Title: A Lesson is Learned

Rating: G/AU

Betta: Claudia the Great. Thanks you are my lifesaver!!!!!!

Spoiler: None

Disclaimer: I am not Tolkien nor do claim to have any association with him. I am not profiting from this story in any way.

Summary: A sequel to A Blue Day in Mirkwood. After a mishap with blueberries the Boys must now face the music.

Warnings: None

Timeline: Estel is about 12 years old .....

Reminder: I am new at this so please be gentle. Reviews are most welcomed.. so please review!!

And thanks Trinka for encouraging this sequel and helping with the ideas..

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The sounds of the arriving guests could be heard softly through the window. Gentle laughter and music softly filled the evening air. Legolas sat on the end of his bed trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this mess. Briefly the thought of running away into the forest crossed his mind. He quickly banished the thought. He was already in enough trouble after last nights escapade and knew running away would only make matters worse.

"What am I going to do?" he mumbled to himself. "I can't go down there like this everyone will laugh."

Legolas threw himself across the bed. Tears slowly began to run down his face. He knew if he didn't hurry his father would be even more angrier but he couldn't bring himself to go downstairs and face the growing crowd.

"Legolas are you in there?" a soft whisper came through the door.

Estel stood outside the closed door trying to decide if he should open it or not. He knew his friend was angry with him and blamed him for their current situation. Elladan and Elrohir walked up behind him.

"Is he in there?" asked Elladan.

"I'm not sure, he won't answer!" replied Estel.

"Well open the door and find out." Elrohir said gently pushing Estel into the door.

Estel reached for the door handle and slowly turned it opening the door a crack. The sight inside tore at his heart. Legolas was laying across the bed and his heaving chest was a clue to the torment he was going through.

"Legolas may we come in?" he quietly asked.

"No! Go away Estel this is all your fault!" Legolas screamed.

"I know it is Legolas and I'm very sorry Mellon!" Estel quickly crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Elladan and Elrohir followed him in and stood next to Estel.

Legolas opened his eyes and looked up. "You guys look ridiculous!" A small smile began to form on his face.

"Well I'm afraid you fair no better my friend, or have you not looked in the mirror yet? Exclaimed Elladan.

Remembering his own appearance a dark shadow fell across Legolas face.

*****

Thranduil was seated at the head of the table waiting for his son to arrive so they could begin the festival. Lord Elrond of Rivendell was seated to his right.

“I am glad you could make it for tonight’s festival.” said Thranduil. “I do hope you had a swift and comfortable trip.”

“Yes the ride was quite relaxing and I have been looking forward to tonight events.” Elrond turned to Thranduil. “I must admit I have missed my children and am looking forward to seeing them again. I wonder what is taking them so long?”

“Do not worry my friend. They will be along soon.” A small glimmer began to form in Thranduils eyes. “If I know these young ones they will make quite a grand entrance!”

*****

“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Elladan.

Estel stood from the bed and turned to Legolas. “I don’t see anyway out of this, so we had better just go and get over with it!”

Legolas looked his friend in the eyes and replied, “That is easy for you to say. After tonight you will go home and I will have to stay here and live with the ridicule for the rest of my life!”

Elrohir shook his head. “I don’t think there is anywhere in all of middle-earth any of us may go to escape after tonight.”

The four walked slowly to the door and started down the hall. As they approached the main dining hall Legolas crept close to the entryway and peered in. Hundreds of elves dressed in their finest garments sat around talking and laughing. He could see his father sitting at the main table talking to Lord Elrond. They appeared to be getting anxious glancing up at the door awaiting their arrival.

“I can’t do this!!” Legolas whispered. “There is no way I am going in there!!”

“Oh yes you are!” Estel grabbed his arm tightly and started through the doorway.

A hush formed in the room as the four very blue beings stood in the doorway with downcast eyes. Elrond who was deep in conversation noticed the eerie silence and glanced up to see what had caused it. Not a sound could be heard except the small gasp that escaped from his lips as he beheld the site of his children and the young prince.

Legolas dressed in a golden silk tunic caught his attention first. The blue of his skin and purple hair stood out against the golden material. The light brown tunic Estel wore caused the blue tint of his skin to look as though he was bruised form head to toe. Although he could not get a clear look at the twins because they seemed to be hiding behind the others he knew that they would look much the same.

Elrond turned to Thranduil with one eyebrow raised and waited for some sort of explanation.

“Behold the fruit of our loins!” exclaimed Thranduil trying not to laugh.

Elrond too shocked to reply simply turned his site back toward his children as he heard soft snickers and snorts erupt within the crowd. Estel feeling his fathers eyes boring into him raised his eyes to meet his adopted fathers glare. The anger and confusion he saw within them was enough to send his own back toward the floor immediately.

Estel sighed and started forward when he realized Legolas overcome with fright hadn’t began to follow. Taking a step backward he reached over and grabbed his arm and began to try to coax his friend forward to no avail. Tightening his grip he pulled Legolas forward trying to ignore the looks and laughs from the other elves. The twins followed walking as slowly as they could not looking forward to the confrontation they new awaited them with their father.

Thranduil gazed over at his friend trying to gauge Elrond’s reaction. Amusement began to settle over him at the expression on Elronds face. His normally fair and pale skin was slowly turning a deep crimson red and the arch of his eyebrow was reaching a new height. His hands now clasped tightly in his lap began to tremble. Thranduil began to feel a twinge of sympathy for the children. Although he was still angry with Legolas it appeared his anger could in no way compare to the anger and embarrassment his usually regal and well-composed companion was feeling.

The children slowly made their way across the room and stood behind their chairs never once raising their eyes from the floor. Soft voices could be heard. Questions and remarks as to the fours unusual colouring were carried thorough the air. Estel with his eyes still cast down glanced at Legolas. He looked as though he was ready to crawl under the table. Estel felt a pang of guilt. “He will never forgive me for this one!” he whispered to the twins.

“And you think we will?” they both replied. “You are going to pay this time little brother! We are the laughing stocks of the festival. Just listen to them!”

“If I remember right I may have started it but you had no problem joining in!” Estel grabbed the back of his chair in anger.

“Quiet!” Elrond hissed.

Thranduil stood before the crowd and began to make the opening speech.

“It is with great pleasure that I and my… ummm … son welcome you all into our home to celebrate the Autumn festival. Please enjoy the feast and afterward we will begin the evening with the traditional opening dance. Tonight Legolas will choose one lucky maiden to begin the opening ceremony with him. I for one am looking to this tradition as I am sure all of you are.”

Thranduil raised his hand signalling the cooks to begin serving the food. Sitting back down he leaned toward Legolas. “I do hope you have considered who will get the honour of dancing with you tonight.” Thranduil glanced over at the crowd and noticed the worried looks on the maidens faces. Some were leaned in closely whispering to each other and taking quick glances in Legolas direction. He couldn’t help it a small chuckle escaped from his lips.

Standing next to his fathers side Legolas cringed. The dance. How could he have forgotten the dance. It was custom that he danced to the opening song with an elf-maiden.

“Great! Could this night get any worse!” he mumbled. Moving over to the empty chair next to Estel he quickly pulled it out and threw himself into it.

Estel, Elladan and Elrohir stood beside Elrond waiting for their father to say something. He seemed to be at a loss for words and all three knew that was not a good sign.

“Ada I know what you are going to say.” began Estel.

“Oh you do, do you?” Elrond snapped cutting Estel off. “And I am sure you will have some colourful explanation as to why you are all standing before me looking like overgrown blueberries!!”

Elladan looked up at his father and began to speak but before he could get a word out Elrond raised his hand daring him to speak at all.

“You three have pulled some outrageous stunts before but never have I been this embarrassed! Now sit down and eat we talk about this later!” Elrond turned to Thranduil and moaned. “I can’t wait to hear how this happened.”

“Oh trust me you are going to enjoy this one!” laughed Thranduil.

Estel sat down next to Legolas. As his plate was laid before him he suddenly realized he was not hungry. His stomach turned as he noticed the small slice of pie being placed next to it.

Legolas sat staring at his and began poking and pushing it around on his plate. “I Hate Blueberries!” he mumbled. He jumped when he heard his fathers voice.

“ Legolas eat my son and stop playing with your food.”

Legolas scooped up a piece and raised it to his mouth. He could still hear the snickers and comments coming from the guest. As the pie hit his tongue he felt his stomach begin to roll. Trying not to gag, he slowly chewed the pie and had to force it down his throat.

“Who do you think he will choose?” came a voice.. “I don’t know but by the Valar’s please don’t let it be me!” came another. ”I wonder what happened?” yet another voice joined in.

Legolas tried desperately to ignore the comments. Estel reached over and touched his hand trying to comfort his friend.

“I know I have said this before but I truly am sorry about all this Legolas. You know I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you.

Legolas looked in Estels eyes, “I know Mellon. Pan innas na- gohenan.” “What do you think your Ada is going to do you?”

Estel chanced a quick glance over his shoulder and shuddered when he locked eyes with his father. The anger in his eyes was now joined with sadness. “I do not know but I fear it may be a while before I see you again. Actually it may be a while before I see anyone again!”

Elrond could not tear his eyes away from the spectacle before him. He could hear the remarks being made by others and they only seemed to flair his anger. Perhaps they should try raising these three and see how easy it was. He loved his children more then his own life but sometimes he thought they were going to be the death of him. His missed his wife dearly and on days like this he considered abandoning all else and fleeing to her side.

The plates were removed and everyone began moving the tables to clear room for the dancing. Legolas groaned as he realized the dreaded hour was upon him. He still had no clue whom to ask and really didn’t feel like having everyone stare at him to begin with. Perhaps there was still time to get out of this. “Think you fool think!!” he said to himself. “I could slip and twist my ankle!! Or maybe hit my head knocking myself unconscious, that would work!! But what can I slip on?” Looking around he noticed a small piece of pie left on a plate. Just as he reached for it he noticed his Ada walking towards him. Quickly he snatched the pie and dropped it to the ground.

Thranduil walked toward Legolas. As he grew nearer he couldn’t help but notice the desperate look in his eyes. As a father he couldn’t help feeling sorry for his young child and had to remind himself Legolas was in this fix thanks to himself.

“Are you ready to begin?” He asked.

“Ada, do I really have to do this? Legolas pleaded.

“I’m sorry my son but a tradition is a tradition. You should have used better judgment last night and you wouldn’t be in this predicament.” Taking his son by the arm Thranduil went to lead Legolas purple hair and all out onto the dance floor.

Legolas looked around the room. Noticing the crowd gathered at the edges. He couldn’t help but notice the nervous looks on the maidens faces and the smirks on the remaining elves . He looked down at the pie and thought “Well here goes nothing!” He carefully placed his foot over the pie and quickly stepped down. Feeling his feet move from under him he had only a second to consider whether this was going to be worth it.

Thranduil stopped suddenly when he felt his sons arm slip from his grasp. Turning around he noticed his only child laying on the ground holding his foot. “Legolas are you alright?” He inquired “ What happened?”

Legolas gasping in pain looked up at his father and replied. “I slipped!! Oh Ada it hurts so much!”

Calling to assistant Thranduil yelled. “Quickly Calandol we must get him to the healers.” Calandol scooped up Legolas and began quickly across the room. Thranduil walked in front parting the crowd that was quickly closing in. Legolas looked over Calandol’s shoulder at Estel who stood to one side with his family. A small smile began to form across his face as he was carried from the hall.

Elrond who had witnesses the whole affair looked at his children and rolled his eyes. Estel and the twins were trying to hide their laughter. “And I suppose you find that entertaining?” he asked in a low voice.

“Of course not!” snorted Estel. Elladan and Elrohir hid their faces behind their hands trying to muffle the laughter they could not hold back.

Elrond walked to the middle of the room and began speaking to the guest. “Now … now I am sure your prince will be fine. And I know both Legolas and Thranduil would not like the evening ruined by this small inconvenience. Please dance and enjoy yourselves.” The music began to play and couples began to dance around the room. Turning back around he noticed his trio heading for the door.

“And just where do you think you are going?”

“We are going to check on Legolas.” They called out in unison. The boys tried to move around their Ada but he stepped in front blocking their way.

“I believe from the smile on his face he is going to be just fine. Now I believe we were going to have a small discussion about your current behaviour.” Elrond ushered them toward an empty balcony.

The night air was refreshing and Elrond took a moment to breath in deeply steeling himself for he knew was going to a long discussion. Seating himself on a bench he turned to the group and sighed. “Okay who would like to speak first?”

Elladan and Elrohir looked at Estel. Realizing he would have to do the honours he sat next to his father and began to explain.

*****

The halls were quiet and realizing he was far away from the hall as not to be overheard Thranduil abruptly stopped turning to Carandol. “You may put him down now.”

Carandol stopped and with a look of confusion on his face asked “My lord I do not understand are we not going to the healing house?”

“No my friend we are not. You may put Legolas down and return to the gathering.”

Carandol gently put Legolas down and turned to go back to the festival.

“And Carandol please do not mention this to anyone.” Thranduil called to him.

Looking between Thranduil who’s face was filled with amusement and Legolas who’s was filled with surprise simple remarked, “Of course my lord.”

Legolas watched Carandol walking away silently wishing him to return. Knowing his little ruse had failed Legolas turned to his father waiting for the lecture he was sure was coming.

Thranduil walked over to his son and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I did not think there was anything more foolish then last night that you could do, but alas I was wrong.” Reaching over and taking Legolas chin in his hand he turned the small face up to his. “ That little scene in there was very foolish as well, Legolas you could have really hurt yourself.”

“I’m sorry Ada but I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t ask someone to dance with me looking like this. You heard what they were saying!” A small tear spilled over his light blue eyes and slid down his delicate face.

Enclosing his arms around Legolas he pulled him forward into his embrace. “Shhh tethen pen. It will all be alright.” Legolas fell into his father embrace and began to softly cry. “I am sorry my son I did not realize you would take this lesson so hard. I only wanted you to accept the consequences of your actions. Accepting responsibility is a hard lesson to learn.”

Thranduil stood there holding his son until the sobs subsided. “Come now we must return to our guest.” Legolas stiffened in his fathers arms. Thranduil winked down at Legolas. “Right after we get this ankle of yours bandaged.” Legolas tightened his grip around his father’s waist. “Thanks, Ada you are the best!”

“Remember that the next time you decide to do something foolish.” Thranduil laughed as he led Legolas away toward the House of Healing.

*Meanwhile*

Elrond sat stone faced as he listened to Estel explain about their trip to the sheds. Anger and embarrassment was replaced with amusement. Only these four could have gotten themselves into this kind of trouble. He tried to picture the scene in his head as Estel was explaining it. Imagining the looks on their faces as Thranduil pulled open the door was too much. He leaned over grabbing his stomach and began laughing uncontrollably. Oh how he wished he could have been there. He pulled himself upright and tried to gain some control. Looking at the faces of his sons he lost it once again cackling into the night air.

Estel looked back at his brothers who were slowly edging toward the doorway. Their faces had gone from a light blue to a pale grey. Fright glistened in their eyes.

“Estel move back towards us slowly!” They whispered to their brother.

“What?” Estel asked fear finally over taking him.

“I said move back towards us slowly. Do not make any fast moments!” Elladan exclaimed.

Moving slowly backwards as not to draw attention to himself Estel slowly turned to face the twins. “Why? What is going on??”

“I do believe we have finally sent Ada over the edge. When I say go run. Run as fast as you can to your room and lock the door! Elrohir pulled Estel closer to the door and shoved him through. “Run! Run Estel and don’t look back!!” The three stumbled out the door and tore down the hall as fast they could.

Hearing his son’s words and watching them flee from him was almost enough to actually send Elrond over the edge. He fell over onto his side and continued laughing.

“And what is so funny?” asked Thranduil walking onto the balcony with Legolas at his side. “Where are your children?”

Elrond tried to answer but his words were unrecognizable between all the laughing and snorting. “Ran… Thought… Insane… Rooms… Locked!”

Legolas concerned over the little he could make out turned to his father. “Ada?”

Thranduil thinking Elrond may have gone insane himself looked, at Legolas. “I think they are in their rooms. Go and make sure they are okay.”

Legolas began to run down the hallway forgetting he was supposed to have a hurt ankle.

The guests who were beginning to leave stared at the sight of a blue elf with a bandaged foot running down the hall. He seemed to be running for his life and the air was filled with a deep cackling laugh. Some stopped to listen as other quickly picked up their pace and headed for the main door.

Thranduil sat down next to Elrond and began to watch his guests leaving. He could tell by the way they carried themselves and the speed in which they were walking that they wanted to get as far away from his home as possible. Elrond having calmed himself looked at the retreating elves. “I’m sorry my friend. This wasn’t exactly a festival to remember.”

“Are you kidding?” Asked Thranduil. “Three blue elves and one blue human along with one totally insane father. I have a feeling they will be talking about my feast for years to come!”

Hearing these words come from the Kings lips Elrond could not control himself again. He began laughing at the top of his lungs which sent Thranduil into a fit of laughter himself.

The few remaining elves began running along the garden path when the sounds of laughter reached their ears. And four very small being sat huddling together with their hands pressed against their ears.

“You were right when you sad we have really done it this time!” Elladan tuned to Legolas. “You did lock the door behind you when you came in right!!”

The End

I hope you find this story amusing as I had a wonderful time writing it. Please feel free to review as I am dieing to know what you all think!!!!

Translations:

Pan innas ne- gohenan = All will be forgiven

Meleth-nin = My love

Tithen pen = Little one