Chapter XXI (EXT): The Best of Sons (Pt. VII/a)

“Morning crept upon the kingdom slowly. In the dark blue of twilight, I felt Êlúriel turn beneath the covers. Facing me, she smiled slightly as she moved closer to me and slipping into my arms. Her delicate skin was cool to the touch, sending a slight chill through me. We kissed as we found a moment to ourselves before the events of the day.

“Are you prepared for the day,” she asked. Her skin was warmer and flushed with color as I noticed the day had finally risen and the sun chased away the last remnants of night.

“I am now,” I said, kissing her forehead. “What of you?”

“I look forward to it, she answered. “I remember when we were wed—as if it were yesterday. It was the second happiest day of my life.”

“What was the first,” I asked curiously.

“The first was the day I knew I would become your wife,” she said smiling. “The day we first met.”

“I do not have a happiest day, I am afraid,” I said coyly.

“Why not,” Êlúriel asked frowning.

“Because every day with you is the happiest day of my life.”

We kissed again until the familiar knock was heard at our doors.

“Would you mind terribly if I put a lock on our doors,” I asked.

Êlúriel laughed as she rose from our bed and went to cover herself.

“Enter, Fëaluin,” she said.

Through the doors came Fëaluin with several servants—several bringing breakfast. I remained where I was as the activity stole from me a feeling of being ordinary. 

“Thranduil,” he began. “Fancy finding you still in bed when you should be attending to your duties.”

“How is that possible,” I said. “I cannot attend to anything without you. The day would no longer be sacrosanct without you reminding me to attend to my royal duties every morning. Perish the thought.”

“No time for melodrama, Thranduil,” he said ignoring me and bowing to Êlúriel as he approached her. “Your Majesty, how was your night? I hope it was pleasant.”

“It was, thank you,” Êlúriel answered. “My ladies await me?”

“Yes,” Fëaluin said. “They await just outside.” They turned their gaze toward me; I knew what it meant.

“Why is it on such occasions it is me that must leave my own chambers,” I asked, motioning for the servants to bring my robe. “I am the king of this realm if you have not noticed.”

“We have noticed,” Fëaluin said. “How can we not? You have reminded us of it every morning for nearly three thousand years.”

When I was covered, I went to Êlúriel and kissed her.

“It is only for this day,” she whispered.

“Please, my dear,” I whispered. “Do not tease me.”

I turned and proceeded to follow Fëaluin and two servants out the door and into the hall. It was filled with ladies going into my chambers.

“Good day, Ada,” I heard Isílriel say.

I turned to see her walking toward me—hardly recognizable from the child she had been. She was as beautiful as her mother and in every way a lady. She embraced me and kissed my cheek.

“How is my daughter,” I asked.

“Quite well,” she answered. “Nana has sent you away, I see. Elranduil awaits you in his chambers.”

“For once I would like to have my cousin inconvenienced,” I said.

“But your chambers are far larger, Ada,” she said. “Cousin told me it was tradition.”

“Yes, of course, Darling,” I answered. “Carry on. I shall see you soon.”

She smiled and followed the last of the ladies into my chambers as Fëaluin and I began to go our way.

“Remind me to have a word with Elranduil about this ‘tradition’, Fëaluin,” I said. He laughed as we made our way toward Elranduil and Ardúin’s chambers.

Upon entering the room, everyone stood and bowed. Every one that should be in attendance were—including Legolas dressed as his brother and cousins. I could see that like his sister, he was well beyond childhood. Looking around, there were no remnants of my youth left. I was looking at the world through the eyes of my father—as a king that had ruled for centuries.

I noticed Êlenuil and Elendôr looking fearful at my arrival. It meant that the time had come to leave youth behind. I acknowledged them and led my dressers toward the dressing corner shielded by a screen. I heard room empty as my dressers began their work.

“I know you are still here, Elranduil,” I said.

“Of course,” he said. “As always.”

“It would seem my daughter thinks it is tradition to have the king ceremoniously pushed from the royal bed chamber on such an occasion.”

“I know nothing of such a thing,” he said. I could tell he was laughing and I could here others laughing along with him. “The princess must have heard it from someone else.”

“Do you mean it is not true as you said,” I heard Legolas ask. The room erupted in laughter as I came round to see all the princes in the room.

“You know nothing of such a thing,” I repeated to Elranduil as I straightened the sleeves of my robe while a servant followed me brushing my hair. “I find that hard to believe.”

“I might have mentioned it in passing,” he said.

“Elranduil, please,” Eldôr said. “Already a grandfather, still acting as a child. Send for the others to return. Make yourself useful.”

Elranduil sneered and went into the hall as Eldôr turned to me.

“You never fail to remind me of your father,” he said. “He would be proud of you.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” I said softly. “I wish he were here. Mother as well.”

“They would both be proud,” he said. “As I am.”

When the room was full again, I noticed Haldúir had joined us. He was dressed as a member of the household he would soon be apart. Unlike before, he seemed at home with us. I knew Fëaluin had much to do with that as he and Eldôr had their time with him. I walked to him and he bowed.

“Your Majesty,” he said.

“Haldúir,” I said. “It is good to see you again. The attire of the elves suits you rather well.”

“Thank you,” he said. “You must see Arímë. I have not seen her more beautiful nor more joyous. Seeing her family again has lifted her spirits.”

“You are family now as well,” I said. “I believe our worlds are better for it.”

“It is time,” Fëaluin announced. “Everyone to their positions.”

Everyone began moving around quickly. I was left with Tarthôn, Ardôr and Haldúir alongside Eldôr and Fëaluin. We were to lead the procession to the ceremony with our wives. When the halls fell quiet, we went into the hall. There waiting for us were Êlúriel, Ëariâth, Ninyáre and Arímë. They were all beautiful—dressed in the robes of the season--an elegant symphony of rich gold, orange and reds the leaves of autumn. I went to Êlúriel and took her hand.

“Shall we go, Your Majesty,” I asked her. 

She nodded and we made our way through the empty halls of the palace and outside toward the marital canopy where the rest of the court waited.”--TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 10-9-17

Chapter VI: From Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen: Legolas’ Return (Pt. V)

“It was dawn when I stood with my 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. “Fealuin 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. 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.”

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, beside us stood the dwarf that arrived with him. He bowed eloquently as any prince would to a king. In his face, I recognized another.

“Ada, this is Gimli, son of Glóin,” Legolas said. “He is a friend and one of the Fellowship.”

“So I have heard,” I said. “I was fortunate to have met his father 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. “Fealuin, 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,” Fealuin 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.”––Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 05-14-17.

Chapter XIX: Mirkwood (Pt. VIII)

“After a night spent deep in thought, I left my study and walked down the hall toward my chambers. Directly in my path stood Legolas speaking with Elenadar, Elenatar and Tarthôn.

“I hope to be able to join you on a hunt,” I heard him say enthusiastically.

“If Ada allows you out of the front gate,” Tarthôn began, “I will take you up on your challenge.”

“What challenge is this, dare I ask?”

As soon as I spoke, the group quickly bowed.

“Legolas,” I asked? “What is your brother speaking about?"

“Tarthôn says he can kill more orcs than me, Father,” Legolas said smiling at me. “I disagree with him, of course.”

I gave him a sharp look. He had not even heard my decision and already he was full of anticipation for my answer to be permissive. I looked at both of them for a time—glaring intensely the two young men that once clung to me tightly as children.

“You realize, Legolas, that Tarthôn has more experience at fighting the real thing.”

I continued my way then stopped. I turned back and looked at my sons.  Legolas looked down as he were ready to cry.

“If I were you, I would spend today in practice and tonight in rest if you are to join him and the others on the hunt tomorrow.”

Legolas lifted his head—his face had the largest smile I had ever seen. Perfect, as his mother’s. He nearly ran to me.

“Thank you, Ada,” he said quietly. “I will not fail you.”

“I know. You never have.”

He bowed and returned to his friends as I continued down the hall, worried whether tomorrow I would still have an heir.

“You will, Thranduil,” I heard a familiar voice said. “I would not worry about him.”

“Eldôr,” I said surprised. “You startled me, Uncle.”

“Many apologies, Thranduil. Your mother and my wife have made it safely to Mithlond, but I thought it better to return. It was best for me not to go into the Undying Lands quite yet. Especially when I heard of the news of the unfortunate change of our identity from out of Lothlórien.”

“Yes, it was unfortunate,” I said angrily. “Whatever reasons for it, you will never see me turn my back against the wind even if it were to blow from our own kin. I have a kingdom to rule whether by Eryn Galen or Mirkwood it is called.”

“You are very much your father’s son,” he said. “Oropher would be very proud.”

We walked together toward the great hall as I would begin a new day. Somehow, I began to feel our people were going to rise from this darkness we had known anew.

The following morning, I anxiously watched Legolas leave the palace to protect the kingdom with many other elven warriors.

“I know your fear, Thranduil,” Fëaluin said. “I feel the same every time I watch my sons leave. It is a feeling that will never go away.”

“They are with Nimlos, Elmîr and Elranduil,” Eldôr said. “They will return.”

As he turned, a beautiful two beautiful young elven maidens appeared by our side. One I knew well was Nimlúin—daughter of Fínduin and Sinomë. She had had long brown hair and light brown eyes. The other was Mîráre, daughter of Tatháron. Her long golden hair and eyes of silver were hard to avoid—especially for Legolas. They both bowed to me gracefully.

“Has Aruilos left, Uncle,” Nimlúin asked Fëaluin. “Mîráre wished to see His Highness off.”

“I am afraid they left quite early,” I answered, looking at Mîráre. “Mîráre, daughter of Tatháron and Tárwen. You are turning into quite a beautiful young lady.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said smiling awkwardly. “His Majesty is too kind.”

“Or truthful. Legolas shall return and call upon his return. He would be foolish not to do so. Eldôr. Fëaluin. Shall we?”

We started toward my study slowly. Fëaluin tried desperately not to laugh.

“I have been gone for far too long,” Eldôr said.

“Yes, you have, Eldôr,” I said. “Yes you have.”

**** **** **** ****

“It had only been a few hours since I had watched my son pass through the main gates of our palace and into the wild to battle the evil that roamed our kingdom. I paced the floor of my throne room waiting for word I had lost my son. When the gates burst open, I thought my worst fears had come true.

Elenadar and Elenatar entered carrying a wounded elven archer. As I was joined by Eldôr, Elranduil, Fëaluin, and Aramír, we hurried to see about the elf. As they lay the elf on the floor, Nimlos, Elranduil, Findôl and Elmîr entered and went to him. It was Randúmîr. Though I was grateful it was not Legolas, he was nowhere to be seen and I worried about the condition of my archer.

“Where is Aramoth,” Aramír yelled looking around. “I need him.”

“He comes shortly with Aldáros,” Fëaluin said. “They were at the northern borders with Sildôr. How is Randúmîr?"

“He should be fine,” Elenatar said. “The wound is shallow.” He pulled showed us a bleeding cut carved out of Randúmîr’s shoulder.

“Take him to Nimlúin, now,” Eldôr commanded as more elven archers poured into the inner sanctum. Some were bloodied, but mobile. When I seemed all had returned, there still was not a sign of Legolas.

“I am going out there to find my son,” I said grabbing my sword.

“Thranduil, stop,” Nimlos began, trying to stop me. “You do not want to go out there.”

“I will go anywhere in this world for my son, Nimlos.”

Just as I said that, the gates opened and there was my son with his cousins Ardôr, Aruilos, Tarthôn and Orísil.

“How many did I get, Tarthôn,” I heard Legolas asking. He had a bit of dirt on his shirt, but otherwise he appeared fine.

“Oh, one more than me,” Tarthôn said, sounding irritated. “Tell the world, Legolas.”

“I think twenty was a good number for your first day,” Aruilos said. “But you both have far to go to catch my thirty-four.”

“Or my forty-seven,” Orísil gloated. “Though Ardôr did rather well.”

“Still far less than twenty,” Ardôr said quietly. “Fifteen."

“What is this,” I asked.

They stopped and bowed reverently.

“Where have you been, Legolas? Tarthôn? You realize how worried I have been?”

“Ada, it was my doing,” Legolas said. “I wanted to fight later than required. Do not blame them.”

“Legolas, come with me.” I stormed into my study, my son lock-step behind me.

Inside, there were scribes working as they had for centuries. By the look on my face, they knew to leave quickly, closing the doors behind them.

“I was worried about you, Legolas,” I began. “My son out there in the wilds battling orcs and the like. And what do you do?”

“Quite well, I must say,” he said smiling. “I felled many of those horrible creatures. And many more I shall get tomorrow.”

“No, you will not, Legolas. You will stay in the palace with me and learn your place.”

“I do not wish to do that, Ada,” he said. “I will not do that.”

“You are too much like your mother,” I said.

I had not planned on those words to ever cross my lips.

“Why must you do this to me?”

He looked at me with wonderment. A smile slowly crossed his face and his eyes began to light up. For a moment, he looked exactly like his mother.

“I am like my mother,” he asked. “How am I like my mother, Ada? Please tell me.”

“You seemed to have inherited her sense of torturing me with worry. She would say and do many things that frightened me. Whether this was her intention, I do not know, but you, son, have every intention of doing so.”

“I do not,” he said laughing. “The only reason this has wrought fear in you is because you think I am going to die. That, I have no intention of doing.”

I sat down in my chair at my desk and looked at my son. Remembering when he would wander into my study and curl up on my lap to sleep. I felt my age for the first time. Legolas sat on the edge of my desk, still smiling.

“I may worry a bit much, Legolas,” I said. “But as your father and as the king, I have the right.”

“What was my mother’s name,” he asked without diverting his gaze from me. “I want to know.”

“Êlúriel,” I said. Her name still brought a wave of emotion to my heart so powerful, I could feel the pain of nearly two-thousand years envelop me.

“Her name was Êlúriel Nenluin from Ossiriand.”

“My mother was danwaith? That would explain many things. Was she beautiful?”

“Very,” I said hoping he would stop asking about her. “Her beauty was beyond extraordinary.”

“I know you loved her, Ada,” he said looking down. “I have known it my whole life. Whenever you held me as a child, I could feel the love of both of you. It is how I could find my way to sleep, then. I wish sometimes to dream again, for I could see you smile again. With mother, you always seemed to smile.”

I began to shiver within thinking Legolas may have some memory he never spoke but kept to himself. I wanted to know more, but I reluctantly said nothing.

“I loved her more than life itself,” I answered. “She meant more to me than even my throne. But the best part of her she left in my care. That is you, Legolas.”

“I am not the best part of her,” he said, rising. “I am the best part of both of you.”

I knew he was right, though I would not give him the satisfaction of knowing this. He began to leave. He paused for a moment.

“Ada,” he asked.

“Yes, Legolas,” I said.

“I will go out again tomorrow.”

“I hardly can keep you from having your way. Stubborn you are.”

“Yes, I am. But that, I inherited from you. Or perhaps both of you. I am rather fond of this trait, Ada. I think I will keep it.”

“I am going with you,” I said. “If I may?”

Legolas smiled gleefully.

“I would like that, Ada,” he said. “I hope you can keep up with us.”

“I have been killing these creatures long before you were born. I would not worry about me.”

He left quickly, nearly running into Fëaluin. He walked over to me with a serene look on his face.

“Is there something amiss, Fëaluin,” I asked. “What of Randúmîr?

“He is fine. We lost no one. But Tarthôn wishes an audience.”

“Very well.”

“Tarthôn,” he said. “You may enter.”

Into the room came Tarthôn, his golden red hair somewhat a mess from the hunt. He bowed as I stood.

“You may leave, Fëaluin,” I said. He took his leave quickly. When the doors were shut, I stood before the man I raised as my own son. “What bothers you, Tarthôn?”

“I am not your son, am I,” he asked.

“You have been my son since your birth. Why do you ask?"

“I look nothing like you. I look nothing like Legolas. Who am I?”

“Where is this coming from, Tarthôn,” I asked.

“I am different, Ada. I know this. But you worry more for Legolas than me."

“I know your skills are greater,” I said. “But do not doubt my love for you. I worry for you every time you leave this palace.”

“Who am I,” he asked again.

"You are Tarthôn, son of Melros, son Eldûmír. Both died in the War of the Last Alliance. Your mother, Arandil and your grandmother Aralómë left you in my care for the Undying Lands. Your father was like a brother to me since childhood. I promised to care for you as my own if he were to die and that he did. Honorably. You are his son but you are also my son.”

“I apologize for endangering your son,” he said. “I would never do anything to harm him.”

“Do you wish to leave your family? Legolas knows no other but you as his brother. Have I said something wrong?”

“No,” Tarthôn said. “You have loved me well and there is no better brother I could ask for than Legolas. I just wanted to know. I see one that looks like me in memories that should not be and he is always in the armor of a warrior.”

“That is Melros. I was there when he fell,” I said sadly.

I did not want to look at his son.

“He always says to me that I am where I should be,” he said. “He says he is very proud.”

“As he should. You have grown very well. You are a good son.”

“He is proud of you,” Tarthôn said as he approached me. “I know you love me, Ada. I lost one in battle before my birth and gained another when I was born. I wish my father had lived, but it was not a choice I was given. But kept your promise to raise me as your son and I am glad you are my father.”

He embraced me and I returned it to him. I felt tears come to me. Memory seemed to bring Melros back to me. I had held so much guilt for his death, I found it hard to hold his son. Much like Legolas whom I kept at arms length for the guilt of losing his mother, I had not noticed I was pushing them away over agonizing pain.

When he released me he smiled coyly.

“You know I have shown interest in Ëariâth, Ada. I ask for your blessing, if I may.”

“That, I give willingly for the affairs of the heart are what they are,” I said. “However, have you spoken to Nimlos of your intention?”

“Not entirely,” he said. “I was hoping you would give him reason.”

“You know, Tarthôn,” I began. “I remember many mornings when my solitude was disturbed by two little elves. Asking me to do something. I thought that would end by now.”

“It has,” he said. “For it is night.”

“Fine, Tarthôn,” I will speak with Nimlos. But should he give his blessing, you will be given the royal tradition upon the announcement.”

“Is that frightening,” he asked, his eyes growing larger. I remembered my own experience and smiled at him.

“Oh, yes. Yes, it is, son. You may go. I believe the others await your company.”

He bowed and ran out of my study. I went to my balcony and watched the falls and noticed the moon shining down for the first time in a long time, turning the waters into a glowing fall of diamonds falling into the meandering stream below. The day had ended calmer than it had begun. I found myself happier than I had been for centuries.”--Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller 6-24-16