Chapter XXVII (EXT): Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen/Legolas’ Return
“I emerged from my tent at dawn to the sound I had not heard for centuries it seemed—birds chirping melodiously. Nearby, there were woodland creatures roaming beneath the forest tress softly swaying in unison as a gentle breeze blew through their branches. The sky began to lighten as the sun rose; it was a vibrant blue I could almost touch.
Evil was gone. I could not help but remember the years that had come before—so many years of darkness intermingled with moments of joy swirling around times of anguish. I had come out of the shadows to see the dawn of the new age father had said I would.
“Thranduil, son of Oropher,” I heard a voice say beside me. It was Galathil.
“Galathil, son of Galadhon,” I answered. “So this is the day our fathers wished to see.”
“Yes,” he said. “And yet, it comes as every day before it—in a whisper too quiet for us to hear. Perhaps that is how time wishes it to be. To allow us to appreciate all that is given and all that is lost.”
“I have spent much of my life fighting time as much as evil,” I said. “I have never known what it would like not to fight something.”
“I am sure you will not miss it,” he said. “You will not forget it, but you will not miss it.”
“I know one day, I will forget,” Celeborn said as he walked toward us with Ëarmîr. “I look forward to that day with great expectation. For now, I look forward to our return to your palace, Thranduil. Galadriel is waiting.”
“I must apologize to you, Celeborn,” I said as I saw Eldôr approaching with Elranduil. “I did not prepare her for the horrors of my halls.”
“What horrors,” Celeborn asked concerned.
“Five little elven children, I am afraid,” Elranduil said smiling. “They are rather precocious. They seemed to have inherited such behavior from me, right dear cousin?”
I gave him weak smile as he laughed with the others.
“I am sure they cannot be anywhere near the trouble of Elladan and Elrohir,” Celeborn said laughing. “I am sure Galadriel is fine, though I cannot promise the same for the children.”
As we laughed together I noticed Êlenuil with his brother Elendôr. He had a grey horse by its reins that was saddled and prepared for a long journey.
“If you excuse me,” I said.
I walked toward them; my gait heavy as my heart. They bowed to me as I came before them.
“So you are leaving, Êlenuil,” I said. “So soon after battle?”
“I must,” he said quietly, looking at the ground. “It is for the best.”
“You do remember what I asked of you?”
“Yes, Thranduil,” he answered as he looked at me. “You have my word.”
“I will send your children to you when the time comes,” I said. “I trust you will be there to receive them.”
“I will wait for them,” he said. “You have my word.”
I felt sorry for Êlenuil for his pain was palpable. His sorrow reminded me of myself when I lost Êlúriel. I wondered if I had been too hard on him.
“Elendôr, go see to your father,” I said. “I would like a moment with your brother.”
“Yes, Thranduil,” he said bowing. We watched him walk away toward camp. I could see things were being prepared for the journey back to the palace.
“Have I been too harsh with you, Êlenuil,” I asked. “If I have, forgive me.”
“You have been nothing more than noble,” he said. “As expected a King.”
“You are my kin,” I said. “You are a prince of the realm. You returned to fight for your people. I do not know anything more noble than that.”
“Thank you,” he said smiling beneath his golden hair.
“I remember when I almost lost my wife,” I began, my mind reliving the moment again as it had for centuries. “I would be remiss if I did not tell you how it was for me.”
“There is no need for you to remember such pain,” he said.
“I have never forgotten,” I said. “I have lived every day with that pain. There is not a moment I do not think how I almost lost her. I cannot fathom what it must feel like to lose such a great love as you have. Forgive me.”
I could tell by Êlenuil’s expression that my face had fallen grave. I felt the tears falling down my cheek as they had the day I held Êlúriel’s body in my arms—thinking I had lost her.
“I do not deserve her,” I said. “She is too good for me, but she loves me as if I were. If she had died that day, I know she would not have wanted me to leave our children without a father nor a kingdom without a king. I know how you long for Súlelenth, Êlenuil.”
Êlenuil was looking at me, his face serene. He had a smile on his face—one I had not seen since his youth.
“I know,” he said. “That is why I left Nenduîl and Tárimë with you.”
“What are you saying,” I asked trying to compose myself rather poorly. “I do not understand.”
“When they were born, grandfather remarked how much they reminded him of you and the Queen,” he said. “Her mother would tell her stories when she was a child about your love. When she died, I could not look at my children not because I did not love them. It was not because I lost their mother, though I loved her with all my heart. I knew she was mortal and would have died as mortals will. I could not look at them because they were so close and reminded me of you and Queen Êlúriel.”
I had regain some composure as I found myself wanting to understand what Êlenuil was trying to say.
“I am afraid you have lost me,” I said.
“I know they bring you much joy,” he said nearly laughing. “No matter how hard you try to show otherwise. You are the worst liar in all of Arda, you realize.”
“I am not,” I said defiantly.
“They were born out of love aptly named for a love everlasting.”
I was at a loss for words or thoughts.
“And Eärluin,” I asked. “She should know who her father is.”
"She reminds me too much of Súlelenth,” he said. “They adore you both. “I could not bare to lose their love.”
“You are their father,” I said. “How could they not love you?”
“I know they love me,” he said. “I love them very much. But they are a comfort to you. As much a gift to you as they were to me. I think it was for you they were born. They know their purpose and I know mine,” Êlenuil said smiling. “I will keep my word to you.”
We looked at each other—seemingly knowing what the other felt. He embraced me and I could not help but return it.
“Thank you for the mithril,” he whispered, releasing me from his embrace. He mounted his horse and rode toward the west as he had done once before. I watched him until I could not see him.
“Thranduil,” I heard someone say. I looked to see Elranduil standing next to me. “Something the matter?”
“No,” I said. “I was just seeing Êlenuil on his way.”
“We await you to lead us home,” he said. “Unless there is a reason you wish us to remain here and watch you stare at trees.”
I grinned at him—nearly laughing at myself. I nodded and we headed toward camp. Seeing the elves of Mirkwood and Lothlórien together brought back memories of the last time we were together. This time, we were not riding off to war; we were riding home victorious.
I mounted my horse and looked around to see elven soldiers proudly awaiting my command. At my side waited Celeborn smiling serenely.
I smiled in return, motioned to move forward. As our procession began it’s slow move home, I looked back at the smoldering ruins of what was once Dol Guldur. Though it would be a long time before it would once again resemble Amon Lanc, the darkness was gone from my kingdom forever.
For a time, we traveled in silence—each of us savoring the victory filled the air and fell over the whole of Arda. As we made our way closer to the palace, a faint sound of cheers was heard.
“Word still travels quickly among our people,” Celeborn remarked.
“It is just as well,” I said. “We return victorious as I told Galadriel we would.”
“Seems Galadriel is not the only one with the gift of foresight,” he said.
“Not so much foreseen as promised, Celeborn.”
As we came to the path leading to the bridge, my kingdom welcomed us with glorious fanfare. Under a shower of flower petals. I could see my court waiting for us joyfully on the bridge. Before them, Galadriel stood with Isilriel alongside Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin. As we stopped, I dismounted as they came running to me.
“Ada,” they squealed as I knelt down to embrace them.
“You are home,” Tárimë said.
“Yes, I am,” I answered, as I noticed they were dressed in their finest court attire. “And how did you manage to greet me dressed so elegantly?”
“Lady Galadriel,” Nenduîl said pouting. “She told us it would please you.”
“It is itchy, Ada,” Eärluin said, scratching her neck.
“I am well pleased,” I said as I saw Galadriel approaching as Celeborn and the rest of the princes began to great their loved ones. I stood up and bowed to her.
“You must be weary,” she said embracing Celeborn. “Let our warriors take their rest before we return home, if they may, Thranduil.”
“Of course,” I said. “Fëaluin, prepare the court for celebration if you will.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said smiling, his wife Linurial in his arms. “It would be my pleasure.”
As everyone made their way into the palace, I remained behind with Nenduîl and Tárimë.
“Tell me, children,” I began. “Did you mind yourselves while I was away?”
“I did,” Tárimë said. “I cannot say the same for my brother.”
“I was well-behaved,” Nenduîl said defensively. “Much more than my sister.”
“If I were to ask Galadriel, what would she say to me?”
There was a moment of silence and I could not help myself but to laugh.
“I was very good,” Eärluin said. “Nana said so.”
“Where is Nana,” I asked, worried.
“She is waiting for you inside,” Tárimë said. “She said she wanted to see you alone.”
Curious, I entered the palace behind them. I was happy to home and wanted to see Êlúriel.
Inside, the children went their way as I made my way into my study where waited the many faces of my lifetime. To thunderous applause I was received. I approached Celeborn as he stood beside Galathil, Eärmîr, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. We stood for a moment looking at one another as the praise subsided. It was then that we embraced one another. Cheers returned again—the sound rising louder than the falls behind us.
“Let no more time fall between us now that darkness has fallen from the rest of our days,” I said. “It is a day I never thought I would see but for my father I am his eyes from the grave. He would be proud.”
“Yes, he would, Thranduil,” Celeborn said. “Tonight we celebrate and tomorrow you will face the world as King of Eryn Lasgalen.”
“What,” I said taken aback. “What are you saying?”
Celeborn smiled as Galathil patted me on the shoulder.
“You were never one to take anything without bewilderment,” Galathil said. “Or so I have been told.”
“Yes, I am afraid my cousin is often taken aback,” I heard Elranduil say as he approached. “Good news or bad, it does take him a moment to find the words to say anything.”
“Well, then. He has the rest of the evening to find his words,” Celeborn said. “In the meantime, I believe your court is being prepared for celebration and I shall take my leave to do likewise.”
I never heard the study empty nor had I realized I had regained my kingdom. It was a moment I would never forget—after so long under the curse of Sauron, I had come full circle to see my kingdom through sorrow and pain to joy and peace.
For as long as there is a kingdom to rule, you will. My father’s words rang true—as I heard them spoken once more from my heart.
“Thranduil,” I heard my name called. I turned to see Nimlos.
“Yes,” I asked. “What is it?”
“Time to get ready for the celebration,” he said. “You are not going like that, are you?”
I looked down at myself. I was still in my armor—stained with dirt and the dried blood of orcs.
“I could use a change of wardrobe,” I answered. “And a bath."
I went to my bath and noticed I was alone. I looked forward to having a moment to myself. After my armor was removed, my dressers left to prepare my wardrobe for the evening. Once in the bath, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and felt myself release all the tension of the day. Though exhausted, I wondered where Êlúriel was as I had yet to see her.
“You never cease to amaze me,” I heard a voice say to me.
“Elranduil,” I answered. “Who allowed you in here?”
“Amusing, Thranduil,” he answered. I opened one eye to see him sitting nearby in his robe and fresh from his bath. “I wanted to see to your well-being.”
“What do you want,” I asked.
“Not a thing,” he answered. “Though father wanted to know how you were. You seemed beyond his reach for a moment What is on your mind?”
“I am in need of rest is all,” I answered as I closed my eye. “Nothing more. Uncle mustn’t worry himself although I am quite sure it is you that would like to know more.”
“No,” he said. “Though your son wishes to speak with you before tonight’s celebration.”
I opened my eyes and sat up.
“Tarthôn,” I asked. “Is something the matter?”
“Not at all,” Elranduil answered. “He is quite well. There is no hurry. He is with Ëariâth just now. He has something he wishes to tell you. He refuses to tell anyone but you.”
“I have raised him well, then,” I said reclining once more. “He knows you can never keep a secret.”
“I can so,” he said rising. “I kept many of your secrets. Is it my fault Ardúin could get them from me? She can be quite persuasive.”
“She is not persuasive, Elranduil. You are afraid of her.”
“I am not,” he began as a servant entered and bowed.
“I was sent by Her Highness, Princess Ardúin,” he said quietly. “She wishes for His Highness Prince Elranduil to join her immediately.”
“Tell her I shall be with her in a moment,” Elranduil said.
“Now, Elranduil,” a voice came from across the room. It was Ardúin. I could not help but laugh.
“If you will excuse me,” Elranduil said. “My wife requires my presence.”
He hurried away with the servant. I took another moment to enjoy my solitude—closing my eyes to rest.
“You kept your word,” a voice said.
It was Êlúriel. I opened my eyes just as she had slipped into the water and glided over to me and embracing me.
“So I have,” I said, holding her.
We did not say another word as we found ourselves lost in a kiss and locked in an embrace for what seemed a magical eternity. When she was done with me, she stepped out of the bath, wrapped herself her robe and rang for the servants.
“Do not be late, Thranduil,” she said, smiling.
Soon the servants arrived. I stepped out of my bath and was dried and dressed in a robe and I made my way to my room. The guards opened my door and I entered. A moment later, my dressers entered and began to prepare me for the night. I was placed in the colors of spring—rich greens with silver embroidered leaves on my coat. A knock came to my door.
“Enter,” I said as one servant began combing my hair. It was Tarthôn with Aranduil close behind.
“How’s Nana,” he asked grinning.
“You have a shadow with you, son,” I said, smiling thinking about Êlúriel.
Tarthôn turned and picked up his grandson.
“Well what do you know,” he said. “How did you come upon me, Aranduil?”
“I followed you,” he said. “I wanted to come.”
“I think he wanted to see you as much as I did,” Tarthôn said. “You look fine this evening, Ada.”
“Am I to assume Êlúriel is waiting for us?”
“Elranduil said you wished to tell me something.”
“Yes,” he began. “There is word from Gondor.”
“Gondor,” I asked. “What of it?”
“Legolas has survived the war,” he said. “He is there with Aragorn. I was told of it before we left Dol Guldur. It would appear Legolas sent a messenger ahead of the news.”
I turned slowly toward Tarthôn—who was straightening Aranduil’s little buttons on his robe. When he looked up, his face was smiling as brightly as my own must have been.
“This is wonderful news,” I said. “Wonderful. I have both of my sons and I could not ask for more.”
“Me,” Aranduil said angrily. “I am here too.”
“Yes,” I said. “You are here as well, Aranduil. How could I have forgotten?”
In overwhelming joy, I embraced them both. I knew I would see my sons together again some day soon.
“Let us celebrate, Ada,” Tarthôn said as he put Aranduil down. “The kingdom awaits.”
We left my room and entered the hall. As we approached the court room, festive spring colors dressed everything from pillar to post. Green, indigo, red, yellow and white created an aura of the forest floor. Êlúriel stood at her throne, her gown the color of mine, her crown upon her head as a halo. My court once engaged fell quiet as I took my place beside her.
“Tonight we celebrate,” I began “For the darkness that fell upon our kingdom is no more. It is a new day not only for the elves, but for all that live in every corner of this world. Peace has finally returned to the Woodland Realm.”
A roar of cheers filled the room and resounding into every crevice of the halls with a sound that for the first time was greater than the force of the waterfalls’ ever flowing. I walked down from my throne and made my way to the room above the festivities. Upon reaching the window seat, I remembered the night of my wedding—sitting with Êlúriel in a quiet moment.
I continued further up the stairs to the room where I spoke with my father many times before he died in the War of the Last Alliance. I walked over to the window and looked out over Forest River quietly flowing into Long Lake. The trees were turning black with the setting of the sun but I could see the stars beginning to peek through the eastern sky one by one.
“Ada,” I heard a child say. It was Nenduîl. I turned to see him and Tárimë standing behind me. I motioned to them to come. I noticed for the first time how much they had grown as they approached me.
“It is a beautiful night,” Tárimë said looking over the balcony. “Can we go outside now?”
“In the morning,” I said. “After the ceremony.”
“What ceremony,” Nenduîl asked looking terrified. “Do I have to dress up again?”
“Nenduîl, you are a Prince of the realm. It is proper protocol.”
“I am not fond of proper protocol,” he said leaning against me. “It is very uncomfortable.”
“I am a Princess,” Tárimë said. “I like being a Princess.”
“That is because you are a girl,” her brother said sticking his tongue out.
“Children, behave yourselves,” I said trying not to laugh. I remembered how much I did not like proper palace protocol at their age. “It will not be too long and afterward you are free to play with the other children.
“Outside,” Nenduîl asked looking up at me—eyes wide with excitement.
“Will you come with us,” Tárimë asked.
“I have some things to do. I am the King you realize.”
The both stood beside one another giving me their best sad and down trodden look in a rather convincing attempt at forcing my hand.
“Very well, perhaps I will join you after I am done with my duties,” I said.
Smiling they embraced me and I in return.
“We love you, Ada,” they said.
“I love you both very much,” I said, thinking about the last time I saw their father at Dol Guldur. I wondered should I tell them about Êlenuil.
“Nenduîl. Tárimë,” I heard Elranduil say. “Ardúin is looking for you. I need a word with Thranduil.”
They ran off into the darkness that had begun to surround the forest. I leaned agains the balcony once more as Elranduil joined me.
“How is the celebration,” I asked. “Am I needed?”
“It is fine, Thranduil,” he said. “You are noticeably missing but you are the king. You do what you like.”
“True,” I answered. “Why are you here?”
“I am here because I can do what I like,” he said.
“We like far too many of the same things, cousin.”
“I am afraid that runs in the family,” he said. “It would seem so does wandering away to think about all that has come to pass.”
“We have seen many things,” I began. “Some things I am glad I will never see again. There are a few things I want to see again."
“I know,” he said softly.
“Father,” I said. “I wish he were here to see this day. Come, Elranduil. Let us return to the celebration. I believe the king should see to his court.”
We began walking toward the stairs where the sound of merrymaking filled the air. I hesitated for a moment.
“If you do not wish to return, your subjects will understand,” Elranduil said.
“I wish to join them,” I said. “I realized how long it has been since we had something to celebrate. It has been too long. Far too long.”
We began our descent down to the court room when I was met by Galathil.
“Thinking again,” he asked. Elranduil nodded and went on his way.
“Of course, Galathil,” I answered. “I am the son of Oropher. Thinking is an inherited trait.”
“Father always said as much. You realize Ëarmîr reminds me of Oropher every day. His mother would be proud. I wish our sister could be here to see how he has grown.”
“War has taken many over the centuries that never should have been lost—whether by death or by choice,” I said quietly.
I gave him a pat on the back and walked through the court of bowing courtiers on my way out the front gates and across the bridge.
It was the clearest of nights—it seemed every star in the heavens were shining. I made my way to the tomb of Oropher.
“I miss you, Ada,” I said feeling tear welling in my eyes. “I wish you could be here to see peace in our kingdom. I wish you could have known my son Legolas. He fought gallantly to save the world.”
I could not stop crying. Emotion took me from my posture as I fell to the ground. Three thousand years of pain flowed from me like a waterfall. I do not remember for how long I cried but when I stopped there was no sound left but those of nature. I looked up and was startled by a vision of my mother.
Dressed in a white gown flowing with her hair behind her.
“Thranduil, my son,” she said. “Do not weep for you brought peace to our kingdom and to our people.”
“Nana,” I said standing. “Is that you?”
She reached out and embraced me and I felt her close to me as I had in my youth.
“My little Isilya,” she said. I knew it was Nimeithel. “You have changed so much. I can see it in your eyes. But it is for the best. Soon you must decide what to do and it will be the hardest choice you will ever make.”
“What choice,” I asked. “What else could there be? The war is over. There is peace.”
“I cannot say but you will know when the time comes. I miss you, Thranduil. Since I left you. But I knew then as now that I will see you again. I must go now. I needed to see you once more before you left.”
“Where would I go,” I asked as she kissed my cheek and moved away further and further.” Where would I go? Mother? Nana?”
“What vexes you, Thranduil,” a voice said. I turned to see Eldôr.
“Did you see my mother,” I asked staring into the pitch of night. “She was here. Mother was here.”
“Oh course she was, Thranduil,” he said almost mockingly. “Nimeithel tends to do such things.”
“You do not believe me,” I said defiantly.
“She told you that you would see her again,” he said gently. “And you will. But now you need to rest before the dawn. We have a ceremony to attend.”
As we began toward the palace, I couldn’t help but look back. Nimeithel was gone. I could not help but wonder what she meant about the choice I would have to make. That choice would come to me sooner than I would have wanted.
The day was more beautiful than I could remember—crisp and clear. I was dressed in my finest spring regalia to go before my people. I stood in the hall quietly awaiting my children. Soon, Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin came before me. Nenduîl looked uncomfortable in his little robes which were as mine and I tried not to laugh.
“Not yet,” Êlúriel said as she stepped out of our room. She was breathtaking—more heavenly than earthly as she approached us. “Now, we can go.”
They nodded and we made our way down the hall toward the front gate. Before we were to exit, we awaited the rest of the family. Soon, Isílriel, Eldôr, Elranduil, Ardôr, Ninyáre, Tarthôn, Ëariâth, Orisil, Arlúin, Elendôr, Aradúlin, Tatháron, Aranduil, Auríel, Êleneth, Aramoth, Nenloth, Nimlos, Sildúriel, Aruilos, Nimlúin, Aradûial, Fëaluin and Linurial. When all were assembled, the doors were opened and we walked out into the sun.
Before us stood every elf in the kingdom standing side by side with elven warriors of Lothlórien. On the bridge awaited Celeborn, Galadriel, Galathil, Ëarmîr, Isílion, Tárion, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. As I took my place beside Celeborn and Galathil, I nodded—a smile across my face I felt for what seemed an eternity.
“Elves of Mirkwood,” Celeborn began. “The curse of Sauron that kept your people in shadow is no more. Your kin in the West need not fear any longer the darkness their kin in the East have endured alone. The name of your king shall once again be on the lips of all creatures in Arda as it was always meant to be. Forevermore shall he be known as King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen.”
There rose from the elves cheers that could be heard for miles around. I turned to Celeborn as he smiled at me. I had no words to express the happiness I felt.
“You need not say a word, Thranduil,” he said. “It was my pleasure. We never should have let you suffer such evil alone. You are one of us—our kin. Forgive me such indignity.”
“There is nothing you have done that needs forgiving,” I said. “It was not your doing that our kingdom fell to Sauron. I know now you did what you felt you had to do. You are here now. That is all that matters.”
“Until tomorrow,” he said. “I am sure Elrond is waiting for us to return to prepare for a wedding.”
“Arwen and Aragorn,” I said.
“Galadriel can hardly contain herself,” he mused. “I find it refreshing she has lent her wisdom elsewhere rather than on me.”
“Seems Nenduîl would agree with you.”
“She told me about him,” he added. “A rather precocious stripling you have there. Galadriel needs more rest than we did coming from battle, I dare say.”
“I am afraid he gets it from my cousin, Elranduil,” I said laughing. “He was much like Nenduîl in his youth.”
“I remember you having an rather inquisitive penchant for trouble,” he said. “As it were, Elranduil told me as much. He said you still have an inkling of it.”
“Elranduil says many things,” I said glancing at him as he spoke with Galathil. “Most of which are exaggeration.”
He laughed and went to Galadriel as Aranduil, Nenduîl and Tárimë ran by followed by several other elven children nearly knocking over Ëarmîr.
“Must I stay, Uncle,” I heard him ask Galathil.
“I beg your pardon,” I asked walking over to them. “What is this about?”
“Ëarmîr will remain with you when we leave,” Galathil said. “He knows his place. Not a word until the day comes.”
“I do not understand,” I began before Elranduil interrupted.
“Enough for now,” he said. “We have things to attend to. If we may, Galathil?”
He nodded and walked away with Ëarmîr.
“Why is Ëarmîr staying with us,” I asked again. “Which of my council is he replacing?”
“No one is leaving,” he said escorting me into the palace. “He is staying with us for a brief time. I would not worry yourself about it just now. You have to decide what to do with the extended borders of Eryn Lasgalen.”
I stopped short of the main gates as the guards opened the door.
“I could have sworn I am the King of the realm,” I said angrily. “Yet, somehow I have no knowledge of what goes on within it. I demand that you tell me what is going on this instant.”
“I cannot tell you for it is not for me to tell,” he said. “Just know it is all for the best. Now, Fëaluin awaits us in your study.”
We continued on into the palace and into the study. I was prepared to protest when I stopped in my tracks. In my presence was Ardôr talking to his son Elendôr as Fëaluin spoke with Eldôr. They turned and bowed to me.
“You wished a word, Fëaluin,” I asked. “Perhaps you can tell me what no one else will."
“I gather you learned of Ëarmîr,” he said. “He will be staying in Eryn Lasgalen.”
“I am aware of that,” I said sharply. “Why is what I seem to find difficult to ascertain.”
“He is here for me,” he said. “I require additional assistance.”
“Oh, well,” I answered. “That tells me absolutely nothing.”
“I shall explain to you later, if I may, Thranduil,” he said reading a scroll. “My time is sacrosanct just now. Must prepare for tonight.”
“Tonight,” I asked perplexed. “What is tonight?”
“Dinner,” Eldôr said, patting my shoulder as he and Fëaluin walked past me and out of the study.
“Worry not, Thranduil,” Ardôr said quietly. “All is well in your kingdom.”
He left with Elendôr, leaving me and Elranduil to ourselves. I had a feeling of suspicion within that something was going to happen.
“Elranduil, what do you know,” I asked. “Please, tell me.”
“You are the King of Eryn Lasgalen,” he said. “If you wish to know more than that, I am afraid I will be of little help. I am just as confounded as you are, cousin.”
I knew then I was in for another revelation that would be more spectacular than the last.
It was dawn when Êlúriel and I stood with our court on the bridge to bid farewell to Celeborn, Galathil and Galadriel. Beside me stood Elranduil and Ëarmîr, who earlier had a private moment with Galathil and Celeborn before becoming a member of my court. I was curious as to why he was required to stay, however, the time to inquire would come.
“Your Majesty,” Haldir began. “It has truly been a pleasure. My brothers and I have never felt more at home outside Lothlórien in a long time.”
“Think nothing of it,” I said. “You are welcome always in my kingdom.”
“We shall see you again,” Galadriel began, giving me a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Beyond these borders you will one day find your way. Do not tarry.”
I smiled at her; perplexed by her words. Celeborn and Galathil smiled as Isílion and Tárion approached.
“The warriors are ready to return to Lothlórien, My Lords and Lady,” Isílion said. “All has been prepared.”
“See your way home,” Celeborn said to me.
He embraced me one last time and took Galadriel’s hand and went the length of the bridge to their horses. Galathil followed close behind. When everyone was upon their steeds, the elves of Lothlórien left Eryn Lasgalen.
“So, Ëarmîr,” I began. “What task has been given you that you are left in my charge as a new member of my court?”
“You will know soon enough, Your Majesty,” he said softly. “For now, you should take pleasure in your new kingdom and its expanded borders.”
“So I shall,” I said. “And I shall have Fëaluin find you a place in council.”
We entered the palace and the days that came thereafter would be filled with wonders.
Months went by with little fanfare—as the entire kingdom began to become accustomed to a peaceful existence. So many years had gone by where we stood guard and waited for evil to come upon us, even the twitter of birds frightened us whenever one would snap a twig under foot.
One day, I decided to go for a ride with Nenduîl and Tárimë. The care of the royal children was given to Ëarmîr by Fëaluin and he was quite adept at caring for them much to the consternation of Nenduîl and Aranduil. Ëarmîr began to find his place and a friend in Tárimë who adored hearing stories from the court of Lady Galadriel. She had started to grow into young lady wanting to become as elegant and graceful as all the elven maidens of the past.
As I was looking forward to spending the day away from court, Elranduil and Eldor approached me with Tarthôn and Nimlos as I emerged from my chambers.
“Come quickly,” Eldôr said. “Fëaluin is at the front gate.”
“Why,” I asked. “Something amiss?”
“A rider approaches,” Elranduil said. “Come quickly.”
We hurried ourselves toward the front gates and into the crisp morning where Êlúriel waited for us. I could see from a distance lone rider making his way toward us.
“Who is it, Ada,” I heard Nenduîl ask as he ran to my side with his sister and cousin.
I could see who it was and I felt a smile cross my face with eager anticipation.
“Legolas,” I said to myself. “It is Legolas.”
“My son,” Êlúriel whispered.
When his horse stopped at the foot of the bridge, he dismounted as servants helped his companion—a dwarf warrior—down to the ground. Legolas slowly approached me I made my way to him. When were standing in front of one another, we both seemed lost in the sight of one another.
“Ada,” he finally said. “I told you I would return to you.”
I could not contain my joy and embraced him tightly.
“My son,” I whispered to him. “My son. Welcome home.”
I did not want to let him go. My son—my heir—was home at last. When I finally released him, Êlúriel took her turn.
“I knew you would return,” she said. “My little Greenleaf.”
“Nana,” he said, blushing.
Beside him stood the dwarf that arrived with him. He bowed eloquently as any prince would to a king. In his face, I recognized another.
“Ada and Nana, this is Gimli, son of Glóin,” Legolas said. “He is a friend and one of the Fellowship.”
“So I have heard,” I said. “We were fortunate to have met his father again not long before in Dale when I attended the burial of King Dáin of Erebor. It is an honor to meet you Gimli, son of Glóin.”
“And I you, Your Majesty,” Gimli said smiling through his wooly beard cheerfully. “You are not as fearsome as they said.”
“I am glad to hear it,” I said. I could hear Elranduil and Nimlos hiding their laughter behind me as Tarthôn approached.
“Welcome home, brother,” he said to Legolas, embracing him. “Good to have you home once more.”
“It is good to be home,” Legolas answered. “I told Gimli all about you.”
“I feel as I have known you all my life,” Gimli said. “Wait until you hear about me.”
Everyone broke into laughter.
“Are you a real dwarf,” I heard Nenduîl ask as he and Aranduil looked him over curiously.
“I hope so,” he answered. “If I am not, my father will be quite disappointed.”
“Nenduîl, Aranduil,” Ëarmîr scolded. He had arrived in time to save me from my thoughts as I recalled Durin asking me if I were a real elf.
They looked at him and then at me.
“He is a real dwarf,” I answered. “He is welcomed to stay with us as long as he would like. He is a friend of Legolas. You will behave, will you not?”
“Of course, Ada,” Nenduîl said. “We will.”
“Very well, then,” I said. “Fëaluin, show our guest a place to rest. He must be weary from his travels. I wish to speak to my sons alone for a moment, if I may.”
"As you wish,” Fëaluin answered as he motioned to Gimli to follow him and everyone inside.
“It is good to have my sons with me again,” I said. “Together. I am very proud of both of you and all you have done for this world and your kingdom. I do not think there is father in all of Arda as glad as me.”
“Ada has become more sentimental since I have been away,” Legolas said smiling.
“Worse,” Tarthôn said. “Far worse.”
I embraced my sons and then we made our way into palace. Everything was once again as it should be.”––TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-22-17
Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.
