Epilogue
Legolas rubbed his eyes sleepily and sat up, looking for Naurthûl. The toy dragon lay on the floor. Legolas pushed the blankets back and dropped onto the floor, lifting the toy up and giving it a hug. "Naurthûl, why are you on the floor?" he crooned to the toy then set it on the bed with loving care. He walked over to the wardrobe and paused before opening it. He looked over to the toy dragon that stared back at him with its bead eyes. "The monster isn't in there in during the day is it?" he asked warily wondering if such things were so.
Naurthûl made no response either way. Legolas decided to brave it. He flung the doors open and yelped in surprise when a pile of toys that he'd hurriedly put in there last night fell on top of him. He sat up straight and looked at the pile of toys around him indignantly. He heard laughter and looked at Naurthûl in surprise - since when could the toy dragon laugh?
It took him a few seconds to realise that it was Silagilgalad, standing in the doorway that was laughing at him. He blinked and gave her a dirty look. She feigned horror at his glare. "Oh if such dark looks could wound!" she chuckled as she stepped into his room and walked over to help him pick them up. "That will teach you to put your toys away properly when asked," she said airily.
Legolas doubted it.
After the toys were put away properly and he was dressed, she led him outside before breakfast to keep him from annoying the rising members of the household, as he was wont to do. "Don't wander off Legolas," she warned, remembering Thranduil's reaction when disappeared the other day. Silagilgalad was distracted by a gossiping group of birds, letting her attention drift from her younger brother as he looked around.
Legolas was utterly delighted. It must have rained during the night because there were mud puddles everywhere! He pried his elf shoes off, setting them on the steps lest they get dirty and rushed over and jumped in the middle of the nearest one, then jumped to the next. He relished the feel of the mud as between his toes as it was cool and soft. An idea hit him and he ran inside, leaving a trail of muddy footprints in his wake.
He ventured into the kitchen and looked around. Numerous elves were fussing around the breakfast they were making but the didn't notice him. He brightened, spying a great big pie dish that he cold use. He grabbed it and took it back outside and sat in the mud. He picked up great big goopy handfuls and patted them down with great precision.
His nose itched. He scratched as he stood up, looking for some fallen leaves and sticks to decorate it. He found some oak leaves and artfully set them in the top of the mud, proud of his creation. He looked up and saw Silagilgalad was still talking with the birds, not paying attention to him.
He shrugged and lifted the dish, surprised at how heavy it was. Nonetheless he carried it into the dining room. The table was set, simply awaiting the royal family to sit so that the food could be set out. Legolas staggered over to the table and set the heavy dish next to his father's seat. He frowned, seeing something wrong with the picture. The food always went in the middle of the table so that everyone could reach. Legolas decided that this problem was easily remedied. He scrambled onto Thranduil's chair and cautiously pulled himself up onto the tabletop. He lifted the dish and set it in the middle of the table and jumped down.
Legolas was certain everyone would appreciate his efforts to serve them breakfast. In his haste to get outside to tell Silagilgalad what he had done, he fell over in the slippery mud. He let out a yell of surprise and sat up, mud dripping off him. Silagilgalad turned around and groaned, staring at her mud covered sibling. She excused herself from the birds and walked over to him, her hands on her hips. "Legolas Greenleaf – is there no common sense in that head of yours?" she demanded, reaching down to lift him up then pausing, having no desire to get mud on herself. Legolas pouted at her scolding– he had not meant to fall over! Silagilgalad was not done with him yet it seemed. "Now you'll have to have a bath before breakfast and we'll be late now." She sighed and gave up – he was an utter mess. She grabbed his hand and dragged him inside, trying to ignore the dark footprints he was leaving.
She was almost to his room when she heard Thranduil yell from the dining room. She paused and looked suspiciously at Legolas. "What have you done now you little goblin?" she demanded. He looked at her indignantly, resenting the name. She dragged him to the dining room and her mouth fell open in shock.
There was a mudpie on the table, in a pie dish no less surrounded by Legolas sized footprints and Thranduil's chair was covered in muddy footprints as well. The King whirled to look at them, taking in the sight of his mud-covered son, his face dark with fury. Silagilgalad grimaced and hurriedly dragged Legolas back to his room, praying her sisters could calm Thranduil.
"Perhaps we won't be as late to breakfast as I first thought Legolas."
It was late in the afternoon when Legolas leaned against the throne room doors, wondering what his father was going to say to him. His special breakfast had not quite gone as he'd intended. After Silagilgalad had dragged him off to have a bath and she'd ordered him to stay in his room. Normally he wouldn't have listened. He'd refused to come out of his room for months and he had no great desire to stay in there now but something about the look on his Ada's face made him stay in there.
He now had a sneaking suspicion that his Ada was not too keen on mudpie.
He stepped back as officials walked out, talking to each other. They saw him and bowed their heads in his direction then turned to each other whispering about the 'mud incident' that had placed Thranduil in a foul mood all day. Legolas bowed back and grimaced. If Ada was cranky then he must be in big trouble. He stuck his head in as the last elf left, looking around the vast throne room for his Ada. Thranduil was clearly waiting and waved him in. He didn't look happy either – in fact he looked infuriated. Legolas walked in, head held high and stopped by his father, hands behind his back and eyes cast downward. Thranduil didn't say anything. After several minutes silence Legolas couldn't take it any more. He raised his head and looked at his father uncertainly, hoping he wasn't about to be punished to severely.
Thranduil stared at him sternly; bewildered that this same little elf that had decided that mudpie should be on the menu for that morning's breakfast had not a week ago been scaring him with his sullen and tearful behaviour. Whatever it was that Legolas had done the other day while out in the forest with that old hair comb of Melethmir's had done him good. The turnabout was incredible. It was a great relief – or it had been until he discovered his mud-covered chair that morning.
He kept the stern look on his face and walked over to a nearby table and lifted a bow and quiver of arrows off it. They were brilliantly made and a good deal smaller than a normal elven bow. Legolas looked at the bow in trepidation, wondering what his father was going to do. Thranduil weighed the bow and quiver in his hands. "What do you think of them Legolas?" he asked, not looking at the little elf.
Legolas looked at them, wondering where this was leading. He wasn't an expert on weapons, he preferred his toys to such things but his brothers would sometimes take him out to show him. Once Ballas and Bainalfirin had thought it amusing to make Legolas stand perfectly still so that they could shoot an apple off the top of his head. Their mother had caught them and Thranduil had punished them for that one. He studied it then looked at his father. "It's beautiful Ada," he said softly.
Thranduil smiled slightly. "I am glad you think so Titenlaeglass," he said studying it in approval. He looked down at him and offered it. "Tis yours now." Legolas looked at his father in utter shock. "Mine?" he exclaimed in surprise, wondering what he had done to deserve such a gift. He'd thought he was about to be punished, not receive gifts! His face lit up in delight.
Thranduil nodded absently. "Your mother asked the craftsman to make it for you, just before she died. It was finished yesterday. She thought you would like to start learning archery as you love being outside so much," he said affectionately, handing it to the awe struck elf child. Legolas reached for it tentatively, his eyes as wide as saucers. Thranduil's gentle attitude shifted abruptly and he held it just out of his reach. "But after today's…behaviour –" Legolas's face fell. "- It now comes with a few conditions."
Legolas looked at him nervously. "What Ada?" he asked timidly. His siblings often complained about Thranduil harsh punishments. Thranduil straightened, fixing him with a strict glare. "Firstly, you will have a bath everyday without any complaints. Secondly, the paintings in your room will be restored and you will try to keep your room in a respectable state. And thirdly – there will be absolutely no more mudpies at the table. Is this understood Legolas Greenleaf?"
Legolas bit his lip and nodded. Thranduil raised an eyebrow expectantly. Legolas stood up straight and looked him in the eye. "I understand Ada," he said firmly. Thranduil smiled and his demeanour softened. "I am glad to hear it." He held out the bow again and Legolas took it, a bewildered look on his face.
Legolas gazed at the bow in wonder, running his hands over the skilfully made object, studying the elegant patterns and inscriptions, trying to figure out what they said, and pulling the string back as he had seen his father and brothers do with their bows. He dragged his gaze from his new gift to look at his father. "I don't know what to say… it's a wonderful gift Ada. Thank you." He cringed. "I'm sorry about the mudpie though."
Thranduil smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Tis alright. Though I think you might have to apologise to the cooks for dirtying their dish." Legolas nodded and focused on the bow again. Thranduil indicated the gift. "It was your mother's idea not mine. But I am glad you like it Titenlaeglass. Your mother was hoping you would. She thought you as more of an archer than a swordsman," he said fondly, amused that Legolas didn't even notice that he had messed his hair. He sank to his knee to look Legolas in the eye. "I know not what you did out in the woods the other day…but I am glad you did it. Tis nice to have my happy if mischievous Titenlaeglass back." Legolas smiled at his father and leaned over to hug him. Thranduil pulled back first. "Would you like to go outside and practice with it now?" he asked, smiling.
Legolas was practically hopping from foot to foot with excitement. "Yes!" he squealed. Thranduil followed him outside and found a quiet place for Legolas to practice on targets. He set them up and showed Legolas how to use his bow properly. Legolas listened intently and copied the movements of his father, swiftly getting the hang for his new bow.
Thranduil was impressed with how quickly he picked it up, especially as he was still so young. "Your mother was right – you are a natural archer," he said with paternal pride. Legolas smiled, pleased to hear that. "She thought so?" he asked, pulling the string back and taking careful aim. Thranduil nodded. "Indeed she did," he said as Legolas let the arrow fly, missing by a mile.
Silagilgalad appeared and watched for a while as Thranduil taught Legolas how to use his bow. She smiled, greatly pleased that he now had something to focus on. Better than his 'cooking attempts' anyway. She was aware of the rest of her sibling creeping closer to watch the little prince practice with his new gift. Doronorn raised an eyebrow. "For such a sapling he's good at this," he murmured as impressed with Legolas's natural skill with the bow as the rest of them.
Lhendglir nodded in agreement. "Even you didn't pick it up that fast Orchalorn," she whispered to her other brother. He smiled as Legolas let loose another arrow. "That's cause Doronorn kept swapping my arrows with trick ones. The arrows just flopped instead of lying straight." Ballas grinned impishly, liking that idea. "I shall have to remember that one. Do you think Adar would be very angry if I swapped his?" Bainalfirin giggled and looked at him. "Do it. I dare you," she challenged, her eyes dark with mischief. Ballas smirked, never one to back down from a dare. "Consider it done then." He ran off.
Silagilgalad rolled her eyes. "Must you encourage his tricks?" she asked scoldingly. Doronorn snorted and smirked at her. "Must be where Legolas got his mudpie idea from." Lhendglir laughed. "I shall never forget the look on Adar's face for as long as I live!" Bainalfirin nodded, a devious grin on her face. "How else can we keep Adar on his toes? He'll get lazy if we stop pulling tricks on him." Orchalorn snickered. "I can't wait to see what punishment he gets though." Bainalfirin grinned impishly at him. "That's part of the fun." They were all relieved that Legolas was much happier now – more like his usual cheery self. They cheered as he let another arrow fly even though it missed
Legolas looked up at his father. "Should we tell them that we can hear them?"" he whispered. Thranduil glanced over his shoulder to look at his older children as they watched the archery lesson. "I say we let them figure it out for themselves," he decided, sharing a mischievous look with his bow-wielding son. He wondered how he had managed to raise a family of tricksters and figured that they must have gotten it from their mother's side. Legolas smiled, reaching for another arrow then paused looking up at his father "That monster in the wardrobe will be scared of me now right Ada?"
Thranduil looked down at him, pushing the tip off his arrow a little more to the left. He smiled as it flew, getting much closer to the target than the earlier attempts. Legolas grinned with pride. Thranduil sighed softly, thrilled –despite the mud – that Legolas was getting over his grief.
"I have no doubt that the monster in you wardrobe will be utterly terrified Titenlaeglass."
OooOOOooo
And on that note – tis the end.
Thank you very much for the positive reviews!!
*blushes*
Erm … Sorry to those that said they 'cried' though. I didn't mean to upset anyone. I simply wanted to write a bittersweet story about my favourite elf. I got rather mushy toward the end though.
*bit sheepish*
Thanks a bunch for reading – I hoped you enjoyed it.
Jade
Legolas rubbed his eyes sleepily and sat up, looking for Naurthûl. The toy dragon lay on the floor. Legolas pushed the blankets back and dropped onto the floor, lifting the toy up and giving it a hug. "Naurthûl, why are you on the floor?" he crooned to the toy then set it on the bed with loving care. He walked over to the wardrobe and paused before opening it. He looked over to the toy dragon that stared back at him with its bead eyes. "The monster isn't in there in during the day is it?" he asked warily wondering if such things were so.
Naurthûl made no response either way. Legolas decided to brave it. He flung the doors open and yelped in surprise when a pile of toys that he'd hurriedly put in there last night fell on top of him. He sat up straight and looked at the pile of toys around him indignantly. He heard laughter and looked at Naurthûl in surprise - since when could the toy dragon laugh?
It took him a few seconds to realise that it was Silagilgalad, standing in the doorway that was laughing at him. He blinked and gave her a dirty look. She feigned horror at his glare. "Oh if such dark looks could wound!" she chuckled as she stepped into his room and walked over to help him pick them up. "That will teach you to put your toys away properly when asked," she said airily.
Legolas doubted it.
After the toys were put away properly and he was dressed, she led him outside before breakfast to keep him from annoying the rising members of the household, as he was wont to do. "Don't wander off Legolas," she warned, remembering Thranduil's reaction when disappeared the other day. Silagilgalad was distracted by a gossiping group of birds, letting her attention drift from her younger brother as he looked around.
Legolas was utterly delighted. It must have rained during the night because there were mud puddles everywhere! He pried his elf shoes off, setting them on the steps lest they get dirty and rushed over and jumped in the middle of the nearest one, then jumped to the next. He relished the feel of the mud as between his toes as it was cool and soft. An idea hit him and he ran inside, leaving a trail of muddy footprints in his wake.
He ventured into the kitchen and looked around. Numerous elves were fussing around the breakfast they were making but the didn't notice him. He brightened, spying a great big pie dish that he cold use. He grabbed it and took it back outside and sat in the mud. He picked up great big goopy handfuls and patted them down with great precision.
His nose itched. He scratched as he stood up, looking for some fallen leaves and sticks to decorate it. He found some oak leaves and artfully set them in the top of the mud, proud of his creation. He looked up and saw Silagilgalad was still talking with the birds, not paying attention to him.
He shrugged and lifted the dish, surprised at how heavy it was. Nonetheless he carried it into the dining room. The table was set, simply awaiting the royal family to sit so that the food could be set out. Legolas staggered over to the table and set the heavy dish next to his father's seat. He frowned, seeing something wrong with the picture. The food always went in the middle of the table so that everyone could reach. Legolas decided that this problem was easily remedied. He scrambled onto Thranduil's chair and cautiously pulled himself up onto the tabletop. He lifted the dish and set it in the middle of the table and jumped down.
Legolas was certain everyone would appreciate his efforts to serve them breakfast. In his haste to get outside to tell Silagilgalad what he had done, he fell over in the slippery mud. He let out a yell of surprise and sat up, mud dripping off him. Silagilgalad turned around and groaned, staring at her mud covered sibling. She excused herself from the birds and walked over to him, her hands on her hips. "Legolas Greenleaf – is there no common sense in that head of yours?" she demanded, reaching down to lift him up then pausing, having no desire to get mud on herself. Legolas pouted at her scolding– he had not meant to fall over! Silagilgalad was not done with him yet it seemed. "Now you'll have to have a bath before breakfast and we'll be late now." She sighed and gave up – he was an utter mess. She grabbed his hand and dragged him inside, trying to ignore the dark footprints he was leaving.
She was almost to his room when she heard Thranduil yell from the dining room. She paused and looked suspiciously at Legolas. "What have you done now you little goblin?" she demanded. He looked at her indignantly, resenting the name. She dragged him to the dining room and her mouth fell open in shock.
There was a mudpie on the table, in a pie dish no less surrounded by Legolas sized footprints and Thranduil's chair was covered in muddy footprints as well. The King whirled to look at them, taking in the sight of his mud-covered son, his face dark with fury. Silagilgalad grimaced and hurriedly dragged Legolas back to his room, praying her sisters could calm Thranduil.
"Perhaps we won't be as late to breakfast as I first thought Legolas."
It was late in the afternoon when Legolas leaned against the throne room doors, wondering what his father was going to say to him. His special breakfast had not quite gone as he'd intended. After Silagilgalad had dragged him off to have a bath and she'd ordered him to stay in his room. Normally he wouldn't have listened. He'd refused to come out of his room for months and he had no great desire to stay in there now but something about the look on his Ada's face made him stay in there.
He now had a sneaking suspicion that his Ada was not too keen on mudpie.
He stepped back as officials walked out, talking to each other. They saw him and bowed their heads in his direction then turned to each other whispering about the 'mud incident' that had placed Thranduil in a foul mood all day. Legolas bowed back and grimaced. If Ada was cranky then he must be in big trouble. He stuck his head in as the last elf left, looking around the vast throne room for his Ada. Thranduil was clearly waiting and waved him in. He didn't look happy either – in fact he looked infuriated. Legolas walked in, head held high and stopped by his father, hands behind his back and eyes cast downward. Thranduil didn't say anything. After several minutes silence Legolas couldn't take it any more. He raised his head and looked at his father uncertainly, hoping he wasn't about to be punished to severely.
Thranduil stared at him sternly; bewildered that this same little elf that had decided that mudpie should be on the menu for that morning's breakfast had not a week ago been scaring him with his sullen and tearful behaviour. Whatever it was that Legolas had done the other day while out in the forest with that old hair comb of Melethmir's had done him good. The turnabout was incredible. It was a great relief – or it had been until he discovered his mud-covered chair that morning.
He kept the stern look on his face and walked over to a nearby table and lifted a bow and quiver of arrows off it. They were brilliantly made and a good deal smaller than a normal elven bow. Legolas looked at the bow in trepidation, wondering what his father was going to do. Thranduil weighed the bow and quiver in his hands. "What do you think of them Legolas?" he asked, not looking at the little elf.
Legolas looked at them, wondering where this was leading. He wasn't an expert on weapons, he preferred his toys to such things but his brothers would sometimes take him out to show him. Once Ballas and Bainalfirin had thought it amusing to make Legolas stand perfectly still so that they could shoot an apple off the top of his head. Their mother had caught them and Thranduil had punished them for that one. He studied it then looked at his father. "It's beautiful Ada," he said softly.
Thranduil smiled slightly. "I am glad you think so Titenlaeglass," he said studying it in approval. He looked down at him and offered it. "Tis yours now." Legolas looked at his father in utter shock. "Mine?" he exclaimed in surprise, wondering what he had done to deserve such a gift. He'd thought he was about to be punished, not receive gifts! His face lit up in delight.
Thranduil nodded absently. "Your mother asked the craftsman to make it for you, just before she died. It was finished yesterday. She thought you would like to start learning archery as you love being outside so much," he said affectionately, handing it to the awe struck elf child. Legolas reached for it tentatively, his eyes as wide as saucers. Thranduil's gentle attitude shifted abruptly and he held it just out of his reach. "But after today's…behaviour –" Legolas's face fell. "- It now comes with a few conditions."
Legolas looked at him nervously. "What Ada?" he asked timidly. His siblings often complained about Thranduil harsh punishments. Thranduil straightened, fixing him with a strict glare. "Firstly, you will have a bath everyday without any complaints. Secondly, the paintings in your room will be restored and you will try to keep your room in a respectable state. And thirdly – there will be absolutely no more mudpies at the table. Is this understood Legolas Greenleaf?"
Legolas bit his lip and nodded. Thranduil raised an eyebrow expectantly. Legolas stood up straight and looked him in the eye. "I understand Ada," he said firmly. Thranduil smiled and his demeanour softened. "I am glad to hear it." He held out the bow again and Legolas took it, a bewildered look on his face.
Legolas gazed at the bow in wonder, running his hands over the skilfully made object, studying the elegant patterns and inscriptions, trying to figure out what they said, and pulling the string back as he had seen his father and brothers do with their bows. He dragged his gaze from his new gift to look at his father. "I don't know what to say… it's a wonderful gift Ada. Thank you." He cringed. "I'm sorry about the mudpie though."
Thranduil smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Tis alright. Though I think you might have to apologise to the cooks for dirtying their dish." Legolas nodded and focused on the bow again. Thranduil indicated the gift. "It was your mother's idea not mine. But I am glad you like it Titenlaeglass. Your mother was hoping you would. She thought you as more of an archer than a swordsman," he said fondly, amused that Legolas didn't even notice that he had messed his hair. He sank to his knee to look Legolas in the eye. "I know not what you did out in the woods the other day…but I am glad you did it. Tis nice to have my happy if mischievous Titenlaeglass back." Legolas smiled at his father and leaned over to hug him. Thranduil pulled back first. "Would you like to go outside and practice with it now?" he asked, smiling.
Legolas was practically hopping from foot to foot with excitement. "Yes!" he squealed. Thranduil followed him outside and found a quiet place for Legolas to practice on targets. He set them up and showed Legolas how to use his bow properly. Legolas listened intently and copied the movements of his father, swiftly getting the hang for his new bow.
Thranduil was impressed with how quickly he picked it up, especially as he was still so young. "Your mother was right – you are a natural archer," he said with paternal pride. Legolas smiled, pleased to hear that. "She thought so?" he asked, pulling the string back and taking careful aim. Thranduil nodded. "Indeed she did," he said as Legolas let the arrow fly, missing by a mile.
Silagilgalad appeared and watched for a while as Thranduil taught Legolas how to use his bow. She smiled, greatly pleased that he now had something to focus on. Better than his 'cooking attempts' anyway. She was aware of the rest of her sibling creeping closer to watch the little prince practice with his new gift. Doronorn raised an eyebrow. "For such a sapling he's good at this," he murmured as impressed with Legolas's natural skill with the bow as the rest of them.
Lhendglir nodded in agreement. "Even you didn't pick it up that fast Orchalorn," she whispered to her other brother. He smiled as Legolas let loose another arrow. "That's cause Doronorn kept swapping my arrows with trick ones. The arrows just flopped instead of lying straight." Ballas grinned impishly, liking that idea. "I shall have to remember that one. Do you think Adar would be very angry if I swapped his?" Bainalfirin giggled and looked at him. "Do it. I dare you," she challenged, her eyes dark with mischief. Ballas smirked, never one to back down from a dare. "Consider it done then." He ran off.
Silagilgalad rolled her eyes. "Must you encourage his tricks?" she asked scoldingly. Doronorn snorted and smirked at her. "Must be where Legolas got his mudpie idea from." Lhendglir laughed. "I shall never forget the look on Adar's face for as long as I live!" Bainalfirin nodded, a devious grin on her face. "How else can we keep Adar on his toes? He'll get lazy if we stop pulling tricks on him." Orchalorn snickered. "I can't wait to see what punishment he gets though." Bainalfirin grinned impishly at him. "That's part of the fun." They were all relieved that Legolas was much happier now – more like his usual cheery self. They cheered as he let another arrow fly even though it missed
Legolas looked up at his father. "Should we tell them that we can hear them?"" he whispered. Thranduil glanced over his shoulder to look at his older children as they watched the archery lesson. "I say we let them figure it out for themselves," he decided, sharing a mischievous look with his bow-wielding son. He wondered how he had managed to raise a family of tricksters and figured that they must have gotten it from their mother's side. Legolas smiled, reaching for another arrow then paused looking up at his father "That monster in the wardrobe will be scared of me now right Ada?"
Thranduil looked down at him, pushing the tip off his arrow a little more to the left. He smiled as it flew, getting much closer to the target than the earlier attempts. Legolas grinned with pride. Thranduil sighed softly, thrilled –despite the mud – that Legolas was getting over his grief.
"I have no doubt that the monster in you wardrobe will be utterly terrified Titenlaeglass."
OooOOOooo
And on that note – tis the end.
Thank you very much for the positive reviews!!
*blushes*
Erm … Sorry to those that said they 'cried' though. I didn't mean to upset anyone. I simply wanted to write a bittersweet story about my favourite elf. I got rather mushy toward the end though.
*bit sheepish*
Thanks a bunch for reading – I hoped you enjoyed it.
Jade