Of Mine

I

Thranduil walked slowly through his personal gardens. Star and moonlight reflected softly up at him, shimmering in the water of the stream, the fountains, and even the dew still resting on the flower petals of his carefully tended flora. The sky was alive with bright stars and the echoed moon. He wore a silvery tunic, a train ghosting his footsteps and trailing after him. He had retired his crown earlier that evening, knowing the only ones to see him would not need such formalities at this hour. He was shrouded in a veil of starlight, and his hair shone silvery in the cool glow of midnight.

Thranduil's fingers brushed over the flowers of the many bushes surrounding him. It had been a long day, but now he had faded into the shadows to think and to breathe clearly.

Legolas, only a young Elf-ling now, wandered through the garden, looking for his father. He was not yet a half-century old. Spotting Thranduil, a large and radiant smile grew over his face and he rushed over to him. "Ada!" He exclaimed cheerfully.

Thranduil turned to see his young son coming closer and he smiled back, bending slightly to open his arms wide for him.

Legolas ran straight into his father's embrace, and was soon held close by his strong but slender arms. "Ada, guess what!"

Chuckling, Thranduil looked curious. "What?"

"There is news that Haldir is coming soon!"

Unaware of his friend's imminent visit, Thranduil grinned widely, "Oh, he is?"

Legolas nodded enthusiastically. "Galion has gotten word that he will arrive in only a few days!"

Thranduil had been about to respond, when a suddenly contemplative and curious look came over Legolas's face. "What is it?"

"Do you think Lady Galadriel will be visiting soon? And Lord Celeborn?" Legolas asked, eyes slightly wide.

Thranduil laughed a bit. "No, I do not think so. If you would like, I will extend an invitation for Mereth Nuin Gilliath."

Legolas nodded eagerly. "Can Celeborn and Haldir sleep in the halls near my room?"

Thranduil chuckled, but nodded. "This time, however, I would like Haldir to be nearest me, Henig."

Thranduil walked quietly with his son, enjoying his energy and enthusiasm. For a long time they walked, until the morning sky grew a lovely pink and orange to match the section of rose bush Legolas particularly adored.

Thranduil parted from his son, unaware that they had been seen that night, by someone very unlikely.

He returned to his throne, to complete his duties as ElvenKing and father.