My summer holidays are officially over, which means... UPDATE! Yay! It's terribly late and I apologize, but I was out of town and I couldn't post.
So, someone pointed out to me that I have a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes. Guys, I try, I really do, but English isn't my native language and sometimes I even make mistakes from haste. I'm really sorry if that makes my story more difficult to read, but I promise I'll try and fix it. Also, having a friend proof read it is a good idea, but unfortunately my friends aren't very reliable and they too, aren't native English speakers. As hard as I try, there will always be some mistakes.
Another thing is the age. Apparently I'm doing it wrong. Since I didn't really get the age thing, I decided to make my own system, someone pointed out that it really bugged them and well, I had to change it.
At first I was going to write about young adult Legolas here, but then I had this idea about liτtle Arwen and I just couldn't resist. She is around four human years here. (12.5 in elven years I think)
Disclaimer: I can dream.
Summary: Little Arwen, yaaayyy!
5. A good idea indeed
"NO, ARWEN COME BACK HERE!"
Elrond shook his head with a smile on his lips as he watched Elhrohir and Elladan run after Arwen. His daughter was now around twelve and a half years, and she immenesly enjoyed spending time with the twins. Or more accurately, she enjoyed running around as the twins chased her.
He remembered a time, a few centuries ago that it was him chasing after the twins.
Elrond was glad to see that all three of his children were getting along great. In truth, he had been a little worried, what with the big age difference, but her older brothers seemed to adore the new addition in the family. Arwen reminded Elrond a little of Legolas, always running around and giggling, having elves chase after her, but thankfully, she inherited none of her older brothers' mischievous strike, for Elrond was sure he couldn't deal with another Elfling like that.
"Arwen!" He called. The small Elfling halted, turned and run towards him.
"Atto!" Elrond leaned down and picked his daughter, setting her in his arms. The twins followed behind her.
"Tis not fair!" Elladan complained.
"You never do what we say!" Elrohir accused his sister. Arwen answered with a fit of giggles, and the twins pouted at her.
"Now, now children." Elrond interfered quickly. "We are waiting for King Thranduil and Legolas to arrive for their visit, and I expect all of you to behave." He sent a pointed look at the twins to make his meaning clear.
Originally, it had been scheduled that Queen Lindariel would come with little Legolas for the occasion of Arwen's birth; but after the incident that occurred, that never happened. Thranduil had sent him a later explaining the reason the Queen would not be here and that was all Lord Elrond had heard from the King of Mirkwood in the last twelve years. That is, until a letter asking him if the remaining royal family could come and visit.
Elrond hadn't hesitated to say yes. The twins missed having Legolas around although they would not admit it, and it would do Arwen good to have another Elfling to play with, even if slightly older. There were not many Elflings in Rivendell, and Arwen didn't have anyone but the twins to play with.
There was a chorus of "Yes Attos" and Elrond smiled. Feeling a tug on his tunic, Elrond looked down at his daughter who had her hand fisted around his clothes to get her father's attention.
"Atto?"
"Yes Arwen?"
"How is Legolas? Is he nice? Do you think he'll like me? Because 'Ro and 'Dan said he's older than me." Elrond smiled.
"Legolas is very nice and I'm sure he will like you, nitya Undómiel." Arwen beamed. She squirmed in Elrond's arms, and he set her down gently. No sooner had Arwen's feet touched the ground, she was running towards the gardens which had been her original destination. The twins shared a look of mute terror.
"ARWEN WAIT!" They yelled before dashing after her.
Thranduil, for once in his life, couldn't wait to reach Imlandris. Legolas, unlike any other times, hadn't budge from his horse once. Ever since Lindariel's death, Legolas had been quitter, more shy. The little Elfling that bounced every time he felt excited, who roamed in the trees and never stopped smiling was now hidden beneath this new Legolas. He rarely ever smiled, he didn't get so obviously excited anymore, and he hid behind Thranduil's robes every time he met someone new.
Thranduil, after learning that Legolas had seen his mother slain, had been understanding at first. He found it normal, the change in his son as the aftermath of the tragedy. He had been saddened, of course, he more than anyone longed to see that blinding smile or that boundless enthusiasm in Legolas' face; but he understood. After all, did he not feel that very same grief himself?
There were moments, were Legolas would be like his old self, but they were few and rare.
At first, the King had taken a nanny for Legolas, more for his benefit than his son's. Niennia was very good with children, and she had assured Thranduil that the melancholy would pass. And Thranduil believed it, and he did his best to spent as time with his son as possible.
But Legolas' situation didn't improve. If anything, it deteriorated. Legolas seemed to grow more and more sad and silent as time went by.
In a moment of desperation, Thranduil had sent word to Lord Elrond, remembering Legolas' request the night after the funeral. The Noldor elf had written back almost immediately, expressing his joy at the prospect of their visit and stating that both three of his children waited for Legolas with anticipation.
Thranduil hoped the visit would help Legolas. The Elfling had always loved Rivendell, because of the pure nature that surrounded the Last Homely House, all the trees stripped of the depressing shadow that suffocated them at Mirkwood. He also liked the twins very much, and Thranduil was certain he had missed the sons of Elrond a great deal, even though he would not say so.
Yes, coming to Rivendell was classified as a good idea. Little Arwen would be a good influence on Legolas, as would the twins. Elflings were always happy and excited and the twins favored a mischievous behavior that had always managed to make Legolas laugh.
When the gates of Elrond's house appeared in front of them, Thranduil stole a glance at his son. Legolas was looking forward with an impassive face, although his eyes were fixed on the company of elves that awaited them at the gates. Thranduil could not say if that was a good thing or not.
"Mae g'ovannen, Lord Elrond." He addressed the healer with a bow of his head.
"Mae g'ovannen, King Thranduil." Elrond and the twins bowed slightly. "It is very joyful to have you visit again."
Thranduil considered helping Legolas as he dismounted, but he soon saw that was not necessary. As soon as Legolas' feet touched the ground, he tackled the twins in a hug.
"Elbereth Legolas, how much you've grown!" One of the dark-haired elves exclaimed. Thranduil couldn't really distinguish them, but he thought this one had to be Elrohir.
"We almost didn't recognise you, Laiqualassë." The other twin said, and the corners of Legolas' mouth tugged upwards at the nickname. Thranduil smiled mentally. A good idea indeed, to bring his son here. Then, Legolas seemed to remember his manners and gave Elrond a slight bow.
"Gi suilon, Lord Elrond."
"Gi suilon, Legolas." Elrond smiled. "Arwen and Celebrían are in the gardens, I think Elladan and Elhorir will take you there."
Legolas nodded mutely, and the questioning look in Elrond's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Thranduil. The Elvenking understood his confusion. Normally Legolas would have been bouncing from excitement, eager to meet Arwen, but instead the Elfling just stood there silently.
"Come Legolas, you have to meet our new sister, I'm sure you two will get along!" One of the twins -Elladan?- said with a great deal of enthusiasm, and together they run with Legolas towards the gardens, but not before shooting their father a confused look.
When the three of them were out of sight, Elrond turned to him with a raised eyebrow. Sighting, Thranduil started explaining the situation to his friend.
After Thranduil had poured out his heart at Elrond, explaining the situation and voicing his fears for Legolas recovery, the Elven lord gave him a long look.
"Seeing his mother slain is sure to have left an impact on one so young." He started carefully. "The man that killed her, did he die?"
Thranduil nodded. Next to Lindariel they had found a man with her dagger implanted in his forehead. He had been holding a long sword that fit perfectly with Lindariel's wounds. The assumption had been that Lindariel had managed to kill him after he stabbed her, but Legolas' recollection of the incident contrasted it. Legolas had confessed throwing the dagger in his confusion, but he had told his father that he didn't know what happened to it. Thranduil gathered that the Elfling held no knowledge of killing the man, and that was the way the King intended to keep it.
"Did he see Lindariel kill the man?" Elrond asked. It was one thing to see your mother killed, and another thing to see her kill someone.
"No." Thranduil said and Elrond sighed in relief; short-lived however at Thranduil's next words. "He did." Elrond's dark eyes widened as they snapped towards him.
"That might be a problem." He said slowly. Thranduil sighed.
"Legolas does not know he killed him. The man was found with Lindariel's dagger in his forehead, and Legolas said he threw it but never saw it hit anything."
"Clearly, it did hit something."
"Elrond." Thranduil started in a warning tone. "Legolas does not and will not know about this."
"He will find out at some time." Elrond pointed out.
"Perhaps he will, perhaps he won't." The Woodland King fixed Elrond with a cool warning glare. The Lord of Rivendell put his hands up defensively.
"I will not tell him. But now, you should probably go and get some rest, you do not look your best." He offered.
At first Thranduil considered protesting, but the entire conversation had been exhausting for him. He nodded absently and sat up, thanking Elrond before making his way towards the walls of the Last Homely House.
Elrond watched Thranduil disappear inside the white halls, when someone started him from behind.
"Atto." Elladan appeared at his right.
"There has been a developement." Elrohir said, coming up next to him from the other side.
"A slight, um... problem."
"We've lost Legolas."
"And Arwen."
"They run off somewhere and we cannot find them."
Elrond stared. The twins waited patiently for their father to overcome his shock. "YOU WHAT?" He roared finally. A few passing elves looked towards them and Elrond lowered his voice. "What do you mean you've lost them? Do you have any idea how serious this is?"
"I'm sure they did not go very far." Elrohir tried to reassure him. "Arwen is very little and Legolas did not seem as excited as usual."
"Another problem." Elrond started pacing. "With what he is going through it would be best not to let out of our sight, much less lose him!"
The twins exchanged a worried glance. "What do you mean, Atto? Is Legolas alright?" Elladan asked, concern laced in his voice. Elrond ignored him as he continued pacing worryingly.
"After Lindariel's death- right under your noses- Thranduil trusts us!"
"Atto." Elrohir gripped his shoulders and forced him to come to a stop. "We will find them."
Elrond sighed, regaining his control. "I leave you alone for a few minutes and this happens."
"To be fair, it was more than an hour." Elladan said. Elrohir nudged him with his elbow.
"The important thing now is not to let Thranduil know that his son is missing." Elrond started to form a plan in his mind. "It is as well that he retired to rest, that is bound to give us more time. You two will search in the gardens and everywhere else that there are trees within our borders." He instructed and the twins nodded. "Glorfindel and I will search within the house and Celebrían will distract Thranduil when he asks for Legolas in case we have not found him until he wakes up."
"Is it wise to involve Ammë into this?" Elladan asked.
"You can try to keep her uninvolved penneth." Elrond offered, but his son did not seem eager to do so. "Well then," he said with a resigned sigh, "let us start searching."
Two hours later and they had found nothing.
Elrond was starting to be very worried, not the Thranduil-is-going-to-kill-me worried, but rather I-cannot-find-my-daughter-what-if-something-happened worried. And as if that was not enough, Thranduil had awoken sometime before and Celebrían was trying to keep him occupied; which meant they did not have much time.
"O, Elrond, I have been searching for you."
Willing his face to remain blank even though he felt terror rising up inside him, Elrond turned around to face Thranduil.
"Searching for me?" He asked in an even voice. "Why, is there something amiss?"
"Yes, you see..." Thranduil's eyes glinted dangerously, and Elrond forced down the sudden urge to swallow hard. He had fought with Thranduil in the Battle of the Last Alliance, and the look in his face was the same one he had before he killed someone. Orcs it had been then, but Elrond held no delusions. If Legolas had been lost in Rivendell, the Elvenking would no doubt held him responsible; no matter if Arwen was lost as well. Then, Elrond would have the same fate with the Orcs that had stood in front of Thranduil in their last moments.
"I was searching for Legolas, and Celebrían suggested he might be with Glorfindel." Thranduil went on, and Elrond recognized the intimidating tactic. He had seen Thranduil use it, but it had never been on him. He had usually felt bad for the elf -or rarely Orc- that stood trembling in front of the King; but being in the same position himself was different, worse.
"Really?" Elrond forced his voice to remain even.
"Yes, but you see, I could not find Glorfindel anywhere."
"No?"
"Neither you or the twins, tis like you are all avoiding me!" Thranduil uttered the last words with complete disbelief, but his eyes were as hard as steel when he looked at the Noldor.
"I assure we have not been."
"No? Then perhaps you know where Legolas and your daughter are." There was a trick in there, but Elrond could not place it.
"I believe they must be playing with the twins in the garden."
"Oh really?" Thranduil smiled, and Elrond immediately knew he had said something wrong. "Because I found the twins in the gardens just a few minutes ago, alone." Elrond swallowed hard. "They said that the children would be with you, something about bringing them inside. But I see no Elflings with you, unless you are hiding them under your robes; which I truly doubt."
It was the end, Elrond could feel it. "Well, you see-"
"I demand to know where my son is right now!" Thranduil exploded, and the words got stuck in Elrond's throat. The Lord of Rivendell just managed to suppress his fear in front of an enraged Thranduil.
Elrond was going to die, he was certain of it. They would make him a lovely grave with an even lovelier inscription. 'Here lies Elrond Peredhel, a devoted husband and father, killed by foolishness and horrible life choices.'
The Lord of Imlandris was mentally debating if it would be wise to make a run for it -after all, Thranduil had to catch him to kill him- when there was a rustling in the bushes next to them.
A blond head rushed out, followed by a mop of black hair and Elrond had never felt such profound relief in his long life.
"ADA!" Legolas cried and run to his father's arms. Elrond payed no attention to Legolas' exciting chatter, as he picked his daughter up and settled her into his arms.
"Where have you been, hinya? Do you know how worried we have been?"
Arwen flashed her father a brilliant smile. "I showed Legolas the lake, Atto, and he loved it! He said they had a lake too back in Mirkwood, but it was not so close, so they did not go." She looked so excited as she recounted what happened with Legolas that Elrond did not have the heart to stay angry at her.
Next to them, Thranduil had kneeled in the grass to be Legolas' eye level.
"I have to go back home. Do you want to stay here for a few months?"
Legolas' entire face brightened as he nodded eagerly, and Elrond remembered the issue he and Thranduil had discussed.
"Yay!" Arwen said and threw her arms around Legolas. "You are going to stay here."
Both adult elves smiled. A good idea indeed.
Quenya Translations
Atto= Dad/Father
nitya Undómiel= little Evenstar
Laiqualassë= Legolas' name in quenya
hinya= my child, shortened version of 'hinanya'
Sindarin Translations
Ada= Dad/Daddy
Mae g'ovannen= Well met
Gi suilon= I greet you
penneth= young one
Weeeell? What do you think? Also, I'd appreciate some ideas for the next chapter. I already have something half-formed, but I'd like to hear what you guys would wanna read.
