"Ada, please, say something", the prince tried again. This time, he shook his father's shoulder tentatively, but the king continued to stare into space. Suddenly Thranduil whispered something and Legolas moved closer to be able to understand the slurred speech.

"I disappointed you, father. I couldn't keep them save. I should have kept them save."

Legolas shot him a confused look: "Ada, don't you recognize me? Look at me, please."

Thranduil finally stired and looked at his son but continued to speak in and slurry way. He seemed distant, like he was lost somewhere in his own mind.

"Father, I don't deserve your forgiveness. I failed you and soiled your legacy. I caused so much pain and despair among my people. I can hear them wail. They suffer and all because of me."

"I am not your father, " Legolas felt utterly helpless, "I'm your son, Legolas. Please, Ada, please come back to me."

Thranduil blinked and a confused look spread over his face. "Legolas...?", he whispered.

"Yes, yes, it's me. Do you recognize me now?", relieve washed over the young elf but was soon replaced with yet another wave of confusion, when his father growled at him.

"What are you doing in my room? I gave the order not to be disturbed. Get out! Now!"

Thranduil tried to get up but was surprised at how difficult it was for him to get to his feet. His head pounded and the whole room seemed to spin. He held on to the bed for support and hissed at his son when he made an attempt to help him. "Don't touch me!" Legolas lowered his already outstretched arms again. Thranduil made a few steps towards the door but suddenly stopped. The throbbing pain in his head made him feel nauseous. He closed his eyes and moaned. His legs gave out under him and he fell to his knees, glass shards on the floor painfully burying themselves into his flesh. Then he fell to the left side, causing his head to explode with even more pain as he hit the floor.

"Ada!", Legolas rushed to his father's side and knelt down next to him. The king groaned, fighting hard against the nausea. He couldn't throw up in front of his son. He just couldn't. The whole thing was embarrassing enough already. "Why did the guards let you pass?"

"They are worried about you, ada. I am worried too. What happened in here?"

"You shouldn't be here. You shouldn't see me like this. Please, Legolas, please leave me alone. " Thranduil pleaded. All the anger from before had disappeared and no strength was left in him. Even his voice sounded weak and his breathing was shallow.

"I won't go now. I won't leave you. You have to tell me why you did...all this", Legolas said while he glanced at the destruction and the chaos in the room.

"No, please, Legolas. Go. I beg you. We can talk about it later. Not now. Go!"

The young elf frowned. The desperation in the kings voice made him nervous.

"Alright. I'll go, but I will come back." He wasn't sure if it was the right decision to leave the chamber but something made it impossible to ignore the plea. Legolas got up and hesitantly made his way to the door. A last glance back showed him, that Thranduil was still lying on the floor. His eyes closed and a pained expression on his face. Just as Legolas wanted to walk back to the king, Thranduil said: "Go!" This time more demanding. The young elf closed his eyes, turned around and left the room. The minute he'd closed the door behind him, he heard a noise from inside the chamber that puzzled him immensely. For he had never before heard it come from an elf. At the same time it explained Thranduils demand. He probably didn't want for it to happen in front of his son. Legolas hoped that the reason causing his father to throw up was simply the consummation of too much wine.

But he knew that even then, he was out of his depth. He needed help. Thranduil was in a place that was dark and far away. He wouldn't be able to reach him. At least not alone.

He realized that the guards were staring at him. Both clearly horrified at the sounds they heard from inside the chamber. Legolas finally said: "Thranduil is sick. Do not enter and don't let anyone pass. And don't bring him wine anymore! Even if he asks for it. Is that understood?!" The guards nodded in unison. "I'll return", with these words, Legolas left and wandered restlessly through the corridors, racking his brain for a way to help his father. Then an idea struck him. Elrond! Yes, he was probably the only one who could help Thranduil. He had to send for him immediately.