Title:  THE GOLDEN BELL OF GREENLEAF

Author:  lwarren

Summary: Legolas and friends return to Edoras and the mare receives lessons in the fine art of bearing an elven rider.

Disclaimer: The world of Middle-earth and its inhabitants belong to JRR Tolkien.  I only borrow them from time to time, and return them hopefully intact.

Reviews: Please do!  I treasure each and every one.

*Characters’ thoughts will appear in italics.

Chapter 10: What the Heart Perceives

          The promised day of departure for Edoras arrived, and the village gathered to give their King and his friends a proper sendoff.  The main body of the group had already taken their leave, pausing at the crest of a nearby hill to wait for one last member.   Inside Eolyn’s house, Legolas scanned the room he had lived in for just over a week, making certain he had all his belongings and the room was neat and orderly.  His elven sensibilities finally satisfied, he drew a deep breath and walked from the room, following the long hallway past the sitting room and to the front door. 

          Stepping out into the early morning sunlight, he made his way to the waiting horses and slipped the last of his belongings into one of the satchels carried by the packhorse.  He gave the patient animal a grateful pat on the neck and spoke a soft word to a restless Storm.  Another deep breath and he was ready to speak to the small crowd waiting to say good-bye to him.

          Legolas walked over to stand before those gathered.  As he looked at their smiling faces, he thought about how welcome they had made him feel.  Such was not always the case…the Firstborn seemed to make men very nervous for some reason.  Mindful of all they had done, he thanked the leaders of the village graciously for their help, placing one hand over his heart as he bowed respectfully. 

          He was instantly surrounded by a small group of well-wishers seeking one last chance to say farewell and invite him to visit again whenever he could.  The generosity and sincerity of each kind word warmed his heart and he was just beginning to believe this leave taking would not be so bad after all when he came face to face with Eolyn and Laelith.

          Eolyn took one look at his stricken slate gray eyes and leaned forward to whisper, “Don’t ye dare look like that, Legolas, my lad.  If ye don’t want me and this girl of mine draped all over ye sobbin’ our hearts out, ye’ll say goodbye, give us both a hug, and promise we’ll be seein’ ya again sometime.”

          Legolas reached out, pulling mother and daughter to him for a quick, fierce embrace before setting them away.  “I will NOT say ‘Namarie’,” he stated in a carefully composed voice.  “Only thank you, my ladies, for all your kind care and concern, and I will see you both again soon.” 

          Strong elven fingers gently brushed the tears from each cheek before he bowed to them both and turned away.  He strode quickly to where Storm waited, leaped onto the black stallion’s back and spoke quietly to the restive animal.   Gathering the lead rein of the packhorse, he urged Storm forward, the stallion’s long fluid strides lengthening quickly as they headed across the plain to the waiting caravan.

          Eolyn turned and led her weeping daughter into the now empty house, never aware that the black horse pulled to a halt some distance away and keen eyes watched until they vanished through the doorway.   Legolas blinked when the door shut and sat quietly, looking for all the world like a lost elfling. 

          He started slightly when Aragorn spoke from nearby.  “You will see them again, mellon nin.”  He took the lead rein from Legolas’ hand and passed it on to one of the guards, who led the pack animal on to join the rest of the procession. 

          Legolas turned to Aragorn, his storm gray eyes bleak.  “Nothing is certain, Estel…and time flees before mortals as quickly as night flees the morning light of Anor.” 

         Aragorn listened to his friend’s words with alarm.  This will not do at all!  I do not want him making himself ill again. 

         Thinking to distract Legolas, the King conjured up the most irritating smile he could and stared meaningfully at the elf.  “Ah, but I know something you do not, Thranduilion.” 

          Legolas looked at the grinning face of the man he called friend.  “Oh?” he asked, eyes narrowing.  Aragorn did not reply, just sat his horse with that insufferable smile growing wider and wider.  Legolas gritted his teeth.  With the unexpected upheaval of this morning, he really was in no mood for games at the moment.  “And what would that be, my lord?” 

          Aragorn smothered his laughter at the suppressed violence in Legolas’ voice.  Good!  Just the reaction I was hoping for.  Now to keep him from leaping on me and pummeling my face! 

          The King, well known for his diplomacy and tact, always found himself suddenly lacking in those skills when faced with the ire of this elf.  It was just too funny; the more Legolas struggled for control of his temper, the quieter he became.  A complete contradiction…that is what his friend was. 

          Aragorn tried unsuccessfully to wipe the smile from his face and finally held his hands up in surrender.  “Strike me not, son of Thranduil!  It is just this – I heard Eomer speaking of some plans which you might find of interest!”  Legolas glared at Aragorn as the man nudged his stallion ahead without elaborating on his statement, curse him.

          “What manner of plans, Estel?” he asked very softly, retribution lurking in the silk of his voice as he urged Storm forward to follow the King’s mount.  I am going to strangle him…yes, that is what I will do…I will count to ten and if he does not just say what he means, I am going to jump on him and strangle him…. The two walked side by side as an amused Aragorn regarded his friend’s increasingly aggravated expression. 

          Aragorn let Legolas simmer for a handful of steps before he relented, saying, “He plans to invite Eolyn and Laelith to spend some time in Edoras and perhaps even relocate there permanently.  It is the King’s opinion that Eolyn would make a fine housekeeper; exactly what Lothiriel needs, in fact.   And Laelith is of an age to make an exemplary lady-in-waiting.” 

          Legolas threw a surprised glance at Aragorn, his ire distracted by the announcement.  The faintest of smiles lifted the corners of his lips as he thought of the way Eolyn had enjoyed mothering not only her elven patient, but also every one of his friends who came to visit, including the King of the Mark.  Rank did not intimidate her; indeed, she seemed to believe it her sworn duty to lavish as much care and attention on them as possible.  And Elfwine adored her.  He pictured Eolyn managing the huge household and found his irritation and melancholy vanishing rapidly.  A broad smile lit his face, chasing the bleakness from his eyes.  Eolyn would have everyone, including the King himself, whipped into shape in a matter of weeks. 

          Following his friend’s thoughts and laughing softly at the elf’s smile, Aragorn said, “Precisely, my friend.  Can you not see it?” 

          Legolas chuckled, all thoughts of murder and mayhem forgotten.  “Indeed I can, mellon nin.” 

          Remembering a conversation with Eolyn upon their first meeting, he frowned thoughtfully.  “But over the next few months, Eolyn’s daughters-in-law will present her with her first grandchildren.  Perhaps Eomer might wait until she has had time with her own family before issuing the invitation.”

          Aragorn nodded.  “I will pass that information on to him.  Now cast aside this sorrow of yours.  I think you will see them sooner than you think. ” 

          Legolas sighed.  “It was difficult to leave, Estel.  We were only guests for a week and a few days, and yet it was difficult.  I do not understand.” 

          “I know,” Aragon replied thoughtfully, remembering the first time he and Legolas had met.  He had been quite young then, but his liking for the golden-haired prince had been immediate.  It had only grown as time passed, and he now regarded that first meeting as one of the most important days of his life. 

          “Is it not strange that there are people we meet that our hearts instantly recognize…who become dear to us in a matter of hours, and for no apparent reason?” he asked.  “I suppose we should count ourselves privileged when that happens, and thank Iluvatar for sending such gifts our way.  You were injured and far from home, and Eolyn took such care of you as a mother might.  Indeed, she endeared herself to us all, did she not?”  

          “Yes, she did,” Legolas agreed.  They urged both horses to a canter and rode on silently, lost in memories and surrounded by the companionable silence only good friends might share.

                                         ~~~~*~~~~

          The return trip to Edoras passed quickly, the party making good time to the crossing at the Entwade.  Gimli rode with Legolas on Storm part of the time and spent the remainder of the journey in the supply wagon whenever the elf rode the mare.  Elfwine rode his own horse, but Ranalf instructed Legolas to let the boy care for Storm when they stopped for the night.  Legolas saw Eomer or Ranalf helping him curry the bigger animal and smiled, satisfied that Eomer had indeed spoken to Elfwine about having Storm for his own. 

           Without the threat of the sea-longing constantly preying on his mind, Legolas found himself enjoying the trip immensely.  He used the time he spent on the mare to familiarize her with basic commands and as she grew more accustomed to a rider; he spent increasingly longer amounts of time on her back.  She learned his touch and voice quickly, responding well to simple signals.  Arod seemed content with the growing affection between Legolas and the mare, often giving the two a knowing “I-told-you-so” look and tossing his mane in a manner that never failed to reduce Legolas to helpless laughter.  And for an hour each day, Legolas rode his old friend, reveling in the strong connection that continued between them.

          Four days of steady riding found the group stopping for the final night at Legolas’ old campsite on the Snowbourn.  Legolas had moved to a quiet spot nearer the river and was brushing the dust and travel stains from Arod’s silver white coat.  He found the ritual of caring for his horses and seeing to their comfort one of the most rewarding parts of his day. 

          Arod nin, will we always have this bond between us? 

          Arod turned to eye the elf curiously and snuffed softly.  We came to each other in a time of great need.  We have been together through many dangers.  It will remain if we wish it.    

          Legolas stroked Arod’s neck, admiring its moon-soft glow in the firelight. Never doubt that I wish it, my friend.

          Legolas finished caring for Arod and brought the mare over beside him.  He spent a few minutes stroking her elegant face and straightening Arod’s forelock, whispering softly in Sindarin that the next day would see them in the city of the Horse Lords. 

          Walking back to his small fire, he lay down on his blankets and listened to the men laughing and singing in the larger camp further downstream.  He chuckled quietly to hear Gimli’s gruff voice raised in a rather militant sounding dwarvish song, probably extolling the virtues of a cave or rocks. 

          Once the song ended to the applause and laughter of the men, he lay looking at the stars for a time and began singing softly.  The song of the open plains had recently become much clearer to him…a quiet melody that spoke of vast distances, rolling hills, the soft susurrations of waving grasses and rushing streams.  He had been trying to capture its beauty for several days.

          How did I miss it before?  I suppose I never really heard the entirety of the Great Song…I thought I knew my part in it when I actually recognized only a tiny fraction of it.  Estel was more right than even he knew…for Iluvatar does gift us those special few to guide and direct us when our need is most dire.  Perhaps I will never fully understand… 

          He resigned himself to his finite level of understanding, hoping as the long years of his life unfolded he might grow in wisdom.  A wry grin twisted his lips at the thought of himself as a five thousand year old student and he hummed a few more measures before settling deeper into the blankets.  At least as the days passed he found himself more and more attuned to the power, the wholeness of Eru’s Song. 

          Some progress is better than none at all, I suppose.

          And surprisingly enough, intertwining throughout the melody ran the music of the sea.  Instead of pain, now he felt only a fascination that helped him reconcile with the call instead of fighting it.  The longing for Aman remained, but at a manageable level; and in the music of the world he found a measure of peace and solace.  Solace, and a promise for the future.  For now, it was enough.  A gentle breeze drifted across his face and his breathing became slow and deep, the shimmering stars and nearby trees offering sweet comfort as he slid into dreams.

                                        ~~~~*~~~~

          The next afternoon saw the party entering the gates of Edoras to the excited calls of welcome from its people.  In the large stables behind the Meduseld, Legolas turned Storm over to Ranalf and Elfwine and asked where to stable Arod and the mare. 

          “Use that large stall at the end of the aisle, my lord, and put them both together,” Ranalf suggested. 

          At the elf’s questioning look, he shrugged.  “It is not unusual to stable a young, skittish, highly strung animal with an older, more settled one.  They get along well and are used to each other.  Save her and yourself some worry and put her with Arod.”

          Legolas nodded, knowing Ranalf spoke truly.  He would spend his nights here if the mare did not react well to being confined.  He also remembered Elfwine telling him the two had been stabled together during the storm and she had done well then.  He led the mare and Arod into the large stall and turned them loose to explore the enclosure while he began scattering fresh hay about. 

          “Well?” he asked softly.  “Is this humble stall to my lord’s and my lady’s liking?”  He chuckled at the mare’s regal nod, petting and stroking her neck as she nosed his tunic looking for an apple or two.  After checking on the water supply, he quickly curried both animals, humming and laughing as they vied for his attentions. 

          “I will bring you both something special tonight,” he promised, putting the brushes away.  The mare shook her mane, while Arod nipped at a passing braid as Legolas left the stall.

          “Be sure those two get their ration of grain, Ranalf,” he admonished the stable master as he left.  “I would not want them to feel left out, poor neglected beasts that they are.”  Ranalf grinned at the Prince and promised to see to it himself.

          Legolas bounded across the yard and up the stairs to the great doors of the palace where he was quickly admitted by a smiling doorwarden.  Lothiriel noted his arrival and rose from the table where the others had gathered, hastening to meet him halfway.  She embraced him quickly in welcome and stepped back to look closely at his face. 

           He recognized her concern and quickly reassured her.  “I am fine, my lady.  Really.  And I greatly regret causing you any worry.” 

         Lothiriel cocked her head, examining the relaxed expression in the elf’s beautiful eyes.  “You cannot know how relieved I am to hear it, Legolas.  There were days when Eomer and I were certain you were destined to fade.” 

          Her voice broke slightly at the memory of his pain.  She took a deep breath.  “But I see something of great import has happened and you have found the peace I had prayed would come to you.  I am so glad for you, my friend.” 

          They turned to walk slowly towards the others, Legolas once more murmuring his apology to the Queen.  She shushed him, saying, “No matter, as long as you are recovered.  But Legolas…what is this I hear?  Orcs?  And you wounded, nigh unto death?  And what of this beautiful golden lady whose heart you have captured and tamed?” 

          Legolas blushed slightly at her gentle teasing.  “I can see I have much to tell you, hiril nin,” he answered, a faint smile warming his eyes.  

          “Indeed you do, Master Elf…and I expect a full accounting,” she replied firmly. 

          “You shall have it,” the elf assured her, bowing slightly.  They approached the table to the sound of many men and one dwarf ordering him to sit, eat, and drink up.  He complied, laughing at the exuberance of the group and spent the rest of the evening immersed in the close, warm regard of friends.  Ranalf, in particular, was pleased to see that the Prince went only once to the stable to check on his horses. 

                                         ~~~~*~~~~

          The golden mare’s training began in earnest the next day.  A short talk with Aragorn assured him a week or so longer in Edoras was acceptable, and Gimli was quite loud and emphatic in his reasons for staying in one place for a time. 

          “You might not suffer from gallivanting all over the countryside, Elf, but I need some time to recover before undertaking another trip.” 

          Legolas had restrained himself from making any comment on what portion of the dwarf wanted recovering and decided a week would be long enough to accomplish his goals for training the mare.  While accepting his weight and responding to simple commands, she was still relatively uneducated in carrying a rider.  Legolas wanted to teach her some of those skills, as well as build and strengthen the fragile bond of trust and friendship forming between them.  For that, he needed space…lots of space. 

          He spoke with Eomer who suggested he take the horses outside of Edoras.  Legolas thought this a fine idea, as he preferred the fresh greens and golds of the open plain with its waving grasses that reminded him of the rippling waves of the sea.  The small, darker green clusters of daystars topped with the delicate golden flowers that gave them their name also enchanted him, and the lingering warmth of the early autumn days would allow him to work the long hours needed to transform the mare into an acceptable mount.  In the open, she would be away from the strange sights and sounds of the city that frightened and distracted her.

           Following Eomer’s directions, Legolas led the mare and Arod out that first morning and found that the clean, fresh green smell of growing things carried by the ever-present breeze invigorated not only the horses, but himself as well.  Their first hours were spent playing as Arod and Legolas introduced the mare to their own version of chase.  She was soon a willing partner with Arod and both horses worked diligently to corner and tumble the laughing elf. 

          As for Legolas, he used the playtime to familiarize the mare with his moving figure and in no time was leaping on and off her back easily at a dead run.  Then he worked on mounting from the front, grabbing her mane and swinging over to her back in an impossible arc.  She quickly became accustomed to his rather unorthodox ways of mounting, accepting him without shying or breaking stride. 

          After their games, Legolas concentrated on training the mare to respond to his slightest signal, be it through voice or hands, legs or weight shifts, and thought.  When he needed an example Arod would supply it, and the mare learned to recognize the more complex commands.  By the end of the week, Legolas was more than pleased with her progress.  She still exhibited tendencies towards prancing, headstrong playfulness but in truth, he liked her that way.  Should she ever need instruction on proper fighting techniques in battle though, it would have to come from someone else, not him.

          In the training paddock near the stables, Ranalf and Eomer also had begun working with Elfwine and Storm.  Just as Legolas had noted, the big stallion cooperated willingly when Elfwine rode him and the training for both horse and boy proceeded smoothly.

          On the seventh day of their stay, Legolas approached Ranalf and said, “It would seem that Elfwine and I have two novice horses that might benefit from spending some time together.  Ask him if he would like to ride with me tomorrow.  I have already spoken to Eomer and Lothiriel.”  Ranalf had nodded approvingly at the Prince and relayed the message to his young charge.  

          The next day, Legolas met Elfwine and Storm at the gate, mounted on the mare and carrying a rather large, mysterious pack on his back.  He greeted the boy cheerfully and pointed to a distant stream that fed into the Snowbourn as their destination.  As they made their way across the plain, the boy constantly questioned the elf about different ways of handling the fiery stallion, his intelligent young eyes noting the ease with which the elf guided the equally energetic mare.  They stopped by the small stream, turning the horses loose to graze.  The mysterious backpack turned out to contain all manner of tempting food, compliments of the palace cooks, and they sat on the sun-warmed grass to eat their lunch. 

          That evening Legolas brushed Arod and the mare after helping the excited boy groom Storm.  Elfwine watched and listened closely as Legolas spoke of horses and their ways.

          “Just remember to ask your horse…do not demand of him,” Legolas reminded him.  “His power and speed, his courage and loyalty do not belong to you.  They belong to Storm.  You can ask of him, but you must also assure him of your care in return.  Always listen, Elfwine, and perhaps one day you will hear him.”

          Elfwine gazed up into the fair face with its young-old eyes, digesting the words gravely and with great care.  “Like you, Legolas?” he asked quietly.

          Legolas continued brushing the mare’s wheat gold coat for some time before he finally turned and looked into the boy’s blue eyes.  “It took a hard lesson to teach me to listen and many, many years to perfect the skill…which I am still working on,” he confided.  He stroked the mare’s neck fondly before feeding her a carrot and moving over to a patiently waiting Arod. 

          “Look what almost happened with Arod,” he continued, picking up a stiff brush to begin the big horse’s grooming. 

          Arod tossed his head, turning to look at the boy and elf as if to say, “Yes, just look at what he did!” 

          Legolas broke out laughing and Elfwine giggled as the horse nudged him insistently.  “Go on, young Prince, feed him his carrot.  He is quite impossible until he has had his treat,” the grinning elf instructed.  The silver horse snorted as he crunched the crisp vegetable and accepted the boy’s affectionate pats.

          When Legolas was able to resume brushing Arod’s coat, he asked, “You remember how I had planned to leave him in Rohan?”  Elfwine nodded and Legolas paused, his eyes troubled.  “Was I listening to him then?  No…and I almost caused us both needless suffering.  So, you see pen-neth, there is much to learn.  But I know you will do well with Storm…and he with you.”

          Elfwine smiled gratefully.  “You will help me?”  Legolas did not answer immediately, and something in the elf’s face brought the boy to the sudden realization that the day’s ride and this time together had all been in preparation for the elf’s departure.

          “You are leaving.”  The young voice was flat and faintly accusing.

          “Yes, probably tomorrow.”

          “Tomorrow?” the boy protested.  “But can you not wait for a few more days?”  He felt tears begin to threaten and bit his lip. 

          Legolas immediately noted the misty sheen in the blue eyes and stopped brushing.  He dropped to one knee to see the young face more clearly.  “You will have the expert instruction of Ranalf and your father, nin hen.  And there are others who will also take part in your education, including me when I return to visit.” 

          The elf clasped the young shoulder, groping for the right words to make the boy understand that his presence was not a prerequisite for success.  “In the end it will be up to you, Elfwine.  And I know you will do well.  After all, you love Storm…and he loves you.” 

          Elfwine shook his head sadly, his face awash with disappointment.  “But I thought you would be here.  I will miss you, Legolas.”

          He smiled and pulled the boy into a quick, heartfelt embrace.  “And I you, young one.”  Strong young arms encircled his neck and held on tightly. 

          “Now, help me finish brushing this one, and you and I will go and bed Storm down together,” Legolas said softly.  

          Elfwine’s arms dropped and he stepped back, sniffing and wiping the tears away.  The two picked up the brushes and within minutes had the dappled silver coat gleaming in the dim light.  Elfwine whispered goodnight to Arod and the mare and walked out to the stall across the aisle.  Legolas watched him, noting the drooping shoulders and slow tread of normally skipping feet.  He sighed, regretting his inexperience with small, disappointed boys.

          I know I had this problem with Estel at some point when he was very young, but I do not remember how I handled him.  Elrohir and Elladan were usually there to help…or more importantly, Lord Elrond.

         Arod rubbed his head against the elf’s arm in an effort to comfort him and Legolas scratched the big horse behind his ear.  Finally, with a last goodnight caress to both horses, he followed the boy into the stall to help him finish his chores.

          As the first stars of evening brightened the sky, Legolas walked Elfwine back up to the royal apartments.  At the sight of Elfwine’s despondent face Lothiriel glanced at Legolas.  One delicate eyebrow raised in question.  He shrugged, at a loss for words. 

          Lothiriel sent the boy to ready himself for supper and turned to Legolas.  “I told him I was probably leaving tomorrow,” he explained.  “The evening did not end well.” 

          Lothiriel nodded.  “I see.  Aragorn had mentioned the possibility of you all going after Gimli’s departure in the morning.” 

          She smiled slightly at Legolas, touching his arm.  “Do not worry, Legolas.  I will speak to him.  All will be well.”  Legolas watched her leave to follow her son, relieved and hopeful that she would be able to explain what he could not.

                                           ~~~~*~~~~

          At dawn the next morning, Gimli and an escort prepared to leave Edoras for the mountains and Aglarond.  After watching the dwarf bid gruff farewells to everyone, Legolas stood before him considering how he might persuade Gimli to change his plans and travel to Ithilien instead. 

           But Gimli, ever attuned to elven moods, read the intent in his fair friend’s eyes and shook his head.  “Nay, lad.  Do not even ask, for I would be sorely tempted to say yes.  I have been absent from the caves long enough and Mahal knows what that young Lorin has done to the colony since I left him in charge!  I will say goodbye for now, but plan a trip to see you, Arod, and that new mare in the spring.  Try and teach her some manners by then, hmmmm?”

          Legolas sniffed huffily.  That small sound, together with the indignant look in the elf’s eyes prompted a tiny dwarvish grin under the concealing beard, which grew slowly when the elf replied in his obnoxious “I-am-the-Prince-and-you-are-lower-than-dirt” voice, “Her manners are more than adequate right now, as well you know.  Still, if that is your final answer then I suppose it will have to suffice, Master Dwarf.  I will expect word from you about this trip later.” 

          Gimli cheerfully voiced his opinion of overbearing elves in guttural Khuzdul, which served the purpose of giving the insufferable creature reason to chuckle as he escorted his friend to the heavy wagon waiting nearby.  The dwarf climbed aboard and settled on the seat, groaning already at the lack of comfort. 

          Legolas lifted one expressive eyebrow and commented, “Really, Dwarf, your complaints are incomprehensible!  Why do you not travel on horseback, as well as in the wagon?  It would break the monotony and give you a chance to move about.  Eomer would gladly provide someone for you to ride behind!” 

          Gimli scowled and snapped, “If I have told you once, Elf, I have told you a thousand times…I am a dwarf, not a leech, and that is precisely how I feel riding behind someone who is not secure with me clinging to his back!” 

          “ Ahhhh, I see…I think.”  Mild amusement filled his antagonist’s gray eyes. 

          Gimli sputtered, “You know, for a supposedly intelligent Princeling you are remarkably dense!  I ride with no one but you, Master Elf, and in an emergency PERHAPS with Aragorn or Eomer…though I still remain uncertain about them!” 

          Legolas flashed Gimli an apologetic grin, “Yes, of course, I remember.”  His face sobered as he added, “Take care of yourself, Gimli.” 

          Gimli grumbled good-naturedly.  “I usually do.”  Then he paused, looking closely at Legolas. 

          “Are you quite certain you will not fall ill again, Elf?” he asked, his keen dark eyes examining the elf’s pensive expression.  “You do not look well, my friend.” 

          Legolas shook his head and said quietly, “Too many farewells, Gimli.  I loathe the word!” 

          He shook his head and managed a flippant grin.  “As for the other, the call of the sea remains but I am learning to deal with it, it seems.” 

          Gimli grunted.  “In a dream?  I still do not understand that…but I suppose since it is you, I should not be surprised.  You would think I would come to expect such flighty reasoning!”  

          Legolas grinned.  “I can easily imagine the world’s ending if you ever manage to understand me completely.  Worry not, elvellon.  When we meet in Ithilien perhaps I can explain it to you AND Aragorn.” 

          Gimli snorted softly.  “Explanation does not guarantee comprehension where you are concerned, Elf.” 

          “Then I will speak very slowly, Dwarf.” Legolas retorted.  They shared the expected mutual glare. 

          “Safe journey, old friend.” Legolas whispered as Gimli nodded his readiness to the driver and outriders.  The cumbersome wagon lurched forward, followed by the armed escort Eomer always provided when the dwarf left for home.

                                          ~~~~*~~~~

          Legolas watched the wagon out of sight, then turned to Aragorn who waited on the steps leading to the Meduseld.  Aragorn studied his friend’s face before asking, “Shall we go today, Legolas?”        

          Legolas responded, “Today is as good a day as any, Estel.  Let me get my things and we may leave whenever you like.”  He took the steps quickly and disappeared through the huge doors.

          Aragorn turned to Aravir.  “Get Jarrod and tell him we depart within the hour.  If you do not mind, let Ranalf know to prepare our horses…the mare for Legolas, I think…oh, and ask him to pack several measures of sweet grain for the trip if he can spare it,” the King instructed, his thoughtful eyes still on the door where Legolas had disappeared.

          Aravir bowed.  “As you wish, hir nin.”  He headed for the stables at a run.

          An hour later, a small group had gathered before the palace to wish the riders a safe journey.  Eomer stood beside Arod, stroking the sculptured forehead and speaking softly to Ranalf.  Lothiriel held the mare, feeding her bits of apple and laughing as she delicately lipped the sweet morsels from her hand.  Aravir waited beside his big bay stallion while Jarrod held his own horse and Aragorn’s.  Elfwine sat on the bottom step drawing aimlessly in the dirt with a small stick. 

          The big double doors swung open and Aragorn and Legolas emerged into the sunlight, descending quickly to the bottom where the others waited.  Eomer and Aragorn clasped arms as warriors often do and Eomer promised to visit Minas Tirith within the year. 

          Lothiriel looked up, “I will hold you to that promise AND that trip, husband!” she called as she left the mare with Ranalf and crossed over to the men.  

          Aragorn laughed, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles gallantly.  “See that you do, my lady.  Arwen will brook no excuses or delays from either of you!”  

          He crouched before Elfwine and said quietly, “And I will look forward to seeing you ride Storm into my city, Elfwine.  Eldarion will be waiting eagerly to see you also.” 

          The boy looked up at that, his sad eyes sparking with interest at the thought of seeing Aragorn’s son again.  Eldarion was a few years older but the last time they had seen each other had been…interesting. 

          He gave the King a small smile and said, “Tell him I will be glad to see him, too, my lord!” 

          Aragorn nodded and stood.  Legolas came forward to take Aragorn’s place in front of Elfwine.  The two looked at each other solemnly for a moment. 

          “And will you also come and see me, neth ernil?” Legolas asked quietly, noting the shadowed blue eyes and down-turned mouth.  Elfwine gazed at the golden elf, wishing he would stay and knowing he could not.  His mother had reminded him that Legolas, too, governed his own colony…that he had been away for months…that he would certainly return to Edoras in time, and they would visit Ithilien as well.

          Ever practical, the boy’s eyes began to sparkle mischievously as he asked, “Can I sleep in your talan?”

          Legolas looked at the boy, considering his request carefully.  “ Well, I suppose that might be arranged…you do not still wander in your sleep, do you?” he asked. 

          The boy straightened indignantly.  “No, I only did that when I was very young!” 

          “Ah, of course,” the Prince of Lasgalen examined the hopeful face of the Prince of Rohan closely.  “Then I suppose sleeping in a talan would be possible, provided your Naneth approves and your Adar comes with you.”  Legolas shot Eomer a laughing look at the King’s whispered “I do not think so” – he knew well how Eomer hated climbing to the heights of the trees where the talan was built!

          Elfwine launched himself at Legolas and locked his arms tightly about the elf’s neck.  Legolas sighed in relief and looked over the boy’s shoulder at his smiling parents.  He smiled back as Aragorn and Aravir exchanged their own relieved glances. 

          “Be careful, Legolas!” Elfwine murmured.  “We will come soon…I will not let Father forget!” 

          Legolas pulled back to look at him.  The smile on the young face pleased him greatly, and he grinned back.  “I know you will not, Elfwine.  Now help your mother and father whenever you see the need, and work every day with Storm.  And remember to ask…”  

          “I will, Legolas.”  

          Legolas stood and wished everyone else goodbye, clasping arms with Eomer, kissing Lothiriel on the forehead and promising to deliver their letters and greetings to Faramir and Eowyn as soon as he could.  He clapped Ranalf on the shoulder and leaped on the mare’s back as the others mounted.  At Aragorn’s signal to leave, Legolas called Arod to his side as they rode down the winding street and out the gates of the city onto the open plain.

TRANSLATIONS:

namarie – farewell

mellon nin – my friend

Arod nin – my Arod

hiril nin – my lady

pen-neth – young one

nin hen – my child

evellon – elf-friend

neth ernil – young prince

hir nin – my lord

naneth – mother

adar – father

Mahal – the dwarvish name for Aule