Title: Chapter Three: Thranduil's Decision

Author: Nefertili

Genre(s): Romance, Angst, please add AU

Author's Notes: 3 out of 4! Some of you might say that the Elves of Mirkwood had moved to Ithillien by this time, but please, this is my story, and it is different from J.R.R. Tolkien's original. Well, please be considerate because I know absolutely NOTHING about Thranduil's personality and Legolas' mother's current state of being. Now, it's the time for real decision-making for Legolas. Should he go or should he say no? Read and find out! The songs I used, by the way, are Hello, Young Lovers (from The King and I) and Don't Wanna Miss a Thing (from Armageddon, sang by the Aerosmiths). 

**********

Legolas slowed his steps and looked about him.  He had reached it, Mirkwood, his father's realm. The air was very different since the last time he set his eyes upon it. Everywhere echoed songs of rejoicing, just like in Rivendell, but the densely forested Mountains of Mirkwood seemed brighter amidst the tress' thick foliage that blocks out almost all the sunlight that longed to touch the forest floor. Sauron's evil had left Thranduil's Kingdom; the evil that brought terror and destruction to whatever it touched, or wherever it laid its malicious eyes upon.

Finally, after the few days that took him to get back to his place of birth, Legolas felt ease inside him. The very recent memories he had about Aragorn had totally sucked all the delight from him, replacing it with remorse for being responsible for Aragorn's lonely state. It seemed to him only the thought of immortality kept his feet on the journey, but never was he totally able to keep his mind out of his Mortal lover.

Legolas touched the bark of the nearest tree that stood before him. It looked like a pine, yet not a pine, for its bark was smooth to the touch and its leaves wider and lighter in color. Legolas, with ease, climbed up the tree with the skill that was bestowed upon his kin. When he reached one particularly strong branch, Legolas paused for a while.

He never bothered to put down Aragorn's dagger since it was given to him. He knew that was the only remembrance Aragorn left him, but be knew it was a hindrance, not only to his climbing, but to himself as well.

"You'd better stop pining and fretting for Elessar, Legolas," Legolas told himself as he fastened the blade to his belt. "The more you will not get to the Undying Lands if your mind still dwells on the past, still lives on the memories of Aragorn."

Legolas sighed and focused his eyes on the trees that lay before him. With a skillful bounce, Legolas leaped from one tree to another. For him, as for the other Elves of Mirkwood, it was quicker to reach their destination on the boughs of trees rather than on the ground made bumpy by the roots of trees.

**********

"The Prince had made his way back from, Rivendell, Your Majesty," one of the Royal Speakers declared to King Thranduil, the Elven King of Northern Mirkwood.

Thranduil, in his silver crown of graceful vines interspersed with golden leaves of the many evergreen trees that abound Mirkwood, stood up from his seat with an ardent look in his face that reflected wisdom and majesty.

"My son Legolas had returned?" The Elven King said in a benign voice neither too deep or too high, neither too loud or too soft. "Well, allow him to enter this hall. I would very much desire to see and speak to him."

The Speaker bowed before the King and the other Elves parted to make way for Legolas, who immediately heeded his father's call. He came before his father's presence erect and stately, and bowed in deference.

Thranduil, however, sensed in his son a rather irresolute and uncertain thought beneath his unflustered appearance that only his fatherly instincts could detect. At once, he ordered all his subjects to desert the hall and leave him and the Prince all by themselves.

Legolas was perplexed as he watched the other Elves silently obey Thranduil's commands without delay. What does his father want from him which his other subjects must not hear or see?

When the very last Elf made his way out of the vast hall, Legolas asked Thranduil, "'Why do we need to keep away from the watchful eyes of your Elves, Father?" His voice slightly made an echo in the deserted chamber.

Thranduil smiled a mystifying smile so mysterious that even Legolas knew it was far beyond his understanding. The King of Mirkwood chose to set aside his skepticism regarding his son's uncanny behavior.

"I just want to have an open talk with you, my son," he said, looking straight at Legolas' eyes with a penetrating stare.

"An open talk?" Legolas asked, entirely unable to meet his father's glance for long. "What for, Father?"

Thranduil slightly lost the smile on his face and raised one of his blond eyebrows. They were not nearly as remarkable as Legolas' being less fine and the lack of luster. Legolas unable to bear his stare for an acceptable amount of time was a bewildering thought for him.

"What is with your restless state of mind?" Thranduil asked with an air of silent reproach, walking sedately around Legolas in equal short strides, examining him closely from head to foot.

Legolas felt uncomfortable with the feeling of being searched. "My mind is not restless this time, Father," he said in a rather meager voice.

Thranduil, sad to say, wasn't entirely convinced. "Legolas, is it hard for you to talk to your father openly? Or was there a distinct change in you since you set out for the Quest of the Ring that I have not completely seen?" 

Legolas wasn't able to keep on standing erect. He took a sharp turn to face Thranduil and stepped a few strides backward.

"No, Father," Legolas said in the firmest, guiltless voice he could give. My, Legolas, he silently scolded himself, why did you allow yourself to act in such an extremely nervous way? Do you think your father's not before you, unable to see your face and expressions?

Thranduil stopped pacing around Legolas and smiled at his son. This time, it was his normal blameless grin without any trace of suspicion in it. "I do not doubt your words. Forgive your father for being rather testing, but one can't help it but notice. Something in you is…different."

As his father looked out one of the sunlit openings of the hall for some time, Legolas felt a twinge of real uneasiness inside him. Clearly, Thranduil was trying to get him to move out of his secretive shell, but it means revealing all that he felt for Aragorn, who had now taken the Throne of Gondor. For sure, Thranduil might really chastise him if he finds this out. What a disgrace for the King of Mirkwood! His son fell in love with a Mortal, and a Man at that. Legolas felt responsible for the wrongdoing, himself. Thranduil didn't send his son to Elrond to fall in love with a Mortal Man, did he?

"Well? How was the reunion?" Thranduil asked, facing Legolas once more.

"It was excellent, Father," Legolas answer. He made sure he talked straight and that his face was free from any peculiar expressions. "There was music in all places, just like in our beloved Mirkwood." 

"The entire good side of Middle Earth is rejoicing for Sauron's downfall, my son. Never has the melody you were describing to me played in Greenwood the Great since the Dark Lord transformed our Kingdom into a place of darkness, terror and malice."

For the first time in his meeting with his father, Legolas smiled a true smile. "I longed to hear them again so much."

"Everyone longed for it, even I," Thranduil said, looking intently at Legolas' eyes. "I am proud of you, Legolas. You grew up to be the finest archer in Middle Earth. I wasn't wrong in sending you to be a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. You have proven yourself to be a dignified Elf, a Prince who chose to face the dangers of reality rather than be safe in the protective walls of his realm. You also didn't stress your Royalty that much. You didn't consider yourself different from all the common people, and that's a very notable attitude, my son."

This extraordinary remark pleased Legolas very much that he was able to banish his broodingly morose emotions from him temporarily. "Thank you, Father."

Thranduil nodded agreeably, apparently impressed. "Very well, Legolas. You deserve to be rewarded."

But Legolas bowed low with meekness and shook his head lightly. "I don't desire a reward, Father. I didn't go on the Quest to be recompensed."                

The King of Mirkwood folded his hands before him as he said pleasantly, "You misunderstood me, my son. You already know of the reward I am telling you about. What I am saying is immortality. You deserve to live for all eternity in the Undying Lands. I will come with you, myself. Tomorrow, we will set out from Mirkwood to the harbors."

The very mention of the words 'immortality' and 'Undying Lands' wiped off the smile from Legolas' face and all his guilty thoughts came back to him. Before he got a hold of himself, Thranduil had seen the change in his expression and he, too, lost the smile on his face.

"Legolas," Thranduil questioned his son with outmost seriousness. "Your face and actions tell me you don't want too go to the West. I am right, am I not?"

"No, Father, no. I want to go," Legolas blurted out with a rather discomfited tone. He bowed his head as he said, "I really do, Father; I really do."

However, Thranduil didn't seem persuaded with Legolas' words. He was resolute to get the truth out of his son. 

"I am your father, Legolas. I know you more than you think I do. I know by the tone of your voice that you are just forcing yourself to do what I've said. It is just a suggestion, Legolas, not an order. I could cancel your departure if I had to."

"No, Father. I must leave, I must." The Elven King noticed the Prince clutched a dagger on his belt firmly as he spoke.

"Are you trying to escape from someone, or something, my son? If you are trying to use the West for your escape, well, I am sorry. You have to be honest with your father first. If that is the only reason why you wish to leave Middle Earth, you will have to stay."

"But-''

"Legolas, please be honest with me. I am doing this for your sake, but I need to find out your opinion about it first, whether you are in favor or against it."

Legolas didn't answer, but he sank in one of the velvet chairs nearby, his head in his hands. It was then did Thranduil fully understand what his son was hiding from him.

"Legolas, I also were a young Elf like you, I know what you're feeling. I know and understand it all. Please tell me the truth. Are you in love with someone?"

The Elven Prince was silent for some time. Finally, he raised his head and unhurriedly, somberly nodded his head.

Thranduil then sat beside and assuringly put his hand around his son; and to console and enlighten him, he sang to him.

Hello, young lovers whoever you are,

I hope your troubles are few,

All my good wishes go with you tonight,

I've been in love like you.

I know how it feels to have wings on your heels,

And to fly down a street on a trance,

You fly down the street in a chance that you'll meet,

And you'll meet…not really by chance.

Legolas looked up at his father who was gently stroking his long golden hair which was as bright as the sunlight peeking from the grand windows. "I confess, Father. I didn't mean to lie to you. I don't want to appear unkind and an unmanageable son."

Thranduil smiled contentedly. "In that case, why did you say you must leave? Are you trying to escape from your love? If yes, why?"

Legolas was entirely troubled by his father's question. Shouldn't he have revealed that he loved someone to escape all the questioning his father (as all parents) will do? Aragorn…oh, he was trapped. He couldn't make up as story now. It would make some complications that might end up in breaking Estel's heart all the more.

"Oh, Father," Legolas said. "I can't tell you. You wouldn't want to know the reason."

Thranduil was astounded by what his son told him. "Why wouldn't I?''

"We cannot love…my lover and me…"

"Why is that so, Legolas?"

"Because…because…" was all Legolas can say. He feared what his father's reactions will be? Shock, surely. Anger, probably. Intense anger enough for him to curse him? Probably yes, it's a disgrace for the family name! Probably no, no father could insult his son.

"Yes?" Thranduil asked patiently. "Don't be afraid, Legolas. Reveal it."

The tone of his father's voice was soothing; he probably will not get entirely mad at him. Legolas opened his mouth and said the following words after every five seconds, "My love is a him, Father."

Thranduil immediately had on an expression of shock and resentment that frightened Legolas. "What!? Are you lying to me, Legolas?"

Legolas threw himself at his father's feet, trembling with apprehension, his hands clasped in supplication. "It-it is t-true, Father. Forgive me, Father, forgive me. I really love him…"

Legolas heard Thranduil stand up. What will he do? Will he…?

But the gesture was the opposite of what Legolas thought it would be. His father gently helped Legolas up and spoke to him benevolently, though his face was still stern and unyielding. "You must understand that we are left weak in our entire bodies once love touches us, and we are all equal in the name of compassion. But tell me, does he love you?"

"Oh yes, Father. He was even offering to take me with him instead of going to the Undying Lands. Oh Father, I left him heartbroken; I even told him to search for a new love, yet I know he can't do that."

Thranduil was silent for some moments, apparently thinking deeply. "Why did you do that, my son?"

Legolas could hardly keep on choking on his words. "Our-our l-love is l-leading us-s nowhere. I c-can never give him children, yet h-his r-race was d-dying-''

"Take it easy, Legolas. In that case, you should go back to him, love him and ask for forgiveness."

"But I pushed him away from me! I hurt him! He will not accept me."

"A true love accepts you amidst your imperfections, Son."

Legolas hesitated before answering. "Do you really think so, Father?"

"Yes," Thranduil replied. "That's how I felt about your mother. I trust you, my son. I trust your choices. Stay here for a few days, if you please, but I am letting you go afterwards."

Legolas looked at his father with astonishment. "Father…how could you…?"

Thranduil put a hand on Legolas' shoulder, saying, "As a father, there are three main tasks I must do. First, I have to make sure you are content. Second, I have to understand and know your real feelings. And last, I have to let you go free when you are fully-grown." His face expression and his voice changed. They became poignant and sad. "You remind me very much of your dear mother. You are a replica of her."

Legolas was surprised by the mention of his mother, who left for the Undying Lands when he was still at a very juvenile age. So young, he was; that he hardly remembered her name and face. "Mother? Why did she leave us?"

Thranduil said gradually, "The Darkness already fell in our Kingdom by the time you were born. I had to make sure your mother was safe. She would have taken you with her if not for my wish that you stay, for I knew you were meant to be the person that you are now.

"I can't stand to see you lonely and tortured by guilt. That's what made me decide to let you go."

"But, leave you, Father, my only relative left in Middle Earth…"

Thranduil smiled to as he sang to him in reply.

Don't cry, young lovers whatever you do,

Don't cry because I'm alone,

All of my mem'ries are happy tonight,

I've had a love of my own,

Like yours, I've had a love of my own.

Just then, father and son hugged each other, for a long time. When they let go, Thranduil asked Legolas, "Was that dagger given to you by your lover?" He pointed at the Elven knife that hung from Legolas' belt.

Legolas smiled. He did not feel uneasy to talk to his father now, "Yes, Father. What made you know?"

Once more, Thranduil smiled his mysterious smile. "My fatherly instincts tell me so, Legolas. Would you mind if I hold it and examine it?"

Legolas wondered what his father was thinking about, but the detached the blade from his belt and with the most loving hands, gave it to his Thranduil.

Thranduil, meanwhile, as Legolas eyed him inquisitively, examined the knife closely, from the stainless blade to the beautifully-patterned hilt. As he gave it back to Legolas, he said, "That was a fine work of reverence and love. Aragorn, the son of Arathorn, if truth be told, loves you with all his heart.  

"Ye-'' Legolas stopped in the middle of the word and stared at his father with marvel and amazement. "How did you come to know, Father?" Clearly, he didn't remember mentioning to his father what he felt about Aragorn.

Thranduil pointed at the patterns that designed the blade. "These motifs are Numenorean. So far, I know of no Ranger who came to close contact with my son but Aragorn, Isildur's heir."

Legolas bowed and pressed the dagger against his chest. "Now that you know, Father, are you preventing me from going back? Will he still accept me?"

Thranduil's voice was promising. "No, I am not keeping you back. He will understand you, my son, he will."

Legolas' spirits were lifted as he said, "May I spend a few days here, Father? I'm sure Aragorn could wait. I would like to lengthen my remaining time with you."

Thranduil was beyond pleased to hear this from his only son. "I would very much like that, Legolas. I can delay my departure to the Undying Lands. Well, savor all your time in our realm. Once I am gone, this place will no longer be for the Elves."

"Yes, Father."

Legolas left the hall with delight singing in his heart. He leaped from one tree to another as he explored the new peaceful Kingdom of Mirkwood. It was a shame that it would not last long, as his father, their King would leave in a few days. Legolas was able to go into Southern Mirkwood, where the once-evil Dol Guldur was. He no longer feared the place where the shadow of the Dark Lord took form long ago. Soon he was at the edge of the vast forest, overlooking the lands of Lorien.

He chose a particularly sturdy tree to sit upon as he thought over the events. His father let him go. In a few days, he will go south to Minas Tirith, where Aragorn was. Though he still had doubts regarding Aragorn's acceptance, he was relieved by some of his words.

"I will always be there to protect you, to keep you from harm…"

Estel will always protect him, and Legolas knew that that was as good as accepting him for what he is, for all that he had done. Legolas knew he could not doubt his words.

"I am coming, Estel," he said softly, looking at the knife Aragorn gave him. "Please forgive me for closing my mind on you." A determined streak flashed across his eyes. There's no turning back when love is at stake…

          I could stay awake just to hear you breathing,

          Watch you smile while you are sleeping,

          While you are far away and dreaming.

          I could spend my life in this sweet surrender,

          I could stay lost in this moment forever.

          Every moment I spent with you,

          Is a moment I treasure.  

**********

Aragorn sat by the warm heat of the fire. Until now, Legolas' images were still fresh in his mind, but he still loves him just as strong. He had dismissed all the doubts he had about loving the Elven Prince. He still had not given up hope that he will come back to him; and when he does, Aragorn will continue loving him forevermore.

His guards were watching the surroundings, but Elessar couldn't help but be insecure. He had been a Ranger; he was used to being alone. He knew his surroundings better than any of them, but he was a King. He couldn't help it if he was accompanied everywhere by at least two guards. Aragorn knew all the evil that allied themselves to Sauron have all disappeared from the face of Middle Earth, and all that had stayed will be easily outdone. What does he need guards for, when he was very good at defending himself already?

Aragorn sighed and drew his sword, the Anduril, which had won him many victories, including the Battle of the Ring from its sheath. There, he vaguely stared at his reflection. There he was; the same face; the same hair, streaked with gray and untidy but his grey eyes were still dark and sullen. He wondered when he will recover the gleam in his eyes. He knew Legolas remains the only being in Middle Earth who could bring it back to him.

But then, he wasn't alone in the reflection. Someone was approaching from the shadows. Was it only his imagination? His own sentry didn't even notice. The figure became clearer as it drew nearer and nearer. Aragorn saw the moonlight in his hair, the ultramarine skies dotted with the lights of stars in his eyes, the moon's luster in his face and his clothing was the color of the moss which clung to the damp barks of the trees. Aragorn knew at once who it was…Legolas.

Your eyes are deceiving you again, Aragorn thought. It wasn't the first time he saw Legolas as a hallucination. He had 'seen' him all throughout his journey, sometimes beckoning to him from afar or running towards him, his arms outstretched. But after all the illusions, Legolas mysteriously disappeared, leaving no trace of his presence. Aragorn knew his sentinel were already worried about their master. Seeing images of the Elf was something that should be taken seriously.

But the vision was appallingly real. Legolas neared Aragorn and gallantly wrapped his arms around him in the reflection. Aragorn did not tear his eyes away from the smooth surface of his sword. He couldn't take his eyes away from Legolas, who looked so fair…and melancholy. He did not close his eyes; Legolas did not vanish.

"Estel, I love you," Legolas said softly, gently stroking Aragorn's shoulder-length hair. "Come back for me; come back and take me with you." He affectionately kissed the Man's cheek.

"Legolas…" Aragorn reached out behind him to feel his beloved.

"What, Your Majesty?" a voice asked, bewildered.

Aragorn jerked off his trancelike state. His guards were looking at him with anxious expressions. He found out that he was reaching out to thin air. Aragorn sighed. "Another illusion…"

"Sir, you are probably tired of the day's journey, please take a rest."        

"My King, illusions are not real."

But it was more than a vision. Estel heard the Elf speak; his ears were surely not deceiving him. He felt his embrace, he felt his kiss…he said, he told him, to come back for him.

At once, Aragorn stood up and put back the Anduril in its sheath.

"What are you doing, Your Majesty?"

Aragorn then told his guards an order. "Go back to Minas Tirith without me. I am on a Quest for love. Please don't worry about your King. He knows all the places around Gondor more than anyone else, and its dangers. I will come back safe and sound."

One tried to dissuade him. "But sir, our captain will punish us if we come back without you."

The other said, "Your Majesty isn't the Quest of the Ring done?"

Aragorn was getting impatient. "These are my orders. The Quest I am talking about is something for good. I must hurry. I must not have any interference."

"But sir-''

"I repeat, go back to Gondor without me. If your captain threatens to punish you, tell him it is the King's orders."

Aragorn packed up the few articles he had with him and untied his horse from the tree.

"Your Majesty, at least leave when the sun rises-''

Aragorn did not mind him. "This cannot wait. I must go. Do not try to follow me. Are my orders clear?"

The two guards looked at one another. Finally, one said, "Absolutely, Your Majesty."

"Excellent."

Aragorn sat up his horse with the pride and dignity of a King and galloped away as fast as he could. He looked around him every once in a while, though is eyesight was dimmed by the fall of night, he could sense no one at sight…even Legolas. A good thing he was still at the foot of the Misty Mountains. He began to guide his stallion up the range. He knew he would probably at the borders of Mirkwood or at least in the lands of Lorien if he crossed it there. He was nearer to his beloved than he imagined.

"I am bound for the West a week from now."

A week after they left Rivendell? About four or three more days and Legolas is gone from him forever. Aragorn knew he must hasten.

"I am coming, Legolas," Aragorn said as he climbed the steep slopes with difficulty, but Aragorn would not give up. The vision of Legolas filled him with inspiration. "I will not fail you."

          Laying close to you, feeling your heart beating,

          And I'm wond'ring what you're dreaming,

          Wond'ring if it's me you're seeing,

          Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together,

          I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever,

          Forever and ever.

**********

Reflections

Of Aragorn

I must come, I know, and I feel it is the right thing. I must be a senseless person to trust in an illusion, but it looked so like reality. I know Legolas will turn back; I knew it from the very beginning. Our connection with one another is unstoppable, reaching beyond the mountains to be with one another. We cannot live without each other.

I know I might be foolish to choose Legolas over my people, but I will not entirely turn my back from the people of Gondor. I just need to have Legolas with me to help me direct them, to have someone to love above the rest.

 

The journey I chose to take might be difficult, but I will brave any mountain, any evil, be it a Dark Lord, that might come across my path for Legolas.

I am coming.

Of Legolas

I thought Father will do something unpleasant to me for loving a Man, but he was ever so kind and understanding. I will never desire another parent over him. I was never really close to my Royal family, being adventurous and curious to explore the other realms outside Mirkwood, but I never knew Father in point of fact understood me that much. He even found out Aragorn was the one I love by my knife! I was astonished by the fact that I talked to Aragorn regarding our breaking up with such bravery, only to stand speechless before my very own father.

Well, I know Aragorn can wait and can understand me regarding my relationship with Father; therefore, that is not my main challenge. I have to go to Minas Tirith and before Aragorn. I must make him believe that I still love him just as strong as before, that I found out, and am sorry, that I had done wrong. My doubts are far beyond customary. Is acceptance still possible to me? I have strong faith in my beloved; I know he will still welcome me into his heart.

I will find him. I will love him.

          Don't wanna close my eyes,

          I don't wanna fall asleep,

          'Coz I'd miss you, baby,

          And I don't wanna miss a thing

          'Coz even when I ream of you,

          The sweetest dream will never do,

          I still miss you, baby,

          And I don't wanna miss a thing.

*Finis*

Well, don't really have a clear view if a horse could climb the Misty Mountains…but hey! The finale is near. Be patient, you will love it!