Chapter 27: Cadenza
The light streamed into the room, brightening the dark corners and chasing away that shadows that had been there for too long. It was as though clouds that had long plagued the sky and blocked the sun and the moon were finally swept away by the winds of change.
Slowly, Legolas opened his eyes, allowing his eyes to adjust to the warming, white light.
It was when his eyes adjusted he saw a figure sitting on the chair next to him. As his eyes focused, he thought for one moment that everything had been a nightmare, that all of it was nothing more than delusions from some great illness. He thought it was his father there, waiting for him to wake up.
The figure stood and came to stand next to his bed; out of the white light the figure of Lord Elrond wore a slight smile.
"You're awake. I'm glad for your injuries were quite serious. You are quite lucky that such an expect healer was nearby." Elrond sat down on the bed.
Legolas slowly tried to sit up.
"Not yet, young one, your injuries will not be well enough for you to be moved. You were as near death as anyone I had ever treated, perhaps more so." He stood once more to get some water from the table in the room.
"You have a strong spirit."
Lying back down, Legolas took a deep breath.
"How long have a been sleeping?"
"More than four days. You are not going to be able to rise for quite some time yet."
With a deep sigh, the young Elf took in the room around him, decorated with flowers.
"Where has all this come from, Lord Elrond?"
"The Elves, now your people." Elrond went to the flowers, "However, not just your people. These are from my house, and the Elves there all wishing you well." Beside the flowers of a deep red with more petals than Legolas could ever count were shimmering once of silver, with a sparkle as though having been kissed by fairy dust that Elrond pointed too next." The Lady of the Golden Wood has sent beautiful flowers from her and her people in the enchanted woods. They all are supporting of you, and your ascent."
Water was offered to Legolas by the Elven Lord, "You father would have been proud. He was as tough and stubborn as you, and sometimes quite a challenge to negotiate with. However, under it all, he was a good leader. I'm glad to see you have so much of him in you." Elrond turned to see out to window at the sunlight reaching down to the forest floor, which once more was beginning to see things grow that hadn't in too long due to lack of sunlight.
"I saw him, when I was fighting, I saw my father." Legolas said, hoping to find out if it was nothing more than a dream brought on by stress and anxiety, hoping that Elrond would not think him insane and sick from grief.
The dark-haired Elf smiled, "Of course, my child, for in that moment you granted his tormented spirit peace, finally. He can now proceed to the Halls knowing his kingdom will once more be in peace."
Elrond turned to Legolas and gave a slight bow, making eye contact once more.
"May the stars shine upon you, King of Mirkwood."
The words soaked into Legolas. "Kayrel?"
"His body has been rejected even by this wood, torn apart by the elements themselves that very night. It is as if he never existed."
With eyes cast downwards, Legolas spoke, "Except for the grief that has been placed upon my heart."
"Yes, you will always bear those scars upon your soul. They are a part of you and always will be. Believe it or not, they are what make you strong." Elrond turned to leave.
"My Lord?"
"Yes?"
"Was any of it in vain?"
"That is for you to decide." He left the new King to his thoughts.
Many years past, and Legolas ruled with a kind and generous heart and would not leave his kingdom for many ages to come, until bidden to a great quest by an exceptional band of gold.
But that's another story.
Fin
Author's Note: This fic took over six months to write! When I started I had no idea that this would be such a huge undertaking. Now, for the first time, I have no ongoing story!
I would like to thank all the people who have sent me kind reviews and e-mails. The response to this piece was greater than I ever could have imagined it and again, my eternal thanks.
Now, I must wait for a new plot to come into my head, and I hope it is not too long. So, with any luck they'll be something new appearing soon.
Blessed Be!
Elvensong