Light and Shadows (Thranduil's story post BOTFA)

A final goodbye

Video by Yolanda Mott singing Legolas' Song of the Sea, lyrics by J.R.R. Tolkien. 

Eryn Lasgalen was bright and green that morning, the birds singing their enchanting tunes and the flowers bloomed and colorful. The elves were having a rustic picnic in a clearing with soft, green grass, near a little spring. The place that had once been filled with spider webs was now barely recognisable from a century and a half ago. Thranduil was sitting on a velvet blanket, casually leaning onto his elbow, a woodland crown upon his head with seasonal flowers and green leaves. He smiled, with a goblet in his hand, as he watched the elven maidens dancing cheerfully and chanting merry tunes. Tauriel was next to him, also watching with a smile. On the grass, they had huge silver plates filled with fruits, cheese and other kinds of food.

'Now my lord, let me show you what I have been practising all week.', Galion spoke with a cheerful smile and a few elves laughed, knowing what was coming.

'Do surprise us with your talents, Galion.', Thranduil replied with a velvety voice, a smile upon his face and casually holding his cup.

Galion took a few apples from a basket placed on the grass and started to juggle them, bouncing them gracefully in the air. The elves applauded, some of them impressed, as he easily handled them, like he was dancing with them through the air.

'How nice if he would handle my things with the same precision when he's not drunk.', Thranduil leaned in and whispered to Tauriel and she giggled. 

Then, Galion threw all the apples one by one into an empty basket further away, bouncing them through the air and into it with great precision and elegance. Sounds of awe were heard and more merry applauses. Then, just as he had two more apples left and he threw the last one towards the basket, an arrow was shot so quickly and silently, that it took everyone by surprise. The arrow shot through the apple and into the tree behind Galion. 

Everyone turned their head. With a little mischievous smile, Legolas made his appearance from behind a tree, wearing a travel tunic and taking off his hood. 

'My lord, Legolas.', Feren exclaimed in surprise. 

Tauriel's mouth also opened in bafflement at his sight. 

'I think I would qualify for a few tricks myself.', Legolas said, now coming into the elven circle.

Thranduil looked at him mischievously. 

'There is still time. We might extend our picnic into the afternoon. I for one miss a good archery contest.'

Legolas smiled, coming closer to Thranduil and sitting on the grass next to him.

'I would love that, truly. But I am afraid I will not stay long.'

'Of course.', Thranduil replied with a sarcastic smirk. 'I have become accustomed to your short visits by now.'

He drank from his cup while Tauriel watched Legolas curiously. 

'So what made you come?', she asked casually.

Legolas looked down, hesitating to answer. The merry talking and the singing of the elves continued. Then, he looked straight at Thranduil saying in a lower voice:

'I am sailing soon. I have come to say goodbye.'

The smile fell off Thranduil's face. Tauriel also looked shocked, then her eyes glanced with a worried frown towards Thranduil. 

'When?', he managed to ask though it seemed like his words came out with difficulty. 

'Tomorrow.', Legolas replied.