Book II: The Saga of Thranduil

Chapter XXVIII: The Arrival of Thûlë

That evening, there was a grand feast in the dining hall to celebrate Legolas' safe return home. It had been a long time since my household felt whole again as the servants served us the freshest delights prepared for this occasion.

Nenduîl and Aranduil sat as close to Legolas and Gimli as they could; eagerly asking them about their adventures. The hall was filled with life as it was when I was young and my father was king. Though I sat in his place, I felt as I had before the wars took so much from our kingdom.

"Thinking again," Nimlos said leaning across Aramír. "You should be listening to Legolas. He has had quite the adventure."

"I will speak with him later," I said. "As it is, he has the ear of Nenduîl and Aranduil."

"They have been following him all day," Aramír said. "He rather enjoys having an audience."

"Just like his mother," Nimlos said. "I remember she would tell me and Nenloth about adventures when we were young, though hers came from her imagination as though they were real."

I laughed softly remembering Êlúriel. It seemed not long ago she was telling me of her childhood or spinning a tale about our life together. As I watched Legolas and Gimli from a distance, their engagement with the children of the court brought memories of Êlúriel in the garden with children. It was a sad but pleasant thought.

"If you will pardon me," I said, rising. 

The room fell quiet and the court stood to bow to me. I left the dining hall and made my way to the garden. It was a calm evening—nothing but the song of the night sung by the nocturnal chants of the woodland creatures large and small.

The light of dim lanterns cast shadows down the winding paths as I sat amidst them on a bench deep in thought. It had been so long since I had been accustomed to a peaceful night that I wondered what it was like in other places across the world.

"Ada," a voice said. "Is something the matter?"

It was Legolas. I shook my head.

"Nothing," I said. "Just found myself wanting to think. Why are you here?"

"For the same reason," he said sitting beside me. "So much has come about, there has hardly been time for myself. Now that I am home for a time, I want to remember how it was before I leave again."

"You are leaving," I asked. "You have just arrived."

"Not quite yet, Ada," he said smiling. "You will have me for a time. Though I hardly think you would notice with Nenduîl and Tárimë at your side."

"They are growing up," I said. "Soon they will not need me as they once did."

"That is not true," he said. "They will always need you. I still need you. Time has changed many things, but the heart is not one of them."

"I suppose you will accompany Gimli to Erebor to see his father," I began. "I know Glóin will want to see his son as much as I wanted to see mine."

"Of course," he answered. "Tarthôn wishes to join me, if he may."

I nodded. It was good to see my sons doing things together once more.

"Gimli was given sovereignty over Aglarond and wishes to lead his people there to settle. I wish to see the world."

"You were always the wandering kind," I said. "You know I will not stand in your way. It is your fate and yours alone. Mine is here with my people. It always has been and always will be."

"For now, just be my father," he said.

"I will forever be your father no matter where you are," I said. "I am glad for that."