I'm afraid the plot bunnies decided to desert me on a sequel, so it's been put on the back burner for now. But I think I will do a twins, Aragorn and Legolas story, not connected to this. I started getting interested in Elladan and Elrohir from other fiction I read. Hope you'll all check it out!
Chapter 53--A Healer's Duty
Legolas couldn't bring himself to tell his father why he was so upset and after he left Legolas couldn't sleep. After three hours of tossing and turning he got up. He got dressed and slipped out to the garden. Being under the stars soothed his troubled spirit and he finally dozed off in a large tree.
Breakfast was a rather sober. No one felt much like talking. Legolas slipped into the dining hall and sat next to his father ten minutes late, looking a bit tousled from sleep. "I am sorry for being late," he said.
"That is alright, pen-neth," Thranduil said.
Legolas filled his plate, but found it hard to eat more then a few bites. He sighed to himself and looked around the table only to find his eyes locked with Lady Galadriel. He pulled his gaze away hastily. I do not wish to do this, I am sorry, ada, he thought.
Breakfast was almost over when Aragorn stood. "I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to King Thranduil, Prince Jadriel and Prince Legolas. May your journey to the West be swift and sure," he said.
Those at the table clapped, but Legolas somehow was still heard. "I am not sailing to the West," he said.
The applause died abruptly and everyone stared at Legolas in surprise, except for Elrond and Lady Galadriel who gave him encouraging nods.
Legolas looked at Thranduil and Jadriel, eyes tormented. "I am sorry, but I can not go. I have to stay here. I am needed, please understand," he said.
Thranduil shook off his surprise and hugged Legolas. "If you feel that you must stay then you should. I could never be angry with you, little one. Is this why you were so upset last night?" he asked.
Legolas nodded. "I wanted to tell you then, but I could not find the words," he said.
"It is alright. We will see each other again. Eventually you will be called to the Gray Havens as will anyone who share our blood. You will sail and your brother and I will be waiting for you," Thranduil whispered.
"Hannon le, ada," Legolas whispered.
"You will come see us off?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas nodded, relieved that Thranduil understood.
Eventually it was time to go. After everyone had said their farewells. Thranduil gestured to Qui. "I would speak to you alone," he said. Qui came over and they walked away from the group. "I have watched how you guard and care for Legolas and it is more then just the care of a guard," he said.
"Legolas is older then me by centuries, but I still cannot help considering him a child, I look at him as my own son" Qui admitted.
"He is still a child by our standards. I would ask a favor of you," Thranduil said.
"Ask and I will do it if I can," Qui said.
"Watch over and protect my son as long as you are able, because I will not be able too. Swear it to me," Thranduil said.
"I swear that I will watch over him, sire," Qui said.
Satisfied, Thranduil led Qui back to where Legolas waited. Qui returned to Syri's side to give Thranduil time with Legolas.
Thranduil hugged his son close, stroking the golden hair that was so much like his beloved Nyssa's. "I will miss you every day. This is not good-bye though, only until we meet again," he whispered. It was a long time before Thranduil released him.
"Farewell, ada," Legolas whispered. "I love you."
Jadriel took his father's place. He hugged his little brother tightly then looked into his eyes. "Stay out of trouble if you are even capable of it, brat. I will be waiting for you too. Farewell," he said.
"I will, farewell," Legolas said.
Thranduil and Jadriel boarded their ship and slowly the fleet set sail. One by one the others headed back towards the city, but Qui didn't move. He stayed with Legolas until the last sail disappeared on the horizon.
"Are you alright?" Qui asked kindly.
"Aye, I am a healer first and I am needed here. I will join them in time and I have all the time in the world," Legolas said softly.
Qui put a fatherly arm around Legolas's shoulders. "Shall we go home?" he asked.
Legolas's smile was warm. "Aye, home," he agreed.
As they walked Legolas glanced back a final time. He felt more confident of his decision to stay now. He would train Arwen's daughter and help the wounded in Gondor then when the time came he too would sail to the West. Until then he would be safe with his second family. All would go as the Valor decreed…
THE END
Well, it's over, I'm sorry to see this series come to an end. I've enjoyed the ride and I hope all of you have too. Thanks for your support though out the series. Hope you enjoy the final chapter and perhaps the plot bunnies will bring back more for a sequel someday….Namarie!
She-Cat