Title: The Patience of an Elf

 

By: Carol     Feedback: kjcarjo@cox.net

 

Rating: G

 

Betta: San (betta) & Trinks (my sounding board and advisor)

 

Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with Tolkien or anything even remotely related to him. I do not own any of the LOTR characters. I do however own all others. Please do not borrow or play with them without permission, they are one of the few things I own outright lol.

 

Summary: Trying to do a good deed, Legolas offers to baby-sit the children of a friend. Does he have the patience to take on four unruly kids?

 

Timeline: After the destruction of the one ring.

 

Notes: I would like to dedicate this story to Trinka. For your help, ideas and most of all for your patience of an elf. You have stood by me regardless of the circumstances and what others may or may not think. That is true friendship and I’m thankful to have yours. And to San, Claudia, Alina, Any, Emily and Mor, whom has made my life a brighter and happier place. Thank Girls!!

 

Part 1

 

Legolas watched the weary figure leaning against the gate. He had come to know Docyn some time ago and considered him a friend. While he had had the opportunity to meet many men while living in Gondor, there were few who he bestowed the honor of his friendship. Docyn was a sentry at the city gates and he would stop to greet Legolas each evening on his way outside the city walls, when he went for his nightly walks in the forest below.

 

Legolas had noticed a change in the man the past few weeks. He was married with four children who had recently returned from a summer long visit with their grandparents. Since their arrival Docyn had seemed on edge and tired.

 

Good evening Docyn.” he called as he neared the gate.

 

“Good evening Legolas.” the sentry called back without his usual cheer.

 

Legolas approached the man and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Is all well my friend?”

 

“Everything is fine, thank you.” he replied.

 

The Mirkwood prince had known him long enough to tell when he was lying, “Perhaps if you talked about it, it may help.”

 

“It is nothing Legolas, at least nothing you can help with, but I thank you for the offer.” Docyn sighed.

 

“Perhaps if you would explain, I may be able to.” Legolas inquired.

 

“My wife and I had planned on going to the White Tree for dinner tomorrow evening to celebrate our anniversary, but with the children’s return I’m afraid those plans have had to be cancelled.” he mumbled, the look of disappointment clearly visible on is face.

 

“Perhaps I may be able to help you after all,” the Mirkwood elf laughed.

 

“I do not understand?”

 

“I would be happy to watch your children while you are away.” Legolas replied.

 

“Legolas I appreciate your offer, but I can not ask that of you.”

 

“You have not asked, I have offered.” Legolas smiled and clapped the Gondorian soldier on the shoulder.

 

Docyn seemed to ponder the proposal and finally sighed, “Nay Legolas, I cannot let you do this, you have always treated me well, and I do not wish to put you in harm’s way in return.”

 

Legolas thinking the man was kidding began to laugh, “Then it is settled, I will see you tomorrow evening,’ and began to climb the road back up to the top of the city.

 

Docyn watched as the elf walked away. He wanted to call out to him, and refuse the offer again, but he really needed a night away from his children. His wife needed it as well. “He is a warrior, surely he can handle four small children,” he whispered into the night air. “What is the worse that can happen?”

 

“Besides, they will either kill him, or he kills them in return?” his partner Gwudoc laughed as he walked down the stairs to join Docyn. He had heard the exchange and pity gripped his heart as he watched the young elf walking away.

 

Docyn hung his head in guilt as Legolas turned the corner and disappeared from view.

 

Part 2

 

Aragorn slowly slid from the saddle and turned to his best friend, “Legolas, I am not so sure this is a good idea.”

 

“Aragorn they are only children! I think I am capable of looking after them for a few hours.”

 

“Legolas, I do not think you have any idea what you are getting yourself into, I have heard stories from the other guards about those four; the youngest is an angel but the other three are a different story all together.”

 

The prince was starting to become angry. He had fought with orcs, wargs and uruk-hai, and yet Aragorn did not have the faith in him to control four small humans. “Aragorn I know what I am doing!”

 

The king shook his head as he watched the elf storm out the door and head down the road, his long blonde hair blowing in the evening breeze. He looked every part the warrior, green tunic and leggings, bow and quiver full of arrows slung across his back, head held high and an air of confidence surrounding him.

 

 “Good luck my friend: I fear you are going to need it.” he called into the night, and turned heading to the castle. He was tired from the hunting trip they had just returned from and wanted nothing more then a hot bath, and a soft pillow, but he knew he would not rest until his friend came back home, alive and well.

 

Legolas snorted as he heard the words carry across the road. He did not understand why Aragorn was acting this way. He may be young according to elvish standards, but he had seen many more new moons the Aragorn could ever imagine.  Although Legolas was an only child, he had spent many a summer and winters with both the king and Aragorn’s his twin brothers. Enduring them for all these years made him more then qualified to handle children.

 

As he walked down the road through the great white city the sounds of children’s laughter drifted through the night breeze. Legolas tilted his head slightly listened to the merriment dancing on the winds and smiled. He was actually looking forward to spending time with Docyn’s young ones. The city had grown old to him. Although the hunts he took with Aragorn were fun they were still few and far between, as the king was a busy man. The walks he took in the evenings relived his heart immensely, but still Legolas felt the need for more excitement. Perhaps this evening would help to relieve some of the stress he felt as the stone walls around him seemed to close in more firmly with each new sunrise.

 

He approached the door of Docyn and Giwen’s house he stopped and listened to the sounds from within. Children’s voices could be heard yelling and the sound of a female in frustration who was trying to quiet them down.

 

“I’m not going to tell you again to settle down, Legolas will be here in a few minutes and I do not want you to give him any grief, am I understood?”

 

“Yes mama!” the small voices called out in unison.

 

“I mean it! You will behave yourselves,” she proclaimed again, “You will finish your dinner, take your baths and prepare for bed, understood?”

 

“Yes, mother!”

 

“Fine, then go and wash up for dinner, and be quick about it.”

 

Legolas was just about to knock when he heard a tiny voice belonging to the youngest child, Aleviel.

 

“Mama, do elves really eat little girls?” she asked.

 

“Of course not my little Angel, why would you ask such a question?” Giwen asked.

 

“Liddry said if I didn’t behave Legless would eat me!”

 

“Well first of all his name is Legolas, not Legless, and I have your father’s word that he does not eat little girls,” Giwen laughed, “now off with you, and Aleviel make sure to wash your face as well as your hands.”

 

Legolas stood in shock: He was not sure whether to laugh or be appalled. “Elves eating children, where would someone get such an idea?” he wondered. Hearing approaching footsteps the

Mirkwood prince gently straightened out his tunic, and turned hoping to make a good first impression on the family.

 

 Suddenly the door opened and a woman appeared. She was a beautiful creature, but even her beauty could not hide the tired and exhausted look in her eyes. “Good evening. She began. “You must be Legolas, I am Giwen please come in.” she smiled and waved a hand welcoming him into her home.

 

“Thank you milady.” he greeted as he walked past her into the house.

 

Legolas entered and surveyed his surroundings. The house was small for a family of six and sparsely decorated, but what humble fixtures there were gave it a sense of warmth. This appeared to be a happy home; however, appearances can be deceiving.

 

Docyn appeared out of a doorway, and he noticed the small child in his arms. Her freshly washed face was a light pink and long blonde curls surrounded her delicate features. Docyn gently stood her on the floor beside him and extended his hand to greet the elf.

 

“Good evening Legolas, welcome to my home. I see you have met my wife, but let me introduce me you to my youngest daughter. This is Aleviel,” he gently laid his hand on top of her head, “Aleviel this is the friend I have told you about: Legolas.”

 

Legolas approached the small child and kneeled down to her eye level. Frightened by the tall being before her, she quickly scooted behind her father’s leg and peeked around. Legolas laid his hand across his heart, bowed his head, and slowly lowering his hand in the usual elvish greeting spoke softly,” It is my honor to meet you little one.”

 

He was struck by the curious brown eyes watching him, “You have never seen an elf before have you?” he asked. “Do not be frightened, I mean you no harm.”

 

Docyn carefully pulled the little girl from his leg and pushed her slightly toward the Mirkwood prince, “Say hello Aleviel.”

 

She stood before the prone elf and tilted her head to the side. Staring at him she quietly commented, “You have funny ears!”

 

Giwen gasped, and made to scoop up her daughter, making apologizes for her sudden outburst, just as the child reached out and drew a finger across the tip of the elf’s pointed ear.

 

He quickly grasped the small hand and enveloped it in his own. “Nay, there is no need to apologize, she is young and truthful, I admire that,” he winked a sea blue eye at the little girl, causing her to smile. “Perhaps you are right, however, I may say the same of yours,” he answered, grabbing the tip of her round ear and giving it a small tug.

 

Docyn released a sigh of relief as he watched the exchange. “He has won one over,” he thought to himself, “However the others will not be so easy.”

 

“Come Legolas, let us sit a moment and talk before we go.” He clapped a hand on the elf’s shoulder and waited for him to rise.

 

Just as Legolas began to stand, the three remaining children burst through the doorway and ran right into him, knocking him to the floor, and causing him to become entangled between several small arms and legs.

 

Giwen grabbed her oldest son’s arm and pulled him from atop the fallen prince. Then she reached to grabbed her daughter‘s. Docyn lifted his youngest son up and stood him upright before offering his hand to Legolas. “I am sorry my friend, please accept my help.”

 

Legolas gripped the extended hand and quickly rose. Brushing the dust from his clothes; he turned to face his attackers.

 

The children were facing their mother, who was softly chastising them for their current behavior.

“I told you to behave yourselves and look what you have gone and done!”

 

“Nay, it is fine Giwen, they meant no harm.” the prince proclaimed.

 

Docyn waved a hand to Legolas motioning him to a chair and turned to his children, “Now you four go and eat your dinner, it is getting late and we must be off soon.”

 

Legolas removed his quiver and bow and leaned them carefully against the chair before sitting down. He did not notice the four children watching him or the evil smiles that crossed three faces.

 

Giwen approached and stood next to her husband, “I do not know how to thank you enough Legolas, and your offer is greatly appreciated.”

 

“There is no need to thank me, I am honored you agreed to let me help, I am looking forward to getting to know your children and I hope they will grant me the same pleasure,” he replied, “I am sure there is much I can teach them, and much I can learn.”

 

“I hope that is all they do!” Docyn thought and stood quickly from his resting place. Wrapping an arm around his wife they headed for the door, “Please make yourself at home,” and giving one last glance towards the dining room he called out,” We are leaving and you had better behave yourselves!”

 

“We will father!” Liddry called back.

 

With that said the pair slipped out the door and hurried down the road.

 

Part 3

 

Legolas leaned back in the chair and began to relax. He was tired form the days hunt and figured to get a few moments of relaxation in while the children were eating.

 

Suddenly a piercing cry erupted from the youngest child and Legolas bolted to see what had happened. Running up to the table he noticed the small girl crying, her head covered with mashed potatoes, and Ladoc sitting across from her laughing.

 

“What has happened to her, why is she covered in food?” he queried. He began to pick the food from her head and placed it back on the plate.

 

“I don’t know.” Ladoc replied.

 

“Yes, you do!” Aleviel screamed.

 

“No, I don’t!”

 

Baeni reached over and smacked her brother on the head, ‘Yes you do fool, you did It.” she sneered.

 

“Did not!” he screamed back.

 

“Did too!”

 

“Did not!”

 

“Did too!”

 

Suddenly Ladoc leaped from his chair and barreled into his sister sending the two of them careening to the floor.

 

Legolas was appalled, for never had he seen such behavior from children before. Sure, he and the twins had wrestled around before, but never like this. It seemed as if the two of them were actually trying to hurt each other.

 

Liddry stood up watching them and began encouraging the outlandish behavior, while little Aleviel sat crying at the top of her lungs.

 

Picking the crying child up, and placing her on his hip, Legolas rounded the table and grabbed Ladoc by the collar, lifting him off his sister. Turning, he placed him back in his chair, “That is enough, you will clean-up this mess and behave yourselves.”  He glared at the boy waiting for a reply, receiving none. He headed for the freshening room to clean the youngest one up.

 

Placing her on a small stool he returned to the kitchen to fetch a bowl of warm water. He noticed as he passed the dining area the other three, sitting close together and whispering. Realizing he was watching them they turned and smiled.

 

 Baeni quickly stood up and ran towards the elf. Clambering up on a chair and staring the prince in the eyes she reached over and wrapped her arms around his neck, “We are sorry Legolas, we promise to behave.” As quickly as she had ambushed him, she released his neck and scampered back over to her brothers, stood behind them and continued to smile.

 

 There was something about the smiles that bothered Legolas, but he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Shaking his head he continued on.

 

Upon returning to the freshening room he found Aleviel sitting on the floor covered with what appeared to be mud. A small gasp escaped his lips and the small child looked up at him with a huge smile “I’m pretty,” she exclaimed. He tried to hold back a smile, but the child looked too precious and he felt a wide grin cross his face as he bent down and lifted her up, placing her in the tub. “I will need more water than this,’ he motioned towards the bucket, “you wait here and try not to get in anymore trouble.”

 

Turning around he reached down to pick up the bucket and noticed a clay jar sitting next to the tub. Picking it up and holding it to his nose, he caught the scent of earth, Athelas and flowers. He went to place the jar on the table next to him and was startled to see the three older children standing in the doorway with grins on their faces.

 

“Mother is not going to be happy with you!” Liddry announced smugly. “That is her favorite face mud.”

 

Legolas was confused, “I do not understand, why anyone would want to put mud on their face?”

 

Baeni rolled her eyes and simply stated, “To make herself pretty.”

 

The prince remembered the smallest child saying the same thing and although she did look silly covered in mud, he didn’t exactly think it made her pretty.

 

“Well if its mud she wants, I will just go outside and find her some more.” replied Legolas.

 

Baeni rolled her eyes again and, turning, walked from the room with the others close behind her, “Not that kind of mud, silly elf.”

 

Legolas lifted the pot to his nose again and sniffed, “Pretty?” he thought aloud.

 

“I’m pretty!” Aleviel exclaimed.

 

Remembering the little girl covered in mud Legolas sighed. “Yes, you are very pretty Aleviel.” he said setting down the jar, and heading for the kitchen.

 

Part 4

 

The young couple sat under the white tree watching the stars. A bounty of food spread before them, but neither had touched it. Instead their eyes were turned to the stars, and their minds to their home, and the many things that could be going wrong.

 

Giwen reached over and lay her hand on her husband’s arm, “They will be alright, will they not?”

 

“You mean HE will be alright, don’t you?’ he chuckled.

 

“Aye, tis what I mean.”

 

“I have come to know Legolas for a while now my love, and he is brave and strong. If anyone will be able to handle them, tis him.”

 

“Then why does your voice not strengthen your words?”

 

Docyn looked in his wife’s eyes, “Not very convincing then?”

 

A small laugh escaped her lips, “Nay, not very.”

 

“Perhaps we should just go and have a peek?” he teased.

 

Giwen gathered her skirt around her knees and began to rise.

 

Docyn grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him, “My love, if we go now we will never be able to leave again. Have faith in the elf, he is a wise being, and a skilled warrior.”

 

She sank down next to him and smiled, “Let us not forget courageous.”

 

“Aye, that he is, my wife. That he is.”

 

Part 5

 

Legolas lifted Aleviel out of the tub, wrapped a towel around her and placed her on the ground, “There tithen pen now you are PRETTY.” Reaching over he took her night dress and slowly pulled it over her head, removed the towel and began drying her hair.

 

“What is a tittan pet?” she asked.

 

“Tithen pen,” he slowly pronounced, “and it means little one. Now come we must go and find your siblings, for it is their time to bathe.” Turning to leave he was startled as a small hand reached out and wrapped itself around his finger. Looking down into her small delicate face, he found himself surprised that in such a short time this small creature had managed to find her way into his heart.

 

Aleviel started for the door and gently pulled him along. “Someday, I would like to have one of these.” he thought to himself and smiled.

 

That thought vanished the second he entered the doorway. He stood in shock at the scene before him.

 

Liddry and Ladoc were play fighting with two long knives on the lounging chair. The young boy bounced over the chair back and landed on the floor just as Liddry stabbed the knife forward, piercing the cushion his brother had just been leaning on.

 

Legolas pulled his hand free from the small fingers holding it, and raced across the room. Grabbing Liddry around the waist with one hand he snatched the knife away with the other. Ladoc, surprised by not only the speed in which the elf had arrived but also by the angry look upon his face, dropped his knife and backed away into the corner.

 

“What do you think you are doing?” Legolas yelled walking over and picking up the other weapon, “These are not toys to be played with; you could have hurt or even killed each other!”

 

The two stood in silence. Ladoc cast his eyes to the ground but Liddry locked eyes with the Mirkwood prince and continued to stare.

 

“Where did you get these?” Legolas inquired as he raised the knives up.

 

Liddry smirked as he watched the look of recognition form in the elf’s eyes as he realized the knives were none other than his own. Confusion slowly crept in as well as he reached behind him and felt the empty spot where they should had lain.

 

Legolas sank down into the chair as questions began to run through his mind. “How did they take them without him knowing?  When did they take them?”  It was impossible, never had he been disarmed without his knowledge. Suddenly it hit him. Giwen… the hug…it had been a diversion. It had to have been her. With this information the elf felt not only his heart but his pride come crashing down. He had been tricked by a mere child.

 

“Where is your sister?” he inquired only to be met with silence. Raising his voice he asked again, “Where is Baeni?”

 

“I am here,” she called out as she strode into the room, “is something wrong?”

 

“Why?” Legolas choked out, “Why did you take these, do you not know what could have happened?”

 

“I do not understand what you are talking about.”

 

“You know perfectly well what I am saying, you took these from me and because of that someone could have been seriously hurt!”

 

She looked over to her brothers and laughed, “They seem fine to me.”

 

Legolas felt his temper rising. He wished nothing more then to wipe the smug look off this young, arrogant child’s face, but before he did something he would later regret, he simply pointed to the freshening room and told them to go and get washed for bed.

 

As the door closed behind them he heard the three begin giggling. With a heavy sigh he leaned over and placed his head in his hands. Suddenly he felt as old as he was.

 

Aleviel watched the elf from across the room. Quietly she crept up and laid he hand on his head, gently stroking his hair as her mother had done for her when she felt bad. “It is okay Legless, do not cry. It was not your fault; they are bad children.”

 

“Nay, little one, I am a bad babysitter.”

 

“No you are not,” she quietly whispered.

 

Part 6

 

Giwen leaned back into her husband’s embrace and watched the moon slowly slide across the sky. Docyn wrapped his arms around her and leaned his face into her hair, taking in her scent.

They stood for moments lost in the tranquility of the evening air, listening to the soft chirp of the crickets playing among the leaves. The faint voices of couples walking in the moonlight, through the city below drifted over the wall, reminding them they were not alone.

 

“I wish we could stay like this forever.” he whispered into her ear.

 

“I wish it as well, but we should return.”

 

Docyn sighed. He knew she spoke the truth, but he wished for more time alone with her. It had been so long since they had had a moment alone, and as hard as he tried he could not make himself move. “Just a few more moments.”

 

Feeling the same hesitation at returning to what she knew awaited, Giwen turned and looked up into his eyes. “Perhaps we could run,” she teased, “we could run to the stables, take a horse and ride away as fast as we could, without looking back.”

 

“Ah, but you are forgetting one thing, my love.”

 

“I am?” she jested.

 

“Yes, our youngest child, and not to mention you would be condemning our friend, the elf to the mercy of our three oldest children.”

 

“Ah… but you spoil my dreams.” she laughed, “You are right as usual. I could never leave my baby. And as for dear Legolas, maybe it is time to go and relieve the poor thing… if he still lives.”

 

“Aye, perhaps on the way home it would be wise to gather a rescue party!” Docyn replied with a gleam in his eye.

 

Giwen walked back towards the blanket and began gathering their belongings. Placing the last of the items in the basket she took him by the hand, and began walking towards the garden gates.  “Come my brave husband, let us return if we must.” she giggled.

 

“Fear not my wife, I will protect you with my last breath,” he answered, grabbing her around the waist and pushing her through the entryway.

 

Part 7

 

Legolas leaned back and watched Aleviel quietly play on the floor. She was holding an old worn out doll up to her chest and was singing a lullaby. “There has to be a mistake,” he thought to himself, “how can this sweet thing be related to those others?” He shuddered at the thought.

 

Noticing the elf watching her she quickly rose from the floor and walked over to him. “Would you like to hold her?” she asked.

 

Legolas reached out and took the doll around the waist and held her before him.

 

“No, not like that!” she exclaimed and began to crawl up into his lap. “You have to hold her like this.”  Aleviel gently retrieved the doll and placed it against his shoulder, taking his hand she lifted it up and laid it across the doll’s back.

 

Legolas instantly stiffened, he had never had close contact with children before and to have one so small sitting on his lap and instructing him on the proper way to care for a doll was not what he had expected when he had agreed to this arrangement.

 

“Now sing.”

 

“Sing?”

 

“Yes, you have to sing to her or she won’t go to sleep.” Aleviel looked up into his blue eyes and waited for him to begin.

 

“Aleviel you do understand that this doll is not…” he began to say, but looking into her large brown eyes he lost his courage. This child had been nothing but kind to him since his arrival and he did not have the heart to hurt her.

 

He softly began to sing in elvish as Aleviel settled back and rested her head against his chest.

 

He watched as her eyes slowly began to slide shut and her breathing slowed. “This isn’t so bad,” he thought, “Actually one could become accustom to this.” He gently raised his arm and wrapped it around the small figure.

 

All of a sudden he became aware of raised voices erupting from the freshening room.

 

Aleviel’s head jerked up and Legolas could feel her begin to tremble. Legolas carefully slid from under her and went to see what was going on.

 

 Upon reaching the freshening room Legolas jerked the door open and stepped inside. He felt his foot slide from under him and before he could regain control, he found himself slipping across the floor in a pool of water. He landed hard on his tail bone and cringed as a sharp jolt of hot pain traveled up his spine.

 

His head snapped at the roar of laughter that assaulted his ears. Blue eyes as cold as ice flittered between the laughing children. Baeni and Ladoc cringed under the gaze but Liddry simply stared back challengingly. Legolas bit back the anger that was consuming him. He wanted nothing more than to get up and throttle these three, but chose to sit instead and try to calm himself down.

 

 “Walk much elf?” Liddry giggled and nudged his sister. Feeling his reinforcement she began to laugh again and soon the youngest son followed suit.

 

Legolas felt the blood boil beneath his skin, his heartbeat echoing in his head, the warrior in him fighting to come out. Never before had he been treated so rudely by others, not even in the midst of battle.

 

He  stood and towered over the children, his muscles tensed ready to react at a moments notice, his face set, his gaze piercing, his pulse high and fast his throat and his lungs working like bellows. Like a cat stalking his prey he slowly moved in front of Liddry and bent down to peer into his eyes.

 

 His nose grazed the tip of the young boys and through gritted teeth he softly whispered, “You are the reason some animals eat their young!”

 

A sense of contentment washed over him as he watched fear grow in the boy’s eyes.  He continued to hold the boys gaze, daring him to move or utter even the slightest word.

 

Baeni, realizing her brother was in big trouble, suddenly slammed her foot down on the top of the elves and screamed “Run!”

 

Legolas yelled as the pain ripped through his foot and made a grab for the girl. Missing her, he growled as he watched their retreat.

 

The children scrambled, all trying to reach the doorway at once. Pushing and screaming they crammed through and raced into the other room.

 

Part 8

 

Giwen leaned into her husband as they rounded the corner close to their home. “I hate for this evening to end,” she sighed. As they approached their door they, could here the screaming from inside. Carefully sneaking over to the window they peered inside.

 

The children were running out of the freshening room and Legolas was close behind them.

At first Giwen did not know whether to laugh or to be appalled. She glanced at her husband and was surprised by the look on his face as he watched the disheveled price run across the room, as if hunting some elusive prey.

 

Docyn peered in the window and a large toothy smile crossed his face. He had heard of the elf’s warrior side, but never had the opportunity to see it himself. “This elf can truly hold his own,” he thought aloud.

 

“What?” Giwen asked.

 

“Look at him Giwen, the speed with which he moves, the way he seems to glide across the floor. Did you see him jump over that chair and land as though he was a cat? I have heard men talk of his actions in battle and the way he hunts. Truly remarkable my dear.”

 

“I am sorry; I was concentrating more on the looks upon our children’s faces. If you have not noticed they look terrified.”

 

“And it is about timeI Besides, not all are terrified. Look at our little one.”

 

Giwen turned back to the window and watched her youngest child. Aleviel was standing in the chair jumping up and down; small squeals of laughter fell from her small lips. She truly seemed to be enjoying herself watching Legolas herd the other three into the bedroom. As he closed the door and started back across the room she launched herself off the chair and wrapped herself around the startled elf.

 

Docyn wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist and gently pulled her back from the window as he watched the tired elf and his daughter drop back into the chair. “Come, let us walk once more around the city.”

 

“Docyn, should we not go inside?”

 

“Nay, he seems to have everything under control. Now come, for we may not get this opportunity again,’ He whispered in her ear as he led her back up the city street.

 

Part 9

 

Legolas looked down at the sleeping child in his arms and sighed. It had taken four songs to finally get her to sleep. As he watched her back slowly rise and fall he considered carrying her to her room. As he began to rise, the girl shifted in his arms and tightened her grip around his neck. Slowly leaning back, and laying his cheek upon her head, he began to think about his life as sleep began to win over.

 

He had often sat for hours and watched the children of Gondor. He had lately begun to realize just how lonely he was in this city of stone, and how much he actually longed for a family of his own. Someone to share his time with. A son of his own to play with just like the fathers he had observed at play with their own sons. A little girl who would run into his arms after a long day of hunting. He longed to hear the word ada fall from lips other than his own. A little girl much like the one asleep on his chest.

 

Suddenly a chill ran down his spine as he though of the other ones. What if his offspring turned out as those had. How could children like that come from two wonderful parents? What did they do to deserve such untrained offspring as those. He knew he had not always been the perfect son. He himself had caused much grief, not only in Mirkwood but in Rivendell as well with his practical jokes. But never had he been so unruly or misbehaved. Perhaps at times he had caused his own father much grief; yes he was sure he had.

 

“Oh ada, if I only knew then what I know now.” he thought. “Next time we meet I will make sure to tell you how proud I am of you as a father, and apologize for everything I have ever done to bring you grief.” he mumbled before falling over the edge and into sleep.

 

Part 10

 

“He’s still awake!”  Ladoc called back to his brother and quickly closed the door.

 

“Do you have it yet?” asked Baeni.

 

“Not yet, I am trying, Don’t just stand there help Me.’ he growled as he chased the furry creature under the bed.

 

Baeni went around to the other side and waited for it to come her way. She hated these things and her body shook at the thought of actually touching it.

 

“It is coming Baeni, get ready!” Liddry’s voice rang out.

 

Suddenly it came scurrying in her direction. Holding her breath her hand shot out, covering the vile thing, “I have it. Hurry Docyn, I can feel it moving, please hurry!”

 

Scooting back out from under the bed, he grabbed a small bag lying on the floor and raced over to his sister, “Quit acting like such an infant,’ he hissed as he opened the bag.

 

Closing her hand into a fist she swiftly scooped it up and dropped it in the bag.

 

“There!” Docyn exclaimed as he drew the drawstring closed trapping the living being within. He walked over and peeked out the door at the figure sitting in the chair. He sighed as he noticed the elf’s eyes had not closed.

 

“Does he ever sleep?” he growled.

 

Baeni walked up and peered over his shoulder, “I think he is sleeping Doc.”

 

“Are you blind Baeni? His eyes are open, you’re so foolish.’

 

“I am not. Look at him: he is not moving. He is asleep.”

 

Docyn watched the elf for a few more minutes not sure what to believe. “He sleeps with his eyes open?”

 

“Either that or he’s dead,’ she laughed.

 

“Very funny, but how do we find out?’

 

Ladoc suddenly began pushing between them, trying to see. Docyn opened the door and grabbing him by the shoulders flung him through the door. Landing in a pile on the floor Ladoc froze, waiting for the elf to rise and come after him. Realizing Legolas had not moved he scampered back into the bedroom.

 

“Why did you do that?” he whined.

 

“We had to make sure didn’t we?” Baeni smiled, as a shocked look crossed her brother’s face.

 

“Enough,” Docyn chided them, “Come on we have work to do,” and headed for the living room.

 

Ladoc stood where he was and watched the two leaving. Baeni realized he had not followed and strode back over to him.

 

 “Are you coming or not?” she asked.

 

Forcing his feet to move he made for the doorway, “I have a bad feeling about this.” he thought to himself.

 

Baeni crept up on the price and stared into his eyes. When she saw no recognition in them, she carefully raised her hand and passed it back and forth. Smiling at her brother she nodded, her gesture giving him the signal to proceed.

 

He raised the bag above the elf’s head and carefully shook it, trying to force the creature inside to loosen it grip on the leather sides. Gradually it started appearing, first a leg and then another, finally losing its grip it tumbled through the air and softly landed on top of the golden hair.

 

Ladoc began to giggle at the sight, and Baeni quickly covered his mouth to stifle the sounds. The three then stepped back and watched with anticipation. No one had ever bested them before and this Prince would be no exception. Their eyes light up as they watched it slowly crawl across the elf’s head and begin to slide down his face. Realizing it would not be long before the babysitter awoke; they made a hasty retreat back into their room, and closed the door leaving it ajar just a crack so as not to miss all the fun.

 

Legolas was petrified as he felt something crawling over his skin. He awoke with a start, realizing what it was, and jumped from the chair, barely holding onto the sleeping child, and began swatting his head trying to knock the vile thing off, only causing it to become entangled in his long blonde hair.

 

Aleviel screamed as she was suddenly jarred wake. She didn’t understand what was going on, but knew that whatever it was it wasn’t good. In her young mind she thought her friend was hurt and began to cry.

 

Finally managing to free the thing, he looked down just in time to watch the large, hairy, black spider disappear under the chair. Goosebumps covered his flawless skin and sweat ran down his back. Of all the things in the world he despised, spiders were the worst. His fear and hate for them had grown with him from childhood.

 

Soothing the crying child, he sat her down on the ground and went into the kitchen to fetch a broom. Returning, he flipped the chair over, raised the broom above his head and brought it crashing down upon the un-expecting insect repeatedly. Exhausted he lowered the broom and stared at the dark spot that now lay where the creature had once crawled.

 

“Is it gone?” Aleviel asked.

 

“Yes, it is gone.” he whispered.

 

“I never liked him anyways.” Aleviel said. “He always scared me.”

 

Confused Legolas twisted his head and stared at the girl. “What do you mean you never like him?”

 

“I never liked him; Docyn always scared me with him when he was mad at me.”

 

Legolas heard the soft click of a door and looked up in the direction of the children’s room.

 

“Aleviel, I want you to wait right here,” he righted the chair hiding the remains of the spider and lifting the child, sat her down. Leaning over and looking her in the eyes he asked, “Do you understand? I do not want you to move from this chair.”

 

Large brown eyes stared back and she quickly nodded her head.

 

Legolas walked over to the door and was just reaching for it when he heard the murmur of small voices accompanied with laughter.

 

“Did you see him jump? I did not know elves could jump so high,” Liddry laughed.

 

“And the look on his face, that was funny.” Baeni replied.

 

“No, the best part was when he started hitting himself in the head!” Ladoc added, and the three began laughing hysterically at the thought.

 

Legolas stood listening to the three continue their conversation. He could feel the anger rising within him and his mind screaming to walk away. For one fleeting moment he considered turning away, but it was now a matter of pride and he would not allow them to get the better of him.

He reached out and grabbed the door handle, seeing the three in a circle in the middle of the room, he started in after them.

 

Ladoc heard the door pound open and quickly raised his hand to his mouth, turning to confront the irate elf.

 

Legolas watched their eyes as he closed the gap between them, “So you think that was funny. Do you?” he asked.

 

“Thought what was funny?” Liddry inquired feigning innocence.

 

“Do not treat me as some fool!” Legolas bellowed, “Do you think…” he continued to say, but stopped short as he noticed Ladoc beginning to sway back and forth. Suddenly the child fell to the ground and began to flop around. Foam was seeping from his mouth and his eyes rolled into the back of his head, revealing only whiteness where crisp green pupils had once been.

 

Legolas felt his heart stop as he watched the convulsing child. Bending down to he quickly scooped up the boys head with one hand and laid his other across the child’s chest trying to steady the wriggling body. “What happened? What is wrong with him?” the prince asked the two remaining children.

 

“That is what he does when he is under stress!” You must help him!” they called out in unison.

 

Feeling guilty unsure of what to do, Legolas leaned in close and began to speak softly to the boy, “Please young one, I do not know what to do. You must hold on, it is not your time to go.”

 

Unable to control himself Ladoc burst out laughing, spraying foam up into the elf’s face and all over his tunic.

 

Legolas was speechless as he watched the Ladoc lying in his arms laughing as a slice of orange peel slid from his mouth.

 

Ladoc looked over to his siblings called out, “I told you he would fall for it! Rising powder and oranges!” before he fell back laughing again.

 

Legolas dropped the boys head letting it hit the ground, stood up, hands clenched at his sides, and yelled at the top of his lungs, “That’s it!”

 

Part 11

 

Docyn and Giwen cautiously approached the door. Giwen leaned he ear up against the door and listened. Hearing no sound she drew in a deep breath, looked at her husband and slowly opened the door.

 

Together the entered the front room and stopped dead in their tracks as they surveyed the room. Legolas was sitting in the overstuffed chair with Aleviel curled up asleep in his lap. He held a book in one hand and was quietly reading a story to the small child. The prince looked up at the two and raised a finger to his mouth in a “shhh” gesture.

 

It was not however, this sight that had caused them to stop. Their attention was drawn across the room to the figures of their other children.

 

Ladoc and Liddry were pinned to the far wall by their night clothes with what appeared to be daggers and arrows. Their arms stretched out to the side and their eyes intently watching the elf. Baeni was sitting in a wooden chair between the two, secured by a long length of rope.

 

Docyn walked further into the room and sat down in the chair next to the prince, his wife coming up to stand beside him. Unsure of what to say, they simply sat, eyes flickering between the children and the elf.

 

 Finishing the story Legolas closed the book and laid it to the side. Looking up he smiled at the astonished pair.

 

Finding his voice, Docyn finally asked, “Legolas, is everything alright?”

 

A huge grin crossed the prince of Mikwood’s face and he replied, “Aye, everything is just as it should be; I told you I could handle it.”

 

Docyn felt a hand fall sharply on his shoulder and thinking his wife was about to pass out he quickly jerked his head to the side so he could see her face. She stood with one hand over her mouth and Docyn was getting ready to stand up and aid his wife, until he realized she was not ill at all.

 

Giwen pressed her hand against her lips in an effort to control the laughter that was building up in her throat. Unfortunately, the gesture was in vain and a giggle escaped between her fingers.

 

Legolas sat a still as a stone and watched the couple. Giwen face was turning bright red as she fought the losing battle. Docyn watched his wife for a moment, then turning to his children he too lost control, beginning to laugh along with her.

 

“Perhaps I should help you release them,” he said motioning with his head in the direction of his captives, “And then I should take my leave.” he finished, and began to raise form the chair careful not to wake the sleeping child.

 

“NO!” the couple called out in unison.

 

Giwen reached out to taking Aleviel from his arms and the child woke. “Hello angel, did you have fun tonight?” she asked.

 

“Oh yes mommy, I did. We played…” she began but Giwen placed a finger across her lips and softly whispered.

 

 “Shhh… You can tell me all about it when I put you to bed,” she whispered but loud enough for the others to hear, “I am looking forward to hearing all about EVERYTHING that happened, but now we must walk Legolas to the door.”

 

Docyn rose and began to follow them as well, “Legolas I can never thank you enough, for allowing us this time together, for watching the children, well for everything,” he finished motioning towards his oldest children.

 

“Speaking of baby-sitting, you know my birthday is in two days, and well I was thinking of an over night trip, just the wife and me and if…”  Docyn laughed.

 

“Oh no you don’t.” Giwen playful swiped her husband on the arm, “I am sure after tonight Legolas will be more then happy if he never lays eyes on them again.” she laughed.

 

Legolas reached out and ruffled the top of Aleviel’s head, “Nay, there is at least one I would be honored to see again.”  Leaning over he placed a soft kiss across her forehead.

 

“So then I am assuming you are willing to do this again?” Docyn laughed throwing the elf a quick wink only he could see.

 

Looking back at the Liddry, Ladoc and Baeni, he let a sinister grin cross his lips, making him appear like a cat ready to ounce on its un-expecting prey, “I would be honored.”

 

He almost laughed as he walked out the door and heard a loud groan emitting from the living room. As he door closed behind him, he looked up at the stars, took a deep breath and slowly released it. As he turned to head back up to the castle he could not help but smile as he heard the oldest children calling out to their parents.

 

“Father, you can’t leave us here! Mother please…”

 

“Good night legless!” a small voice called form behind him. Looking back, he saw the small figure of a little girl hanging out the window. Throwing her a quick wave he headed home.

 

Quietly entering his room, Legolas was startled by a figure sitting in the dark.

 

“Well I am pleased to see you survived.” Aragorn laughed. “So tell me my friend, how did you fare?”

 

Legolas dropped to his bed and Aragorn sat confused as he watched the elf drift off to sleep mumbling something about a pretty muddy spider. Silently slipping out the door the King was greeted by his wife.

 

“Well, how is he?” she asked.

 

Aragorn looked at the concern on his wife’s face and smiled, “He arrived back in one piece, so I assume not as bad as I feared.”

 

“Well what did you expect? He has the patience of an elf.” she replied.

 

THE END

 

Note. Citric acid and baking powder are the two main ingredients of alka seltzer. If you place a tablet on your tongue it will begin to foam, causing a very startling yet funny site. (I know this for a fact (personal experiences… don’t ask! Lol) KIDS PLEASE DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!!! Trust me your parents or teachers will not find this a funny as you do!!

 

 

Thank you for reading and please feel free to review. All opinions are greatly appreciated.