Legolas woke up bright and early the next morning. He felt the warmth of his Ada's arms around him and giggled. Thranduil's slender fingers barely touched Legolas's side. The constant light touch brought a soft laugh to the elfling's mouth. Instantly, he clamped a hand over his mouth, hoping he didn't wake the king.

After a moment of silence, Legolas relaxed. He yawned and readjusted before falling back asleep.

~~~~~*~~~~~

Thranduil gently rubbed his son's back. "Legolas, it's time to wake up." The king urged gently. It was late in the morning.

Legolas stirred and rolled over, peeking an eye open, "Ada...?"

"Yes, it's me, ion nin. Time to wake up." Thranduil answered cheerfully.

Legolas groaned, "...F-five...more minutes...please."

Thranduil chuckled, "No, little leaf. You need to wake up. I need your help with something very important."

At the mention of something important, both Legolas' eyes shot open, "Important? Okay!" He smiled and climbed out of bed.

Both royals quickly dressed. Legolas brought the brush over to his Adar. Gently, Thranduil brushed the tangles from Legolas' golden hair. Then, he braided and pulled it back from the prince's face.

"Le hannon, Ada!" (Thank you, Daddy) Legolas brushed his fingers over the newly braided hair.

Thranduil started to head to the door before Legolas called out, "Wait! I have to do your hair now! It's my turn."

Thranduil sighed and turned back, "Okay, but be quick. There are many things to accomplish today."

"Tancave, Ada!" (Yes, Daddy) Legolas agreed happily. Thranduil squatted down so Legolas could reach his hair. As best as he could, the elfling pulled pieces of hair and braided them together.

After a couple of minutes, he was satisfied and smoothed his own hair. "I'm done!" Legolas announced, satisfied with his work.

Thranduil reached back and felt his hair. "Wow...Le hannon, Legolas." (Thank you) Thranduil smiled. "It's wonderful." He laughed inside, the braid felt quite lopsided and more like a knot than a braid. However, Thranduil didn't care. He loved his son and was proud to wear his hair like that.

Thranduil hoisted his son on his shoulders and carried him out the door. Legolas squealed and laughed as the king imitated a bucking horse and shook the elfling around. As they passed other elves in the halls, it brought a smile to everyone's faces. Their radiance and laughter brightened up the very halls of the Woodland Realm.

~~~~~*~~~~~

When they were settled at a large table surrounded by other elves, mainly counsellors and advisors, the meeting began. Legolas was told to sit quietly and listen. Thranduil told him this was a big part of being king and he needed to start practicing. At first, Legolas loved helping with adult stuff. He payed attention even though he didn't understand most of what was being discussed.

He leaned over and whispered loudly to Thranduil, "Ada, I'm bored." A couple of grins broke out among the elves.

Thranduil smothered a smile, "I'm sorry, ion nin, but this is important business. I can't help it if it's not interesting."

"Could we take a break?" Legolas practically begged.

More smiles broke out around the table. The king coughed to hide a laugh, "Well, you'll have to ask the other elves if it's okay with them. That is the polite thing to do."

Legolas' eyes widened, "Uh..." He cleared his throat, "Excuse me, would it be okay if we took a break?" He asked, shyly.

Lord Mùinin smiled, "I think that is a wonderful idea, my prince." He looked around the room, "What does everyone else think?" Everyone answered yes and nodded their heads in unison.

Legolas grinned and laughed, "Woohoo! Let's go, Ada!" He jumped out of his chair and grabbed Thranduil's arm, pulling him towards the door.

Suddenly, Lord Mùinin stood up and playfully threatened, "Rrawww! I just turned into a big old warg! You better run! I'm gonna get you!"

Legolas screamed in delight and rushed out the door, Thranduil in tow. Lord Mùinin chased after them through the halls yelling, "I'm going to get you!" and growling like a monster.

Finally, Lord Mùinin caught up with the royals and grabbed Legolas. He tickled the struggling elfling relentlessly until Thranduil used his hand and pretended to slice the 'monster's' neck. He pulled Legolas from the Lord's arms as he pretended to die.

"Aagh! He got me!" Lord Mùinin grabbed at his neck and playfully fell to the ground.

"I killed him, ion nin!" Thranduil shouted, "You're safe now!"

Nearby elves laughed along and watched the show. It was turning out to be a wonderful day.

~~~~~*~~~~~

"Are you all ready for bed?" Thranduil asked.

Legolas climbed under his blankets. "Yep. All ready." It had been a fun day and Legolas was worn out.

"Good." The king leaned down and kissed Legolas' forehead. "Sleep well, little leaf."

"Goodnight." Legolas yawned and nestled in his covers.

The door made a gentle click as it shut. Thranduil walked back to his room and threw off his robe, leaving only his light pants and a cotton shirt on. The royal elf sat on his bed and rested his head in his hands.

After a moment, he raised his head. "I know you probably can't hear me, but I need to say it nonetheless. Legolas says you visited him...well, why did you tell him to find me? I...he was hurt because he came...I don't understand." He paused and searched his mind, "I really miss you. I just hope that I am doing this right. I wish you were here to help me with Legolas. He misses you, he misses his mother dearly." Thranduil sighed, not hearing an answer.

His wife watched from above, tears streaking down her face, "Oh, my dear. Le melon. (I love you) I desperately wish I could talk with you also!" She closed her eyes and the image faded, along with her husband. If only he knew.

Greetings, Mellons! This is the 30th chapter of my story! I can't believe it! Also, I almost have hit 18,000 views on it!!!! Aaaah! *happy screams* Thank you so much!!! I am so thankful for all of you:) Please don't stop voting, commenting, or following! I love it all and my heart lights up every single time I see a new notification!

Ithildaforever

~~*~~Special edition 3~~*~~

Elvish word or sentence: Gwador nin

Meaning: My brother

Random fact: No one knows exactly who Tom Bombadil (a character from the books) is, but it is possible he is an Istari, the same thing Gandalf and the Wizards are.