Prompt: A person is on a difficult quest to find or make a particular gift for someone else

Rating: G

Setting: Doriath. First Age.

Characters: Thranduil, Mírdis (OC), Oaklock (OC), Oropher (mentioned)

Summary: When elfling Thranduil sets his heart on getting his Ada a particular gift for Yule, he has little idea of the adventure he is about to embark on and the ancient new friend he will make along the way.

Thranduil sat still, tiny shoulders hunched, as his Nana diligently washed behind his ear-points.

He was contemplating the gift he would be getting his Ada for Yule.

The little elf had already sorted out his Nana's gift - a lovely and very shiny necklace strung with green jasper that his part-time nanny had helped him go into town to buy. Thranduil was certain his Nana would love it and had already lovingly wrapped it up in a swathe of velvet and ribbons ready for Yule day.

Now it was the turn of his Ada and Thranduil had just the gift in mind. He would make his Ada a bottle of scent - he'd learnt about scent making from a book his nanny had read him a few weeks back. It didn't seem too difficult a task and it seemed the perfect present to get for his Ada. Especially as Oropher had recently bemoaned the fact that his favourite bottle of scent - that of oakmoss - had run dry.

It had been a poor year for the lichen apparently, and his Ada had been unable to find enough to have more of his favourite scent made.

Yet despite his Ada's dismal report, Thranduil was certain he would be able to find enough oakmoss to have the scent made for his Ada in time for Yule. He was a great friend of all the fauna and flora in Neldoreth and he knew a number of places where he might look and trees he might ask.

He would set out on his quest to begin gathering the lichen on the morrow - Yule was but two weeks away after all.

Plans decided, Thranduil abruptly tired of the warm bath he was sitting in as his Nana continued with her rigorous cleaning of him. He surged upwards to sit up straight from where he'd previously been slouched in the bubbly water.

"I'm clean now Nana," he announced imperiously. "I'm getting out."

"Are you indeed?"

His Nana's voice was dry, even as she caught Thranduil's elbow and gave him a firm tug back down into the water.

The small elf found himself unceremoniously dunked, and he surged upwards once more, completely covered in bubbles and sputtering in annoyance.

"Nana!"

"Oh do behave Thranduil, you are nowhere near clean. Be still and let me finish."

"I am clean," he pouted. "See!"

Thranduil rubbed a finger over his forearm until it squeaked.

"There - see Nana - I am so clean that I squeak like the floors after the chambermaids have polished them."

Mírdis snorted a laugh but she kept her grip on Thranduil firm.

"We've not even washed your hair as yet penneth, now do go back to being good for me. You were sitting so still like a good little ellon a minute ago. Do not start being difficult now."

But Thranduil was an ellon of action; now that he had decided to go adventuring to find the oakmoss for his Ada's Yule gift, the very act of sitting still in the bath grated upon him.

He wanted to go and pack the small satchel he'd gotten for his last begetting day. He would pack his beloved dagger (another begetting day gift), as well as some snacks and his water skin so he wouldn't be hungry or thirsty. He would be prepared - like a real explorer - like the ones in his books.

Thranduil couldn't wait for tomorrow to arrive.

"Nana please."

He pouted all the more and began to squirm which sent his bath water sloping over the sides of the enamel tub.

"Do not start with me Thranduil Oropherion. I will not have you going to bed filthy and looking like some type of edain street urchin!"

Thranduil shivered at both the tone in his Nana's voice and the cold shampoo she smothered onto his silver-gold head.

He sighed in a long suffering manner but said no more and sat still once again. When his Nana took that tone of voice it meant Thranduil was not very far off from punishments - and he had no time for any of those, thank you very much - not when he had oakmoss to find.

So instead the tiny blonde sat perfectly still and waited impatiently to both be freed from the evil of his thorough bath and for the morning to arrive.

~o~

"Bye Nana!"

Thranduil called out in a loud and cheerful voice and gave a wave over his shoulder before he focussed firmly on the path ahead. He acknowledged his Nana's call to be home in time for supper, and to keep warm with another wave over his shoulder as he all but skipped down the path.

He was so excited. He was well outfitted and ready for his adventure in oakmoss finding. His little satchel was slung diagonally across him, the strap bisecting his chest, with his dagger safely secured to his waist. Thranduil had packed two apples, a handful of blackberries, a piece of nougat and several pieces of toffee. He'd also begrudgingly added the ham salad sandwiches his Nana had insisted he take with him for a 'proper lunch'. A water skin, fur lined cape and soft leather gloves completed his provisions and Thranduil felt every inch the intrepid explorer.

He was headed north; away from his family's holiday home near the banks of the Esgalduin and deeper into the Forest of Neldoreth. He had in mind a cluster of ancient oaks where he was sure he'd be able to find his quarry.

~o~

Thranduil trudged his way along the path - tired feet dragging through the icy slush and mud and adding to his overall dishevelled appearance. It had been a tiring and, rather disappointingly, entirely fruitless day of searching for the elusive oakmoss. He'd been so sure his chosen spot would have yielded exactly what he was looking for, but alas for him. There had not been so much as a speck of the feathery, grey-green lichen anywhere to be seen.

It was the last oak tree Thranduil had visited for the day that had informed the blonde elfling that he was looking in entirely the wrong place; patiently informing him that oakmoss needed pure, clean air in order to grow. Due to the wildfire that had taken place some twenty miles away, earlier in the dry hot summer, those conditions hadn't been met as the smoky haze of the fire had lingered for weeks.

"You'll not find any oakmoss here this year, small one, nor will you find any further north of here." The oak had solemnly intoned. "Your best chance at finding some will be southwards - toward the Esgalduin."

Thranduil had wanted to sigh in frustration at the information that meant he could have stayed closer to his family's holiday home and not have trekked all the cold miles he had. Instead, he'd held in his frustration and thanked the oak for its helpfulness before he'd climbed down and began the long walk back home.

Thranduil kicked at a small pebble on the path - he had scratches aplenty that he just knew his Nana would scold him for, and more than that he was hungry.

The small elf ran a gloved hand through his now depleted satchel in hope of perhaps finding a blackberry or two he'd not yet eaten, and was surprised to pull out the last, small remaining piece of his nougat. Feeling cheered at the find, Thranduil popped the sweet into his mouth and began to once more walk with some pace.

Today had been a failure, but at least he now had a new direction in which to search for the elusive oakmoss.

Tomorrow would be better.

~o~

The next day and indeed the few that followed after were no better.

Despite following the oak's instructions to search closer to the Esgalduin, Thranduil had still not found any oakmoss - in spite of having scoured both sides of the river's banks.

Those days of empty handed disappointment had then been followed by the first, truly bad snow storm of the winter season, and Thranduil had been forced to remain inside for three days whilst the storm raged in white, cold fury.

To say the little blonde had been frustrated was a gross understatement.

~o~

Thranduil waited impatiently as his Nana fussed at him - tightening his cloak and adjusting his fur hat.

He sighed. "Can I go now Nana? I'm as warm as you can make me, and if you want me home before dark you should probably let me go now."

Mírdis gave him a look which Thranduil affected not to see.

He was beginning to feel worried over his ability to find the oakmoss in time for making it into a scent for his Ada for Yule day. There were now only five days until the big day. He was rapidly running out of time but would not despair just yet - for he had a very good feeling about the place he was setting out to today.

Hopefully by the time he arrived back for supper, he would have finally accomplished his mission.

~o~

Thranduil made his way along the snowy path at a brisk jog. The place he had in mind was across the Esgalduin, in the depths of the Forest of Region, where he'd heard tell of a large sentinel oak. And it was this oak Thranduil was resting his hopes upon.

Hopefully the area was far away enough from the reach of the smoke that had prevented the growth of oakmoss in northern Neldoreth, and he'd at last be able to collect his quarry without further delay.

Thranduil put on an extra burst of speed - the area he was heading to was rather far away - he would most likely be home after dark, despite what he'd promised his Nana. Yet, if he found the oakmoss he needed, it would be worth any amount of scolding his Nana would have in store for him.

~o~

Thranduil drew to a stop and rested his mittened hands upon his knees as he bent over to catch his breath. He was here at last. Now to find the sentinel oak.

It ought not to be too hard, the tiny blonde mused, as he straightened and began to look around him. Sentinel trees were tall, far taller than the average of their species and were usually quite easy to spot.

Thranduil wandered a little bit further into the glistening, white forest - every tree sparkling with ice, frost and laden with piles of snow upon their bare branches - his keen eyes searching out the tall oak he sought.

After about fifteen minutes Thranduil spotted the massive oak and he wasted no time and ran straight up to it and began to clamber up into its branches.

It was tricky going for the small elf who was thoroughly bundled up courtesy of his Naneth (and therefore rather more rotund than he was used to) and his mittened hands slipped several times on the frosted over bark, even as his boots fought to gain purchase. But Thranduil persisted and focussed hard on putting one tiny booted foot after another.

"Hroom!"

The tree he clung to made a sudden, deep, rumbling noise and Thranduil stopped all his movements and went very still, listening to see if the noise would sound again.

It came again - louder this time.

"Hrrooom …who goes there? Who climbs upon Oaklock? Hmm…"

Thranduil very nearly fell in his shock at hearing the tree speak aloud to him.

Such had never happened before. At least not to him. Trees usually spoke directly to his mind and him to theirs.

Feeling excited at this unexpected development, Thranduil steadied his grip and called out.

"It is me - Thranduil Oropherion who climbs you Master Oaklock. I need your help please."

"Barooom, such good manners in a tiny being - climb higher small one, and we shall see if this old Ent can be of service. Hm, hroom."

"Ent?!"

For the second time that day, shock nearly saw Thranduil plummet from his perch.

"I was not expecting an Ent," the tiny blonde's voice was high with excitement. "I thought you were a sentinel oak. I didn't know that there were any Ents in Doriath."

"Grruhhm…of course there are Ents in Doriath…or at least I think there are. I'm not quite sure small one…I have been asleep for… a looong time. Your slipping and sliding around my trunk tickled me awake, barooom…but yes, before I slept there were more than just me. There was also…Vinesprout and Mellowtwig. Yes…hrooom."

"Oh."

Thranduil knew his reply was rather ineloquent - but he had no idea what to say to the Ent's rumbling speech. Luckily for him the Ent spoke again, saving him from the need to find a better reply.

"Climb higher, small one…Oropherion hmmm…climb so I might see you properly. You wanted help did you not? Haroom."

"Yes, I do need your help. I'm coming. Bear with me - I'll climb as fast as I can but it's very slippery."

Thranduil pulled himself upwards and began to climb once more. It was slippery going; not helped by the fact that Oaklock seemed to chuckle under his breath with every slip Thranduil made - which of course caused the small elf to slip and slide all the more as the vibrations rattled through the Ent beneath him.

It took him longer than he would have liked, and he was utterly winded but at last Thranduil was high up enough on a branch that allowed him to peer into Oaklock's face.

"You might have helped me up rather than laughing," Thranduil grumped with no real malice as he stared in rabid fascination at the face before him.

"Hmmm yes I might've…but it would not have been nearly as fun as feeling you squirm around like a squirrel, harooom."

Thranduil would have pouted, but he was still far too awestruck by the fact he was speaking to an Ent. An actual, real life Ent!

Oaklock had a very gnarled and wrinkled but friendly face. His mouth, which was mostly obscured by a wiry, moss coloured beard, was pulled up into a teasing smile and his deep set, amber eyes shone with joy. Thranduil felt completely at ease in his presence.

"I'm not a squirrel, and I really am a good climber usually…Nana just bundled me up too much and made me wear mittens instead of my leather gloves and…"

Thranduil cut himself off, gave his head a shake and reminded himself he was here for a reason and not just to chat and make a new friend. (Though if he managed to do that as well it would greatly please the gregarious little elf.)

"I need your help Master Oaklock." Thranduil repeated his earlier plea. "I need some of your oakmoss please. It is for a gift for my Ada."

"Baroom, a gift you say? And oakmoss is what you require?"

Thranduil nodded.

"Hmmm, as you are such a well behaved little elf, I shall help you."

Thranduil beamed, "Oh thank you! Thank you, Master Oaklock."

"Of course, hroooom. Now be still small one…Oropherion, hmmm, and I will search amongst my branches for you."

The Ent gave another low rumble before he closed his eyes.

Thranduil sat still. He was rather relieved that the Ent had volunteered to look for the oakmoss for him; Oaklock was huge and Thranduil was grateful he'd not have to make his own way through the great Ent's slippery, snow and ice laden branches searching for the oakmoss himself. Far better for Oaklock to locate the lichen and then direct (and this time hopefully help) Thranduil to it.

A few long moments passed and Thranduil, never one able to keep still for overlong, began to swing his legs back and forth. Slowly at first, peering at Oaklock's face the entire time for any negative reaction (for the Ent had told him to be still). When none was forthcoming he swung them a bit more freely, and realising just how very high up he was for the first time, the small elf directed his gaze outward and took in the vast sprawling canopy that made up the Forest of Region.

It was beautiful. From his perch high on Oaklock's shoulders he could see past the Esgalduin and beyond to the trees of his home - the Forest of Neldoreth. Thranduil lost himself in the captivating snow-white beauty that was spread before him as the winter sun gently warmed his face, and a brisk breeze ruffled his blonde hair. It was peaceful, so wonderfully peaceful up here, and Thranduil hoped Oaklock would stay for a while yet so that he might visit with the Ent again.

Thranduil tucked himself tightly up against Oaklock and enchanted with the beauty before him, began to sing.

~o~

It was hunger that eventually disrupted Thranduil's reverie, and he rustled about in his satchel for the lunch his Nana had made him carry. Roast beef sandwiches this time, along with a generous hunk of blackberry cake and completed with a small skin of very watered down mulled wine.

Thranduil munched away happily in between taking long draughts of his warming drink. He glanced at Oaklock from time to time - checking to see whether the Ent had any update for him.

After the first five or so glances however, Thranduil gave up and turned his full attention to ending the rumbling of his stomach.

Hopefully by the time he was finished with his lunch, Oaklock would have found the elusive oakmoss at long last.

~o~

Thranduil brushed away the last remaining crumbs of his lunch before he turned expectant eyes upon Oaklock's face.

Alas, the great Ent still had his eyes firmly shut and Thranduil began to fidget once more. He was tired of sitting here, beautiful though the scenery was. He wanted to get the lichen he'd come for and then perhaps explore a little higher up into Oaklock's branches ere he began his long path back home.

Mostly, he just wanted to move about - he was tired of being in one place and keeping relatively still. He needed to move.

Thranduil was just contemplating whether or not Oaklock would be annoyed if he were to make for his higher branches when the Ent opened his amber eyes with a low rumble.

"Baroom…" the Ent blinked before he focussed in on Thranduil's expectant face. "Ahh, Oropherion…hmmm…I have looked through all my branches for you, harooom."

"And?" Thranduil leaned forward, almost dangerously so, in his excitement to hear what Oaklock had to say. "Did you manage to find me some oakmoss?"

The Ent gave a slow, rustling shake of his head. "No small one…there is no oakmoss amongst my branches, grruhhm."

Thranduil felt his heart sink even as his eyes began to water.

"N-none?"

His voice wobbled pleadingly even as his ice blue eyes begged the Ent to change his report, to say he'd been joking and that of course he had branches filled with oakmoss. Alas for him Oaklock merely shook his head again.

"None at all. I am sorry Oropherion, hmmmm."

Thranduil slumped, despair overtaking him. This had been his last hope. The last place he knew to search for the oakmoss he so desperately needed and it was not here.

Tears welled and then overflowed down Thranduil's chubby cheeks. The little blonde's plans for his Ada's Yule gift was in ruins, and he buried his face in his arms which rested upon his drawn up knees and cried in earnest. Huge sobs that wracked his small frame.

He'd so wanted to give his Ada this gift. He knew Oropher would have loved it, and the thought that his Ada would have to go without that joy when Yule day rolled around was too much for Thranduil to bear. Worse than that, the little elfling had no other idea of what he might give his father for Yule instead of the scent he'd planned to make for him. He had been so sure he'd get the oakmoss he needed that he hadn't bothered to think of a back-up plan or gift.

Thranduil cried all the harder.

"Hrooom, here now small one…hmmmm, listen do not be sooooo sad. I also took the opportunity to speak to other trees via the root system even whilst I searched my branches, baroom…and I know where you can find your oakmoss."

Thranduil peeked one red-rimmed, watery eye over his arms to look at Oaklock.

"Really?"

Oaklock nodded an affirmative with a great rustling of his ice covered head.

"Where?"

Thranduil's tiny voice was muffled where he still hid the majority of his red, tear-streaked face in his arms.

"There are a few willows, hmmm, who have oakmoss growing amongst their branches and will be willing to give you some. Yes…they grow upon the banks where the Teiglin, Sirion and Esgalduin all merge."

Thranduil's small shoulders slumped in defeat again.

"That is far away and beyond the Girdle. I am not allowed to go beyond the Girdle nor would I make it there and back in time for supper. It's just too far!"

Thranduil's words ended in a despairing wail before he sunk his face fully back into his arms and began to sob some more.

"Now, now small one…Oropherion, hmmmm, don't be hasty. I can help. I can take you there and bring you back baroooom. And yes, whilst you will likely be late for your supper, and we should have to leave rather early, I can take you there and back all in one day. Hrooom, yes. Soooo…don't be hasty with your tears little elf."

Thranduil's head shot up at the Ent's promise of help, and he looked intently into Oaklock's face.

"You mean it? You would still help me with getting this gift for my Ada?"

Oaklock smiled.

"Yes small one…hmm, I will help you with this gift. So come now…dry your tears hroooom. I will take you back home now…as far as the south bank of the Esgalduin. And that is where I shall also meet you tomorrow, to take you to see the willows who have kindly promised to give you oakmoss aplenty. Hahroom."

Thranduil dried his tears with a fierce scrubbing of his mittens across his eyes and cheeks. The crushing weight of despair that had settled upon the small elf now lifted. There was still hope for his Ada's gift. And it was all thanks to Oaklock who had so kindly sourced some oakmoss for him, and more than that would be kind enough to take him there and back.

The Ent's long strides would cut down a journey that would take Thranduil a day and a half (if he ran all the way) into that of just a day. What was more, Oaklock would keep him safe. Even if they did have to venture past Melian's Girdle, Thranduil knew no harm would come to him safe in the Ent's massive branches.

"Hannon-le Master Oaklock. Truly, thank you - I shall gladly accept your help and will never forget your kindness."

"Hrooom, speak and think of it no more small one, hmmm. Now, let us get you back to your Naneth, Oropherion. If we go now - I do believe you shall even be early for your supper."

A fact that would likely soften his Nana's heart when it came to him asking to head out especially early on the morrow, Thranduil mused.

"Yes Master Oaklock, I think that would be for the best."

~o~

Thranduil quickly scrambled off the raft used for crossing the Esgalduin and headed in the direction of where he was to meet Oaklock.

Thranduil's early arrival from his day's activities the previous afternoon had seen him have enough time to play a board game with his Nana. That, along with his submissiveness during his bath, and good grace and beautiful manners at supper, had seen his Nana easily acquiesce to him having a very early breakfast and going out for the rest of the day - after she had laden him down with lunch and good few snacks.

Thranduil was glad. He needed everything to go perfectly today - Yule was getting ever closer and he really did not have much more time if he wanted to get the scent made for his Ada.

Thranduil broke into a jog. He was eager to get this day underway.

~o~

"Good morning Master Oaklock. I'm here! Early, as promised, are you ready?"

Oaklock gave a great rumbling yawn before he stretched and sent thick clumps of the snow that had fallen overnight raining down upon the ground and Thranduil below.

"Hey!" The small elf protested, even as he danced out of the way of being further doused with the white powder.

"Hmmm, Oropherion. Ho! You are here."

"Yes, and you've very nearly buried me alive shaking all that snow off your branches."

A booming laugh erupted from the Ent.

"I am sorry small one, harooom…my apologies. Now," Oaklock reached down to scoop Thranduil up and placed him upon his shoulder. "No time for your squirrely climbing today, hahrooom. We'd better get a move on. Hold on tight!"

Thranduil tucked himself up close against Oaklock's neck and held on tightly. Riding upon an Ent was great, but wobbly fun. And it really wouldn't do to fall.

Grip secure, Thranduil nodded his readiness which Oaklock answered with a grin and then they were off. The Ent's giant steps saw Thranduil sway from side to side in time with each movement, the brisk wind rushing past his ears and whipping up his hair.

The little elf felt as though he could see all of Arda in its snow covered beauty from his high perch and he laughed with pure exhilaration.

Valar, it was fun to ride an Ent!

~o~

Despite two hours having passed since they'd set off, Thranduil was still disappointed when Oaklock slowed his stride and announced they had almost arrived at their destination.

The small blonde had had great fun with the wind rushing in his hair, swaying from side to side like an edain pirate upon a ship. He'd also enjoyed pointing out to Oaklock any and everything that caught his eye as they had made their way westwards, with the Ent being good enough to tell Thranduil a story about each thing pointed out to him.

Thranduil didn't want his ride to end - he was having far too much fun. Still, he contented himself with the fact that there would yet be a ride back home to enjoy.

Turning his mind back to the matter at hand and the reason for him being out here in the first place, Thranduil looked over to the area that Oaklock had pointed out as their destination. It was a thick grove of willow trees - their frosted branches long and gleaming in the winter sunshine as they swept the banks where all three rivers met.

Thranduil felt a frisson of trepidation shoot through him as he stared.

"Are you sure it is safe? That we will be okay once we leave the protection of the Girdle?" He wrung his small hands worriedly. "I have never been outside of it before and Nana would have my head if she knew."

"Grruhhm, of course you shall be safe, small one. We are only going a few feet outside of Lady Melian's Girdle, not so far after all; what's more the willow trees and I shall keep a very keen eye upon you to ensure you meet no trouble. All will be well, hmmm. And as for your Naneth… Well, I leave it to you to decide if you shall tell her of your adventures, hrooom. Now, shall we continue?"

Thranduil considered for a moment before he gave a nod of his ash blonde head.

"Yes, let's go!"

He felt reassured by Oaklock's words and more than that he didn't really have a choice - not if he wanted to finally get the oakmoss needed for his Ada's gift.

Oaklock hummed, pleased and set off again. They crossed the Sirion and over to the other side where the willows glittered and shimmered, resplendent with their covering of icicles.

There was an odd little tickle that rushed across Thranduil's senses as they crossed over and out of the protection of the Girdle. The wind felt colder, harsher and it was as if a gentle hum in the back of his mind, that he had erstwhile been unaware of, had suddenly been ripped away to leave an eerie quiet.

Thranduil wasn't sure he liked it and felt scared. His Nana was right; he shouldn't be out here - not for any reason. It wasn't safe.

The slightly panicking elfling was just about to ask Oaklock to turn them around - he'd find something else for his Ada's gift - when several pleased cries sounded in his mind.

"A baby elf!"

"An elfling, how wonderful!"

"Offspring of the Eldar! Oh, Oaklock, you have brought us a treat."

Thranduil looked down from his towering perch to see a number of the willow trees stretching their branches as far as they would go in his direction.

"Oh do come down and play little elf."

"Yes, yes, play with us."

"We haven't seen a baby elf in centuries. Do come down and say hello."

"Oh yes do!"

"Please do!"

"Do!"

"Do!"

Thranduil's nerves and anxiety over crossing the Girdle fled in the face of the friendly trees before him - all seemingly desperate to play with him. And Thranduil did so love to make new friends.

He looked to Oaklock seeking the Ent's permission, which was readily given.

"Hrooom, go now Oropherion…the willows can't wait to have you as their guest, hmmm. Play with them a while then ask them for what you need."

Thranduil didn't need to be told twice and the gregarious blonde happily swung himself down into the branches that so eagerly reached for him.

~o~

Thranduil lounged in the crook of a willow tree, where sturdy branch met trunk, as he idly sucked on a stick of rock as he listened to the tale that the willow currently cradling him told.

He had had the most marvellous morning and was now having a little bit of a rest. For from the very first moment Thranduil had swung down into the grasping branches of the willow trees he'd been on the move non-stop. He'd swung from branch to branch as the willow trees all clamoured to meet, touch and hold him - every one of them keen to spend time with an elfling.

They'd played a game and had swung him high and then low, passing him from one to the other, never once dropping him or losing their grip upon the small blonde. A game that had seen Thranduil shrieking and laughing with delight.

Then the trees had leaned together and clasped their branches in an intricate pattern in order to form a living climbing frame - one which Thranduil heartily took to, and thus he'd spent a large portion of the morning leaping, swinging, climbing and jumping around.

After he'd taken a break for lunch (once again lovingly packed by his Nana), two of the largest willows had bound their branches together to form a swing and had then swung Thranduil back and forth over the Sirion, getting ever higher and higher.

Thranduil had been thrilled as he flew up and over the dark, icy churning waters of the mighty river as it gushed and thundered below him. It was so exciting and filled his large appetite for adventure and daring-do, and Thranduil had all but shouted himself hoarse as he yelled out in triumphant, unbridled joy.

Though he'd been loath to admit it, Thranduil had eventually grown tired after so much rigorous play and so it was he found himself now: tucked up tightly against the doting tree that held him, listening to the tales of the willows as they told him stories of their small glade and the meeting of the three mighty rivers, and of the peoples and animals they had seen come and go over the centuries.

Thranduil slurped at his rock as he listened, fascinated by the things the trees had seen over their long years. Tales of the elves who'd first found these lands, who'd first navigated and fished the rivers, as well as tales of the race of Men.

The small blonde would have happily stayed right where he was for a great, many more hours had Oaklock not interrupted with a gentle rumble.

"Hroooom, Oropherion…small one - I do believe it is time to take our leave…that is if we are to try and make it back ere darkness falls. Though, barooom, we may have well already left it a tad too late for that, hmmm."

Thranduil shot up and glanced around at the sky that had grown several shades darker and the shadows that had lengthened. Oaklock was right - dusk was all but upon them. How had time flown by so quickly?

The small blonde gave himself a shake, stretched then stood upright.

"Oaklock is right mellyn-nin - I do have to get going now. Nana will be worried and will scold me dreadfully should I return after dark and be late for supper." Thranduil gave the trunk of the tree he was in a hug. "I thank you for such a marvellous day! I've had such great fun. Le fael."

"You're most welcome, little elf."

"Tis been our great pleasure elfing."

"We have had a grand time too little one."

"Your company has brightened our entire winter baby elf, and you are most welcome to return again."

"Oh yes, you must return to us again someday - do."

"Do!"

"Do!"

"Oh yes, please do!"

Thranduil laughed even as he made his way over into Oaklock's upturned palm. "I will come back someday to visit. Perhaps in the summer. I would dearly like to play with you all again, but for now I must bid you all navaer!"

"Grruhhm, aren't you forgetting something small one? The actual thing we came all this way for?"

Thranduil gave a loud gasp. "Of course! How silly of me to forget - I have had such a great morning with you all I have all but forgotten my quest. My thanks Master Oaklock for the reminder."

Thranduil gave the Ent a fond pat before he turned to face the willow trees again.

"Please mellyn-nin, I have a favour to ask and I hope you can help."

"Ask away elfling, it would be out pleasure to help."

"Yes, ask us, do ask us."

Thranduil smiled, heartened by the willows' response to his request for help.

"Well, it is almost Yule and I want to make a gift for my Ada. I wish to make him a bottle of scent and his favourite scent is oakmoss, but I haven't been able to find any in Neldoreth nor in Region. I have looked and looked but due to the dry, dusty summer, which also resulted in a fire, it seems that oakmoss simply didn't grow in Doriath this year. Master Oaklock however suggested you might have some and be kind enough to give me a bit so that I can make my Ada's gift. So, can you help me?"

Thranduil turned big, ice blue, hopeful eyes upon the willow trees. He did so hope they had the lichen he was desperate to find. For as nice a day as he'd had, it would still all be for naught if he had to leave empty handed and no closer to being able to make the gift he desired to give to his Ada.

The willows did not reply immediately but instead seemed to speak among themselves in low, mumbling susurrations that the small blonde couldn't understand; a thing that caused Thranduil's heart to quake - had this been another failure?

Another long moment or two passed before at last, the willow tree that had last been holding Thranduil reached out for him again.

"We do indeed have what you desire, little elf - though it has not grown upon those of us closer to the river this year, but on those of us further into the forest. Come, we will guide you to the one willow who has the most oakmoss to give you. She will fill your satchel, worry not."

Thranduil beamed at the news and once more left Oaklock and swung down into the thick grove of willow trees. They led him, branches gently tugging at his arms, deeper into the forest until at last he came upon a wisened, elderly willow tree right at the very border of the grove.

"Hello small elf, I hear you wish for some of my oakmoss."

"Aye, I would have some if you'd be so kind as to give it to me," Thranduil intoned solemnly before he gave a small smile, suddenly feeling shy in the face of such an ancient tree.

"Of course you may have some, take as much as you can possibly carry. I do not need it for any purpose of my own. I merely give it a place to live amongst my branches, so if the oakmoss brings you pleasure then please do help yourself."

Thranduil was ecstatic and wasted no time in crawling into the elderly willows eager embrace before he began to gently divest her of the pale green lichen.

~o~

"Thanks again mellyn!"

Thranduil waved from his perch upon Oaklock's shoulder. He had gotten all the oakmoss he could possibly desire - his satchel was all but bursting with it - and he felt relief at having at long last accomplished his self-appointed task of obtaining the lichen. His heart was light and worry free once more as he waved a vigorous goodbye to his new willow friends.

He waved and waved until Oaklock splashed back across the Sirion and over once more into the comforting magics of Melian's Girdle. Thranduil felt pleased as he settled himself more comfortably upon the Ent's shoulder to enjoy his swaying ride back home.

It was late, and in only half an hour or so it would be fully dark. Thranduil would be late for his supper and have to face the wrath of his Nana for both that sin and returning after dark. But it was all worth it; today had been a very good day. He had achieved and found what he set out for, made an entire grove's worth of new friends, and had had a day filled with adventurous fun. Yes, it was worth every second of scolding Thranduil knew awaited him.

And so, having made peace with his fate, the little blonde decided to throw himself wholeheartedly into enjoying the swaying and bucking ride back home - his active imagination once more seeing him become an edain pirate upon a ship returning with a chest filled with treasure.

~o~

Oaklock smiled to hear the young one's fun as he played some incomprehensible game that caused him to yell out "Arr!" and "Ye scurvy dog!" from time to time.

He was glad to have been able to spend time with the fun loving elfling, to introduce his willow friends to the little one, and to help the small elf find the oakmoss he'd been so desperate for.

It had been one of the best days that Oaklock had spent awake in centuries.

But now he had his own mission - to get the little Oropherion home to his Naneth as soon as possible.

He stretched his long legs even further, pushing with all his might to cover as much ground as possible with his widened stride. He didn't wish to see the small elf be scolded too harshly by his worried mother, and so he pushed himself to speeds quite unnatural for Ents.

He would bring the little one right up to his front door, Oaklock decided. Perhaps that would help his Naneth see he had spent the day in good hands and been well taken care of, and perhaps he might even be able to explain and take the blame away from the small Oropherion.

Yes, it was a sound plan, thought Oaklock. Anything to prolong the bright smile upon the little elf's face.

~o~

Thranduil was missing. Her only child was missing and Mírdis was trying very hard not to panic.

Something that was becoming harder and harder to do as dusk melted away into early evening and swiftly tumbled into the full darkness of night.

Where on Arda was Thranduil?

His suppertime and bath time had both passed and his bedtime was rapidly approaching - and still no sign of her precious, precocious elfling.

Mírdis tapped her foot as she stood on the front porch and peered out into the dark, frosty night, hoping against hope to catch sight of Thranduil - bedraggled and dirty as he so often came back to her.

She didn't care at this point if he were to show up covered in the thick, black mud from the banks of the Esgalduin - so long as he showed up at all.

Mírdis worried at her lip and pushed a strand of silver hair from her face as she wished in vain that her husband were here so that she might have sent him out in search of their wayward son. But alas, it was just her and Thranduil staying here in the family holiday home. Oropher would not arrive until late on the morrow after Thingol's court broke for the upcoming Yule festivities. If anyone were going to head out into the deep gloom to find Thranduil it would have to be her.

Mírdis had just decided to fetch her horse and head in the direction her son had run off in early that morn, when there came a great rumbling and rustling among the trees that bordered their property.

Mírdis' heart thumped painfully in her chest as she suddenly wished she had some knowledge of sword play, or even archery with which to defend against the huge unknown thing that was crashing its way slowly but surely toward her home. As it was she found herself frozen to the spot, unable to move and grab so much as a kitchen knife as she waited in terror to see what horror would reveal itself.

She expected something terrible and frightening; for surely it had to be such to get past the Girdle – something such as wargs or maybe orcs - perhaps they had caught Thranduil?

Oh Valar, please no!

And so with horrifying thoughts running rampant through her mind, Mírdis almost fainted in shock when with one last crash an Ent appeared - right at her front gate - with none other than Thranduil perched jauntily upon its shoulder.

~o~

"Thranduil Oropherion! You come down from there right now!"

Uh-oh.

Thranduil bit his lip. His Nana was angry.

He watched as Mírdis stalked toward them with determination in every step.

She was very angry.

Hurriedly Thranduil grabbed at his satchel from where he'd hung it upon one of Oaklock's branches, secured it to his person and gave Oaklock a quick, tight hug.

"Hannon-le Oaklock, I am in your debt for bringing me to get the oakmoss," Thranduil patted his stuffed satchel. "I am sorry to leave in a hurry…" the small blonde gazed down at his rapidly approaching Naneth and blanched. "But my Nana doesn't look too happy so I had better go down to her now."

"Hroom, Oropherion…small one…here let me help you down, hmmm."

Oaklock held out his palm and Thranduil grinned at him before he stepped into the waiting hand.

Oaklock gently lowered him down to where his Nana stood, arms crossed with a fierce expression on her face.

"And just where have you been?"

Thranduil held back a wince as he realised just how much he'd angered his Nana. That tone of voice - falsely sweet and completely sardonic - didn't mean anything good for him. But ere he could so much as open his mouth Oaklock spoke.

"I do apologise my lady, for it is my fault the little one is so late, hroom. It has been centuries since I have gotten to play with and be around one so young, and I confess it was hard for me to give up his company."

Thranduil watched as his Nana's sharp, angry eyes took in Oaklock in his entirety.

"And just where was it that you and my son went haring off to that it has taken you so long to come back? And did you not see it getting dark? Did it not then occur to you that perhaps little elves ought to be getting home to their Nana's?"

This time Thranduil did wince and opened his mouth to defend his newfound friend, but Oaklock beat him to it once again.

"Grruhhm, in truth it wasn't all that far my lady; just to the other side of the Esgalduin… and west along its banks on the side of the Forest of Region, hmmm. I introduced your son to some of my charges - a rather lovely group of willows, barrummm, and from there…I'm afraid we lost all sense of time. I ask you, please don't be too hard on the little Oropherion… your son is very well mannered, hrooom, and a complete delight to be around. He does you great credit."

Thranduil bit his lip and carefully watched his Nana's face. He hoped that she wouldn't see through the small white lie Oaklock had buried in amongst the truth. And he desperately hoped that the fact that someone praising his manners and upbringing would soften his Nana somewhat - towards Oaklock at least, if not him.

His Nana stayed silent for a long moment before she gave a single nod of her silver haired head.

"Very well Master Ent - the joy of elflings can indeed cause one to lose time, especially when they are as energetic and fun loving as my Thranduil can be. I am glad to see you have kept him well in your care, and I thank you for bringing him home directly and not letting him wander about in the dark."

"I would never countenance such a thing my lady, hroom. I kept careful and joyful eyes upon him all day."

Mírdis gave another clipped little nod of her head.

"And for that again I say hannon-le. But you must excuse us now Master…?"

"Oh, hmmm, Oaklock - Oaklock is my name…yes."

"Master Oaklock - it is good to make your acquaintance - I was unaware of Ents living in Doriath. Leave it to Thranduil to find and rouse you."

Thranduil did his best to radiate innocence as his Nana gave him a dry look.

"But, as I was saying, it is well past Thranduil's supper, bath and bedtimes - so you'll have to excuse us for now. Doubtless we will meet again." His Nana gave a small bow toward Oaklock. "Navaer."

"Hrooom, goodbye…my lady."

Thranduil watched his Nana as she turned and began to make her way back up to the house before he spun to face Oaklock once more.

"Hannon-le mellon-nin. Hannon-le! You have gotten me out of the worst of the scolding I think."

Thranduil rushed up to Oaklock's broad trunk and wrapped his little arms around it, as far as he could reach, as he embraced the Ent. "Thank you for everything today - Ada will have his Yule gift and Nana most likely won't hang me by my ear points. You are a good friend, and I'll come and visit you soon, I promise!"

"You're most welcome small one…Oropherion, hrooom. Now, you had better go ere you stoke your Naneth's anger again."

Thranduil turned to see that his Nana had almost reached their front porch, and spurred by the sight (and what would happen if he didn't hurry up) the small blonde gave Oaklock another tight hug before he shot off up the path with a furious burst of speed.

Just in time to slip his small hand into his Nana's as she stepped up onto the porch.

~o~

Of course, Oaklock's placating words to his Nana had only gotten Thranduil so far.

Mírdis was still very brusque as she ordered him up to his room to strip off his dirty clothes and unbraid his hair whilst she fetched more hot water to warm his bath back up.

And she showed no mercy as she scrubbed him quickly, thoroughly and a tad more roughly than need be (at least in Thranduil's opinion).

"Don't you ever do that again."

"You gave me such a fright coming back so late after dark."

"What would your Adar say?"

Thranduil took the scolding meekly. It could have been a lot worse but for Oaklock's intervention and extolling of his good manners.

More than that however, Thranduil had the warm, glowing satisfaction of having at long last accomplished a hard task. He had the oakmoss; all he needed and more besides, and he would be able to start on the scent making for his Ada's gift on the morrow.

(And it was likely best that he stayed indoors and within his Nana's immediate sight for the next few days. After all, he didn't want to be deemed naughty - not now so close to Yule.)

"I'm sorry about returning late today Nana - I didn't mean to get so carried away. I'll not scare you so again. I'll be good and I'll be on time. I promise."

Thranduil beamed up at his Nana who ruffled his drying hair with a sigh.

"I know Tharan-min, I know you always try your best."

The soft words made Thranduil smile all the more, and he didn't resist when his Nana scooped him up into her lap and cuddled him close - though he was far too big for such things anymore.

Instead, he let himself snuggle into his Nana's soft warmth as he proceeded to demolish his delayed supper that his Nana had sat them down to.

All was well in Thranduil's world.

He had accomplished his mission to find the oakmoss, and his Ada would have a Yule gift he'd be sure to enjoy.

A sleepy grin crossed Thranduil's face as he revelled once more in his achievement.

Yes, all was well.

END.

Nana / Naneth – Mamma (Mommy) / Mother

Ada – Papa (Daddy)

Penneth – Young One

Ellon – Male elf

Edain – (Plural of Adan) Men

Hannon-le – Thank you

Eldar – Elves

Mellyn-nin / Mellyn / Mellon-nin – My Friend – My Friends / Friends / My Friend

Le fael – Literally: You are generous – Sindarin version of Thank you

Navaer – Farewell

Tharan-min – Vigourous One – a childhood nickname for Thranduil

A/N: And so here ends the first of my Christmas Fics 2023. This year I present to you a 'Trio of Thranduil' – three Thranduil-centric fics that take place at differing points in his life. Two that are full of warm, family feels and one with a good ol' dash of angst. I hope you enjoy each one and, if you do, please consider dropping me a one liner to let me know what you think. Tune in on Thursday (21.12.23) for the second fic! Happy Holidays - KimicT