Chapter 16
The horses' hoofbeats broke the heavy silence of the cam. Upon hearing the horses, Thranduil stepped out from a tent, blood staining his robes.
Seeing their father, the four riders dismounted and were met by a somber Thranduil.
"What is it, Ada?" asked Brethilorn, sensing Thranduil's somberness.
Thranduil sighed. "Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, King under the Mountain has passed from this world," the Elvenking said.
"The healers could not save him?" asked Thalion quietly.
"His wounds were mortal. We tried to."
Brethilorn, Thalion, Legolas, and Ithilwen looked silently at their father's sleeves, dark with blood.
"I regret that we did not part with him in peace," said Legolas finally.
"He gave his repentance and his thanks to the elves before he passed. Especially to you, Legolas," said Thranduil.
"Legolas flushed slightly as his siblings turned to look at him curiously. "Me?" he asked quietly.
His father nodded. "Yes, you apparently saved his kinsman's life."
"Oh, Glóin," said Legolas, understanding dawning on him. "Long story," he added as his father and siblings opened their mouths to question him.
Thranduil shook his head slightly. "Go, have some food then rest," he said to his children. "The deceased's funeral shall be held tomorrow."
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The funeral procession of Thorin Oakenshield and his nephews marched across the fields from the camp to the Mountain's foot. They were all robed in black. Thorin's casket went first, born by eight dwarves. IT was wrought of gold and gems, fit only for a king. The caskets of Fili and Kili were born side-by-side behind Thorin's. Dain, the new King under the Mountain, and his guard marched behind the coffins. Behind them was Gandalf, Bilbo, Bard, and Thranduil. The children of the Elvenking went behind them. Companies of elves, men and dwarves went behind them, mourning the losses.
The procession stopped before the Mountain. The caskets were laid down, and words of remembrance, mourning, and prayer were spoken. Then Bard laid the Arkenstone upon Thorin's breast. It gleamed and shone like an orb of diamond and rain. "There let it lie till the Mountain falls!" said Bard. "May it bring good fortune to all his folk that dwell here after!" The casket was closed and buried, and a mound was raised over the grave. Thranduil then brought out the sword Orcrist, that had been taken from Thorin during his captivity in the Elvenking's halls. He placed the sword upon the grave, and said, "May it bring protection from your foes and strength to your warriors."
Fili and Kili were buried in graves beside their fallen King and Uncle, protecting him from foes until the end of Eternity.
"Hiro hyn hîdh ab'wanath," the elves murmured, their hands over their hearts in sorrow.
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Several carts pulled by horses were laden with large chests, filled with the promised one-fourteenth share of Smaug's horde. Dain, had upheld his predecessor's will. The camp below was packed, and ready to return home. Bard, the Elvenking, the Elvenking's children, Gandalf, Bilbo, and the dwarves were saying their final farewells before the gats of Erebor.
Bard presented a beautiful emerald necklace – the Emeralds of Girion – to Thranduil. "Let their always be friendship between our people," he said. He also gave five beautiful matching mithril circlets, one to each of the princes and princess.
And at last, it was time for the elves, men, wizard, and hobbit to return home. They bade each other farewell. Bard rode away, calling his farewells. Soon after, Gandalf, Bilbo, Thranduil, Brethilorn, Thalion, and Ithilwen rode away, with words of farewell.
"I have yet to repay my debt to you, Legolas," said Glóin to the remaining elf. "I and my offspring shall never forget you or your deeds,"
"Come my lord!" called an elf from the head of the valley before Legolas could reply.
"Lord?" asked Glóin. "You are royalty – a prince of elves?"
Legolas smiled sheepishly. "Well, yes. One of them at least. I sort of forgot that detail, didn't I?"
Glóin smiled. "Ah well, I myself am something of a prince too, you know? My cousin, Dain, is King Under the Mountain after all!"
Legolas laughed and bade farewell to the dwarf and his companions, then mounted Daebrindal and rode away.
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The Elvenhost was joined by Bilbo, Gandalf, and Beorn on their journey home. Though many of their numbers had been lost, their hearts were lighter, for many a happier day would be lived. The elves sang as they walked, with the King, Princes, Princess, Wizard, and Hobbit riding at the head often joining in.
Yet too soon, they came to the edge of the Forest, where their ways were to part.
"You remain adamant that you shall not stay with us for a while?" Thranduil asked Gandalf, Bilbo, and Beorn.
"Yes, thought we thank you all kindly for the offer," said Gandalf.
"Then I suppose there is nothing I can say to you. I fear that we must pass our separate ways," said Thranduil.
"Farewell, then, O Elvenking!" said Gandalf. "Merry be the Greenwood, while the world is yet young! And merry be all your folk!"
"Farewell! O Gandalf!" said the Elvenking. "May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! The oftener you appear in my halls, the better I shall be pleased!"
Bilbo cleared his throat nervously. "I beg of you," he said, "to accept this gift!" And he brought out a necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him.
"In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit?" asked Thranduil.
"Well, er, I thought, don't you know," said Bilbo uncomfortably, "that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. I mean even a burglar has his feelings. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread."
Legolas smiled knowingly.
"I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said Thranduil gravely. "And I name you elf-frind and blessed. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing be too easy)! Farewell!"
And so the hobbit, wizard, and skin-changer turned towards their homes. Thranduil looked after the hobbit's retreating shape affectionately, for he had grown to respect him.
"It is the journey's end that is always the hardest to come by and accept," said Legolas quietly.
Thranduil looked at his youngest son, slightly surprised by his wise words. He smiled. "So it is," he said, riding forward. "Let us head home, to journey's end, then."
"Where undoubtedly an angry Adrahil will be waiting for Tithen-las," Thalion said.
THE END
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Hiro hyn hîdh ab'wanath = May they find peace after death
Tithen-las = Little Leaf – Legolas's childhood nickname
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spastikLeggyluver – THnx for the review! I thought "Little Leaf" was cute too. :D
Kelsey – Yup, Adrahil is Legolas's eldest brother. I probably should have restated that in the fic… I guess it's natural for the youngest to act a bit like she's the eldest. Then again, she's the like only sane one in that family… and probably feels responsible as they don't have a mum. If Legolas had saved Gloin's life, Gloin would appreciate it, but like you said, wouldn't come out directly and tell everyone how great the elf is. Plus, like you also said, no one really knew that Legolas was a prince. Gimli would probably know after he and Legolas became friends. (Aragorn would probably know too.)
anticipationnation – Yes, I like that Ithilwen kicks just as much orc-butt (if not, more) as her brothers. I thought that the female elves of Mirkwood'd be like Rohirrim women too. :D
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Finalement. Finally finished. Thnx so much for all the reviews! You guys rock!
But as a parting token, please leave a final review?
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