From: "laurelin_enedlithien" <laurelin_enedlithien@hotmail.com>
To: <lassegalenslaire@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [lassegalenslaire] Fic: Pilgrim: Wish Upon The Stars (25/25 + epilogue)
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 1:07 PM

Dear all,

I can hardly believe it, but apparently it's true: 'Wish Upon The 
Stars' is *finished*! Shriek shriiek! Spent the entire day wrapping 
it up, and am now tired but satisfied. :-) I hope dearly that you 
will all like it, and be assured: I will start on the sequel as soon 
as I've figured out what exactly my plans are with it. I promise 
I'll be back very soon with all these lovely characters. :-)

With many thanks to Jilly, for being my loyal beta and dear, 
encouraging friend, and to all those people who were so generous 
with their feedback and support: Verónica, Dís, Steph, Date, Manon, 
Vesta, Kryspen and all the others. Thanks a million! An author can't 
wish for a nicer audience. As always a big thanks to Elisa, for her 
inspiring manips! :-) And finally some special hugs to Nimvala; I 
think we all know why. :-) All of you make me feel proud to be part 
of the slash community.

Happy reading everyone! Until the posting of The Sequel, chapter 1, 
I won't be far away.

*hugs*
Laurelin

*******************************************************************
Wish Upon The Stars, by Laurelin (laurelin_enedlithien@hotmail.com)
Overall rating NC-17 - this chapter: R.
For all the official stuff, see chapter 1.
Warnings: none.
*******************************************************************

Chapter 25 – The Best Way

Lórien


Haldir ran. He knew the route to the main hall like the back of his 
hand and he could walk it blindly without stumbling once. A sealed 
parchment was in his hand; his report of yesterday's events. ... 
Well, not all of them of course. The journey to the border and the 
encounter with the patrol stood described; what had taken place 
after that was purely between Legolas and him. Although he wouldn't 
be surprised if Galadriel knew of how their relationship had changed.

On the way he came across Dúlinn, who looked at his captain 
surprised. Haldir asked him to go and find the others, and tell them 
to gather at the lawn where they occasionally held meetings. He 
would visit the Lady first and join them immediately afterwards; he 
had something to discuss with all of them. But, he told Dúlinn 
specifically, Legolas was not supposed to attend and needed not to 
be fetched. Although obviously bewildered, Dúlinn promised to do all 
this, and they parted ways.

Eventually Haldir reached the door to the main hall and was greeted 
by the Elf standing on guard.

"Can I enter?" he asked.

"One moment," the guard said, and he disappeared inside, only to 
reappear moments later, indicating that Haldir could step inside.

Galadriel was alone, and she watched Haldir enter with her usual, 
friendly smile. "Good afternoon, Haldir," she said.

"My Lady," he greeted, standing in front of her and inclining his 
head. He then lifted his hand with the parchment in it. "Here I 
present you the report of my meeting with Rimsilith yesterday."

"Thank you." She took the parchment from his hand and lay it 
aside. "I shall read it later, and give it to Celeborn for 
examination, too; although I am quite sure that it holds no 
earthshattering news." She smiled.

"Not really, my Lady, no," Haldir confirmed.

"But did you enjoy the trip?"

"Yes, my Lady, I certainly did," Haldir smiled. "It was a good day."

"I am glad to hear it," Galadriel said warmly, "and I wish you many 
such days in the future, Haldir."

Oh, yes. She most definitely knew.

"I would be blessed, my Lady," Haldir said in earnest, meeting her 
eyes openly.

"Only the greatest of joys for my loyal, irreplaceable Marchwarden," 
she smiled, and held out her hand. "Go to your men now, Haldir. They 
are in suspense."

He took her offered hand and brought it to his mouth for a formal 
kiss. Then, looking into her eyes, he hesitated. She was genuinely 
happy for him. The Lady Galadriel approved.

Suddenly Haldir stepped over his hesitation, lay aside his usual 
correctness for a moment, and took Galadriel's other hand as well. 
He then leaned forward and spontaneously kissed her on the cheek. 
The gesture even took Galadriel by surprise, and she stared at 
Haldir as he stepped back, his eyes sparkling above a cheeky grin. 
At that moment she was thankful for being far too old to blush.

"My Lady," he said, bowing; and after that, he turned on his heel 
and left, feeling as if he could burst into song any moment and 
hoping he could resist that urge, at least until he was outside the 
hall.

***

Arriving at the lawn, Haldir saw that his patrol had gathered there, 
most Elves sitting comfortably on the grass and on logs. They were 
chatting pleasantly, but the murmur faded as soon as they perceived 
their captain arriving. Haldir counted nineteen heads; good, that 
meant that everyone was here.

"Good day, everyone," he said, "have you all recovered from last 
night's festivities?"

The sounds that rose from the group told him that this was more or 
less the case.

"Where were you and Legolas, captain?" Tinuril asked 
indignantly. "We had such a nice surprise planned for the two of 
you."

Celairmir and Ruigaul nodded fervently. The others laughed, Haldir 
too.

"The Lady sent us on an errand that led us far from Caras Galadhon 
and your surprise, Tinuril," he replied. "I did not like the sound 
of it at all."

"I wonder who leaked that information," Tinuril said and he glared 
at the other Elves present.

"Someone who shall be rewarded for his loyalty to his captain," 
Haldir smiled. "Now, over to my reason to call you all together..."

"But what about Legolas, captain?" Seregon said. "Shouldn't we wait 
for him?"

The others agreed. "Yes, where's Legolas?" "What's taking him so 
long?"

Haldir told them what he had told Dúlinn earlier. "Legolas will not 
attend."

"Why not?" That was Ruigaul.

"Because I want it so."

Legolas *had* asked if he could be there, but Haldir had thought it 
wiser to have this meeting without him. Without Legolas present, the 
others would be able to speak freely without having to take 
Legolas's feelings into account. If Haldir really wanted to know 
what his men thought of this whole situation, Legolas had to stay 
away. He had been disappointed, but he agreed with Haldir that it 
was better this way.

It pleased Haldir that the lads were so intent on having Legolas 
here, too. The Mirkwood prince had really earned himself a place in 
their midst, and they considered him part of the group. Haldir 
wondered if that would still be so after he had said what he was 
going to say.

"I have something to discuss with you all," he announced, "and it 
concerns Legolas closely. That is why he's not here; I want that we 
can talk openly."

This confused them, he could tell; puzzled expressions everywhere.

"He's not going back to Mirkwood, is he?" Tinuril said anxiously.

"Is he all right?" Ruigaul asked. "Is he –"

"Silence, puppies," Ôlnathron said. "Let your captain speak."

Haldir smiled. "He is not going back to Mirkwood and nothing is 
wrong with him. But something else has happened that may endanger 
his place in this patrol, and that is why I called this meeting. I 
want to discuss this openly with you and I hope that we can come to 
an agreement."

He took a breath. He hadn't exactly prepared this speech, hoping 
that the words would come spontaneously, but he found that it was 
not so easy. Haldir was not an Elf who shouted his emotions and 
thoughts from the treetops, and now here he stood, in front of an 
audience of nineteen Elves, whom he had to confess to that he was in 
love. Somehow, it seemed to him a more difficult task than 
slaughtering an entire orc battalion.

Especially since one of those nineteen was Celairmir. The Elf was a 
dependable soldier and a good friend, and Haldir did not want to see 
him hurt; but the truth needed to be told. He sighed.

"I think we are all agreed that romances between two patrol members 
are to be avoided when possible," he began. "It's an unwritten law, 
and a wise one, I think. We are all tied together by bonds of 
friendship and respect, and if suddenly two have more between them 
than just that, it can be distracting and harmful to the group as a 
whole."

"Are you saying," Orophin said, "that there has been romance 
blossoming in our midst, and that Legolas is one of the parties 
involved?"

"That is what I am saying," Haldir confirmed.

There was murmur again, and many Elves turned their faces to 
Celairmir, who looked slightly more pale than usual, but held up his 
appearance well.

"Don't look at *me*," he said, smiling and raising his hands. "It is 
not I who has won the prince's heart, though it is no secret that I 
have tried."

"But he is here, isn't he?" Seregon said. "Except for Legolas we're 
all here. Why isn't *he* excluded from this meeting, too, and why 
isn't it *his* place in the patrol that needs reconsidering?"

"Yes," Tinuril said, eager to defend his friend, "why does it have 
to be Legolas?"

Haldir smiled. "It doesn't necessarily. If you'd rather have 
Ôlnathron as your captain, that's fine too."

This bit of information took a moment to sink in, but Rúmil and 
Orophin, who had been staring hard at Haldir, sat up and exchanged 
glances.

"Haldir," Ôlnathron said softly, "you?"

All faces now turned to Haldir, and when no answer in the negative 
came, uproar broke out. Haldir had to raise his voice to make 
himself audible.

"Dear friends, calm and collected, I beg you!" he said. "One at a 
time, please."

Each apparently thinking that he was to be that one, about fifteen 
Elves opened their mouths and began firing questions and comments at 
Haldir. It was a cacophony. The Marchwarden sighed and let his eyes 
go over the excited group in front of him. Rúmil and Orophin were 
not talking; they merely sat watching their brother with expressions 
on their faces that hovered between amazement and delight. Celairmir 
was silent too.

And finally Ôlnathron. Until now he had been standing with his back 
against a tree, his arms folded in front of him, but now he did a 
step forward, straightening himself to his full length. Haldir 
recognized the look in his lieutenant's eyes and knew what was going 
to come. From the corner of his eye, Haldir saw Orophin put a finger 
in each ear; and just in time, too.

"SILENCE!!" Ôlnathron boomed, his call resonating through the 
clearing. He did not often use the full power of that instrument in 
his impressive ribcase, but the effect was always astounding. Like 
now; fifteen Elves stopped talking at the same time and even the 
birds – those that hadn't flown away, that was – were silent in the 
treetops. Haldir could almost hear the ants running through the 
grass at his feet.

"Thank you," he said calmly to Ôlnathron.

"Anytime," Ôlnathron replied, his voice at its usual volume again.

"Now, there is no need for excitement," Haldir told his warriors 
soothingly, as if addressing a startled horse.

Tinuril shot a hand in the air. "I disagree, captain," he 
said. "This is quite a juicy bit of information." The others nodded 
and grinned.

"Since when has this been going on?" Dúlinn asked.

"Well... since yesterday," Haldir said. "Listen, I know this must 
come as a complete surprise for you..."

"Not for all of us," Rúmil said. Orophin shook his head, and several 
others did the same. Haldir looked at them; of course, his brothers 
saw how attached to Legolas Haldir had grown to be and they'd 
cautiously confronted him with it a couple of times – but he had 
always dodged the subject.

"Don't tell me you saw this coming all along?" he asked them 
incredulously.

"Oh, no, we are absolutely surprised, brother," Orophin said. "What 
we mean is... well, Legolas's affection for you has been easy to see 
from the beginning."

"... It has?" Haldir said.

Several Elves started laughing. "Heavens, yes, captain!" Seregon 
said. "You may be blind, but we definitely aren't."

Haldir crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Thank you, Seregon," 
he said sarcastically.

"Sorry, captain. But it's true. Legolas's interest in you is not 
what surprises us; it's the fact that as of yesterday, you 
apparently return it." The others nodded again and looked at Haldir 
with barely hidden curiosity.

"Oh, I see," Haldir said. "Well, I did not call you all here to 
discuss the details with you. If I may guide your attentions back to 
the question at hand: what am I to do with Legolas?"

"Well..." Tinuril said, and the sparkle in his eye foreboded little 
good.

"Thank you, Tinuril, you have said quite enough for today," Haldir 
said quickly, silencing him.

"If I may, captain," Ercirion said, "if we speak out against 
Legolas's remaining part of our group, what will happen?"

"I will assign him to one of the other patrols," Haldir replied.

"And this is solely our decision?" Orophin said. "The Lord and Lady 
have no say in this?"

"No. These matters are usually settled internly."

"Well," Dúlinn said. "That decision is easily made, then. Whoever 
thinks Legolas should stay with us, raise your hand."

Within the beat of a bird's wing, nineteen arms were thrust up in 
the air. All Elves looked rather nonchalant, as if they voted over 
this kind of thing every day. Haldir was, well, astonished. He knew 
that Legolas had easily worked his way into the hearts of all 
warriors, but he had not expected them to be so unanimous in the 
matter.

"That's settled, then," Dúlinn said. "Legolas stays."

"I did not see the captain raise his hand," Orophin teased.

Haldir collected himself swiftly. "Of course my vote is the same as 
yours," he said.

Rúmil lifted an eyebrow. "What is it, brother? You look surprised."

"I am only amazed that you are all so decisive about this," Haldir 
said. "I expected at least some objections."

"Did you really think we would hand over our dear, sweet Legolas to 
another patrol?" Seregon asked incredulously.

"Not a chance." This from Tavor. "He is ours!"

"No, captain," Dúlinn said, "Legolas started his career as a warden 
of Lórien with us, and he will not grace another patrol as long as 
he is here. He belongs with us." There was more fervent nodding.

"I guess it is I who must be looking elsewhere, then," Haldir said 
with a half smile.

"Now that joke is inappropriate, captain," Ercirion said quite 
seriously. "We have followed you through the centuries, out of 
friendship and respect, and you have no reason to doubt our loyalty 
to you, even in jest."

Haldir couldn't resist. "Not even a voting about me?"

"We do not need a voting to know that we are unanimous about our 
respected captain," Dúlinn said.

A silence fell as Haldir took in the group in front of him. "Damn 
you all," he eventually said. "Are you trying to get me to cry right 
in front of you?"

They laughed. The Marchwarden seldom shed tears, though some of the 
Elves recalled the last time he'd done it openly, after losing one 
of his warriors in battle, more than two centuries ago.

"Seriously, Haldir," Ôlnathron said, "go tell Legolas that the 
composition of this patrol remains unchanged."

"I will do that," Haldir said. "He will be relieved."

He could still see curiosity burning in their eyes, but to their 
credit, all held their questions inside. They were, without doubt, 
wondering why Haldir, after so long a time, had decided to give his 
heart away again, and they would probably be speculating as soon as 
he had gone, but he didn't mind that. He knew it would be good-
hearted gossip.

The meeting over, Haldir sought Celairmir's gaze, and when he caught 
it he gave a slight nod with his head, indicating that he desired a 
private word. Celairmir stood and followed him until they were out 
of earshot. They stood in front of each other and Haldir found that 
Celairmir met his eye openly. He had been preparing himself to see 
grudge or anger, and now he felt guilty for that. He knew Celairmir 
better than that.

"Celairmir," he began, "I am not sure what to say."

"If you want to apologize, captain," Celairmir said, "please don't. 
You owe me no explanation or apology."

"But I know it must hurt you to hear this news, and surely the 
prospect of future patrols must have become an unpleasant one for 
you," Haldir said.

"Not really," Celairmir said truthfully. "You think that seeing 
Legolas with you will make me sad. A thought that I understand, but 
not a grounded one. You see, captain, I have been honest to Legolas 
from the very beginning, as he has been honest with me. He kindly 
but firmly told me that he did not return my feelings, and probably 
never would. I have accepted this always, and although I do love 
him, I am not heartbroken over this. I am not so shallow and 
resentful to wish the two of you apart. Actually, in a way, I am 
very happy..."

"Happy?"

"Yes..." Celairmir smiled. "I love Legolas and I love my captain; 
how can I draw sadness from a union between you? I know what 
happened to you, Haldir, six centuries ago..." His smile disappeared 
for a moment, but returned then. "And I am happy for Legolas. He has 
loved you for so long..."

Haldir shook his head incredulously. "You really knew all along?"

Celairmir laughed. "It is as the others said, captain! We all saw it 
so clearly. I am surprised that you haven't seen anything of it."

"Of what?" Haldir asked softly.

Celairmir smiled. "Legolas is special even among elvenkind. We can 
all see that. He is a precious little moonbeam in a field of stars, 
softly-glowing always. But Haldir, he burns more brightly than 
Eärendil when you are near."

Haldir stared at him, his mind failing to form words to say.

Celairmir clasped a hand on his captain's shoulder. "Don't worry 
about me," he said, and with those words, he turned and made his way 
back to the group. Halfway he turned.

"Bring Legolas my greetings," he said. "And tell him that Tinuril, 
Ruigaul and I are not yet finished with him."

Haldir nodded, and Celairmir continued his path. Haldir stood still 
for a moment, pondering the words that had been spoken. But suddenly 
the need to see Legolas became overpowering, and he turned to leave. 
He didn't get very far, though, for suddenly he felt two hands, one 
on each shoulder; and turning around, he found himself faced with 
his two brothers, smiling at him meaningfully.

"Not so fast, you," Rúmil said.

"Surely you will share some details with *us*, your dear, dear 
brothers?" Orophin continued. "Who have looked after you and cared 
for you?"

"And worried about you?" Rúmil finished.

Haldir sighed. "You know I resent emotional blackmail," he said. But 
he had already accepted it: Legolas would have to wait just a little 
while longer.

***

Legolas grunted. Another ink blot on his letter to Thranduil. He 
would have to do a rewrite. Perhaps he shouldn't be writing a letter 
while waiting for Haldir's return so nervously, but he had to occupy 
himself with *something* or he would go mad. He was sitting at 
Haldir's desk, looking slightly dishevelled. He was barefoot and 
wore no belt around his waist; his tunic was half open, too. Perhaps 
he should fix all that before Haldir returned. He suspected it 
wasn't very flattering on him.

He was gone more than two hours now. What would the outcome of the 
meeting be? Would he be sent to another patrol? Legolas did not like 
the thought, but he had mentally prepared himself for it; always be 
ready for the worst possible scenario. But by Valar's might, it 
would disappoint him. Another patrol would never be the same.

Writing a letter to his father had never been more difficult. He'd 
been staring at the empty parchment for what seemed like ages, 
pondering a first sentence. What should he tell Thranduil? Should he 
say anything about Haldir? Or was it more prudent to wait until the 
next time they met? Truth was, Legolas was not entirely sure of 
Thranduil's reaction. He knew that his adar wanted to see him happy, 
and sweet Varda, that he was; but would Thranduil still be so 
pleased when he found out how deeply, deeply Legolas loved the 
Marchwarden? Legolas feared a speech about kingship and the duty to 
produce an heir to continue the bloodline and secure the throne.

And then Haldir came home.

Legolas shot from his chair and turned to see Haldir enter the 
talan, displaying a lovely grin on his face. He strode toward 
Legolas and Legolas came to meet him halfway.

"And?" Legolas said, and the next moment he was suddenly caught in 
two strong arms, lifted and twirled around. "Haldir! What is this?"

"My way of greeting you," he said. "I have missed you!"

"Please stop," Legolas implored, but he was laughing. "The world is 
spinning!"

"Hmm, but it is only fair that you suffer the same thing as I," 
Haldir said, but he stopped the twirling. He did not put Legolas 
down, though.

"What do you mean?"

"You make my world spin every time I see you," Haldir said. "You 
bewitch my senses, beautiful, little Elf that you are." He laughed 
elatedly.

Legolas felt his face flush hot instantly. What was Haldir 
saying? "How did the meeting go?" he prompted. Then he mentally 
kicked himself. Was he trying to spoil the moment?

"To the satisfaction of all," Haldir said. "They received the news 
incredibly well."

"Can I stay?"

"I think you have no other choice." Haldir's eyes sparkled. "After 
tonight's meeting, they'll probably execute me if I send you away 
now."

"Really?" Legolas wrapped his arms around Haldir's neck. "Oh, 
Haldir, that is fantastic news! What did they say?"

"Details later," Haldir said. The next moment, Legolas experienced 
an awkward sensation in the pit of his stomach as he was being 
lowered to the floor. Then he experienced an awkward sensation in 
his loins as Haldir wordlessly requested, and received, Legolas's 
mouth for a wonderful, long, passionate kiss. It was overwhelming 
and Legolas loved it. When Haldir finally drew back, Legolas heard 
his own hard breathing.

"Haldir," he smiled, "what has gotten into you?"

Haldir caressed Legolas's chin, his cheeks. "As I said, I have 
missed you," he said, smiling too.

"And therefore you ravish me on the floor?" Legolas teased.

"I can do it in other places if you want me to," Haldir teased back.

Another rush of heat to Legolas's face. By the gods, would he ever 
learn to control that girlish trait?

"The floor is just fine," he breathed.

Haldir smiled, and looked at the desk. "What were you doing?"

"Writing a letter to my father," Legolas said.

"Can it wait?"

"It can most definitely wait," Legolas replied, and he pulled 
Haldir's head to him. As they kissed, Legolas felt Haldir's hand 
come up and work on the fastenings of his tunic that were still 
closed. Their mouths parted for a moment when Haldir removed the 
garment altogether.

"Here?" Legolas gasped.

"You said the floor was just fine," Haldir replied. He smiled, but 
he sounded breathless.

"For kissing, yes. If we are going to do more, I'd rather be in bed. 
You're going to skin your knees if we stay here – not to mention my 
back and my backside!"

Haldir laughed. "Very well then." He got up and pulled Legolas along 
with him, but instead of hurling him playfully onto the bed, as 
Legolas expected, Haldir drew him close to him and kissed him; a 
little sweet, a little sensual, and very gentle. It was a kiss that 
turned Legolas's knees to liquid... along with the rest of him.

"Do you want to know something, Greenleaf?" Haldir said softly when 
the kiss ended. Their faces remained close together, and Legolas 
didn't know which caress was Haldir's breath and which his fingers.

"What?" Legolas whispered.

Oh, so many things to say. So many thoughts. So many pathetic 
phrases that came floating to the surface in Haldir's mind; of the 
majority of them he couldn't even remember whether he had heard them 
in a song or invented them himself. But it didn't matter. Hopefully 
he would have many, many days to speak them all aloud. One did 
suffice for now; the best way to say it. The most ancient and truest 
phrase of them all. And Haldir vowed he would never use it idly, but 
always, always mean it.

"I love you."

Legolas's face cracked open in a smile, and Haldir realized, 
Celairmir was right; Eärendil paled in comparison to this Elf. And 
how Haldir would love to be the torchbearer; in fact, he knew of 
nothing he'd rather be.

"Not as much as I love you," Legolas said, teasing a little.

"Oh, I think so."

"I do not believe you."

"Take that back, Greenleaf. You shall not openly doubt my words in 
my own home."

"Show me then." It was now actually Legolas who shoved at Haldir's 
shoulders and made him fall onto the bed. Crawling on top of him, 
Legolas continued, "Show me how much you love me and I might take my 
words back. If you do well, I might even take them back before you 
are properly finished!"

Haldir smiled. "Is that a challenge?"

"I thought you liked challenges."

"I like this one," Haldir agreed, and he flipped Legolas onto his 
back. Leaning over him, he gazed into the beautiful glittering eyes 
that stared up at him with so much love in them. But as he bent down 
to kiss those lovely, beautiful lips, Haldir knew for a certainty 
that he could equal that love with his own.

And he would show it to Legolas; this night, and every minute of 
every day that would be given to them.


Epilogue – Letters From Lothlórien

Mirkwood


The King of Mirkwood was holding a banquet tonight. A modest one, 
true, with not more than forty guests, most of them members of the 
Council and other high-ranked Elves that were part of the Mirkwood 
government; but a banquet nonetheless. There was no particular 
reason for it, other than that it would help to lift the spirits. 
Things were not going so well in Mirkwood.

The shadows under the trees were deepening and the water of the 
forest river did not taste as pure as it used to. Foul things were 
multiplying in the hidden places of the forest; not visible to the 
eye, but Thranduil could feel it happening. The Elves had 
strengthened their defences, heightened their vigilance. No harm had 
come to any civilian so far, but Thranduil felt uneasy. His only 
wish was to protect his people, but truth was that he was not sure 
if he could. Not all of them; not forever.

In preparation for the banquet, Thranduil had taken a bath; it was 
both necessary and pleasant. After that he covered his nudity with 
the long robe he wore only in his private chambers, tying it about 
the waist, and went over to his wardrobe to select clothing for 
tonight. And then he called for one of the maidservants to braid his 
hair. He could do it himself when necessary, but he avoided it when 
possible. He did not have the patience to do it with much care, and 
someone else could do it much better. And since Legolas had gone to 
Lórien, Thranduil usually called upon one of the maidens.

This time, Nóruiven came; that was good. She did the work well and 
pleasantly, offering conversation when he was in the mood for it and 
silence when that was what he desired. He had known her for a long 
time and was at ease in her presence. So he sat down comfortably in 
a chair and let her begin her work. Perceiving that he was in a mood 
for talking today, Nóruiven chatted pleasantly as she brushed his 
hair none too softly. She was a lady of a no-nonsense approach and 
Thranduil appreciated that; it was a nice variation to the awe-
filled reverence and respect that was so often bestowed upon him by 
other servants. And besides, that rebellious hair of his did indeed 
need taming by a strong hand. In the meantime he listened to 
Nóruiven's talk and chatted back pleasantly. He liked being in 
female company; the ruling of Mirkwood was a hard men's world, and 
he associated the presence of a woman with peace and relaxation. It 
was comforting and easy.

In the end, when the braids were done, Nóruiven put the brush away. 
She then put her hands on his shoulders and without saying a word, 
began to apply pressure to the knotted muscles of Thranduil's 
shoulders.

Thranduil smiled. "Have I deserved another one of your relieving 
shoulder rubs, Nóruiven?"

"You need rather than deserve it, my Lord," she sighed. "You are 
often tense of late."

He smiled again. She had done this before and there was nothing 
erotic about it, from neither side; after all, Nóruiven had a 
husband and Thranduil had vowed after his wife's death that he would 
never take a female lover. But it offered relief and relaxation, and 
Thranduil was thankful for it. That her hands worked away the robe's 
fabric from his shoulders was not new either. He sighed and let her 
work on his tense muscles.

This had gone on for a couple of minutes when there was a knock on 
the door.

"Yes?" Thranduil called.

The door opened and on the doorstep stood a male servant with some 
parchments in his hands.

"Yes, Pethron?"

"My Lord," Pethron said, bowing slightly, "a messenger has arrived 
from Lórien, bringing three letters for you."

Thranduil felt his heart surge. Finally, a ray of light in darkening 
days! He did not doubt that one of those letters would be Legolas's.

"Bring them to me," he said, stretching out one arm. Pethron came 
over and handed him the sealed parchments.

"Thank you," Thranduil said. "Has the messenger been seen to, and 
his steed as well?"

"Yes, sire," Pethron said. "They are both being made comfortable as 
we speak."

"Good." Thranduil smiled. "You may go."

Pethron took his leave and Thranduil flipped through the parchments 
in his hands. As he had expected, one had Legolas's graceful script 
on it; the other two came from Galadriel and Anyriand. Nóruiven 
moved away discreetly, giving him full opportunity to read his 
correspondence.

Saving the best for last, as he usually did, Thranduil opened 
Anyriand's and Galadriel's letters first. Anyriand had written a 
long letter, telling of his farings in the past months. Some of them 
were enough to bring a grin to Thranduil's face. Legolas was 
mentioned a couple of times, and Thranduil was delighted to find out 
that his son was doing better. According to previous letters, the 
weight of war and battle had been pressing hard on Legolas's 
shoulders, and the King had been concerned. What was more, Thranduil 
discerned something in Anyriand's letter, something hidden but 
definitely present; a hint of mischief when Anyriand described 
Legolas's well-being. Thranduil wondered what it meant, and whether 
it would be explained in Legolas's letter.

Galadriel reported the latest happenings in the Golden Wood, the 
disquiet at the borders. She also briefly mentioned Legolas, but 
said no more than that he was doing well. Obviously the Lady was 
better at keeping secrets than Anyriand. Thranduil smiled. She also 
announced that Elrond would be coming to Lórien next year for the 
Spring festival, and discreetly stressed the fact that Thranduil's 
presence would be the only thing needed for a deliberation between 
the leaders of the three great realms.

Finally, Legolas's letter. Thranduil was surprised to see two, no, 
three ink blots on the parchment, which was unusual for Legolas's 
letters were always very neat. Legolas had written quite a long 
letter, in which he spoke enthusiastically of the month he had spent 
in Caras Galadhon, free from border duty. As always, Haldir's name 
was all over the letter, and Thranduil read in amusement about the 
mischief they'd done together, sneaking through the city at night 
like criminals. Somehow he had difficulty picturing Haldir like that.

Legolas also gave a lengthy description of the rabbits he'd seen, 
and even written in ink his words sounded so delighted that 
Thranduil's heart nearly broke. From the undertone of the entire 
letter, Thranduil could tell that Legolas was happy; and though he 
felt a pang of regret that he could not see it for himself, the 
knowledge was enough to make Thranduil much more carefree. In a way 
the letter was more healing than Nóruiven's shoulder massages.

The last paragraph was as follows:

"Dear adar, in truth I have much more to tell you than I have done 
in the above, but it is not a matter I gladly discuss in letters. Do 
not be worried, it is good news; for me it is, at least, and I hope 
with all my heart that you will be in favour of it, when you hear 
what it is. You know that your approval means a great deal to me and 
I hope dearly that I can have it in this matter, for I myself 
consider it one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Oh, 
I know I am being mysterious, but I really prefer to tell you the 
rest in person. I hope you will understand, adar, and perhaps my 
words already tell you more than I am aware of. I will not be 
surprised if this is the case.
I wish that our paths may meet each other again very soon, though I 
do not know how and when. As beautiful a home as Caras Galadhon is, 
I have never forgotten Mirkwood. I have not seen it in five years 
and I do not know how it looks these days, which is strange. I hope 
everyone is doing fine, and that the Sun still shines in the 
gardens; I remember how prettily she always did that. And I know 
that the plucks have begun by now; when I think of that I miss the 
hustle and bustle a little. Lórien has no vineyards; every bottle of 
wine consumed here is import. Haldir and I have uncorked many a 
bottle of Mirkwood vintage here. Personally I think it tastes even 
better than Dorwinion, but Haldir says I am not an objective judge. 
I guess he is right.

My dearest adar, may light shine in your home and in your heart; and 
may the Valar soon deem the time right to bring your son on your 
path, for he misses you dearly.

Your loving son
Legolas."

Thranduil slowly folded the parchment, smiling and pondering the 
contents of the letter.

"A word from the Prince, my Lord?" Nóruiven ventured.

"Indeed it is," Thranduil replied. "He seems to be doing very well."

"That is good." Nóruiven smiled. "We all miss the Prince here in the 
palace. We could certainly use a little light in the halls and the 
corridors. When will he come home?"

Thranduil smiled, mentally going over the things Legolas wrote. *One 
of the best things that has ever happened to me...* Could he guess 
what this meant? Perhaps... perhaps he could.

"Not yet, Nóruiven," he said. "Not yet."

He stood from his seat and, after kindly dismissing the maidservant, 
began to dress for the banquet. Perhaps he would accept Galadriel's 
bait and go to Lórien next year. Yes, he would most definitely do 
that. Lothlórien in springtime was a delight, and he yearned to see 
his son once again. He would discuss the matter with the Council 
tonight, and send a letter back with the Lórien messenger. Three 
letters, in fact. He knew his business tomorrow morn.

After a final, quick inspection in the mirror, the King of Mirkwood 
put out all the candles and swept out of the room. The door fell 
quietly shut behind him.

Outside, gracing the darkening sky, Telperion's last flower slowly 
rode his path across the stars. He was still sleepy and only faintly 
radiant, but soon he would shine upon Arda in all his silver glory, 
on forest and mountain and meadow alike. The Sun was making way for 
him, as she always did, but she would return again tomorrow... as 
she always did. Right now she sunk in the Sea to the West, rosy with 
sleep.

A new night had begun.


The End.


Some lyrics to accompany chapter 25... (I have a soft spot for song 
lyrics)

My love, I wish there was another way
To say the thing I want to say
And not to have to say: I love you
Another way to make a start
To tell you what is in my heart
And how my every thought is of you

To find a phrase that says as well
The secret that I long to tell
I've scanned the dictionary's pages
But back to `I love you' I'll go
Eight little letters in a row
That men have spoken through the ages

I'll shout it from the highest roof
I'll carve it in the trunks of trees
I'll tell the whispering breeze about you
I cannot hide it anymore
I cannot say it any less
I might as well confess: I love you.
	~ C. Aznavour: The `I love you' song




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