A Healing Touch

When Glorfindel finally tracked down the distraught elfling, he was sobbing soundly with head buried in his raised knees, back propped against a tall pine tree, and arms wrapped tightly around his legs. The seneschal slowed from his jog and quickly approached the elfling, sitting down next to him in the grass. Gently as he could, he placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder in which Legolas quickly flinched away. "Do not touch me!"

Glorfindel sighed sadly, shaking his head to himself. "Legolas, it's all right."

"No! No it is not all right! You might catch it, you'll catch my... my abnormality, my disease!"

"Legolas," the seneschal desperately tried to keep the sudden laugh from his voice. "You are an elf, you are impervious to disease."

"If what you saw was any indication of..."

"Stop. Stop right there, you are using Orchalorn's words."

"Well it's true!" the elfling snapped, glaring with swollen eyes at the seneschal. "Something is obviously wrong with me, look!" lowering his legs in his fit of anger, the prince indicated to the confounded bulge in his leggings. Legolas expected him to laugh, maybe even gasp or look on in horror. But the seneschal did none of those things but caught the elfling's eyes with his own kind orbs.

"You don't have any idea, do you, little one?"

The prince's next words were shaky and timid with panic. "Any idea of what? What's happening to me, Glorfindel? I don't understand. I don't understand!" Legolas broke down into another fit of sobs.

"Legolas," Glorfindel murmured. Slowly as possible so as not to startle the elfling, he crossed his legs before pulling the weeping child into his lap and held him against his battle toned chest, rocking him gently. It was clear the boy was frightened out of his mind and completely confused at what was happening to him. "Shh, I know, I know." Legolas shifted so his face was buried in the seneschal's neck, hidden from view by the thick, wavy golden tresses.

"What's wrong with me?" the elfling whimpered. Glorfindel smiled lovingly and tenderly stroked his fingers through the prince's hair.

"Nothing. Nothing is wrong with you what so ever."

"Th-then why is this happening to me? How do I make it stop?"

"Shh, calm down, Legolas, you're all right. You are just... aroused."

"What do you mean? Why?" Legolas lifted his head and stared with confusion at his guardian, cheeks streaked with tears.

"It's a very normal reaction considering what you've just seen. Three beautiful naked women will definitely do that to you. You know the difference between male and female, correct?"

"A-aye. Women’s' bodies are created so they can carry and birth babes, and feed them with... by..." Legolas began another round of blushing as he motioned to his own chest. Glorfindel chuckled silently and nodded in understanding but Legolas quickly became impatient. "But that still does not explain what happened back there. What does that have to do with my... my..."

"Penis?" Glorfindel smiled. He knew it was wrong to laugh at the elfling's expense but this was just too amusing. The elfling in his lap was so naive and innocent in this matter, the bright blush on his cheeks proof of that.

Legolas flinched at the word, but allowing Glorfindel to substitute the name of it. "becoming... h-hard and... and..."

"Erect?" Legolas bashfully nodded. "It has everything to do with that, Legolas. You see, males and females were created for each other. Women were created to be able to carry children and we were created toableable to supply them." At the prince's usedused look, he continued. "Legolas, a man's penis is designed so it can fit into a woman. Am I correct in assuming that you know how females give birth?" Legolas nodded. "Well, it basically works the same way, only backwards. How do you think the babe gets in there in the first place? We must first plant our seed within them. It is much like... like a sword being sheathed into a scabbard."

Legolas stared blankly at the seneschal for several moments, lips slightly parted and face as bright as a rose. It took a few moments for the initial shock to wear off and realization dawn on him. "Y-You mean a man is supposed-- supposed to..." Glorfindel understood what the elfling was trying to say and he nodded. Legolas suddenly cried out in horror. "That is disgusting! Why in Arda would anyone want to do that!?"

Glorfindel could not help it this time as he burst out laughing, back falling hard against the ground as his body shook with uncontrolled glee at the elfling's reaction. Legolas merely stared at him in disgust. After several moments the Balrog slayer was finally able to compose himself and sat up straight, still grinning wildly. "Believe me, penneth. It is a very enjoyable experience. It is a joining of two souls and it is quite a lovely thing to happen, though it is only to be consummated out of true love and only be done with your mate."

"It's uncomfortable," Legolas squirmed in the seneschal's lap with a scowl. "How do you make it stop if you don't have a mate?"

"There are ways. Quite frankly I'm surprised yours has not died down by now. Usually it would undergoing complete humiliation as you did." Legolas blushed again and lowered his eyes. He went to move out of the seneschal's lap but he stopped him. "Forgive me, I did not mean to hurt your feelings."

"Something is wrong with me, then." Legolas whimpered, tears starting anew.

"No, no, no. Shh, do not cry. Perhaps you are just... more resilient than most. I assure you, this is normal for boys your age."

"Don't tell anyone," the prince cried. "please. I don't want anyone else to know."

Glorfindel held the elfling close as he wept. "I would never do such a thing." he vowed.

"Orchalorn knows, he'll probably tell everyone. And I won't be able to go anywhere without people knowing." the elfling sobbed, clutching the seneschal's tunic for dear life.

"He will not," Glorfindel replied, rocking the boy. "otherwise he will be dealing with me."

Legolas shifted again in discomfort, sobbing at the alien feeling. "It hurts! Please make it go away, make it stop."

For a split second Glorfindel hesitated at the request and sighed. "I don't think it would be right of me, Legolas. It is a very intimate and private act, and you are underage, but I can teach you to do it yourself. Besides, you may not feel comfortable with me touching you in such a way. It may bring back... unpleasant memories."

"How do I stop it, then?" the prince whimpered. Glorfindel rubbed his back comfortingly.

"It is simple. Just reach into your leggings and wrap your hand around your penis and just slide your hand up and down." The elfling looked uncertain, continuing to blush furiously while looking at the seneschal for some sort of gesture.

"But... it's not right to touch ourselves like that."

"No, Legolas. It is all right if you do it, but not for someone else unless they have your permission. You will feel much better afterwards, I promise... perhaps you should let me up, this is something you aught to do in private."

At those words Legolas immediately began to panic. "No... no, no, no! Don't leave me, please! I don't want to do this alone."

Glorfindel's heart nearly broke at the pleading in the elfling's eyes as he tightly grasped his tunic once again. Of course he would not want to be left alone, he felt vulnerable as it was and looked to the elf lord for protection. His own body was betraying him at this time and it was frightening to him and the young prince didn't know what to expect. Glorfindel knew. Glorfindel had all the answers.

The seneschal wrapped his arms protectively around the elfling's waist and turned him around in his lap so his back was pressed against his stomach. "I will not leave you, Legolas. Don't be afraid, I will help you through this. Now do as I have told you, I will close my eyes if you do not wish me to see."

Legolas nodded before timidly reaching into his leggings and grasping his swollen flesh, gasping at the sensation and the feelings it provoked. He froze suddenly in fear. What devilry was this? Nervous, and still a bit uncertain what to do, he simply held his flesh near the tip and began to jerk it, soon letting go in further discomfort. A distressed sob escaped his lips, causing Glorfindel's eyes to snap open at the frustrated cry. "It's not working, I can't do it!" tears once again began streaming down the little elf's face. "Iluvatar hates me! I can't take it anymore, why won't it stop? PleaGlorGlorfindel, please! I don't know how to do it." he was beyond thwarted, his overthrown hormones sending him into a fit of madness expecting him to comprehend something he did not understand.

Glorfindel finally took pity on the young prince, rocking him soothingly and murmuring words of comfort. He sighed, a bit uncertain himself with his next moves and carefully placed one hand over Legolas' clothed crotch, gently massaging the flesh covered within. "Legolas, do you trust me?" the elfling craned his neck to stare into the elf lord's eyes and nodded truthfully. "I will do this for you this once. But after this I cannot help you. If you become frightened or uncomfortable with my touch, tell me immediately and I will stop. Just remember this is me, no one else, and I will always protect you."

Legolas nodded with a whimper and shifted so he could get a better view of Glorfindel's face, leaning his head on the seneschal's shoulder. He needed reassurance, a feeling of being protected, to look into those eyes and not see anger, hate, cruelty or lust, but comfort, love and kindness and selflessness. Glorfindel gave the boy a reassuring smile as he pulled back the waistband of the prince's leggings and gently enclosed his hand around the base of Legolas' member. The prince gasped at the contact and Glorfindel froze, waiting for a signal from him. At Legolas' expectant gaze, the seneschal slowly began to slide his hand along the young elf's shaft, keeping his eyes firmly locked on his, but kept a gentle and relaxed look about his features so not to scare him. This is how it should be, Glorfindel decided. Legolas needed someone he knew and trusted to do this with him.

Slow he started, stroking the elfling's shaft like some fragile piece of glass, occasionally brushing his thumb over the drizzling tip, and a look of greater pleasure crossed the boy's face whenever he did it. "Like that, do you?" the elfling whimpered delightedly in response and Glorfindel silently chuckled. He then tightened his hold ever so slightly and picked up the speed a few notches. He continued to beat the sensitive, throbbing flesh, picking up speed only a little bit at a time, and it was not long before the elfling in his lap was wriggling around, instinctively raising his hips from the elf lord's lap and thrusting into his palm to which Glorfindel allowed with murmurs of encouragement as the prince's body developed a light sheen of sweat, his cheeks now flushed in ecstasy, whimpering and moaning at the pleasurable and odd sensation. He suddenly stiffened and gripped the seneschal's hand that was supporting his waist and looked up at him with wide, petrified eyes. "Glorfindel! I--I feel-- what's happening to me!?"

"Shh, you're all right, Legolas. Just let it go." Glorfindel cooed, squeezing back the small hand in reassurance. The prince frantically shook his head, lips parted as he panted for breath and fought against the strange stirring feeling in his groin as if something wanted to explode within him.

"I'm afraid." he whimpered. Glorfindel momentarily stilled his hand.

"I know, penneth, the first time is always frightening. But I swear to you, you will love it. Remember I am right here and I will let nothing bad happen to you... Legolas, do you trust me?" the elfling nodded, his yes registering the very truth in that one action. Glorfindel bent forward and pressed a gentle kiss to the boy's damp brow. He then looked deeply into the shining blue orbs as he began to pump the swollen member once more. A few more gentle tugs and the elfling stiffened again with a frightened whimper, not entirely certain what to expect, desperately searching Glorfindel's eyes whom gave him a reassuring smile before the prince threw his head back with a sudden cry as his body jolted and he felt his scrotum tighten and spurt it's hot seed through his pulsing, twitching shaft, too overwhelmed with pleasure to notice it spill upon the forest earth. Glorfindel held him tightly to his chest and rocked the young prince as he rode out his orgasm, his body trembling in its first release. Legolas buried his head into the Balrog slayer's shoulder, unable to control his heavy panting and the tears sliding down his cheeks.

"There now. Are you all right, Legolas?" Glorfindel asked gently as the prince's body continued to shutter in the aftermath of his release.

Amidst his panting, the young elf slowly raised his head and stared in awe at the elf lord. "That--that was... incredible! I've never dreamt of anything like it."

Glorfindel chuckled. "Now do you see why it is an enjoyable activity?"

"Aye." Legolas rasped, he was incapable of any other response at the moment.

"So now do you believe that taking a wife is all that bad?"

The princeling’s face slowly sobered. "I... do not know. Women are lovely creatures but... but I'm not certain. I do not feel ready yet to discuss it."

Glorfindel nodded understandingly, pulling the waistband back over the prince's limp flesh. "Well, you have all the time in Arda to think about that. You are still young yet." the hoot of an owl suddenly reminded him of the time and he playfully smacked the elfling's rear. "Come now, it is late and I still have four elflings to reprimand." Legolas' face took on sudden panic. Before he had chance to open his mouth, Glorfindel replied; "I will make sure they say nothing of your predicament, penneth. Otherwise I will have them mucking horse stalls for a year. Besides, you may not have noticed it but they were in a similar state."

"They were?" The child exclaimed. Glorfindel smiled and pressed his forehead to the younger elf's.

"You are not the only adolescent unable to control his body's functions, Legolas. Just remember, we are to tell no one of this. It would mean trouble for the both of us."

Legolas nodded and slowly got to his feet, taking Glorfindel's hands and pulling him up as well. "I understand."

"That does not mean that you must stop coming to me for aid if something bothers you, I hope you realize that."

The elfling smiled at the seneschal, embracing him tightly and not relenting his hold for a long time. "Of course. You are my guardian, Glorfindel. It only seems fitting that you instruct me in the ways of... of what ever it was we just did now."

The seneschal laughed out loud. "Yes, we will have to put a name to what we just did, won't we? Come, everyone is waiting for us." Placing a hand behind the prince's back, Glorfindel guided him back home. "Oh, and Legolas? Happy begetting day."

.....

When both golden haired elves entered the Last Homely House, the first thing they heard was Erestor's angered shouts rumbling from his office. "I don't care what excuse you have! What you did was disrespectful and completely unacceptable!"

Glorfindel smirked at his old friend's predictable reaction while Legolas flinched at the enraged outburst. "Perhaps Erestor didn't need to wait for us after all."

"He can be very frightening at times." the prince mumbled.

Glorfindel snickered behind his hand. "Ah, but that's what makes his work so effective. Come." the seneschal guided the elfling towards Erestor's study, immediately spotting the seething major-domo in the door frame. His first instincts were to tell his friend to calm down but he knew better then to contradict the advisor in front of the young ones. "I'll take care of it from here, Erestor." the advisor growled in his throat but instead of starting an argument he simply walked over to his desk and sat on its edge. Before Glorfindel could utter another word, Orchalorn saw it fit to draw attention to the young prince yet again.

"Ah, the triumphant return. Tell me, Legolas, did you enjoy your time out in the woods? Had enough time to take care of that bulge? I'm sure those ladies will be flattered once I tell them." the elfling grinned malevolently.

Legolas' face burned in both anger and shame and he glared daggers at the bold child. But before he had time to respond to the boy's threat, his ever loyal companion lunged at Orchalorn, taking all by surprise and rammed his body against the wall, pinning him there with his arm pressing against his throat. "You wouldn't dare," Narofea spat. "And if you do, I swear I will take a knife and cut off your own shaft and shove it--"

"That is enough!" Glorfindel barked, grabbing the red haired elfling by the scuff of the shirt and pulling him away from the other. "Narofea, you will not utter death threats here! I will not tolerate violence under this roof, nor your bold tongue." the seneschal released him, and the elfling scowled but wisely kept silent, taking a seat on the floor against the side of the desk. Glorfindel then turned back to Orchalorn and his two friends. "As for you three," he growled menacingly. "You will keep silent about Legolas. His business is his own. And if I here a word about what happened or any gossip, you will be cleaning out stables for a year! Do I make myself clear?" the elflings stared wide eyed at the angered Balrog slayer and there was a chorus of 'yes sir' from each of them. Glorfindel nodded in satisfaction.

"I'm not certain if you noticed, Glorfindel," Erestor, louder than necessary chided. "but they were in the same state as young Legolas. Would it not be prudent to inform those young ladies of their condition as well? I am sure they would be quite flattered, invading their privacy and all." the elflings snapped their attention to the advisor, pure horror lighting their features. Without the other elflings seeing, Erestor smirked at the prince and gave him a quick wink, in turn causing him to grin.

"It would seem a prudent course of action," Glorfindel replied thoughtfully. He looked directly at the elflings again. "And I will carry that out as a promise if I so much as here a whisper about what happened. And mark my word, young ones, if I ever hear of you disrespecting a persons' privacy in such a way again, I will personally take a belt to your bare backsides! You are all dismissed." the elflings quickly shuffled out of the room wordlessly, eager to get away from the stern faced Balrog slayer. Narofea quickly exchanged a whispered goodbye to the prince before he too abruptly scampered out of the room.

It was several seconds before the remaining three elves spoke again. Erestor then sighed breaking the silence. "Well, it's certainly been an interesting day."

With the raise of his eyebrows Glorfindel bit his bottom lip and nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Hopefully they will think twice before ever again invading a person's privacy. Though I must admit," the seneschal turned his gaze to the remaining elfling. "I am a bit surprised with you, Legolas. Did I not deliberately tell you to stay away from Orchalorn? Look what trouble you had gotten yourself in."

The elfling sighed and lowered his eyes. "Forgive me. I did not mean to tarry with them. Narofea and I were walking past the shrubs when we heard silent laughing and we were curious. When we pushed through to see what was going on, Orchalorn and the others were huddling behind the bushes... looking at something with great interest. Before we could ask them what was going on they hushed us and pointed to the river. And then, well, we... sort of got distracted."

"No doubt." Erestor muttered.

"I was about to leave when you two showed up, I swear."

Glorfindel sighed, in no mood to argue and closed his eyes, running a hand over his face. "Very well. Go. It is late, ready yourself for bed. I will be up in a moment." with a nod to both elf lords, Legolas left the room leaving both advisor and seneschal to themselves. Glorfindel's body shook then as he chuckled under his breath. "Young ones."

"Ah," Erestor sighed. "The joys of adolescence... I wish I were that lucky at his age."

"Erestor!" Glorfindel chided in mock surprise before laughing with a playful swat at his friend. "Surely you have snuck and seen a few naked maidens in your youth."

"Aye, I have... unfortunately the view wasn't as good. Lucky whelplings." the elves shared a brief laugh. "So how did things go with Legolas? Is he well?"

"He was... confused," the elf lord admitted. "he did not undand and why his body was responding the way it was and so I explained a few things to him."

"I see. And?"

"And let us just say I believe it will be quite some time before our little prince chooses a mate."

"Oh no," Erestor laughed. "You traumatized him, didn't you?"

A secretive smile spread across the seneschal's face. "I wouldn't say that." without another word Glorfindel wished his friend goodnight and left the room.

....

When Glorfindel arrived in Legolas' chambers the prince was already in his nightgown, holding his new gauntlets in his hands and examining them closely. The seneschal smiled and took a seat before the young prince. "Those are beautiful gauntlets. Be sure to take good care of them."

Legolas smirked. "Don't worry, I will." a peaceful silence issued throughout the room before Glorfindel pulled the prince into a one armed hug beside him.

"How do you feel, little one?"

"Wonderful," the elfling smiled. "Thank you." the words meant more thow tow they sounded, and Glorfindel understood their meaning.

"Do not thank me, Legolas. You needed that."

"I can't believe the way I acted. It was childish." the elfling sighed, becoming angry with himself.

"Nay, penneth, it was not. You could not be expected to contemplate something you do not understand. Do not be ashamed of the way you acted. It is my job to take care of you."

"You must think me weak now, the way I was unable to control my emotions, my body. The way I... I pleaded for your touch." Though it was obvious he was angry with himself, tears brimmed in the princeling's eyes. Glorfindel sighed and hugged the child ever closer.

"No, no. I do not think you weak at all, Legolas. In fact, you are stronger than any elf your age I know." the seneschal murmured truthfully. "You acted as any normal person would in your circumstance. Do not doubt that." Legolas nodded and snuggled his head into the elder elf's shoulder. They sat in companionable silence for several moments until Elrond pushed back the tapestry and smiled lovingly at the scene.

"Good evening, Glorfindel, Legolas."

"Evening, Elrond." the seneschal greeted.

"Good evening, lord Elrond." Legolas said as the elf lord took a seat on the bed beside him. Elrond smiled at him quietly for a moment in silent reverie and then tenderly cupped his cheek.

"Look at you. You have grown so much since you first came to us, Legolas. Now you are a fine young man. You have made me very proud all these years, you know?"

Legolas smiled shyly. "Thank you, my lord."

Still smiling, Elrond raised on of his delicate eyebrow's. "I hope I did not embarrass you too badly today. You seemed rather uncomfortable, and your cheeks were crimson as a tomato."

The memory of the day's events brought a light tinge to the prince's face. "Oh... it wasn't that bad."

The Lore Master chortled at this. "You do not make a good liar, penneth." the elfling looked down guiltily at his lap, unconsciously fondling his wrist guards. Elrond noticed. "I take it you like your gift?" the prince grinned.

"I love them, Elrond. And I am honoured that you believe me ready for them."

"You couldn't be more deserving of them, Legolas. You've worked hard, and I stand by what I said earlier. You have earned them."

"Thank you."

"Now," Elrond murmured, embracing the youngling and kissing his brow. "take some rest. You've had a big day and it is late." while the elf lord picked up the gauntlets from the prince's lap and walked over to place them on the mantle, Glorfindel lifted the covers for Legolas as he snuggled into bed on his stomach, nuzzling his head into his soft fluffy pillow. Making sure the elfling was tucked in comfortingly, Glorfindel bent down and kissed his temple, both elves sharing a knowing look before the seneschal ran his hand down the prince's back and pinched out the candles before leaving him to his dreams.

Once the elven lords made it back to Elrond's private chambers, he hardly had time to close the tapestry to his bedroom before Glorfindel pinned his body against the wall with his own and claimed his mouth in a rough, passion filled kiss, the already firm member trapped behind the seneschal's clothing not going unnoticed. They broke apart leaving each other panting, Elrond looking at the older elf impishly. "What was that all about?"

"I have had a stressful day and I hunger for release. I want to feel your body wriggle under me in pleasure, and I want to see your lustful eyes take wanton elation in my touch. I ache for you, Elrond." the seneschal panted, his trembling fingers beginning to unclasp the elf lord's robe.

"Ah," the Peredhil teased. "I see Legolas is not the only one having difficulty controlling his hormones." Glorfindel's roaming hands froze and he slowly looked up at his lover in astonishment. "You leave your thoughts completely open when it is just the two of us, meleth-nin." he explained. "I can read you like a book. Bou dou do not have to worry, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Were our positions reversed I would have done the same thing. I believe it best that it was you, someone he loves and completely trusts to guide him in those ways for the first time rather than indulge his curiosity with some stranger he barely knows, though that seems unlikely given what he's been through. I don't believe he would have allowed anyone else to instruct him inh a h a way, and I am glad it was you." Elrond smiled lovingly at Glorfindel. "How was he?"

Glorfindel sighed, leaning his head wearily against his lover's. "He was very frightened at first, very confused. He became so frustrated he broke into tears, he did not understand what was happening to him, Elrond." the Lore Master nodded.

"Then it is good that werewere there to help him through it. Did you... frighten him at all?"

"No," Glorfindel swore. "I was tender and very gentle with him. I don't think I could ever purposely frighten him. Worry not, Elrond, I was very mindful of what I was doing, and I kept my eyes locked on his the whole time. He experienced naught but pure bliss."

"Good," Elrond murmured. "I am truly relieved." A mischievous grin made its self known on Glorfindel's face then and he abruptly wrapped his arms around the elf lord's waist.

"Oh, not yet you're not." he then smashed his lips against the Peredhil's in another dominating kiss as he quickly lowered them both to the bed and began roughly sliding off the other elf's shirt.

.....

It was early morning in Imladris and the folk of Elrond's house were now gathering in the dining hall for morning meal. Glorfindel was the last to arrive, adjusting the wrist of his shirt as he walked to his usual seat at Elrond's left. He nodded in greeting to the members of his house before seating himself. He was especially cheerful this morning and only the smirking elf lord knew why.

As they ate breakfast they spoke of the usual topics, mostly regarding politics, foodstuffs, storage, and of course the morale of their fair city. It was not long after they had begun eating when a guard came in and announced three new arrivals. Elrond raised an eyebrow. He was not expecting guests. His curiosity piqued, the elf lord gave his consent for the visitors to join them and while the guard went back outside to permit the visitors entry, Elrond had three extra plates brought to the table as well as three more chairs.

When the three guests entered, they momentarily halted in the doorway, scanning their surroundings. The strangers were clad in green and brown riding garb and adorned with weapons. They had thick, sinuous hair and while the two on either side wore Mirkwood's distinct warrior braids which consisted of a thin braid at each temple, and another larger braid at the back gathering the hair on the top of the scalp, the tall battle toned elf in the middle wore no braids at all, but tiny mithril cuffs on a thin tress on either side of his head, much the same as Elrond's style.

Though he was at the far end of the table beside Glorfindel, the young prince immediately recognized the three strangers and his eyes grew wide and he grinned joyfully as he abruptly stood, almost knocking the chair over, and dashed over to the new arrivals, ignoring the disapproving looks from the other elves and all but lunged himself into Thranduil's arms. "Ada!"

"Legolas!" Thranduil exclaimed wrapping his arms tightly around the elfling clutched against his chest. "My son, it is good to see you. Oh, I have missed you terribly."

"Y-you have?" Legolas whimpered, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Of course I have." Thranduil cooed, cupping his son's cheek tenderly. "I love you, Legolas."

The elfling buried his head in his father's chest, relishing in his familiar scent. "I love you too."

The elven king sighed, petting his youngest's head. "I'm so sorry, my son. I wish I could have gotten here sooner. Things have been hectic back home."

"It doesn't matter," Legolas sniffed, shaking his head. "You’re here, now." he then smiled up at his father, but it soon faltered when he suddenly noticed the exhaustion and pain in those ancient eyes. "You look tired."

Thranduil looked thoughtfully a moment but quickly smiled in reassurance. "Just the strain of the trip, I am well."

The king's middle son mumbled something incoherent at that statement but a quick glare from his father silenced him. Ignoring his father, he smiled down at his little brother and opened his arms to him in which the elfling quickly ran in to. "How are you, Greenleaf?"

"Wonderful, Thank you. And you, Tallen?"

"Oh, I'm not too bad. Your last letter tells me you are being trained in archery?"

"Yes, yes! Glorfindel has been teaching me."

"Well, you must show me what skills you have developed."

"I will, after morning meal I train with Glorfindel. You must watch."

"I believe I will." Tallen smiled. Legolas then turned to his oldest brother and hugged him tightly.

"Nava! I have missed you as well." the heir of Mirkwood chuckled, eagerly returning the hug.

"As have I, Legolas. Happy belated begetting day."

"Thank you." Nava then held him out at arms length, regarding his brother's form.

"My, how you've grown. I say, those are lovely gauntlets." the elfling beamed proudly.

"Thank you. They were a gift from Elrond."

"Were they, now?" he said impressively.

During the three bers’ers’ reunion, Elrond had made his way over, clasping Thranduil's arms in a warrior's embrace. "Lord Thranduil, we are pleased to see you again."

"Thank you, lord Elrond. I apologize for interrupting your meal. We meant to arrive last night at the latest but ran into some problems. Apparently we had run into a colony of spiders before we cleared the forest."

"But we took care of them." Tallen added sternly.

"That is well. Come, you must be famished after your long ride, join us. We have had a spot at the table prepared for each of you." Elrond indicated to the right side of his table near the head. Thranduil placed a hand upon his breast.

"My thanks."

Taking their seats at the table, the elves conversed as they ate. Just as Legolas had, Elrond noticed the strain and sluggish movements in the elven king's body, realizing that the Mirkwood heir's letters did not do him justice. He looked deathly pale and hung over, but chose not to comment of cof concern that he would provoke the lord and bring out his o so famous temper, and wound his pride further. "So, Thranduil," Elrond asked casually. "How long do you plan on staying?"

"We cannot linger for more then a week, I'm afraid. I must return to my kingdom as soon as possible." Legolas sighed quietly, disappointed in the news. He had hoped his family would stay a bit longer, but he understood that his father's place was in Mirkwood, as a king it was his duty to ect ect his people. But if two days was all he had, he would make the most of it. He would take his father and brothers to see his archery skills, he would introduce them to his horse, and he would bring them to meet the willow tree. Time was of the essence, and he was not going to waist a moment of it.

Legolas had received wish after all. His family came, his father proved to him that he loved him, despite what had happened to him. For this day he had the best of both worlds-- his Rivendell family and his Mirkwood family, all joined together in happiness. Today was not a day to grieve for loss, it was a day to be joyous and feel loved. And today, Legolas was happy.

.....

Anyone wanna kill me yet?

(A/N): To anyone who doesn’t know, Elves celebrate the day of their conception opposed to the
day of their birth. So in other words, “Happy Begetting day to you!” BTW, before you all start throwing bricks at me, let me just say I am NOT a pedophile.

...

Ada: daddy
Penneth: young one
Mellon-nin: my friend
Gwador: sworn brother
Hen-nin: my child