A/N : This story is dedicated to Thranduil, my favourite character of all time. This is about his childhood. This songfic wouldn't be here without the great song of Enya, "Wild Child". I hope you enjoy reading!

Ever close your eyes

Ever stop and listen

Ever feel alive

And you've nothing missing

You don't need a reason

Let the day go on and on

The moment King Oropher had said the words "You are all dismissed", Thranduil had already disappeared through the large wooden doors that led out of Amon Lanc to the forest beyond. The young ellon knew that attending banquets the court were part of his many princely duties, but they were particularly boring. Hunting in the forest, riding his elk and running around in the forest were much more interesting than hearing silly gossip over the table and dancing with girls you hardly knew. Some of the nobles thought he was too wild for his own good and not aristocratic enough for someone with his title.

He couldn't care less.

In fact, he would have been worried that he was the ideal, obedient son who blindly followed whatever his parents told him to do to live up to their expectations.

He was like that once. But he wasn't like that anymore.

It wasn't that he was irresponsible. Thranduil just wanted to be free.

His swift footsteps led him to the depths of Eryn Lasgalen that he loved so much. A vast array of colours blended well with one another; trees of all shapes and sizes softly swayed, dancing with the wind; and a mix of dark and light spots made it all the more diverse.

He closed his eyes as he walked around the forest that he knew so well. He had been here as long as he could remember, to the point that it felt more like home than the palace. In his mind he could picture the large oak tree to his right and the tall pine trees ahead.

A sweet melody rebounded across the multitude of flora and fauna. Little by little, Thranduil memorised the sequence of heavenly notes that the birds above him were whistling, and soon joined nature's chorus.

"Oh, why haven't I done this earlier?" he asked aloud.

Thranduil corrected himself about what his regular visits to his beloved forest were.

During that time, he felt so alive.

Let the rain fall down

Everywhere around you

Give into it now

Let the day surround you

You don't need a reason

Let the rain go on and on

Rain was falling, but that didn't faze him. There was no need to seek shelter as it wasn't a raging storm. Just a light downpour of water droplets.

Rain washed away all of the stress from these hellish past weeks. Suddenly, Thranduil felt as if a huge burden was lifted from his shoulders. The worries that the kingdom will still stand to the more numerous attacks of orcs and their part of the kingdom being infested with dark creatures of another time and age and anger, confusion and guilt all soon dissipated. It left the prince in a sweet state of bliss.

He gave into nature's charm.

What a day, what a day to take to

What a way, what a way to make it through

What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

The prince of Greenwood just wished his father would have let him go more often to the forest. He'd watched several of his Silvan friends go hunting or riding with their father's. They, at least, were fortunate to have an unbreakable bond between them, with a caring father that actually loved you. He had the complete opposite. Oropher only cared about the perception the rest of the kingdom had of the royal family.

There were no happy memories, as far as Thranduil could remember. Never had his father shown to be affectionate. Once, he came back from patrol duties, severely injured.

And to his surprise, his expression remained neutral. Cold even.

A sixteen year old Thranduil strode into the halls of Amon Lanc. Greenwood had never been threatened before, but having gone a little too South, they had been attacked by a legion of orcs who had settled there recently. Death and destruction now hovered around there. Having the king order them to go there was just irresponsible.

He was trying his best to walk straight, and for his kingdom's sake he tried not to look desperate. But he had a throbbing skull and excruciating pain ripped his insides. His left abdomen was bleeding heavily, which he covered with one of his hands. In front of King Oropher, you had to look presentable. But you also had to be on time.

He was met with many sympathetic looks from his comrades, the ones he had saved. Which explained why he was hurt. But at least they were safe and sound. It was his duty to protect them, not the opposite.

When he looked up, his eyes made contact with the ones of his king. Dressed in deep red robes that trailed behind him, Oropher displayed all his glory. They were tight enough around his arms, to show with all his pride the bulging muscles that made you think of a warrior king.

In truth he wasn't. Not that he was the ruler of a peaceful kingdom, he just didn't know how to fight to survive, like his son. That's what separated the two, making them forever at odds.

"What is this?" a cold yet deep voice resonated through the cavernous halls. "Why do I see that your patrol is back a week earlier than planned, captain?"

"Aran nin (My lord), we were ambushed by orcs on the way. Their attack was unexpected. It seems to me that they have been more active around us these past few months."

A harsh laugh followed. "Do you not think I have noticed that? That's why I asked you to go there. Exterminate them, to defend Greenwood!"

With surprising agility he stood up from his throne and in no time was in front of Thranduil.

"Why do you fail to complete your duties every single time I hand them over to you? You are nothing but a complete failure," he hissed, before slapping him hard on the cheek. Already extremely weak, Thranduil did not find the strength to stay steady on his feet and he collapsed, his head smashing unto the ground.

It was only later that he was told by the people who witnessed the event that the King had ordered that they take care of him. It wasn't his job to deal with him.

Only take the time

From the helter skelter

Every day you find

Everything's in kilter

You don't need a reason

Let the day go on and on

Everything was in disorder and confusion recently as Thranduil was going to be wed (an arranged marriage, of course) with Arminda, the daughter of one of Oropher's closest friends. Wedding preparations were underway and the palace was hanging up decorations and doing last minute check ups. For instance, this morning he was measured by the royal seamstresses so that his white robes would fit him. And he heard Arminda had gone through the same. They'd tried several hairstyles, but he preferred a simple long plait compared to the horrible exquisite and complex hair dos that they proposed.

His life could not have taken a better turn for the worst. He didn't even know his future wife-to-be! How she was like, or what she enjoyed, or if she even loved him at all. He doubted it. She was only there for his looks, money and fame.

Everything had turned into chaos.

The day wasn't going to be ruined by the wedding. He was determined to keep that as the least important thing on his mind right now and enjoy the few weeks that he was still alone.

Every summer sun

Every winter evening

Every spring to come

Every autumn leaving

You don't need a reason

Let it all go on and on

Spring passes to summer pretty fast. From newly blossoming flowers, melting snow and gentle breeze, now there is a blazing sun. Sweat gathers on Thranduil's forehead, but he doesn't pay any heed as he continues to run through the forest, his legs and arms moving swiftly in harmony with one another. An untameable, restless spirit burning in his veins and heart. And nothing was going to stop him.

He didn't have any reason to run around freely. There was no danger lurking in the shadows. At least not around here. The North was still free from orcs and spiders. So there was nothing to hide and flee from. He just wanted to enjoy the benefits of his carefree youth.

During that time, he was free from princely duties and nagging tutors. He was free from elleths that were desperately trying to court him or gain any interest whatsoever.

He was going to make most of his summer.

What a day, what a day to take to

What a way, what a way to make it through

What a day, what a day to take to a wild child