It should have been me in that position, not for the glory, but so past wrongs could be put right, so my father’s death would not have been meaningless, and so the thousands of our people who died under his command died for something. So my son would not be in danger.

‘Tis not the duty of the young to bear burdens such as this, that my heir should put his life at risk for the past mistakes of his elders. It should not be the duty, but sadly, for many it is. We should have known and acted on Isildur, taken the Ring by force, but we, in our anguish and pain did not see, and now it lies in the hands of those who know that day only as a legend to put right.

Oh Lady Elbereth! Deliver him back to me safe I beg of thee. Would fate have placed us differently, if he were not so headstrong, it would be I going to face the darkness.

But fate decreed me king, and as my councillors made clear, a small group going on a probable suicide mission is no place for a king. My land needs stability in these dark times, and though Legolas would rule well, politics will always dictate upset. So I must remain behind, stagnating in diplomacy and consumed with fear for my hot-headed son.

That same hotheadedness that bought my father to ruin, how I hope that it will not bring the same fate on Legolas.

I have committed many wrongs in my years, and it is the desire for peace of mind that makes me wish I were on the quest to destroy the Ring. I will fear each day for his safety, though we argue, I wish him safe.

Though part of me blames Elrond for this, I know he tried to destroy the Ring all those years ago, and as I know the past cannot be changed, I also know that my sons mind cannot be changed.

May the Valar and all others know that if I could have taken his place, I would have done, so that my son may be safe.

In place of another who is so dear to me, I would give my life in an instant.