Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

The Last Wood Elf	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4551 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places. No money is being made from this story.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Chapter 43 – A New Kind of Longing

Legolas awoke to the pale light of dawn filtering in through the tall window of the guestroom. He’d meant to roll over and scoop Calariel against him, enjoying the feel of her cradled against his chest, but her side of the bed was cold and vacant. Instantly, he was awake, finding her standing at the window, a silhouette against the dawning light. With the quiet stealth that only an elf can accomplish, he rose from his bed and went to her. She was beautiful this morning, long dark hair cascading down her back, wrapped in the sheet that fell from their bed. A cool breeze blew in through the open window, lifting her hair from her shoulders, making her nipples rise in answer. Thoughts of their adventures from the previous night made him stir. He stood naked behind her, simply admiring her before he spoke. But it was not enough to watch her, for he needed her again. Mornings were usually like this, his body craving satisfaction, like the final course of a lascivious meal, and Calariel filled every part of his voracity.
Legolas went to her, drew her against him, and looked over her shoulder. “What are you watching this morning?”
“I was just waiting for the day to break over the mountains,” she replied, a tone of longing in her voice. “I missed seeing the stars last night.”
“Well, we can see them tonight,” he said, smiling against her neck, “if you like.” He proceeded to nip at her neck, making her skin break into goose flesh.
She smiled and closed her eyes, relishing his ministrations. “You are very persuasive this morning.”
“Persuasive, hmm… perhaps if you were beside me when I awoke, I would not have needed to coax you back to bed.”
She allowed him to kiss her neck and bare shoulders, but when his hands pulled on the sheet, she resisted and spoke quickly to cover her actions. “Don’t you find it a bit stifling here, surrounded by all this stone?”
“I didn’t give it any thought,” he answered. He still hadn’t given up on his seduction.
“And don’t you miss the trees? And the stars—”
“Yes, you mentioned the stars,” he said curiously. “What are you getting at, Calariel?”
“I guess I just miss home is all.”
Legolas stopped what he was doing, and rested his chin on her shoulder. “We have been here less than a day, and already you are missing the forest?”
“Don’t get me wrong. Minas Tirith is beautiful, but it is missing something. There is no flora, but for the potted plants on the windowsills, and the only fauna are the horses.”
“I think it’s the people that make the mountain feel alive. Have you seen all the different races dwelling together? This has not happened for a very long time,” he answered.
“You and I see the city very differently,” she said a little sadly. “I do not long for the company of other races.”
Legolas released her and came to stand beside her at the window. “I do not long for it either, but I admire it. To think of Men, Elves and Dwarves all living and working side by side, no one demanding more for themselves… well… I think that alone is a great feat.”
Calariel smiled and looked up to see the pride in his eyes as he gazed out over the land. “You will always have a connection to them, won’t you… to Men, to the people who raised you.”
“It does not mean I do not wish to be amongst elves. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you.” He faced her, finding fear and sadness upon her countenance. “I love you too deeply, Calariel. You must know that.”
She turned to him, her eyes scanning his lean, finely toned body. “I do know, and I love you too, with all my soul.”
He pulled her to him, her body contouring against his, only the thin sheet separating them. “Hmm, I’m not quite sure you know just how much I need you,” he said playfully to rescue the moment.
“Shall I convince you, my liege?” she said wickedly, letting the sheet pool at her feet.
“By all means,” he answered, allowing Calariel to lead him back to their bed.
She pushed him, and he fell down onto the feather mattress. Her eyes traveled slowly along his body, finding his length coming alive. “Seems to me you don’t need all that much convincing.”
“Oh, I need it, trust me,” he smiled.
He watched her prowl to the bed, felt her hair tickling his thighs, and then melted as the warmth of her mouth engulfed him. Legolas hoped every morning could start this way.
* * *
The morning got away from them, and Legolas and Calariel started the day late, but fully sated. She decided to see if there was anywhere she was needed. Legolas would go to the higher levels, looking for his friends, and perhaps Aragorn. He would be crowned soon, and Legolas wanted to meet with him once more before he became too unreachable.
He had just started out when he came upon Eowyn heading the same way. She was excited to see him. She’d always been that way, even as children. But they were children no more. Eowyn had changed drastically since he last saw her in Edoras. At the time, she seemed so young. Now she was much more mature, a rapid change in such a short time. Eowyn had been through a lot, and seen more than most women could ever imagine. She’d gone off to war to fight for her loved ones, faced the King of the Nazgûl, and come close to death. And when they were together last, she was just a young innocent girl with dreams of winning the heart of the man that would now be her king.
“Legolas, I’ve been hoping to find you,” Eowyn sang with joy. “I have something to show you. Do you have a moment?”
“For you, always,” he smiled radiantly, the glow from his earlier activities still showing.
“City life seems to agree with you,” she said, noticing his extreme mood.
“I guess you could say that,” he answered, and felt the tips of his ears begin to burn.
Eowyn noticed, and blushed herself when she thought of him and Calariel. “You’re very cute when you’re in love. I’ve seen you look this way before, but I’ve never seen this true happiness.”
“I am truly happy indeed,” he answered. “Now, what have you found?”
“Come with me, to the Citadel. Have you been there yet?”
“No,” he said, allowing her to take his arm in hers. “Isn’t it far up?”
“Yes, all the way to the top. We’ll go to the stables first,” she said leading him there.
Once they were mounted, they took off for the uppermost level of the city. Upon their arrival, Legolas found himself in a beautiful, grass courtyard with a fountain in the center. A tree grew next to the fountain, its roots slithering over the side and into the water. He instantly knew the tree. He’d read about it while visiting the library in Lothlórien.
“This is the White Tree of Gondor, a descendent of Telperion,” he said amazed.
“You know about it then?” Eowyn asked.
“A little. I know it died after the last king of Gondor passed. No seedling was found to replace it, so it remained here.”
“I have heard through rumors, that it will be removed and placed in the Tombs of the Kings,” she said. “I wish I could have seen it bloom.”
“I wish it were alive also. Calariel misses the trees, and it would have been a fine distraction for her.”
Eowyn led Legolas inside the main hall of the Citadel, where she excitedly showed him a fire pit made of stone, and a group of benches surrounding it. “Does this remind you of—”
“Edoras,” he finished for her. “Yes, it does. I miss those days when we would sit and talk for hours.”
“So do I. I miss Edoras and Meduseld. I miss my uncle most of all.” As she spoke, she became more reserved.
Legolas gestured for her to sit on one of the benches, and he joined her. They were wooden benches, not the comfortable divan like the one in the Golden Hall, but the atmosphere was similar with a low fire burning and the logs hissing.
After they settled into a comfortable silence, Legolas spoke. “Was Eomer terribly upset when he found out about your deception?”
“What do you think? He was livid. He was torn between being scared for me and grieving for our uncle. I should not like to see him like that ever again, but I did what I needed to do.”
“But why, Eowyn? Why put yourself in danger?” Legolas asked.
“Because at the time I did not care whether I lived. I just wanted to see my family safe was all,” she answered. Eowyn settled against the back of the bench, and stared into the fire. Her voice came out distant and cold. “Because I offered my heart to the man I thought I loved, and he was reluctant to accept it. I’ll never forget his words. He said he could not give me what I sought.”
“You speak of Aragorn, don’t you?” Legolas asked, remembering Eomer’s concern about Eowyn’s longing for the Ranger. They’d both known that Aragorn was promised to another, but they hadn’t realized the depth of Eowyn’s love for him.
He felt for Eowyn, and started to wonder if Aragorn had not handled the situation well. “He did not hurt you, did he? He was not cruel or offensive?” Legolas didn’t think the man would behave in such a manner, but he did not know him very well.
Eowyn shook her head. “No, it was nothing like that. He only told the truth, and tried gently to spare my feelings. But there had been moments between us as we traveled back to Edoras after leaving Helm’s Deep. I… well, I thought there might have been something more. I am usually so careful with my heart, but this time, I just… I think I let myself fall in love. I tried not to be obvious about it, and I don’t think I was overbearing. We’d gotten to know each other while he and Gimli stayed in Edoras. And then we were called to help Gondor. I went with the troops to gather at Dunharrow. I swear, I had no intension of going any further with the army. I just wanted to be there and see the men off, but especially Aragorn. I’d resisted telling him my true feelings up until then. And with war on the horizon, I knew this might be my only chance to let him know. At least, if he felt the same for me as I did for him, maybe it would give him reason to fight, and to fight well, so that he would survive… for me. And then I’d found him and Gimli preparing their horses, ready to leave us all in the middle of the night. I didn’t understand why at the time, but I held nothing back and told him I loved him, if for no other reason than to make him stay. Instead, I’d never been so embarrassed, spilling my soul only to have him tell me he did not return the feelings, nor would he ever be able to. He had already promised his love to someone else. And then he was gone, and I was left numb.”
Legolas looked from the corner of his eye. “You told him of your love, and when he did not return it, you ran off with the army. That is not a reason to fight.”
“No?” she said, a bit perturbed. “Do you not fight for Calariel’s safety? Does she not fight for yours? How was my situation any different? I loved him, and his men loved him as they do their most trusted captain. They would have followed him into the fires of Mount Doom. Why should I not have the same right?” Eowyn smiled and huffed a laugh. “It started out that way. I wasn’t ready to give up on him yet. But once I was in Gondor, standing on the edge of Pelennor Fields, something else took over. The sword in my hand felt good. I knew without a doubt that I could win this fight, and by killing the enemy, I was saving the lives of those men around me. I forgot about Aragorn and my embarrassment, and I became a soldier of the Riddermark. Defending my country was all that mattered.”
“Aye, that’s what it feels like,” Legolas agreed. “You are a true warrior, Eowyn, and a brave soldier.”
Silence grew between them again, but they were comfortable with their private thoughts. Legolas’ heart went out to Eowyn. Unrequited love was not easy to forget. He could tell by her tone that Eowyn had loved Aragorn. “I’m sorry I was not there for you during your time of duress. It seems we have always been there for each other, but this time I could not be.”
Eowyn seemed to blush, and she looked down at her twisting fingers. “Well, I will admit that I missed your companionship, especially when everything went awry. You always did know the right things to say to make me feel better.” She reached out and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. “I suppose we will not be there for each other like we used to be.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, concerned.
“Well, your home is in Mirk—” she stopped to correct herself. “Eryn Lasgalen. And if I am not mistaken, the shine in your eyes and the flushing of your face can only mean that you and Calariel are… more than friends.”
Legolas smiled, his eyes crinkling into sparkling blue slivers, and gazed into the fire. “You are right. We are very much in love. As a matter of fact, we plan to marry when we return home.”
Eowyn seemed relieved to hear this news, “Oh, Legolas that is so wonderful. I knew you would find the right girl… uh… elf maiden. She is very lovely, and so kind and brave. You are perfect for each other.”
Sudden guilt filled his heart. “I should not speak of such happiness when my dearest Eowyn has a saddened heart.”
Eowyn sat up and scooted to the edge of the bench, bringing her feet to the stone floor. Legolas had wounded her pride, he thought. She seemed a bit perturbed. “Do not pity me, Legolas, for I have not told you all of my story.”
Legolas knitted his brow in question. “What do you mean?”
“Sad I was. Almost in despair after all that had happened to me. And my wounds took me to the edge of the shadow lands. The nightmares were unbearable, and sometimes I thought it best to just let them swallow me up. Yet, every time I was about to give in, something pulled me back, and I fought for another day. Again and again, wicked dreams tormented me to the point I could not see a reason to fight, but a voice, so sweet to my ears, led me back to the living world.”
“Eomer,” Legolas smiled, and thought of how his friend had stayed with his sister day and night until she awoke from her deep sleep.
“I thought so too, at first, but there was something very different. It was not my brother’s voice that called me back, though at times I could hear his prayers to Béma.” A smile escaped the corners of her mouth as the light of the fire danced upon her golden hair. “No, it was someone unfamiliar, yet his voice was beautiful, melodic, caring. And as I lay there, held prisoner by the shadow lands trying to claim my soul, his song became my refuge. I never saw his face or felt his touch, I didn’t’ know who he was, but my heart cried out to him, and I knew I loved him.”
“The elves call it the song of the fae or spirit, and when it happens, you know you have found your eternal mate.” Legolas meant to ask who this person was, but Eowyn anxiously interrupted him.
“Is that how it is for you and Calariel?” she asked, taking the attention away from her own story.
“It is. I felt it when I first found her injured in Fangorn forest. I had this uncontrollable urge to protect her and keep her from harm, as though to lose her would mean to lose a bit of myself.” Legolas moved to the edge of the bench, mimicking Eowyn’s position by the fire. He nudged her leg with his. “So tell me, who is this mysterious man? Was he there when you emerged from your dreams?”
“Well,” she began, “do you know who the Steward was?”
Legolas nodded slowly as he thought. “I believe his name was Denethor. He had a son, a close friend of Aragorn’s, if I’m not mistaken. He was slain by orcs while protecting some of his company.” Legolas stopped and considered this. “Do you think it was him speaking to you from beyond this world?”
“Boromir?” she responded. “Oh, no it was not him. I’d meant to say that Denethor had another son, the younger brother of Boromir. His name is Faramir.” She paused to smile and sighed as she stared dreamily into the fire. “I never get tired of hearing his name.”
The previous night, Eomer had spoken to Legolas about Faramir, but the elf chose to go along with Eowyn and her story. She should be allowed to tell her tale. “I know of Faramir. He was a Ranger, was he not? I believe Aragorn mentioned him once before.”
“Yes,” Eowyn answered, “He was their Captain, protecting the borders of Ithilien from the evil things that crawled out of Minas Morgul. He has taken up his father’s position at Steward of Gondor, only until Aragorn is crowned.” She paused as though this next bit of information was difficult to discuss, but the smile upon her pink lips spoke of true happiness. “Aragorn has offered him a new position as Chief Commander, in which his duty will be to maintain the eastern borders of Gondor, and he will settle in Ithilien.”
Legolas was glad for the young steward, but curious as to what had transpired between him and Eowyn. “And how does this pertain to you?”
She blushed, though it could have been the heat from the flames that brightened her cheeks. “I seemed to have gotten ahead of myself. You see, the voice in my dreams was Faramir. He had been mortally wounded as I had been. It was Aragorn whose knowledge of healing saved us both, and at the same time, it linked Faramir and me to each other. He’d recovered first and asked if he could help with my healing. He had told Eomer that he knew what it was that I was experiencing, for he too had been chased by the ever-growing darkness. And so I believe with all my heart that it was Faramir that kept the evil at bay. By the time I awoke, I knew who he was, and I fell in love with him. He admitted the same after spending unending hours by my side. We found each other through the despair pushed upon us, and we healed each other without knowing who the other one was.”
Legolas smiled, glad for her contentment, “So often, the soul knows what it wants, even before the mind has time to calculate. I am truly happy for you, my dearest Eowyn. You deserve it more than anyone. But what does Eomer think of all this?”
Eowyn bowed her head, “I’m sure my brother wants what is best for me.” She stood from the bench, turned to Legolas and reached for his hands. Legolas stood too, and predicted what she was about to tell him. The look on her face was as clear as a still lake.
“Eomer does not know this yet, but… Legolas, I am staying here… in Gondor. Faramir has asked for my hand. We are betrothed.”
His smile grew wider as his fingers squeezed hers, “My beautiful Eowyn, a Princess at last.”
“Things have changed so quickly, haven’t they? Eomer is King of Rohan, Aragorn, King of Gondor. Faramir is Prince of Ithilien, and we are to marry soon. And you,” she sang, bringing his hands to her lips, kissing his long fingers, “You are King of the Woodland realm of Eryn Lasgalen, soon to take a queen. If you had told me this before, I would not have believed a word of it.”
“It is quite unbelievable, isn’t it? But it is true and it is happening. From here on, our lives… all of us… will be much different. It is a little sad too. Gone are the days of Rohan and our youths.”
“Not for you,” said Eowyn, looking up into his bright blue eyes. “You are still young, and you have thousands of years to remain in your youth as an elf. I never thought much about it before, but I see it now. You are as unchanged now as you were several years ago, while Eomer and I have aged, maybe more than we should have since the war.”
This was the one thing that Legolas feared the most, watching his friends age. Until now, he had pushed the thoughts aside. As long as he was close to his friends, everything seemed to stay the same. But if he only saw them occasionally, he would see the changes in them, and that was breaking his heart.
“I wish we could all stay together,” he said sadly.
Eowyn cupped his face, her eyes misting over as she hid her sorrow with a smile. “It cannot be helped, dear elf. You were born with the gift of immortality.”
“I’ve never thought of it as a gift. I’ve never given it much thought at all.”
Eowyn released him and turned to the fire once more. “Well, at least now you will be with others like yourself, and you will live on forever so that your memories will keep the rest of us alive in your heart.”
He could not see her face, but as her hand reached up, Legolas knew Eowyn was shedding a tear. “You will come visit me in Eryn Lasgalen, won’t you?”
Her shoulders rolled back and her head came up as she recollected herself. Then she turned to Legolas, no trace of a tear on her face. “I look forward to seeing your home. Perhaps after the coronation, after the wedding, Faramir and I will journey to your woods.”
To lighten the mood, Legolas made a sour face. “Am I not invited to your wedding?”
Eowyn laughed, “Of course you are. I just thought with everything that’s happened, and your new position—”
“I would not miss your special day for all the mithril in Middle-earth,” he reassured her.
“Then will you stay for a while after the new King’s coronation?” she asked excitedly.
“Of course I will. I am not needed back home immediately. And I don’t think Calariel will mind.” He knew he shouldn’t speak for her, but he was confident that she would not go home without him.
Eowyn’s smile spread wide and she clapped her hands together. “I had hoped you might stay, but I wasn’t sure. And if you are positive about staying, then I have something I would like to ask of you.”
Legolas knitted his brows, unsure of what she was asking. “Go on and ask then.”
“Well, since we have always been there for each other through good and bad, then it seems appropriate that you are with me on my blessed day. Legolas, it would be an honor to have you escort me to my betrothed during the ceremony. Will you give this bride away, and make me the happiest shield maiden in Gondor?”
Legolas was surprised by her question. “Isn’t it proper for a family member to perform this task? I should think that Eomer would not miss the opportunity to give his sister away… once he knows about all of this, of course,” he said, reminding her that she still needed to tell her brother the good news.
“Silly ellon, you ARE family. You will always be a part of us, of Rohan.” Eowyn put her hands on her hips. “And I want this, so you cannot deny the bride-to-be.”
“I stand corrected,” Legolas jested. “Then I shall be proud to escort you to your new life… to your future as Princess.”
Eowyn threw her arms around Legolas’ waist, and hugged him until he thought he could not breathe. “You have made me so happy. Thank you. Thank you for being there.”
Legolas closed his eyes and held her to him, memorizing the moment. It was times like this one that he would miss about his Rohirric family, the closeness, the instant gratification of seeing their faces or feeling their love. And although he loved Eryn Lasgalen and its people, he could not deny the fact that it seemed a lonely place at times.
Eowyn released Legolas, her mood changing rapidly. She fixed her hair with the palm of her hand, and straightened her skirts where they had crumpled from sitting on the benches. Once again, she seemed a woman on a mission.
“Alright now, time to get you to your duty,” she said.
“My duty?” he wondered. As far as he knew, he had no duties except to attend the coronation of Aragorn Elessar, which wouldn’t be for another few days.
“Why yes, a meeting has been called, and you are expected to attend,” she answered matter-of-factly.
“I was not informed about any meeting. What is this about?”
Eowyn rolled her eyes, “Things are still a bit disheveled around here. Someone should have delivered a message to you yesterday evening. Aragorn has called all his chiefs and some other leaders. He wants to speak to them before he is crowned. You are included in this meeting. I thought that was where you were heading when I met you earlier.”
“I was just going to look for Aragorn. I have not spoken with him since we parted on our journey. But if there is an important counsel, I would not want to miss it.”
Eowyn clapped her hands together as she thought of something. “Oh, this is wonderful. Faramir will be there also. You will get to meet him. He’s been anxiously awaiting your arrival. I must warn you though, he has a deep fondness and curiosity for elven kind. No doubt, he will have many questions for you, especially knowing that you are a wood elf. He’s never met anyone from the Woodland realm before, and he knows your story, of course.”
“Well, I must admit that I am just as curious to meet him. I want to know who this man is that has swept my dear Eowyn off her feet.”
Eowyn blushed and smiled, “Just like old times. You always did look out for me.”
“From what I remember, you looked out for yourself most of the time,” he jested.
Eowyn nodded in agreement, “Yes, I suppose you’re right.” She sighed heavily, “I will miss being a shield maiden.”
“That you will always be in my eyes.”
* * *
Eowyn led Legolas to the King’s audience chamber, but she did not join the men. She kissed his cheek and nodded to Faramir, who had seen her in the entrance way. Then she left them to their meeting.
Eomer was there and came to Legolas’ side. “There you are. It took you long enough to get here, but I see that my sister escorted you. No doubt she held on to you as long as she could.”
“At least she didn’t put me to work like she used to do in Edoras,” Legolas chortled.
Eomer gave Legolas a firm pat on the back of his shoulder, and led him to the middle of the room. There were decorative rugs scattered about, depicting patterns of trees and stars. Stone columns lined both sides and torches were attached to each one, giving the room abundant light. The place had the smell of ancient stone and ash, probably due to the recent destruction of the lower levels of Minas Tirith. The scents from below seemed to waft upwards. Otherwise, this area had been untouched by the war, too high up for any of the enemy’s weapons to reach.
At the head of the room sat the King’s throne high up on a tall dais, with stairs that led to the top. A smaller chair sat at the bottom of the set of stairs. Above the throne hung a chandelier shaped like an oversized crown. A red runner cascaded down the steps, ending at the foot of the stairs and flowing to the side where the smaller chair sat. This was the Steward’s place, where he ruled in the stead of an invisible king. Soon, the throne would hold the new sovereign, King Elessar. Until then, the city was still under the rule of the Steward, Lord Faramir. For now, though, neither chair was occupied, forgotten for the moment while everyone made their acquaintances.
Aragorn approached Legolas and Eomer, a smile adorning his well-groomed face. Eomer bowed and Legolas followed his lead. Aragorn closed his eyes and shook his head.
“My friends, you need not show such ceremony. Do not let these fine robes fool you. I am still the same man you met on the open plains of the Riddermark.”
“And there is not a finer man among us who will lead our people towards our future,” Eomer commented.
“Hear, hear!” Someone else joined the conversation, and they turned to find Faramir agreeing with Eomer’s compliment. “I for one am honored to see the throne finally occupied, something I never thought would happen in my lifetime.”
Eomer was obviously glad to see Lord Faramir, and he greeted him with a firm handshake. “That makes two of us.” He turned to his friends, bringing Faramir before them. “You will know everyone here, but for our elven friend, Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen, King of the Woodland realm. Legolas… Lord Faramir, my future brother-in-law and current Steward of Gondor.”
“Temporary Steward,” Faramir corrected as he reached a hand out to Legolas. He smiled genuinely, “I feel like we have met already. Eomer and his sister speak quite highly of you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Legolas.”
Legolas took the offered hand, but he was confused by Eomer’s introduction. He looked back at Eomer and spoke from the corner of his mouth, “So you know about him and Eowyn?”
“As of only minutes ago, yes. He spoke to me privately, and I gave him my well wishes,” Eomer answered.
Legolas smiled and looked to Faramir, “Well met Lord Faramir, but I would prefer that you refer to me by my given name only. No need of formalities, especially for the man who has agreed to marry the Lady Eowyn.”
“Agreed? You make it sound as though it were arranged,” Faramir laughed. “Of course I am only jesting. Lady Eowyn stole my heart from the moment I laid eyes upon her.”
“Glutton for punishment,” Eomer added from the corner of his mouth.
“Are you suggesting that your sister is difficult?” Faramir said, mocking disappointment.
Legolas liked Faramir already. The way he bantered with him and Eomer seemed very relaxed and familiar, and Legolas was reminded of the days spent with Eomer and Théodred. “As long as you know what you are getting yourself into, then you’ll have no one but yourself to blame, especially when the time comes for rearranging furniture or cleaning those high out of the way places.”
“Ah,” Faramir nodded, “I’ve already seen how she gives orders, and I’ll not be burdened by it. I’ve made sure that there will be plenty of help in our new home.”
“Smart man,” Aragorn said.
Everyone shared in a laugh. Then Faramir addressed Legolas again. “All kidding aside, it is very good to meet you, Legolas. Eowyn has had nothing but the best things to say about you. She thinks quite highly of you, and I know she is a good judge in character.”
“I think of her as a sister. We have practically grown up together,” Legolas responded and turned to Eomer. “We all have. Rohan is very dear to my heart, as well as its new king and your betrothed. I am very happy for you and Eowyn. May your days together be that of joy as you embark on your journey together.”
“Thank you, Legolas. It means a lot to me, and to Eowyn, that you approve of his joining,” Faramir said and bowed.
“Well, now that we’ve gotten introductions out of the way, shall we continue with this meeting?” Eomer said to Aragorn.
“Yes, of course. Gentlemen,” Aragorn said, gesturing to a door that led to another meeting chamber. Inside, there was a long wooden table with chairs lining each side. Everyone took a seat, and as the meeting began, Gimli rushed into the room.
“I apologize for my tardiness, but there were some complications with the construction of one of the fountains on the—” he interrupted himself as he noticed Legolas among the men at the table. “Well, if it isn’t my elf friend. Come to join the excitement I see.”
“Good to see you, Gimli,” Legolas nodded.
The meeting began, and Aragorn had many things to discuss with the different members of his court. His advisors and counselors were given their orders for the upcoming ceremony, and then were dismissed to carry out their charges. When it was only the few left, Aragorn took a more personal approach, as though these were favors he was asking of his friends, not directives.
With Eomer, it was agreed that there would be an ongoing alliance with Rohan, and any need of assistance, military or otherwise, would result in immediate attention. Gone were the days of stubbornness amongst the leaders of the two cities.
Gimli would have complete control over the rebuilding and expanding of masonry work, including but not limited to the addition of irrigation systems that would allow for gardens throughout Minas Tirith. He would also advise the men in charge of rebuilding Osgiliath, and send a group of Dwarves to test the infrastructures of the ruined city. If it had to do with stone, there was no one more knowledgeable than the Dwarves.
Faramir had already been informed of his new title as Prince of Ithilien and Chief Commander of King Elessar. His duty was to guard the eastern borders, as well as oversee the rebuilding of Osgiliath. But Aragorn asked another ‘favor’, as the future King liked to refer to it.
“Though the people look forward to seeing Osgiliath restored, they also wish to see the rebirth of Ithilien, whose gardens were either ruined by the enemy or were reclaimed by the wild. Since you are about to be married, I would like to see you settled in your new land, and I offer you a home in the hills of Ithilien. It is yours to do with as you please. You will be much closer to the lands you are to oversee.”
“Thank you, my lord, but it seems like a lot for one man to handle,” he turned to Gimli and added, “even with the help of the Dwarves. I was prepared to see to Osgiliath, but Ithilien is a different matter. I’m not sure my knowledge for trees, plants and flowers is that extensive.”
Aragorn smiled and continued, “Which is why I have asked Legolas to join this meeting. I understand the sea longing amongst the elves, but I also know that there are those who wish yet to stay in Middle-earth. I would ask you to gather those who might be interested in helping rebuild Ithilien, and send them to Gondor. Just as I trust the Dwarves with stone, I trust the elves with nature. Ithilien was once the crown jewel of Gondor, its gardens unmatched to any seen throughout the lands, and I would see it as such once again. Our people need a place of peace outside of the White City. Ithilien should be a place for the races to come together and live harmoniously, and it would not be the same without elves joined in the mix.”
Legolas was thrilled by the offer, and was about to volunteer himself, but he flinched as he remembered his duty as King of Eryn Lasgalen. “I am sure I can gather a small company to come to your aid immediately, but I don’t know if it will be enough. Eryn Lasgalen has not the occupancy it once had, when my father ruled the forest. Have you thought to ask Lothlórien or Rivendell? Surely they can spare more elves than I can.”
“I have and they have agreed to send those willing to take up new residence, but I could not leave Eryn Lasgalen out of the offer. Tell your people they can build their homes anywhere and in any way they see fit within Ithilien. The land to the north will belong to the elves. This will help Lord Faramir… one less task to worry about. Once they are settled, I will chose one of them to rule the north, to arrange patrols to protect the northern borders, and to see that the regrowth of the lands is successful. They will need to have an extensive military background of course, and Eryn Lasgalen seems the stronger realm when it comes to elven armies. I will, of course, take any of your recommendations to heart. I trust your judgment in this, as I know you have a considerable awareness for the military as well as the natural development of wasted lands. Though I have not seen it myself, I am told that Eryn Lasgalen is even more beautiful now than it was before the dark days.”
Legolas hadn’t given much thought to anyone outside of his forest home seeing who had recognized the changes within. Eryn Lasgalen seemed contained within its own borders. To think that word had reached as far as Gondor made him feel good, involved, invited, and proud of his begetting place. “I will certainly send word to my people, and gather as many who are willing to come to your aid.”
Finally, the meeting adjourned, but Legolas couldn’t stop thinking about the opportunity to send his people to Ithilien. Aragorn was gifting them with their own land, a place to come together with other races and improve the landscape. This was exactly the reason why he never felt the longing. He knew that as long as he lived in Middle-earth, he was a part of it, and he contributed to the future of mankind with every day he spent on these shores.
There was a sudden jolt within his heart as he realized he would not be a part of the new land in Ithilien. His place was within Eryn Lasgalen. He had, after all, spent his life doing everything possible to reclaim the forest. But along the way, he’d made friends and family that he couldn’t forget, and now he found it hard to leave those people who had given him his own opportunity. In doing so, Legolas claimed his father’s throne, established the Woodland realm once again, and gained the trust and love of the elves that made Eryn Lasgalen their home. Surely this was what he was meant to do, he tried to convince himself. Still, a part of him saddened at the thought of leaving Gondor, leaving his adopted family and his friends behind, and going back to the wondrous caverns of the Rhovanion. Legolas found his heart and his soul conflicted by these new thoughts.
And where did Calariel fall into all of this? He’d planned to marry her once they returned home, where she would rule by his side as his queen. She had already voiced her dislike for Minas Tirith, though she did so as nicely as possible. She knew how much he longed to be with those he’d known throughout his life. He wondered if she would feel more comfortable living in Ithilien, where she would be amongst the trees.
“Oh, what am I thinking?” he berated himself. “I already have a land to rule. I cannot abandon the throne, not after recently claiming it. Alas, it is just a bit of imagining on my part. Ithilien will belong to those who long for its diversity, and though it is something I am familiar with and something I long to revisit, it is not for me to wish upon anymore.”
As much as Legolas tried to convince himself of this, he couldn’t help to think of life in Ithilien, where he would be close to his friends. Where he could watch Eowyn and Faramir start their new life together. Where he would undoubtedly see Eomer from time to time as he came to see to business with Aragorn. Even the thought of working with Gimli on some of his projects gladdened his heart. And for the remainder of his time spent in Gondor, attending the coronation of King Elessar, and seeing his adopted sister complete her vows and take Lord Faramir as her husband, Legolas’ longing to stay grew stronger. So when the day came, and it was time for him and Calariel to journey back to Eryn Lasgalen, he did so with a heavy heart, for he knew he was leaving a piece of himself behind, and he would never sit comfortably beneath the green leaves of Eryn Lasgalen again.
It was during their travels back to the Rhovanion that Legolas remembered meeting with Celeborn upon the hill in the forest, and the message he relayed from Lady Galadriel. She had warned him about going to Gondor. He thought it was for a completely different reason, but now he realized what it was. He had discovered his true meaning, not to become a king and right the wrongs done to his father and his home, but to be a missionary for multiformity. Ithilien could give him this opportunity, but he’d chosen his path when he took up his father’s berry crown.
“And why should I be feeling this way?” he asked himself as he gathered wood for the fire. Calariel was waiting at their campsite where they’d stopped for the evening. She had hunted for their meal and had charged Legolas with making the fire in which to cook their food. The company they were returning with was half of what they had when they left for Gondor. These were the first among the new elves of Ithilien, remaining in Gondor to begin the renewal of that land. Legolas could not deny the jealousy in his heart.
“Yet, I am feeling this way,” he concluded. “I shouldn’t. I have everything I’ve ever wanted, including a woman to love, who loves me. Perhaps I’m being selfish. And what would my father and mother think of me? No, I have a duty now. I must put aside these longings and continue in my father’s place. The Rhovanion is my home and Eryn Lasgalen is my land. It is what I’ve worked for, and to think of anything else would be do dishonor my father and his memory. Besides, who else would rule if it weren’t me? This is where I belong now, and I have to realize that my life has changed. I cannot go back, for my upbringing was only ever meant to be temporary.” Still, as much as he wished to believe this, Legolas would never dampen the loneliness left in the bottom of his heart. Galadriel’s prediction had indeed come true.
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The Last Wood Elf