CHAPTER 42
PARTINGS AND NEW HOPES
Eldarion stood up from the empty table in the palace's main dinning room without even tasting his food; it was breakfast time and Legolas hadn't joined him as he used to. Every morning the elf would come to keep the young King company, and Eldarion would tell him about all the kingdom's concerns. Legolas always listened to the young man's troubles and doubts, and gave him advice on what to do; and for Eldarion it was the highlight of his day, for the elf's wisdom was really useful for him, and his words always managed to comfort him. But not this particular morning, for minutes and hours went by and the elf never appeared.
He decided to find out the reasons of his strange absence, and so he went about to find him. He tried every room in the palace, but the elf was nowhere to be found, and the King was starting to get worried. Finally, he decided to ask the guard of the main door to see if he had left the palace; but as he went out to ask, he saw Legolas heading for the stables.
"Legolas! Where are you going?" - Eldarion asked, striding to catch up with him
Legolas stopped and waited for him without turning around. As he came closer, Eldarion noticed that Legolas was carrying a travel package over his shoulder. - "Are you planning on going somewhere without telling me?" - half-joked the King as he came to the elf's side.
"As a matter of fact I do child, but I was going to tell you" - Legolas muttered sadly. It was then that Eldarion noted the bloody bandage over half of Legolas' face.
"What happened to you?" - he asked concerned and more than bewildered - "That wound was already mended"
Legolas lowered his head and hesitated - "I...had an accident last night"
"Accident! What kind of accident? How can this be?"
Legolas shifted his weight awkwardly - "Well child, I am blind after all, you shouldn't be so surprised."
Eldarion glared at him - "Don't try to fool me Legolas, I know you manage better without your sight than any seeing man, even me; tell me what really happened"
"It is not important" - Legolas said, while making his way to the stables again - "Now if you'd excuse me, I have much to prepare."
Eldarion seized him by one shoulder with his hand - "Wait a minute!" - he said - "You are not going anywhere, much less with that open wound, it is too dangerous. I know you don't like to be inside stone walls, but you can go for a walk some other day."
Legolas tried to laugh at the man's ingenuousness, but only a low sneer came out of his distraught face. - "I am not going for a walk Eldarion, this trip could take months, if not more. I am not even sure if I'll be coming back at all."
The King's face went pale and he thought the already wintry weather became even colder as he heard Legolas' words - "But that's not possible, you cannot leave Gondor, I will not allow this."
"You cannot confine me here, child, my decision is final."
Eldarion moved his head slowly from side to side incredulously - "But... Why?" - he pleaded to know.
"Because I'm suffocating here, my life is being consumed by these walls, day by day, and I need, no, I have to get away."
Eldarion tried his best to convince him - "What is doing this to you? - he asked - "Tell me so I can help you; whatever it is, I know I can make it better."
"No dear friend, not even you can help me, not even all your power and authority can make it better for me."
"Then what is the worth of being King?" - Eldarion snapped angrily, then his voice became soft and frail, like the one of a child - "I don't want you to go, I need you to be here. Who will counsel me in the mornings? Who will be my help?"
Legolas reached out his hand placing it over the man's face, and a fresh tear fell upon his skin; his heart ached from knowing the young man's pain and desperation but nothing could be done - "Don't worry child, there is strength in you, and as your father's son, you will prevail despite everything."
"But what about you?" - Eldarion asked, conveying a thousand questions in a single phrase.
"I am off to get a hold of my life, Eldarion; I can't no longer be dominated nor struck down by my weakness, and it is time for me to seek out for my freedom."
"I don't understand, Legolas...."
"Then listen closely Eldarion, let me tell you about my truth"
Eldarion went silent, finally letting go of Legolas' shoulder; then, words spilled out directly from the elf's heart.
"The powers have looked upon me with abhorrence and disdain. Every one of my paths has been twisted; and no matter how hard I try to be noble, or to do good, all my efforts turn into disgrace."
"That is not true..."
"He was not supposed to die! It was I who was appointed to depart this land, not him." - Legolas concluded, sad and bitterly, and Eldarion felt short of words to respond.
Finally, words came to the man's mouth - "To depart was my father's decision, and you should accept it, as I have."
"Only pain and confusion will come out of that decision, pain and confusion for those who loved him the most.... including myself. I would have rather leave this world than to be condemned to be it's eternal prisoner."
"Prisoner? What do you mean?"
"I am blind, Eldarion. A blind elf cannot build a ship; a blind elf cannot sail to Valinor, I am a prisoner, condemned to be where I do not belong, and to grieve eternally for what I lost or I could never have."
"But the healers; they will find a way..."
"Your healers have no answer to this blindness Eldarion; they are only draining life from me slowly with their procedures. This darkness comes from beyond my eyes, the source of it is in my soul; and if I want to conquer it, I must first straighten my path, only then light will come back to my soul, and to my eyes."
Understanding that there was no use in trying to stop him, Eldarion straightened himself and took a deep breath - "Where do you intend to go?"
"Down south; much of this darkness was born there. I will right the wrongs I caused in those lands, and thus I will purify my soul; this is the first step of my quest."
"At least let me provide you with an escort, you cannot go by yourself."
"I already have an escort, Halbarad; he has fully recovered from his wounds, but he hasn't recovered his desire to live. He has much riddles that need to be solved, as I do, and we both must go down to the source of our riddles in order to bring light to our lives. All of our darkness inhabits the lands of Khand and Harad, and we must go back there and fight it. He is ready to leave, as I am."
"Then.. ..There is nothing I can do? - Eldarion asked.
"Just be strong, son, and take care of your mother." - Legolas responded.
"This will kill her, you know. She needs you, even though she doesn't let it show, I know you are like the air to her."
"No Eldarion, she must also seek for many answers, and her quest requires her to be alone; she needs much time to reflect, and it's better if I take my misery away from her, at least for a time; my presence only clouds her judgment and confounds her heart."
Eldarion was puzzled by Legolas' words, but he decided not to ask further. - "Then, this is farewell? Must I have you leave?"
"Yes"
"Then may you be blessed greatly; and may you find the way to your truth, dear friend; I would gladly go with you if I could"
"I know you would son; but I wouldn't take you, even if you could, not on this trip. Now embrace this poor soul, and promise me you'll be in good health." - Legolas said, opening his arms to the child he loved as his own.
"I will" - Eldarion said - "But only if you promise that you'll come back"
Legolas laughed for the first time in many weeks - "Fair enough!" - he said while Eldarion embraced him tightly - "I promise you that I'll come back, son of Aragorn, and my return will bring relief to your burdens, and light to your city. New hope has blossomed in my heart from talking to you, certainly you hold the same light that made your father famous; now I feel that this journey will bring forth much benefit, you'll see."
"Farewell, Legolas" - Eldarion said, fighting back the tears in his eyes.
"Until we meet again Eldarion; joyful beyond words will be our reunion "
Then, they tore away from each other, and Legolas parted towards the stables where Halbarad was already waiting for him. Eldarion went to complete his duties as regent, and at noon he stood atop the walls and saw two lonely figures abandoning the safety of the city, riding their mounts slowly across the Palennor fields.
........................................
Arwen received the news of Legolas departure silently, without showing any hint of surprise or sadness. But at night, while she was alone in her chambers, she grieved his departure with silent tears.
Restlessness came back to claim her nights and to haunt her absent dreams from that moment and on, and she sunk deeper into grief without his presence in the city.
Winter came fully to Gondor, and the pallid snow conquered every field and every corner of the landscape around Minas Tirith; Arwen spent the first days contemplating the fields; many years ago the white scenery would have appeared beautiful to her eyes, but now it just seemed cold, merciless and dead. She raised her eyes up to the leaden sky and lamented her misery and all the things she had lost, and for the days that followed the sun refused to shine upon the land. The queen of Gondor sunk then into deep thought, and never again did she leave her chambers, refusing any company but the short and occasional visits of her weary son, who struggled to maintain the country afloat.
One week, then one month; days passed seemingly unnoticed by the citizens of the ruined city and things remained unchanged. Everyone hoped for the coming of the spring that would bring the chance to rebuild the city. But the chill of the winter menaced to linger for more than the established time, and many inhabitants of the city had to face the merciless weather without a home. Shelters were opened, to shield the homeless, and food was distributed among the deprived; at least there were enough provisions to share.
..........................................
"Another day, another pain" - Arwen thought as she dropped the book from her hands. She had been reading all night, the lay of Leithian, hoping the amazing story would bring some joy to her heart, but to no avail. Her instincts told her that it was daytime already; even if her room was still in darkness from the thick drapes she had ordered to put upon the ample windows.
Over a month had passed since Legolas parting, and every day had appeared the same to her, dull and gloomy inside her dark prison. But this particular day seemed different, as she got up from the hard chair in which she had spent the whole night on; she noticed the absence of the wind's unceasing howl outside the window.
"Strange." - she thought, slowly making her way towards the covered window. Something drew her to look outside, something she could not quite name. She took the drapes' thick fabric with one of her hands and fingered it hesitantly for a moment before uncovering the window.
Indescribable brightness invaded the room, filling every corner of it and blinding her with its intense brilliance; she covered her eyes that hurt from the sudden contact with light after weeks of darkness, and blinked repeatedly, trying to adjust to the light.
When she could finally open her eyes again and got used to the brightness, she saw the scenery that was in front of her to behold, and a gasp caught in her throat.
The fields were still covered with snow, like every preceding day; but after weeks of absence, the sun had finally returned and now shone over the whiteness of the landscape; the sky was blue and clear, and only a light breeze gently swayed the tallest treetops of the forests around. Everything shone with a light that seemed new to the world, and she couldn't stop herself from fully opening the windows to behold more closely the wonder that nature offered her on that day.
She leaned her body outside the window, and took a deep breath of the air outside, ridding her lungs from the dusty, hermetic scent of the air inside her chamber. Her body rejoiced as the bright sunrays reached her, filling her with warmth, warmth she haven't felt for months.
She closed her eyes, feeling near blissful, and mused about the scent of the air; it smelled like hope, she thought, and a half smile illuminated her features as few small words came out of her mouth - "No, today is different"
..........................................
She paced back and forth inside the now bright room, waiting. Waiting for what? Not even Arwen could discern, but she expected something to happen that day, something great. She waited until noon, her mind only focused in the action of waiting eagerly for something she could not define; but then expectancy became unbearable and she decided to leave the room, after days of self-confinement.
She came out to the corridor and walked slowly, not really knowing where to go. The palace was near empty, and only a few guards saw her pacing down the corridors, ethereal and pale like a spirit. As she reached the east wing of the palace, the sign she had been waiting for finally arrived, as trumpets resounded from the guard post atop the front wall, announcing the approach of a company to the city.
Loosing herself to eagerness, she began running towards the outer wall, faster and faster, until she could not tell if her bolted heart was a consequence of the strain of her race, or the anxiousness of her soul.
As she approached the outside of the wall, her keen ears picked an anxious murmur coming from outside the city, and knew that something very significant was coming about. As she finally came out to daylight, atop the wall, and while nearly tripping over the rock divider, she found out the source of the murmur.
Nearly the entire population of the city was squeezed together at the city gates, gazing something beyond the palennor field hills. Arwen saw Eldarion at the head of the crowd, a little ahead of everyone else, his eyes fixed in the bright horizon.
Arwen wouldn't dare to lift her gaze to the horizon; for more than minutes she stared only at the crowd below, heeding their reactions.
Surprise? Fear? Hope? Doubt? They were all there; the same feelings she felt so strongly inside her soul were evident also in the crowd.
Finally, she gathered the courage to face whatever was coming and lifted her eyes to behold the approaching newcomers.
She mentally counted the group. 500? Maybe more. Dressed in no particular uniform or armor, and walking without real formation or alignment; therefore it was not a military group; but her eyes told her, by their sizes and build that they were all men; young and strong adults.
As the group came closer to the city, and Arwen could see them more clearly, her knees weakened, and she had to lean upon the cold rock wall in order not to collapse
At the lead of the newcomers she could see the only bright, blond mane of the group; as Legolas Greenleaf was making his glorious and triumphant return to Minas Tirith.
Arwen leaned heavily upon the wall, lowering her gaze, unable to look at his distant form. As her heart debated in the midst of turmoil of emotions, she saw her son dropping the sword and scepter he held in his hands, and taking off running towards the group. He had also seen Legolas, and now ran joyously to meet him.
She followed Eldarion with her eyes, as he ran like a child through the snow-covered field. Contagious was the joy the King felt, for she could not suppress a soft smile as he strode clumsily, held back a bit by the thick snow. Then, she was awestruck as she saw Legolas coming ahead of the group, intending to meet the young man.
.......................................
The encounter was, as Legolas had predicted, joyful beyond words. Eldarion did not even stop his race to greet the elf; he only threw his arms around him, trapping him in a tight embrace that almost sent them both to the ground.
"Praise be to Eru! You have returned!"
Legolas laughed willingly at the man's enthusiasm - "I made a promise to you, my King, and I'm not known for breaking them."
Eldarion broke the embrace to look at him, to make sure that it was indeed the one that had left; and Legolas looked back at him with a broad smile upon his fair face; that's right, Legolas LOOKED back at him.
Eldarion took two steps back, struck by sheer surprise, for the creature standing before him was not the same that had left over a month before. Legolas had left the city blind, scarred, bitter, beaten and dark.
Now his eyes were no longer dim, nor dead; his eyes were once again bright and piercing like the eyes of an eagle. The scars on his face had disappeared entirely, and his skin was once again smooth and perfect. But what was really striking about him was the positive energy that seemed to flow from him. No longer was he a creature of the shadows; he was a creature of light, as he was always intended to be.
Four words formed in Eldarion's lips - "What happened to you?"
Legolas responded, the smile never leaving his face - "I recovered what I had lost"
Eldarion opened his mouth to speak again, a thousand questions massing in his mind; but Legolas lifted his hand to stop him.
"Your queries will be answered in due time, child; right now there are more urgent matters that need to be solved" - he said, nodding towards the group of southern men behind him; they were dressed in animal skins, and their faces revealed the weariness from the long trip.
"Summon the High Council at once, King of Gondor; there is much to be discussed"
.........................................
Hello people, Elwe here, happy to greet you again.
Well, I'm finally back after weeks of absence, very much as Legolas uh?
I'm sorry it took me soooo long to update, but my real life is taking quite a large toll from the fiction realm. Yeah, lots of work and school.
I know this chapter wasn't very exciting, but it was necessary as a transition for what is about to come. Next chapter will probably be a bit transitional too, for I need to tie up many loose ends before I wrap this whole thing up. So, next chapter you can expect a bunch of political tension and discussions, mixed with important events for Gondor, and all that intertwined with romance, that's right! ROMANCE, the kind of romance you like will be back on next chapter, and it will be the launching platform for the final chapters, that will be absolutely devoted to solve the Legolas/Arwen situation.
So, stay tuned, for the fat lady is clearing her throat to start her final chorus on this fic.
Be blessed.
Elwe.
PARTINGS AND NEW HOPES
Eldarion stood up from the empty table in the palace's main dinning room without even tasting his food; it was breakfast time and Legolas hadn't joined him as he used to. Every morning the elf would come to keep the young King company, and Eldarion would tell him about all the kingdom's concerns. Legolas always listened to the young man's troubles and doubts, and gave him advice on what to do; and for Eldarion it was the highlight of his day, for the elf's wisdom was really useful for him, and his words always managed to comfort him. But not this particular morning, for minutes and hours went by and the elf never appeared.
He decided to find out the reasons of his strange absence, and so he went about to find him. He tried every room in the palace, but the elf was nowhere to be found, and the King was starting to get worried. Finally, he decided to ask the guard of the main door to see if he had left the palace; but as he went out to ask, he saw Legolas heading for the stables.
"Legolas! Where are you going?" - Eldarion asked, striding to catch up with him
Legolas stopped and waited for him without turning around. As he came closer, Eldarion noticed that Legolas was carrying a travel package over his shoulder. - "Are you planning on going somewhere without telling me?" - half-joked the King as he came to the elf's side.
"As a matter of fact I do child, but I was going to tell you" - Legolas muttered sadly. It was then that Eldarion noted the bloody bandage over half of Legolas' face.
"What happened to you?" - he asked concerned and more than bewildered - "That wound was already mended"
Legolas lowered his head and hesitated - "I...had an accident last night"
"Accident! What kind of accident? How can this be?"
Legolas shifted his weight awkwardly - "Well child, I am blind after all, you shouldn't be so surprised."
Eldarion glared at him - "Don't try to fool me Legolas, I know you manage better without your sight than any seeing man, even me; tell me what really happened"
"It is not important" - Legolas said, while making his way to the stables again - "Now if you'd excuse me, I have much to prepare."
Eldarion seized him by one shoulder with his hand - "Wait a minute!" - he said - "You are not going anywhere, much less with that open wound, it is too dangerous. I know you don't like to be inside stone walls, but you can go for a walk some other day."
Legolas tried to laugh at the man's ingenuousness, but only a low sneer came out of his distraught face. - "I am not going for a walk Eldarion, this trip could take months, if not more. I am not even sure if I'll be coming back at all."
The King's face went pale and he thought the already wintry weather became even colder as he heard Legolas' words - "But that's not possible, you cannot leave Gondor, I will not allow this."
"You cannot confine me here, child, my decision is final."
Eldarion moved his head slowly from side to side incredulously - "But... Why?" - he pleaded to know.
"Because I'm suffocating here, my life is being consumed by these walls, day by day, and I need, no, I have to get away."
Eldarion tried his best to convince him - "What is doing this to you? - he asked - "Tell me so I can help you; whatever it is, I know I can make it better."
"No dear friend, not even you can help me, not even all your power and authority can make it better for me."
"Then what is the worth of being King?" - Eldarion snapped angrily, then his voice became soft and frail, like the one of a child - "I don't want you to go, I need you to be here. Who will counsel me in the mornings? Who will be my help?"
Legolas reached out his hand placing it over the man's face, and a fresh tear fell upon his skin; his heart ached from knowing the young man's pain and desperation but nothing could be done - "Don't worry child, there is strength in you, and as your father's son, you will prevail despite everything."
"But what about you?" - Eldarion asked, conveying a thousand questions in a single phrase.
"I am off to get a hold of my life, Eldarion; I can't no longer be dominated nor struck down by my weakness, and it is time for me to seek out for my freedom."
"I don't understand, Legolas...."
"Then listen closely Eldarion, let me tell you about my truth"
Eldarion went silent, finally letting go of Legolas' shoulder; then, words spilled out directly from the elf's heart.
"The powers have looked upon me with abhorrence and disdain. Every one of my paths has been twisted; and no matter how hard I try to be noble, or to do good, all my efforts turn into disgrace."
"That is not true..."
"He was not supposed to die! It was I who was appointed to depart this land, not him." - Legolas concluded, sad and bitterly, and Eldarion felt short of words to respond.
Finally, words came to the man's mouth - "To depart was my father's decision, and you should accept it, as I have."
"Only pain and confusion will come out of that decision, pain and confusion for those who loved him the most.... including myself. I would have rather leave this world than to be condemned to be it's eternal prisoner."
"Prisoner? What do you mean?"
"I am blind, Eldarion. A blind elf cannot build a ship; a blind elf cannot sail to Valinor, I am a prisoner, condemned to be where I do not belong, and to grieve eternally for what I lost or I could never have."
"But the healers; they will find a way..."
"Your healers have no answer to this blindness Eldarion; they are only draining life from me slowly with their procedures. This darkness comes from beyond my eyes, the source of it is in my soul; and if I want to conquer it, I must first straighten my path, only then light will come back to my soul, and to my eyes."
Understanding that there was no use in trying to stop him, Eldarion straightened himself and took a deep breath - "Where do you intend to go?"
"Down south; much of this darkness was born there. I will right the wrongs I caused in those lands, and thus I will purify my soul; this is the first step of my quest."
"At least let me provide you with an escort, you cannot go by yourself."
"I already have an escort, Halbarad; he has fully recovered from his wounds, but he hasn't recovered his desire to live. He has much riddles that need to be solved, as I do, and we both must go down to the source of our riddles in order to bring light to our lives. All of our darkness inhabits the lands of Khand and Harad, and we must go back there and fight it. He is ready to leave, as I am."
"Then.. ..There is nothing I can do? - Eldarion asked.
"Just be strong, son, and take care of your mother." - Legolas responded.
"This will kill her, you know. She needs you, even though she doesn't let it show, I know you are like the air to her."
"No Eldarion, she must also seek for many answers, and her quest requires her to be alone; she needs much time to reflect, and it's better if I take my misery away from her, at least for a time; my presence only clouds her judgment and confounds her heart."
Eldarion was puzzled by Legolas' words, but he decided not to ask further. - "Then, this is farewell? Must I have you leave?"
"Yes"
"Then may you be blessed greatly; and may you find the way to your truth, dear friend; I would gladly go with you if I could"
"I know you would son; but I wouldn't take you, even if you could, not on this trip. Now embrace this poor soul, and promise me you'll be in good health." - Legolas said, opening his arms to the child he loved as his own.
"I will" - Eldarion said - "But only if you promise that you'll come back"
Legolas laughed for the first time in many weeks - "Fair enough!" - he said while Eldarion embraced him tightly - "I promise you that I'll come back, son of Aragorn, and my return will bring relief to your burdens, and light to your city. New hope has blossomed in my heart from talking to you, certainly you hold the same light that made your father famous; now I feel that this journey will bring forth much benefit, you'll see."
"Farewell, Legolas" - Eldarion said, fighting back the tears in his eyes.
"Until we meet again Eldarion; joyful beyond words will be our reunion "
Then, they tore away from each other, and Legolas parted towards the stables where Halbarad was already waiting for him. Eldarion went to complete his duties as regent, and at noon he stood atop the walls and saw two lonely figures abandoning the safety of the city, riding their mounts slowly across the Palennor fields.
........................................
Arwen received the news of Legolas departure silently, without showing any hint of surprise or sadness. But at night, while she was alone in her chambers, she grieved his departure with silent tears.
Restlessness came back to claim her nights and to haunt her absent dreams from that moment and on, and she sunk deeper into grief without his presence in the city.
Winter came fully to Gondor, and the pallid snow conquered every field and every corner of the landscape around Minas Tirith; Arwen spent the first days contemplating the fields; many years ago the white scenery would have appeared beautiful to her eyes, but now it just seemed cold, merciless and dead. She raised her eyes up to the leaden sky and lamented her misery and all the things she had lost, and for the days that followed the sun refused to shine upon the land. The queen of Gondor sunk then into deep thought, and never again did she leave her chambers, refusing any company but the short and occasional visits of her weary son, who struggled to maintain the country afloat.
One week, then one month; days passed seemingly unnoticed by the citizens of the ruined city and things remained unchanged. Everyone hoped for the coming of the spring that would bring the chance to rebuild the city. But the chill of the winter menaced to linger for more than the established time, and many inhabitants of the city had to face the merciless weather without a home. Shelters were opened, to shield the homeless, and food was distributed among the deprived; at least there were enough provisions to share.
..........................................
"Another day, another pain" - Arwen thought as she dropped the book from her hands. She had been reading all night, the lay of Leithian, hoping the amazing story would bring some joy to her heart, but to no avail. Her instincts told her that it was daytime already; even if her room was still in darkness from the thick drapes she had ordered to put upon the ample windows.
Over a month had passed since Legolas parting, and every day had appeared the same to her, dull and gloomy inside her dark prison. But this particular day seemed different, as she got up from the hard chair in which she had spent the whole night on; she noticed the absence of the wind's unceasing howl outside the window.
"Strange." - she thought, slowly making her way towards the covered window. Something drew her to look outside, something she could not quite name. She took the drapes' thick fabric with one of her hands and fingered it hesitantly for a moment before uncovering the window.
Indescribable brightness invaded the room, filling every corner of it and blinding her with its intense brilliance; she covered her eyes that hurt from the sudden contact with light after weeks of darkness, and blinked repeatedly, trying to adjust to the light.
When she could finally open her eyes again and got used to the brightness, she saw the scenery that was in front of her to behold, and a gasp caught in her throat.
The fields were still covered with snow, like every preceding day; but after weeks of absence, the sun had finally returned and now shone over the whiteness of the landscape; the sky was blue and clear, and only a light breeze gently swayed the tallest treetops of the forests around. Everything shone with a light that seemed new to the world, and she couldn't stop herself from fully opening the windows to behold more closely the wonder that nature offered her on that day.
She leaned her body outside the window, and took a deep breath of the air outside, ridding her lungs from the dusty, hermetic scent of the air inside her chamber. Her body rejoiced as the bright sunrays reached her, filling her with warmth, warmth she haven't felt for months.
She closed her eyes, feeling near blissful, and mused about the scent of the air; it smelled like hope, she thought, and a half smile illuminated her features as few small words came out of her mouth - "No, today is different"
..........................................
She paced back and forth inside the now bright room, waiting. Waiting for what? Not even Arwen could discern, but she expected something to happen that day, something great. She waited until noon, her mind only focused in the action of waiting eagerly for something she could not define; but then expectancy became unbearable and she decided to leave the room, after days of self-confinement.
She came out to the corridor and walked slowly, not really knowing where to go. The palace was near empty, and only a few guards saw her pacing down the corridors, ethereal and pale like a spirit. As she reached the east wing of the palace, the sign she had been waiting for finally arrived, as trumpets resounded from the guard post atop the front wall, announcing the approach of a company to the city.
Loosing herself to eagerness, she began running towards the outer wall, faster and faster, until she could not tell if her bolted heart was a consequence of the strain of her race, or the anxiousness of her soul.
As she approached the outside of the wall, her keen ears picked an anxious murmur coming from outside the city, and knew that something very significant was coming about. As she finally came out to daylight, atop the wall, and while nearly tripping over the rock divider, she found out the source of the murmur.
Nearly the entire population of the city was squeezed together at the city gates, gazing something beyond the palennor field hills. Arwen saw Eldarion at the head of the crowd, a little ahead of everyone else, his eyes fixed in the bright horizon.
Arwen wouldn't dare to lift her gaze to the horizon; for more than minutes she stared only at the crowd below, heeding their reactions.
Surprise? Fear? Hope? Doubt? They were all there; the same feelings she felt so strongly inside her soul were evident also in the crowd.
Finally, she gathered the courage to face whatever was coming and lifted her eyes to behold the approaching newcomers.
She mentally counted the group. 500? Maybe more. Dressed in no particular uniform or armor, and walking without real formation or alignment; therefore it was not a military group; but her eyes told her, by their sizes and build that they were all men; young and strong adults.
As the group came closer to the city, and Arwen could see them more clearly, her knees weakened, and she had to lean upon the cold rock wall in order not to collapse
At the lead of the newcomers she could see the only bright, blond mane of the group; as Legolas Greenleaf was making his glorious and triumphant return to Minas Tirith.
Arwen leaned heavily upon the wall, lowering her gaze, unable to look at his distant form. As her heart debated in the midst of turmoil of emotions, she saw her son dropping the sword and scepter he held in his hands, and taking off running towards the group. He had also seen Legolas, and now ran joyously to meet him.
She followed Eldarion with her eyes, as he ran like a child through the snow-covered field. Contagious was the joy the King felt, for she could not suppress a soft smile as he strode clumsily, held back a bit by the thick snow. Then, she was awestruck as she saw Legolas coming ahead of the group, intending to meet the young man.
.......................................
The encounter was, as Legolas had predicted, joyful beyond words. Eldarion did not even stop his race to greet the elf; he only threw his arms around him, trapping him in a tight embrace that almost sent them both to the ground.
"Praise be to Eru! You have returned!"
Legolas laughed willingly at the man's enthusiasm - "I made a promise to you, my King, and I'm not known for breaking them."
Eldarion broke the embrace to look at him, to make sure that it was indeed the one that had left; and Legolas looked back at him with a broad smile upon his fair face; that's right, Legolas LOOKED back at him.
Eldarion took two steps back, struck by sheer surprise, for the creature standing before him was not the same that had left over a month before. Legolas had left the city blind, scarred, bitter, beaten and dark.
Now his eyes were no longer dim, nor dead; his eyes were once again bright and piercing like the eyes of an eagle. The scars on his face had disappeared entirely, and his skin was once again smooth and perfect. But what was really striking about him was the positive energy that seemed to flow from him. No longer was he a creature of the shadows; he was a creature of light, as he was always intended to be.
Four words formed in Eldarion's lips - "What happened to you?"
Legolas responded, the smile never leaving his face - "I recovered what I had lost"
Eldarion opened his mouth to speak again, a thousand questions massing in his mind; but Legolas lifted his hand to stop him.
"Your queries will be answered in due time, child; right now there are more urgent matters that need to be solved" - he said, nodding towards the group of southern men behind him; they were dressed in animal skins, and their faces revealed the weariness from the long trip.
"Summon the High Council at once, King of Gondor; there is much to be discussed"
.........................................
Hello people, Elwe here, happy to greet you again.
Well, I'm finally back after weeks of absence, very much as Legolas uh?
I'm sorry it took me soooo long to update, but my real life is taking quite a large toll from the fiction realm. Yeah, lots of work and school.
I know this chapter wasn't very exciting, but it was necessary as a transition for what is about to come. Next chapter will probably be a bit transitional too, for I need to tie up many loose ends before I wrap this whole thing up. So, next chapter you can expect a bunch of political tension and discussions, mixed with important events for Gondor, and all that intertwined with romance, that's right! ROMANCE, the kind of romance you like will be back on next chapter, and it will be the launching platform for the final chapters, that will be absolutely devoted to solve the Legolas/Arwen situation.
So, stay tuned, for the fat lady is clearing her throat to start her final chorus on this fic.
Be blessed.
Elwe.