True to his word, Bard ventured to Mirkwood a few days later. He was surprised to find the forest lighter than it had been before. The trees were getting healthier and the animals were returning.
He met Legolas on his journey, the young elf had been patrolling for more spiders when they ran into each other.
"You are the man who is courting my father." Legolas said.
"Yes, I'm Bard."
Legolas examined him before nodding, "You have my thanks for taking my father in. I am glad you found him."
Bard smiled, "I'm glad I found him too."
They walked together until they came to the palace. Legolas ordered a servant to take Bard the rest of the way. "I leave you here Bard. Galion will take you to my father." Legolas said and walked off.
Galion led Bard down several winding paths until they came to two ornate doors. Once inside, Bard found Thranduil sitting at a large desk reading a scroll. He looked up and smiled, "Bard, I was not expecting you." He stood and approached the Bargeman.
"I thought it best to not waste any time." Bard smiled.
"Indeed. Come, my forest is almost healed, you must see it." Thranduil led Bard down another set of winding paths and outside. Even in winter, Bard was amazed at how alive the forest seemed. The Crystal Snow had gone, but in its place was a thick layer of regular snow.
"Everything looks beautiful." Bard said.
"Yes, it is almost back to how it was before." Thranduil smiled. "We still have a few spiders lurking about, but most have been dealt with. Come spring, everything will be back to normal."
"It will be an extraordinary sight I'm sure."
"It will be a sight that has not been seen in quite some time. You and your children must attend the Spring Festival, I will not have you refuse."
Bard smiled, "I wouldn't miss it for anything."
The two walked around for the rest of the afternoon. They got to know one another better, not keeping anything secret. Legolas came later to spend some time with them. Overall, it was one of the best days Bard has ever had.
The two Elves walked him to his barge and waved as he sailed back home.
(Spring)(Summer)(Fall)(Winter)
The next time they met, Thranduil and Legolas came to Lake-town. Thranduil wore simple clothes and they both had cloaks that covered their features. Bard was out of the house, so Sigrid was the one to answer the door when they arrived. Tilda shrieked with joy when she saw Thranduil, quickly embracing him around the waist. "You're here, you're here!"
"Yes child, I am." Thranduil smiled.
"Who are you?" Tilda asked, peaking around the King.
"My name is Legolas." Legolas bowed.
Tilda giggled.
"He is my son. He wanted to meet you all."
Tilda gasped excitedly and threw herself at the Elf. Legolas awkwardly caught her. "You're Thran's son? Really?"
"I am" He replied.
"Come in, come in. Da's not here yet." She pulled the two inside.
"It is good to see you again." Sigrid bowed low as Thranduil and Legolas made their way into the house.
"Sigrid, I may be a King, but none of you are required to bow." Thranduil said.
She blushed but nodded.
"What are you doing here?" Bain asked.
"Legolas was curious about Bard's family. I thought it a good excuse to come and visit." Thranduil smiled.
"You have pretty hair, just like Thran's." Tilda cooed. "Do all Elves have hair like yours?"
"Only Sindar Elves. Cilvan Elves have darker hair." Legolas replied.
"I didn't know there were types of Elves."
"Indeed, Sindar Elves come from Valar while Cilvan Elves are more common." Thranduil explained.
They continued talking for a while before a knock was heard on the door. Sigrid opened it to find the disgusting man Thranduil had seen when he first came to Lake-town. He was flanked by two soldiers.
"Alfrid" Sigrid sneered.
"We have come to arrest your father." The little man grinned.
"On what charges!" Bain exclaimed.
"Master's orders Boy" One of the soldiers barked.
"Well he isn't here right now, I'll pass along your message." She made to close the door but Alfrid pushed back, a lecherous smile on his oily face.
"Well, I can't just leave empty handed. How bout I take you instead?" He leered. He reached out for her, but a hand stopped him.
Alfrid looked up to see Legolas glaring down at him. "Touch her, and I will cut your hand off."
"Who the hell are you? I am the Master's deputy! I will not be treated like this!" He tried to shake Legolas' grip, but the Prince didn't relent.
"I am Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm. If I am not mistaken, your little town is under the protection of my father."
Alfrid cowered away from the Prince. "M-my Lord, I apologize." He bowed awkwardly with Legolas still holding his arm. "I was just coming to take these troublemakers to the Master. No need to concern yourself with dirt like them." He glared at the three children.
Thranduil stood gracefully and approached the door. "Sigrid, return inside. I will handle this."
Sigrid nodded and returned to her siblings. Thranduil replaced her spot and closed the door, leaving the small group outside.
"On what charges do you arrest the Bowman?" Thranduil asked.
"He's a troublemaker. The Master doesn't need a reason." Alfrid glared at the Elvenking.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "We shall see." With the slightest of nods to his son, Legolas flipped Alfrid over the railing and into the water, the two soldiers followed in quick succession.
"Stay here in case they are stupid enough to come back." He said.
"And you?"
"I am going to have a little talk with this so called Master."
Legolas nodded and returned inside.
Sorry, it's a really short chapter :(
I don't really know how to describe Cilvan Elves so my explanation is kind of stupid. Sorry about that.
Hope you liked it! Review please!