Legolas stood on the balcony of Gondor castle, looking out over the horizon.
It's been 60 years since he last saw his father. He wondered if it was finally time to return to Mirkwood after all these years.
But would his father be glad to see him? Or would he be angry for leaving him all those years ago?
"Legolas? What are you doing out here?," Aragorn's voice woke him up from his thoughts.
Legolas sighed but did not answer him.
"What's wrong, mellon nin?,"Aragorn asked.
"I'm thinking of going home,"Legolas sighed,
"It's been sixty years since the last time I saw my father. I wonder if it's time for me to face my father again. But I don't know how he will react,"
"I'm sure he misses you, Legolas. I think you should go to him. Take Gimli with you,"
Legolas smiled,
"Thank you, Aragorn,"Legolas said,
"I'll see you soon, mellon nin," And he left.
(Mirkwood)
Legolas wandered the woods with Gimli. They had finally arrived to Mirkwood. Legolas had intended to reunite with his father, but he now found himself unable to. What if his father would tell him to leave when they meet again? He couldn't help but think what his father thought about him these days. Was he angry and hated him for leaving? Or was he missing him?
Suddenly, Legolas saw him, the person he had intended to see again. His father.
He was looking at the crystal lake, not moving at all.
(Legolas POV)
I was grateful my hood was covering my face as I stepped out into the shadows, wondering what may have brought him to this clearing. Adar seemed sadder then he used to, but I couldn't tell why. He sighed deeply, gazing into the woods, and I decided to reveal myself. I made sure my hood was covering my face, and I stepped out into the clearing.
As much as I didn't want to confront my father yet, I wanted to find out why he was so upset.
As I approached, he didn't seem to notice as he stared at the lake, contemplating something.
"What brings you here?,"I asked, and he flinched, tearing his eyes away from the stars.
"I needed to clear my head, but it seems I've done the opposite,"He replied, and I was amazed by how weary his voice sounded.
"What troubles you?,"I asked, concerned, and he sighed deeply, turning away slightly so I could not see his expression. I was shocked at how close his emotions seemed. Adar had always buried his feelings below the surface, putting on an emotionless mask and keeping his voice neutral. Now he seemed sorrowful and bitter.
"I've been conflicted recently,"He began,
"I made a series of mistakes many years ago, which caused my son to leave me. I understand why he left, but I have been wondering how to fix it. He has still not returned, and I fear it is because he resents me for cutting myself off from him. I have not heard any news about him for quite some time. Before, I missed him, but I could deal with the constant worry because I frequently heard news about where he was and how he was doing. Now, I can hardly stand it! I haven't heard if he's alive for weeks! The last thing I heard was that he was setting off on some sort of mission of a company of nine, which I don't know any details of.
Shortly before The War of the ring, I heard that he was to eventually travling to Gondor.
Now I have no idea of his fate. I wish I did, but unless I send riders to Gondor, I have no way of finding out. I fear the worst, but I don't want to encroach his freedom by sending someone to find him,"
I stood silently, digesting what he had said. He was worried about me? I thought he hated me for leaving. This was the opposite of what I had anticipated. Still, this didn't exactly mean he would be happy to see me. Especially not with a dwarf as company. I wanted to find out more, careful to not let him know who I was.
I must have been silent longer than I thought, because he turned towards me and spoke again,
"I'm sorry,"He apologised,
"I didn't mean to trouble you with all that has been on my mind recently. What brings you here tonight?,"
I remember it was the light festival tonight to celebarate the light, but that's was not why I had come.
"Don't worry,"I said,
"I came here because I have been feeling the same way. I have been meaning to visit someone I haven't seen in years. But I don't know how they'll react," I worked to keep my voice in level. I didn't want to sound emotional.
He seemed thoughtful, digesting what I had said,
"I think if you were as close as you once were, they will rejoice to see you no matter how long it has been. If you don't mind asking, who is it you intend to reunite with?,"
I froze for a moment, should I tell him? If I said to much he would recognise me, but I wanted to find out how he felt about me coming home, and this seemed to be the best way to find out.
He seemed to mistake my hesitation as me not wanting to tell him,
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...," "My father,"I said before he could finish apologising.
He seemed surprised, it was clear the answer wasn't what he had expected. "You should go to him. As a father, I can assure you he will be overjoyed to see you, no matter how long you stayed away. I know I would feel the same way if my son returned,"
I decided to tell him who I am, but I had no idea how...
We stood there in silence for a while, when he suddenly spoke again,
"You remind me of someone. But I can't place who. Have me met before, another night?,"
I swallowed, "Yes, it was a long time ago,"
He turned away for a second, trying to remember, and I took the opportunity to pull my hood down. Before I could say anything, he spoke again,
"You remind me of-," Turning back around,
"Legolas!,"He exclaimed, lost of words.
I grinned, "Quel undome, Adar," I said with a smirk and bowed. As I straightened up, I had the air knocked out of me and found myself in a tight hug.
"Adar, I can't breathe,"I managed to get out. And Gimli cuckled.
My father broke the hug,
"Ai ion nin, I've missed you,"He said.
"I've missed you too, Adar," I said. And he pulled me to another hug, though this time I could breathe.
"I see you brought a friend,"My father said.
"Your Grace,"Gimli said.
"I hope it's okey,"I said.
My father smiled,
"Of course, I'm just glad to have you home again,"My father said. And we went into the palace.
