NOTE: Please excuse the lateness of this chapter. My college has started, and I am quite busy with my nursing classes. I cannot insure that I will be able to upload any more chapters, but I will do my best. This is short, but I do hope that you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Six: Leaving Lothlórien
That night Legolas could not rest at all. He spent the first few hours enjoying himself thoroughly as Síriel sought to make love to him. After she fell fast asleep, bronzed arms wrapped around his neck, laying next to him on her left side, Legolas was thinking over the day's events. He tried to fully comprehend the meaning of the Lady's words. How could he put Síriel in danger when it was the farthest thing from his mind? Eru only knew that he would protect her at any cost, even sacrifice himself. What did the Lady mean by, "Do not let your desires control you"? It drove him mad that he did not know the answer to it. He also wanted to know what she meant when she told Síriel, "Be wary of your innate nature."
When morning came Legolas left Síriel and bathed himself. The Prince allowed himself to forget the previous night's mysteries by hearing the melodic singing of the Lórien birds. They were singing a lovely song about the ancient kingdom of Doriath. In his mind's eye Legolas saw all that the birds sang about: the magnificent cavern-palace of Menegroth, which was what prompted his sire to build his own cavern-palace, the vast halls filled with fair Elves and soft music, and the famed dark-haired Lúthien Tinúviel, daughter of King Elu Thingol. He could almost visualize the beautiful maiden, whom Arwen was said to resemble in her beauty.
By the time he finished, it was mid-morning. Síriel was gone when he went to check on her. He brushed aside the heavy curtain that gave the privacy to their talan and made his way to the main dining hall. The Lord and Lady nodded in greeting to him as he slipped in beside his wife.
He attempted to appear calm now that he was in the Lady's presence.
"I was about to call you." Síriel said to him.
"I was taking a long relaxing bath and became so enchanted with the song the birds were singing of Doriath." Legolas explained carefully.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Lady smile to herself.
"The birds listen to me when I sing of Doraith, for that was my home. I was Prince there, and akin to Elu Thingol." Lord Celeborn said.
Síriel looked at him, intrigued.
"Doriath, the hidden kingdom of old, protected by the Girdle of Melian the Maia?" she whispered in utter fascination.
Lord Celeborn nodded at her and smiled sadly.
"Ai, if those days could return!" he said nostalgically.
"I would give anything to see Doriath in all its splendor, ruled by Elu Thingol and Melian, and their beautiful daughter Lúthien. Then, the Eldar roamed over Arda in countless numbers…Oh, what I would give to be among them—those who have seen the Light of the Two Trees!"
Lady Galadriel, like her husband, smiled sadly at the half-elf.
"Indeed we wandered over Arda in countless numbers, but the reason for our arrival here is not a very…gladdening one." she said.
She spoke so softly so only her husband, Legolas, and Síriel heard her. Legolas knew what the Lady was referring to. His sire had told him the story countless times and he had read it himself in many ancient books of lore. It was this reason—of why the Eldar (Noldor) returned to Arda—that Thranduil felt a slight dislike towards the Lady, more so because of the events that occurred afterwards than their arrival itself.
After the morning meal was over, Legolas gathered his people.
"We will leave for Gondor today." he informed them.
While they prepared themselves for departure, Legolas and Síriel spent their time with the Lord and Lady, who asked Legolas about Ithilien and the latest news regarding Aragorn and Arwen.
"Our house," Legolas said proudly, looking over at his wife as he spoke, "will lie in the heart of the wood of Ithilien. It will be built after the fashion of Lord Elrond's house in Imladris. As for our people, they will live like your people, the Galadhrim, in many a talan, surrounding our home, far enough so that we are ensured our privacy, and yet close enough in the event that an emergency arises.
"As for Elessar and Arwen, they are well. Currently they are both occupied with the arrival of their son, whom they named Eldarion. At least that is what I know from my last visit with them."
Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn nodded.
"They sent a message informing us of Eldarion's arrival. Of course, I knew of his arrival before the message came." Galadriel said.
Legolas and Síriel were not at all surprised.
At that moment, Haldir appeared with his wife Elenath. She was holding their son in her arms, who was wide awake and cooing softly.
"Are you leaving today?" Haldir asked Legolas.
The Prince nodded slowly.
"We must be on our way. My wife is pregnant, and I do not want her to tire from all this journeying. If she were not pregnant, we would have gone to Imladris as well. Also, I am anxious to reach Ithilien and settle down into my new home. You must come and visit." he replied.
Celebrindal came timidly towards the group.
"Ernil nín (my prince), we are ready to leave." she said quietly.
The Prince and Síriel's horses were brought to them. Legolas helped his wife mount her steed before mounting his own.
"Le hannon for your hospitality." he told the Lord and Lady.
After making sure his people were indeed ready to depart, Legolas signaled for his herald to blow his horn and the Eryn Lasgalen Elves left Caras Galadhon with the many blessings of the Galadhrim.