Author's Note: A couple of days later than I intended, but here we are.

I hope everyone who celebrates it had a lovely holiday season. And I hope you all have a wonderful 2020. Happy New Year!

Part XIV

Eryn Lasgalen, the Court of the Elven-king: Present

"So you are a murderer all over again." Arahael, it appears, cannot resist another interruption. If he gained any sympathy because of his father's death, he has surely squandered it all. "But I am certain this will be excused, as your actions always are."

"Self-defence is not murder!" Saeldur snaps.

"Be silent, both of you," Ellaurë orders. She turns to Elrohir. "You were there?"

"Yes, my lady."

"And you are not and have never been under Legolas' command. I trust the evidence of Elrohir Elrondion will satisfy the court," she adds.

"It will not satisfy me to hear from a friend of Legolas," Arahael begins, but he stops when Ellaurë glares at him.

"Forgive me," she says coolly. "I misspoke. I trust the evidence of Elrohir Elrondion will satisfy the court, with the exception of Arahael, who will have an opportunity to speak later and would be well advised to be silent now."

There is a murmur of assent.

"Is Legolas' description of Bregolien's death accurate?"

"Quite accurate, my lady."

"Is it possible that Bregolien could have been taken alive?"

"I do not think so. He surprised Eredhion – he bit him," Elrohir adds in explanation. "Eredhion was not anticipating that. He was unbalanced. Bregolien he managed to knock him over and take his knife. Bregolien was strong, he was an Elf, and there was only hatred in his heart. Legolas reacted instinctively, as any trained warrior would have done."

"Very well. Does anyone have anything to ask Legolas about Bregolien's death?" Norgalad raises his hand. "Yes, Lord Norgalad?" Ellaurë says irritably.

"Legolas." Norgalad's voice is perfectly even. "Do you think Eredhion or Voronwë would have killed Bregolien if you had ordered it?"

When Legolas hesitates over the answer, Voronwë says from where he is standing near the door, "I will tell you, Lord Norgalad. We would have done it. We would have done it even if Legolas had ordered otherwise, if it had been necessary to save him."

"Then why did it fall to Legolas to kill Bregolien?"

"As Elrohir said," says Eredhion, "Bregolien took me by surprise. I was not expecting the manner of his attack, but that is no excuse. Legolas turned his back because he trusted that Voronwë and I would have Bregolien under control. In that we failed. If anyone is responsible for Bregolien's death, other than Bregolien himself, I am."

Norgalad rolls his eyes. "Did I ask if Legolas was to blame for Bregolien's death? Has anybody other than the lunatic traitor over there suggested that Legolas was to blame for Bregolien's death? There is no need to bristle in his defence. All I require is an answer to the question. Legolas had his back turned, and everyone else was facing Bregolien. Why was it that he got as far as he did?"

"I think, Lord Norgalad," Legolas interposes, when Eredhion fails to answer, "that, if you were to ask everyone individually, they would say Bregolien was first too close to Eredhion, and then too close to me, for them to risk a shot. I had barely taken two steps away."

Norgalad nods.

"If that is all," says Ellaurë, "then, Legolas, you may sit. Thank you. Elrohir, please tell us what happened."

Ithilien, Some Distance from the Elven Settlement: Past

Elrohir emptied the pouch of herbs into the boiling water, watching as Elladan put in the stitches with neat precision. Rochendilwen, her face set in impassivity, was trying to explain to a bird how to take a message to Aeroniel.

They were fortunate. Legolas' injuries must be painful enough, but they were not fatal.

The threat of Bregolien was over.

Elrohir knew he should not rejoice that any Elf had been sent to the halls of Mandos, but if ever there was an Elf who deserved it…

The bird fluttered away. Rochendilwen turned to watch, dry-eyed, as Eredhion and two of the archers used a couple of stout boughs they had found to dig a grave. Voronwë and the others had gone in search of the traditional sapling to plant at its head.

Whatever Bregolien had done, in death he was given the respect that the Elves of the Woodland Realm gave to all who fell in battle.

This could all have been so much worse.

He thought of what Rochendilwen had told him and suppressed a sigh. It was going to get worse. That was certain.

Rochendilwen glanced up at Elrohir, and then came to join him.

"How bad is it?" she asked. "Tell me the truth."

"Legolas will heal, I promise you. It is not that bad. He will be uncomfortable for a few days…" Elrohir shrugged. "Legolas can consider it a lesson against foolishness, and next time he will have more sense than to ride off unarmed by himself."

Rochendilwen scoffed. "Of all possible cause to which this can be attributed, Legolas' foolishness is the least."

Elrohir poured the steeped water into a small cup.

"That is true. It is, however, the cause over which he has the most immediate control. The Enemy might have been defeated, but his influence still touches Middle-earth. There will always be evil in some form. I know," he added. "It seems unfair that we have fought so hard for so long to win an imperfect world. But the fact that there is such ugliness in it does not take away from the fact that there is also great beauty." He got to his feet and went to Legolas, Rochendilwen following. "How do you feel, Legolas?"

Legolas managed a smile. "I feel as though whatever is in that cup is going to taste terrible."

"Quite right," Elrohir said cheerfully. He glanced at Elladan and, at his brother's nod, helped Legolas sit up with an arm around his shoulders. "But we have a fairly long ride ahead of us and if you would like to accomplish it without too much pain… Here."

He held the cup to Legolas' lips. Legolas grimaced, but he drank.

Almost at once, he relaxed, his brow smoothing.

He looked around, apparently noticing his surroundings for the first time.

"Where is Saeldur?"

Elrohir had been dreading that question. He shot a questioning glance at Elladan and Rochendilwen over Legolas' head, but, like him, they looked helpless.

"Bregolien said he…" Legolas trailed off, glanced at all of them, and finally settled on Rochendilwen as the likeliest to answer him. "Is it true?"

"Legolas…" She took his hand and gave it a light squeeze. "We found a letter from Arahael among Saeldur's things. He says he did not know and he did not read the letter, but…" She hesitated and then seemed to decide that it was best to tell him everything. "In the letter, Arahael said Bregolien told him he saw Candnaur in Dol Guldur. So he read that much, at least."

"Elbereth Gilthoniel," Legolas breathed.

"I am so sorry," Rochendilwen said.

"You need not apologize." Legolas' gaze turned to the form now shrouded in a cloak. "I should be the one – if I had been more careful –"

"No." Rochendilwen leaned down to look Legolas directly in the eyes. "It was not your fault. There was no saving Bregolien, Legolas. Perhaps this is for the best. Perhaps, in the Halls of Mandos, he will have time to reflect, and… and if he does return in Aman, it will be without the bitterness that has always filled his life."

A cleared throat made them all look up. One of the archers stood there apologetically.

"I am sorry, but… Rochendilwen, we found this in his pocket." He held out a small golden pendant in the shape of an apple blossom. "Do you want it?"

Rochendilwen took it. "This was our mother's. I have always wondered what happened to it. Thank you."

"We are going to bury him now."

"I am coming." She gave Legolas hand a final squeeze. "This is not your fault."

"This is not your fault," Elladan repeated firmly, echoed by Elrohir. "Rest, Legolas. We will leave soon, and you will need all your strength."

Eryn Lasgalen, the Court of the Elven-King: Present

"Legolas took the ride as well as could be expected, I know," says Ellaurë. "Further details of that do not concern the court. I must ask only whether you saw signs of anybody else while you were searching for Legolas? Was there anything to suggest Bregolien had any assistance other than Arahael, or that anybody had accompanied him from Eryn Lasgalen?"

"Nothing, my lady. We saw nobody."

"Thank you. You may return to your seat. Court will adjourn for the day. Tomorrow," added Ellaurë, "both Arahael and Saeldur will be given the opportunity to say anything they wish and, if they so choose, present witnesses and other evidence in their defence."

Saeldur lets out a breath. Legolas will feel obliged to see him after lunch, then, to ensure that he is prepared. It is not the way he would have chosen to speak to him privately, but it is all he has.

Eryn Lasgalen, the Stronghold of the Elven-King: Present

Aeroniel and Rochendilwen take Éowyn to the dining hall for lunch. Since their arrival, the Elves here have grown accustomed to her presence, and she gets only a passing glance. They have more on their minds than the lone mortal woman in their midst.

"What happens now?" Éowyn asks.

"Now Arahael and Saeldur make whatever defence they can. The King will allow them as much time as they need, but I doubt it will take more than a day or two." Rochendilwen pushes her bread around her plate. "The court will vote on their guilt. The King normally accepts the court's decision unless there is something very wrong. In this case I expect it will be unanimous."

"Arahael will be found guilty of treason," Aeroniel agrees. "There is little doubt of that. I think Saeldur will only be held to have been negligent in his duty. After that… since it is a matter of treason, and of Saeldur's duty to his commanding officer, the court will not be involved. The war council will debate their sentences, but the King will decide what to do."

"In any case," Rochendilwen adds, "we will not be required tomorrow unless Saeldur or Arahael calls on us as a defence."

Éowyn looks at the Elf in concern. She is in a dark mood, perhaps from having to relive her brother's death –

"I am not grieving," Rochendilwen says, as though guessing Éowyn's thoughts. "I did my grieving for Bregolien long ago, when he murdered the Queen and almost killed Legolas. I am only ashamed that it is my brother who did this thing – and that I did not have the courage to do what was necessary when I saw he was attacking Legolas."

"You warned Legolas." Aeroniel's voice is calm. "That was enough. Legolas would not have wanted you to do more – he would certainly not have wanted you to take the burden of action on yourself."

"In any case," Éowyn offers, "Legolas is unharmed. That is the important thing." She pauses. "What will happen to Saeldur and Arahael?"

"I do not know," Aeroniel says. "Exile is not a safe option, particularly in Arahael's case. He is unhinged and he will only take the opportunity to plot against Legolas even further. And Elessar has little hope of keeping him out of Gondor if he decides to enter in disguise. It is a vast country. He will either have to be imprisoned or sent to Aman."

"It is likelier that he will be sent to Aman, I think. There is nothing to be gained by imprisoning him for what little time Elves have left in Middle-earth." Rochendilwen shrugs. "As for Saeldur… I think that will be left to Legolas to decide, as Saeldur's commanding officer. The punishment for negligence in one's duty was normally removal from one's position – but the war is over and that would be purely symbolic. I do not know what Legolas will do."

Éowyn stared at her plate. She could not imagine how life in Ithilien would ever be the same.

Eryn Lasgalen, the Stronghold of the Elven-King: Present

After lunch with his father, Legolas retreats to his study. He has things to do, but first he needs a few moments of solitude.

He does not get them.

His first visitor is Norgalad.

"Lord Norgalad." Legolas tries to infuse some enthusiasm in his voice, but he knows he has failed. Fortunately, Norgalad does not seem offended. "May I help you?"

"Perhaps I can help you. I will not take too much of your time." He enters the room and takes one of the chairs around the small table where, in earlier days, maps and duty rosters were spread. "You have been looking more and more uncomfortable through the course of this trial, Legolas. I am not criticizing you. I cannot imagine that it has been easy."

Legolas waits. Clearly Norgalad has more to say.

"You know that the decision about Saeldur is likely to fall to you," Norgalad ventures at last. "He will not be convicted of treason, and although the court might censure him for his stupidity, the consequences to him would normally be for his commanding officer to decide."

"I am aware of that, Lord Norgalad."

"Yes, I expect you are. You are not a fool, although there have been times when I have doubted that. When the King first appointed you to the command of the archers, I was not at all certain you were fit for the position."

Legolas quirks a smile. "I could hardly have failed to be aware of your doubts."

"I did express them freely, particularly to you," says Norgalad, unperturbed. "Certainly you have made some mistakes, but I am glad to say that, for the most part, you have proven yourself capable. I trust you are aware I have never doubted your courage, Legolas. That is why I tell you now that you do not need to torment yourself further. If you wish, the court can take the decision on Saeldur's sentence. There are enough members of it who would be willing, and who could persuade the King to permit it. Not that he will need much persuasion. He will be glad to spare you."

"Are you telling me you can arrange this?" Legolas says, torn between amusement and astonishment.

"I would not describe it as arranging anything. As you know, I have never been a warrior. Even when your grandfather led the armies of Greenwood to the Dagorlad, I did not go. I would have done more harm than good. I have stayed in the stronghold and left the defence of the realm, and its accompanying perils, to others better equipped than I. I did so with a clear conscience. My skills lie elsewhere. That is why it would be hypocritical of me not to offer to help you now… when I can. And several of my companions feel the same."

For a moment Legolas is tempted. The decision about Saeldur has been hanging over him. It would be a relief to have it taken out of his hands.

But…

Many, many years ago, when he first took on the responsibilities Norgalad speaks of, Saeldur was the first to kneel and swear his loyalty. He kept his promise for centuries. No matter what has happened now, the least Legolas owes Saeldur is to make the decision himself.

"Thank you, Lord Norgalad," he says quietly. "But that will not be necessary."

Norgalad nods. "I thought you would say that. You may yet change your mind. If you do, my offer stands."

Legolas sees him out and sends a page to Saeldur.

It was hard enough returning to Ithilien after… everything. The next few days are going to be far more difficult.

Ithilien, the Elven Settlement: Past

Legolas braced himself as he dismounted. Even so, the force of Aeroniel's embrace took his breath away.

"Carefully," Elrohir warned from behind them. "He is injured."

Aeroniel apologized, but it was a moment before she stepped back.

"I am fine," Legolas assured her as soon as she released him. "At least… I will be."

"You will be," she agreed. "You should get some rest. There are things to do – but we can speak of them later. You must be exhausted. Rochendilwen sent me word of everything."

"We can hold Arahael here as long as we need to." Colfind settled for clapping Legolas on his uninjured arm. "But we should keep him separate from –"

He broke off as Aeroniel trod heavily on his foot.

"It is all right," Legolas said. "Rochendilwen already told me about the letter. I suppose I should see Arahael and Saeldur before I do anything else."

"You should see the letter first. I will get it," Colfind volunteered, and hurried off.

Aeroniel turned to Rochendilwen. "And Bregolien is –"

"Dead," Rochendilwen said brusquely. "Yes, at last. Do not look sorry for me, Aeroniel. I am glad of it. He would never have given up trying to do greater harm than he has already done. At least now, in the halls of Mandos, he has time for reflection and repentance."

Legolas and Aeroniel exchanged a glance.

"You should write to your aunt," Legolas suggested. "She will want to hear from you, and to know that you are well."

"Take your time," Aeroniel added. "The courier can wait until you are ready."

Rochendilwen sighed, nodded, and went off in the direction of her talan.

"It is as well we will not be leaving for Eryn Lasgalen immediately," Aeroniel said, looking after her. "You need to heal, and Rochendilwen needs to come to terms with everything that has happened, both Bregolien's death and the knowledge that he tried to kill you… again."

"Here is the letter." Colfind came running up with it. "But before you read it, there are several Elves, and some who are not Elves, who want to see for themselves that you are well."

Legolas felt a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He followed Colfind and Aeroniel back to the large clearing that was at the heart of the settlement. He had not quite set foot in it before he was seized and patted down by Aragorn, whose hands were gentle but thorough.

"You are a fool," Aragorn hissed, when he finally stepped back. "And I hope you know it."

"The Elven-king might decide to lock him in the dungeon," Gimli said, appearing on Legolas' other side. "I intend to write to him and suggest it."

"We do not have dungeons," Legolas said patiently. "Lady Éowyn. I fear you have had a more exciting stay here than you expected." Éowyn only smiled, but then a figure emerged from behind her who made Legolas raise his eyebrows. "Arwen?" He turned to Aragorn. "Exactly how alarmed were you?"

"Húrphen came and told us that Bregolien was at large and nobody knew where you were," Arwen said. "How alarmed do you think we were?"

Legolas would have responded, but the Elves now pouring into the clearing demanded his attention.

Eryn Lasgalen, the Stronghold of the Elven-King: Present

"Yes, thank you. I will tell him." Celephindeth closes the door and turns to Saeldur. "Legolas will see you in his study in an hour to ensure that you are prepared for tomorrow. Either Eredhion or Voronwë will come to escort you there."

"What defence do you intend to make?"

Saeldur glances at his father. "I do not intend to make any defence. What could I possibly say that has not already been said? I have said I did not intend to harm Legolas, and that I was trying to help him. I think the court believes that."

"Do you intend to say nothing that might mitigate any sentence?" Now his father sounds a little alarmed. "Do you think that is wise?"

Saeldur almost wants to laugh. "It will not matter."

"Saeldur." His mother busies herself with rearranging some books. Her tone is grave. "I think you should prepare yourself for the worst."

"You think he will be convicted of treason?" His father sounds more than a little alarmed now.

"Not in the least. Members of the King's court are not stupid. Saeldur knows what I mean."

"You think Legolas will not forgive me," Saeldur says quietly.

Celephindeth puts down the volume she is holding – a Sindarin version of some old Quenya poetry. It was Legolas who got it for her, coaxing one of Erestor's most irascible assistants in Imladris to translate the book.

"I have known you and Legolas all your lives, Saeldur. I have seen you as children. I have seen you growing up. I have seen you argue about every conceivable subject, several of which I would not have thought worth an argument. I have seen you refuse to speak to each for days over trivial issues. But never, in all this time, have I known Legolas afraid to look you in the eye – yes, he is. I can tell. He might forgive you. But I do not know if he will trust you."

"Legolas cannot believe Saeldur was trying to get him killed," Saeldur's father protests.

"He does not," says Saeldur. "He believes I blame him for Candnaur's death." He gets to his feet, unable to sit still. "But what can I do? I do not know what I can tell him – or even how to begin."

"You know Legolas better than either of us," says his father.

"Did you try to speak to him in Ithilien?" asks his mother.

Ithilien, the Elven Settlement: Past

"You are alive," Saeldur breathed when Legolas walked into the cottage, followed by Rochendilwen, Voronwë and Elladan. "Praise be to Elbereth. Are you –" He cut himself off. Of course Legolas was injured. He was holding himself too stiffly for it to be otherwise.

Saeldur reached for Legolas' hand and turned it over, pushing his sleeve back to study the bandage on his wrist.

He glanced up at Legolas for permission, which was given with a terse nod. Deftly, Saeldur undid the bandage. The skin underneath was torn and bloodied.

Saeldur felt something catch in his chest.

It was a minor injury – the least of Legolas' injuries, no doubt. It had probably scarcely even needed the bandage. But the sight of it was far worse than every other injury he had seen on Legolas. It meant his hands had been bound and he had struggled to free himself.

Saeldur redid the bandage with shaking fingers.

"I am so sorry," he said. He could not keep his voice steady, though he tried. Legolas deserved that much. "I am sorry for everything."

Legolas took a step back from him and held up the letter. "This is real, then?"

Saeldur opened his mouth, but no words would come. He could only shake his head, but it was an apology, not a denial, and Legolas knew as much.

"How could you?" Legolas' voice was closer to breaking than Saeldur had heard it in years.

"I only read the first page. I would never have sent you into that sort of danger – to Bregolien – knowingly. I read the first page, and I could not bear to read more. If it – I know he must have been lying, now that I know the source of his information – but if it had been true –"

"If it had been true, it would have been my fault, as Candnaur's death was my fault," Legolas said quietly, in control of himself once more. "It would have meant I shot and missed, after allowing Candnaur to be in danger in the first place. Yes, I know. You already told me all that."

Saeldur does not know what apology he can make. They have argued before, but this – this is too big – too terrible –

"I was stupid. It is not enough to say I am sorry, I know. I should have spoken to you openly, of everything, and it might never have come to this. I know that." He dropped to one knee. "I swore to defend you – and I failed. I put you in greater danger and – and I hurt you. I know that. I know you are angry. I deserve it. I understand. But my bow is yours. It has always been yours, and if it is not yours, I do not want it. I will touch no weapon again, until – unless – you put one in my hands yourself."

"How can I trust you?" Legolas' voice was barely above a whisper. "How can I ever trust you again?"

Then he was gone, and Saeldur was squeezing his eyes shut to keep back tears.

He heard a throat cleared. With an effort, he composed himself and got to his feet. Elladan and Voronwë were not there – they must have left with Legolas – but Rochendilwen was.

"What?" Saeldur asked wearily. "I know you told me so."

Rochendilwen shook her head. "If I had imagined it would reach this magnitude, I would have done more than tell you so. This is not stupidity, Saeldur. This is –"

"Betrayal," Saeldur said bitterly.

"Yes. You may not have sent Legolas off alone deliberately, but what you said and did was bad enough. There is no point talking about it. The King must decide what to do."

"Do you think that matters?"

"No. It does not," said Rochendilwen. She would understand. Like Saeldur – like most of the archers – her first loyalty was to Legolas, and no amount of Thranduil's anger would be worse than Legolas' disappointment. "You have brought it upon yourself, Saeldur." She went to the door. "You understand, I am sure, that you will be under guard until we are ready to leave. Eredhion and Voronwë are taking no risks."

Eryn Lasgalen, the Stronghold of the Elven-king: Present

"I will stay there." Eredhion indicates the far end of the room, where a map of the forest is still pinned to the wall of Legolas' study despite the fact that it has been years since it was used to plan a patrol. "Tell me if you need anything."

"Thank you." Legolas waits until Eredhion has made himself comfortable before he says quietly, "What do you want to say tomorrow? Would you like to call any witnesses?"

"I want nobody," Saeldur responds at once. "Legolas, I do not care about tomorrow. The King knows – everybody knows what happened, and how. I do not intend to stand up in court and make excuses. They know what I did. I know what I did. I do not want their absolution."

"Lord Arbellason might decide to relieve you of your duties. If you want to make any appeal against it –"

"What duties?" Saeldur looks at Legolas. Legolas meets his gaze for a moment before turning away. His mother is right. Everything has gone so terribly, unimaginably wrong. "What duties, Legolas? I meant what I said to you. I would take on no duties if Lord Arbellason did suggest them, not until… unless…" He pauses. "I am not frightened of tomorrow. That was not why I came."

"Why did you come?"

"I do not blame you for Candnaur's death."

Legolas sighs. "Saeldur, we have had this discussion. There is no need to explain. Or to apologize for it, if that is what you intend. You are perfectly entitled to believe that I am to blame. It is not untrue that I was responsible. If you felt you could not say anything to me about it except when grief or anger made you incautious… I suppose that is my fault, and I apologize."

This is not how Saeldur imagined this conversation.

It would be so much easier if they were alone. But he knows better than to ask for that.

"You should know," Legolas says, "that Arahael has told Lady Ellaurë he intends to call you as a witness to speak in his defence."

"To call me?" Saeldur is astonished – and worried. Whatever Arahael's plan is, he is quite certain none of them will like it. "Can he do that? Surely I can refuse."

"You can refuse Arahael, but not the court."

Saeldur spends a horrible moment contemplating what words Arahael will try to put into his mouth. Arahael has no hope of establishing his innocence, so anything he plans can only be with the intent of causing more pain.

"Legolas, you should know something." He leans forward. Legolas looks at him warily. "It is only this. I do not blame you for Candnaur's death. You may not believe me. That does not surprise me. But even if I did blame you – even if I held you responsible for that, and for the deaths of my uncles, and every warrior the realm has lost to the fight against the Enemy – I would still never have given you into Bregolien's hands."

"Saedur, there is no need –"

"I swore to defend you, and I made no conditions. I went about it the wrong way, I admit, but, Legolas, there is nothing, nothing that would have persuaded me to allow harm to come to you, leave alone to participate in it myself. That is all I came here to tell you, Legolas. Nothing else matters."

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