THE GOLDEN BELL OF GREENLEAF

Disclaimer:  The characters and setting of Middle-earth belong to JRR Tolkien.  I gain nothing from their use except the joy of spending time with them.

Summary:  Leaving Linhir and returning home – at last!  And oh, the surprise that awaits Legolas!

A/N:  Slow…slower…slowest.  Sorry!

          A very special thank you to Alassiel for beta-reading this chapter.

*character thoughts will appear in italics

Chapter 19:  Where Your Treasure Is…

Concealed in the shadows of an ancient beech, he stood on a sturdy branch, casting his eyes and thoughts across the forest spread before him.  A fine mist crept over the ground, burying the dense undergrowth in a silent shroud of shifting, pale gray and caressing the trees with wispy, vaporous fingers.

He waited patiently.  As the first rays of Anor limned the canopy in gold and set the leaves of his beech ablaze in the reds and golds of autumn, he heard the trees’ sleepy nighttime song change to a contented murmur.  The watcher closed his eyes and stretched his senses even further afield…towards the south wood.

A faint frown creased his brows as the first distressed notes of a forest still in pain impinged on his consciousness.  Parts of this forest suffer still from the effects of Shadow.  

The farther south he listened, the more melancholy the trees became.  Yes, though much has been accomplished, much more needs doing before this land returns to full health.

The watcher shook his head thoughtfully.  For that to occur, the trees needed their Prince to move among them again.  The elves who had accompanied him were well-versed in wood lore and the care of the forest, but it was Prince Legolas’ particular affinity to the trees that was needed to further the healing in these still ravaged areas.  Even the trees in the recovered regions closer to the colony mourned his absence.  He had been sorely missed by all concerned. 

The frown deepened.  It was past time the Prince of Ithilien returned to his duties.  But meanwhile, in his absence, perhaps I can do something to relieve these lovely trees of the darkness that haunts them still.

Strong hands caressed the bark of the old tree.  And perhaps Ernil Legolas was even now on his way home to Ithilien. 

He fervently hoped so.

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

The sun crested the mountains, setting the waters of the Blue Lake ablaze.  In front of the house overlooking the lake, a party of men waited for their order to begin the journey back to Minas Tirith.  Five mounted on horseback and dressed in the black and white livery of Gondor  were led by their Captain, who besides controlling his own horse, held the reins of the big gray stallion stamping impatiently beside him. 

Finally the door to the house opened and the King of Gondor descended the steps, his head bent towards a smaller, white-haired man walking beside him.  Aragorn listened intently as the old one spoke earnestly in a quiet voice, nodding from time to time in understanding.

Lagging behind, surrounded by the children of the house, walked Legolas and Aravir.  The youngest son rode on the back of the fair haired Prince, his short arms locked around the elf’s neck, shrieking with laughter as the one carrying him pretended to lose his grip and drop his burden.  

Legolas smiled, bouncing the gleeful boy again and wincing as the child’s shrill squeal assaulted his sensitive ears.  “Ai, Brethilas!  I will be permanently deaf before I put you down!” 

Brethilas sobered immediately.  Maybe elves have really delicate ears!  He eyed the leaf shaped ear of the one carrying him.  It was certainly an odd shape…it didn’t resemble his own at all!  And his mother was forever warning him about hurting her “tender” ears, too!  He leaned forward, his silver-blond hair mingling with the warmer gold of his friend’s. 

“I didn’t hurt ye, did I, Legolas?” he whispered in the elf’s ear, his face clouded with concern. 

Legolas laughed.  “Nay, pen-neth nin!  I was only teasing!” 

The little boy heaved a sigh of relief.  “Oh well, that’s good then!” 

Legolas smiled down into the laughing eyes of the young girl walking beside him, her arm linked with his. 

“Ye will be lucky if he doesn’t have to be pried off yer back, my lord,” she warned him. 

“Ah well, he is no great weight, Lissiriel,” the Prince replied.  “And I would not mind taking any or all of you back with us.” 

If anything, the girl’s smile grew more radiant.  “Really?” she breathed.  “Do you think we could come visit ye in yer forest sometime?” 

Legolas eyed her, considering the question carefully.  “Hmmmm,” he hummed softly, pretending to examine a particularly thorny problem. 

“MY LORD!” Lissiriel protested. 

Legolas laughed at her outraged expression.  “Of course you may.  I have already issued the invitation to your adar and naneth.  They said perhaps in the spring you might all make the trip.” 

He shifted Brethilas higher on his back.  “Your daeradar told me they usually send their herbs to Linhir to be delivered to Minas Tirith.  He seemed to think perhaps the whole family should make the delivery this spring…see the King and his family…and then make the additional journey to Ithilien.”

Lissiriel could scarcely contain her elation.  She turned to her sister, walking with the elven Prince’s dark-haired captain.  “Elena, did ye hear?  We might be going to visit the King and Prince Legolas in the spring!” 

Her older sister nodded her head furiously, her eyes shining with excitement.  “I know!  Isn’t it grand?” 

Aravir looked over the girl’s fair head at Legolas and grinned.  The twin brothers strolling behind them, Raenor and Calen, had overheard and hastened forward to join in the lively discussion of this most welcome news.  They had all been dreading the departure of their guests.

Directly behind the chattering children, their father, Erelas, grasped the hand of his wife, Laurelin, and lifted her fingers to his lips.  “So much for surprising ‘em!” he murmured, smiling and kissing her fingers. 

She returned his smile.  “We would have had to tell ‘em soon, love.  They were heartbroken at the thought of their friends leavin’.”  They followed the little procession down the steps and into the big yard for a final round of good-byes. 

Aragorn made his farewells first, warmly clasping Erelas’ shoulder before bowing to Laurelin, graciously accepting their heartfelt thanks for his help with Erelas’ injury days before.  He tousled Brethilas’ hair, swept another elegant, courtly bow to his giggling sisters, and turning to Raen and Calen, clapped both on the back as he urged them to come visit his city soon.  Mounting the big gray, he easily controlled the restive horse with a soft word and firm hand. 

Leaning down, Aragorn spoke quietly to Arador.  “Hannon le, my friend.  I will try my best to remember your words of advice.” 

The old man smiled.  “Ye’d best try, Aran Elessar.  He’ll not be patient with ye if ye push him too hard about things.  He expects ye to understand his decision and honor it.”

“Believe me, I do,” Aragorn replied, suddenly serious.  “And I am well aware of the honor he affords me in the making of this decision.” 

A quick, mischievous grin lightened the King’s face.  “But it would not be the first time I had reason to push him about a bit.  So to speak.”

Arador smiled broadly, shaking his head at the thought.  “It seems that ye’ll have a hard lesson to learn then, my lord!” 

Aragorn laughed, and catching his Captain’s eye, he signaled them to start towards the woods.  “Truer words were never spoken, Arador!  Navaer!” he called.  “We will expect you in the spring.”  He turned the big stallion to follow his men, urging the animal across the field at a brisk trot.

Legolas, meanwhile, chirped a call across the yard, bringing Thalion, Alfirin, and Arod to him.  Lissiriel dropped his arm and stepped out to meet the horses, her eyes shining with the joy of seeing them, and filling with tears at the thought of their departure.  Arod gently nuzzled her shoulder with his soft nose and the girl wrapped her arms about his neck, murmuring soft, broken endearments into the silver-gray mane. 

Aravir caught Legolas’ eye and whispered, “We need to talk about that.”  He nodded towards the heartbroken girl who was petting all three horses now, in between trying to wipe the tears that flowed down her flushed cheeks. 

Legolas nodded.  “We will talk later,” he returned quietly.  “I have given some thought to a solution.”  Aravir smiled to himself at the determined look that had flashed throught the Prince’s eyes.  Lissi would have her horse…and soon.   

Reaching behind his head, Legolas grabbed Brethilas under the arms and lifted him up and over, depositing the lad in a giggling heap on the ground. 

To Raen and Calen he said, “Take care, you two.  We will see you again once winter has spent itself.”  He went on to speak to each family member, Aravir following close behind with his own words of thanks and good-bye. 

When they turned to mount Alfirin and Thalion, Legolas paused beside Lissiriel who was now stroking the mare’s soft nose and forehead.  The girl gazed up at him forlornly. 

“Tis a lovely name – Alfirin…and an even better story of the flowers she’s named for.”  She gazed across the yard at her mother’s garden.  “I’m glad the boys brought some back – so I when I look at them, I will remember…” 

The mare shook her mane, the girl’s distress communicating itself clearly, and nibbled on a golden braid’s green ribbon tied above Lissi’s ear in an effort to distract her.  Lissi gave a watery giggle and leaned into Alfirin’s warmth. 

Legolas, patting her back awkwardly in consolation, whispered in her ear, “You will have your own one day, Lissiriel.  Never doubt it.”  He brushed a tear from her cheek, his warm smile encouraging another very small one in return from the sad child as she stepped back to join her brothers and sisters once more.  Raen slipped an arm about her shoulders and hugged her gently. 

Legolas leapt onto Alfirin’s back and after accepting his pack from Aravir, the two bowed slightly to the family.  As reluctant as they were to leave, it was time.  “Navaer!” they called and left the yard in pursuit of the King and his men. 

“Good-bye!” called the children, running a short way after them, waving.  “We’ll see ya soon!” 

They stopped, watching disconsolately as the horses disappeared into the forest at the edge of the field, and finally turned to trudge back to the waiting adults.  Arador slipped an arm around Raenor, while Erelas snatched Brethilas up on one hip and put his other hand on Calen’s shoulder.  Both girls went to their mother, who put loving arms about their shoulders as she led everyone back into the house. 

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

Three days of steady, uneventful travel found Legolas and Aravir once more before the gates of Minas Tirith bidding the King of Gondor farewell. 

“You are certain you and Aravir will not stay and rest for a day or two?” Aragorn asked, although he thought he knew the answer he was most likely to receive. 

“Nay, Aragorn,” Legolas replied.  “I have been gone much too long as it is.  And though I did have an excellent reason for my absence…”  Here he paused to run a fond hand over Arod’s neck.  “I must not tarry now.  I am certain my people have despaired of my return in this Age!” 

Aravir huffed softly, earning a look from his Prince.  He returned the look blandly, eliciting a bark of laughter from the King and thump on the arm from Legolas. 

“Well, I can only say that you had best visit soon,” Aragorn admonished his friend.  “Arwen will not be pleased you declined the invitation today.  She will insist on seeing…with her own eyes…that you are hale and whole once more!”  

Realizing the mild irony of that statement, Aragorn backtracked swiftly.  “At least, as hale and whole as is possible, given the sea-longing that still plagues you.”  He turned the assessing gray gaze of a healer on the silent elf at Legolas’ side.  “And you also, Aravir.  She will wish to ascertain your condition, as well.”

Aravir inclined his dark head slightly in response.  If the Evenstar wished to fuss over him and the Prince, he would gladly allow it.  He had the feeling they would both become increasingly grateful for her care and concern as the years passed.

“Come, mellon nin,” Legolas said to Aravir.  “Let us go now. I would prefer to reach Ithilien sooner, rather than later.” 

Aravir and Aragorn exchanged smiles.  “Well, THAT makes sense!” Aragorn muttered.

Elven hearing being what it is, Legolas heard and shouted a Silvan insult at his friend in reply as he nudged Alfirin to a brisk canter down the road that led to Ithilien. 

“What did he say?” Aragorn asked, taking in the surprised, choked look on Aravir’s face. 

“I am not certain, Aran Elessar,” the elf answered, his voice hoarse with suppressed laughter. 

Aragorn narrowed laughing eyes at the elf.  “Never fear, Captain,” he warned lightly.  “I will find out.”  He chuckled.  “I always do.” 

Sobering quickly, he gazed at Aravir.  “Take care, my friend…of him…and yourself.” 

Aravir smiled.  “Fear not, Elessar.  We will probably trip over each other trying to do your bidding.”  He lifted one hand in farewell, saluting the King as he turned Thalion to follow the Prince towards home.

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

Aragorn shrugged out of his cloak the moment he entered the royal apartments and walked towards the bathing chamber.  He had been stopped at least a dozen times on his way up to the Citadel, receiving greetings and reports and requests at an alarming rate. 

Perhaps I can hide here for a time.  He had only taken a few steps, however, when the door behind him burst open and Arwen swept into the room, followed closely by his exuberant son.

“Estel!” she called, her steps quickening as she ran into his arms.

“Suilad, meleth nin,” he whispered in her ear, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. 

“Oh Estel,” she breathed.  “Finally…”  He inhaled deeply of her sweet floral scent, closing his eyes in appreciation.  It was always so very good to return home!  He opened his eyes to the sight of his son standing and watching his parents with good-humored impatience.  

“Greetings, Adar,” Eldarion said, rolling his eyes at the antics of the adults in his life.  Aragorn beckoned him forward, pulling him into a swift, one-armed embrace. 

“Hello, ion nin,” his father returned.  “It is good to see you both.”  He squeezed Eldarion before letting him go, but retained his hold on Arwen.

Arwen leaned back to examine her husband’s face.  “Is everything all right?” she asked.  “Is Legolas…”

“Legolas is fine,” Aragorn reassured her.  “For the moment, anyway.”  At her questioning look, he continued.  “He believes he has found a way to deal with the sea-longing.  It still has the power to affect him, but it is not as debilitating as it was prior to his little sojourn to Rohan.  And the trip to Linhir has proven beneficial as well.”

“Linhir?  Is that where you found him?” Arwen asked, leading her husband over to sit in the big, comfortable chair by the window.  He nodded as she poured a goblet of cider for him and turned to Eldarion, who was lounging in another chair across from his father. 

“Son, go ask Melora to send a tray of food here for your Adar.”  Eldarion stood, grinning at the sudden flash of interest in his father’s eyes at the mention of ‘food’.

She paused.  “On second thought, tell her to send our meal here.  We will eat together in the privacy of our rooms tonight.  I am certain you want to hear of your father’s journey…and I have only several hundred questions to ask him!” 

“That will set the tongues in the house wagging!” Aragorn quipped, and he and Eldarion both laughed as the youth left to do his mother’s bidding. 

Arwen waited until the door shut, then slipped into her husband’s lap, wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him lingeringly.  Aragorn sighed.  She lifted her head after a time and laid her cheek against his.

“Welcome back, dearest heart,” she whispered, her soft smile promising a warmer, more intimate welcome later. 

“It is good to be back, meleth,” Aragorn grinned at her.  “I must confess myself surprised, though.”  She lifted an eyebrow in question.  “I thought you would certainly take me to task for not bringing Legolas along.”

Arwen shook her head and laughed.  “Oh no, guren nin, I had every intention of sending him on his way, even if he did come with you.” 

Aragorn looked at his grinning wife.  “But…..why?”

“Because, Estel, my love…he has a surprise awaiting his return.”  He leaned back quickly to get a better look at her face, but lost his train of thought completely when she chuckled wickedly and kissed him once again.

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

Luncheon was just being served the next day when word from one of the border patrols reached the colony that Prince Legolas and Captain Aravir were perhaps an hour away.  Everyone froze for just a moment at the announcement, and then a cacophony of cheers and joyous voices filled the room.  Boisterous chaos reigned for several minutes before loud clapping caught the crowd’s attention.  All eyes turned to the elleth in charge of the house, one Eloriel by name. 

She smiled at them all and called out, “Finish eating and return to your duties!  Their surprise will, of course, await them in the stable!  And spread the word to those not here…we will hold a feast tonight, in honor of their return!” 

Everyone shouted their approval and rushed through the rest of the meal as Eloriel went to the kitchens to placate Cook and discuss the evening menu.  Soon all were helping with the preparations.  Whether lending aid in the kitchen or decorating the green for the festivities, the entire colony was buzzing with gleeful activity.

~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

Legolas drew Alfirin to a halt, sitting quietly with his head cocked in a listening attitude.  He had been sensing something very different in the song of the forest ever since they had crossed into the elven region of Ithilien an hour before.  Aravir stopped beside him. 

“What is it, Legolas?” he asked. 

“I know I have been gone for a long time, but…do you feel something different in the air of the forest…or hear something new in the song of the trees?” asked the Prince. 

Aravir stilled, focusing his attention on their surroundings.  After a few minutes, he looked sharply at Legolas.  “You are right…there IS something different.” 

The elven captain frowned.  “But…..what is it?  It seems familiar somehow…”  His voice faded away as he continued to listen closely. 

Legolas nodded.  “Yes…familiar…and the trees are excited.  Someone new has been visiting them.  I wonder who it could be?” 

He shook his head, his expression clearly perplexed.  “Well, one thing is certain…we will not be finding out if we continue to sit here.” 

He spoke to Alfirin and she started forward again, Thalion and Arod close at her side.   Legolas felt an overwhelming urge to reach his home as quickly as possible, and his urgency translated to the mare.  She picked up the pace, covering the miles in a sweeping canter.  Thus it was the travelers reached the elven enclave a little over an hour later. 

“Where is everyone?” Aravir asked, searching the deserted grounds for any signs of life.  Thalion pawed the ground, snorting uneasily and Aravir stroked the sweaty neck soothingly.  “I suppose I should be concerned…but do you get the feeling they are hiding?” 

Legolas grinned and nodded.  He could sense his people everywhere; in the big house and behind it, in the trees…Well, he supposed they were entitled to their tricks and fun.  He and Aravir would play along – for the time being. 

“We should take care of the horses, mellon nin,” he said loudly to Aravir.  “Then we can return and see just what is going on.”  Calling Arod to his side, he guided the mare to the path that led through the trees and to the stable.  Soft, teasing, disembodied laughter drifted down from the trees and followed in their wake. 

Aravir sighed.  “I wonder what they have planned.”  He exchanged an uneasy look with Legolas. 

The Prince shrugged.  “I have been gone almost a year.  I would not be surprised if they have decided on a most raucous welcome,” he remarked dryly.  “Prepare yourself, my friend.”  

Aravir snorted.  “I do not see why I must pay the price for your absence, hir nin.” 

Legolas laughed.  “Do not try to wriggle out of it, CAPTAIN.  I will not tolerate any sort of desertion from you at this late date.” 

Aravir looked appalled at the thought.  “Why, Ernil Legolas!  That you would suggest such a thing!” 

Still laughing, they both slid from their mounts and led the weary horses into the cool dimness of the stable.  Legolas looked around with interest.  

“No one here, either,” he noted wryly.  “I did not expect there to be.” 

Aravir led Thalion into his customary stall, while Legolas urged Arod into the one next door and showed the mare where her new home would be.  The two spent the next minutes filling troughs with fresh water and fetching buckets of fresh grain before beginning the tasks of grooming their mounts. 

Legolas had finished with Arod and was vigorously brushing the dust from Alfirin’s golden coat when he sensed someone watching him from the stall door.  He tensed as a familiar tendril of warmth crept through his mind, wrapping him round about as closely as a loving pair of arms.  He turned slowly.  

Ai!  Am I truly seeing this? 

His slate gray eyes filled with tears.  Three steps forward and he WAS wrapped in those loving arms.

“Adar,” he breathed, and buried his face in his father’s neck.

TRANSLATIONS:

Ernil Legolas – Prince Legolas

ai – alas

pen-neth nin – my young one

adar – father

naneth – mother

daeradar – grandfather

hannon le – thank you

Aran Elessar – King Elessar

navaer – good bye; farewell

suilad – hello

meleth nin – my love

ion nin – my son

meleth – love

mellon nin – my friend

hir nin – my lord

guren nin - my heart