It had been far too long since he had felt the trees sing to the wind.

Their branches swayed in harmonious splendor, and the dance of its leaves made a kaleidoscope of light and color rain onto the grass. He closed his eyes and breathed in deep the scent of honeysuckle after fresh rain.

He could lie here forever away from the world.

"Legolas!"

He was on his feet.

His father stood across the field of whistling grass, his red grenadine and silk robes were stark against his white hair in the wind. Legolas dashed toward him, and his father was smiling as he approached him. "I felt almost guilty to disturb you."

"Nay," Legolas chuckled, "I asked you to call me when the council began, and so you did. For that I am grateful."

"It has just started, seems to be something stirring this time." Thranduil laughed, mirth in his eyes.

Legolas ran off toward the city. The Valar held council every so often on the state of Middle Earth, and Legolas attended nearly every one. It was his home for centuries, and he took an interest in how it fared in his absence. He and his family dwelt close to Valmar, the capital of Valinor, where the Valar's councils were held.

Once he reached the city he reduced his pace to a brisk walk. He was not far, and running did not reflect well. He brushed past those in the street, politely excusing himself. The sun was shining brightly on Valmar that day, and all went out and enjoyed the markets of the city. He entered the council room, and there were far more attendees than usual. Something different was happening. His breath caught in his throat. Mandos and Manwe were present. They had never attended in the past, not while Legolas lived in Valinor.

"Please, be seated," Manwe boomed. The elves and maiar of the council sat, their rumblings and curiosity still static. Legolas saw Mithrandir, Celeborn, and Elrond, and decidedly sat with them.

"Legolas," Mithrandir greeted, and Celeborn and Elrond followed suit. Mithrandir's form was far fairer, now that his time as a wandering wizard was over. His white hair and bright blue eyes were enchanting and pleasant, and he not only looked but seemed far younger, now that the great burden that once plagued him was no longer his weight to bear. He had done his part to save Middle Earth, and now he could serve Manwe and Varda if he pleased, and to visit Nienna whenever he wished. His reward for his services was total freedom to dwell in peace and do as he pleased until the end of Arda.

"It has been quite a long time since I last attended thy council," Manwe began, and the crowd silenced. "Today I attend to speak of the life of Canafinwe, or Maglor, son of Feanor," The crowd rumbled, and several rose and left the meeting. Legolas perked up. He had heard stories, but nothing that was direct and true of the notorious elf. "We did not wish to interfere with what punishment he hath chosen fr himself. But canafinwe hast walked Middle Earth longer than what fortune intended, and must be brought back, or the careful fabric of fate that holds us all may become torn. He hath chosen to ignore the centuries of messages and pleas lord Ulmo hath sent to him, and no longer walks the shore. Instead, he now seeks solitude in the forests. Many of you hast dwelled in middle earth for centuries, and someone is needed to bring Canafinwe back to Valinor. He has served more than his punishment. Now the time for games is over, and his life may be in peril."

The room was silent, and Manwe waited patiently. Legolas took a moment to look upon the king of the Valar. He wore all white and light blue, the fabric of his robes too soft and beautiful for any elf. Upon his head lay an intricate crown of Silver and gold feathers, jewels hung on gold chains that were carefully draped along his face and throughout his hair. In the room, there were only a dozen people left, including the Valar. Mandos said nothing, his expression free of emotion. Fabric was draped over the lower portion of his face and fell into his long black robes. Small diamonds like stars adorned him, and in his eyes, the universe was held.

"I will go, my lord." Legolas' gaze shot to an elf sitting several seats from Celeborn. He did not know him, but he could feel the power and strength radiating from him. He had black straight hair and the olive skin of the Noldor. His eyes were deep blue and were laden with resolve.

"As will I," said another, standing.

Glorfindel, Legolas' eyes widened. Pride sparkled in Manwe's eyes.

"It would be far easier, my lord, if another joined us familiar with the forests east of the Misty Mountains, for my own knowledge lies locked away in the past with Beleriand," Voronwe said, his voice bold and deeper than Legolas expected.

"This is true. Extensive is my experience exploring the lands of Middle Earth, but little memory do I have of many lands in the East."

"I will go," Legolas said before his mind caught up with his tongue. "For I am familiar with all forests of Middle Earth, including Lothlorien and my own where my people still dwell."

"Nay, Legolas," Elrond said softly. "You owe naught to Middle Earth, or to Maglor. You have done much to help those in peril, you must not feel obligated."

"Elrond is right," Glorfindel said, "you have done much. Voronwe and I can navigate well enough."

"I do not feel obligated," Legolas said. "I spent my life in those trees, and our journey may be swift if I accompany you. Middle Earth has provided me with joy, I have no ill thoughts in returning for a time. Besides." Legolas said quietly, the weight of his task finally hitting him, "all deserve forgiveness, do they not?"


Hello! Thanks for stopping by! I've been sick and it's snowing, so I'm writing up a storm this week. This one takes place in the fourth age and Legolas has been in Valinor for roughly a century. It can be read as the final part of my series Oropherion's Line, or as a stand alone. Narration will switch between Legolas and Maglor, at least for a few chapters. I want this story to be friendly to those who haven't read the Silmarillion also, so if you have any questions or want me to recap anything, Valar, Maiar, Valinor itself, specific characters, etc, please let me know! The next chapter will hold more explanation about Maglor, Voronwe, and Glorfindel. Please review/subscribe/ favorite! :)