As Erienne has expected and Legolas had predicted, Thranduil looked very anxious. As he jumped off his horse, Galaden hurrying behind him, Erienne could see that his eyes were shiny.
"Your lord is here, Aradan," she whispered. There was no reply and Erienne dreaded the reason why. Aradan had fainted. Perhaps, it was for the best as he would not feel the pain then. Thranduil looked at her and then at Legolas. As she nodded to him, Legolas ran up to him.
"Ada, Commander Aradan..," Legolas was crying and Erienne knew that he felt guilty. Thranduil looked at Erienne and realised that she had not introduced herself to Legolas yet. But that would have to wait.
"Your Commander will be fine, Legolas. He will have to be for he knows that his elves need him," Thranduil assured as he silently added to himself, so do his King and his friends. "You, ionin? Are you ok? You were not injured, were you?"
"No, Ada," Legolas felt very young and very vulnerable, "I could have died, if not for her and the soldiers. I had best help Healer Galaden, Ada."
Legolas excused himself and went over to help Galaden, getting the cart ready to bring Aradan over. Thranduil turned to Erienne and felt his heart sink. She looked fearful and had been crying.
"Meleth," he went over to her as Erienne sank unto his shoulders.
"His shoulders, Thranduil. He could have dislocated a bone or worse, fractured it. He is clearly in pain, my lord," she sobbed, "and Legolas. If not for Aradan, Legolas could have…"
Thranduil remained silent as Erienne cried on him. If he opened his mouth, he would not be the one comforting Erienne. It would be the other way round.
"We are ready to move, Thranduil. Erienne, what is this, my lady? We need you to comfort us. Aradan will be fine. He is the strongest elf I have known. He will recover soon for he knows we need him. His King needs him and his friends need him. Do not worry, my lady." Galaden's words were not unheeded for Erienne calmed herself down.
"You ride with Aradan, Erienne. I will bring Legolas and come," Thranduil said, finally finding his voice as he helped her unto the cart. "Erienne," he whispered as his eyes sought hers
"Aradan will be fine, love. Do not worry."
Erienne looked up at him, "Tha.."
Thranduil did not let her finish, kissing her and hurrying her off.
As he watched the cart go off, Legolas came to stand beside him and said, "Commander Aradan will be fine, Ada?"
Thranduil realised it was a question when he saw the fear on Legolas' face as well.
"All will be well, Legolas. Let us go."
"Aye, Ada," Legolas hesitated before continuing, "Ada, that is the elf we took as prisoner, didn't we? You kissed her, Ada. Does she mean a lot to you? You called her 'meleth'."
Thranduil stopped, a small smile on his face. Was Legolas jealous?
He was about to explain when Legolas continued, "I am sorry I was rude to her, Ada. She saved my life and …," Legolas looked unsure again, "she seems very fond of Commander Aradan, Ada. She is devastated by his injury but she does not behave as if she were his mate."
Legolas paused awhile, "She warned the Orc to take your name with respect and she was not afraid when the Orc took me prisoner. She was furious, Ada. I could see it in her eyes. She was very tender to me too."
Despite himself, Thranduil had to smile. He turned and looked at his son, "Aye, ionin. Need I tell you again, Legolas? Your Nana loved you, more than anything else in the world and far as I am concerned, your mother and I are one. I ... I cannot choose between you and your mother."
"Nana?" Legolas looked bewildered.
Thranduil placed his arms around his son, "Come home, ionin. All will be clear."
This time, Legolas had no objection.