Aid from a friend Chapter 36: Homewards, a lord of the rings fanfic

Chapter thirty-six – Homewards

Legolas walked down the path back towards the Great Hall, buried in his own thoughts. As he neared the doors though, he felt a presence and looked up. A smile lifted the corners of his lips when he saw Glorfindel leaning against the doorway looking at him with a matching smile on his face.

As he came closer Glorfindel stepped away from the door opening and gestured for him to go along the path to the right instead, where he quickly fell into step with him.

"Thank you for everything you have done Legolas." Glorfindel said softly after they had walked a while. He looked sideways at him. "I wrote to you about two months ago begging for your help and you have given it to the fullest, doing more than I had even thought possible. I… What happened to you because of it. I would like to apologize for it."

"It was not your fault." Legolas sighed, "You should stop blaming yourself for everything that happens to me while I am here. I made the decision myself to go with the twins and I made the decision to run after them when they attacked the humans. I have a free will, you or any other didn't force me to do those things."

"I still want you to know how sorry I am." Glorfindel smiled.

Legolas rolled his eyes but nevertheless nodded, "I already know that if there was anything you could have done then you would have. Elrond told me of the way you searched tirelessly after us when we were gone." If it made Glorfindel feel better that he accepted his apology then he would. Instantly Glorfindel's shoulders lost some tension that he hadn't even noticed before and he smiled.

They walked for some time in silence, Glorfindel leading him towards an unknown destination. Despite this he didn't feel the need to ask where they were going, he was content as it was and he trusted Glorfindel.

"You daughter truly is wonderful." Glorfindel said, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen over them, "I'm glad that I have finally met her, but I don't look forward to the farewell I will have to give soon."

Legolas chuckled and reached out to place his arm around Glorfindel's shoulders. "Yes she's lovely, right?" His voice changed into that of a proud father, "She has quite taken to you as well, always retelling the stories that you tell her. I hear that you have gained the prefix 'uncle Glorfindel'." He smacked Glorfindel's shoulder.

Glorfindel laughed, "I hear that there are many who have gained the title, most of your team for example. Still, it is clear that Kirion is more important to her than all of us, as it should be. …Speaking of your team."

"Oh Valar." Legolas groaned, "What have they done now?"

Glorfindel grinned, "Last I saw them they had taken hold of Elladan and Elrohir and were in the process of drinking them under the table while warning them about various horrible training sessions that you had given them and cautioning them not to ask you to train them."

Legolas chuckled at the familiar description. It seemed as though his team took it upon themselves constantly to drink people under while exaggerating about his training, he was beginning to think that it was their favorite pastime. Still, his team had his permission to say anything within reason. If he started pulling ranks on them to reduce their freedom then it would not only make their respect for him lesson but also make him lose a lot of entertainment.

"You will take care of Elladan and Elrohir when they're in Mirkwood, won't you?" Glorfindel asked, a little worry inching into his voice. He had after all known the twins since they had been babies and this was the first time that they would go somewhere for such a long span of time without his or Elrond's supervision. "They have no real experience with darkness, or fighting spiders, or going on patrols."

"Of course I'll take care of them." Legolas nodded, "I'll assess their skills more thoroughly and assign them training in whatever they are lacking. I won't send them out unprepared and certainly not to any dangerous areas in the beginning. It will be just like when new elves join the patrols."

"How are their abilities now compared to the standard in Mirkwood?" Glorfindel asked.

Legolas shrugged, "The standard is higher in Mirkwood. On terms of sword fighting they are fine, their archery could use some adjustments, but something that is completely lacking in them is patience, control, and the ability to take orders. They will need those skills to survive on our patrols so that is what they will be trained in."

Glorfindel snickered a 'good luck' and they fell silent once more. Legolas looked up and finally saw where they were headed: the stables. Even thinking of stables and horses brought a stab of pain through his heart and forced him to swallow thickly to attempt at lessoning the tightness of his throat. The same picture that he had seen an endless amount of time rolled over his senses. Móre getting pierced by arrows, himself holding him down as Turner drove a sword through his brave stallion's galloping heart. He could still feel how he had squirmed in his arms and then gradually grown still and the life in him had drained out.

Legolas shook his head to shake the thoughts out of it and forced himself to look away from his memories. After blinking a few times he was back on track and finally noticed that Glorfindel was looking at him in concern. He gave him a small smile in response.

As they stepped up to the stables, Glorfindel opened the door and let him enter before entering himself. The large stable was covered in a soft light from several lanterns and it was quiet inside, the horses calm or sleeping due to the late hour.

Glorfindel took his hand and led him slowly up the aisle until they came at a stall around the middle. This one he carefully opened and thereby gave Legolas view of the blue roan inside. It looked up as the stall door was opened. The horse was dark grey with a long, flowing black mane and tail. Its legs were almost black as well and its eyes were dark.

"I know that it is too soon after Móre…" Glorfindel said solemnly, "Both Elrond and I know that you need more time but the fact still remains that you will have to ride home to Mirkwood soon and will need a horse to do so."

For a moment the world seemed to tilt around him and he was forced to support himself to the wall and blink rapidly. Glorfindel took a hold of his arm as well just in case, searching his face worriedly.

Legolas took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, pulling himself together. When he opened them again the calmness had returned to his eyes and he looked towards Glorfindel.

"You're right." He said softly, "I do need a horse. You just caught me unprepared… I hadn't thought about it until now…"

"I'm sorry." Glorfindel said pained, "I know that nothing can replace Móre, you and he had a bond that I have never seen between horse and rider before. It was astonishing. Both Elrond and I recognize the loss you have suffered and knowing that it happened because you were helping the twins made it even worse…"

Glorfindel took a deep breath and looked into the stall. "This horse is for you, if you will have him. He is young, strong, and fast. He has training in battle but he is still at the teachable age if you need him to have a larger range of skills or commands. I think that he is dark enough to not make you an easy target in the forest of Mirkwood."

"He seems to be a very fine horse." Legolas said, sweeping his eyes over the roan. He pushed all thoughts of Móre out of his head. "Who owns him?"

Glorfindel smiled, "I do. He is one of my reserves if Asfaloth gets injured. His breeding is exemplary and he is the best that I have."

Legolas turned his eyes to Glorfindel, "And yet you would give him to me?"

"I do not need him." Glorfindel said, "Besides he could go to no worthier rider and I know that you will take good care of him. There is no one I would rather see on his back."

Legolas took a step into the stall, watching as the horse eyes him curiously before walking towards him and stopping right before him. Legolas raised his hand and placed it just an inch from his dark grey muzzle. It wasn't long before the horse moved its head the remaining inch and allowed him to pet its velvety soft muzzle.

"What is his name?" Legolas asked softly as he moved his hand up the horse's forehead and combing his fingers through its long black forelock that seemed to have a habit of falling into the horse's eyes.

Glorfindel chuckled from the stall door. "Tinco." He answered.

Legolas turned his head and raised an eyebrow at him, "Tinco? You named this horse metal?"

Glorfindel shrugged, "He's grey, strong, and - when first he gets to know you - protective, almost like a shield of metal. He will serve you well and keep an eye on you when I am not there to do it."

Legolas chuckled at this and then turned back to the horse, running his hands over his strong legs while speaking gently to it. He could feel the horse responding to his calm energy and most of all felt its life force, which was so much larger than a straw of grass or a bird's.

Tinco moved his head towards him and pressed his muzzle against his forehead just like Móre had done when he had only just been born. He could feel the circlet on his forehead shifting at the touch and a familiar feeling of a horse connecting with him rushing through him. Tears welled up in his eyes as his previously bottled up memories of Móre rushed through his mind once more.

Unable to handle it he turned his head away from Tinco, closing his eyes so the tears were pushed down his cheeks. His circlet was pushed off his head from the movement and fell down into the hay.

"Tinco." Glorfindel called softly and Legolas listened to the horse's steps as it walked away from him and over towards Glorfindel. It wasn't long before Glorfindel's arms wrapped around him.

Legolas opened his eyes and stared unseeingly over Glorfindel's shoulder, resting his chin on it and leaning into the embrace. For him the grief was still too near, he had raised Móre, seen him grow up from being a foal to being a strong stallion. Just the thought of riding another horse right now sent a stab of pain through his stomach, even if Tinco was a fine horse…

Glorfindel gently led his over to the wall and sat him down with his back against it, sitting down beside him himself. He reached into his pocket and drew out a flask, uncorking it before holding it out to him.

Legolas grabbed it and took a swig. The liquid immediately burned down his throat and caused him to cough, not having been prepared for it. Warmth slowly spread through his body. "Valar." He gasped and coughed, "Is this whiskey?"

Glorfindel nodded and clapped him on the back, "I figured that you would need some sooner or later. I'm sorry, I should have warned you. Take another one." Legolas did as he said and then handed it over.

They continued to pass the flask between them until it contents were drained. Glorfindel restrained himself to taking small sips so Legolas would get the largest amount of the alcohol, knowing that his friend needed something to loosen him up.

At the moment Legolas was sitting and staring at Tinco as the roan nibbled at the hay on the stable floor. His eyes were unfocussed with memories and pain.

"I knew the instant they brought him out…" Legolas whispered after a moment, breaking the silence with a dull voice. "I knew that they were going to kill him right in front of me and that nothing I could say or do would stop them. Turner walked towards him with his sword but he was fighting against his restraints, my brave stallion." Legolas smiled weakly.

"I told him to run and he finally managed to release himself of the ropes, but then he stopped… he stopped and he looked at me. He wanted to stay with me, I could see it in his eyes, but I shouted for him to run …and he obeyed. For a while I thought he was going to make it… but as he jumped over the gate two arrows hit him and he collapsed just outside, whinnying in pain

"I managed to get to him, but I could see the damage… it was going to take a lot of healing for him to survive and he was never going to get that there. I knew he was going to suffer a slow death if I didn't… so when Turner came and drove his sword through his heart … I just held him down …whispering to him, keeping him calm even as he squirmed and whinnied. I felt him die."

Legolas looked up at his friend with glistening eyes and Glorfindel reached out to wrap his arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. For a while he didn't say anything but then he broke the silence.

"You did the right thing. What everyone with some sense would have done if they had been there instead of you. Móre didn't deserve to suffer, you gave him the mildest death that could be given him, having you by his side and having it end quickly."

Legolas choked out a sob but still there were no tears rolling down his cheeks. He suddenly closed his eyes and turned his face away from him. "Turner said that they were going to eat him." He ground out, and then turned fierce eyes to Glorfindel, "You saw him, didn't you? You saw him when he was buried. Had they?"

Glorfindel took a shuddering breath and looked away from Legolas, bringing his closer instead. "Whether they had or hadn't doesn't matter. Do not allow them to tarnish your memories with Móre."

"Oh Valar… they did…" Legolas whispered wide-eyed. He turned away from Glorfindel, looking as if he was going to be sick.

Glorfindel quickly tightened his arms around him and brought him back against his chest. "Don't think about it." He begged him softly and racked his mind for any happy memories. "…Do you remember the time when you came to Rivendell for the summer? The time when we raced through the mountains?"

Legolas closed his eyes and nodded.

"I was so certain that Asfaloth was the fastest and I was so desperate to win that race that I wasn't even paying attention to my surroundings." Glorfindel snorted, "You never did let me forget that I smacked right into that branch and knocked myself out cold so you had to take me back to Rivendell on Móre. The twins didn't stop laughing for the weeks it took for the bruise on my forehead to disappear. I was forced to admit that Móre was the fastest…"

"Serves you right." Legolas chuckled, "The blow seemed to help knock some sense into your head."

"It did." Glorfindel chuckled, "It made me look up during our next race. It made me look up and see how Móre and you moved in perfect synchronization and balance, allowing each other to come up to the highest peek of speed because you weren't holding each other back. It made me see how otherworldly the two of you looked together and the smile on your lips as the wind swept through your hair."

"And then you were knocked out with a branch again." Legolas said.

"Right?" Glorfindel groaned indignantly, "It was even the same branch. Valar, it hurt more the second time."

Legolas laughed at this and Glorfindel found the corners of his own lips rising in response to the melodic sound. This was what he wanted to hear from his friend, all other sounds were wrongly placed with this pure being.

He caught sight of Legolas' circlet glinting from the soft light of the lanterns in the hay on the stall floor. It was made of two thin, interweaving golden bands, adorned with small leaves and ending in a downward angle, which attached to a clear, blue drop. It was an elegant and exquisite piece that he had seen upon Legolas' head many times. That was where it belonged, not on the stall floor. There it looked fragile, like it would take nothing to break.

It was the symbol of his friend's position, and of the love his people had for him. It was clear to anyone that Legolas took his job very seriously and that he poured his soul into protecting and preserving his father's Kingdom.

Glorfindel slowly got to his feet and walked over to it, reaching down to pick it up. He was aware of Legolas' eyes upon him as he checked it for dents from its fall and wiped the dust off it. Afterwards he turned around and walked back to Legolas. He kneeled before him and looked into his crystalized blue eyes before turning his attention to placing the circlet on his head once more.

It fit perfectly and the blue drop fell down on Legolas' forehead, once more enhancing the color of his blue eyes. It was clear that the person who had made it had been very clever with its design.

"There." Glorfindel said softly, "It is back where it belongs." He reached out and stroked his finger over the blue drop, his touch feathery light. He then looked into Legolas' eyes once more, "Do not let the memory of Móre's death overshadow his life and the joy you have gotten from owning him. And do not see Tinco as our attempt to replace him, because he never can be replaced. Start afresh with this horse, but never forgot the memories."

Legolas' blue eyes lifted and locked on Tinco who had standing calmly slightly away from them, close to sleeping because of the late hour. The horse looked completely mellow as it stood there, having followed Glorfindel's order to stay slightly away since it had been given in the form of nothing but the horse's name.

He nodded slowly and then turned his unreadable eyes to Glorfindel, "Thank you."

Glorfindel smiled. "You're welcome. Now come, you look as though you should be sleeping."

"That because he should be." Came a warm voice from the stall door. Both Glorfindel and Legolas looked over to see Faneth leaning against the door with a tender smile on her lips. Both Legolas and Faneth's eyes became filled with love as they gazed upon one another and Glorfindel suddenly felt like he was intruding. It didn't last long though because at that moment Faneth turned her eyes to him almost like she had felt his discomfort.

"Good evening Glorfindel." She smiled to him, "Thank you for looking after my husband." Legolas snorted.

Glorfindel got to his feet and walked over to her, raising her hand to his mouth and placing a chaste kiss on its surface before smiling to her. "It was my pleasure. Now if you will excuse me, I think I will retire for the night."

"Of course." Faneth smiled and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek, "Sleep well."

When he was gone, Faneth moved her eyes from Legolas and looked at Tinco. Legolas could read the same pain in her eyes as she stepped up to the horse and gently moved her hand through its long black mane. Tinco raised his head at the touch and ground his head slightly against Faneth's chest, almost like he was begging her to be scratched.

Faneth chuckled softly and scratched him behind the ears, the sound made Legolas smile as well. He got to his feet and walked over to her, gently covering her hands with his own and kissing the side of her neck before resting his chin on her shoulder and looking at Tinco. Faneth continued to move her hands over his muzzle and forehead so Legolas' followed her, the resistance in his heart slowly melting away and leaving only calmness.

"Móre will be glad to know that you have another that is willing to carry you on your reckless rides." Faneth said softly and drew her hands back so she could kiss Legolas'. "I can almost feel him here, giving his job over to this new horse."

"His name is Tinco." Legolas said quietly. Tinco raised his head in response to his name.

"Hello Tinco." Faneth greeted softly, "Welcome to the family."

As the name passed his wife's lips he felt the small remainder of his tension and reluctance draining away and in response tiredness welled up inside him, making his lean more against Faneth. The alcohol was making his head spin slightly, it was effecting him more than usual because his body still wasn't up to full strength yet.

"Come on Legolas." Faneth said gently, squeezing his hand. "Let's go to bed."

She gently led him out of the stall and closed the door before heading back towards the Last Homely House. The music was still playing in the Great Hall and the Hall of Fire but they passed through until they came to their room.

Once inside Legolas cupped her cheeks and pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, his tongue entering her mouth and swirling around hers in an endless dance. He felt more than heard as Faneth moaned and moved his hands from her cheeks, through her hair and down to the laces in her dress, slowly undoing them. He slipped the dress from her shoulders and let it fall to the ground where they stepped over it on their path to the bed.

Faneth untied the neckline of his tunic and moved her hands under it. They were forced to break apart as she pulled it over his head but feverishly found each other's mouths again. Faneth's body was barely hidden beneath her thin underdress and he allowed for his hands to move over it before he lifted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist before they fell backwards onto the bed.

Legolas walked towards the twins' rooms with Maliel in his arms, braced against his left hip. His travelling pack was slung over his right shoulder along with his weapons. Maliel was in her light blue cloak and travelling clothes as well, ready to head homewards. She was slightly dejected but there was nothing that could be done about it, Mirkwood couldn't be without a King much longer.

Legolas stopped before Elladan's door and knocked, waiting to enter until he heard permission from inside. The door between the twins' rooms was open and they were walking around making the last adjustments. Elladan stopped up when he saw them and smiled.

"Are you ready?" Legolas asked, returning the smile. At his voice Elrohir also came in from the other room, closing the door and dumping his pack beside Elladan's.

"Nearly." Elladan sighed and walked across the room to get his weapons.

While he did this Elrohir stepped up to them, his focus on Maliel who smiled to him. Legolas could see a slight tension in his posture and reluctance in his eyes.

"Good morning Ro." Maliel greeted him sweetly.

"Good morning Maliel. I believe that I have something that belongs to you" Elrohir said, and then held up his hand so she could see what he was holding. Maliel's eyes grew wide at the sight of Müsse and she reached out to take the stuffed rabbit, hugging it to her chest and kissing its forehead. It was clear that she had missed it.

Legolas watched Elrohir for any signs that he wasn't all right, but when the twin saw Maliel's reaction to getting back the rabbit his eyes mellowed and he smiled gently.

"Thank you for allowing me to borrow her." He told her gently and pressed a kiss against her forehead, "She has helped me very much."

Maliel smiled brilliantly to him and wrapped her small arms around his neck, drawing him into a hug where Müsse was between them. "You're welcome." She said cheerfully when she drew back once more, settling against Legolas' chest and beginning to pat Müsse with her small hands. Legolas smiled at her innocence and gently caressed her cheek. Maliel looked up at him and smiled before turning back to Müsse, already whispering softly with it.

Just as the twins were about to lift their bags the door opened once more and Elrond stepped in. He looked mildly surprised at seeing Legolas there with Maliel in his arms.

"Good morning Legolas." Elrond smiled and as he walked into the room, "And good morning to you as well Maliel."

Maliel looked up and smiled, "Good morning." Then she turned back to the stuffed rabbit, clearly needing to catch up.

Legolas chuckled and said his own greeting to Elrond. "Good morning Elrond. I trust that you slept well?"

"Well enough." Elrond answered and placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder. "You'll look after them, won't you?"

"With both eyes." Legolas responded, "They will be safe and secure. I'll make them write to you whenever they have the chance."

"Hey!" Came the indignant reaction from the twins. "We're actually older than you are!" Legolas chuckled in response but didn't comment further, Elrond smirked as well.

Elrond drew him halfway into a hug, not being able to do so properly because of Maliel. "Thank you for everything you've done Legolas." He whispered into his ear, "And everything you're going to do. Even if you did it out of the goodness in your heart and don't want anything in return, I don't know how to repay you. If there is ever anything that you or Mirkwood needs then Rivendell is at your service."

"Thank you." Legolas said softly, "It has been enough reward to see your family prevail even if there have been rough patches. But if there is ever a time where I need it then I will remember your offer. Besides," Legolas said with a smile as he drew back, "the busy season is about to begin again."

"Which seasons aren't busy?" Elladan asked while rolling his eyes.

"Winter." Legolas answered. "Fall and spring are worst, summer is almost tolerable and winter is vacation."

"Is this winter a vacation?" Maliel asked with huge, begging eyes.

Legolas winced inwardly, no winter wasn't a vacation; it just wasn't as horrible as the others. He ran his hand over her curly hair and said sadly, "No… not really, I misspoke. But I won't be that busy."

"Oh." Maliel said and turned back to her rabbit.

Legolas' heart twisted. Valar knew that he wanted to spend every second of every day with his family. He was already working as quickly as he could, handing out as much as he dared, not taking extra patrols… but still it filled so much in his days and it only continued to fill more as the situation in Mirkwood slowly worsened. His people needed him so therefore he had taken to making every free moment he had with his family memorable. That was also what had made this trip to Rivendell even more special, having time with his family.

He drew himself away from his thoughts and found that Elrond was looking at him sadly. Therefore he mustered himself and smiled, hoisting Maliel a bit further up. "Well, I guess that you're here for goodbyes so we'll take our leave now and see you in the courtyard. Thank you for having us here in Rivendell."

"It has been our pleasure." Elrond said, rolling his eyes slightly to let Legolas know exactly what he thought about him thanking him.

"Say goodbye Maliel." Legolas then said to his daughter.

Maliel looked up and waved at the three, "Bye, bye."

"Bye, bye." The twins echoed and smiled amused.

"Goodbye Maliel, take care of your father." Elrond said.

It was better that the personal goodbyes came before they reached the courtyard, because out there where half of Rivendell where it would only be a formal farewell.

Legolas inclined his head to them and walked out the door. At the end of the hall though, Maliel looked up and then turned her eyes to him. "Ada can we go say bye to the roses as well?" She asked sweetly.

Legolas smiled, "Of course we can. I'm sure that they would love to hear our voice one more time before we leave." Maliel grinned and then hopped out his arms, taking his hand in hers and dragging him towards Celebrian's garden. It wasn't far from the family wing so they soon set their feet down on slightly damp grass.

Legolas reached down and lifted Maliel up on the stone bench beside the rosebush before sitting down himself and drawing her into his lap. He could see the energy of the bush and hear its soft song.

"Good morning." Maliel said cheerfully and reached out to touch some of the roses. Immediately its song grew louder as it woke up at her touch. It wasn't long before greetings became interwoven in the songs.

Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

Legolas chuckled at the sound and Maliel turned to him as well, her eyes dancing. She was suddenly bouncing in his lap. "Ada you have to say good morning as well!"

"Good morning." Legolas chuckled, turning to the rosebush. "Did you sleep well?"

Good morning. Yes. Good morning. Sleep? Good morning. No. Good morning. Yes. Good morning. Maybe. Good morning.

Maliel giggled as this and pressed her hands against her mouth. She looked up at her father with large, sparkling eyes.

Give. Take flower. Give flower. Take it. Give. Take child. Take flower. Gift. Gift. Gift. Daughter of pollen.

Legolas smiled and searched the bush for a suitable flower. His eyes landed on a small one close to the ground and he smiled, reaching down and gently plucking it from the bush. His touch gave life to the both the flower and the bush as it tended to do despite the fact that he had his power under control. He then carefully removed the few thorns before placing the small rose behind Maliel's ear and interweaving it in her braid.

"There," Legolas said when he finished, "now you're even more beautiful. Make sure that you thank it."

Maliel touched the rose at her ear gently before smiling to the bush, "Thank you very much." She then turned to her father, "Ada don't you want one as well?"

Legolas smiled and shook his head; "I love seeing it on you so much that I don't need one of my own. Besides my name means Green Leaf and not Daughter of Pollen as yours does, it wouldn't be right for me to wander around with a flower in my hair, don't you think?"

Maliel nodded vigorously with a suddenly determined expression on her face. She jumped to from the bench and took his hand in hers. "We need to find you a leaf."

Legolas laughed at her serious statement but nevertheless allowed himself to get dragged off by his daughter. When they reached to nearest tree he lifted her up so she could reach the leaves, already having asked the tree if it was all right. Maliel picked the greenest leaf and put it into his hair while he still had her in his arms so she was able to reach. Afterwards she smiled and nodded her approval.

"What about Nana?" She then asked, "What does her name mean?"

"Hmm…" Legolas hummed thoughtfully and started walking in the direction of the courtyard, knowing that people were probably gathering there now. "Lady of the clouds. That is going to be difficult."

Maliel expression turned thoughtful and looked up into the sky, eyeing the few clouds. "Ada what are clouds made of?" She asked him curiously.

Legolas smiled and looked up briefly as well before turning his eyes to the path and answering, "No one really knows. They are said to be the creation of Manwë and that they reflect his mood. It rains when he is sad, it is cloudy when he is in doubt, and when there are almost no clouds, like today, then he is happy."

"Do you think he is happy that we're going home?" Maliel asked, looking awed into the sky.

"Maybe he is." Legolas smiled, "Perhaps he knows that Hithel is close to breaking down at home so he's happy that we're going back to take over ruling Mirkwood once more."

Maliel giggled and rested her head on his shoulder, hugging Müsse close. "It rained a lot when you were gone Ada… Do you think he was sad about what was happening to you?"

"Maybe." Legolas said, running his hand gently over her hair. "But understand that Manwë has his own land and the whole of Middle Earth to base his mood upon. I doubt that he even knew what was happening."

"If he had known… could he have saved you?" Maliel asked, turning her innocent blue eyes to him.

Legolas smiled to her, "I believe that all Gods give us free reins to live our own lives, see everything with our own eyes, and make our own decisions. And that if they do help us then it will be in the hidden, so that we don't know about it. Like when we fall, we are allowed to get back on our feet by ourselves." He flicked her nose. "That is what helps us learn and grow up."

Maliel giggled and rubbed her nose with both hands. Legolas saw a row of low bushes coming ahead and speed up before leaping over them. Maliel squealed at the action and tightened her arms around his neck, hiding her face in the crook of his neck until they laded once more.

Legolas laughed and continued walking. When they rounded the next corner they stepped into the courtyard. It was clear that they were the only ones not there yet, everyone else were already standing by their packed horses and Elrond was in the process of giving the formal farewell to his father.

Legolas grimaced, and him and Maliel looked at each other. He placed his finger before his mouth in a sign to be quiet and his daughter echoed it. Then they silently made their way through the crowd to where Legolas had seen Glorfindel standing with Tinco, ignoring the muffled laughter from especially the team.

Faneth was also standing by Tinco and Glorfindel and she gave them a mildly reproachful look as they came over. Glorfindel was barely concealing his amusement and he took Legolas' bag as he stepped up to him, tying it to the back of the saddle.

Legolas lifted Maliel up onto Tinco and she took hold of the saddle with on hand, using the other to pat Tinco's neck. "Hello Tinco." She whispered softly. He had taken her to see the horse the day after the feast and after crying for the loss of Móre she had become good friends with Tinco in the two days that followed.

Legolas fastened his bow and quiver to the side of the saddle and then strapped his twin knives properly to his back, just as Elrond finished with his farewell and the courtyard came alive once more. He chuckled when he noticed the amount of people that wanted to say goodbye to the twins. Faneth was currently saying goodbye to her parents.

"I guess that this is it then." Glorfindel said. He walked up to Legolas and drew him into a brotherly hug. "Take care of yourself Legolas, and your family as well. I hope that we will see each other again soon but until then I will continue to write."

"I will as well." Legolas said as he drew back and looked at Glorfindel with his icy blue eyes. "Take care of Elrond and make sure that he doesn't feel the absence of his sons too much. He still needs your support."

"I will. If you take care of the two rascals." Glorfindel chuckled. "I have to warn you that they can be quite a handful when they want to."

"Something tells me that they won't be this time." Legolas answered with a smile, "They are taking this very seriously."

"As they should." Glorfindel said softly and then turned to say farewell to Malilel.

"Oh Legolas, you must promise to come back soon!" Gilrin moaned as she drew him unprepared into a motherly hug. "It has been a real joy having the three of you home." He caught Faneth's gaze over Gilrin's shoulder and they shared an amused glance.

"Come now darling." Fanor chuckled, "Don't smother the boy." Gilrin drew back and Fanor stepped in, clasping Legolas' forearm and drawing him close to clap his shoulder. "It's been good to see you son, despite everything. Now make sure that you take care of my daughter and granddaughter, will you?"

"Of course." Legolas answered with a smile as he drew back, "It's been good to see you as well."

"Grandma! Grandpa!" Maliel greeted laughing from Tinco's back, "Ada, I want to say goodbye!"

Legolas chuckled and reached up to lift her off Tinco. Immediately Maliel ran to her grandmother and wrapped her small arms around her legs before repeating the gesture with her grandfather. Gilrin and Fanor immediately fawned over her, but he was distracted from that when his father came up to their group and gestured for him to come over. Thranduil's serious expression immediately sobered him.

When he was beside him Thranduil reached out and drew him close, whispering into his ear so others couldn't hear it, "You have to lock down you mind once more Legolas. Once you leave Elrond's barrier then there will be nothing but your own power between you and Dol Guldur again." He drew back and looked at him sadly, "I'm sorry."

Legolas' eyes unfocussed and he recalled the emptiness and loneliness that had ruled the days of his captivity. It took nothing more than the still vivid memories to make anxiety well up inside him. Until now he had attempted not to think about the inevitable but now the moment had come…

Arms encircled him from behind and he felt his tense muscles relaxing at the feeling of Faneth's aura melting into his. It was clear that Faneth was seeking to calm him down through their bond. She leaned her head against his shoulder, letting her long hair fall down along his arm.

It'll be all right. She said through their bond. I'll be by your side the entire time and I will help you fight back the darkness. You are not alone.

It will take over a week to reach Mirkwood… I don't know if I can take it. It is so soon after…

Friends and family will surround you this time. I will be there as well to make sure that you don't falter. Trust me.

Legolas knew that Faneth was able to feel the fear and revulsion that rolled through him in waves. The feelings were too strong for her to counteract but he was comforted somewhat by feeling her arms tighten around his waist. His father reacted as well and discreetly took hold of his arm. Legolas didn't need to look at him to know that his eyes were with worry, no doubt seeing that all blood had washed out of his face.

Knowing despite the unwillingness in his heart that this was something he had to do, he slowly began forcing his energy to create a barrier around his mind. It was almost like his body felt his reluctance and therefore it took a longer time than it should have.

Gradually he lost his connection to the people around him, then the nature, then gradually his links to his loved ones disappeared, and finally Faneth, whom he had been clinging to desperately during the process. His connection with her severed as his mind became guarded enough to block her out of it.

There was nothing but an echoing silence in his mind. No feelings, thoughts, or life forms other than his own panicking thoughts. The song of the world deadened and dimmed until he was completely alone.