Chapter 12 - not revised
King Thranduil of Mirkwood came upon Gael Dor just as the first stars were lighting the sky. They were traveling slowly to accommodate Lindir who, though healing was still sore and stiff from the brutality of the Orcs.
Tavor, who had been scouting ahead, came running back to say he had seen firelight in the clearing not far ahead. The Elves tensed fearing more Orcs, so Tavor, Thranduil, and a handful of others moved cautiously toward the Glimmering Place, bows held at ready.
Then they heard the voices. One was deep and gravelly. The other was fair and light, obviously an Elf's.
"That is Nestadren's voice." Aradoltha said, glancing at the others, worry darkening his grey eyes.
"Nestadren?" Thranduil hurried toward the clearing.
Tavor felt pain lance his heart. He could not bear to loose another friend this night. He felt more tears burn across his grey eyes and he moved quickly after the king, breathing a prayer.
Indeed it was Nestadren and the Orc Egla Ash. They were seated in the grass with their backs to the other Elves.
"No." The Elf king breathed. There could only be one reason why they had stopped here and not continued on to Gladaran Thamas. "Legolas!" He rushed forward, tears blurring his vision.
Nestadren looked around in surprise as the king stumbled toward them.
"Your Majesty, I -" He stood hastily seeing the stricken look on Thranduil's face, the forest green eyes anguished.
Thranduil ignored the Healer, looking down at the sight before him. Egla Ash still cradled Legolas against his chest. The Orc looked up, his blue eyes full of unshed tears.
Thranduil dropped to his knees beside them. He reached out a trembling hand and touched his son's face.
Tavor moved to stand behind Thranduil, staring down at Legolas.
"No," he murmured, the hand on his bow shaking. "No!"
"Is he." Thranduil whispered, his voice close to breaking as he gently stroked the soft blonde hair.
Nestadren knelt beside his king, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"He is sleeping." He murmured, his eyes serene and kindly as he looked down on the prince.
"Sleeping? Then he is not." Relief swept through Mirkwood's king. He raised one slim hand to his lips. "Oh, my son." He breathed onto it. "My son." Tears dripped like soft caresses onto their entwined fingers.
Tavor's knees nearly buckled in relief. He sank into the grass, reaching out to touch Legolas' blood splattered hair. Tears of relief streamed down his face, but he didn't notice them.
Egla Ash smiled over at Nestadren. The Healer's face lit with happiness. He had been unable to save Brenillass, but he had been able to save her last child. Tears fell unabashedly from his eyes. What the Orc had said about this place - about Gael Dor - was true. There was a deep magic here, a healing magic. The Orc was indeed unique and a wonder. Nestadren found an unusual thought flitting through his mind. What if the Orc were a Healer? Then he smiled and laughed slightly. Ridiculous.
By now the others had wandered into the clearing, staring at the king kneeling by his son. They came to stand behind him, faces full of concern.
Thranduil lifted his face and smiled up at them.
"He lives," he said, his voice now breaking with joy. "My son lives!"
The others all cried with delight and relief and their fair Elvish voices burst into laughter. Tavor raised his eyes meeting the Orc's.
"I am pleased to meet you, Egla Ash." he said, hesitantly touching the Orc's hand that was still wrapped protectively about Legolas. "I am Tavor. I want to thank you for what you have done for Legolas. He is my friend, too. And I hope.I hope that we will be friends also."
Egla Ash stared at the tall Elf in surprise, though he was no more surprised at this turn of events than Tavor himself. If Orc's could blush he would have done so.
"I am honored, Tavor," he said, quietly, suddenly aware of all the bright, shining jewel toned eyes on him. Then the others were offering their friendship as well. The Elves all smiled, seeing the tears of happiness in the Orc's eyes. They noted how blue they were, so like Legolas' and so like Queen Brenillass' had been.
"We will stay here for the night," Thranduil announced without releasing his son's hand. "Aradoltha, go and fetch the others. Tell them that all is well." He settled himself more comfortably on the ground and turned to Nestadren. "I don't know how to thank you for this."
Nestadren smiled and shrugged.
"I did not do it alone," he said, looking to the Orc who still looked stunned by the warmth of feeling that filled him. Acceptance by the Elves was everything that he could ever have dreamed of. "Egla Ash helped. My skills may have helped the prince's physical body, but it was Egla Ash's songs that called him back from the darkness that was drowning him."
Again the musical murmur of happy voices filled the clearing and Egla Ash bowed his head, unused to all the attention they were giving him. The Forsaken One felt forsaken no longer.
The air was filled with joyous song that night as the Elves of Gladaran Thamas sat around a small fire beneath the stars. All that had been taken by the Orcs were well and healing. There was much call for rejoicing and celebration. Only one thing marred their festive mood. Smeagol was nowhere to be found. Thranduil vowed that they would not give up the search. There would be some sign of him sooner or later.
The next morning they journeyed back to the Elves' home in northeastern Mirkwood. There was much celebration at their arrival. Legolas was taken home to rest and recover and Lindir and Meneliell disappeared into the seclusion of the nearby wood, Lindir obviously recovered from his ordeal. A new search party was formed to continue the hunt for Smeagol and sent back into the forest.
Egla Ash spent the days in Legolas room, waiting for the prince to awaken from his healing sleep, which, according to Nestadren might last for several days. At night he wandered the streets and reveled in the sights and sounds about him. He was welcomed by most of the Elves, though some found it hard to see the Orc as anything but an Orc. But Egla Ash was so happy he barely noticed. He spent much time with Tavor hearing some of the amusing tales about he, Legolas and one named Brethil. He planned to return to Gael Dor and make it his home once more. But until Legolas awoke he lived with the Elves of Mirkwood as an honored guest.
Legolas slept for days just as Nestadren had said. His dreams were mostly of the things that Elves dream of, bringing them happiness and rest. But occasionally they were troubled and dark, causing him to call out in his sleep. Always Egla Ash was there to sing to him, soothing him.
On the last day of Norui [June] he felt his healing sleep receding. The first thing he became aware of was the sound of birds' song and then the smell of sweet blossoms. He smiled and drew a deep breath, relieved when there was no pain. Slowly he focused his eyes and blinked. The sun flooded his bedroom, bathing the pale green walls with the golden light of summer. The delicate trees outside cast delicate shadows of darker green and a spill of pale blossoms peered in the window. His smile widened as a small bird lit on the windowsill and began to sing. He turned his head to the right and saw Egla Ash seated there, his eyes closed in slumber, one hand wrapped about the prince's. He turned to the left and saw Thranduil, his eyes open, but not in wakefulness. He slumbered as well. His hand was gently clasping Legolas' other hand.
"I must be dreaming still," he murmured, staring from one to the other in confusion. "I am dreaming. How could this be happening otherwise?"
At the sound of his voice both Thranduil and Egla Ash started from sleep.
"Legolas!" They both cried, fingers tightening on both his hands.
"I'm not dreaming?" He asked, his eyes filling with hope. "Truly, I am not?"
"No, nin ion [my son]. You dream not. You are safe and well."
"Then you are really both here? Together?"
Thranduil and Egla Ash gazed across Legolas at one another and smiled.
"Aye. We are both here - together." Thranduil answered, his free hand caressing his son's brow. The long blonde hair had been gathered into a single braid and lay draped across his shoulder.
"But.But I am dreaming then." Legolas murmured, still looking confused.
"Nay, nin mellon. You are awake at last, though you have wandered long in your dreams."
Legolas watched with astonishment as his father and the Orc exchanged amused glances. He could feel their hands on his, hear the bird singing its heart out on the sill. The scent of flowers mingled with the scent of freshly baked bread, causing his stomach to growl. He laughed in delight. He was not dreaming. They were truly here together.
"Are you hungry, Legolas Elvellon?" Egla Ash asked.
"Yes. I am."
Egla Ash started to rise, but Thranduil motioned him to remain seated. The king called for someone to bring the prince something to eat.
"How did this happen?" Legolas asked, easing into a sitting position.
"It is a long story, but one that you will enjoy hearing no doubt. I will let your friend tell you."
Egla Ash smiled over at the Elf prince and began to tell the tale of all that had befallen them since that night in the Orc camp. Thranduil interjected comments, amusing his son even more as the two stumbled over words in their haste to tell him everything.
Legolas listened with delight, his heart lighter than it had been for some time. He devoured the bread, cheese, and fruit that were brought to him on a carved wooden platter.
Thranduil watched his son with joy. Having come so close to losing him he couldn't seem to let him out of his sight.
Later that evening Egla Ash accompanied Legolas outside. The Elven prince lifted his fair face to the stars, smiling. He raised his hands in delight and joy. Then he turned to the Orc.
"Thank you for saving me," he said, his blue eyes filled with happiness. Then suddenly he embraced the Orc.
Egla Ash gasped at the sheer pleasure of the gesture. He had never been hugged before. Hesitantly he returned the embrace. Legolas laughed.
"Come with me," he said. "There is something that I want to show you."
Egla Ash followed his friend down a path and toward a glade where water splashed happily, mingling with the quiet sound of toads and crickets. To the Orc's surprise the entire Elven community of Gladaran Thamas was there. King Thranduil was standing at the far end, his face stern, his head encircled by a twisting silver circlet of oak leaves, his robes shimmering softly. Egla Ash looked at his friend, seeing that the Elf's eyes had become quite serious as he turned to gaze at the Orc. Egla Ash felt a wave of fear come over him. All the Elves looked at him, their bright eyes not filled with merriment, but with solemnity. He swallowed, wondering if all their kindness and warmth had been nothing but a ruse to trick him into a false sense of security. Not all of them had accepted him kindly, but he thought that many of them had. He had been wrong. His mind filled with all he had done to harm Elves and what he had inflicted on Legolas himself. He looked to him once more, but Legolas merely stared at him, blue eyes unreadable.
"Egla Ash, approach," Thranduil said, his voice filled with authority.
They are going to kill me, he thought sadly. I will pay for what I have done. He lowered his head and moved forward to his fate.
Thranduil's eyes met those of his youngest son as the Orc stood before the king, eyes lowered. Thranduil nodded at him. Legolas moved forward to stand behind the Orc who was shaking slightly. Lindir and Tavor joined him.
"Egla Ash," Thranduil began. "As ruler of Greenwood the Great it is in my power to punish and reward as I see fit. On this day you have been brought before me to receive what is in my power to give. Look at me, Egla Ash."
The Orc forced his eyes to the king's stern face. He could sense Legolas behind him, his bright presence as intense as starlight. Egla Ash watched as Nestadren came forward and handed a beautiful bow to the king. The Orc drew a breath. They were going to shoot him, he was certain of it. He only hoped that it would not be Legolas that drew the string and loosed the arrow. The black arrow of death, he thought miserably. It is what I deserve.
"Egla Ash you have proven yourself to be a true friend of Mirkwood."
The Orc's eyes flew up, his mouth opening.
"And as such we make you a warrior of Mirkwood." Thranduil held out the bow to him, a true smile on his lips. "Take up your weapons in defense of your home and friends, my warrior."
As the Elves began to laugh in delight and clap their hands, Egla Ash reached for the bow. As he did so, Legolas, Lindir, and Tavor deftly loosed the Orc's black hair from the silver clasp and quickly plaited it into the three warrior braids. Egla Ash was stunned. He stood with his mouth still hanging open in surprise. A cheer went up, raising to the tops of the trees and echoing in the shade beneath them. Legolas was laughing with delight and pulled the Orc into another embrace.
"Welcome, brother warrior." He greeted him, smiling in pleasure at the look on the Orc's face. Tavor and Lindir greeted him also, Lindir bestowing another hug on him.
"There is one more here that I wish to honor," Thranduil continued, glancing at Lindir who grinned like a child. "Meneliell, please come forward."
The Elven maid gasped and reddened. Lindir grasped her hand and led her to the king. Thranduil smiled down into her sweet face and gently cupped her chin.
"Meneliell has proven herself a warrior of Mirkwood also. And we bestow upon her the bow of a warrior."
Tavor handed the bow to the young girl, who held it with shaking hands, so stunned she was.
"She also may wear the warriors' braids. Or not. Since she is so fair, she may choose for herself."
More cheering and laughter filled the glade. Times of true happiness were not frequent in Mirkwood since the evil things seemed to multiply with each passing year. And the Elves celebrated with great vigor and joy that night. Wine flowed freely, laughter was uninhibited and childlike. There was singing and dancing and Meneliell and Egla Ash were encouraged to show their skill with the bow.
As the sky filled with more and more Elbereth's beloved stars Lindir coaxed Meneliell away from the others.
"I have never made love to a warrior before," he whispered against her neck.
She giggled, allowing him to braid her shorn auburn locks.
"Come then, nin melethron. I will show you how a female warrior of Mirkwood makes love!" She laughed gaily and darted into the trees, Lindir only steps behind her, a grin on his face.
Egla Ash was the happiest he had ever been. Most of the Elves of Mirkwood had accepted him, though it had not been easy. But they had all heard what he had done to help the others and how he had risked his own life to free them. They had encouraged him to sing some of his songs, which he did hesitantly at first then, with all the encouragement around him, more boldly. Legolas was never far from his side and they even sang a duet, which brought a loud round of cheering from the Elves. It was a night that he would never forget.
Later, as the first rays of the sun lit the morning sky Legolas joined his father who was standing gazing toward the southeast. They stood quietly side-by-side. Some of the Elves had sought their beds, thought many had fallen asleep on the grass or perched in the trees. The celebration had been something that all had needed, especially those who had lost loved ones. Life needed to be celebrated whenever possible. Thranduil turned to smile at his youngest son.
"I am so glad that you are well," he said, feeling that any words were inadequate to express what he felt.
Legolas smiled at him and moved easily into his embrace.
"Thank you for making Egla Ash feel accepted," he said, still held against his father.
Thranduil laughed and released him.
"Well.You had better listen well to what I am going to say for I will never repeat it." The Elf king took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I misjudged him. I was. wrong."
Legolas gaped at him.
"I said that I would not repeat it, little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, smiling merrily. "And I will not. So close your mouth. That is most unbecoming."
Legolas grinned and was immediately pulled back into his father's arms.
"Never again will I loose you," Thranduil whispered fervently. "Never."
Legolas stood in his embrace, a feeling of great contentment and love swelling within him.
Thranduil ended the hug, but draped his arm about his son's shoulders and together they watched the sun rise in splendor on a new day.
*Note - This is not the last chapter there is one more coming. I need to set things in motion for the continuation and no, I have not forgotten Smeagol. I apologize if that was too sappy, but I wanted some happiness here.
Response to Reviewers JastaElf - Glad I made you cry! You know why. Salak is so happy that you have joined her class. You guys are the greatest dancers ever!! By the by Egla Ash does not know how old he is. Sorry. He's never celebrated a birthday, poor thing! I hope that you don't mind about me borrowing the warrior braids thingy. Thanks! Lithia - Sorry to hear about your computer. That's rough. Glad you got it straightened out. I did miss you and am very glad you're back and still loving it!! AJ Matthews - Yeah, a cliffie last time around. I just had to do it one last time. And well, sorry, Aragorn will not be back until the next story.
Irena - We should all believe in faeries, so I am very glad that you do!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Egla Ash is singing his heart out! Great dance!! Salak seems very proud of you and so are Egla Ash and I!! long under tree - I'm glad that you found that last chapter pleasant. I am also glad that you enjoyed the Elvish (haha). Just one thing, you update soon yourself!! The only Beta reader I have is my little old self, and the last chapter proved that you can do it!!
Jan - Thanks for all the compliments. I truly appreciate them. And it is really hard to be original since we are all dancing about the same Tolkien story circle, so I really appreciate your comment. And Rivendell is coming up in the next story (great minds think alike!!)
Horus - Thanks for saying that the last chapter was great, because I am not always certain how they come out. Tell Ardeth I said 'Hi!'!!
Salak - Hugs from the author and Egla Ash (he enjoys them a lot!!) You're a wonderful teacher (obviously!!) with wonderful students!! (Standing ovation to you all!!) Keep dancing, nin mellon!
King Thranduil of Mirkwood came upon Gael Dor just as the first stars were lighting the sky. They were traveling slowly to accommodate Lindir who, though healing was still sore and stiff from the brutality of the Orcs.
Tavor, who had been scouting ahead, came running back to say he had seen firelight in the clearing not far ahead. The Elves tensed fearing more Orcs, so Tavor, Thranduil, and a handful of others moved cautiously toward the Glimmering Place, bows held at ready.
Then they heard the voices. One was deep and gravelly. The other was fair and light, obviously an Elf's.
"That is Nestadren's voice." Aradoltha said, glancing at the others, worry darkening his grey eyes.
"Nestadren?" Thranduil hurried toward the clearing.
Tavor felt pain lance his heart. He could not bear to loose another friend this night. He felt more tears burn across his grey eyes and he moved quickly after the king, breathing a prayer.
Indeed it was Nestadren and the Orc Egla Ash. They were seated in the grass with their backs to the other Elves.
"No." The Elf king breathed. There could only be one reason why they had stopped here and not continued on to Gladaran Thamas. "Legolas!" He rushed forward, tears blurring his vision.
Nestadren looked around in surprise as the king stumbled toward them.
"Your Majesty, I -" He stood hastily seeing the stricken look on Thranduil's face, the forest green eyes anguished.
Thranduil ignored the Healer, looking down at the sight before him. Egla Ash still cradled Legolas against his chest. The Orc looked up, his blue eyes full of unshed tears.
Thranduil dropped to his knees beside them. He reached out a trembling hand and touched his son's face.
Tavor moved to stand behind Thranduil, staring down at Legolas.
"No," he murmured, the hand on his bow shaking. "No!"
"Is he." Thranduil whispered, his voice close to breaking as he gently stroked the soft blonde hair.
Nestadren knelt beside his king, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"He is sleeping." He murmured, his eyes serene and kindly as he looked down on the prince.
"Sleeping? Then he is not." Relief swept through Mirkwood's king. He raised one slim hand to his lips. "Oh, my son." He breathed onto it. "My son." Tears dripped like soft caresses onto their entwined fingers.
Tavor's knees nearly buckled in relief. He sank into the grass, reaching out to touch Legolas' blood splattered hair. Tears of relief streamed down his face, but he didn't notice them.
Egla Ash smiled over at Nestadren. The Healer's face lit with happiness. He had been unable to save Brenillass, but he had been able to save her last child. Tears fell unabashedly from his eyes. What the Orc had said about this place - about Gael Dor - was true. There was a deep magic here, a healing magic. The Orc was indeed unique and a wonder. Nestadren found an unusual thought flitting through his mind. What if the Orc were a Healer? Then he smiled and laughed slightly. Ridiculous.
By now the others had wandered into the clearing, staring at the king kneeling by his son. They came to stand behind him, faces full of concern.
Thranduil lifted his face and smiled up at them.
"He lives," he said, his voice now breaking with joy. "My son lives!"
The others all cried with delight and relief and their fair Elvish voices burst into laughter. Tavor raised his eyes meeting the Orc's.
"I am pleased to meet you, Egla Ash." he said, hesitantly touching the Orc's hand that was still wrapped protectively about Legolas. "I am Tavor. I want to thank you for what you have done for Legolas. He is my friend, too. And I hope.I hope that we will be friends also."
Egla Ash stared at the tall Elf in surprise, though he was no more surprised at this turn of events than Tavor himself. If Orc's could blush he would have done so.
"I am honored, Tavor," he said, quietly, suddenly aware of all the bright, shining jewel toned eyes on him. Then the others were offering their friendship as well. The Elves all smiled, seeing the tears of happiness in the Orc's eyes. They noted how blue they were, so like Legolas' and so like Queen Brenillass' had been.
"We will stay here for the night," Thranduil announced without releasing his son's hand. "Aradoltha, go and fetch the others. Tell them that all is well." He settled himself more comfortably on the ground and turned to Nestadren. "I don't know how to thank you for this."
Nestadren smiled and shrugged.
"I did not do it alone," he said, looking to the Orc who still looked stunned by the warmth of feeling that filled him. Acceptance by the Elves was everything that he could ever have dreamed of. "Egla Ash helped. My skills may have helped the prince's physical body, but it was Egla Ash's songs that called him back from the darkness that was drowning him."
Again the musical murmur of happy voices filled the clearing and Egla Ash bowed his head, unused to all the attention they were giving him. The Forsaken One felt forsaken no longer.
The air was filled with joyous song that night as the Elves of Gladaran Thamas sat around a small fire beneath the stars. All that had been taken by the Orcs were well and healing. There was much call for rejoicing and celebration. Only one thing marred their festive mood. Smeagol was nowhere to be found. Thranduil vowed that they would not give up the search. There would be some sign of him sooner or later.
The next morning they journeyed back to the Elves' home in northeastern Mirkwood. There was much celebration at their arrival. Legolas was taken home to rest and recover and Lindir and Meneliell disappeared into the seclusion of the nearby wood, Lindir obviously recovered from his ordeal. A new search party was formed to continue the hunt for Smeagol and sent back into the forest.
Egla Ash spent the days in Legolas room, waiting for the prince to awaken from his healing sleep, which, according to Nestadren might last for several days. At night he wandered the streets and reveled in the sights and sounds about him. He was welcomed by most of the Elves, though some found it hard to see the Orc as anything but an Orc. But Egla Ash was so happy he barely noticed. He spent much time with Tavor hearing some of the amusing tales about he, Legolas and one named Brethil. He planned to return to Gael Dor and make it his home once more. But until Legolas awoke he lived with the Elves of Mirkwood as an honored guest.
Legolas slept for days just as Nestadren had said. His dreams were mostly of the things that Elves dream of, bringing them happiness and rest. But occasionally they were troubled and dark, causing him to call out in his sleep. Always Egla Ash was there to sing to him, soothing him.
On the last day of Norui [June] he felt his healing sleep receding. The first thing he became aware of was the sound of birds' song and then the smell of sweet blossoms. He smiled and drew a deep breath, relieved when there was no pain. Slowly he focused his eyes and blinked. The sun flooded his bedroom, bathing the pale green walls with the golden light of summer. The delicate trees outside cast delicate shadows of darker green and a spill of pale blossoms peered in the window. His smile widened as a small bird lit on the windowsill and began to sing. He turned his head to the right and saw Egla Ash seated there, his eyes closed in slumber, one hand wrapped about the prince's. He turned to the left and saw Thranduil, his eyes open, but not in wakefulness. He slumbered as well. His hand was gently clasping Legolas' other hand.
"I must be dreaming still," he murmured, staring from one to the other in confusion. "I am dreaming. How could this be happening otherwise?"
At the sound of his voice both Thranduil and Egla Ash started from sleep.
"Legolas!" They both cried, fingers tightening on both his hands.
"I'm not dreaming?" He asked, his eyes filling with hope. "Truly, I am not?"
"No, nin ion [my son]. You dream not. You are safe and well."
"Then you are really both here? Together?"
Thranduil and Egla Ash gazed across Legolas at one another and smiled.
"Aye. We are both here - together." Thranduil answered, his free hand caressing his son's brow. The long blonde hair had been gathered into a single braid and lay draped across his shoulder.
"But.But I am dreaming then." Legolas murmured, still looking confused.
"Nay, nin mellon. You are awake at last, though you have wandered long in your dreams."
Legolas watched with astonishment as his father and the Orc exchanged amused glances. He could feel their hands on his, hear the bird singing its heart out on the sill. The scent of flowers mingled with the scent of freshly baked bread, causing his stomach to growl. He laughed in delight. He was not dreaming. They were truly here together.
"Are you hungry, Legolas Elvellon?" Egla Ash asked.
"Yes. I am."
Egla Ash started to rise, but Thranduil motioned him to remain seated. The king called for someone to bring the prince something to eat.
"How did this happen?" Legolas asked, easing into a sitting position.
"It is a long story, but one that you will enjoy hearing no doubt. I will let your friend tell you."
Egla Ash smiled over at the Elf prince and began to tell the tale of all that had befallen them since that night in the Orc camp. Thranduil interjected comments, amusing his son even more as the two stumbled over words in their haste to tell him everything.
Legolas listened with delight, his heart lighter than it had been for some time. He devoured the bread, cheese, and fruit that were brought to him on a carved wooden platter.
Thranduil watched his son with joy. Having come so close to losing him he couldn't seem to let him out of his sight.
Later that evening Egla Ash accompanied Legolas outside. The Elven prince lifted his fair face to the stars, smiling. He raised his hands in delight and joy. Then he turned to the Orc.
"Thank you for saving me," he said, his blue eyes filled with happiness. Then suddenly he embraced the Orc.
Egla Ash gasped at the sheer pleasure of the gesture. He had never been hugged before. Hesitantly he returned the embrace. Legolas laughed.
"Come with me," he said. "There is something that I want to show you."
Egla Ash followed his friend down a path and toward a glade where water splashed happily, mingling with the quiet sound of toads and crickets. To the Orc's surprise the entire Elven community of Gladaran Thamas was there. King Thranduil was standing at the far end, his face stern, his head encircled by a twisting silver circlet of oak leaves, his robes shimmering softly. Egla Ash looked at his friend, seeing that the Elf's eyes had become quite serious as he turned to gaze at the Orc. Egla Ash felt a wave of fear come over him. All the Elves looked at him, their bright eyes not filled with merriment, but with solemnity. He swallowed, wondering if all their kindness and warmth had been nothing but a ruse to trick him into a false sense of security. Not all of them had accepted him kindly, but he thought that many of them had. He had been wrong. His mind filled with all he had done to harm Elves and what he had inflicted on Legolas himself. He looked to him once more, but Legolas merely stared at him, blue eyes unreadable.
"Egla Ash, approach," Thranduil said, his voice filled with authority.
They are going to kill me, he thought sadly. I will pay for what I have done. He lowered his head and moved forward to his fate.
Thranduil's eyes met those of his youngest son as the Orc stood before the king, eyes lowered. Thranduil nodded at him. Legolas moved forward to stand behind the Orc who was shaking slightly. Lindir and Tavor joined him.
"Egla Ash," Thranduil began. "As ruler of Greenwood the Great it is in my power to punish and reward as I see fit. On this day you have been brought before me to receive what is in my power to give. Look at me, Egla Ash."
The Orc forced his eyes to the king's stern face. He could sense Legolas behind him, his bright presence as intense as starlight. Egla Ash watched as Nestadren came forward and handed a beautiful bow to the king. The Orc drew a breath. They were going to shoot him, he was certain of it. He only hoped that it would not be Legolas that drew the string and loosed the arrow. The black arrow of death, he thought miserably. It is what I deserve.
"Egla Ash you have proven yourself to be a true friend of Mirkwood."
The Orc's eyes flew up, his mouth opening.
"And as such we make you a warrior of Mirkwood." Thranduil held out the bow to him, a true smile on his lips. "Take up your weapons in defense of your home and friends, my warrior."
As the Elves began to laugh in delight and clap their hands, Egla Ash reached for the bow. As he did so, Legolas, Lindir, and Tavor deftly loosed the Orc's black hair from the silver clasp and quickly plaited it into the three warrior braids. Egla Ash was stunned. He stood with his mouth still hanging open in surprise. A cheer went up, raising to the tops of the trees and echoing in the shade beneath them. Legolas was laughing with delight and pulled the Orc into another embrace.
"Welcome, brother warrior." He greeted him, smiling in pleasure at the look on the Orc's face. Tavor and Lindir greeted him also, Lindir bestowing another hug on him.
"There is one more here that I wish to honor," Thranduil continued, glancing at Lindir who grinned like a child. "Meneliell, please come forward."
The Elven maid gasped and reddened. Lindir grasped her hand and led her to the king. Thranduil smiled down into her sweet face and gently cupped her chin.
"Meneliell has proven herself a warrior of Mirkwood also. And we bestow upon her the bow of a warrior."
Tavor handed the bow to the young girl, who held it with shaking hands, so stunned she was.
"She also may wear the warriors' braids. Or not. Since she is so fair, she may choose for herself."
More cheering and laughter filled the glade. Times of true happiness were not frequent in Mirkwood since the evil things seemed to multiply with each passing year. And the Elves celebrated with great vigor and joy that night. Wine flowed freely, laughter was uninhibited and childlike. There was singing and dancing and Meneliell and Egla Ash were encouraged to show their skill with the bow.
As the sky filled with more and more Elbereth's beloved stars Lindir coaxed Meneliell away from the others.
"I have never made love to a warrior before," he whispered against her neck.
She giggled, allowing him to braid her shorn auburn locks.
"Come then, nin melethron. I will show you how a female warrior of Mirkwood makes love!" She laughed gaily and darted into the trees, Lindir only steps behind her, a grin on his face.
Egla Ash was the happiest he had ever been. Most of the Elves of Mirkwood had accepted him, though it had not been easy. But they had all heard what he had done to help the others and how he had risked his own life to free them. They had encouraged him to sing some of his songs, which he did hesitantly at first then, with all the encouragement around him, more boldly. Legolas was never far from his side and they even sang a duet, which brought a loud round of cheering from the Elves. It was a night that he would never forget.
Later, as the first rays of the sun lit the morning sky Legolas joined his father who was standing gazing toward the southeast. They stood quietly side-by-side. Some of the Elves had sought their beds, thought many had fallen asleep on the grass or perched in the trees. The celebration had been something that all had needed, especially those who had lost loved ones. Life needed to be celebrated whenever possible. Thranduil turned to smile at his youngest son.
"I am so glad that you are well," he said, feeling that any words were inadequate to express what he felt.
Legolas smiled at him and moved easily into his embrace.
"Thank you for making Egla Ash feel accepted," he said, still held against his father.
Thranduil laughed and released him.
"Well.You had better listen well to what I am going to say for I will never repeat it." The Elf king took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I misjudged him. I was. wrong."
Legolas gaped at him.
"I said that I would not repeat it, little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, smiling merrily. "And I will not. So close your mouth. That is most unbecoming."
Legolas grinned and was immediately pulled back into his father's arms.
"Never again will I loose you," Thranduil whispered fervently. "Never."
Legolas stood in his embrace, a feeling of great contentment and love swelling within him.
Thranduil ended the hug, but draped his arm about his son's shoulders and together they watched the sun rise in splendor on a new day.
*Note - This is not the last chapter there is one more coming. I need to set things in motion for the continuation and no, I have not forgotten Smeagol. I apologize if that was too sappy, but I wanted some happiness here.
Response to Reviewers JastaElf - Glad I made you cry! You know why. Salak is so happy that you have joined her class. You guys are the greatest dancers ever!! By the by Egla Ash does not know how old he is. Sorry. He's never celebrated a birthday, poor thing! I hope that you don't mind about me borrowing the warrior braids thingy. Thanks! Lithia - Sorry to hear about your computer. That's rough. Glad you got it straightened out. I did miss you and am very glad you're back and still loving it!! AJ Matthews - Yeah, a cliffie last time around. I just had to do it one last time. And well, sorry, Aragorn will not be back until the next story.
Irena - We should all believe in faeries, so I am very glad that you do!!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Egla Ash is singing his heart out! Great dance!! Salak seems very proud of you and so are Egla Ash and I!! long under tree - I'm glad that you found that last chapter pleasant. I am also glad that you enjoyed the Elvish (haha). Just one thing, you update soon yourself!! The only Beta reader I have is my little old self, and the last chapter proved that you can do it!!
Jan - Thanks for all the compliments. I truly appreciate them. And it is really hard to be original since we are all dancing about the same Tolkien story circle, so I really appreciate your comment. And Rivendell is coming up in the next story (great minds think alike!!)
Horus - Thanks for saying that the last chapter was great, because I am not always certain how they come out. Tell Ardeth I said 'Hi!'!!
Salak - Hugs from the author and Egla Ash (he enjoys them a lot!!) You're a wonderful teacher (obviously!!) with wonderful students!! (Standing ovation to you all!!) Keep dancing, nin mellon!