Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 41: A family reunion

~*~

The day Frodo awakes, we hear laughter from his room.

We all wait at the bottom of the stairs to the turret room where he rests, relieved looks passing between us when we hear Gandalf's deep laugh. Merry and Pippin grin at each other before scrambling up the stairs.

I smile, taking Legolas' hand as we follow Gimli into the room. He cheers, a broad smile on his face as he claps and walks in.

Legolas and I follow, smiling at Frodo who looks between us, smiling back.

"Hello!" He greets.

"Hello, dear friend," I say to him as we approach the bed.

"Aragorn!"

I look to my right, smiling as Aragorn comes over and beams down at Merry and Pippin tackling Frodo.

"Alright," I say with a laugh, "don't cause him any more injury."

"It's alright." Frodo laughs.

He then looks past me, towards the door. I don't turn, but know that Sam stands there, watching him. The two exchange a sorrowful smile.

"Oh, this is a sight!" Gimli cheers. "The Fellowship reunited after so long."

"Yes." Gandalf nods. "Our quest...is complete."

*

Aragorn, now the ruler of Gondor and residing in Minas Tirith, gifted Legolas and I a room within the palace—the same room I had been resting in after my injury.

I sit at the table in the corner with paper, quill and ink before me as I write hastily to my father. I tell him that we have succeeded, that Mordor and the Ring are destroyed and Sauron defeated. I ask of Arwen, if she is well...not outrightly asking if she is alive...and tell him of the upcoming coronation for Aragorn.

One month. He has one month to travel here with Arwen...who I can only hope is alive and well.

Once my letter is signed and rolled up nearly, I stand and make for the door, but stop, staring at it.

Rivendell is far across the world...the ravens may not reach them in time.

Legolas opens the door a few moments later, watching me carefully. "Is it done?"

"Yes." I nod. "But..." he frowns at me. "For all we know...he isn't even there. He could be West by now or preparing to do so. I do not think the ravens could reach him."

He smiles then, "I think I can help with that. Come."

He takes my hand and leads me out of our room, down hallways and stairwells until we reach a balcony, the sun reflecting off the white stone.

A lot of the city is still in ruin, but small refurbishments have been made where possible.

"Legolas," I ask, "what..." the question dies in my throat when I see what he has led me to.

There, perched atop the wall of the balcony is the small white bird from Edoras.

"Impossible..." I whisper, slowly approaching her as she tweets at me.

"I was here, just here." Legolas smiles. "When she came." He shakes his head. "She flew to Rivendell at great speed once before...I believe she has returned now to help you again. I think she is a sign that your father is still there. Waiting."

"Gloriel mellon nín, na veled na venno?" I say quietly, watching as she hops towards me.
(My beautiful friend, have you truly come to help?)