Flight Of Fate

Chapter Eleven - Home Truths

Thranduil laughed as he blew a raspberry on his daughter's tummy. Eden squealed; a high-pitched squeal with the ability to shatter the glass windows, and yanked on his hair with both tiny fists.

Kira shook her head as she sat cross-legged on the couch nursing a fresh mug of coffee. "She'll never go down for her afternoon nap if you keep that up," she said with a smile.

A mischievous grin was his response. "Of course she will," he retaliated. "All Oropherion babies are great sleepers. I had to be woken for a feed, and Legolas was the same. She will sleep."

"Ha!" She took a sip of her beverage. "Famous last words."

"I never say what I do not mean," he told her, and sat upright. His weight rested on one hand on the carpet, and he traced a finger down his daughter's button nose. "You are an absolute delight, little Princess," he murmered to her. "An absolute beauty."

"She is," Kira agreed softly, making him glance up at her. "She was the most adorable baby in the hospital when she was born. Every nurse in there fell in love with her."

"It is easy to see why," he commented, returning his gaze to his child. "She's beautiful."

She watched him as he gazed at the baby on the rug with so much love on his face. "I wish you could have been there with her from the beginning," she said softly.

He looked up at her. "There is nothing we can do to change how events happened. But I can be there for both of you now and in the future. I can make up for lost time," he told her. Perceptive eyes penetrated her soul. "You carry guilt."

She nodded. "Yes."

"It is fruitless." His deep, velvet voice wafted over her, soothing her. "What happened, happened. We have a future to look forward to, things to plan, to enjoy, to remember in the years that will follow. There is no point in berating yourself over that which is outwith your control, my darling."

She pulled one side of her mouth in as she nodded. "I just wish things hadn't gone so bad with your son."

One shoulder lifted in a careless shrug. "I will see to Legolas. He will listen to reason once he has calmed down whatever tornado he is fighting with in his mind. Perhaps this time he will learn from the experience and think before he speaks."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.

"No. Leave him to me," he replied, and shifted to a kneeling position before carefully lifting Eden from the floor. "I think this young lady has a gift for us which we may want to open, clean, and remove as quickly as possible." His nose wrinkled and he shook his head. "More memories from bygone years."

Kira laughed and pushed herself up from the couch. "I'll bring clean diapers and wipes through," she said.

He bounced the little one in his arms as her mother vanished into the bedroom.

*****

The parking lot outside the university campus was half empty as Thranduil pulled in and parked up next to the recreation area. Most of the students lived on-site, with a handful commuting daily for their education. Those who resided there were equipped with well-furnished accommodation, and those with wealthy enough parents brought luxuries from home.

Legolas was one of those.

His games consoles, his large screen television, and several other items had been placed into his living space in the campus. A state-of-the-art music system and a top-of-the-range computer had been installed, at his father's expense.

His father who was currently questioning his son's values and morals.

He sighed silently as he stepped out of the car and locked it. Strong, purposeful strides took him into the living quarters and along the maze of hallways to where his son's room was allocated. Groups of students passed him as he approached, bundled together discussing lectures or upcoming assignments. A group of girls turned to watch him pass, open admiration on their faces. A loud wolf-whistle followed him, but he ignored it.