Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
Homecoming.
Chapter 2
"What is it, Father?" Legolas asked alarmed by his sire's sudden change of mood from elation to despair.
"I can see in your eyes that you have been called by the sea," Thranduil whispered, trying to keep the tears from his voice. "Can you talk about it?"
"There is not much to say. The Lady Galadriel warned me to beware of the sea and the cry of the gull but on the path that I chose to follow it could not be avoided. Sadly I am now afflicted with the sea-longing of our people." It broke his heart to see his father so full of sorrow. "Do not despair, Father, for it has only just come upon me, and there is much I wish to see and do before I will allow myself to be tempted away from these shores." Thranduil managed a weak smile,
"It pleases me to see that you have not yet succumbed, but do not underestimate the power of the sea, my son."
Deciding a change of subject was in order, Thranduil suggested that Legolas relate some of his adventures as a member of the Fellowship. "In particular, I would hear more about your friendship with Gloin's son Gimli. How is it that and Elf and a Dwarf have become close?" Legolas laughed at the displeased expression on his father's face and spent a pleasant afternoon telling of the tale of the initial animosity between the two that changed to a treasured friendship over the course of their journey. Thranduil could not help but laugh as Legolas' told him of the many insults they had traded, and the famous 'orc head' counting contest.
"It is my mortal friends who bind me here," he explained, realising the truth for the first time. "I have not the heart to leave friend Gimli alone, for he will have many more years ahead of him after the others of the Fellowship have passed on. Nor do I wish to leave before Aragorn's time is over."
Thranduil was relieved to hear his son's words, for they meant that they also would still have much time together. "I have ordered a feast to celebrate your return," Thranduil said his mood considerably lightened. "It has been far too long since the Elves of this Wood have made merry all night under the stars."
"Yes, that is so. I have still much to tell you, Father, but the sun has almost set and I must go and make myself presentable for such a wonderful occasion," Legolas said, his face full of delight at the prospect of an evening of fun and laughter.
"You will find your rooms as you left them," Thranduil said noting that Legolas was not in the least surprised to hear that. He favoured his father with a brilliant smile and another quick hug before he retired. The War of the Ring had changed everything, but for a brief moment Thranduil could almost believe that all was as it once was.
The evening was perfect for an outdoor feast, there was a light breeze and the stars seemed to shine with extra brilliance in honour of one of the Children of Iluvatar. The Woods were filled with the delightful sound of Elvish laughter, which was like the tinkling of silver bells. The music of many sweet voices drifted across the glade where the merrymaking was in full swing and the Prince was called upon to sing several solos, as his was the sweetest voice of all.
Naturally Legolas was the centre of attention and was never without a glass of wine or a dance partner. He was having a wonderful time until he found himself, on several occasions, turning to speak to Gimli, whom he subconsciously expected to be at his side. He missed his dear friend already, and he wished that he knew how the Dwarf had fared on his return to Erebor.
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the leaves, signalling an end to the festivities and Legolas found a quiet spot in the branches of an old oak tree. The soft rustle of the leaves was as a lullaby and soon he fell into a restful sleep. He awoke several hours later, fully rested and sought out his father, for he wished to tell him of his plans.
He found Thranduil inspecting the repairs on the worst of the damaged buildings, and took the opportunity to speak of the restoration of both the gardens and the stonework of Minis Tirith. They discussed which plants would be most suitable for the new gardens and Legolas decided that now would be an excellent time to make his request.
"Father, I have told King Ellesar that, with the help of those Wood Elves who are willing to make a new home there, I will endeavour to restore the forest of Ithilien to its former beauty. That is, of course, if you will give me permission to do so." Thranduil thought a moment before replying,
"Such a task will require the power of many Elves, but it has much merit. I remember how beautiful it once was and I am sure that Celeborn would agree that you have won the right to make of it what you will. I gladly grant your request, but only on the condition that you tarry here until those who wish to join you are ready to leave."
Legolas readily agreed and wondered whether Gimli had also had success in convincing his Lord to let him move a group of Dwarves to the Glittering Caves.
Homecoming.
Chapter 2
"What is it, Father?" Legolas asked alarmed by his sire's sudden change of mood from elation to despair.
"I can see in your eyes that you have been called by the sea," Thranduil whispered, trying to keep the tears from his voice. "Can you talk about it?"
"There is not much to say. The Lady Galadriel warned me to beware of the sea and the cry of the gull but on the path that I chose to follow it could not be avoided. Sadly I am now afflicted with the sea-longing of our people." It broke his heart to see his father so full of sorrow. "Do not despair, Father, for it has only just come upon me, and there is much I wish to see and do before I will allow myself to be tempted away from these shores." Thranduil managed a weak smile,
"It pleases me to see that you have not yet succumbed, but do not underestimate the power of the sea, my son."
Deciding a change of subject was in order, Thranduil suggested that Legolas relate some of his adventures as a member of the Fellowship. "In particular, I would hear more about your friendship with Gloin's son Gimli. How is it that and Elf and a Dwarf have become close?" Legolas laughed at the displeased expression on his father's face and spent a pleasant afternoon telling of the tale of the initial animosity between the two that changed to a treasured friendship over the course of their journey. Thranduil could not help but laugh as Legolas' told him of the many insults they had traded, and the famous 'orc head' counting contest.
"It is my mortal friends who bind me here," he explained, realising the truth for the first time. "I have not the heart to leave friend Gimli alone, for he will have many more years ahead of him after the others of the Fellowship have passed on. Nor do I wish to leave before Aragorn's time is over."
Thranduil was relieved to hear his son's words, for they meant that they also would still have much time together. "I have ordered a feast to celebrate your return," Thranduil said his mood considerably lightened. "It has been far too long since the Elves of this Wood have made merry all night under the stars."
"Yes, that is so. I have still much to tell you, Father, but the sun has almost set and I must go and make myself presentable for such a wonderful occasion," Legolas said, his face full of delight at the prospect of an evening of fun and laughter.
"You will find your rooms as you left them," Thranduil said noting that Legolas was not in the least surprised to hear that. He favoured his father with a brilliant smile and another quick hug before he retired. The War of the Ring had changed everything, but for a brief moment Thranduil could almost believe that all was as it once was.
The evening was perfect for an outdoor feast, there was a light breeze and the stars seemed to shine with extra brilliance in honour of one of the Children of Iluvatar. The Woods were filled with the delightful sound of Elvish laughter, which was like the tinkling of silver bells. The music of many sweet voices drifted across the glade where the merrymaking was in full swing and the Prince was called upon to sing several solos, as his was the sweetest voice of all.
Naturally Legolas was the centre of attention and was never without a glass of wine or a dance partner. He was having a wonderful time until he found himself, on several occasions, turning to speak to Gimli, whom he subconsciously expected to be at his side. He missed his dear friend already, and he wished that he knew how the Dwarf had fared on his return to Erebor.
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the leaves, signalling an end to the festivities and Legolas found a quiet spot in the branches of an old oak tree. The soft rustle of the leaves was as a lullaby and soon he fell into a restful sleep. He awoke several hours later, fully rested and sought out his father, for he wished to tell him of his plans.
He found Thranduil inspecting the repairs on the worst of the damaged buildings, and took the opportunity to speak of the restoration of both the gardens and the stonework of Minis Tirith. They discussed which plants would be most suitable for the new gardens and Legolas decided that now would be an excellent time to make his request.
"Father, I have told King Ellesar that, with the help of those Wood Elves who are willing to make a new home there, I will endeavour to restore the forest of Ithilien to its former beauty. That is, of course, if you will give me permission to do so." Thranduil thought a moment before replying,
"Such a task will require the power of many Elves, but it has much merit. I remember how beautiful it once was and I am sure that Celeborn would agree that you have won the right to make of it what you will. I gladly grant your request, but only on the condition that you tarry here until those who wish to join you are ready to leave."
Legolas readily agreed and wondered whether Gimli had also had success in convincing his Lord to let him move a group of Dwarves to the Glittering Caves.