Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

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Chapter 2

Breaking the Peaceful Stillness

Ithilien, near Asca Nen
One Year Earlier
April 9th Year 28 F.A.

The early afternoon sun shone brightly down on the beautiful forest below, filtering through the shiny, new green leaves to leave the ground below dappled with golden rays of sunlight. A soft wind rustled the leaves; birds of many kinds chirped and sang as they foraged for food.

A pair of bright eyed squirrels chased one another through the trees, chattering as they ran. The small gray creature in the lead slid to a stop suddenly. Its red playmate, unable to stop in time, slid into him, chattering angrily. The gray did not respond, but sat frozen, its shiny black eyes on the interesting being before it. Both squirrels darted quickly away when the creature began to move.

The Lord of Ithilien, unaware that he had been observed so curiously, shifted slightly on the branch where he was lying, angling his face away from the bright sunlight which had broken through the leaves above him. He settled back into a comfortable position, and his eyes slid back to their half lidded state as he slipped back into elven dreams.

The sound of a horn pierced the air, breaking the peaceful stillness of the forest, and the elfÂ’s eyes snapped open. He sat up on his branch, annoyed at the disturbance. His nightly rest had been haunted by dreams of the sea, not giving him a peaceful nightÂ’s sleep in weeks. Legolas coveted the chance to catch a short rest during the day when the sea did not pull so strongly at his heart.

The elf turned irritably towards the sound of approaching horses, rising to the balls of his feet and balancing lightly on the branch, as he reached for his weapons hanging on the branch beside him. As the horses came into view, Legolas called out, “Halt! What business have you in Ithilien?”

A familiar voice responded cheerfully, “Legolas? Come down from there, little one! Is that any way to greet your father?“

Bright grey eyes widened in shock before a huge grin spread across his face. Legolas dropped lightly to the ground as a group of ten mounted elves became clearly visible. King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen moved towards his youngest son, eyes sparkling.

“Ada!” Legolas was quickly pulled into a huge embrace. “What are you doing here?”

“Do you wish for me to leave?” Thranduil laughed.

Legolas shook his head, and poked his father’s shoulder playfully. “Nay, but you could have sent word that you were coming to visit!” When a shadow darkened the king’s eyes, Legolas sobered. “What is it, Ada? Has something happened?”

Thranduil shook his head, but the shadow remained. “Nay, but there are things we must discuss, Legolas, and I believe in private would be best.”

Legolas nodded, and both elves mounted the kingÂ’s white stallion. Thranduil spoke to the horse, and the group continued on towards the elven settlement of Asca Nen.

OOO

Legolas sat in stunned silence, watching his father pace the room, clearly distressed by his announcement.

The king and youngest prince of Eryn Lasgalen had ridden swiftly to Asca Nen. The kingÂ’s guard were given quarters, and father and son had moved LegolasÂ’ talan. They had sat and chatted for a time, exchanging bits of information. Legolas, especially, soaked up the news of his old home and family, his siblings in particular. He had not seen any of them in over two years.

After a time, they had fallen silent, both aware that there were things to be discussed that would not be pleasant to hear. And they had not been. Legolas was speechless for a long time after his father finished, pain beginning to rise in his heart.

“Legolas,” the elven king turned and met his son’s pain filled eyes. “If I were not king, I would not go, but it is my duty to lead our people. Know I would stay with you as long as you remain if only I were able, if duty did not bind me…” Thranduil’s voice broke. “I feel I am abandoning you,” he finished softly.

“Never would you abandon your people, myself included, Ada. You are right, you are duty bound to lead our people… but why now? What has brought this removing to the West so suddenly for our people?” The young elf lord searched his father’s eyes, desperate to hear there had been some mistake, that it could be corrected, and his people and family would stay. He was supposed to be the one sailing first, not his father, his brothers and sister, his people.

Thranduil sighed when Legolas looked away, “It is just time, Legolas. I cannot explain it other than that the time of the elves is over. Many of our people have begun to long for the sea and the Blessed Realm. They simply tire of Middle Earth. Most will sail, those who do not will relocate either here in Ithilien or in Imladris. If any of your own people desire to go, they are welcome to travel with us, but I pray they remain with you.” The elven king sunk into a chair across from his son, resting a hand on Legolas’ knee, “I am sorry, little one. Truly, I am.”

The younger elf cleared his throat, and looked up once more. “When?”

“In one year’s time. We leave in the spring. It will be a time of new beginnings for our people.”

LegolasÂ’ eyes drifted to the window and the newly green leaves on the trees. His heart ached within him at these tidings. There was so little time to say goodbye, and too much time that he must yet remain.

“I would have you come home, Legolas… at least for a time.”

Wide, grey eyes met emerald green in astonishment, as he realized his father was not going to ask that overly painful question. His king would not ask or persuade him to sail likewise, but would respect LegolasÂ’ choice to remain until AragornÂ’s passing.

A sad, slow smile tilted the prince’s lips, and he nodded in agreement. “I will announce these tidings at our next gathering, and make arrangements for any who would wish to sail with you. We will come at the end of summer, and I will stay until you go. I also would have these last months with my people.”

Legolas laid his hand on top of his fatherÂ’s as two tears ran down his cheeks. They were quickly brushed away.

OOO

In late summer, ten elves made their way north to Eryn Lasgalen. Along the way, they met those elves who were moving to Ithilien, instead of sailing. Legolas warmly greeted them as their new lord, speaking to each one and receiving word of the few who were moving to Imladris. But it seemed most of Thranduil’s people, the elves of Eryn Lasgalen, would be sailing in the spring.

After sharing an evening together, the two groups parted ways the next morning. Legolas and the nine elves joining him continued their journey north. Eight months later, those nine elves joined the rest of the elves of Eryn Lasgalen on their journey west.

The joy of the large group did not penetrate the melancholy of the royal family. Tears flowed amongst the kingÂ’s children as they said goodbye to the wood that had been their home for so long. The trees whispered farewells as all prepared to leave, for all remaining of ThranduilÂ’s people were sailing, allÂ… except one.

TBC
FOOTNOTES

Ada – father

Asca Nen (AHS-kah NEHN) is the elven settlement given to Legolas’ rule by King Elessar. The name means ‘rushing water’ and the settlement is named for the large stream nearby.

Eryn Lasgalen is the wood previously known as Greenwood the Great and Mirkwood. Renamed after the fall of Sauron and split between Thranduil, Celeborn and the Beornings and Woodmen