Chapter 3
"Who goes there?" called the voice of a guard from the top of the high gate, which was guarding the borders of the Northern woods.
"'Tis I, Prince Legolas. I have returned home," he replied, remembering that it was the same gate that he and the present King of Gondor had entered from with Gollum in tow two years ago.
From their positions at the gate, the guards, with their fine Elven eyes, could see that, indeed, the Prince had returned.
"It is an honor, to welcome your home at last, Your Highness. You have been greatly missed," they called.
As the gate was raised, Legolas called his thanks up and rode forward, into his Father's kingdom.
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It was not a long ride to his father's palace. As Legolas rode along the path that wove through the trees to the palace, he could see that word of his arrival home had been sent ahead, and had reached before he had.
As he emerged from the woods, he could see clearly the Elven soldiers in their magnificent gold and green livery lined along the sides of the path. As he started down the path, sweet woodland music began to play. The soldiers' blades swung upwards and formed a shining silver arc above his head as he rode. Rosy petals of spring flowers were cast in his path by fair garland-bearing maidens. The elves standing behind the soldiers bowed as he passed.
When he had reached the great oak doors of the palace, they were drawn open to reveal the royal procession awaiting him. Legolas dismounted Arod as they started down the carved stone steps. First was King Thranduil, his fair hair crowned with a silver circlet entwined with blooming vines. His father's face shone with joy, tears in his eyes and a smile upon his lips. Behind the king followed the crown prince, Legolas's eldest brother, Adrahil, who was clearly overjoyed to see his youngest brother again. After Adrahil came the other two, Legolas's brothers, Brethilorn and Thalion, and behind them, the royal guard, resplendent in their armor. A pang shot through Legolas's heart as he looked at the empty space where Ithilwen would have walked.
Thranduil reached his youngest son and roughly pulled him into an embrace.
"Legolas. By the Valar, is it truly you?" Thranduil murmured hoarsely into his son's golden hair.
"Yes, Ada, it is." Legolas whispered back as tears gathered in his eyes and a fresh wave of guilt washed over him.
As his father released him, Legolas felt for a moment that Thranduil had been reluctant to let him go. But the comforting thought was quickly destroyed as the voice inside his head returned and reminded him of Ithilwen.
He wasn't allowed to ponder for long, for his brothers pounced on him, and the thought was lost for the time being.
Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed as all high-bearing images were cast aside. Laughing and weeping, father and sons returned home together.
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