Chapter 12 - Greenleaf
Overcome with relief Thranduil held his child tightly in his arms fearing to let go. For the Elvenking it was as if time had frozen. He paid little attention to the goings on around him, placing deep trust in his warriors to protect him and his child. Right now all that mattered was Legolas.
"You are safe, I am here," Thranduil whispered to his son, his voice heavily laced with deep emotion.
Legolas sobbed even harder in recognition of his father. He pushed himself farther into the familiar warm embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around his father's neck. He wanted to tell his father all about his leaf pendant, but his words only came out in broken sobs as he choked on his words.
"Shh, Legolas, you are safe," Thranduil comforted, rubbing his elfling's back. "Just close your eyes and focus only on my voice. I am here. All will be well again."
All around them the battle raged on. The elves fought valiantly, unknown to them only a single orc had managed to escape their wrath. During the whole affair Thranduil held Legolas close, blocking the elfling's sight from the onslaught before them. Thranduil managed to contain his emotion, though the thought of nearly losing Legolas almost caused him to break. He held his son tightly unwilling to let go.
As the sounds of battle died down, Thranduil momentarily took his attention away from the crying elfling in his arms. Anfaer, the head commander of all the patrol units was ordering the warriors to secure the area, while others gathered the bodies of orcs for a controlled burning. A small group of elves surrounded the comatose form of Elrohir doing all they could.
Once Thranduil saw that Legolas had calmed down enough, he held his child at arms length and checked him over for injuries. He frowned at the battered condition of his elfling. Angry bruises covered his tiny body, his wrist looked as though it had been broken, and he was pale and shaking. His eyes were red and puffy as tears continued to fall.
Thranduil affectionately rubbed the tears away from Legolas' cheek with his thumb. "You are very brave Legolas," he whispered, kissing his elfling's forehead.
Legolas sniffled as fresh tears ran down his cheeks, his body racked with shivers.
"A-da, they, m-my," he sobbed anew unable to finish.
Thranduil unclasped the broach holding his cloak around him and wrapped the soft material around his shaking elfling.
"All will be well Legolas," he said, before rising to lift his elfling into arms, both gentle and mindful of his son's injuries. A nod from Anfaer told him they were ready to depart.
"N-Nana," Legolas wailed, to his father's surprise, as he hid his face into his father's shoulder. It was impossible for the others around them not to overhear, but the warriors mournfully turned away, trying to give their King privacy. The loss of the Queen still too lay heavy in their hearts. Thranduil could feel the fabric become increasingly damp with Legolas' tears.
"Shh, Legolas, I know, I understand. I miss her too," Thranduil comforted as Legolas sobbed loudly.
The elves had fastened a litter for Elrohir and made the painfully slow journey back to Thranduil's caves, back to the safety of the stone fortress. Thranduil could not wait to arrive back in the north. Looking south always brought painful memories of old, a shadow of a memory so dark it dimed the light of the sun from his eyes.
Thranduil shifted the weight of his son in his arms; he could feel Legolas trembling, so he drew the hood of his cloak up and over the elfling's head, concealing the child. As they walked back Thranduil whispered softly so only Legolas could hear him, hoping to comfort the terrified child. All others were silent, alert, and stoically protective.
Thranduil soothingly rubbed his son's back as he saw Legolas put his thumb into his mouth quietly sucking on it. Thranduil frowned. It was a dreadful habit, one he had thought Legolas had grown out of. It did not take any amount of wisdom to see that it was not worth perusing. Telling Legolas to stop would only serve to further upset the elfling.
Legolas listened to the soft beating of his father's heart. His heart ached for his lost prize. The memory of his mother was gone forever. The thought brought fresh tears upon the elfling's face. He felt so empty. Nothing would ever been the same anymore.
A dark fog had surrounded Elladan. His dark grey eyes did not once leave the sight of his brother, he silently followed the group back to Thranduil's halls. Weary and weak, he as barely able to keep from falling as he focused on putting one foot in front of the other. He had used nearly all of his energy healing his brother. Elrohir's wounds were not great but Elladan did not want to take any chances, exerting himself more than he should have.
He nearly rejoiced at the sight of Thranduil's hidden kingdom. From outside Thranduil's halls were no more than a large rock face, natural and barren. If anything, it were the large gates and alignment of trees that gave away that this area was inhabited, but even then it looked abandoned. It was when you passed the impenetrable wall of rock that you would see this area was of elven make and quite lived in.
With a stab of guilt, Elladan's thoughts kept drifting back to his brother. How could he have been so cruel to the one person who meant more to him than himself? Words spoken in anger are always the ones most regretted.
Numb and only half aware of his surroundings, Elladan followed the elves carrying Elrohir as they lead him through the Elvenking's Halls. He parked himself in a chair at his brother's bedside, and watched as Elrohir was cleansed and made comfortable.
A bold healer came over to look at Elladan, but the Peredhil only shied away from the touch, yelling at them to leave him be. He was uninjured and not willing to put up with imposing hands prodding at his body. Elrohir needed care not him. Elladan was personal and did not appreciate being needlessly touched, manhandled like he was an invalid. But the healers were ruthless and not quite ready to give up.
With the help of Galion and Lealle, Thranduil bathed Legolas. They comforted the child and cared for his injuries, but Legolas would not cease crying. Thranduil grew more concerned. It pained him to see his son in such a state.
He dressed Legolas in a long nightshirt and wrapped him snuggly in a warm blanket. Thranduil cradled Legolas in his arms, slowly rocking the child back and forth. He watched as Legolas fought back sleep, his eyes still brimming with tears. Thranduil softly sang, he sang an old lullaby, one he had been taught as an elfling. The soft tune slowly eased Legolas into a slumber.
Thranduil turned towards Galion whispering, " Come, I shall take him to my chambers tonight.
Thranduil had sent Lealle to rest, for she had grown weary with worry over Legolas. They had nearly arrived to the front of Thranduil's private chambers when, to Thranduil's displeasure, they were stopped by another.
"My lord, a moment?" Anfaer called out. "It is important," he rectified, seeing the King's worn expression.
With a heavy sigh Thranduil reluctantly complied.
"Galion please take Legolas inside," he said, passing the sleeping elfling off to his trusted friend. Legolas stirred as he was shifted around before falling back into a slumber as Galion cradled him.
Once they were alone in the corridor Thranduil sighed, "What is it Anfaer? You know I trust your judgment in these matters."
"It is not that Thranduil, I know not how to put this delicately, but here," he said, placing a thin metal chain in the palm of Thranduil's hand.
"What is - " Thranduil paused, looking at the object. Realizing just what it was, he felt faint as his face lost all trace of color.
"Thranduil?" Anfaer questioned concerned.
"I… I understand now," the King stammered, turning away. "I must see to Legolas."
With a heavy heart Anfaer silently watched his King go, for it was a horrible fate to be the one to bear the burden of such heavy news. He had known Thranduil since the King himself was an elfling; it pained him to his dear friend burdened with such heavy woes.
Thranduil rushed back to his chambers, twirling the thin silver and mithril chain between his fingers. He hoped Legolas' wounds were not too deep to mend.
He gently opened the door to his personal chambers, only to find Galion comforting a distraught Legolas, whispering soft words of comfort in the child's ear while rocking him back and forth.
"I am sorry Thranduil, he awoke as I tried to lay him down."
"It is alright, I did not expect him to stay asleep," Thranduil replied, relieving Galion of his burden.
"I shall be outside should you call," Galion said, sensing his presence was not needed.
Thranduil carried Legolas over to the armchair and sat near the warm fireplace. The pale glow of the burning ember bounced off their faces, as father and son held each other close.
Gently Thranduil wiped the silent tears away from Legolas' face. His heart ached to see his son so upset, it tore at him, no elfling should ever feel such pain, to bear such a burden on such small shoulders.
"Legolas," Thranduil softly said. "I am sorry. I had not been listening to you. You have been telling me all along what was wrong, but I had not seen. You are not alone my son."
Legolas sniffled. "Ada, i-it is gone f-forever," he replied through hiccups.
"Though it pains me, I will not deny it," Thranduil said, placing the silver chain into his son's small hands. "But you do not need jewel as a reminder of your mother's love for you."
Legolas clenched the chain tightly. "B-but it was all I h-had of N-nana, now she is gone f-forever."
Thranduil hugged Legolas tightly. "She is gone, but she is not lost. She now resides in Mando's Halls. For Ilúvatar's will, death is not the end for the Firstborn and through the unveiling of Ilúvatar's song; only at the end will our absolute fate be known. Your Mother loves you; you do not need a gem to tell that, nor to remind yourself of it. You need only to look in a mirror to see how much your mother cares for you."
"Will I ever see Nana again?" Legolas asked. His eyes shone with hope as looked up to meet his father's softened gaze.
"For the Firstborn, all our paths lead to the same place. For many though, the journey is unbearably long."
Legolas accepted his father's words with a small smile. His heart still ached, but the pain had lessened. "The Greenleaf is broken and gone, but Nana's love is still the same," he whispered.
"My Greenleaf is not broken, nor is he gone," Thranduil said, touching his forehead to his son's. "When I fear shadow and darkness you give me light. You, my son, are my greatest treasure, my Greenleaf."
Legolas felt a warm spark grow within him. "I love you Ada," he whispered.
"I love you too, my Greenleaf," Thranduil lovingly replied. "So how about we dry those tears from your eyes?"
Legolas nodded with a small smile. He knew in his heart his father was right and everything would be okay.
Thranduil lifted Legolas up and spun him around in the air. Legolas giggled in mirth before he was plopped on his father's large bed. Before Legolas had a chance to recover, his father was ruthlessly tickling him, albeit carefully, mindful of Legolas' bruises. Legolas squirmed and squealed in joy, before Thranduil took pity and stopped, cuddling him afterwards.
"Are you feeling better now?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas nodded, releasing a large yawn.
"Good," Thranduil softly replied. He tucked Legolas comfortably into the covers and held him close as he softly sang. Slowly Legolas eyes glazed over as he fell asleep with a small smile on his face.
That is much better, Thranduil thought.
Slowly as to not awaken Legolas, Thranduil pulled himself away from the child. There was one more thing he decided he must see to before he would allow rest to claim him.
"Galion?" Thranduil softly whispered, opening his chamber door. "Legolas slumbers, will you watch him? I do not wish him to be alone. I shall return shortly."
Galion nodded as he entered the room.
"That Peredhil is impossible to reason with." Thranduil heard one of the healers say and he approached the guest chambers. The healer was red in the face and visibly flustered.
"Is there a problem?" Thranduil asked.
"Rudiel leaves me with the task of tending to the wakeful one, but he will allow no one touch him."
"I will take care of it," Thranduil said, dismissing the healers.
Thranduil slowly opened the large oak door as to not startle the room's inhabitants. The room was devoid of all sound except for the labored breathing of Elrohir. Thranduil cleared his throat allowing his presence to be noticed as he made his way to where Elladan sat.
Thranduil closed his eyes, as if the sight caused him great pain. He had never seen Elladan look so forlorn and exhausted before. He was unkempt, his hair was a wild mess with loose braids and his clothing was soiled from the previous orc battle. He was barely able to sit up straight in the chair, exhausted from tending to his brother. He sat defensively hugging himself, fighting to stay awake.
"I never thanked you," Thranduil said breaking the silence. "It was by your arrows Legolas was saved."
"The blow would not have been fatal," Elladan whispered.
"True, but it would have hurt him both physically and emotionally. No one has ever laid a hand upon him."
"I hope no one ever will," Elladan softly said.
Thranduil walked up to Elrohir, softly stroking the unconscious elf's cheek with his thumb. "He is cold," Thranduil remarked. "Has he not awoken yet?"
"No," Elladan wearily replied. " I have healed him, but he still sleeps. Something is amiss."
"It has been a trying day. You both are physically and mentally exhausted. You need to rest," Thranduil said as he stood before Elladan, blocking is view of Elrohir. "You have lost much in which you need to recover."
"I cannot," Elladan quietly replied. "I cannot find peace in rest, not until Elrohir as awakened."
Thranduil softly sighed. The sons of Elrond could be awfully stubborn at times. "It will do neither of you any good if you are stumbling over yourself in exhaustion when Elrohir awakens. You must take care of yourself, you are just as important as your brother."
Elladan mournfully nodded as he allowed Thranduil to pull him out of his chair, guiding to the room's vanity. He was weary of fighting off help. Elladan seated himself in the chair as Thranduil handed him a cloth after dipping in the basin of warm water.
Elladan gasped at his appearance. He had never seen himself look so disordered before. Silently Elladan began to clean the dirt and blood from his face and arms as Thranduil worked on his mess of hair, unbraiding and brushing it. The kind gesture momentarily soothed Elladan. Elrond often did this for his sons, Elladan found himself sorely missing the touch of his own father. His father always seemed to know what to do, speaking the words that could ease any troubled heart.
Elladan fought to keep his eyes open. Sore, tired, and utterly exhausted, he allowed Thranduil to help him change into a clean tunic and a loose pair of leggings before settling himself down on the bed beside his brother. How he wished he had the endurance of elves. He was asleep with his eyes closed before his head hit the pillow.
"Rest Peredhil," Thranduil murmured as he silently left the room.
With a heavy heart Thranduil quietly made his way back to his personal chambers. He thanked Galion for watching Legolas, smiling upon the sleeping form of his child. Legolas' small chest moved up and down with each breath he took lost within a deep state of slumber. Thranduil had come so close to losing his son. He cared for Legolas more than anything; to him Legolas was worth more than any jewel ever made.
Legolas was Thranduil's prime motive for anything he did. He loved the forest, Greenwood or rather Mirkwood, he wanted to protect it and fight for it because it was Legolas' home. Thranduil wished he could hide Legolas away, protect him from all the dangers of the world. But in his heart he knew that was wrong. He could not deny Legolas the chance to explore and learn. He would not hide the world away from his son, or his son away from the world. He could only give Legolas the tools he needed for survival, to teach his son how to live in the world and how to protect himself from danger. Hiding from the darkness does not make it disappear nor does it help you grow stronger.
Thranduil smiled warmly at his sleeping child, bending down to lay a kiss upon his forehead. He tucked the covers more firmly over Legolas before heading to his washing basin. Galion had been kind enough to fill it with warm water. Thranduil took his time brushing his long golden strands until they lay shiny and smooth, framing his face. He washed is face and changed into some loose fitting cloths, before settling himself to lie beside his son. He was not tired but was content with holding Legolas, as the child lay blissfully asleep in his arms.
With much haste and little rest a lone Orc made its way towards Dol Guldur. With the right amount of encouragement, the stamina of an orc in a hurry was second to none. This Orc had a very important message to deliver to the Dark Lord. A weakness to the Elvenking had been found, a golden haired child to his likeness. Yes the Dark Lord would be very pleased.
Legolas sat on his bedding holding his stuffed rabbit, lightly swinging his legs against the covers, playing with its soft ears. His mother had made it for him. When he had been really little it was his favorite toy, secretly it still was, but Legolas wouldn't tell anyone, though he suspected his father knew.
The elfling sighed. He was bored. He had woken up hours ago as the sun brightened the forest. Legolas had been enjoying some time with his father in the main hall when Anfaer and Taurlamor interrupted. They were always bothering his father with very boring things, stealing his father's attention away from him. Deep in his heart Legolas wished he could spend every waking hour with is father, but knew that would be impossible. He father was a King, a leader of a great people. Legolas learned early on much to his displeasure that he had to share.
He sighed. He suspected they were talking about everything that happened yesterday. Legolas knew it would be a while. He threw himself backwards onto his bed and thought about everything that happened the other day. Nothing was going to plan. Legolas wanted to see Elladan and Elrohir smile. Instead he felt as if he had made them even sadder. Especially Elladan.
Legolas had gone with his father to visit Elladan and Elrohir. He was upset to find Elladan sitting quietly alone in the dark. Legolas noticed that Elladan always seemed so sad. From the moment they met Legolas could tell something was wrong. Legolas sadly smiled to himself, he was almost afraid of Elladan when then met, Elladan's eyes had reminded him of his father's from when his mother passed, a woeful memory. That's when Legolas had told Elladan about his leaf pendant and Elladan had told him about his mother's star-
Legolas gasped, abruptly sitting up, his stuffed rabbit falling to the ground.
"The star," Legolas whispered.
Legolas had thought the object he took from the orc was familiar. Legolas frantically looked around his chamber, searching for the tunic he wore yesterday, the star was still in the pocket! He had to find it. Somehow he just knew it had belonged to Elladan's mother. If he could give it to Elladan it would surely make him happy.
Legolas panicked. He couldn't find the tunic. He had to find it. He just had to. Lealle! Lealle would know, Legolas thought.
"Lealle, Lealle," Legolas called out, running into the sewing room, a look of panic strung across his face.
The sudden change of volume in the normally quiet room caused several elves to prick their fingers on their needles.
"What is wrong Legolas?" Lealle called out in concern, setting aside the tunic she was mending to kneel to the elfling's height.
"My t-tunic from y-yesterday is g-gone," Legolas chocked out, fighting back tears.
"You must calm down tithen pen," she said. "It is nothing to be upset over."
"But, but," Legolas whimpered. "I-in m-my p-pocket…"
Lealle smiled to herself. At the end of every day when she gathered the elfling's clothing for washing, it always amused her to see what little treasures lay in the elfling's pocket. The contents of Legolas' pockets were always unpredictable, she never knew what she would find, and knew better that to throw any of it away. An object important to its owner can mean nothing to another.
"Legolas, what do I always do before I take your clothing to be washed?" she softly asked, taking the elfling's hands in hers.
"You check my pockets," the elfling answered, twisting his foot, looking down towards the ground.
"And if I were to find something, where would I put it?" she reminded.
"On my table," he answered starting to feel foolish.
"And did you check there?"
"No"
"Then perhaps you should tithen pen," she answered with a smile.
He nodded and without a second glance back, Legolas ran out of the sewing room towards his chambers, weaving between the legs of elves he passed. He ran all the way to his chambers, as fast as his little legs could carry him.
Thranduil was signing off on some documents when Legolas came bursting into his office. The King placed the cap on his vile of ink, and set his feathered quill down in its place. He pushed his chair out a little bit, and reached his arms out towards Legolas, to lift the child onto his lap.
"Is something amiss?" Thranduil asked, noting his son's heavy expression and racing heartbeat.
Legolas shook his head, causing his soft hair to brush against Thranduil's face.
"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked.
Legolas vigorously nodded before producing the star shaped jewel. "I think this belongs to Elladan and Elrohir's Nana," he said.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "I have not seen this in quite some time. How has it come to your possession?"
"I took it from the orc, the one that – the one that, t-that," Legolas stopped. Though his father had calmed the aches in his heart it would still take time for him to grow accustomed to the events that occurred.
"I understand," Thranduil said, kissing Legolas' forehead.
"This," Thranduil said, holding up the star-shaped gem. "This belonged to Celebrían, Elladan and Elrohir's mother. Elrond had made it for her and gave it to her when she passed the Elessar, the Elfstone onto Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir's sister."
"Oh," Legolas said, taking in this new information. "I tried to clean it but it is not very shiny."
"You are right," Thranduil frowned. "A shadow has cast over its glow."
"Can you fix it Ada?" Legolas asked, looking up at his father with wide hope filled eyes.
"It is not in my power to do so. My light will not make it shine anew. A heavy sorrow has the shadow."
"Oh," Legolas dejectedly replied. "I wanted to make it shine again so Elladan would smile."
"You could still return it to him."
"But it needs a chain," Legolas said thoughtfully. He reached into his pocket. "Could we use this Ada?" he asked, producing his silver and mithril chain.
"Are you sure you wish to do this?" Thranduil asked. "There are many other chains you could choose from."
Legolas nodded, "I do not need a chain to remind me of Nana anymore. It would get lonely without a pendant to hold."
"If that is your desire," Thranduil replied.
Legolas smiled brightly. He could not wait to return The Star to Elladan; surely it would make him smile.
TBC