Legolas's Christmas

Here's to New Beginnings

Four and a half hours later Thranduil officially adjured the last meeting of the day. By now it was almost lunch time, and he stopped by the kitchens to pick up some milk for Legolas and some food for himself.

FindingCalair's rooms were not hard. Thranduil had lived in the halls of the Greenwood castle since he was born, and he knew them like he knew archery: perfectly. After just ten minutes of walking he was standing outside the door of his impromptu babysitter. He didn't hear any crying yet, which was a good sign. He opened the door and stepped in, deciding to forgo the formality of knocking. Kinda too late when you've already barged in once before, right?

The room was much how it had been before, except for a large nest-like structure on the bed in the corner.Calair stood over it, reaching inside every now and again. Thranduil strode over and saw thatCalair had indeed constructed a nest of blankets and pillows on his bed, surrounding all four sides. And in the middle was little baby Legolas with some small trinkets he was playing with. As Thranduil watched, Legolas pushed a little horse with wheels and it rolled until it hit the wall of cushions.Calair reached down and pushed it back to Legolas, who watched with an expression of extreme fascination.

Honestly, Thranduil was impressed. Legolas did not take too kindly to strangers, but his son must be a good judge of character, because he was perfectly content to sit there and play. That is, until he looked up and saw his Ada. Then he cooed in delight and started bouncing, holding his arms up to be picked up.

Thranduil happily obliged and gave him a small kiss on the cheek before settling him back on his hip. "You did well Calair." He said. "My son is happy." He handed Calair the small knapsack of food. "Here. If you followed my directions, you have not had lunch yet."

  Calair nodded. "Thank you, My Lord."

Thranduil nodded back. Then he made another risky decision. "You have impressed me today, Calair. And you have impressed Legolas. In two days time, you will arrive at my chambers at five in the morning. You will help Legolas's nanny get him ready for the day and you will learn from her how to take care of him. When I feel you have sufficiently mastered that, you will take her place. Understood?"

If Calair was any older (and human), he might have had a heart attack. "Uh-um, y-yes My Lord," He stammered, not even really processing what was said.

"Excellent," Thranduil said. "Be punctual, and come prepared. I will see you overmorrow. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to spend the rest of Legolas's first holiday celebrating with him." Thranduil left, leaving a flabbergasted now-nanny-in-training standing behind him.

"Now, Legolas," The newly crowned King of Greenwood said to his four-month-old son, "What game should we play next?"