Butterfly

Chapter 4

“I have sensed it many times. Thranduil was tempted by thoughts conjured up not by his own mind, but by an external evil. I feared for Legolas’ safety. My husband rode to Mirkwood to bring him here before any harm came to him…”

“But I arrived too late,” Celeborn interrupted. His voice betrayed a sense of failure. The Lady noticed this, and gently laid a hand upon his arm, eyeing him with concern.

“You have done your best,” she reassured him.

Galadriel and Celebron turned their eyes away from each other to look at the wizard. Gandalf puffed on his pipe, thoughtfully for a few moments, allowing the information to register before speaking.

“The dark power is beginning to stir. Those whose minds are weak are easily swayed by its evil.”

“Can you help him?” asked the Lord of the Wood.

“I will go pay the King a visit. There may be something I can do.”

“Let us hope so,” Galadriel closed her eyes for a moment as if sending a prayer to the Valar. “Will you dine with us tonight, Mithrandir? I know you have a lot to do, but Legolas would be most pleased to see you… he is in need of a friend.”

The wizard nodded, but before he could say anything was interrupted by an ecstatic elf-prince in the doorway.

“Gandalf!!!” Legolas ran across the room jumping onto the wizard’s lap like an overgrown elfling and hugged him tightly. “Are you staying for a while?”

“Only until tomorrow, there is an important matter I must attend to.” Despite the young Elf’s cheerfulness, Gandalf could see the immense sorrow hidden in Legolas’ eyes. Finally realizing that he had intruded upon a conversation, Legolas turned to the Lord and Lady. He feared that they would be angry, but instead they both flashed him warm smiles.

“We will be having dinner shortly, Legolas,” said Galadriel. “The tailors have already have some of your clothes ready. Perhaps you would like to go pick them up and see how they fit.” Legolas’ mood brightened further. So far he had been wearing some of Celeborn’s robes which were a bit loose on him, and he was happy that he would finally have something more comfortable to wear. He gave the wizard a quick peck on the cheek before scampering off to retrieve his new garments.


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Legolas was amazed at the clothing he received. The material no worse in quality than anything he wore back at home, and the garments were just as well made. He did not know why, but he had expected that LordLord and Lady would treat him like any other elf that needed help, not like a Prince. He smiled at the thought of their kindness.

The Woodland Elf entered his room, and all the robes he held within his arms were dropped to the ground, forgotten, when he saw something dearer to his heart. In the opposite corner of the room stood a bow, and a quiver of arrows. Legolas ran over to pick up the bow and inspect it.

“Everything here is so beautiful,” he said to himself, marveling at the intricate leaf design carved into the wood. Legolas loved archery, and he was glad that he would have something to do while he stayed in the Golden wood. But the happy thought quickly gave way to a sad one… how long would he stay here? Would he ever be able to return home?


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“You look wonderful, young Prince of Mirkwood. How do you like it?” Galadriel looked Legoals over. He was dressed in a long, silvery gray robe, which he wore over a rich blue tunic and breeches. The corners of the Lady’s lips curved into a slight smile when she heard the slight gasp that escaped Celeborn’s lips at the sight of the Prince.

“It’s very nice; and everything fits perfectly,” Legolas answered, as he lowered himself into a chair next to Gandalf. “Thank you for the clothes… and the bow.”

“We heard you are quite the archer,” Celeborn said when he finally caught his breath, “so we thought you would be pleased to be able to practice while you are here.Perhaps when you are feeling stronger we will arrange for one of our best archers to give you some lessons so you can improve your skills.”

“I would like that. You are very kind to me… thank you.”

“It is the least we can do.”

Legolas picked at his food. His appetite was still low, however he did manage to swallow a few bites of food, knowing he would not get better if he did not eat. He waited impatiently for dinner to end so he could have some time with Gandalf. It was comforting to see a familiar face; he did not know any of the Lorien elves, and despite how nice they were, he missed the company of friends. The Prince always enjoyed listening to Gandalf’s amusing tales. He hophey hey would help take is mind off of what happened to him… if only for a short while.


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Legolas stood in silence for a moment, gathering up the courage to voice his question. He had wanted to speak to Celeborn alone, but he could never find him thus. Gandalf told him that the Lord often stayed up late in his study, catching up on his paperwork. The wizard was right. Legolas stood in the doorway while Celeborn sat at his desk, writing something, ceteletely unaware of his presence.

“W..why did you kiss me?” Legolas managed, at last.

Celeborn looked up startled, “Legolas, you scared me. I did not hear you come in.” He laughed, but stopped shortly, seeing the somber look on the Prince’s face. “I um… I do not know. I thought we had lost you… I guess it was a desperate attempt to keep you from parting. I am sorry… I meant no harm.”

Legolas came closer, a bit timidly for he felt slightly uncomfortable being alone with Celeborn, even though he knew the Lord of the Wood would not hurt him.

“What will happen to my Ada?”

“Legolas, you must understand that your Adar loves you, and he would never have wanted to hurt you. He has given in to evil, and is not himself. We are doing what we can to help him. He may get better, or he may not.” A tear fell from the Prince’s eye as he nodded in understanding. Celeborn resisted the urge to take the younger Elf in his arms, knowing it would frighten him.

“If he gets better, will I be able to return home?”

“Aye.”

Legolas turned to go to his room, unaware of the eyes that followed him until he was out of sight.

Tbc…….

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