Book II: The Saga of Thranduil

Chapter XV: King of the Woodland Realm

I stood before the valiant soldiers who were lost as I awaited the court to pay homage to their bravery. Looking upon Melros and Fínduin brought memories of our youth. They were as brothers to me and now they were gone.

"My father and brother fought bravely," Fëaluin said, approaching me. "I wish to have fought alongside them, but fate had other plans for me."

"Finëar has decided to remain," I said softly. "I suppose you think gallantry was stolen from you."

"No," he said. "You are as much a brother to me as my own. Finëar has made no change in the decision. For it was not for him to do so. Your father chose me."

I looked at him puzzled.

"My father," I asked. "I do not understand."

"I was chosen before you were wed," he said. "Fínduin knew this as well for he was chosen but chose to go into battle. I do not pretend to understand his reasons. He will take them now to his tomb."

As we stood together, everyone began to come to their places. The last of our commanders stood with the family in silence. Not long after, I once again had to bury the dead. Upon my return to the palace, I decided to head to the upper halls. I motioned for Fëaluin to come with me.

The hall overlooking the forest had a soft breeze flowing through its corridors. Summer would end soon and the horrors of war still wore heavily on my mind.

"Thranduil," Fëaluin started as we were looking over a map of the kingdom. "This may not be the time, but Aramír feels that we are compromised in the south. He suggests more wardens upon the border."

"It is fine," I said. "Whatever he feels is best, allow him to do."

"Your Highness," a soft voice whispered. We looked up to see Árendil. Since the loss of Melros, she seemed distant—even toward her infant son, Tarthôn. "I request an audience, if I may."

"Of course, Árendil." I looked at Fëaluin sadly. We both remembered our best friends together. We remembered his wife's tears upon our return from the war and they were heartbreaking.

"I take my leave," he said. "I must find Aramír. Árendil."

They nodded politely to one another and he walked away.

"What is it, Árendil," I asked.

"Mother and I have decided to depart for Aman," she began. "I cannot live in this world anymore. My love is gone and I have nothing left."

"What of Tarthôn," I asked. "He has not long been in this world. Sadly, he came to us before he knew his father, but he is here. He reminds me of Melros."

"That is why I leave him your charge, Thranduil," she said. I glanced briefly behind her and saw Êlúriel at the entrance. She kept her eyes toward the ground and dared not raise her head.

"You would abandon your only son," I asked. I could not fathom that thought as I knew nothing of such things. "He needs his mother."

"I cannot be the mother he needs because my grief is far too great. If I stay, I will die and leave him without a mother. Better I go into the Undying Lands where he may join me someday. Please do not think ill of me, Your Majesty."

"I cannot make you stay," I said. "It is the choice you have made. You know I share in your sadness, for Melros was to me as a brother. I will not deny his love her request, nor will I deny his son a home. You will be missed. What shall I say to your son of his mother?"

She looked at me with her emerald eyes full of tears. I could hardly bear to look upon her, but I could see love there.

"Tell him his mother loved him so much she had to leave to see him again."