Title: Nauren
Author: Orchyd Constyne & Anestel
Contact: orchydconstyne@hithanaur.net or 
swordswornofrohan@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.hithanaur.net/
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nairn_orchyd/
Fandom: LOTR
Disclaimer: Don't own any of it. ^^
Archive: OEAM, AFF.net, LoM, Melethryn
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Larien
Cast: Maedhros/Thranduil
Summary: Maedhros is sent back to Middle-Earth with the Maiar to aid in 
the coming darkness.
A/N: Orchyd: This was my idea. Yes, canon whore has jumped the track 
with canon. We were discussing odd pairings and this one came to mind. 
And, of course, I never back down from a challenge. So, we have this little 
gem. I hope everyone likes it.
Anestel: Absolutely never thought I would write something with a... a... 
whatever Age Maedhros is from (Orchyd inserts he is a First Age Elf) 
character that wasn't also in the Third Age... if that makes any sense 
whatsoever. Anyway, as always working with my dear sweet Orchyd was 
a pleasure and I can't wait to continue this!
Chapter One
Thranduil sat on the low divan, smiling at the Elfling who ran about. 
Legolas was but in his sixteenth year, and they had been without his 
Naneth for twelve of those sixteen. The Woodland King felt his heart 
tighten at the thought of his lost wife, but pushed aside the sadness. "Ion?" 
he called, holding open his arms.
"Ada!" Legolas cried, running to him and happily sitting on his Ada's lap. 
Thranduil kissed his son's silken locks and spoke in a low voice to him. 
They were about to leave the family's receiving room when one of the 
pages came to announce the coming of the Wizard.
Thranduil nodded, holding his son closer, and waited for the Wizard to 
enter. When Mithrandir did, Thranduil felt his breath still -- the Wizard's 
companion was an Elf. One he had seen in the history books of Lindon. 
Before him stood Maedhros, eldest son of Fëanor, and he was fully 
restored to life and limb.
Maedhros stood tall in the room, his hands held behind his back. His 
hands. Still such an odd concept for him; he was whole again. From the 
shores of Aman to the dark wood he now stood in with the Istarë, 
Maedhros was still in awe of the world about him. A world he never 
thought he would see again, and yet here it was. 
King Thranduil. Mithrandir had not spoken much of the Sindar King 
except that Maedhros should not become too offended should Thranduil 
treat him coldly. His grey eyes watched the Elf-king closely, studying the 
golden locks that framed his face, the glittering emerald gaze and the 
protective hold he had on the child in his arms. Maedhros bowed his head 
respectfully, his auburn hair falling forward slightly.
Mithrandir bowed his head as well before speaking. "King Thranduil. We 
come to seek audience with you." He smiled and took in the shocked 
expression on the King's face. "I see you have noticed my companion. 
Aye, this is Fëanor's eldest."
Thranduil stood, shifting his son onto his hip, and narrowed his eyes. 
"Aye, I have heard of the Grey Pilgrim and have been awaiting your 
arrival. But, the Sindar of Mirkwood still remember the fell deeds of the 
Sons of Fëanor. Why have you brought him to my halls?" he demanded.
"He has paid for his transgressions, Elf-king, and the Valar have restored 
him, sent him with me so he may aid in the coming dark times."
"Ada?" Legolas asked, looking with wide eyes at the red-haired Elf. "He 
has fire hair!" the Elfling giggled, pointing to Maedhros.
Maedhros' attention was drawn immediately to the bubbly child and a 
smile pulled at his lips. "Aye, pen-neth, I do," he said softly, the warm 
tones of his voice filling the room. "What is your name?" he asked the 
Elfling. The Noldo decided that perhaps the best way to gain the favor of 
the father was through the son.
Legolas squirmed, making it impossible for Thranduil to hold on to him. 
Thranduil let his son down and Legolas stood in front of the tall Noldo. "I 
am Legolas, Crown Prince of Greenwood the Great!" he said, his chin 
lifted with pride. "Or, I was... until the maps changed..." he mumbled, 
chewing his lip pensively and looking at his feet.
Maedhros could not help the chuckle that escaped him as he gazed down 
at the impossibly charming child. He knelt on one knee, so as to be closer 
to eye level with the Prince. "Is that so, Prince Legolas?" he asked with a 
smile. His eyes wandered to Thranduil and then back to his son.
The Elfling could easily capture one's heart, Maedhros decided. He had 
missed children and felt memory tug at him. An image of the twins as 
children flashed through his mind, of sweetness and laughter, happiness 
before the darkness had come and ruined them all. He remembered his 
younger brothers when they were as innocent as Legolas, he recalled 
himself as innocent. He realized, with a sudden intensity, that he would do 
anything to keep that darkness from destroying it all again. He had been 
forgiven and offered a second chance, and he would use it to best of his 
ability. 
Legolas cocked his head to the side. "You have funny eyes..."
"Legolas," Thranduil warned. He loved his son, but the child was bluntly 
honest.
"But, Ada... he doesn't have eyes like all of us. They look like they were 
left in the wash too long!" Legolas peered closer. "Did you stay in the bath 
too long, Naurfindel?" he asked.
Laughter threatened to erupt from him at the child's choice of words, the 
wash indeed. Legolas was quickly finding a way into his fragile heart, the 
heart he sworn to protect when he left his brother on the shores of Aman. 
"It is all right, King Thranduil. I doubt he has ever seen a Noldo," he said, 
looking pointedly at the Sindar. After a moment, when he knew his 
meaning had been made clear, he returned his attention to Legolas. "And 
nay Prince, I did not stay in the bath too long; this is how my people are 
born. Most Noldor have grey eyes and dark hair, unlike your people. 
Though, I am an exception with my auburn hair," he explained. "My 
Naneth had hair like mine."
Legolas seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. He walked 
back to his father and took his hand, leaning his head against Thranduil's 
leg. Thranduil looked at Maedhros. "He would be heartbroken if I sent you 
away, Noldo," he said in a low voice, showing his dislike of the situation. 
The Elf had endeared himself to his son without so much as a touch. "You 
and the Wizard are welcome in my home," he said, the chill in his voice 
lost on no one but the Elfling.
Maedhros stood again, bowing his head to the King. He could see how the 
Sinda disliked the thought of him befriending the child. "Thank you for 
you hospitality, my Lord," he said, his voice taking on it's own edge. He 
smiled at Legolas again, the boy's bright blue eyes chasing away his own 
distaste for the Sinda. "He has a way of capturing one's heart, does he 
not?" he asked Thranduil quietly, raising his eyes to Thranduil again.
Thranduil's eyes softened as he looked upon his son. "Aye, he does."
"Shall we speak at the evening meal, Sire?" Mithrandir asked. He had to 
conclude his business with the King and make his way to Lórien.
The Sinda nodded. "Aye. My steward will show you to your chambers," 
he said, motioning for a pale-haired Elf to approach. "Silindë will be 
happy to make sure you are both comfortable," Thranduil said, his emerald 
eyes drifting to the tall form of the reborn Noldo.
Stormy eyes met the emerald gems of the King with a hesitancy that the 
Noldo didn't often feel and he soon found himself looking away. "Thank 
you," he murmured.
Thranduil watched the three Elves leave before turning his attention to 
Legolas. "You should see Irwen, she will want to give you your bath 
before the evening meal, ion."
Legolas wrinkled his nose disdainfully. "She uses smelly flowers in my 
bath, Ada."
He chuckled. "Aye, that way you no longer smell of mud and wet grass!"
*****
Silindë quickly led them through the corridors, finally stopping before two 
adjoining rooms. "Someone will come for you at the evening meal. You 
will find robes and bathing supplies already in your rooms. You can ring 
for a page should you need anything." He bowed slightly and left to 
prepare for dinner himself.
Maedhros nodded to Mithrandir and entered his room. The guest chamber 
was large, warmed already by a fire in the hearth. Maedhros sighed 
deeply, unfastening his cloak and hanging it from the bedpost. A large 
bed, yet another thing to remind him of that he left behind. His mind 
drifted to his brother, to the sweetness of his kisses and the warmth of his 
body and he felt tears sting his eyes. He missed Maglor, desired him as he 
had never before. And here he was, practically a world away from the Elf 
who held his heart. Maedhros pushed his thoughts aside, untying his tunic 
as he made his way into the bathing chamber. He drew the bath and 
slipped into the warmed water, closing his eyes and allowing his mind 
drift to sharp green eyes and shimmering golden hair.
*****
Legolas crept into the room and looked around. He didn't see Naurfindel. 
He stifled a giggle and crawled into the large wardrobe, hiding among the 
many robes. He would surprise the Noldo. He giggled again and waited.
Maedhros finally climbed out of the bath and dried himself off, tying the 
towel loosely around his waist. He entered the main room and opened the 
wardrobe, looking for something appropriate to wear to the evening meal. 
Legolas giggled and jumped out at the tall Elf, wrapping his arms and legs 
around the great Noldo's leg. "Got you!" he squealed.
He laughed and looked down at the Elfling. "Prince Legolas! You 
frightened me!" he exclaimed in mock fear, his face lighting up with a 
smile. He leaned down and picked up the small Prince. "What a nice 
surprise," he said, grinning at Legolas.
The young Sinda wrapped his fingers into the damp auburn hair. "Am I 
really a nice surprise?! That's what Ada said I was." The child beamed 
with happiness.
"Your Ada is a very smart Elf! You are one of the best surprises I can 
think of," Maedhros told the Prince, an expression of intense seriousness 
on his face. Legolas looked so happy that Maedhros soon found himself 
grinning madly.
"Ada is *very* smart!" Legolas explained. "He was a general in the great 
war! And he fought with Elrond and Gil-galad and Círdan and my 
Adaiaur!" Legolas' sapphire eyes were wide as he spoke. "Though, Ada 
has not been as happy as Silindë says he was before he left. I don't know. I 
wasn't born until long after Ada came home..." He snuggled into the crook 
of Maedhros' neck and all but purred his contentment.
Maedhros held the Princeling as he spoke and took in all the information, 
trying to piece all the bits together. So, Thranduil was not happy? He 
wondered why that was. Perhaps he was lonely. Maedhros put the 
thoughts of the King from his mind, he really didn’t know the Sinda and it 
wasn’t really any of his business. He would not be in Mirkwood long 
enough to worry.
"Are you ready for dinner, pen-neth?" he asked as he chose a robe, 
grabbing it with his right hand. One again, he was reminded of his 
wholeness and a flood of gratitude washed through him. He laid the robe 
down on the bed and sat down, still holding the young prince. 
Legolas giggled. "Ada sent me to my governess... but I hid from her." He 
smiled proudly at Maedhros. "She doesn't know I came to see you."
"Ernilen, she is probably very worried about you! You should not hide 
from the people that are supposed to be protecting and watching over 
you," Maedhros admonished in a gentle tone. "We both must ready for 
dinner."
"But I wanted to see you!" Legolas all but wailed. He hadn't meant to do 
something bad. "Ada said I had to stay with Irwen, but I wanted to play 
with *you*, not her." Tears formed in his eyes. He didn't want his new 
friend to think him naughty. "I am sorry, Naurfindel," he whimpered.
Maedhros felt his annoyance melt when the tears formed in the Elfling's 
eyes. "Here, pen-neth, let me dress and I will go with you to Irwen. How 
does that sound?" he asked, smiling warmly at Legolas.
The child brightened immediately. "Aye!" He leaned in and kissed the Elf 
on the cheek.
The Noldo chuckled and finally set Legolas down, standing up and 
removing the towel from his waist. He reached for the robe and turned 
away from the Elfling's curious gaze and dressed. The child had already 
stolen his heart and Maedhros knew he was wrapped around his little 
finger. He fastened the last buckle on the deep burgundy robe and turned 
to the bright-eyed Prince. "Alright, are you ready to go now?"
Legolas nodded, reaching up, indicating he wanted to be held again. He 
liked the big arms and the comforting sense he felt when nestled in 
Naurfindel's arms. "Ada must like you," he declared. "I will make sure he 
does."
Maedhros smiled and eagerly took Legolas into his arms. "Thank you, 
Legolas. I think I will need your help to gain your Ada’s favor. Now, you 
must tell me how to get to your governess," he grinned at the Elfling in his 
arms. He had the overwhelming feeling to protect something again. It had 
been many years since he had something or someone he wanted to protect 
to his death, and it was nice to feel that again.
Legolas tangled his tiny fingers in Maedhros' red locks. "You 'member the 
place you met Ada?" he asked, resting his head on the Elf's shoulder.
Maedhros smiled and nodded. "Aye, I do."
Legolas nodded. "It is down the hall from that room. My playroom, Ada's 
bedroom, Irwen's room and my bedroom," he ticked off. "Ada says it's 
safer for us to live in the center of the compound, all together. I think it's 
silly."
"Your Ada is very wise. You might think it silly, but I am sure he has 
good reasons." Maedhros walked through the various corridors; he was 
thankful he remembered where the room was. "Which of these rooms is 
yours?" he asked, standing in the center of the hall.
Legolas pointed to the farthest door, near a dead-end wall. "There is my 
room."
Maedhros carried Legolas to the end of the hall and entered the luxurious 
room. 'A child lives here?' he thought. The room was enormous, bright and 
cheerful, full of various toys and tiny furniture. The Noldo shifted Legolas 
from one arm to the other as the child's weight finally tired him. "Here you 
are, pen-neth."
Legolas wiggled down. "Irwen?!" he called, looking around his room.
"Ionen!" Thranduil snapped, stepping into the room. "We have been 
looking for you all over the palace!"
Bright eyes looked up at his father. "Sorry, Ada... I wanted to play with 
Naurfindel."
Thranduil glared briefly at the Noldo before turning his angry gaze to 
Legolas. "Irwen is in my room -- go to her. She has your robe ready." 
Legolas nodded, giving a slightly fearful glance at Maedhros. When he 
left, Thranduil turned his cold green regard to the Noldo.
"Why did you not return him immediately?" he demanded.
"I am sorry that I did not, my Lord," he said coolly, his eyes narrowing. 
He was not responsible for the child; either Thranduil or the governess 
should have been watching the Prince. "He was hiding in my wardrobe 
and we began to talk. When I realized no one knew his whereabouts, I 
quickly dressed and came in search of his governess," he told the King, 
meeting his fiery gaze with a blazing one of his own.
"He is a child. As an adult, you are the one who is responsible. When he 
appeared in your rooms, you should have immediately returned him." He 
crossed his arms, his frosty gaze offering no forgiveness.
Anger threatened to override his good sense, but Maedhros bit back the 
sharp words on the tip of his tongue. "My King," he said through clenched 
teeth, "I *did* return him almost as soon as I found him, but I did have to 
dress first!" he finished, his voice rising slightly. He knew his breath had 
quickened, and he refused to look away from the fury in Thranduil's face. 
Though, as he watched the King, he felt his heart speed and knew it was 
not from anger. No, he told himself firmly. Not him, not this arrogant 
Sinda who blamed him for his own carelessness. He would not be pulled 
to this magnetic creature; he would not even entertain the idea. With that 
resolve, he was able to hold the King's gaze.
Thranduil's lips compressed and he gave a short nod. "Very well." He 
stared for a moment longer, losing himself in the depths of the Noldo's 
grey eyes, but he felt a tug at his robe. He looked down and saw Legolas' 
large blue gaze intently focused on him.
"Ada? I am sorry. It is not Naurfindel's fault..." he said. "I wanted to 
surprise him..."
Thranduil picked him up. "It is all right, ionen. All is well, is it not, 
Fëanorion?" he asked.
"Aye, all is well," Maedhros answered, his eyes still dark with dismay. 
"Ada, can Naurfindel hold me?"
Thranduil's expression was one of indignant shock. "We are going into 
dinner, Legolas. You have not been carried into the dining hall in years!"
Legolas looked down. "Can he hold my hand then?"
He could not say no to his son, so he let him down and watched with a 
jealous gaze as Legolas took the Noldo's hand.
Maedhros turned his eyes from the envy he saw in Thranduil's eyes; it was 
not his fault the child had taken a liking to him. He held Legolas' hand 
lightly and smiled down at the Prince, wondering just *why* Legolas 
adored him so.
Thranduil led them into the dining room. Mithrandir had been seated on 
one side of him, Legolas on the other, and Maedhros next to his son -- 
since Legolas insisted. Thranduil spoke long with Mithrandir, but his gaze 
continued to drift toward the auburn-haired Noldo.
Maedhros was all too aware of Thranduil's gaze, and he was thankful for 
Legolas' mindless chatter to ease his discomfort. Though he didn’t pay 
much attention to the conversation between Thranduil and Mithrandir, 
focusing instead on Legolas. He refused to return the King's gaze, which, 
he decided, was quite a chore.
Slowly the room emptied and Mithrandir left, claiming his old bones 
weary. Thranduil stood when all that was left were his son, the Noldo and 
himself. "Ionen, it is time for us to retire."
Legolas stopped talking for a moment and looked from Maedhros to his 
father. "Ada? Can Naurfindel stay in my room? Please?"
Thranduil's eyes went wide. "Legolas, he is guest! He does not need to be 
sleeping in your room. You have just met Lord Maedhros and you have 
yet to give the poor Elf a moment's peace. Now, come chatterbox, and let 
us retire."
Legolas turned to Maedhros. Maedhros smiled slightly at him. "Do as your 
Ada says, Legolas. I will see you tomorrow." He patted the blond child on 
the head as he stood, bending down to give him a brief kiss on the cheek.
The child sighed and followed his father, looking back over his shoulder 
until his new friend was out of sight. Thranduil put Legolas to bed and 
retired himself, wondering how long the Noldo would plague him.
*****
Maedhros sighed as he slowly walked back to his own rooms. The fire in 
the hearth had long since died and a chill hung in the room. Instead of 
relighting the fire, though, he simply undressed and crawled under the 
thick down cover. This day had been long, and he had feared it would not 
end. He hoped Thranduil would move beyond his anger and the jealousy 
he seemed to radiate when he looked upon him with his son. Maedhros 
was not sure how long he would be the King's guest, but if Thranduil 
continued to dislike him so, he had a feeling that his stay in Mirkwood 
would not be pleasant.
*****
Shortly after the mid-night hour, Thranduil found himself standing outside 
the Noldo's room, candle in hand, dressed in only his night robe. He 
knocked and fidgeted slightly, not wanting to deal with Maedhros just yet.
Maedhros, though, had not been able to sleep and so the light knock on his 
door did not wake him, but instead pulled him from his musings on the 
past. Clad in only a pair of leggings, he opened the door and was surprised 
to see the King, disheveled and rumpled. "Yes?" he asked, leaning 
casually against the doorframe.
Thranduil's mind went blank when he saw the rumpled, half-clothed Elf. 
He pulled himself together quickly, though, and sighed in annoyance. 
"Would you mind spending the night in Legolas' room? He refuses to 
sleep without you and Irwen is near tears."
Maedhros smiled slightly. "Of course I don't mind," he said, turning to 
grab a sleeping robe. He closed the door behind them, smoothing his hair 
as they walked. "I did not intend for him to become so attached to me," 
Maedhros told Thranduil, feeling he should give some kind of apology.
Thranduil led him through the halls back to Legolas' rooms. "He is a good 
judge of character," Thranduil mumbled absently, opening the nursery 
door. "I have brought your playmate, ionen," he said tiredly. "Now, will 
you please let Irwen sleep?"
Legolas squealed and ran to Maedhros. "See Ada? I told you he would 
come!"
The Noldo chuckled and picked Legolas up, shaking his head slightly. 
"You have been giving Irwen a hard time? You shouldn’t do that pen-
neth," he softly chided before kissing the child's forehead. The words 
Thranduil had spoken had not escaped his ears and he wondered at them. 
Thranduil smiled fondly at Legolas. "Sleep well, ionen." He then turned 
his gaze to Maedhros, the softness not leaving his eyes. "Good night, my 
Lord," he said, offering a slight bow before leaving them, closing the door 
quietly behind him.
Maedhros stared at the door several long moments after Thranduil had left, 
his heart beating loudly in his ears. Had he been mistaken in how he 
interpreted the warm glance the Sinda had offered him before leaving? He 
shook his head, turning his gaze back to Legolas with a doting smile. "You 
are a spoiled child, my Prince," he told Legolas with a grin as he ruffled 
the blond hair.
Legolas giggled. "Ada says I remind him of Naneth, and he could never 
tell her no."
Maedhros chuckled. "Aye, I see. You should not take advantage of that 
fact, pen-neth." He sat the boy down on the bed. "Are you ready to sleep?"
He nodded. "If Ada had held out much longer, I would have fallen asleep 
before you came!" he giggled.
He sighed and laid on his side, pulling Legolas to him. "Good night, 
chatterbox," Maedhros murmured quietly.
Legolas cuddled up against Maedhros' chest, his eyes quickly becoming 
vacant with reverie. Maedhros smiled as he wrapped an arm around the 
sleeping bundle and he soon followed the child into dreams.
TBC...
Elvish/English Translations:
Naurfindel : Flame tresses