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Chapter 11: Battles Won
Many days passed between the death of Smaug and the Battle of Five Armies.
The Alliance formed between the three races of Men, Elves, and Dwarves was tenuous at best. With Thorin and his nephews gone from this world, the Dwarves went into mourning.
Legolas went to search out the Hobbit, for last he had heard, the little one was alive and well. The Elf found the Burglar at the edge of Dale, where he stood alone. The sun had not yet risen, and the stars shone brightly. Legolas could, if he listened carefully, hear them singing their praises Iluvatar.
"If my eyes do not deceive me, there stands the Hobbit I met once in the woods of my home," Legolas murmured, smiling down at the small Shireling.
Bilbo jumped before replying: "And if my eyes do not deceive me, there stands the Elf who set a company of Dwarves free from under his father's very nose. Greetings, Legolas Thranduillion."
"And the same to you, Bilbo Baggins. I trust you survived the battle with all appendages intact?" Legolas gave the little one a cursory glance.
"I did. And yourself?" Bilbo seemed nervous.
"A few bruises, nothing more."
They stood in stony silence for a few minutes. Legolas noticed a heavy weight seemed to press on Bilbo's shoulders. Something had changed over the past few weeks, that much the Elven Prince could tell.
"I'm sorry about your friends," Legolas murmured.
"They will rest in the Halls of Aluë. They are at peace."
"You will be going back to your home soon, I suppose?"
Bilbo looked at the ground, head low. "I leave at dawn. War camps are no place for the Gentle Folk. Some of the Dwarves have offered to escort me back."
Legolas nodded, though Bilbo did not see it. "You'll be in safe hands. They fought bravely, and well."
Bilbo looked up, meeting the eyes of the Elf. "What is next for you, then? Is all well with you and your father? He and I met, in the negotiations."
"It is the same as ever."
"My apologies."
They stood in silence until the sun rose over the Long Lake. With a sigh, Bilbo Baggins turned away without a backwards glance or a simple farewell.
Legolas smiled.
He would see the little Hobbit again. Of that, he was certain.
