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 or much else of value.
CHAPTER 6
After dinner, as the Elves were moving to the hall to tell stories, Legolas stopped Thranduil and Sorontor. "Can I see the two of you privately?"
They exchanged glances and then nodded. Sorontor stopped his wife and told her where he was going. She nodded and looked at Legolas. Something in her look gave him courage. He smiled back at her. She winked quickly and then walked away.
Once in the study, Legolas found it difficult to begin. The other two sat in their chairs and watched as Legolas paced around the study. He stopped numerous times and tried to begin but couldn't. Finally, he stopped in front of the window and stared out at the dark night briefly, before turning back to look at his family. He took a deep breath and said, "I am moving to Ithilien." He stopped there, unsure of how to continue and he unconsciously held his breath waiting for reaction.
Thranduil sat, stunned, speechless. Sorontor stared at his brother for a long moment. Then, after realizing his father was not going to speak, said, "You are what?"
Legolas let out the breath he had been holding. "I am moving to Ithilien." He actually felt relief now that he had told them. The secret was out. "I want to help Aragorn rebuild Gondor and Middle Earth."
"I have to admit this was not what I was expecting." Sorontor shifted in his chair. Thranduil had not moved. He was staring blankly at the top of his desk.
"You expected something? What?"
"I do not know what. I just could tell that there was something still, upsetting, you. I never thought you would leave Eryn Lasgalen. At least not permanently." Sorontor paused for a second, "Is this permanent?"
"Yes, it will be."
The brothers fell into an uneasy silence. Thranduil's reaction, or lack thereof, disturbed them both. Finally, Legolas ventured, "Father? Do you have anything to say?"
The king stirred and looked up from his desk. His dark gaze focused first on Sorontor, then Legolas who was still by the window. "What can I say? You have decided. Good night." He stood up and started for the door.
Legolas stared after him and then just as he reached the door called, "Father, stop!" Thranduil stopped, his hand on the door knob. "What?" The king's voice was low and harsh.
"That is it? 'You decided. Good night.' You do not want to know why or when or something?" Legolas' voice trembled slightly by the end of his question.
"No. Not particularly." Thranduil spoke to the door, not even turning to look. "You decided. Obviously my opinion and that of your family's does not matter." Before Legolas could respond, he opened the door and left, shutting it quietly behind him.
In the study, Legolas moved away from the window and sank into a chair facing his brother. He had feared his father's anger, but now realized that this silence, this disappointment was much worse. He stared at the floor and then started suddenly when Sorontor laid a hand on his shoulder. "Legolas? Are you alright?"
The younger prince raised his head and looked at his brother standing in front of him. "I was expecting anger and a fight. I was not expecting this reaction. What do I do?"
"Right now, nothing." Sorontor sighed deeply, leaving his hand on the Walker's shoulder. "I probably should not tell you this but Father reacted very similarly when word that you had gone on the quest was delivered. He is having trouble realizing you do not need his approval for everything you do." He looked around the room as if it would help him find the right words before continuing. "He does not have to give you permission. You can live anywhere you want. He does not like admitting that in addition to not liking the fact that you do not want to live here any more." Sorontor dropped his hand and took a step back.
"But I do want to live here!" Legolas stood up abruptly and glared at his brother. "I just cannot." He sat back down heavily, burying his face in his hands. "You are being very calm. I was also expecting more from you." His voice was muffled
"I mainly am relieved that you are not dying. That was my concern."
"Yours and Narcalimo's," Legolas said wryly lifting his head to gaze at his brother.
"Narcalimo? Does he know of this?"
"Yes, I told him today." Sorontor looked at Legolas questioningly so he continued. "He followed me into the forest and demanded to know what as bothering me. I told him. He also had thought I was dying. He is the one who told me I could not put off telling you any longer."
Sorontor laughed shakily. "Father is not the only one who has to realize that his children are growing up. I do too." He shook his head slightly. "At least I will have another one around soon!"
"And maybe it will be a daughter who will be better behaved than the last three boys in this house!" Legolas managed a small smile at the thought.
"A daughter, aye, that would be grand. But I do not think any child of mine will be behaved. Mother cursed me years ago saying my children would be just like me!" The crown prince grinned.
The brothers laughed, especially when Legolas added, "Aye, she said that to me also. Why do you think I have not married?"
Soon, though, the laughter subsided. Legolas looked at Sorontor and asked, "Seriously, what is your opinion of this? It matters a great deal to me."
Sorontor sighed deeply and paced around the room once. He ran his fingers through his hair as he walked. He stopped in front of Legolas and focused on the concerned face of his brother.
"Legolas, I will not try to sway you. You will be missed, but you would not make this decision lightly. I know your reasons must be valid. Truthfully, I would rather have you stay here, but if you feel your duty is elsewhere now, I will support you."
Legolas felt tears come to his eye as he stood and embraced his brother. "Thank you for your support. It is more than I deserve."
"No, it is not." Sorontor took a step back and placed his hands on Legolas' shoulders. He looked directly into Legolas' bright blue eyes. "You have seen more and done more to save Arda than any other Elf in Eryn Lasgalen. If you feel this is the right thing to do, it must be." Legolas started to speak but Sorontor shook his head to stop him. "This is true, Legolas. Do not argue. But I do have one question. Are you going to Ithilien alone? That will not be safe."
Legolas stepped back from his brother, shaking his head in the negative. "No, I will not. Galadriel is leaving for Valinor. Celeborn is staying but moving to East Lorien. All the Elves currently in Lorien will be invited to Ithilien, in addition to their other choices. Elladan and Elrohir will be staying in Imladris even though Elrond will leave with Galadriel. They promised to ask if any Elf from Imladris would like to move. And," he swallowed as if the words choked him, "I also wanted to ask if any Elf from here would like to go. Ithilien used to be a beautiful forest. Only Wood Elves can truly make it one again."
Sorontor nodded. "Father will not be pleased to lose any Elves, but I am sure some would like to go with you." He smiled slightly, "I am half tempted, but no. My place is here."
"Thank you, Sorontor. Your support means a great deal."
"Come, let us go tell Melime. I refuse to do that alone. She might make up for Father's silence."
Legolas paused just inside the door. "What about Father?"
Sorontor stopped and looked down the hallway before answering. "Give him some time. You will be able to talk to him soon and explain your reasons."
Legolas nodded. "Let us go find Melime."
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As Sorontor predicted, Melime was not happy with Legolas' decision, but after some arguing, she came to accept it.
"I cannot say I am surprised. Your friendship with Aragorn has always been special to you and now Gimli has entered your life. You would not be happy this far away from them, especially when they are busy rebuilding Middle Earth. You want to be part of that," Melime said.
Legolas looked at her, amazed. Her perception made him realize those facts clearly for the first time. "You are right. Consciously, I had not thought of that, but it is true. I would not be happy here, when my dear friends are working so hard to rebuild what has been destroyed. And I could help them." He grinned at her. "You are so smart, Melime. How did I ever let you get away?"
She grinned back saucily and then said, "I have no idea. Your loss, your brother's gain!"
The three laughed.
After more talk, Legolas left them and went to bed. He felt better than he had since arriving – he no longer was hiding the news about Ithilien from his family. He still hid the sea-longing, but knew that was something he could not tell them about until he was ready to sail for Valinor. That was a burden that was his alone.
Legolas felt he still had to talk to his father and explain his reasoning. This silence hurt too much. In the morning, after barely sleeping, he looked for his father, but could not find him. After lunch, he gave into Narcalimo's pleading and went to the archery range with him. Legolas hoped after the distraction he would be able to find his father and speak with him. For hours they shot. Legolas was impressed with Narcalimo's skill and complimented him often.
Late in the afternoon, Sorontor joined them. After some joking and challenges, the two princes began to chase each, like they had as elflings. Narcalimo followed and egged both on by turns. Near a large pond, Sorontor managed to trip Legolas who went flying into the water with a loud splash. As Sorontor and Narcalimo laughed, Legolas stood up and splashed them. As they protested, he dove under the water and swam quietly to a bank out of their sight. He quietly pulled himself out of the pond and snuck up behind the other two who were starting to be concerned at the long time Legolas had been under the water. With a loud yell, Legolas pushed Sorontor and Narcalimo into the water. Arms flailing they headed towards the pond. However, at the last second, the crown prince managed to get a hand on Legolas' armand pulled him in also.
The three Elves laughed again when they all surfaced.
"Very tricky, little brother," Sorontor chuckled. "I see you still do not play fair."
Legolas merely smirked and did not answer. The elder prince laughed again and splashed the other two. They quickly retaliated. After a while, they called a truce and agreed that it was time to get out of the water. Then, laughing and soaking wet, they headed to the palace to change.
As they entered, Thranduil was walking through. He stopped briefly and glanced at the three. "Sorontor, Narcalimo, change your attire at once. You are reflecting poorly on this house's name."
They stared at Thranduil for a second. Then Legolas said, "Father, it was my…" But before he could get any further, the king cut him off.
"I have spoken to my family. Not you." Thranduil then strode down the hall and out of sight, leaving three stunned, soaking wet Elves behind him.
TBC...
Hmm, no physical torture involved, but I still believe this constitutes a cliffhanger. He he.
Is it evil of me to laugh at a cliff-hanger? Probably.
And it would be even more evil of me to threaten not to update unless I get lots of reviews? Without a doubt.
Am I that evil? -smirks and quietly sneaks away-