Dabbles In Ink: Lord Of The Rings One-Shots

Namárië

The knot in Legolas' stomach grew as he drew near the place he had once called home. It felt so different now that the Shadow was no longer hovering over it, waiting for a moment of weakness to show itself.

Any other time Legolas would have greatly enjoyed coming back home for a visit, even though the forest no longer held a strong place in his heart, he still had friends here and he greatly missed the company of his father.

But he knew this was something he had to do. He knew it was coming --they all knew. And now the time had arrived for him to bid his father goodbye for a time.

The horn announcing his arrival blew. He reached the gate and sighed as he dismounted, partly in weariness and partly in dread of what was to come.

"Legolas, I did not expect you for another two days. Is everything well?"

Legolas turned to meet his father and smiled, though somewhat forcefully. "Travel was smooth, I made better time than I believed I would. Nothing to worry over."

Thranduil nodded, returning the smile. "Come, you must be weary." And he led his son inside the stronghold gates. "Go and get cleaned up, and we can dine in my study afterward."

Legolas smiled as he did his father's bidding. It was not the first time he had received those institutions. Many a day, Legolas would return home from having been out on patrol for several weeks, and Legolas would wash up before they would both eat a good meal and discuss the threatening shadow. But this time, Legolas thought almost grimly, they would speak of something very different, and he shook his head at the thought.

An hour later found father and son sipping on the finest wine the Woodland realm had to offer. They say across from one another on the balcony carved out of the side of the mountain in silence, simply enjoying each other's company until Thranduil broke the peaceful quiet.

"Tell me what is on you mind that you would travel so far to discuss it with me? Is there trouble in Ilithilien?"

Legolas shook his head, "Ilithilien prospers, the people are happy. It is a more personal matter that I wish to discuss."

Thranduil nodded, swallowing the growing lump in his throat and Legolas continued.

"The sea still calls me, father. It has been years and nothing I do changes it. And now that Aragorn is..." His voice trailed off and he looked down, awaiting his father's response.

Thranduil clasped his shoulder tightly. "I will miss you dearly my son. But if you wish to sail, don't allow me to hold you back. You are in pain here, I see it in your eyes."

Legolas nodded, his gaze never leaving the floor. It was true, he was in pain here. And though he has endured it, he was tired of the fight.

"Thank you." He whispered, knowing that the upcoming departure would be a little easier now that he had his father's blessing.

Thranduil stood, pulling his only son into an embrace which was not a common gesture since Legolas had reached adulthood. "I will miss you, my son."

"And I you." Legolas whispered back as they pulled away from each other.

Thranduil kept his hand on his son shoulder, and looking him in the eye, said. "When you see her, tell her I still love her, with all that is left of my feä."

Legolas nodded, knowing it was his mother of whom he spoke. "I will father, and mother and I will wait upon the shores, and look for your coming."

Both father and son shares in a pained smile, before they lightened the mood with another glass of wine, sharing tales of passed memories. Determined to enjoy their last days together before a long parting.

A/N Wow, it's been a while since I updated this!

Anyway, credit goes to Stars_Alight for the awesome new cover! Go check out her graphics book! And while your at it, check out her lotr fic Where Shadows Breathe. You won't regret it. Trust me! ;)

Namárië, mellyn nin.