Forest Flame

pyro: That's it! I'm not giving you your homework back!! :P:P heehee.

I'm using my usual names for Legolas' brothers, they're mine!

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A few Elves looked on the proccession of guards curiously, none staying too long or lingering. A few children peeked out from behind their mothers, some following in the footsteps of the group. The blindfolded captives could hear the light voices and even the light footsteps echoing off of the stone walls, but could not tell what was happening from that alone.

The blindfolds were removed only when the group had reached the throne room. By then all others had left, not wishing to anger their King. Most of the guards had left, leaving their captain an three others to present their prisoners.

The twins and Aragorn blinked at the sudden light of the torches reflecting off of polished walls, their eyes settling on the little dias against the far wall. A noble Elf sat there, speaking quietly with what seemed an advisor until attention was drawn to the approaching guards. There were three figures on the dias, one standing by the throne, and two sitting on the little step.

The two were watching the prisoners curiously, and the first was watching the King intently, trying to see the reaction. Elladan realized that the one standing was trying to learn, studying the court in detail while retaining the same air of nobility as the King.

"We found these three a stone's throw from the palace. Less than a league," one of the guards explained.

Thranduil stood, his green and golden robes shimmered from the torchlight and the twins assumed that there was mithril somewhere within the design. He looked them over then smiled kindly.

"These are the sons of Master Elrond of Imladris. Please excuse this misunderstanding, we have been having troubles along our borders. Please, understand that these measures must be taken."

The three nodded slowly, slightly confused. Thranduil had the guards take them to some of the spare rooms, saying that he will speak with them shortly.

"That was weird..." Elrohir muttered to Elladan as they were led to one of the corridors. The elder twin nodded, watching as Aragorn was led to one room and memorizing the path. The twins were then seperated to their own rooms and given notice that they were invited to dinner in an hour.

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"Ada?"

Thranduil turned to face the owner of the soft voice, as did his eldest son. The two younger Princes had been sent off to prepare for dinner.

"What is it, Legolas?"

Thranduil looked his youngest child over. Legolas had dressed for the coming dinner; a silver/blue robe to accent his eyes was worn over the lithe archer's body. Over the robe was a tunic of a deep green, laced with a golden thread. Legolas' blonde hair was braided as usual, but a mithril circlet rested on his brow, woven in the shape of intertwining vines. Thranduil smiled.

The young Elf didn't seem to notice the smile. "I heard the guards speaking of guests?"

Thranduil left the little dias, fully aware of Rhiernil's eyes on him, studying. The King decided to teach his eldest a valuable lesson, it was okay to show affection to family. Thranduil gently tilted Legolas' chin to meet his eyes.

"Yes, a few guests from another Elven realm. You will behave?"

Legolas nodded and smiled. "Will I be allowed to go on the hunt tomorrow?"

"We'll see. You are young, Le, Legolas."

At the small pout, Thranduil chuckled and released his son. "I'll consider it. Now, go get your brothers for dinner."

Legolas nodded and left without complaint, leaving his father and older brother to their duties. Thranduil kept his eyes on Legolas' back, devoid of the cloth of his robes and tunic. The King smiled at the image of the wings burned into the delicate flesh. The wings of a swan, twisted in domestication.

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Legolas walked down the halls, the cold stone warmed by the many fireplaces placed at most major intersections. He could hear the constant rushing of the rivers as he came closer to his room. He was a far way from his brothers' quarters, but he wanted to look in on his little 'pet' first. He smiled at the soft twittering that greeted him before even opening the door.

"Hello Filig," Legolas said softly, moving to the small box he had lined with a warm blanket. He picked up the little bird he had found several days earlier. The little thing had landed in his open window with an injured leg, most likely from a larger bird, so Legolas had cared for it, hoping his father would not learn.

Cupped in his hands, Filig, seemed happy, hopping around earlier, but not making any move to the window to leave.

"Why don't you go?" Legolas wondered. "You're all healed now..."

A little, cheerful chirp was his response and Legolas smiled, placing the feathered creature on the nightstand by the little box. Legolas had made sure to leave a little plate of fruit on the nightstand, as well as a small saucer he poured water into before leaving again. He closed the door quietly, hearing the little goodbye chirp.

Quickly walking the way he had come, he moved to the more central area of the palace, knocking on a door and waiting for the answer before entering. Nimelen was just finishing with his braids when he looked over to Legolas.

"I'm almost done, go get Feinereg and meet me in the hall."

"Yes brother."

Legolas wondered if there really was another place for Elves as he walked down the hall to Feinereg's room. He hoped it was better than Mirkwood...

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