The Woodland Realm

Chapter II – Vigorous Spring

Year 3429 of the Second Age

For five weeks had they travelled from London and the behest of the king, from Ered Luin, through Eriador and over the Misty Mountains via Rivendell. They had only stayed the one night in the Noldor haven, overseen by Elrond Half-elven, though the lord of the last homely house was not present during their stay. The journey over the mountains was uneventful save for the odd hungry warg that tried its luck, only to be slain or harried away by the keen eyes of Greenwood's archers. The company of elves had turned north when they reached the Great River and only crossed when they reached the forest gate to the vast forest.

At the front of the company rode Thalion and his son Evandar as they lead the Greenwood's royal guard on their long journey. Thalion was perhaps the keenest warrior in the Greenwood and the personal guard of the king, the duty he was performing now was the most important of his life, for he was guarding the king's wife and only heir whilst they travelled to the halls of the elven king. Behind them and flanked by guards on all sides and the rear, was an elleth of otherworldly beauty, her long golden-blonde hair reached down to her lower back and her piercing sapphire blue eyes radiated great wisdom and kindness. She was dressed in a deep burgundy gown with a heavy silver cloak draped over her shoulders to ward away the bitter chill of the autumn giving way to winter, and upon her head sat a delicate silver circlet with a singular ruby set in its centre, her garb colours reflecting the coming season of Yule. Beside her sat a terrifyingly beautiful ellon, his hair almost silver-grey like Oropher yet held a golden sheen to it whilst his eyes were a pale blue like that of a winters morning. This elf contrasted with the elleth beside him, opting for a silver tunic that parted at the waist and swept around to the backs of his knees whilst a deep red overcoat textured like that of maple leaves with a high collar adored his shoulders. Perhaps the strangest feature of these elves compared to the Silvan guards was their hair, for no braids adorned them which amongst elves was uncommon.

"Thranduil ionneg, you seem pensive why don't you share your thoughts with me?" Lalaith asked, her musical voice breaking the rhythmic sound of hooves rustling against the grass. Her son was always deep in his own mind, it had been so since his injuries that he suffered from the dragon over three millennia ago. It grieved Lalaith that her beautiful and vibrant son had lost his light, she clung to the memories of him as a young elfling and causing havoc in hers and her husband's lives.

Oropher gently brushed his wife's arm as they lay in their afterglow of rather vigorous lovemaking that early morn, she rested her head upon his chest as she enjoyed his touch. There moment was disturbed however when the doors to their chambers opened slowly, drawing the attention of both elves who looked quizzical when no face appeared behind it and gently closed. However, within a few moments a little tuft of white-blonde hair could be seen tottering alongside the bed, before a little pair of hands and a wooden toy sword appeared at the edge of the mattress.

"Ada and Nana up. Now" came the little demanding voice from beside the bed. Lalaith chuckled and drew the blankets up to cover herself before Oropher reached over and pulled the little elfling from the floor and onto his lap.

"Yes Thranduil, Ada and Nana are up indeed. But why are you, it is much too early for little elves to be awake and with a sword no doubt" Oropher replied softly whilst his wife reached out and brushed her sons face lovingly. Thranduil was their pride and joy, their little vigorous spring.

"I heard nana making noises, I came to rescue her Ada" stated the little elf before he turned his pale blue eyes to Lalaith. "Naneth is safe now" he proclaimed with happiness, holding his toy high in the air. Oropher watched his wife's eyes widen at her sons words and turn to him in alarm, causing him to smirk and chuckle heartily, causing her to tap him on the arm, something Thranduil mimicked.

"Why am I being punished so?" Oropher cried in mock offence.

"You know very well why meleth-nin" she scolded in humour, a twinkle flashing in her husband's eyes.

"Perhaps it is you that should keep the volume down" he countered, earning himself a pillow around the head. Thranduil studied his parents intently whilst he tried to work out what they were referring too.

"Oropher, you son is right there, must you be so vulgar" she protested.

"What Nana, what does Ada know" asked the little elfling who glared at Oropher as though he kept some great secret from him. Oropher laughed gently and kiss his son on the head before passing him to his mother and reaching for the robe that was strewn on the floor. Lalaith gathered her son in her arms, the elfling giggling as she did so whilst her husband covered himself.

"Ada will tell you one day, but that day is not today my elfling" Oropher started, hiding the urge to urge to chuckle at his son's grumpy expression. "Perhaps we can go and practice with your wooden swords today?" He added. The little elfling beamed and untangled himself from his mother and crawled eagerly to the edge of the bed. Of course, Oropher merely stood and let his son wildly wave his little toy around as he was much too small and young to start his lessons. He caught the eye of his wife would smiled at her little child, they were truly thankful to the Valar for this little gift.

"The threat must be great, I heard rumours of a grand alliance in Lindon and Rivendell and now father summons us" came her son's voice, deep as an ocean and commanding without effort, she often thought he took after his father in many ways but whereas Oropher was softly spoken, Thranduil was the opposite yet not without its own beauty and grace.

"Your father has called us here as the kingdom is ready, he wanted to navigate the cultural differences between that of Sindar and Silvan. Not that I think there is any concern, for are we all not elves?" Lalaith replied gently, skipping over the point of the rumours which indeed had begun to make the rounds.

"Even the Noldor? I Imagine they would think themselves like the Valar, such their arrogance" he questioned.

"Not all are the same my son, we dwelt long enough in Thingol's court to know that any elf, regardless of creed can be arrogant and unwise. That is not strictly applied to the Noldor alone" she spoke wisely.

"Next you will say that orcs are capable of reason" Thranduil snorted.

"I am not so old that I have lost sense Thranduil" she laughed in reply, causing a rare smile to grace her sons face something she greatly enjoyed seeing. They rode the rest of the journey in relative quiet as they picked up the pace, Lalaith eager to see her husband again after so long and Thranduil to desired to see his father greatly. As they travelled further into the forest the pair were reminded of the great forests of Elu Thingol's realm, before the sacking by the dwarves and the elves vengeance, slowly but surely, they began to see elves gathering either side of the road, the people seemingly keen to get a glimpse of their queen and prince.

"Do you think it strange that they are so interested in us mother?" Thranduil asked quietly as the crowd of elves grew though remained parted for the company to pass. Lalaith observed the countless faces of both ellyn and elleth as they progressed to the halls of her husband, they were indeed curious of them and she smiled at all she caught eyes with, which were returned.

"I know not, perhaps your father has been too eager to praise us that we might even be a disappointment" she laughed, she was not blind to the looks of the elleth however. Her son caught many an eye wherever he went and here it seemed was no different. After what seemed like an age they finally came across the great rushing river and narrow bridge that lay before the doors to the elvenking's halls, and the crowds were huge here and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Thalion and Evandar began to slow their horses along with the rest of their company and dismounted, Thalion stepped over to Lalaith and extended his hand up towards her which she gently took as he helped her from the horse whilst Thranduil gently eased himself from his own, gently declining Evander's.

"The day I require help down from a horse will be one of great shame" he spoke with a smile, the guard returning it with own smile and a nod of the head. The crowd fell silent suddenly causing Thranduil to turn and see his noble and beloved father exit his halls and walk across the narrow bridge. The king was dressed in a robe of the finest silver silk and a cloak of midnight blue, whilst a crown of sharp twigs and autumn leaves adored his head.

It was Thranduil's mother who walked forwards first, though her steps were slow and measured it was clear to all she was holding herself back, had they been alone Lalaith would've ran into her husband's embrace. Yet she stood before him as he extended his hand in which she eagerly took, relishing the feel of her beloveds skin.

"Meleth-nin" Oropher breathed seemingly forgetting where he was in that moment before the beauty of his wife. "My people of the woodland realm, my wife and your queen Lalaith!" He announced, his voice carrying through the forest and was met with roars of approval and applause. The king's eyes did not leave his wife's own as cradled her hand and brought her to stand beside him whilst his councillors and court members greeted her eagerly. As the applause died down Thranduil watched as his father's eyes turned to him, joy and pride sparking within them as he did so, and he beckoned for Thranduil to step forward. "And of course, my son, Thranduil. It is good to welcome the prince of the woodland realm home" he spoke.

"Thank you, Ada," Thranduil replied and lowered his head as would be deemed proper.

After further speeches and well wishes the king ushered his family and the people inside to the warmth of his halls and the grand feast began in earnest. The queen watched with amusement as the woodland elves danced and made merry with little care for appearances, something she found wonderfully charming. She sat beside her husband whom had not let go of her arm since her arrival, not that she minded his attentions for it had been far too long and it seemed he shared the same opinion.

"When it is deemed proper I will sweep you away to our chambers Meleth-nin" he whispered in her ear causing her eyes to darken a little, truth be told most bonded elves lay with one another quite frequently after marriage however it naturally waned after time, that such trope did not apply to Oropher however, who regularly sort out his wife for such carnal pleasures and keeping their passion aflame. It was something she did not object too, and she greatly looked forward to their reunion later.

"How much have you had to drink?" She teased.

"No drink would stratify my thirst as you would my beloved wife" he smiled, his words causing her great joy and pleasure.

"Maybe so my husband, but perhaps before you try and keep me to yourself I should mingle with your subjects?" she smiled before rising from her chair and walking off, turning to smile at him briefly as she did so. "Thranduil has been excited to see his ada for some time, go to him" she encouraged, before slipping away. Oropher felt his heart swell for a moment and he caste his eye about the hall as he searched the crowd for his son, finding him speaking with one of his advisors and one of the Sindar elves that had accompanied Oropher to the wood. The elvenking rose from his seat and made his way over, Thranduil had his back to him so it was his companions who saw the king first and gentle lowered their heads in reverence.

"My king Oropher, we were just speaking with the prince about his time in Lindon" Halathorn spoke first with Thranduil nodding in agreement, his eyes lighting up at his father's presence.

"Ah is that so? I often found it too open and detached from nature, what are your thoughts son?" Oropher added his opinion before turning to his son. Thranduil was a tall as he and the father and son were amongst the tallest in the room, and whilst Oropher was strong in mind and body it was clear to the eye that his son was built like that of a warrior, even beneath his tunic and overcoat.

"I agree with you Ada, I have longed to be under the trees and halls since Doraith, so being here soothes my fae" Thranduil replied, his tone rich and deep. Hearing that being within the forests again helped his son brought a gentle relief to Oropher, he like his queen only wished to see their son whole again, and for that glimmer behind his eyes to return.

"And we are glad that you have come, there are many who wish to meet with you my son" Oropher added before turning to Halathorn and his companion. "Would you excuse us my friends? I believe I must introduce my son to a few people"

"Of course, my lord, I would much like to ensure my daughter is not causing trouble anyway. Good day my lords" Halathorn chuckled before walking into the throng of merry elves.

Oropher introduced his son to many of his advisors and their families, the warriors of the Greenwood appeared keen to discuss Thranduil's part in the war of wrath and his other war stories, where as many elleth's blushed and whispered as the pair walked past, trying to catch the eye of the prince. After many introductions Oropher led his son to his most trusted councillor and friend, Gelathon.

"Gelathon, may I introduce my son Thranduil" Oropher spoke, pride evident in his voice. Gelathon smiled and placed his hand upon his chest before extending it outwards in greeting, an action which Thranduil returned.

"My prince, it is with glee that I am finally able to meet you. You have quite a legend within these halls" Gelathon spoke kindly before handing the king and his son a goblet of wine.

"Dorwinion, it is the finest vintage I have ever tasted ionneg" Oropher explained as Thranduil brought the goblet to his nose to sample its scent.

"Thank you, it must be a fine wine for you to say so father" Thranduil replied.

"I remember your first sample my king, never have I seen such a hangover in an eldar in my many years. Not since Galion snuck into my wine rack as a youth" Gelathon chuckled heartily. Thranduil's eyes widened at the advisors' jest, in all his time in Doraith he had never seen his father engage in banter within the court, yet Gelathon teased him so brazenly. It was when his fathers laugh was added that Thranduil allowed himself a small smile.

"This is why I prefer our Silvan kin, your humour and love for life is refreshing!" Oropher countered before taking a sip of his wine, prompting Thranduil too also sip the crimson liquid. The taste was divine and even he could tell of its potency from just one intake, he would have to keep his wits about him with this beverage Thranduil thought to himself. The three elves conversed for a time before Oropher made a gesture with his eyes to Gelathon who nodded and excused himself swiftly.

"What was that about?" Thranduil enquired, the action not evading his senses.

"You will see in a moment my son" his father replied. As they waited for Gelathon to return the lords of the Greenwood observe Lalaith who was engaged in lively chat with a pair of ellyn. "Your mother seems to have connected with the people instantly, they were very eager to meet you both" Oropher commented and Thranduil had to agree. The woodland elves were far more carefree and least rigid than the Noldor and even the Sindar, on his walk about the feast that night he had heard many elves talk on his mother's beauty and charming heart, causing a swell of pride to form for his Naneth.

"My king, I have brought what you requested" Gelathon's voice came from behind them. As Thranduil tore his gaze from his mother and turned his eyes to the ellon, he noticed that he carried a long and narrow ornate box in his arms.

"This is a gift for you my son, the elves of the wood wished to welcome you with something" Oropher explained.

"This was not required, but I thank you none the less" Thranduil replied quietly, not quite knowing what to say as he did not expect such a welcome from a people that he had never met, much less a gift from them. Gelathon smiled and unclasped the box and lifted the lid to reveal a beautiful silver sword, forged from a single piece of elven steel that shimmered elegantly. The blade was perfectly straight until the tip curved gently, the blade had been hollowed out with vine and leaf patterns to enhance its beauty and it glimmered under the lantern lights of the hall. "This is beautiful" was all Thranduil could speak his voice airy and breathless.

"It is the same as the sword that was granted to me" Oropher spoke and lay and hand on his sons' shoulder. Thranduil gently lifted the sword from its box and marvelled at its craftsmanship and balance, it felt like it weighed no more than a feather.

"Thank you Gelathon, I would never much like to meet the elves who made such a weapon" Thranduil spoke as he ran his palm along its deadly edge.

"And you may, but tomorrow. Tonight, we must drink and make merry, so come let us go and see to your mother shall we?" Oropher replied before leading his son back into the centre of the hall.

…

I found writing a young Thranduil very difficult and I hope it wasn't a disappointment to you all! By this year in the story, given his birth in the First age and around the time of Thingol he would nearly be four-thousand years old by this point, so compensate there will be many flash backs to his childhood in this part of the trilogy!

I did enjoy writing him as a elfling though!

Share your thoughts, and I do thank all those who reviewed!