Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

Closures

As always I don't own the video but I absolutely love this cover!

The following day after the feast, Thranduil and Legolas found themselves alone again with each other and the conversation took a more personal turn once again. There were some things that Thranduil had delayed talking about for too long... More than anything, he was curious to see Legolas' feelings and thoughts, as if they were truly opening to each other for the first time in centuries. 

'Tauriel told me she has shown you the White Gems.', Thranduil started. 

They were in his study and golden rays of light were illuminating the wooden shelves filled with parchments and books. In the centre of the room lay a large table with a jug of wine on it. Neither of them was sitting but they were standing around the table, close to each other.

'Yes, she has. She also told me their story.', Legolas replied.

'I have always wanted you to see them.', Thranduil spoke softly. 'I wanted many things.'

Legolas looked away, a strange bittersweet expression on his face.

'I have seen the jewels. The ones made for my mother.'

A deep silence fell between them and neither looked into each other's eyes. Thranduil did not feel the need to avoid a conversation about Ellerian as before. He felt that such talk should have taken place long ago.

'How was she?', Legolas asked candidly. 'My mother...'

Thranduil did not answer right away, too moved by the question. It was like opening an old box of both joy and pain. Legolas turned his head towards him.

'She was gentle yet brave.', Thranduil spoke, his face transfixed as he looked towards Legolas. 'Wise and kind. She would often tame my anger and the impulsivity I had inherited from my father and would give me wise advice. She helped me become the King I needed to be when I wasn't ready to rule. She was precious to me and I loved her deeply.'

He felt his heart tremble at his words and the memory of Ellerian was still very much alive, almost like she was standing there between him and Legolas. Thranduil swallowed nervously, hoping his eyes would not get watery. Legolas seemed moved by his words, thinking about them.

Then, Thranduil went to one of his drawers and took something from inside. It looked like a silver locker. Legolas gently approached. Thranduil opened the locker and inside there was a portrait painted... A beautiful elven maiden with ivory skin, piercing blue eyes and dark hair. He showed Legolas the image. It was one of the souvenirs he had of her. Of course, Legolas had seen portraits of her before and her statue but, still, his son looked fascinated at her image. Thranduil gently caressed the edges of the locker with his finger. Both he and Legolas stood silent for a few moments before he spoke again:

'That day she left to visit her family in Lothlorien, I was about to go get the jewels for her from the dwarves and make them a surprise gift. Then I found out she had been kidnapped by orcs and went to look for her...'

He held his breath. Legolas took a step back and Thranduil as well, closing the locker and holding it in his hand. Legolas watched him closely. They stood there, about 4 feet apart, both struggling with their words. 

'She never got to wear them. I never saw those jewels back until after the battle in Dale... In some way, they were a reminder of that day. Of her.', Thranduil continued. 

'I know how much her death hurt you.', Legolas spoke and it was the first time he was speaking this way with Thranduil. 'It hurt everybody. But it wasn't your fault.'