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Mirkwood's Plague II:

Aftermath

Chapter 26 ~ Together At Last

~*~

"Well, I can't say I'm particularly surprised," Gandalf sighed.

Galadriel was pacing back and forth in the conference room – or what remained of it at least. "Indeed, we should have anticipated this."

"We did," Gandalf murmured softly.

Galadriel stopped, looking down in surprise at the wizard, who was sat at the long meeting table. "What do you mean?"

Elrond leaned back against the table and answered, "Thranduil has always had safeguards in place for the ruling of his kingdom should the whole royal family be…incapacitated. A group of twelve advisors and trusted associates were chosen to rule in their stead if it became necessary."

"So Mirkwood has no need for a monarch after all," Gimli said from his place in what would have been the king's chair at the head of the table.

"This is where we run into a problem. The plague has destroyed virtually all the hopes of establishing a proper council and most members have been scattered or killed. We haven't been able to track down all twelve."

Aragorn now spoke up, "So what's the procedure for electing a new twelve?"

"Fortunately, Thranduil left detailed instructions."

Galadriel held up her hands at this point to halt any further enquiries and asked, "Are we seriously discussing this?"

It was her husband who stepped in to calm her. "We have to discuss it, melleth. If Legolas…"

"That's my point! Legolas tells Elrond he wants to leave, that the call of the West has grown too strong, and no one questions his motives? Has it not occurred to you that he is trying to escape Middle Earth to be rid of his duty?"

"Galadriel…" Celeborn went to speak but the Lady cut him off.

"We're talking about his decision like it is the only option," she exclaimed.

"To him it is the only option right now," Elrond said softly.

"And what about talking to him, trying to convince him…?"

"It is not our place to convince Legolas to stay," Celeborn answered. "We have no right to force him to stay on Middle Earth or even attempt to persuade him. It is a decision he must make on his own and it appears that he has done so, regardless of what his motives are."

"I understand that but…." She realised she wasn't gaining much support from her kin so turned to Aragorn and Gimli. "Estel, you agree with me, right? You don't want Legolas to leave?"

The King of Gondor considered this for a moment before answering. "I don't want Legolas to leave. Of course I want him to stay here but I can't force him to. If this is what he needs to do then I must respect it – and I do."

Galadriel shook her head in disbelief. "Gimli." She looked to the Dwarf for support.

"I don't understand this whole Undying Lands fascination you Elves have but as Legolas' friend, I have to support him if this is what he wants."

"One way or another we have to search for these twelve. I'll send out messengers to search out any original members of the council left. Then I'll talk to Legolas and ask who he wants to make up the numbers," Elrond said softly.

"I can help with that," Celeborn offered.

"You're on their side?" Galadriel asked incredulously.

Calmly, he answered, "I am on Legolas' side. As we should all be."

They all nodded and departed slowly, leaving only Celeborn and Elrond in the room. There was a long silence before Elrond finally spoke up. "I understand that Galadriel herself, as a Ring-bearer, has been considering leaving for Aman for some time now."

"Ever since the end of the war," Celeborn confirmed.

"I share her sentiments."

"As do many of our race now," the Lord of Lorien said as Elrond poured them both a glass of wine left over from the coronation celebration. "People are becoming weary of Middle Earth of late."

"Will your wife leave soon do you think?"

Celeborn sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Nenya has no power now. Many of the Galadhrim are also keen to leave Middle Earth. I do not think my wife will remain much longer."

"And you?" Elrond asked delicately.

Celeborn smiled thinly. "I have not yet decided. I do not feel the pull of the West as my wife does."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

"Oh?"

"Rivendell is entering its final years. As I understand it, Lorien is in the same position." Celeborn nodded in confirmation. "And yet Mirkwood – besides this…set back – is flourishing."

"Your point, mellon nin?"

"We have a kingdom soon to be without a ruler and Lorien will soon possess a leader without a kingdom."

Realisation dawned on Celeborn and he sat forward, folding his hands together on the table. "I see." He looked over at Elrond. "You're asking me to rule Mirkwood in Legolas' stead?" he asked calmly. Elrond just looked straight into his eyes, not needing words to answer. "That is quite a lot to ask."

"But not unreasonable, I think," the Elven Lord of Imladris murmured.

"You think not?"

"Who better? You have already said you do not intend to leave Middle Earth. You know how to rule a kingdom and Legolas trusts you greatly."

"I have no blood right to Mirkwood. The advisors have more right to the kingdom than I."

"Advisors. As Gandalf pointed out, Gondor's history suggests that leaving a kingdom to lesser leaders rarely works out well," Elrond said, taking a sip of his wine.

"Even so, Elrond…."

"I know it's a big ask – and Legolas would never ask you in person."

"Does he even know you're asking me?" Celeborn asked carefully.

"Of course not. But can you think of a better person?" Celeborn didn't answer this time but Elrond hadn't expected him to. "You are more than qualified."

"Elrond, it is not our place to make plans for Legolas. He is king and ultimately it is his decision."

"I'm sure he'd appreciate the help right now," Elrond reasoned. "Of course, I'll talk to him about it if you wish."

Celeborn held up his hand. "Slow down, mellon nin. May I at least have some time to think about this and discuss it with my wife?"

"You have to make her see that this is right for Legolas, Celeborn. He doesn't need her opposition at a time like this."

"You don't think he'll change his mind then?"

Elrond shook his head, downing the remainder of his drink. "No, he seemed very certain and I'm not sure we should be trying to talk him out of it."

"Perhaps it is for the best then," Celeborn suggested.

"I am forced to agree with his decision. After everything he's been through I don't think staying here is doing him any good." Celeborn nodded in agreement. "I should get started on rounding up these select twelve." Elrond got up and left Celeborn alone; giving him the space he needed to consider the offer he had made. It did make sense. However, ruling Lorien, which was almost constantly protected by the Elven Ring Nenya, was very different from taking on the shattered kingdom of Mirkwood. It was a lot to take on, especially without the aid of his wife. He had no doubt that Galadriel would be leaving soon. They had discussed it back in Lorien at the end of the War of the Ring. She had made it very clear that she would be leaving Middle Earth and he had agreed that when the time came he would go with her. Now though, he had another option. For all his discomfort at taking Legolas' kingdom he had to agree that the young king leaving Middle Earth was the right course of action. It was a valid decision and Elrond was right not to attempt to dissuade him. Still, this was a massive step to make and he had to consider it carefully to ensure he did the right thing for both Mirkwood and for himself.

~*~

Although Legolas tried to sleep his mind was still buzzing from his argument with Glorfindel. Expected it may have been but pleasant it definitely was not. The fight he had had with the seneschal was about the future of their relationship. Legolas had thought he would leave him and they would never be able to regain what they had felt before Glorfindel's initial infidelity. Now their positions were reversed. It was he who was planning on leaving Glorfindel. What was worse though was that he himself remembered how awful he'd felt after Glorfindel had left and the thought that he had caused Glorfindel that same pain was what was keeping him awake now.

Sighing heavily, he rolled over in bed and closed his eyes. His guilt would not let him rest and he eventually gave up trying and sat up. Running his hand through his untidy hair, he looked around the dark room. Knowing he wouldn't be able to return to a restful state without at least attempting to resolve his argument with Glorfindel, Legolas climbed wearily out of bed and slipped into a dressing gown. He pulled the door open and went to find Glorfindel's guest rooms.

Politeness dictated that Legolas knock on the door so he did, although he didn't expect an answer and didn't receive one. He knocked again but got no response so, taking a steadying breath, he opened the door and peered into the lit room. A candle was burning on the dresser but Glorfindel was in bed apparently asleep. His stunning blue eyes were glazed over and his face was fittingly serene. Legolas closed the door softly behind him and walked on silent feet over to the bed.

For long moments he just stared at the near-angelic image of the seneschal of Imladris. When he became too uncomfortable looking into blank eyes, Legolas moved over to the window, hitching the curtain back so he could look out at the somewhat restricted view of Mirkwood's forest. He had no doubt that he would miss his kingdom. He had grown up here, spilled blood for her and now he was leaving. Even through his sadness though, he knew he was doing the right thing.

"It's rude to lurk in dark corners without invitation," Glorfindel's voice startled Legolas and he dropped the curtain back down. He looked around to find the Elda still laid in bed and looking directly at him. "What are you doing here?" the seneschal asked in what seemed to be annoyance.

"I couldn't sleep," Legolas explained lamely.

This seemed to concern Glorfindel for a second and his face softened but he quickly took on that same anger as before. "Perhaps being in your own room would help with that," he snapped. Legolas just nodded, stung by the hurtful tone of his voice. The seneschal was not impressed with the silence and said, "I'm tired, I don't want to talk right now."

"I do," Legolas said simply.

"I don't particularly want to listen to you either."

"Glorfindel, please."

"Go away, Legolas. Go back to your bed."

Ignoring this instruction, Legolas continued. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Well, congratulations you failed spectacularly at that."

"It wasn't my intention…"

Glorfindel sat up abruptly, startling Legolas slightly. "What was your intention, Legolas?"

"I…I don't…"

"You're not even sure what you're saying now so how can you be sure this is the right course of action?"

"Your objection is you don't think I know what I want?" Legolas asked in surprise. "I didn't come up with this on a whim. I have considered it long and hard."

"So, that's it. You're just going to leave? You're going to throw it all away with no thought to anyone else."

"To anyone or to you in particular?" Legolas asked calmly.

As this, Glorfindel practically leapt out of bed. "Of course to me in particular," he yelled. "What were you expecting me to say? 'Good luck'? 'Have a safe journey'? Do you care so little about us?"

"Of course I care about us. But I have to do this. I have to, Glorfindel."

"And what about me? Am I supposed to just forget about you when you're gone? Forget what we have? You think that's fair?" Legolas didn't answer so Glorfindel continued, striding over to where Legolas was standing by the window. "I understand your reasoning, I really do, but…it's so permanent, Legolas. You can't come back once you set foot on that ship."

"I know that."

"You know the facts but I don't think you comprehend the consequences."

"I do. Of course I do. I have thought this through."

"Did you even consider the effect your decision would have on the people around you? Not just Mirkwood but your friends as well. Did you think that to Gimli and Aragorn your leaving is as good as death? After everything they did to bring you back from the brink of death and you're so eager to abandon them?"

"I am not abandoning them," Legolas protested softly.

"Then what are you doing?"

Legolas didn't answer but looked long into Glorfindel's deep eyes and understood, finally, what he actually meant. "Are you angry at me?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm angry at you," Glorfindel exclaimed.

"Because I'm leaving? No. Because I didn't ask you to join me." Realisation washed over him. "That's why you're so mad," he whispered as if to himself.

Glorfindel didn't answer for a long moment but he knew Legolas was waiting for a reply so he nodded slowly. "Yes. I just thought that you thought enough of me to even consider me in your decision."

"That's what all this is about." Glorfindel just stared at him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Legolas sighed tiredly, rubbing at his eyes. "Glorfindel, you know the unwritten rules of taking the final journey. You can't force someone to do it and, on a more personal level, I would never ask that of you. Everything you would have to give up…"

"Everything? Such as? I have no family to stay for."

"You have the Peredhel family and Rivendell."

"Elrond and the boys don't need me anymore and do you really think Imladris is more important to me than you? Besides which, Rivendell is in its autumn now; its people will soon be leaving. There's very little to stay for anymore," Glorfindel said, his voice weakening as he spoke. He could no longer remain angry at Legolas. It was an understandable courtesy. "I would have come with you," he said softly, stepping to Legolas and taking his hands. "I will come with you, if you will let me."

"Glorfindel, I would never want to be your reason for leaving Middle Earth," Legolas repeated his sentiment again.

"I understand that and you are not influencing my decision. I want to be with you and if that means that I have to follow you into the West then I shall."

"You have no idea how much I want you to be with me but I know you don't want to go."

"I want to go with you," Glorfindel stressed. "If you will have me."

Legolas smiled softly. "I want you to come. I want us to be together."

"That's settled then," Glorfindel stated.

The king looked down at their linked hands. "I could stay on Middle Earth. If you don't want to go, I can wait for you," he whispered.

Apparently it wasn't very convincing as Glorfindel smiled softly, placing the palm of his hand against Legolas' cheek. "No, you can't," he whispered back, looking deep into Legolas' darkened eyes. "What you said earlier about needing to leave, I understand it. I was just angry at you for giving up."

"I'm not…"

"It's alright," Glorfindel interrupted Legolas' denial. He pulled the younger Elf into a hug and although surprised, Legolas leaned into him, pleased for the seneschal's strong arms wrapped firmly around him. "It's alright." He rubbed his hands over Legolas back and felt the king relax against him.

"I'm sorry," the young Elf said softly.

"You haven't done anything wrong."

Legolas shook his head. "I shouldn't have told you like that. It was unfair."

"Sh. Look, I'm fine. No harm done," he smiled. "Besides, we'll have an eternity to argue about this." He smiled when he heard Legolas laugh softly against him. "Let's not worry about this tonight. You're tired. We should get you back to your rooms."

Legolas pulled away, looking up at Glorfindel. "Can I stay with you tonight?" he asked almost nervously, as if worried he would be refused and sent away.

The seneschal smiled though and pulled Legolas back into a hug. "Of course. We'll go back to your rooms; they're a little bigger than this one, at least." Legolas nodded softly against him. "Come on." They pulled apart and Glorfindel snatched up a dressing gown and slipped it on whilst Legolas pulled open the door. Once they reached Legolas' rooms, the king went straight to the balcony and pulled the doors open, breathing in deep breaths of air. Glorfindel stood behind him as he leaned against the railing. His arms wrapped around Legolas' thin waist and the younger blonde leaned back against him. Glorfindel looked over Legolas' shoulder at the moonlit forest. "It's beautiful. You forget after being away for so long," the seneschal said softly.

Legolas nodded, following his partner's gaze. "My father's kingdom. I wish I had the strength to make him proud."

"He was proud of you, Legolas. How could he have been otherwise? Look at what you have done for your people. You saved them. What more could anyone ask of you?" Legolas shook his head so Glorfindel pulled them around so they were face to face. "I have never met a stronger person than you, Legolas Thranduilion – and I have met some truly great people in my time. You are certainly stronger than me."

"Stronger than the great Balrog Slayer? I don't think so," Legolas chuckled.

"Any idiot can kill a Balrog. It takes more than physical strength to do what you have done and come out the other side."

"Any idiot?"

Glorfindel grinned. "Alright, that was pretty special," he conceded and Legolas laughed. "But my point is that…." Glorfindel trailed off.

After a moment's silence, Legolas prompted, "Your point."

Glorfindel stared at him for a while until Legolas began to squirm uncomfortably at the strange change in the seneschal. Before he could prompt Glorfindel again, their lips were locked in a kiss that Legolas was definitely not expecting. When they parted, Legolas opened his eyes and was almost bowled over by the beauty he saw in Glorfindel. Finally, the captain spoke. "My point is that I love you," he said softly. "I never said that enough, not even when we were together in Rivendell."

"You never had to say it. I knew."

"I should have said it though."

"If it makes you feel any better I don't say it enough either. And I do love you, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel smiled and kissed Legolas more gently this time. "Let's never forget to say it again." Legolas nodded in agreement. "Now, Aragorn had a rather good idea earlier."

"There's a first time for everything I suppose."

"He suggested a bath and an early night."

Legolas looked across at the forest. "It's late," he observed and he was correct. It must have been nearly two in the morning.

"Good point."

"A hot bath sounds nice though."

Glorfindel frowned at this, his hand going to Legolas' arm. "You're not too tired?" he asked in concern.

"I think I can keep my eyes open long enough. If you'd join me?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He led Legolas over to the bed and sat him down. "Wait here," he said as he backed into the bathroom and prepared the same bath as he had earlier. When he entered the bedroom again Legolas was sat on the edge of the bed with his head bowed but he looked up when he heard Glorfindel walking over to him. Glorfindel held out both hands and Legolas took them, allowing himself to be pulled up.

To Be Continued…

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