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.
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CHAPTER 4 – Surprise!
The next morning, the sun dawned bright and clear. Legolas watched it rise through the trees and reflected how beautiful Eryn Lasgalen was. There were still dark parts to be found and fought against, but already the difference was remarkable. Legolas would miss his home, but knew that his promise to Aragorn was the right thing to do. Eventually his father would also see that, or so he hoped. But no matter what, Legolas would move to Ithilien. And he hoped it would be with his father's blessing and some of his friends.
"Legolas, are you still watching the sun rise? Have you not seen it rise every morning for centuries?" Narcalimo laughed as he walked across the garden to his uncle.
"Yes, I am watching it rise. But every sunrise is a little different, Narcalimo. There is something to be appreciated in each one. Always remember that."
Narcalimo frowned slightly at the serious tone that Legolas used. His parents thought he had not noticed the changes in his uncle, but he had. The fun-loving prince was gone. He had been replaced with someone, more serious was the best Narcalimo could come up with but that did not completely fit. His uncle had changed. While Narcalimo missed the old one, he realized he could learn more from this new mentor.
"I will remember, Legolas. If for some reason I ever do forget, you will be here to remind me!" Narcalimo smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"You must count on yourself, Narcalimo." Legolas paused and smiled slightly at his nephew. "If you will excuse me?"
Narcalimo nodded and then watched Legolas walk away. Puzzled he recalled the last words, "you must count on yourself." What did that mean? Was Legolas leaving Eryn Lasgalen? Was he dying? For a moment, Narcalimo thought about running after him and demanding an answer but resisted. He was simply overacting. Legolas meant nothing more than as an adult he had to make his own decisions. That was all, he decided, and tried to ignore the little voice of doubt in the back of his mind.
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As Legolas approached his father's study, he was joined by Sorontor. "This is a first. Normally you are here before me," Legolas commented.
"I had some other duties to attend to this morning."
Legolas regarded his brother closely. The elder Elf seemed to be hiding a secret, but a very happy one judging by his countenance.
"And they were?"
"Later, my brother." Sorontor knocked and then entered when bidden.
"Welcome again, my sons. Please sit."
The king watched as his sons settled themselves. Inwardly, he reflected on how much they looked alike yet, different. Sorontor looked more like his father, with darker blond hair and dark blue eyes. Legolas, other than the blond hair, had the refined features and bright blue eyes of his mother. Yet it was obvious they were brothers. Thranduil sighed slightly remembering his wife and her beautiful eyes.
"Father?" Legolas broke into his musings.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. Shall we finish your tale today, Legolas?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes. If I remember properly, we had just finished the feast?"
"That is it. Please continue."
So Legolas did. He related the crowning of Aragorn, Faramir becoming Prince of Ithilien, then the joyous reunion of Aragorn and Arwen and their wedding and King Theoden's burial. He then told of the separating of the Fellowship. He and Gimli kept their promise and traveled to the Glittering Caves and Fangorn together.
"I tried to see what Gimli saw in the caves, but truly, I could not. They are cold, dark and depressing to me. However, in Fangorn, he felt the similar. The trees shut him out. We will both keep trying, though, and will see each often." Legolas paused before continuing. "Gimli is going to take some of his kin and move into Aglarond. He already has promised Aragorn that they will create new gates for Minas Tirith. Of mithril and steel!"
"Unbelievable. That is quite a gift." Thranduil said.
"It is. But Gimli feels he can do no less for Aragorn and the people of Gondor."
"Remarkable. Almost as remarkable as the fact that you lived through everything. All of you, except Boromir. It is nearly unbelievable," Sorontor commented.
"The Valar supported us. That is the only reason I can give," Legolas replied.
"And your journey after you left Gimli? There were no problems there?" the king queried.
"None of note."
Thranduil and Sorontor exchanged glances. The comment was typical Legolas.
"At the risk of becoming repetitive, I must say again, I am so glad you are home, Legolas. Nothing could make me happier," Thranduil smiled at his son. Legolas smiled back while inwardly wincing. He had to tell Thranduil, now, but as he opened his mouth, Sorontor spoke.
"Not to contradict you father, but I believe you actually could be happier." He paused, a cheerful smile on his face. "Melime told me this morning that we will be parents again."
Both Legolas and Thranduil stared at Sorontor for a moment before breaking into huge smiles. Legolas jumped out and pulled his brother into a hug. Thranduil quickly joined them.
After they separated, Legolas said, "Oh, brother, this is great news. I am so happy for you both."
"I second that. Having another grandchild will be wonderful. Have you told Narcalimo yet?"
"We are going to tell him as soon as we are done here. I want to be there. So neither of you can say anything yet!" Sorontor replied.
"Of course not, brother. But we will be ready to celebrate with all of you once he has heard!"
"Definitely." The elder prince nodded his agreement.
"Another grandchild. You were right, Sorontor. You could make me happier than I was." Thranduil stopped and smiled. "It would be wonderful if it was a girl. We have not had a maiden other than Melime in the family since your mother passed into the Halls of Mandos."
The brothers nodded. "Aye, a niece would be wonderful," Legolas seconded.
"As long as I do not have to do her hair!" Sorontor laughed.
The three exchanged hugs again and then left the study with promises for a merry celebration at dinner.
Legolas walked to the stables and quickly brushed Arod. He had not ridden since his arrival and needed the break. After riding for a while, he pulled Arod to a stop in one of his favorite clearings. He dismounted and walked around, thinking. He still had to tell his father, but did not want to ruin the joy of Melime's news. Next week was early enough, he decided. Decision made, he remounted and turned towards home. He did not want to be late for dinner. This was an occasion to celebrate!