Silhouettes

Chapter 12

"Ada! Ada!" a little blue eyed elf called for help. Thranduil, king of Mirkwood, reached over and lifted the silver sheet that his son had gotten caught up in away from the little prince's head.

"Boo!" he said playfully as Legolas's head emerged.

"Ahaha!" Legolas replied as he laughed and squealed.

Legolas was 18 months old and already had a mane of long blonde hair, just like his father. He was wearing an oversized leaf green tunic that reached his tiny, wriggling toes that Thranduil tickled as his son squirmed around on his father's bed.

"Fly Ada, fly!" Thranduil laid down and lifted his son up above him and moved him around so that it looked like he was flying. Legolas's huge, striking blue eyes stood out as he flew around the room in his father's arms.

"My lord." Merilinor, Thranduil's valet walked in to his room.

"You have a visitor."

Thranduil lifted Legolas down; much to the little prince's dismay, and got up from his bed.

"And who is this visitor?" Thranduil asked as he fixed his robes and put on his crown, a replica of the crown that Sophia had made.

"He said that he wanted it to be a surprise, my lord."

"A surprise? Well now, should I be worried? Take leggy', will you? Get him ready for this evening's party."

Merilinor chuckled at the little Prince's nickname as he picked him up and followed Thranduil out the door and down to the main hall, through the twisting wooden paths and small arches that the enchanted trees had grown into.

"Excuse me, my Lord?"

"Yes."

"I know it is not my place to ask this,"

"Then by all means, keep your silence." Thranduil interrupted.

Merilinor continued.

"Please excuse me for asking, but, this party tonight, am I right in thinking it is not all for the young prince?"

Thranduil stopped in his tracks and just stood in the middle of the path looking ahead.

Merilinor began to think he had said the wrong thing and that his king was about to turn and yell at him. He started to speak.

"I'm sorry my Lord. It was not right of me to say that, but you have not held a party since the Queens death and-"

"You're right, I have not."

Thranduil turned around to look at him.

"In my mourning for my wife I have not found the time nor energy for parties. So perhaps yes, this is not entirely for Legolas. Now will you please get the maid to feed leggy' and show our other guests to the royal dining hall."

As he approached the main hall, Thranduil could see a tall, elegant figure, marvelling at the kingdom that the young king had built. The Guest turned at the sound of footsteps coming towards him.

Thranduil only had to see the long brown hair, twisted in elaborate nots and strands, to realise who had come to Mirkwood.

"Elrond! My old friend!"

The two elves greeted each other and embraced.

"Thranduil, mellon. I am so sorry to hear of Sophia's death. You have my condolence. And I am sorry that I could not come sooner."

"Thankyou. It has been difficult at times, but we are managing."

"Of course. I don't think I have had the pleasure of meeting your son. And here he is!"