Book II: The Saga of Thranduil

Chapter XXVII: The Return of Legolas

I emerged from my tent at dawn to the sound I had not heard for centuries it seemed—birds chirping melodiously. Nearby, woodland creatures were roaming beneath the forest trees softly swaying in unison as a gentle breeze blew through their branches. The sky began to lighten as the sun rose; it was a vibrant blue I could almost touch.

Evil was gone. I could not help but remember the years that had come before—so many years of darkness intermingled with moments of joy swirling around times of anguish. I had come out of the shadows to see the dawn of the new age father had said I would.

"Thranduil, son of Oropher," I heard a voice say beside me. It was Galathil.

"Galathil, son of Galadhon," I answered. "So this is the day our fathers wished to see."

"Yes," he said. "And yet, it comes as every day before it—in a whisper too quiet for us to hear. Perhaps that is how time wishes it to be. To allow us to appreciate all that is given and all that is lost."

"I have spent much of my life fighting time as much as evil," I said. "I have never known what it would be like not to fight something."

"I am sure you will not miss it," he said. "You will not forget it, but you will not miss it."

"I know one day, I will forget," Celeborn said as he walked toward us with Ëarmîr. "I look forward to that day with great expectation. For now, I look forward to our return to your palace, Thranduil. Galadriel is waiting."

"I must apologize to you, Celeborn," I said as I saw Eldôr approaching with Elranduil. "I did not prepare her for the horrors of my halls."

"What horrors," Celeborn asked concerned.

"Three little elven children, I am afraid," Elranduil said smiling. "They are rather precocious. They seemed to have inherited such behavior from me, right dear cousin?"

I gave him a weak smile as he laughed with the others.

"I am sure they cannot be anywhere near the trouble of Elladan and Elrohir," Celeborn said laughing. "I am sure Galadriel is fine, though I cannot promise the same for the children."

As we laughed together I noticed Êlenuil with his brother Elendôr. He had a grey horse by its reins that was saddled and prepared for a long journey.

"If you excuse me," I said.

I walked toward them; my gait heavy as my heart. They bowed to me as I came before them.

"So you are leaving, Êlenuil," I said. "So soon after battle?"

"I must," he said quietly, looking at the ground. "It is for the best."

"You do remember what I asked of you?"

"Yes, Thranduil," he answered as he looked at me. "You have my word."

"I will send your children to you when the time comes," I said. "I trust you will be there to receive them."

"I will wait for them," he said. "You have my word."

I felt sorry for Êlenuil for his pain was palpable. His sorrow reminded me of myself when I lost Êlúriel. I wondered if I had been too hard on him.

"Elendôr, go see to your father," I said. "I would like a moment with your brother."

"Yes, Thranduil," he said bowing. We watched him walk away toward camp. I could see things were being prepared for the journey back to the palace.

"Have I been too harsh with you, Êlenuil," I asked. "If I have, forgive me."

"You have been nothing more than noble," he said. "As expected of a King."