Legolas winced as he heard another wail of sorrow fill the air. His heart ached for Théoden. The poor king had just been released from Saruman's spell only to find out that his only son was dead. Killed by Uruk-hai while on patrol. He had not even been able to say a proper goodbye to his child.
"It's enough to bring tears to your eyes, ain't it", Gimli's gruff voice sounded in Legolas ears.
"Aye", the elf said sadly. "No father should have to endure this and especially not this way."
Legolas' thoughts turned to his own father and the ache in his heart worsened. He missed Thranduil so much it hurt sometimes. His father had been his whole world since his nana died when he was an elfling. Now with the grief of another so near, it reminded him again that the goodbye he had given his father when he had left for Imladris, could very well could be the last words he had father would exchange this side of Valinor. It almost made Legolas physically sick to think about.
Another cry split the silence and the knife was driven deeper into Legolas' heart.
"I am going for a walk", he said, standing abruptly and making his way out of the castle.
The was shining brightly though the few cotton ball clouds that floated lazily overhead. Anor's light warmed Legolas inside and out and took away some his worries and fears. He gazed out at the people milling around the city, all dressed in black. The funeral and burial would be later that afternoon and all of Edoras would be there to mourn their prince.
Legolas wandered aimlessly around the solemn city, soon finding himself at the stables. He quickly entered and went to Arod's stall. He had instantly formed a strong bond with the sleek, white horse and had been thrilled when he was told that Arod was his to keep. The animal nickered softly upon seeing his new master and Legolas grinned, reaching up to scratch his head.
"Mae govannen, mellon nin", the elf murmured.
The horse whinnied and nosed Legolas' pocket where he had tucked an apple from breakfast. The elf laughed and took the fruit out, giving it to the horse. Arod crunched eagerly into the apple, devouring it in seconds.
"I'm glad he's found a good new master", a voice behind Legolas said.
The elf turned to see one of the warriors in the stall behind him, tending to his own horse.
"His last rider was a good man and took good care of him", the warrior said. "He deserves to have that kind of care again."
"You speak as though you knew him", Legolas said, picking up a comb and setting to work on a snarl in Arod's mane.
"I did. He was a good friend and a good warrior. Shame he was forced to leave when Lord Éomer was banished. That was the last time I ever saw him."
"I'm sorry", Legolas sincerely.
"These days, you learn not to grow attached to those you fight with", the warrior shrugged. "The chance of you coming out of any battle alive is slim. I only hope it'll be safer now that the king's in his right mind again and not being fed gibberish from that coward Wormtongue. Never liked him. It was by his orders Lord Éomer and his warriors were banished. And he'd always watch the Lady Éowyn with those beady little eyes full of lust. Follow her too. Even to places where no one else was around. No respectable man would ever do that."
Legolas shuddered. "Nay, that is vile. I sensed evil from him the moment we arrived."
"You have good instincts, Master elf", the warrior said. "Where do you hail from, if you don't mind my asking?"
"My home is in Mirkwood near Esgaroth. And you? Do you live here in Edoras."
"Naw, but close. I live in one of the little villages just outside the walls with my wife and young 'uns."
"How many children do you have", Legolas asked.
"Three, two boys and a girl", the warrior said wistfully. "Good kids, all of 'em. Can't imagine having to bury one of them. I feel for the king."
"Aye", Legolas agreed. "I anticipate the end of the war so no more children will be taken because it."
"You and me both, Master elf", the warrior said, clapping Legolas on the back as he left. "Good meeting you. The name's Brayden. If I can be of service while you're here it'll be my pleasure."
"You have my thanks, Brayden", Legolas said, inclining his head. "You may call me, Legolas, and I extend a likewise offer."
"Many thanks, Legolas", Brayden said, walking around the corner and out of sight.
Legolas smiled after the human. He finished brushing Arod and then returned inside to wash before paying his respects to the king and prince.
Later that day, as all of Edoras gathered by the grave of Rohan's prince, Legolas again saw Brayden, this time with his family standing solemnly by his side. As he stared in the eyes of the three children, Legolas felt compassion welling inside of him. He had seen the grief and loss of these people and now the return of hope with the banishment of Saruman from the mind of their king. He wished for that hope to be fulfilled.
The sounding of horns signaled the approach of Théodred's body. Legolas bowed his head and murmured a quiet blessing in Sindarin for Théodred's spirit. He raised his eyes just in time to see Théoden walk past him, the deep and poorly restrained grief in the king's eyes breaking Legolas' heart. Éowyn broke into a mournful song in the old language of Rohan as the young prince's body was placed into the small tomb. Once Théodred was laid to rest, everyone quietly dispersed, except for Gandalf, in order to give the king time at his son's grave.
Legolas sought out the highest point in Edoras as soon as he returned and he sat thinking for many hours, watching Anor slowly sink. He gazed off in the direction of his home, and while he still missed his ada terribly, he suddenly felt more peace about where he was and what he was doing. He was ensuring that Brayden's children would live to grow up and in a better world and, in doing so, he was creating a better world for his own people to live in until they sailed to Valinor.
Legolas stood with renewed determination and made his way back into the palace. He stopped at the doors and sent more look off into the direction of his home.
"I love you, ada", he thought silently. "I will soon be home to enjoy this new world together with you."
Elvish Terms:
Ada – Dad
Nana – Mom
Anor – Elven name for the sun
Mae Govannen – Well Met
Mellon Nin – My Friend
Hope you enjoyed. Please review.
