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CHAPTER 7- Legolas' Departure
In three more months' time, Thranduil had evil news that needed a carrier to Imladris. Gollum, who had been under the elves' watch, had escaped, in a night attack by orcs. Both Luinil and Legolas had awoken and left their son, protected by another elf-maid, to fight. Each brought down many orcs with their excellent marksmanship. But the small slimy creature had escaped, and someone had to bring news to Elrond. The next evening, Thranduil had said to Legolas, "I am sorry, my son, but we need you to go. You are the fastest, most skilled rider, and you will be respected, as you are my son."
"I shall go, father. I have not travelled in ages." He was happy to get to travel, but he knew that he must leave Luinil behind. He walked back to their talan, where they both dwelt now, and said "Luinil! I must go to Imladris. My father needs a messenger who will be respected."
"My Legolas...I wish that you could stay, but I understand that you must leave. Just remember, amin mela lle..." She kissed him on the mouth. Since A'maelelen was asleep, they slipped into their room and relived their first night alone, since they knew that it could be a long time before they got to again. Imladris was not a simple day trip. They fell asleep afterwards, as it was night.
Legolas awoke early the next morning, and began to pack. When Luinil awoke, he kissed her good morning, and then went to their son to kiss him goodbye. He kissed A'maelelen's sweet pale forehead, covered by light brown hair, and then kissed Luinil again, and said, "Goodbye, melamin. I am filled with foreboding that this trip shall be more than a mere message run. But wherever it leads, amin mela lle, Luinil."
"Amin mela lle, Legolas. Namaarië!"
He climbed down from the telain, and from the ground below cried, "Namaarië, melamin! Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna'lye omentuva, though I cannot say when that will be!" Luinil watched as he walked away. He reached his father's halls quickly, and was told that he was to be accompanied by a few companions. He was gladdened slightly by this. He mounted his grey horse, Feahith, who was already saddled and bridled, ready to be ridden off. Into Feahith's ear he whispered "Norolim!" and the horse sped off into the early morning dew.