NEW LEAF (Legolas FF) | ✔️

Chapter 43: Farewell

Legolas was preparing to leave, tying up a bag of supplies to his horse. He would be accompanied by two elves, one was Falasdir who had volunteered rather aggressively. Legolas often wondered why that was and perhaps the captain was still unconsciously searching for Lindethiel who had left the palace years ago with no note. Even Mantheniel had seemed surprised by it although Legolas had a hunch that Mantheniel did know where her friend went but who knows, really? Everyone seems to be leaving nowadays. 

"Is that all you are carrying?" Falasdir was beside him, an eyebrow raised. Funny to think that this guy was actually his uncle. He had watched Legolas grow up. Perhaps the fact that they share the same blood was the reason why Legolas had always been attached to him in some way. He wondered then if Falasdir had even thought about telling him he was his uncle. Perhaps it was more difficult for him to talk of his sister to the child that she bore or perhaps there was another reason. Either way, Legolas was glad it was Falasdir who would accompany him and he was glad that they had even gotten closer. 

"I am merely going as a messenger," Legolas pointed out, finally finishing the tie. He strokes the horses' mane  before he and Falasdir leave to announce their departure. They find the King and Queen by the back garden, as both were on their way to see Legolas and Falasdir off. Falasdir bows as Legolas does the same, earning a very unqueenly snort from Mantheniel. 

"Really, you two. Must you be so pleasant?" She asks with a hint of sarcasm, Legolas smiles as he faces her as Falasdir responds in a friendly manner, one would think he was merely a lord visiting the King and Queen of Mirkwood. Perhaps he was. In some way. 

"I am always as pleasant as you, dear queen." 

"Why did we keep him, again?" She asks Thranduil who was enjoying the exchange, his eyes never leaving his son. 

"Someone had to be Annuniel's practice dummy," Legolas replied, earning a soft nudge on the hip from Falasdir. Like a call, Annuniel came running towards them, her hair braided tight, wearing a bright golden dress that seemed to shimmer under the sun. Legolas beamed at the sight of her and the silver circlet atop her head, although her expression seemed to suggest she did not feel that swell. Despite being dressed like the princess she was, something was off and that was the sheath of a sword strapped around her waist. 

"You told me you would not leave so soon," She practically shouted at Legolas until her eyes fall on Falasdir, taking in his soldiers uniform. Her surprise practically shoots up. 

"You're leaving as well?" She asks, somehow sounding like she had been betrayed or scandalised. Falasdir makes an apologetic bow, his hair falling over to cover his face and the smile. 

"I am sorry, young princess, but as it is my duty to train you when I can, my priority is the protection of the prince." Legolas could practically hear the smirk in his voice and fought the urge to roll his eyes. Why did everyone enjoy teasing his little sister? To everyone's surprise she does not get angry but nods her head in understanding, even though she was practically pouting. Falasdir straightens himself and all of them watch the princess hold back her own tears by shaking her head, as if telling herself not to do it. 

"Very well, please make sure he comes back safely. You too." She says and turns on her heels walking away when Thranduil places a hand on her head, stopping her. She turns to look up at him, tears already forming in her eyes. To this, Thranduil's features soften, a smile softly touches his lips as he pretends to sigh, making it look like he was about to say something difficult. Although they all knew what it was. 

"You can ride with your brother until the borders," he says and waits for her reaction. At first she just stares at him, unsure of what she had just heard until her eyes grow wide and she smiles a very infectious smile. Of course, everyone already knew about it, so when the princess bounded down to get her horse it had already been prepared, with a small supply for her food as well. She shrieks with joy and almost lands ungracefully if Falasdir had not been standing so close to her. She turns bright red but continues to dust off the invisible dust on her dress as Falasdir tells her she still needed work on her grace and balance and asks if they did not teach her that during her dance lessons. She ignores his questions as she barely attends her dance lessons. Legolas notices the exchange, one of his eyebrow up. He approaches his parents, watching Annuniel scold Falasdir as he tries his best not to laugh at her. She was still very small but her mind was beyond her age.