Unspoken ( A Legolas Love Story )

2.19: A New Hope

Shouldering his quiver and blade holster, Legolas lifted his son up onto his horse. Nerwen was still showering his daughter with kisses, as Wren stood silently nearby. His wife's eyes were glassy with unshed tears, but Legolas knew it was only a matter of time. Osgiliath was saddled and waiting. Legolas glanced at the track that stretched out before them with new eyes. Somehow the familiar path looked different now that it was the last time he would walk upon it. 

Eighteen months passed by almost sleepily in Fornost, Elladan and Elrohir departed for Rivendell at the end of the previous summer, along with a promise to return in two years' time. The use of the word 'almost' is particularly pertinent as Wren gave birth to a pair of lively twins several months after the Ranger's return from Mount Gundabad. Legolas's fears, hopes and joy had all culminated in birth of a small boy, who looked who looked more like his mother every day with arresting brown eyes, and a blonde, blue-eyed baby girl. Both children appeared more elvish than mortal, walking and babbling well beyond their peer group in the village now almost one year in age.

Legolas had gradually found a place in the daily life of the Dúnedain that did not include regular patrols or skirmishes with orcs and wargs. When not out hunting with Nerwen or Wren, looking after his own young ones, the prince of Mirkwood had taken up giving the children of the village lessons in archery, history and even the Sindarin tongue. Life took on a familiar rhythm, and for a time, Legolas was content to forget the world beyond. He called himself friend, hunter, teacher, now a father... but not a prince, not to these people. Although, he still kept his mother's ring on his person at all times, either upon his own finger or around his neck on a chain.

Now here they stood, the green leaves on the trees were just beginning to transition into hues of gold and scarlet and the entire village by all appearances had turned out to see him and his family off. There had been weeks of discussion and preparation, for travelling so far with two young children was no mean feat, but Legolas had delayed this trip for nearly a year and was reluctant to delay it further.

Legolas turned to Nerwen, who was gently lifting his small daughter up onto Wren's horse.

He reached for the dagger that was still tucked in his belt, it had become a familiar presence, but the time had come to see it safely home. Unbuckling the knife and its sheath, Legolas passed the heirloom back to its rightful owner. "I owe you thanks for loaning me this."

"It was not a loan Legolas, it was a gift." Nerwen responded. "Particularly pertinent I believe, considering whose life it saved." As she cast her eyes to her only daughter, Nerwen wrapped her hands around his own as she returned the proffered dagger.

"Go. But do not forget. We will be here, when and if you return."

Legolas knew how much it cost Nerwen to let them go and he was honored. He bowed his head in gratitude and was surprised when he felt two rough hands clasp his face as a kiss landed abruptly on his head. Legolas looked up in surprise as he saw Nerwen hastily wipe away a tear before she gave him a sage nod. When she spoke again, it was with barely contained teasing.

"Make sure to you bid farewell to Gelwin before you depart. The lass will miss you something fierce."

"Ah..."

At a loss for words in that regard, Legolas could only smile helplessly as he said, "Thank you Nerwen. Blessings of the Valar follow you all your days."

A tiny hand tugged at the corner of Legolas's cloak, and he turned to see Halbarad looking up at him. Enid stepped forward to scoop her two-year son up into her arms, while smiling graciously at the elf. Legolas had taken the young boy under his care this past year, as a small way of honoring his Beringil's memory. The elf ruffled the small boy's hair and bid Enid a fond farewell.