Looks like I got everyone worked up again with that last chapter…. Read away, everyone! Thanks so much for your reviews!
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Chapter 50--Announcements and Preparations
Legolas was very quiet at breakfast the next morning, which concerned Qui. Once the meal was finished Thranduil decided it was time. "There is an announcement I must make. My people will sail to the west after the wedding and Legolas has agreed to come with us," he said.
There was dead, shocked silence at the table for a moment then Aragorn shook off his surprise. "Your leaving will be a great loss, King Thranduil and you will be missed greatly, Legolas," he said.
"Thank you, Aragorn. I felt that it would be best to go with my kin," Legolas said.
Thranduil stood. "My son and I will return to Mirkwood to make preparations, but Legolas has asked to stay here. We will leave within the hour," he said. He left the room and Jadriel followed. Legolas did too after smiling briefly at the others.
It was several moments before anyone spoke. "I cannot believe Legolas is leaving us," Syri said.
"Neither can I," Qui said.
"I thought that it would be a long time before the Mirkwood Elves left as well," Aragorn said. "I wonder why they would abandon Mirkwood after fighting so hard to protect it."
"I can guess, though I can not say for sure it is true," Elrond said.
"Why?" Boromir asked.
"How many Wood Elves shed their blood in that forests? Death is a frightening thing for any Elf to face. I imagine that is why. The forest is tainted with the senselessly lost lives of their kind, so they will sail to the west where they will be safe and their grief will heal. I do not blame them and none of you should either," Elrond said.
"But why Legolas?" Syri asked.
"He has suffered much torment, perhaps he seeks peace and healing as well," Elrond said.
Everyone was quiet as they thought about Elrond's words.
"You are very wise, Lord Elrond, if that is what Legolas seeks then I hope he finds it," Qui said.
"It is a shame though. Legolas had become a friend and we would have liked to spend some time with him," Elladan said.
"I will miss him as well," Qui said softly.
"You have become very close to the young prince, more then a bodyguard. Have you not?" Elrond asked.
"Wise and perceptive as well, yes, he has become like a son to me," Qui admitted.
Arwen sighed. "Sometimes it is best for a Elf to leave the shores of Middle Earth to Valinar rather then stay, especially if he or she has suffered badly," she said.
"Like Legolas has. Besides I am sure he would not want to be separated from his father and brother. He has not seen much of them," Aragorn said.
"He worried us a bit when we found him," Elrohir admitted. He told them all that had happened and what Legolas had said.
"He meant every word too. His voice was cold and emotionless. That is not a good thing," Elladan said.
"No, it is not," Arwen agreed. "I am glad he is at least staying for the wedding."
"Well, at least he is staying so we will get to spend a bit more time with him before he leaves," Aragorn said. He stood and offered Arwen his arm. "Please excuse us." He led his future bride from the room.
*Meanwhile*
Legolas went out to the courtyard with his father and brother. Their escort was already waiting for them. "Here is the list of what I want to take with me," he said.
"Very well, pen-neth, are you sure you do not want to come back to Mirkwood with us?" Thranduil asked, taking the parchment Legolas offered to him.
"Nay, I want to spend more time with my friends before we leave," he said.
After exchanging final hugs and good-byes Thranduil and Jadriel mounted and they and their escort rode off towards the city gates.
*Back to the Others*
Twenty minutes after Aragorn and Arwen had left Elrond rose. "I have tasks I must attend too also. Please excuse me," he said. He left the room and only then did a small, secretive and knowing smile form on his lips….
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Elrond knows something! Next chapter will be even better I think! R/R please!