King For A Day 
Author: jenolas  
nbozovic@optushome.com.au

G  - General/Humor 
Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.

King For A Day


"It is not fair! Ada you promised we could go hunting today." Shouted Legolas as 
he stood before Thranduil's throne and stomped his foot in anger.

Everyone in the King's audience chamber suddenly became fascinated by the 
ancient tapestries, which decorated the walls, or the exquisite pattern in the 
floor tiling or indeed anything, which drew their attention away from the 
confrontation that was occurring. Thranduil sighed, this was not the first time 
he had to cancel his plans with Legolas in favour of important business. This 
was also not the first temper tantrum everyone had witnessed, and though his son 
was still a very young elf, it was behaviour not to be tolerated.

"Legolas, try to control your temper and do not speak to me in that tone of 
voice. I am very sorry that I can not go hunting with you today, but as I have 
told you before, the duties of King must sometimes come first." He had no 
intention of giving a further explanation; the young elf did not need to hear 
that spiders had taken two elves who had been patrolling the Woods near the Elf 
Path.

His eyes shone brilliantly with the tears he was desperately trying to stop from 
falling, but he managed to glare at his Ada.

"You always say that! If I were King, I would do as I pleased. I would go 
hunting with my son and play games and get someone else to take care of my 
'important' business!" The angry words came out in a rush and Legolas was proud 
of the way he had told Ada off.

"Is that so?" He asked, amused by the innocence and naivety in the tirade, but 
at the same time trying to look serious. He could see that Legolas was very 
upset, and he really hated to disappoint him. "Well, since you think it is all 
fun and games to be King, I hereby proclaim that Prince Legolas Greenleaf is to 
be King for a day."

Legolas was astounded as Thranduil stepped down from the throne and lifted him 
into the seat that was several sizes too large for one so small. The Elves who 
remained in the audience chamber bowed respectfully as he placed a hastily 
fashioned a crown of the summer flowers which were in bloom on the 'new' King's 
head.

"The court of King Legolas is now in session." Thranduil announced. It filled 
his heart with joy to see the radiant look on his son's fair face. "What is your 
command, Your Majesty?" Legolas thought for a moment, trying to remember what 
Ada usually did.

"I will hear petitions until the noon meal, then I will take Ada hunting." He 
decreed.

Thranduil rolled his eyes but said nothing. In the spirit of co-operation and 
for the love of the young Prince, all the petitions were of a simple nature and 
everyone was surprised with the sense of responsibility he had suddenly 
developed. Thranduil still had the important issue regarding the attack by the 
spiders to deal with, and he also had to try and comfort the parents of the ones 
they had lost this day. He left the audience chamber unnoticed by all except his 
Steward, who with a silent nod undertook to keep a subtle watch over King 
Legolas.

Legolas quickly became bored with listening to petitions and was glad when the 
bell rang for the noon meal. He sat in Thranduil's usual place at the head of 
the table and was enjoying the attention he was receiving immensely. Quickly 
finishing his meal, he ran to his room and strapped on his quiver, picked up his 
bow and went to find Ada.

Thranduil was speaking to the parents of one of the fallen Elves, and did not 
hear Legolas approach.

"I have no words to comfort you," he heard Ada say, "We all share your grief. 
Though your son now resides in the Halls of Mandos, he will always be remembered 
for his bravery."

So this was the important business that prevented the hunting trip, Legolas 
thought to himself. He was shocked for he knew that only an Elf who was slain 
went to the Halls of Mandos.

As a single tear traced the outline of Thranduil's elegant nose, a sign of the 
pain and grief he felt for the loss of a precious life, he felt a small hand 
slip into his. Looking down into the concerned eyes of his son, he heard a small 
but kingly voice say,

"Do not cry, Ada. Hunting is not important, but if you wish, we can go another 
day."