I Ernil a i Hest - The Prince and the Captain

I Dadwen en Ernil Legolas

The Return of Prince Legolas

Arod was calm and a slight breeze moved his mane as he continued his way north. Even his rider was in a good mood and enjoyed the peace that had fallen on Middle Earth after the great storm that had shaken it and that would soon bear fruit in legends and songs as the great "War of the Ring".

By now a lunar cycle and a half had passed, but the victory over the Evil of Mordor was still slowly savored by the inhabitants of Middle Earth and the fallen for freedom still mourned.

It was only the beginning of the Fourth Age, but Prince Legolas had the impression that it would be a thriving and happy Age.

His friends had found peace. Aragorn, now King Elessar, was happily united with Arwen and their story was comparable to that of Beren and Lúthien. The brave Hobbits had returned home to the peaceful Shire and Gimli had brought Dwarves to live in the Glittering Caves, on which he now reigned as Lord.

Now it was time to go home for him too and this time in a more definitive way. For 77 years, after the Battle of the Five Armies, he had come and gone to Mirkwood relentlessly. He had always remained just for short periods, until Aran (king) Thranduil assigned him a new mission. He knew that during that time his adar (father) had worried about him, but the Prince had needed to know the world to know himself.

Now the time had come to really go back and even though Legolas knew that the Calling of the sea would remain, he had decided that he would spend at least some time in Mirkwood, to face his duties as a Prince and to see all the people dear to him, his friends, whom he had somewhat overlooked in recent times.

He had ridden along the Great River and passed the Brown Lands and Lothlórien and gradually approached the great wood that had been his home since his birth, he felt warmth in his heart.

He knew that the borders now reached the Narrows and that his adar (father), in agreement with Lord Celeborn, had renamed the kingdom Eryn Lasgalen , the Wood of Green Leaves. A suitable name, he thought with a smile.

At the sight of the first large green trees, Legolas made Arod stop for a moment to admire the view. It was just as he remembered it, only greener and the dark shadow that had covered the woods for many years had completely vanished.

The Prince knew that Sauron's war and destruction had also come to the north and that his adar (father), together with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, had fought hard for victory. There was no longer any trace of the horrors of the war. As the Lady of Light did for Lothlórien and Lord Elrond did for Imladris (Rivendell), Aran (king) Thranduil protected his kingdom with his elven magic and influenced its woods and lands and now Eryn Lasgalen was more flourishing than ever.

When he entered the woods and the trees welcomed him with the rustle of leaves, Legolas felt so much happiness in his heart that he felt like the young elfling he had once been, who climbed from branch to branch as a child. He was home.

He enjoyed the smell of the woods and the chirping of birds and went on silently, absently stroking Arod's neck.

Then he came to the Narrows and was spotted by some guards. An expression was painted on their faces that went from pure disbelief to joy and Legolas almost had to smile. Then they knelt down: " Suilad bardh, Ernil nin . (Welcome home, my Prince.)", they greeted him. The Prince returned the greeting: " Hannon le (thank you), I am glad to be here.".