Living with Death

Chapter 9

“We’re almost there.” Legolas smiled, turning to his companion, “only about a mile to go.” Aragorn smiled in return to his friend, his beard lifting with the smile. The two rode, horses clicking their hooves in sink along the stone path. After what seemed like hours to the prince was only about half an hour before they were upon the blue gates. The two leaped off their horses, the gates opening for the new arrivals as Randur approached them. He took the reins of the horses, Legolas nodding to the horse master.

“Prince Legolas, been a long time since you’ve been home!” Randur laughed, “ten years was it?”

Legolas chuckled and replied. “Ay, though it seems like a lifetime, but a lifetime in good company.” Legolas gave a quick look to the ranger.

Randur nodded his greetings to the ranger, but sighed. “Ah, well Elen will be happy to see you back.”

Legolas’ attention was immediately brought to the elven name again, eyes wide. “Elen! How... how is she? H-how old is she?

Randur sighed, the horses jolting under his relaxed weight. “Ah... she’s in her teens, looks of... fifteen most likely. She’s... not getting any better though... worse in fact.” Legolas shared his sympathy for Randur, a heavy hand on his shoulder. Randur returned the guester, clasping the hand on the prince. His face brightened up, smiling and gesturing towards the gates. “Now why don’t you two head on inside, your father will be glad to say the least to see you.” Legolas laughed, relaxing his arms and leading the ranger into the palace.

Aragorn took in his surroundings, admiring the beautiful structures in the dim lighting. Upon the prince entering, the others saw and nearly sighed in happiness. They all greeted him as they passed, bowing, curtsying, saying their welcomes as their smiled brightened. Legolas nodded back, murmuring his welcomes as he made his way to the throne. Thranduil was already seated in the wooden, marvelous chair.

“Ada-” Legolas breathed, but Thranduil interrupted him.

“I sent you to find a ranger up north, because you needed to leave. I sent you to him thinking that you’d be able to leave for... what? A year? Two years? But now you came waltzing back in here after ten years!” Legolas laughed in return, approaching his father who declined the stairs. The two clasped shoulders, the grips firm but hands soft against the silks. Thranduil kept his hand still, questioning. “Now what were you two doing out there for so long?”

Legolas pursed his lips, letting his hand drop and turning to Aragorn who stepped forward, speaking in a polite tone. “My lord, Gandalf the Grey approached us in our journey, telling us to seek out the creature Gollum. He said we would find him in the Misty Mountains, and we did; but he told us to bring Gollum here, and keep him in your dungeons.”

Thranduil nodded slowly, thinking and deciding. “Where is this creature now?” He looked around to see if he was leashed u somewhere, but he wasn’t.

“We have him tied to a tree nearby,” Legolas explained. “We were waiting for your permission to bring him.”

Thranduil couldn’t help but smile at the comment, nodding. “Of course, Aragorn go retrieve him, Legolas go tell the guards to get a dungeon ready, and get a guard on duty at all times.” The two nodded, turning to leave when they saw a figure: a black dress that covered her frail, white body. Her black hair neatly groomed and tied back to show the protruding cheekbones, the indented eyes of black, starless night.

“...Elen!” Legolas smiled, approaching the girl who only backed away, gloved hands tucked behind her back.

She breathed heavily, giving a shaky smile, her voice small and smoky. “Legolas... you’re... you’re back! I’ve been wondering when you’d return.” Legolas didn’t reply, only study the skinniness of the girls body. She’s skin and bones... “And who’s this?” Elen turned her attention to Aragorn, eyes still dark, the light from the lamps unable to reflect off.