Disclaimer: All appropriate stuff inserted here. Basically I don't own any of it but sure wish I did. LOL Don't sue, I have no money.
Author's Notes: I have a new beta and I want to thank Quinn for stepping in and doing an excellent job. To all of you who have continued to pester me about this, thanks so much, I'm glad you love my story. The next chapter shouldn't be as long of a wait.
Iawen - Shakes in boots as I feel the pressure Of course I left it there, why wouldn't I? And yes, it is ironic and sad, but I still maintain that Thranduil is not a bad guy, so keep your hopes up, but it will probably be a bumpy ride.
Cynthia McNeal – Thank you for loving my fic and asking about it. I know I'm slow in updating, but I hope each chapter is worth the wait. hugs
Alex – You are not a bad reviewer Alex. Your ramblings tell me more then you think. That I make you gasp in horror and disbelief, what wonderful words to an author who is trying to do just that. As for your rules, we have discussed that and I don't want to spoil it for others here. LOL
Cathy – Well I'm glad it was good horrible. LOL Don't worry, I have my plans and I'll be writing again soon. But of course, you will see it first, so you are lucky.
Nevfacwen – At least someone is concerned for the elf maiden. I'll just say this … well maybe I won't. LOL Guess you will have to wait.
SpazzyHypy – YAY Another who is concerned for the elf maiden. He must live must he? Goes off pondering
Araya Arwen – Thanks for thinking it's amazing. I think it was a good ending, I've got you all wanting the next chapter, isn't that my job?
Elwen – YAY for being number 100!!! As for bad? Well, good and bad, off and on, isn't that what a good fic should do? Keep reading!
Feanen – Yep, I have to have an evil cliffie every now and again. I'm so glad you are still reading. big hugs
Shanya - faints dead Brilliant writing style? Thank you for the really kind words. I tend to be slow in updating, I'm really picky about what I post, but I hope you stick around.
Gen Eveningstar – I'm glad you found it gripping. It's nice to know I've accomplished what I set out to do in touching the reader's emotions. I only hope I can continue to do so. Thanks!
PT – YAY! I created pictures for you and you could feel it. Maybe I'll eventually believe you all and actually think I write well. As for the evil cliffie, it's me remember. You should expect them sometimes. LOL
Siobhan – I understand you are very busy, so it's okay if you don't review everyone. It's just nice to know that you are reading it and liking it. Thanks! hugs
Sirith – Thanks again. As for what happens, I guess you can go read now. I hope you like it.
Steff – YAY Thanks for reading Steff. I promise to keep writing, I just hope I can keep you all interested.
Fairy-of-the-lost – Thank you very much. I don't try to make chapters end like that, I just end them where it feels right, but I still hope you come back for more.
Chris – Thank you so much Chris. You are so kind with your words. I hope I can continue to write and not disappoint.
LOTRFaith – It's nice to know that I'm not overdoing a storyline. I'm glad you found it again and continue to read. Thanks for the review!
Twisted Fool – Thanks so much for reading. I warn you though, I'm slow at updating, but I'm getting there. LOL
Wen – Wow, thanks for reading Wen. I'm bad at getting updates out, but I'm still working on it. As to the title, guess you will have to see. LOL Hope you keep reading.
Cube – I'm working on it, I promise. Hope you are enjoying it.
Pop dat booty – Thank you very much, I'm glad you like it.
The Nameless Elf – That you for your kind words, I guess if you read this, I've managed to write more.
King Thranduil's outcry of unmitigated sadness and painful regret echoed through the dense cloud of dust and soot induced by the massive amounts of earth converging.
Elf and man alike bowed their heads, many dropped to a knee, in reverence of the dead. An imposing silence penetrated many to the core, when out of the stillness arose a voice of single purpose.
Tranquil was the lament of Lord Isál as his lyric testified to the life of Legolas, elfling prince of Greenwood the Great. His melody so pure, the humans could feel the meaning of the words. Melody gave way to harmony, as Lord Isál's tenor soared through the air, uniting with the bass voice of another. Two voices became three as a baritone blended with the tune. Within minutes, all the warriors of Greenwood lent voice in tribute to an immortal soul lost too soon, their chorus so magnificent the very skies began to weep.
The deluge would not deter the stoic elves from their valediction to the young prince. Each warrior uttered silent prayers to the Valar that their homage would guide Legolas to the great Halls of Mandos where he would be admitted and welcomed by others whose lights had been extinguished too soon, many of whom had been his heroes.
It was only after a fitting tribute was paid that the crescendo of their melodic eulogy abated, the echo of each voice sailing with the wind until once again only Isál's voice could be heard.
King Thranduil stood, pulling his cloak tightly around himself, as if that single piece of cloth contained all the regal bearing he would need to make it through this tragedy. The King spoke briefly with Rercyn, then both companies retreated from the empty sadness of the clearing. The king spoke to no one else as he led his warriors home.
Lord Isál lingered a moment longer, the failure evident in his eyes. Rising, he mounted his horse, riding behind the company, knowing that he would carry out the banishment upon himself. He had given his word to his king that Legolas would be safe and his failure would haunt him throughout his immortal life.
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Dawn broke with a palpable sadness. Randil, still recovering in the Halls of Healing, took a deep breath as he tried to release his pent-up frustrations. He did not wish to be coddled; he wanted to be out there searching for Legolas. His next breath caught in his throat as he thought of losing his best and only friend before the adventures of their lives had really begun.
Elariand entered the room not long after, smiling at Randil, a knowing look in his eye. Approaching the bed, the healer checked the restless young warrior's progress. The wound could have been fatal had it not been treated, but the healer was now convinced of a complete recovery.
"Anarandil, I see no reason for you to remain in convalescence. If you would kindly hold onto the tiny string of patience you have left, I'll send for your Ammë and you may return to your home. You must however continue to rest and come see me everyday so I can check your progress."
Randil nodded his head eagerly and the healer laughed at the look on his young patient's face. He sent word to inform Randil's Ammë that she was welcome to take him home.
Knowing he still needed to rest and take it easy, his Ammë had tried to keep from him all that she knew, but it was to no avail. Animosity was still elevated against the young Lothlorien elf, but his loyalty could not be questioned, as he was the first to the gates when it was reported that the rescue party was returning. As a crowd gathered around him, he ignored them all, waiting for a glimpse of his friend.
The gates slowly opened, and with each inch Randil could feel a vice gripping his heart. Why are the warriors so quiet? Randil thought to himself.
As the king entered the gates, his head held high, Randil knew. He watched in terror as the warriors passed and the crowd stood in anguished astonishment. Sinking to his knees, Randil watched as Lord Isál entered last, the look on his master's face solidifying what he did not need to be told. Legolas was dead.
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Elriowiel and Tiniwiel watched from the palace as the company progressed through the gates. Elriowiel was sincerely surprised that Legolas was not present, her heart recoiling from the implications. Clutching the hand of her daughter, they hastened to the throne room, the visage of each present burning into Elriowiel's very being. "Legolas?" Her eyes pleaded with her husband. She reached out, placing a shaking hand on his chest. "Thranduil, where is my son?"
Thranduil signaled for the room to empty. Bowing in respect to their king, their departure was swift, not one of them registering the significance of the moment. For the first time since Teril's death and Legolas' birth, the entire royal family stood in one room, together but not united.
Thranduil's eyes were deep pools of pain as he met his wife's gaze. "I am so sorry."
"Damn you." She pounded her fists into his chest. "You always hated him and you let him die."
The words pierced his heart, but he did not blame her for them. He did not willingly let Legolas die, nor did he 'hate' his youngest son. But in his heart, he knew that he was not the Adar his son deserved.
"No love, I did not let him die." He looked once again into her tear-filled eyes his own tears blurring his vision. "Even if I had 'hated' him as you say, I would have sacrificed my life for his, just so you would be happy."
As she collapsed into his arms, heartbroken once again, Rowyn and Anaran stood in the shadows, also feeling a deep sense of guilt for having not given Legolas a chance. Tiniwiel sat in a crumpled heap on the floor, tormented by the loss of the brother she held so dear.
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Word spread quickly through the gathered masses as to all that had transpired. Soon the words 'Teril' and 'human' were once again heard and the old tragedy was afresh with new speculation.
No one gave heed to the outsider still on his knees at the great gates, unmoving and unwanted. None of the gossip around him penetrated his pain until he heard mention of Lord Isál and the imminent banishment.
So I will lose my teacher also, his thoughts whirled in his head. But they did not bring back a body. Maybe, just maybe.
Deciding his course of action, Randil quickly slipped out the massive gates. He was quite certain his disappearance would go unnoticed by all but one, and sadly, he was correct. The one, however, had been watching him, keeping distance and vigil, knowing her young son would be making the decisions far beyond his years. She wasn't surprised as she watched him leave.
The rain had not diminished the trail left by the horses and it seemed to beckon him forward. His own safety was of no concern as he followed the path, his need to find his friend drawing him out of the protection of his home.