Eternal Life, Eternal Pain
I. Peace is Broken
x o x o x
It began so innocently As dawn stretched over the land
But unseen to angels,
Unseen to he, so brave
Was darkness's outstretched hand…
x o x o x
"Father, if I've said this once I've - "
"Legolas, you're being silly. You are a prince and have this duty to your people."
"I protect them. Is that not enough?"
"Hardly," sniffed Thranduil. Seeing his son's face fall, the king's features softened. "Oh Legolas, my only son, my jewel, my heir, can't you see this is not a choice for you? Choose a wife and take your place as king."
"I will be a king, but I refuse to be bound to a wife."
"I fear your refusal to marry is my fault. Growing up, you never knew the love a woman can give. Your mother – "
"My mother!" Legolas retorted. "Do not speak of her."
"Legola-"
"Father, enough."
Thranduil watched as his son stormed out of the room. "If only you know, Legolas. If only you knew…"
x o x o x
History was against him
His future was so bleak
He should have never gone
But his duty called him
As torment would reach its peak
x o x o x
"Eh? No, no, come back here!" Aragorn laughed, jumping up and running after his three-year-old daughter, Allianie. Legolas leaned against a tree and slid down. Sighing, he turned to watch Aragorn catching and tickling his little girl. In spite of himself, he smiled.
"Legolas?" Legolas smiled and turned around. "Legolas, will you take Eldarion?" Arwen appeared out of the trees, holding a little bundle in her arms.
Legolas reached out and cradled the little boy. As he did, Arwen collapsed on top of a rock and sighed deeply. "Children!" she cried out as she did. "Such work!" But as she looked upon her sleeping son, she added, "and such joy. Here, Legolas," she said as she eyed him warily – Legolas looked as if he were going to drop Eldarion soon – "I shall take him now."
Almost gratefully, Legolas thrust the boy back in her arms, waking him up. Instead of crying, Eldarion looked at his mother and giggled.
"Silly boy," Arwen cooed. She then turned her attention to Legolas. "Where is Aragorn? Father told me he was with Allianie."
Legolas nodded and pointed a bit down the river where Aragorn was dancing with Allianie. Arwen laughed. "Alli," she mused. "My little angel."
After a moment of silence, Arwen said slowly, "Legolas… Our fathers were speaking together about…"
"Say no more, Arwen. If my father was speaking of me it can be only one thing – marriage."
"Yes." Arwen shifted a bit uncomfortably. "Legolas, I speak to you as your friend. Start a family. Fulfill your destiny."
Legolas snorted. "Destiny."
"Listen to Arwen, Legolas." Aragorn's voice came behind him. He continued walked toward Legolas, holding Allianie's hand.
"UNCLE LEGLAS!" Alli broke away from her father and ran toward Legolas. She jumped into his waiting arms and hugged him. Legolas smiled and stroked her dark hair; he loved how Arwen and Aragorn had trained Alli to call him "Uncle." But she was still young and couldn't pronounce "Legolas" yet; this often resulted in funny names. Legolas picked up Alli in one arm and shaded his eyes with his other. "The sun is setting," he commented. Suddenly, his face darkened. "Let us return home. Quickly." Aragorn took back Alli and asked, "What is it Legolas?"
He shook his head. "Hurry!"
The tone of his voice worried Arwen more. "Legolas, what is it?" she asked, echoing her husband's question.
"Orcs!"
x o x o x
Evil was approaching
Death was coming near
Yet little did they know
Little did he realize
Death was the least to fear
x o x o x
Elrond frowned at their reports. "This is not good."
Legolas nodded in agreement. "If Sauron is mounting a comeback…"
Arwen's voice shook with sadness. "Sauron. We killed him – he's not supposed to come back." Aragorn hugged her close to him. "Alli," Arwen said softly to her daughter, "take Eldarion back to your rooms."
"Yes, Mama. 'Night Mama, Ada," she hugged her father's legs and kissed her mother's dress. She ran over to where her grandfather was sitting and climbed into his lap and kissed him loudly on the cheek. "Night Gampa." Elrond gave her a soft smile despite the anxiety in the air. "Good night, little angel."
Allianie jumped off her grandfather's legs and immediately ran toward Legolas. Upon impact, Legolas let out a little "oomph," making Alli giggle. He kneeled down to kiss her on the forehead. "Good night Alli."
"Night Uncle Legous!" She turned to Legolas's father. "Night Uncle Legous's ada." With that, she exited the room with her brother and their maids attending to them.Legolas wistfully watched as she left.
"Legous," Aragorn laughed softly. "She gets closer every day."
"If for no other reason," Thranduil said, "she is why we should stop Sauron. So our children can grow up in a safe environment. Without the fear Elrond and I knew. Never knowing whether our family would stay together, whether we would survive each day."
"I'll go," Legolas said immediately. "And Gimli – he would follow me."
Aragorn agreed. "Ah yes – but where is Gimli?"
Legolas smirked. "Sleeping."
Aragorn laughed heartily. "I shall join you on your trip. The trio of the Sword, Bow, and Ax – we join again."
"No."
Elrond looked at his daughter. "No, Arwen?"
Arwen shook her head. "Never mind that, Father. I am merely tired. Rest. We need rest. Tomorrow's journey shall be long."
Thranduil agreed. "Men, will there be anything you need for your journey?"
Legolas shook his head. "My bow. My arrows. That is all."
Elrond said, "Then you leave tomorrow. Sleep well tonight Legolas. Arwen is right. The journey will be long, painful, and tiresome."
Legolas bowed and said, "Yes, your majesty."
Arwen laughed and hit him playfully. "Oh stop it, Legolas."
Legolas smirked a bit. "Just trying to lighten the mood."
x o x o x
Oh, fair prince
A bitter path lies before you
Why did you ever choose this way?
'Tis not justice to thy name
'Tis not justice to all you've been through
x o x o x
A/N: Good, yes? Like? My first… Soooo make me happy! =) Well, whether I get good reviews or not, this story will continue. (I know this chapter's kinda short, but it's just the beginning.)