DA's Haven

Pairings: eventual Elrond/Thranduil, Elrond/Celebrian, Thranduil/OFC, hinted Elrond+Gil-galad, Gil-galad+Oropher

Summary: Elrond learns to see a different way through Thranduil, but will it be enough?

A/N: My thanks to Say for this challenge! Her pic is just…mrow! Also, Thranduil's antics are a result of being around my niece too much...hehe. Feedback loved and appreciated! Enjoy!

Oropher gazed out numbly over the forest, his hands clasped tightly behind his back as he pondered all he had learned that day. He heard a soft laugh and looked over to see his son, Thranduil, playing with a small puppy, giggling as the furry creature wiggled his little bottom and went after the toy that Thranduil continued to pull away teasingly. The child's laughter floated through the room, bringing joy to its cavern-like hollows when there was no real reason for it to be so filled with light. He watched his son, his pride and joy, as the child laughed in delight again while pulling away the toy, acting as though nothing were wrong…that all was right in the world.

But it wasn't. Oropher closed his eyes in pain before turning away again, closing his hearing to the laughter as he remembered just *why* that light shouldn't be.

"What is it? Why does my son act as he does?" Oropher asked impatiently as he bounced his son in his arms, glaring at the flustered Healer. He tossed his head imperiously, and then smiled as his son giggled while rubbing his face into the golden locks that brushed his chubby face.

Time froze as Oropher felt a wave of horror wash over him before he slowly looked at the Healer, his eyes narrowed to pinpricks of green. "You lie," he whispered dangerously, causing the Healer to stand straighter, face flushed.

"Nay, my Lord, I do not. He can not see as you and I do. I…do not know how he can see, but…" The Healer sighed as he bowed his head under the furious gaze that was leveled at him. "The poison that took your Queen must have twisted the child's sight before he was born. He will never see as you and I see," he explained heavily, his grey eyes sad.

'I can not believe that my loving son is blind. There must be another explanation!' Oropher thought in despair as he looked over at his golden child as the toddler stood up and began walking around unsteadily, chasing after the yipping puppy. The delight and joy on the cherub face brought both warmth and heartache to the Sinda King as he watched his only son play. His mind flashed back to what had caused this, to when his beloved Tuilinaur had met an ill fate one day while strolling in the woods.

A sharp commotion broke into the young king's concentration as he worked on some trade treaties between his newly born kingdom and Lindórinand. He looked up as a distraught servant ran in, hair mussed and cheek stained with dirt and blood. "My Lord! Come quickly! Something has happened to the Lady!"

Standing as he felt his world swirl around him, Oropher stared at his servant. "What do you mean?!" he thundered, fear pounding through his veins as he came around his desk, glaring at his servant.

Bowing deeply even as he shuddered, the servant whispered, "She was strolling within the glades and was attacked by a spider...the guards came to her aid too late and...my Lord wait!"

But Oropher didn't heed the plea of his servant as he raced straight for the healing wing, his heart and thoughts racing. '...came too late...too late...' He came to the rooms and went in to find the healing wing in an uproar of movement as healers and soldiers hurried to and fro. He stopped as he saw the head healer. "Salabnestad! Please...my wife..." he called quietly, stopping the healer with his unnaturally quiet request.

Turning, the older Elf gazed at his king in sorrow. "My Lord...come with me quickly. I will need your aid in stabilizing her enough so we can save the child," he requested gently before leading the way to the back room, where the most activity was going on as nurses, midwives, and healers ran to and fro from it.

But all activity stopped as the young king came to the room and gazed upon his wife. Heart stopping as he saw the blood and black gore that signified a spider attack, Oropher couldn't move at first. But then he saw the pale version of his wife's sapphire eyes and moved instantly to her side, cupping her hand between his own. "Melethen...I am here..." he whispered with all the love within him as he gazed at her and brushed her limp hair from her ashen face. (my love)

Her eyes opened again and focused on him vaguely and she smiled painfully. "Hervennen...forgive me. I...did not see it coming..." she whispered weakly, tears rolling down her blood and dirt stained face. "The baby..." (My husband)

"Shall be born with all your beauty and grace...we shall raise it together, melethen..." Oropher answered her as he brushed away her tears and smiled lovingly at her. "Be strong, seronen vell...I am here with you...I love you..." he whispered while his voice hitched as he watched her gaze fade from him. (my dear one)

"His...name...is...Thranduil..." the Queen of Greenwood the Great stated with her final breathes before she became limp. Suddenly, the wail of a baby floated around the stunned room as the head healer held up the newborn while it squirmed in his hands.

Looking over in a daze through his tears, Oropher saw his son and watched numbly as the little one was placed in his arms. He swallowed hard, and then sobbed as he hugged the screaming baby to him, burying his face in the damp skin as he wept for his lost wife.

Blinking back the sudden tears that came to his eyes at the memory, Oropher took a steadying breath as he focused once more on the present. After his wife's death, he had withdrawn a bit in mourning. But he had not forsaken his son. Instead, he had thrown his whole being into caring for his beloved son as well as to the insurance that his kingdom and people would be safe. Spider and Orc hunts had proceeded the Queen's death with a ferocity that had made the creatures of Morgoth tremble in fear, ensuring the safety of Greenwood the Great. The King had not been the only one affected by the loss of the Queen. The entire forest kingdom mourned her loss deeply.

As such, with all his pampering, one would have though Thranduil to be a spoiled Elfling, but it was not so. Instead, the young princeling brought joy and serenity to all whom he was with. Especially his father. Oropher took great joy in being with his son and spent as much time as he could spare to be with his child. He may have doted on his son, but he was also firm, encouraging his son to know right from wrong and the joys of life. He knew that it would have been what his wife had wanted.

The curious 'question' and tug on his sleeve forced Oropher to focus onto the curious blue eyes that looked up at him adoringly as Thranduil asked his newest 'question'. He smiled before scooping his son into his arms. Thranduil giggled and nuzzled his face into Oropher's hair before sticking his little thumb into his mouth and laying his head on his ada's shoulder. Pressing a kiss to Thranduil's head, Oropher whispered, "You are tired, pen dithen. Time for a nap, hmm?" (little one)

He went from his study to Thranduil's nursery and, after taking up a colorful book that had been a gift from the captain of his guard, sat down in the elegant rocking chair. His eyes turned sad briefly as they fell on the portrait he kept of his wife that was above his son's crib, but he immediately returned his attention to his son as the Elfling settled himself on his lap and poked at the book, once more asking his latest 'inquiry'.

Chuckling quietly, Oropher opened the book and began to read softly, rocking gently and answering his son's 'questions'. Soon, Thranduil drifted off in his arms and Oropher stood carefully, carrying his son to his crib, where he placed the little body onto the soft mattress. He tenderly pulled up the handmade quilt that had been a gift from Galadriel herself over his son's warm body. He then just stood and watched his sleeping son while caressing loving fingers through the flaxen silk that covered the little head.

Eyes softening with love, Oropher came to a decision. 'If my son is to be as he is, then I want him to have the best. But I want him to be able to experience life as well.' With that thought, his mind was made up. The next day...they were going to Lindon. Perhaps the High King would have someone to aid his son.

"My King...are you certain you should do this? You have not even said for how long you are going to be away!"

Oropher turned his intense emerald gaze onto his Chief Advisor and second in command, Calenglîr. "Do you doubt your worthiness, Calenglîr? If so, please stop it. I would have no one else running my kingdom but you and Hatholgalen. You are my two most trusted companions," he declared firmly before returning his attention to his saddle bags and what he was packing. He chuckled as his mare, Sûlvan, snorted and tossed her silver mane impatiently, though she was careful where she shifted as Thranduil played around her lean legs.

"But my King..." Calenglîr stopped and sighed as he looked down. Thranduil looked at him again, eyebrow tilted in question as he buckled the last of his saddlebags shut. Looking up, the Advisor smiled tightly. "My King...return to us when you can. You will be missed," he whispered softly, hoarsely as he blinked back sudden tears.

Turning fully, Thranduil placed his slender hands onto his friend and advisor's shoulders. "I believe in you both...we have been through thick and thin throughout life. I trust you both to keep our people safe. I shall return soonest, but I must make sure that my son will have a firm hold on life. I am hoping that the High King will have someone in his help that will be able to aid my son in finding his way. I can not give up hope..." he whispered softly.

Smiling warmly, Calenglîr placed warm supportive hands on the ones upon his shoulders. "You will, my King. We look forward to your return," he murmured reassuringly, taking heart as well.

With a firm nod and then a brilliant smile, Oropher released his Advisor, and then mounted up. He reached down as Calenglîr handed up the giggling Thranduil and seated his son before him before buckling a harness around the squirming Elfling to keep him in place. He looked over the small group that was going with him and nodded before lifting his hand. Letting it drop, he kneed his mare gently, urging her into a slow canter away from his palace. He looked back and smiled reassuringly at his Advisor and his Captain before looking forward and towards Lindon.

The journey passed by slowly yet, thankfully, pleasantly. The troupe of Ellyn were amused daily by Thranduil’s antics from his Ada’s lap as the Elfling pointed out different things that caught his eye as they rode along the lands of Arda. His cheerful giggles brought smiles to all their faces and encouraged them to play with him. He would often switch rides, sitting in their laps as they rode along. The nights were amusing as they willingly took turns cleaning him or feeding him. What amazed them was that Oropher allowed it, but what they didn’t know was that it warmed their King’s heart to see them be so close with his heir.

Their journey was coming close to its end as they began passing through Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains. All of them were looking forward to finally being able to rest in Elven comfort. Oropher had already sent ahead a messenger to Mithlond to announce their arrival to the High King. They all had silent hopes that Thranduil would indeed find the aid he needed to become what his father hoped.

“My King...how long do you hope to stay in Mithlond?” one of Oropher’s lieutenants asked as he brought his steed up alongside of the King’s. He grinned slightly at Thranduil as the Elfling woke up and chirped in sleepy greeting.

“I do not know, Galulasbelin. I am hoping that we may be able to bring whoever may help him to our land. But we shall see what may happen,” Oropher murmured softly as he ran his fingers through his son’s hair soothingly.

Nodding, Galulasbelin smiled at his King before looking ahead. Suddenly, a shout rang out startling them all as a scout came back, blood running down his face. “YRCH!!” he screamed as he came back just ahead of a snarling group of Orcs. He turned immediately as the horses reared up in fright as a frantic battle began.

“Thranduil!!” Oropher screamed as he slashed around him. His child’s frightened wails floated out above the cacophony of battle as the Elves fought for their lives against the seemingly never-ending surge of attackers.

A volley of arrows suddenly flew out as the war cries of an encroaching group of Elves flooding into the area, hacking and taking down the Orcs as they saved the struggling Wood-Elves. A deadly silence fell over the woods as the last of the Orcs were killed and their saviors came in through the carnage. A soft cry of grief ran up as one of the guards was found stabbed with a spear near the edge by his companion, but they found that few of them had been lost.

Oropher was frantic as he kicked his steed into a gallop, followed swiftly by his men and their rescuers as he searched for his beloved child. “Thranduil! Thranduil!”

The call immediately halted Oropher’s headlong rush and he reeled about his steed, looking anxiously for the bringer of the hopeful news. “Where is he?!” he demanded as he looked around wildly, Sûlvan snorting and tossing her head beneath him as she picked up on his fear.

A golden mare came through the bushes carrying a dark haired Elf as he cradled dirtied, yet unharmed Thranduil. The Elfling clung to the tunic of his rescuer, tear streaks visible on his face as he looked up at the older Elf. Nearly sobbing in relief, Oropher kneed his steed forward and reached for his son who, upon seeing his father, reached out chubby arms for his father and sobbed. Oropher took his son in his arms, hugging him close as he buried his face in the blond curls as he soothed his son, his own racing heart slowly coming down from its fast pace.

After a bit, Oropher looked up through his tears into his son’s liberator’s face. “I would know who has saved my son this day,” he whispered huskily as he urged his horse closer.

“I am Erestor Thandrochion, Hîren,” the Elf named Erestor replied as he bowed his head respectfully, fist over his heart in greeting. “I am glad that I was able to save him from such a fate.” (My Lord)

“Know this...whatever you ask of me it shall be yours. I owe you for the life of my son. Never shall this pledge be filled, but you are forever to be known as Erestor Thandrochion, Orchdhagnir a Laiquendivellon,” Oropher declared as he sat straight and tall. (Orcbane and Wood-Elf friend)

“Heard and declared,” Oropher’s men responded in witness, surprising the other Lindon Elves around them.

Bowing his head, Erestor replied softly, “Hîren, you need not do so...I did what I did for no reward, only an urge to save our kind.”

“My word is bond, Erestor,” Oropher answered with a smile before extending his hand, clasping it with Erestor’s. “You are my friend now...I look forward to learning more of you and having you in our lives. I insist on it.” He smiled before looking down at his son. Thranduil looked up, tears still in his large eyes. He reached up a chubby hand and patted his father’s face before a smile broke over his face. He giggled as Oropher smiled at him, bringing smiles to all of the gathered Elves.

Erestor looked at his men and nodded. “Come...we must go now. In these uncertain times, our peace will not last. Bring our fallen comrade and let us make haste to Harlond so we may arrive soonest. It is a good thing that my High King sent us to meet you when your messenger came ahead,” he informed Oropher as they set off once more for the harbor city of Harlond.

“I will have to sing his praises for having thought to send you. Have the Orc invasions been so troublesome even here in Harlindon?” Oropher asked as he rode alongside Erestor after shifting Thranduil back to his lap. The Elfling settled in, clinging to his father’s tunic and loosened hair as he quietly rested his cheek against the powerful stomach under the cloth. His eyes kept themselves fixed upon Erestor and stayed there as they rode along.

“They have indeed. As Sauron’s power grows in the East, his dark forces invade farther towards us. They have already taken Eregion we fear, but we are not sure completely. Rumor has come to us of Annatar...but it is not a certain thing,” Erestor explained quietly, leaning his head in just a bit to make sure their conversation was a bit more private.

“You seem to know much, Erestor. Do you have the King’s ear?” Oropher commented quietly as he tilted his eyebrow in interest.

“I am his Chief Advisor and Seneschal, so aye I do have his ear and trust. When the messenger came, I was ordered to meet you immediately,” Erestor answered as he nodded. He smiled at Oropher as he looked over. “In truth, I was hoping to meet you. You see...your wife was a distant cousin of mine and I wished to see you and Thranduil, if only to bring peace to our side of the family to yours.”

Eyes widening, Oropher reached over immediately and clasped his hand on Erestor’s shoulder. “Than not only are you a deep friend, but kin! I welcome this opportunity!” he cried with a delighted smile.

Smiling back, Erestor reached up and patted Oropher’s hand. “I look forward to it as well, Hîren,” he replied.

They traveled at a quicker pace the rest of the day and arrived at Harlond as dusk was settling over the Elven harbor city. They rested the night there, having their injuries treated and cleaning up from their travels. The next day saw them on a ferry to the port of Mithlond, where they were greeted by an escort and led to the main castle of the city. Oropher smiled as Thranduil cooed and pointed at various things as they rode through the city, then would look up at either him or over at Erestor and babble something.

Finally, they arrived at the rolling palace of Mithlond, and then entered the courtyard where a large party waited for them, at the head of the welcome delegation was the High King Ereinion Gil-galad. Thranduil caught sight of the High King and shrieked in delight as he giggled, reaching out as they came up and earning laughter from all gathered. Oropher grinned at the High King before dismounting carefully with his now excited son.

“Welcome, Oropher of Greenwood the Great to Mithlond. I am heartened to see you and most of your party safe and hale,” Ereinion declared as he came forward, arms outstretched to clasp Oropher’s in greeting. He grinned as Thranduil laughed and reached out for him but he intercepted the questing fingers with his hand. “And you, young Thranduil...it gives our hearts much joy to see you still smiling,” he added as he played with the little hand. The Elfling giggled and dove forward out of his father’s arms to be caught by the surprised High King. He cooed as his gaze trailed over the chiseled features of the High King, earning many chuckles from both parties. Smiling, Ereinion murmured, “Mae govannen, pen dithen.”

Bringing his gaze back up to the grinning Wood Elf King, Ereinion winked. Oropher’s grin widened as he said, “You are to be honored, my King. He is normally very shy with strangers. You must have a very bright aura for him to take to you so much.” He turned and looked over at his party before saying, “And it is because of Erestor and your men that we are here safe and sound. They saved our lives from an Orc attack, for which we are all eternally grateful. Most especially to Erestor, who rescued my son from a fate I shudder to think on.”

“Aye, Erestor always did have impeccable timing. It fills my heart with relief that they were in time to be sure that your lights were not taken from this world,” Ereinion responded quietly, smiling softly as he bounced the intent Elfling in his arms. He turned his gray gaze onto the blue intense ones and smiled even more. “Aye, losing this little light would have indeed been a devastation to our people,” he added on a murmur. He grinned as the little one giggled and patted his face with chubby hands, earning more laughter and murmurs from all of the gathered before he refocused on his guests. “Come! We have your rooms ready and I am sure all of you are hoping to rest now! Please follow me and my Herald, Elrond Eärendilion. He will be the one to consult with you on how we may be able to help young Thranduil,” he informed Oropher as he gestured to the younger dark haired Elf that was to his right.

Elrond came forward and bowed in greeting. “I shall do all I can, Hîren,” he stated in greeting before looking over at the young one. Thranduil stared at him silently, and then suddenly reached his arms out for the Herald. Elrond glanced at Oropher for permission before gently lifting the young one from his King’s arms. Thranduil immediately cooed and put his hand on the older Elf’s face, babbling softly as they started into the castle.

“I think we have already started on that road, Elrond,” Oropher replied quietly as he smiled, watching his son observe his holder in fascination. “He likes you greatly.”

“So it would seem. That gives me heart,” Elrond replied, then grinned as Thranduil put his chubby hand on his mouth and giggled.

Watching them quietly as he walked alongside Ereinion, Oropher knew in his heart that he had made the correct decision. Hopefully, his son would be able to see and live like others soon enough.