Legolas quietly stood by the doors to the Great Hall. Those passing either did not notice him standing there or had noticed and curtly nodded his way, acknowledging his presence. Those especially in the palace knew the elven prince had a way of blending into his surroundings if he wished it, more so than elves in general. He'd also gotten good at hiding the many thoughts that went through his head.

However, he was not one for letting people sneak up on him during those moments of thoughtful stillness. But it was precisely what happened.

The king easily surprised the young prince when he came to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling him jump.

"I have not been able to surprise you as such since you were younger."

"You have on other occasions, Ada."

"What are you doing inside on a day like this? The weather will only be well for so long before it turns cold again."

"Many days I have witnessed like this. I do not worry that I will not see one again."

Thranduil frowned. Things were not right with his son, who was usually outdoors, drinking in nature around him, even if he was just sitting in a tree – which happened all the time. He truly lived up to his namesake of 'Greenleaf.'

"This is not like you. Tell me, are you feeling well?" the father asked the son, leading him to the private gardens outside. Even though elves were immune to sickness, they drew their strength from nature, and Legolas' voice was long-suffering.

"I am well. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Would you care to tell me about it?"

Legolas tipped his head back and let the sun shine on his face, feeling the warmth and energy it brought. Despite the strength the sun brought, it did not help his apprehension in talking to his father. They really had not been able to talk with great ease since his mother had gone. Though they did have a strong father-son bond, it was often not visible and disturbed by little details and proper behavior that the king demanded.

"I actually did, but it is not so easy to do."

"And why is that?"

"You never were an easy person to talk to" he answered, meeting his father's identical blue eyes.

"I was never easy to talk to? I always gave you my attention."

"Right after the kingdom."

"You know well enough the duties we must attend to, but that is not true."

"Most of the time it was such."

"Well, for that I am sorry. But you have my full attention now."

Legolas sighed. They had a strange relationship, he and his father. They angered each other but still loved each other at the same time.

"It involves Merenwen."

"What of her?"

"Ada, you know well enough that she and I are one in the same. I could not go on without her, and I doubt she could do the same."

"You have no need to worry about either of you being separated from the other. I have already assured her of that."

"Thank you, but that was not what I was going to say."

Thranduil frowned, confused. "Then what were you going to say?"

Legolas took a deep breath and quickly blurted out what he had to say. "I wish to marry Merenwen."

The king fell back a step in surprise. He never would have expected the words to come from his son's lips, though he suspected such feelings existed.

"Ada, are you well?" Both hands went out to steady his father.

He laughed it off. "I am well. I'd just never expected you to tell me this. What has brought this on so suddenly?"

"Recent events have made it clear in my mind that I never want to be without her again."

Thranduil examined his son carefully. The hesitation caused Legolas to become nervous.

"I know you understand. I have no doubt you felt about Nana, mother, the same way."

The elder elf was struck by these words. He remembered very well how much he had not wanted his wife to leave and how he had never wanted to be parted from her. He had wished for such happiness for his son one day.

"Legolas –"

"Ada, please do not deny me such a request. I mean, I know it is much and I know it is quite unexpected. But this means so much to me, and I know it must mean a lot to Merenwen. Though, I have not told her anything of my intentions yet, I'm sure she would feel the same –"

"Hold your tongue, Legolas!"

Legolas immediately fell silent, almost jumping back away from his father. He knew he'd been rambling and possibly talking out of turn, but he felt so strongly that he wasn't thinking with all the respect he usually showed his father.

"I have no doubt about what you feel. So, peace. I understand you. I am just recovering from a shock that I had not expected nor fully considered."

"I shall give you time to think then," Legolas sighed, inclining his head and turning to leave.

"I did not dismiss you yet."

He stopped and turned back to his father, keeping his eyes downcast.

The elder elf walked over to his son, placed a hand at the back of his head, and leaned his forehead against his son's.

"I know you love her, ion nín, my son. I have wished so often for you to be receiving of such joy, and you deserve such a happiness. You have my permission to do what you will."

Legolas' head shot up and he pulled away to look at his father. Tears started to form in his eyes and he could not find his voice. When he finally did, it was barely a whisper.

"Hannon le, Ada. Thank you, father."

Thranduil embraced him, feeling as though he was but a child again. Legolas leaned on his father, feeling extraordinarily young, despite the large score of years he had behind him. At the same time, he felt both relieved and more nervous. He'd convinced one person, now he had to convince another.