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Title: Thranduil's Son (#2330)
Author: isilelensar
Chapters: 4
Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: Brief glimpses into the lives of the King of Mirkwood and his son.
Written for OSA Drabble Challenge #33: Parent and Child
Published: 27 Oct 2005
Updated: 27 Oct 2005
Warnings: none
Type: General
Characters: Thranduil, Legolas
Chapter 1 - A Born Horseman
His son ran ahead of him, excited to go to the pastures. Legolas reached his tenth birthday, and would finally get his own horse. In his mind, Thranduil made a list of what he needed to do next: have a saddle made, find a teacher for riding lessons, try to keep his beloved son from attaching himself to the saddle. If Legolas had his way, he’d ride forever.
They reached the pastures, and Legolas ran to the nearest horse. In moments, his son was up on the horse and riding away. Thranduil laughed. There would be no need for lessons.
Chapter 2 - Master Archer
Thranduil rushed through the caverns, hoping he wasn’t too late. Today was the archery competition, and Legolas was one of the newer contestants to try his luck. The prize was a long bow and quiver of finely made arrows. This was also Legolas’ first contest, and at last report, his son was only a fair shot. But, as with most things, Legolas had a lucky streak in him. Maybe today would be fortuitous for him.
He reached the archery field just in time to see his son win the competition. Pride filled his heart as his son accepted his prizes.
Chapter 3 - Fateful Decision
“You must go to Imladris. I want Lord Elrond to know of Gollum’s escape,” Thranduil said gravely.
“Yes, my Lord. When would you have me leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. And make all possible haste.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
The young captain of the guard bowed low, and then rose up again, waiting for the words of dismissal. But just as Thranduil was about to give them, he stopped. He was sending his beloved son, his little boy, out beyond the borders of his realm. But Legolas was not so little anymore, and this was a task that could only be done by someone he trusted implicitly. And he trusted Legolas more than anyone else. Walking around the desk, Thranduil came to stand in front of his son.
“Be careful, ion-nin. Stay safe,” he said as he gathered Legolas up in his arms. “Come back to me alive.”
“I will, Ada. I promise.”
Chapter 4 - Author's Notes
Rhapsody encouraged me to write these two characters, and so I have. :-) I've always pictured a kind Thranduil, not the mean version of him that is apparently favored by a large part of the fandom. None of which I've met. :-)
I do realise that the third is a drabble and a half, but for this particular moment in their lives, I couldn't keep it to 100 words. And yes, I have written about this particular moment before, but this little bit is written with the real reason Legolas was sent to Rivendell. Gollum's escape. As always, I imagine them first as King and Prince, then father and son.
I hope you like them!
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