Summary – Legolas returns home after the War of the Ring. How will his father react to Legolas' decision to move to Ithilien?
DISCLAIMER: As stated before, I do not own the Lord of the Rings.
CHAPTER 3 - Stories
The following morning was a repeat. After breakfast, Legolas joined his father and brother in the study. He started the tale with the gifts that Galadriel had given them. Both were amazed, especially by her gift of three hairs to Gimli.
Legolas told of their travels down the river, the fight with orcs at Amon Hen, Boromir's death, Merry and Pippin being taken and then Frodo and Sam heading out on their own. He then had to explain their reasons for leaving the ring-bearer and chasing the other two. During the afternoon, he recounted the run over the Riddermark and the first greeting with the new king of Rohan.
"You threatened to kill him? Just because he was harsh with the Dwarf?" Thranduil asked, somewhat amazed.
Legolas chuckled. "Father, have you not absorbed what Gimli and I had been through together? No one - except me - had the right to threaten him! Well, Aragorn also."
Sorontor laughed. "And how did he respond?"
"Not well. Luckily Aragorn intervened and saved all of us."
"A Man keeping the peace. Maybe Gondor will succeed again." Thranduil joked.
Legolas smiled and nodded before continuing. The listeners gasped with horror when they heard about the supposed deaths of the Hobbits. They then gasped with shock upon the meeting with Mithrandir.
"I cannot believe that is how you met him. Typical Mithrandir to play games." Thranduil snorted.
"It was a surprise, but at least a welcome one." Legolas agreed.
He continued with the visit to Edoras, Gandalf's freeing of Théoden and then the battle of Helm's Deep. Both Elves laughed with Legolas as he confessed his feelings about the cave and the Dwarf's reaction.
"It was complete reversal. Everything I felt and experienced in Fangorn, he felt for the Glittering Caves. What he felt in the forest was my opinion of the caves."
"It is amazing that you can speak of the Dwarf with such fondness," Sorontor remarked. "How did it happen?"
"It was gradual. We disliked each other at first, but eventually and naturally realized that we had more in common than different. The hardest part was letting go of what our fathers' thought of each other. But we both realized that we did no disrespect by becoming friends." Legolas finished and looked at his father, asking subtly for confirmation.
"You respect both Gloin and me by being able to put aside our old differences. I could learn from you, Legolas." Thranduil spoke proudly.
"Thank you, Father. You have no idea how much that means to me." Legolas smiled and then sighed with tiredness.
"Tomorrow?" Sorontor questioned. The other two agreed.
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On the third day, the prince then continued his tale with the arrival of the sons of Elrond and the Dunedain. He spoke briefly about the Path of the Dead and the trip to Minas Tirith.
He spoke longer of the battle for the White City and the healing that Aragorn did afterward. His father and brother both recoiled with horror when he told of Aragorn's decision to ride on the Black Gate to help Frodo.
"You did what?" Thranduil jumped to his feet and glared at his younger son.
"Are you crazy?" Sorontor seconded.
"I survived and am here now. What are you so angry about?" Legolas countered.
"That is not the point! You had already fought in two major battles and many smaller. Did you not feel that purposefully searching out another was foolish?" the king returned.
"If there has ever been a battle that was not foolish it was this one. If we distracted Sauron, the One Ring could be destroyed. He would be destroyed. We have been fighting for this since the sun and moon rose, Father. How could you call this foolish?" Legolas stood and looked at his father.
Thranduil stared back at his son, speechless. Sorontor looked between the two. He realized that Legolas had a very valid point, but as his father, was shocked at the vehemence in Legolas' voice. There was no doubt; the quest had changed the prince. Before he never would have stood up so firmly to his father.
"Father, Legolas, sit down." Both Elves complied. "Legolas, we just were surprised to hear how the events unfolded. At all other points, the battles and struggles found you; you did not go willing searching for them. But you are right. That was a necessary battle. Thank the Valar you survived again."
"Thank you, brother. I did not go without concern or apprehension, but it had to be done. Let me just say, I felt throughout the quest that if my death could help Frodo's mission succeed, I would die willingly."
Silence reigned after Legolas' comment. Neither Elf could argue with the conviction in his voice. Thranduil stood up again and walked to his son. He pulled Legolas out of his chair and hugged him. For several moments, they stood thus. Then the king released the younger Elf and looked into his blue eyes.
"Legolas, I am so sorry, and proud. I had no idea what you would become involved in when I sent you to Imladris. If I could have protected you, I would have. But the more I listen, the more I realize, you were meant to go. I am so proud of the decisions you made and the role you played in saving Arda from Sauron. I cannot even express it. Legolas, my son, I thank you." Thranduil hugged his son again and then resumed his seat. Legolas remained standing, shocked by what his father had said.
"Father, I…"
"Stop, Legolas." Thranduil interrupted. "There is nothing for you to add or reply. I mean what I said."
Legolas could only nod and then sat down.
Sorontor cleared his throat. "Do you want to continue, Legolas? I am interested in finding out what happened at the Black Gate."
"I will continue." He then told of Aragorn dismissing those who did not want to go, seeing Frodo's mithril shirt, and then the explosion of Mount Doom.
Joyfully, he told of the reunion and the great feast at the crossroads.
By then, the three had eaten dinner in the study and darkness had fallen.
Thranduil stopped Legolas after hearing about the feast. "I know you are tired of talking, my son. But tomorrow we can hear of the crowning of Aragorn and your travels through Fangorn. That should finish the tale?"
"Yes, it will. And tomorrow will be a joyful tale compared to what has already transpired."
"Very well. Sleep well, my sons."
After bidding good night to his brother, Legolas left the palace and went into the garden. Tomorrow, he would have to tell Thranduil of his promise to Aragorn.
A/N: Well, that's the next update. I've been updating quickly thus far, but… c'mon! I could use some reviews. Please? Pretty please with sugar on top?