Arwen Undomiel: Here is an update that I've managed to put together a little faster than the last one. Enjoy!
Melissa: Oooh, Walt Disney World! My daughter and I and two of her friends are going there in June. We went once before and loved it! We loved the Pirates of the Caribbean ride even before it became a movie.
Grumpy: I enjoyed sticking my Elves up in a tree—um, no pun intended, really!
Jebb: I wasn't actually thinking of the legend of Beddgelert, but I can see that there are some similarities between the tale of the loyal Gelert and Estel's Gwaurant. Are you familiar with the Disney animated feature Lady and the Tramp? There is an episode in there that is very similar to the legend of Beddgelert. A dog protects a baby from a rat, but the baby's aunt believes that the dog was attacking the baby instead. He is hauled off to be put down. Fortunately, the parents arrive and discover the body of the rat in time for the dog to be reprieved.
Farflung: I am going to send Baramagor out on patrol very early the next morning. Of course, this will only be postponing the day of reckoning. As a warrior, Baramagor can't avoid the Armorer for ever.
Karri: Oh, there are a few Elves left in Rivendell who are capable of riding to the rescue. I'll let you in on a secret. Erestor is going out again. He he he. ^_^
Joee: Would you believe that after I bragged about my perfect chapter I found a spot where I typed 'Baramathor' for 'Baramagor'? I was probably getting the spelling of his name confused with that of 'Berenmathor'. So you missed a chance to dictate the terms of my next story! But, wait, maybe you'll find a mistake in this installment. I'd better not get too cocky.
Kitsune: Poor father indeed! I will now have to arrange to get Baramagor out of Rivendell before the Armorer can get his hands on him.
Dragonfly: People seem to like my nekkid Elves. Hmm. Maybe I should do a nekkid Elf series. Nah, never mind.
Thranduil was well enough to travel, and the older Elves, joined by Gandalf, were discussing the final stage of Legolas' return to Greenwood, which all felt should not be delayed much longer. Gandalf, as usual, led the way in bluntly outlining the situation.
"Thranduil has done well to permit Legolas to spend time with friends and foster-kin. However, if he goes on spending each day so pleasantly in their company, he may come to have second thoughts about completing his journey!"
"Mithrandir is right," agreed Celeborn. "Legolas has been free from all cares these past several weeks. He must not be allowed to forget that he has very real responsibilities, and, I might add, he would have had them whether or no he had admitted to being the Prince of Greenwood. A time draws near when every Elf will be expected to play a role in the defense of Arda."
"Yes," said Galadriel, "and for some that time has arrived. I do not think Elrohir and Elladan should continue further. Elrond has need of them at once. Estel, upon whom so much depends, has gone astray and must be recovered."
"Legolas will take it hard if he is deprived now of the twins," objected Thranduil. "I am sure he was relying upon their being at his side when he re-enters the Great Hall."
"As he should not," said Gandalf. "For he would turn to them when he should be reaching out to establish relationships with Greenwood Elves—not least of all with Tawarmaenas! No, Elrohir and Elladan should return to Rivendell with the escort of Imladris Elves. Henceforth it shall be their business to safeguard the heir to the throne of Gondor."
"And what of Haldir, Rúmil, and Orophin?" asked Thranduil.
"With the departure of the Imladris scouts, you will need an escort of Lothlórien Elves," conceded Celeborn. "Haldir and his brothers could be numbered amongst them."
"That will soften the blow somewhat," said Thranduil gratefully.
"Yes," said Galadriel, "but the Lórien guardians must not linger. Once they have seen Thranduil and Legolas safely to Greenwood, they must return at once."
"Why the haste, my Lady?" asked Thranduil. "We would be glad to host them for as long as they wished to stay."
"I do not decline your hospitality lightly, Thranduil," Galadriel replied, "but Legolas will turn to Haldir and his brothers as he would have turned to Elladan and Elrohir. It shall not be their intention, but they will drive a wedge between Legolas and the Greenwood Elves, who will soon be resentfully whispering that Legolas does not deign to consort with them, preferring instead the company of foreign Elves."
Thranduil sighed.
"You speak the truth. For Legolas the bitterness of parting has been delayed slightly, but it cannot be avoided altogether."
"This will be true for many, Thranduil," said Galadriel. As she spoke, she glanced keenly at Gandalf. He returned her glance steadily.
Thranduil arose.
"I suppose," he said unhappily, "I had better inform Legolas of our decision."
Gandalf arose as well.
"Indeed you should, Thranduil. But you may also pass along this as consolation. I think it is time that I pay a visit to Greenwood—if you don't object, of course."
"Object!" exclaimed Thranduil. "My dear Mithrandir, why ever would I object? But," he teased, "aren't you being a trifle hypocritical—declaring that Elrohir and Elladan may not accompany Legolas but then going yourself!?"
"Not a bit," replied Gandalf, unperturbed. "It is true that Legolas will come to me for counsel, but I am not his boon companion! My presence will reassure our young prince, but it will not in the least deflect him from gravitating toward the younger Greenwood Elves when he feels the urge to shoot, ride, drink, swim, sing, flirt, and gossip. I do not excel at any of these activities."
"Are you sure?" said Galadriel teasingly. "Among other things, we have never heard you sing. Shouldn't you assay that art so that we may judge whether or not your words be true?"
Voice mirthful, Gandalf answered in the same light-hearted fashion.
"Believe you me, Lady, you do not wish to hear me sing! Once, in a tavern, I croaked out a ballad to throw some Southron spies off my scent. They concluded that anyone with such a voice must serve the forces of darkness, and far from seeking my death, they sought to recruit me to join their number!"
All laughed heartily, even the Lady. After she had recovered, she made as if to speak, but the wizard raised his hand to stay her.
"Nay, Lady," he chuckled, "you are about to suggest that I swim instead of sing. I do not think you Elves would appreciate a piscatory exhibition of my form any more than an auditory one!"
"I for one do not!" Celeborn agreed hastily. "Pray keep your robes on, Mithrandir!"
"Why, Celeborn," declared Galadriel, "you do not wish to enter into a swimming competition with Mithrandir and Thranduil!? For shame! Have you no spirit?"
"I will enter into such a competition if you will!" rejoined Celeborn.
"I am surprised at you, Celeborn," answered his mate. "Surely you must know that someone must serve as judge of any competition. I had been minded to volunteer for that duty."
"Aye, to remain on land—and clothed," laughed Celeborn. "How very thoughtful of you!"
There was a time when Thranduil would have found it painful to witness such cheerful repartee between husband and wife, but now he found himself enjoying the affectionate exchange. It did not, as in times past, remind him of what he had lost; rather it put him in mind of what he had regained. For the more comfortable he and Legolas became with one another, the more they engaged in the same sort of light-hearted bantering. Smiling, he turned to depart the talan, but once more he was called back.
"Thranduil," said Galadriel, "there is one more matter needs addressing. And, Mithrandir," she chided smilingly, "why do you stand as if all has been concluded?"
The two resumed their seats and gazed inquiringly at the Lady.
"Mithrandir mentioned Tawarmaenas a little while ago. Should we not give some thought as to how this news is to be broken to him?"
Thranduil looked chagrined.
"I have been remiss in my duty. So overjoyed I have been to regain my son that I have lately given no thought to my nephew, my sister-son!"
"Do not reproach yourself," said Galadriel. "It is not every day that a dead son is restored to his father; moreover, you have been injured. Altogether, you have had much to preoccupy your thoughts."
"Galadriel is right," agreed Gandalf. "She is also right that that the news must now be conveyed to Tawarmaenas, but I do not think we should worry overmuch about how he will react."
"Should we not?" asked Thranduil, puzzled. "For centuries he has been raised to think of himself as heir to the throne of Greenwood. Suddenly he is heir no longer. Will he not be distressed?"
Gandalf laughed, but it was a kindly laugh.
"Thranduil, I assure you that Tawarmaenas will be positively delighted to learn that he is not to be your heir. Out of a sense of duty, he has diligently studied to be king, but he never aspired to that position. Indeed, I think you will find that he has consoled himself these many years with the belief that Legolas lived and would return some day to save him from the fate of becoming ruler of Greenwood."
"You think so?" said Thranduil, relief upon his face. "I do not wish to see Tawarmaenas hurt, for I love him like a son. It is good to know that he will not be disappointed at learning that he is no longer the Prince of Greenwood."
"Oh, he will feel not disappointment but joy—for you, for Legolas, and for himself. In fact, it is for this reason that Galadriel is right—we must give some thought to the reunion between Tawarmaenas and his cousin. Tawarmaenas will be so excited that I think that the first meeting should not take place in public."
"Mithrandir is right," agreed Galadriel. "Legolas should arrive quietly at the Great Hall, without a great crowd gathered about. There should be no grand progress from Lothlórien to Greenwood."
It was Thranduil who was disappointed. He had looked forward to proclaiming to the world his joy at having recovered his son. Now it seemed that his friends and advisors wished to rob him of that pleasure.
Galadriel smiled at his chagrined face.
"Thranduil, we are merely suggesting that you delay a little any public ceremony welcoming the return of Legolas, at least until Legolas and Tawarmaenas have had a chance to become reacquainted. Surely a few more months will signify little, given how long you suffered his absence. At least you can enjoy his company whilst you wait for the right moment to reintroduce Legolas to his future subjects.
When matters were put in those terms, Thranduil could not but agree.
"Very well," he said, more cheerfully than any had expected. "Legolas shall return quietly—but you may be sure that, when the requisite time has passed, there will be a celebration the likes of which have never been seen in any of the elven realms. Mithrandir, you must provide fireworks—do you suppose you could create spider webs in the sky? I think that would be most appreciated by all and sundry!"
Gandalf chuckled.
"Spider webs, eh? You have recovered your mordant sense of humor, I see. Well, well, I will think on it. And now, my Lady, may Thranduil and I at last be excused, he to inform Legolas of these plans, I to meditate upon the design of a shell that when exploded will create a silver web across the sky?"
Galadriel inclined her head, and both she and Celeborn arose as their two guests took their leave.
Both Gandalf and Galadriel had one other reason for desiring that it not be widely known that Legolas would be journeying from Lothlórien to Mirkwood. In truth, Galadriel was the more concerned of the two, but Gandalf acceded to her request that he support her in the matter.
"Mithrandir," she had said privately to him, "perhaps there are some who would be disappointed to learn that Legolas still lives. After all, a realm whose king has both a son and a loyal nephew as potential heirs is more secure than one in which one heir only survives. When our Greenwood friends depart this land, they will be at their most vulnerable, for there is no shelter between here and their kingdom save for the lands kept by Beorn. It should not be bruited about that Thranduil and Legolas are journeying hence."
"My Lady, it is certainly already known by many that Thranduil is here, and that he is accompanied by a young Elf whose resemblance to him is striking and who is being treated with the utmost deference. And it will be expected that the king and his young companion will eventually journey on to Greenwood."
"True, Mithrandir, but the exact time of their setting out can surely be hidden. In that manner at least we can reduce the danger that they will be assailed."
Galadriel did not tell the wizard that above all she feared the machinations of Saruman, for she knew that Gandalf did not share her suspicions of him. It seemed that in all of Middle Earth only Legolas felt the same way that she did about the Istar of Isengard. But even without mention of Saruman, Gandalf was able to see the wisdom of Galadriel's words. Indeed, so seriously did the wizard take her advice that he vanished for a few days shortly before Legolas and Thranduil were to depart. It seems that he made a quick journey to the dwelling of Beorn the shape changer. Willingly did that ursine worthy once again agree to deploy his horses as guardians of Gandalf's friends. So it was that the Elves repeatedly came upon the trampled bodies of Orcs and wargs as they journeyed from Lórien to Greenwood. And so it was that Saruman never heard tell of what became of the force that he had sent out to ambush the Elves in the plain between the Misty Mountains and the forest of Mirkwood.
But at this time that journey was still several days in the future. At the moment, the immediate task the older Elves faced was to inform the younger Elves that soon their fellowship would have to disband. Thranduil first went to speak with his son.
"Legolas," he called up from the base of the tree that held Haldir's talan.
The head of his son appeared over the edge of the platform.
"Yes, Ada."
"Ion-nîn, come down that I may speak with you."
Legolas went obediently to the ladder and swiftly descended. Once on the ground, he and his father strolled into the woods and disappeared.
The remaining Elves exchanged worried glances one with the other.
"I think," opined Rúmil, "that things are about to happen."
"Aye," sighed Orophin. "'Happen' as in Legolas is going to be departing shortly for Greenwood."
"We knew he wasn't going to be staying forever," Haldir pointed out.
"Yes," said Elladan unhappily, "but from the first he was never going to be staying forever here. But it did seem for awhile as if he were going to be staying forever in Imladris."
Elrohir tried to think of something to say to cheer up his twin. He flung an arm over his brother's shoulder.
"At least we won't be parted just yet," he consoled Elladan. "We will be escorting Legolas to Greenwood, and then we may stay several weeks before we depart on the return journey to Rivendell."
At that very moment, however, Legolas was learning that this was not to be the case. Thranduil had decided to speak with utter honesty and explain why Gandalf and the older Elves had decided that it was time for Elladan and Elrohir to return to Imladris.
"There are two reasons, Legolas. First, Galadriel senses that Elladan and Elrohir are needed in Rivendell to secure the safety of Estel. As you are well aware, Galadriel and Mithrandir are convinced that much depends upon that young human. I must confess that I do not know all the reasons why they believe this to be so, but I do not doubt the truth of their assertions."
"Nor do I, Ada. I know Estel well. In him is a goodness that has already budded and that will blossom into greatness in the fullness of time. But what is the second reason, Ada?"
"We fear that you will turn overmuch to Elladan and Elrohir when you should be forging friendships among your Greenwood peers. It would be a natural impulse on your part, but such behavior would alienate you from your future subjects."
Legolas pondered.
"I suppose," he said slowly, "that you will next tell me that Haldir, Rúmil, and Orophin may not accompany me either."
Thranduil smiled, although a little sadly.
"You are very astute, my son. You must concede that you would turn to Haldir and his brothers just as you would turn to Elrohir and Elladan. Your friendship with them is strong and dates back many years."
Legolas sighed.
"I cannot deny that what you say is true."
"Take comfort in this, my son. Haldir and his brothers will journey with you to Greenwood. It is just that, once they have seen you safely home, they will not remain past the time it will take them to rest for the return journey.'
Legolas nodded.
"I understand, Ada. Is that all?"
"No. Mithrandir will be journeying with you—and he will not be returning straightaway. He means to spend several weeks in Greenwood."
Legolas brightened.
"That is good! I will not be utterly bereft of friends."
"Legolas," chided Thranduil, "surely you have not forgotten your cousin Tawarmaenas! And what of Gilglîr? Was he not your friend!"
Legolas was chastened.
"You are right, Ada. It will seem strange at first not to go about in the company of Elladan and Elrohir or Haldir and his brothers, but I know I shall not be friendless."
"I am glad you agree. Do you wish to explain matters to your friends and your foster-brothers, or would you prefer that Galadriel and Mithrandir take on that task?"
"No, Ada. I would prefer to tell them."
"That would probably be best, but I thought I had better ask."
"Thank you, Ada."
"Oh, and Legolas."
"Yes, Ada?"
"If Elrohir is still troubled by hearing you call me 'Ada', I would not mind if you called me 'Adar-nîn'. Truly, Legolas, I would not be hurt if you addressed me in the more formal fashion out of regard for Elrohir's feelings."
Legolas shook his head.
"No, Ada. He has told me he does not mind. Elrohir now understands that I have two fathers and love them both. He said that since a person can manage having more than one brother at a time, he sees no reason why a person can't have more than one Ada, too."
"Wasn't Elrohir the twin who had the reputation for being a hellion?"
"Yes," laughed Legolas.
"Hmm, it seems that the hellion has matured into a philosopher!"
"Yes," teased Legolas, "but he may revert into a hellion when I pass along this news. And if he does, look to your hair!"
"My hair?"
"Yes. Elrohir specializes in the cutting and dying of hair into unusual shapes and odd colors—the brighter the better. I shall tell you of his tonsorial exploits some day."
Thranduil entered into the spirit of things.
"I assume that said exploits were 'hair raising'."
"More like 'hair razing', Ada," chortled Legolas.
"Be off with you," smiled Thranduil, pretending to cuff one pointed ear.
Legolas made a great show of ducking, and then, grinning, he ran back in the direction of Haldir's talan.
It was only after he left that the significance of his words dawned upon Thranduil.
Elrohir now understands that I have two fathers and love them both.
Thranduil stood tranfixed. The words reverberated in his mind.
I have two fathers and love them both.
"Thank you, my son," whispered Thranduil. "Thank you."