was breathtaking seeing the faint light spilling into the valley, filling him with a small sense of peace. He only wished he would be able to see another.
"Daro!"
Estel gasped quietly, coughing a little on the rag in his mouth, as Aeglironion abruptly brought the horse to a stop at the sharp command. A moment passed before the child saw forms of slender, dark-haired Elves in the shadows of the trees before them, their keen eyes and drawn arrows trained on the traitorous cook. His heart raced, filled with a sudden feeling of hope. They would protect him.
"Give us the child," the Elf who appeared to be the commander of the patrol ordered, his eyes quickly moving over Estel to assess any potential injuries the child may have suffered before going back to Aeglironion.
The fair-haired Elf merely smirked. "You expect me to believe you will risk the boy's life?" he asked. "You will not shoot with him so near."
There was the slightest hint of hesitation from the dark-haired Elves around him, though it was all that Aeglironion needed. He reached into the folds of his tunic, and before the Imladris patrol could respond, Estel flinched and whimpered fearfully when the sharp point of the cook's dagger appeared near him.
Glorfindel stood at the top of the steps leading up to the house of Elrond, his intense gaze resting on the trees that stretched out before him. Erestor stood beside him, leaning on the railing as his dark eyes scanned the trees as well. Behind them, Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas all paced anxiously, though the twice-born warrior took no notice. He had set the perimeter in place. If Aeglironion attempted to leave Rivendell with Estel, the guards should have been in wait to stop him. However, he had heard no word, and from what he knew of the traitorous Elf, he surely would not linger in Imladris so long.
Erestor glanced at his golden-haired companion, sighing quietly when he saw hints of tension in his smooth, impassive features. "The guards will not allow him to leave," he muttered, seeming to know the thoughts that plagued him. "We will have Estel back."
A moment passed before Glorfindel turned to the slender advisor, a small smile curling the corner of his lips. "I know." Erestor slightly returned the smile.
Then, they both looked up when the sound of hurried hoofbeats reached their ears, and the three younger Elves stopped their restless pacing when a dark-haired guard approached on horseback, his sword drawn. "The perimeter has halted Aeglironion, Lord Glorfindel!" he announced. "He demands they let him through. He has Estel."
Glorfindel tensed as he glanced at Erestor, who clenched his jaw as he nodded once. The Balrog Slayer then turned behind him, gesturing for Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas to follow as he hurried down the stairs. The prince immediately rushed after him, watching as the guard dismounted his horse and handed the reins to Glorfindel so he could arrive faster. Legolas momentarily paused, glancing in the direction of the stables as he wondered if he should retrieve his horse as well, but he turned back when a light hand touched his arm.
"We will follow through the trees," Elladan said quietly.
Legolas nodded, joining the twins as they hurried after Glorfindel, who was riding toward the gate with all speed. Once through, Elladan, Elrohir, and the prince quickly climbed up into the trees, nimbly leaping from branch to branch as they followed the golden-haired warrior on horseback below. The young Mirkwood monarch felt a slight smile appear on his face as he brushed past the slowly lightening leaves, his fingers and feet finding each branch as effortlessly as though by instinct. He was more comfortable in the trees' embraces than his dark-haired companions, who had trailed a little behind him, and he felt his heart begin to race as he kept in pace with Glorfindel.
The twice-born Elf soon slowed his horse to a stop, and Legolas halted on the branch above him. Peering through the leaves, his eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Aeglironion on a horse he had taken facing the guards who formed the perimeter Glorfindel had set. Elladan and Elrohir came to rest on a couple branches on either side of the prince, and the older twin quickly notched an arrow and aimed it at the traitorous Elf below. But he instantly hesitated when the cook turned to face the new arrival, the blade of the dagger he was holding lingering near a terrified Estel. His young foster brother was too close for him to be comfortable with the shot.
"I expected you would appear, Glorfindel," Aeglironion stated, a smirk appearing on his face when he saw the worry in the Balrog Slayer's eyes. "Do not fret. I will not bring the child to harm if you allow me to leave."
Glorfindel's gaze faltered when he saw the helpless, pleading look Estel was giving him, a few tears falling from his fearful gray eyes, before turning back to Aeglironion. Anger crossed his face, the smirk the other Elf wore almost taunting him as he reached for the sword on his hip. "I cannot allow that," he muttered, attempting to ignore the quiet whimper from the boy. "Not after what you have done against not only the lord of this realm, but also the king of Mirkwood."
Aeglironion's smirk broadened as he sighed, turning his gaze to Estel sitting in front of him. The boy looked back up at him, shaking his head anxiously when the cook moved his dagger closer to him while he ran his slender fingers lightly through his dark tresses. "Pity. I was growing rather fond of the child."
The golden-haired warrior instantly drew his sword, but before he could even blink, an arrow sent from the leaves of the tree beside him sank deeply into Aeglironion's shoulder. Glorfindel quickly glanced up, noticing Legolas was reaching for a second arrow as Elladan and Elrohir looked at him with fear.
Estel's eyes widened since he had felt the wind of the arrow as it nearly skimmed his cheek. Aeglironion looked down at his shoulder with shock, his face paling in pain. After a moment, his hand loosened around the dagger as he swayed before falling from the horse, the child's muffled scream echoing in the trees as they both landed on the forest floor.
"Estel!"
Glorfindel sheathed his sword and quickly dismounted his horse while Elladan and Elrohir immediately leapt down from the trees. Legolas returned the arrow to its quiver before he too dropped to the forest floor beneath him. His intense gaze remained on Aeglironion as the golden-haired warrior and Elladan pulled him roughly to his feet while the Imladris patrol gathered around them, revealing Estel lying unmoving beneath him with the dagger near his shoulder.
Horrified, Legolas dropped his bow and hurried forward, kneeling beside the child as Elrohir did the same. "Estel," the prince murmured, lightly placing his hands on his thin arms and gently pulling him up from the ground while the younger twin reached out for his foster brother.
However, both Elves were stunned when they were met with a pair of shining gray eyes. Elrohir immediately enfolded the boy in his arms, holding him close as Estel gratefully leaned into his embrace. "Oh, Estel. Tithen pen..."
Legolas smiled as he watched the younger twin kiss Estel's head before slowly unwinding his arms from around him, keeping his hands securely on the child's shoulders. The Mirkwood monarch reached out and lowered the rag from Estel's mouth, finding a broad smile on his youthful face beneath it.
"I'm awl right," the boy told them quietly.
The prince chuckled as Elrohir worked on untying his foster brother's hands, a thin line of tears forming in his eyes. He glanced over at Aeglironion, seeing he was being supported by Elladan as Glorfindel and the rest of the guards surrounded him, before turning back to the child sitting in front of him. "I am so relieved, Estel," he muttered, lightly running his thumb over the small mortal's cheek.
Estel watched his friend carefully for a moment, wincing slightly when the circulation began to return to his hands when Elrohir removed the strip of cloth from his wrists, before his eyes narrowed slightly in concern when he looked in his eyes. "Why awe you cwying, Legowas?" he asked. "I got this!"
Legolas watched Estel curiously as he reached into the folds of his tunic before he pulled something out and held it out for him to see. The prince leaned forward slightly, his eyes widening when he saw a small vial that contained deep green herbs was resting in the child's palm.
It was Aeglironion's poison.
"For Thwan'dil!" Estel added cheerfully, his smile returning.
Legolas could not remove his gaze from the vial for a long moment, and when he finally did, his eyes had completely filled with tears as he looked into the boy's face. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Estel and held him close in sheer joy and relief.
It was at that moment, as the child wound his arms around his neck, that the prince knew that not only was his friend safe, but also that his father would live.
Elrond finished blending the athelas in with the tea he had prepared with the herbs his young foster son had been able to pilfer, sighing wearily as he passed a hand over his face. He then glanced down at Estel, giving him a small smile as he held his unoccupied hand out to him. The child returned it as he released the Elf lord's tunic and wrapped his small fingers around his hand before Elrond began to lead him toward the bed. He had ridden back to Rivendell with Glorfindel, but as soon as he had been enfolded in his foster father's arms the moment he returned to the house, he had refused to leave his side.
Elladan and Elrohir waited tensely by the door with Erestor and Glorfindel, all watching hopefully as Elrond sat on the bed beside the ill Thranduil, Estel hastily taking his place on his lap. Legolas sat on the other side of his father, holding his hand tightly as he watched the dark-haired Elf carefully. The lord of Imladris gave the prince an exhausted though reassuring smile before turning his gaze back to the king. He chuckled quietly at the slightly revolted look that crossed his pale face as he eyed the small bowl in his hand warily.
"I must drink more of that?" Thranduil asked, wrinkling his nose as he raised his gaze to Elrond's amused features. "I do not doubt your or your son's skill as healers, mellon-nín, but it was unpleasant enough to drink once." Elrohir smirked from beside his twin.
Elrond's gray eyes gleamed, his smile lingering. "I know not if the first dose was potent enough to counteract the poison," he answered lightly. "I fully trust this will do so." He paused as a teasing smirk that rivaled that of his sons replaced the smile. "Though if you wish for me to add a couple drops of honey to it, I will gladly oblige."
Legolas quickly looked away to hide his broad grin while the elder Mirkwood monarch narrowed his eyes at the Elf lord. He recognized his friend's tactic to get Elladan and Elrohir to take any repulsive medicine he had made for them when they were Elflings, for it was the same trick he had used on Legolas when he was young. Elrond simply raised an eyebrow in response, and Thranduil reached forward and took the bowl from the dark-haired Elf's hand. He sipped the liquid it contained with slight disdain, the distaste he had for the antidote, however subtle, not going unnoticed.
"There, that was not so difficult," Elrond said, taking the empty bowl back from the Mirkwood king as Estel smiled from his lap. He chuckled when Thranduil gave him an almost dangerous look. But then, the Elf lord's smile slowly vanished. "You will be weak for some time, mellon-nín, but it is to be expected after what your body has endured. It will take time and rest to regain your strength. You must not exert yourself."
Thranduil smirked slightly. "Bed confinement?" he guessed.
"Bed confinement," Elrond confirmed with a nod, a hint of a smile curling the corner of his lips once more.
Legolas turned back to his father, beaming when he noticed the disgruntled look that was now on his face. "Do not fret, Ada," he muttered, chuckling quietly when Thranduil met his gaze. "It is not so unbearable." He had been on the receiving end of the lord of Imladris' treatments countless times. It was a change to now see the king in the same situation.
Thranduil smiled at his son, closing his eyes and tightening his ringed fingers around his hand when Legolas rested his head lightly against his. Elrond smiled as he watched the two monarchs for a moment, glancing down on Estel curiously when the child reached out and set his small hand on the king's arm. Thranduil slowly opened his eyes and turned to the child as Legolas lifted his head.
"Aye, tithen pen?"
"You feel better, Thwan'dil?" Estel asked hopefully. His worry for his new friend was clear.
Thranduil's smile returned as he set his hand on top of the boy's dark hair. "I will be fine," he answered. "And I have you to thank, child. I owe you my life."
Estel lowered his gaze for a moment, slightly embarrassed, before he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the king's neck. Thranduil was surprised by the sudden gesture, but he wrapped his free arm around the boy and pulled him close. "I am relieved you have been returned safely, Estel," the Mirkwood monarch told him. "As is your ada. He was very concerned for you."
A smile appeared on Estel's face as he glanced back at Elrond before turning back to Thranduil curiously. "And your ada wiwl be gwad you awe awl right?" he wondered.
Legolas stiffened slightly as he glanced at his father hesitantly while Elrond watched the king carefully. The child's question was an innocent one, though they were both aware of the difficulty of this subject.
A moment passed before Thranduil gave the boy a small smile. "He would be," he said. "Though my father is no longer among us."
Estel appeared slightly confused by the king's words, though he could see the hints of sorrow that crossed Thranduil's face when he spoke them. "What is your ada's name?"
Thranduil's smile broadened. "Oropher," he told him, a certain pride reflected in his voice.
The child tilted his head slightly. "O... O'pher?"
The king's body stiffened as his smile slowly vanished, and he met Elrond's gaze somewhat nervously. The lord of Imladris' expression remained impassive, though his eyes told a different story as his slender fingers drummed against the bed. Legolas' eyes moved from his father to Elrond and back, understanding their sudden apprehension since he had heard many tales of the mighty king of Greenwood the Great as an Elfling.
Estel, however, only appeared to be more confused as he looked from his foster father to Thranduil and back. "O'pher?" he repeated.
Then, however unexpectedly, Thranduil started to laugh. "Aye, Estel," he said, still chuckling between his words. "Oropher."
Soon, the exhaustion of both Mirkwood monarchs became evident, and Elladan and Elrohir retired to their own rooms to get some sleep as the sun continued to rise while Erestor left to tend to his wounded side, declining help offered to him by Glorfindel, before catching up on some paperwork. Elrond sat in the cushioned chair beneath the window, Estel on his lap, to monitor Thranduil's condition as he slept. Legolas stayed sitting on the bed beside his father with his hand wrapped securely around his, though his need for rest was also great, and his eyes soon closed as he leaned against the headboard, following the king into exhausted sleep.
Glorfindel stepped out of the room before returning a few moments later with a couple of pillows and blankets for the sleeping occupants. He approached the bed and carefully lifted Legolas' head, causing the prince to stir slightly as he situated a pillow beneath him so he would be a bit more comfortable. The twice-born warrior smiled slightly when the prince did not wake before he moved on to check over Thranduil.
Elrond passed a weary hand over his face before rubbing his eyes. Giving his own strength to Thranduil so he was able to fight the poison that had been ravaging his system had drained him. His own body had been weakened by his attempt to sustain his friend, but it had been worthwhile since he had lingered until he could prepare the antidote. The king would survive, and that was all that mattered to him. He closed his eyes for a moment, desiring only a small amount of rest, but he knew he could not allow himself that yet.
However, his exhaustion did not go unnoticed.
"Take some rest, Elrond," Glorfindel muttered quietly from the bed as he looked back at his friend in concern. "I will watch over Thranduil."
Elrond slowly opened his eyes, smiling as he met the twice-born warrior's gaze. "Nay, Glorfindel," he replied just as quietly. "I will remain here. I may yet be needed."
Glorfindel sighed, his eyes moving over Elrond's slightly paler face and heavy eyes. The Elf lord had sacrificed much for the life of Thranduil, and the impact it had on him was clear. "Stubborn as always," he said, mainly to himself as he shook his head slightly. But then, a small smile appeared on his face when he saw Estel's eyes were nearly closed as well as he attempted to stay awake. He was not surprised that he was exhausted as his foster father was, and he was just relieved that the child was home.
Elrond glanced down at the small mortal on his lap, his smile mirroring the Balrog Slayer's when he saw his head beginning to droop. "Rest, Estel."
Estel quickly looked up at the Elf lord, rubbing his tired eyes. "Thwan'dil... wiwl be awl right?" he wondered, grasping Elrond's tunic.
His smile broadening, Elrond nodded once before leaning down and leaving a light kiss on the child's forehead. "He will recover, penneth."
"Awl right." Returning the smile, Estel leaned against his foster father's chest, taking a deep breath when the Elf lord's arms wrapped securely around him. He closed his eyes for a moment when the strong, steady beat of Elrond's heart surrounded him, savoring the safety the rhythmic sound provided. They opened again when his foster father's fingers ran through his hair a couple times, his smile broadening.
"May your dreams be pleasant, ion-nín."
Glorfindel smiled down on Estel when the child's gaze landed on him, the boy returning the look before he turned and walked back to the bed. He pulled the blanket up around Thranduil's shoulders a bit more, relieved to see the king appeared to be resting peacefully by his untroubled, though still a bit too pale, features. The golden-haired warrior's light gaze traveled to the prince beside him, who even in sleep had his hand securely around his father's. It was clear to him that just as Estel could not be separated from Elrond, Legolas also had no intention to leave his king's side.
Estel shook his head slightly and rubbed his tired eyes when he felt them beginning to droop once more, but then he gasped quietly when he felt Elrond's arms loosen around him a little. He straightened up slightly, seeing his foster father's head was resting against the cushioned chair behind him, his eyes closed in exhaustion. He leaned a little closer to his smooth, tranquil features, a broad grin appearing on his face before he jumped off his lap to the floor. He crossed the room to Glorfindel, who was lightly draping one of the blankets he had brought over Legolas, and pulled on the sleeve of his tunic.
The Balrog Slayer turned to face the child, a pleasant smile gracing his fair features. "Aye, tithen pen?" he asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the Mirkwood monarchs from their much-needed rest.
Putting a small finger to his lips, Estel motioned for Glorfindel to come closer. Once the golden-haired Elf was crouched in front of him, he leaned close to his ear. "Ada," he whispered.
Glorfindel's eyes narrowed with confusion for a moment, but then his smile broadened when his gaze rested on the sleeping Elrond in the chair under the window, though he knew how exhausted his lord and friend must have truly been. He then lifted the second blanket from his arm and held it out to the boy. "Here, Estel."
Another broad smile spread across Estel's face as he reached out and eagerly took the blanket before he turned and hurried back to the chair. He set it on the cushioned arm before carefully climbing back up so he was sitting beside the Elf lord. The child then unfolded the blanket and slowly pulled it up to Elrond's shoulders to cover him, pausing when he stirred slightly but did not wake. His smile lingering, Estel leaned forward and lightly kissed his foster father's cheek.
"Good night, Ada."
Glorfindel smiled broadly as he watched the small mortal care for the fatigued Elf, chuckling quietly when Estel curled up so he was nestled against Elrond's side and wound his still limp but secure arm around him before finally allowing his eyes to close. The twice-born warrior then silently approached the now sleeping pair, carefully pulling the blanket out from under Estel and covering him as well before he leaned down and left a light kiss on his wild dark hair.
"Pleasant dreams, tithen pen."
Author's Note: So, for once, not a cliffie! Lol! I had to do *something* different, didn't I? Oh, and just for fun, "O'pher" is pronounced "gopher" without the "g." Thanks for that, Gwed. Haha! Anyway, we've got one chapter left for this story, so this isn't quite the end yet. Hope you enjoyed this one though! Your reviews are much appreciated. Thanks, guys!