Jaynaé Marie

Chapter XXVIII (EXT): The Arrival of Thûlë

“That evening, there was a grand feast in the dining hall to celebrate Legolas’ safe return home. It had been a long time since my household felt whole again as the servants served us the freshest delights prepared for this occasion. Nenduîl and Aranduil sat as close to Legolas and Gimli as they could; eagerly asking them about their adventures. Eärluin and Auríel sat near their brothers whispering to one another and giggling at their excitement. Eluriel spent her time speaking with Isilriel, Nenloth, Ardúin and Ëariâth. The hall was filled with life as it was when I was young and my father was king. Though I sat in his place, I felt as I had before that the wars took so much from our kingdom.

“Thinking again,” Nimlos said leaning across Aramír. “You should be listening to Legolas. He’s had quite the adventure.”

“I will speak with him later,” I said. “As it is, he has the ear of Nenduîl and Aranduil.”

“They have been following him all day,” Aramír said. “He rather enjoys having an audience.”

“Just like his mother,” Nimlos said. “I remember she would tell me and Nenloth about adventures when we were young, though hers came from her imagination as though they were real.”

I laughed softly as I watched Êlúriel. Seemed not long ago she was telling me of her childhood or spinning a tale about our life together. As I watched Legolas and Gimli from a distance, their engagement with the children of the court brought memories of Êlúriel in the garden with children after she came into Eryn Galen. It was a sad but pleasant thought.

“If you will pardon me,” I said, rising. 

The room fell quiet and the court stood to bow to me. Êlúriel looked concern as I left the dining hall and made my way to the garden. It was a calm evening—nothing but the song of the night sung by the nocturnal chants of the woodlands creatures large and small.

Light of dim lanterns cast shadows down the winding paths as I sat amidst them on a bench deep in thought. It had been so long since I had been accustomed to a peaceful night I wondered what it was like in other places across the world.

“Ada,” a voice said. “Is something the matter?”

It was Legolas. I shook my head.

“Nothing,” I said. “Just found myself wanting to think. Why are you here?”

“For the same reason,” he said sitting beside me. “So much has come about, there has hardly been time to own’s self. Now that I am home for a time, I want to remember how it was before I leave again.”

“You are leaving,” I asked. “You have just arrived.”

“Not quite yet, Ada,” he said smiling. “You will have me for a time. Though I hardly think you would notice with Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin at your side.”

“They are growing up,” I said. “Soon they will not need me as they once did.”

“That is not true,” he said. “They will always need you. I still need you. Time has changed many things, but the heart is not one of them.”

“I suppose you will accompany Gimli to Erebor to see his father,” I began. “I know Glóin will want to see his son as much as I wanted to see mine.”

“Of course,” he answered. “Tarthôn wishes to join me, if he may.”

I nodded. It was good to see my sons doing things together once more.

“Gimli was given sovereign over Aglarond and wishes to lead his people there to settle. I wish to see the world.”

“You were always the wandering kind,” I said. “You know I will not stand in your way. It is your fate and yours alone. Mine is here with my people. It always has been and always will be.”

“For now, just be my father,” he said.

“I will forever be your father no matter where you are,” I said. “I am glad for that.”

Legolas and Gimli remained with us for a week before they set out for Erebor with Tarthôn. There plan was to stay the same amount of time there before leading dwarves through the Rhovanion and on to Aglarond. It seemed a fleeting moment I had my son again, but I had no fear for him now. The world was born anew and many would go seeking what there was to see of it.

I thought many days on what Galadriel said to me. I knew what she what she meant. I had to callings now—both struggling within for dominance. Should I stay in my kingdom and conquer time or make the journey my ancestors never completed into the west. My time in this world was coming to an end but to which end would it come?

I felt there was time enough to think on this; I felt a much better use of my days was to spent with Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin. I had given them each a horse of their own—not realizing they had grown near the height of Legolas at that age. They were no longer children.

One day, I had decided to go riding with them along with Aranduil and Auríel. Nearly my height now, the boys had begun to look much like true Sindarinwa princes. We had traveled quite a distance—stopping only for Tárimë to pick flowers for her chambers.

When we returned to the stables, we dismounted and walked toward the palace.

“Ada,” Tárimë began. “What do you think of Fëandil?”

“You mean the son of Arawë,” I asked attempting to remember him. “Why do you ask?”

“She has eyes for him,” Nenduîl said teasing his sister. “It is no secret to anyone.”

“Especially to Grandfather,” Aranduil added. “I am surprised he has not said anything to you.”

“Tarthôn has been away often, Aranduil,” I answered. “He only returned from Gondor recently. Is it true, Tárimë? Are you fond of this young elf.”

“No, Ada” she lied. “That is preposterous, Ada. He is as troublesome as these two.”

“I think it is a good match for my sister,” Eärluin said.

“Do not listen to my brother, Tárimë,” Auríel said. “He has eyes for Êldúlin.”

“I do not not, Auríel,” Aranduil said, his face flushed as Eärluin giggled.

“I know you better, Tárimë,” I said. “You have never been one to hide your emotions from anyone.”

“His face does not displease me,” she said giving her brother a stern glare. “I suppose he is adequate.”

“Adequate,” I said. “If you think he is adequate, then I suppose I should think so as well. Whenever you find him more than adequate, tell me so I may speak with him.”

Aranduil and Nenduîl could not help themselves but to laugh all the way to the front gates when we were met by Ëarmîr.

“Go your way,” I said to them. “Ëarmîr wishes word with me.”

They continued on their way as I approached Ëarmîr.

“Someone wishes an audience with Your Majesties,” he said to me. “Queen Êlúriel has met with him.”

“Why has Fëaluin sent you to tell me,” I asked.

“I come to you on my own,” he said. “Fëaluin awaits in council.”

We entered the palace and made our way to the throne room. I noticed a tall creature standing quietly in the center of the room with Êlúriel. I noticed he wore the long robe of a wizard—of the Istari—the color of grey. He had long hair the color of silver with withering skin the color of a winter sky. He approached me, his eyes a deep hue of sky at the end of day.

“Do I know you,” I asked. “You remind me of someone.”

“Mithrandir, perhaps,” he said. “He is no longer the Grey Wanderer as he is known as The White Rider or Gandalf the White if you wish.”

“Who are you,” I asked.

“Thûlë,” he answered, “And I have come quite a long way to see you,” he said. “From Mithlond.”

“May I ask why you have come?”

“As I have said,” he answered with a smile. “I have come to see you.”

“Why have you come to see me,” I asked.

“It was time,” he answered.

“It is time, Thranduil,” Êlúriel said softly, looking down.

I looked around the court—it had grown shallow and empty. It had become a shell of its former self. I looked to Ëarmîr who stood quietly next to Fëaluin.

“I know,” I said. “I know why you are here.”

“Oh, yes, Thranduil,” he began smiling. “I have heard much about you. You are beyond lore. You are of the ages that this world has seen over centuries. I arrived with Mithrandir in the Second Age and remained in the Havens and watched him sail into the west. He said I should await you there, but I knew I would remain there for another age should I do such a thing, so I came to you.”

“You saw my son, then,” I said. “Legolas?”

“Indeed. He left with a certain dwarf I believe. Gimli, son of Glóin.”

“Did he say anything,” I asked. I was hoping he did not say something that would touch my heart or break it for the mention of his name brought to me every moment I had with him since the day he was born.

“Yes, Thranduil,” he said smiling. “Peda aranon od Eryn Lasgalen, adar nîn, Thranduil Tárisil Oropherion, ernil od Eryn Lasgalen tolant na vedui sí Mithlond.”

I knew there were tears in my eyes but I did not care. My son was safe and I missed him greatly.

“I am afraid I have no words,” I said. “I miss my son.”

“He misses his father,” he said.

“How long will you be with us,” I asked quietly.

“Until it is time for me to depart, which will be in five days. I hope that I will not leave this place alone.”

I motioned to Fëaluin.

“Please escort Thûlë to where he may rest his head,” I said.

Fëaluin led him away. Before I could say a word to Ëarmîr, I turned to see Nenduîl.

“Ada,” he said smiling. “Are we leaving Eryn Lasgalen?”  

I looked to see Tárimë as well. Nenduîl looked much like me as Tárimë looked much like Êlúriel. I did not know the answer to his question. I was numbed at the thought of leaving.

“Something the matter,” Tárimë asked. “You are not yourself.”

“I am not myself, Tárimë,” I said. “Go to the gardens, I will come to you later. I must have a word with Ëarmîr.“

They left quickly, giddy with anticipation of seeing me again.

“Galathil left you here to make sure that I would leave for Mithlond.”

“Yes,” Ëarmîr said softly. “You would not leave otherwise.”

“How would anyone know what is in my heart or my mind,” I said as anger and sadness began to rise to the surface.

“Thranduil,” Êlúriel whispered.

“Thranduil,” Eldôr began. “Calm yourself.”

“I will not calm myself,” I said. “Do not presume you know me! Any one of you! It is my life and my choice! If I want to remain here in my kingdom.”

I stormed away toward the gardens hoping Nenduîl and Tárimë would bring me peace as they often would. I felt a light breeze carrying the scent of Êlúriel. I felt my heart fill with joy for the first time since Legolas had returned to me after the war. I stopped at the railing and began to remember my youth. My friends.

“There is nothing here for us anymore,” Êlúriel said from behind. “Even our son has sailed on. Of all the things to fear, why would this be one of them?”

I saw Eldôr approaching us from the court calmly.

“I will speak with him, Êlúriel,” I heard him say. 

She nodded and went into the palace. In that moment, I longed to follow her, but I could not find the strength.

“They have grown into beautiful elves,” Eldôr mused. “I know what you are thinking, Thranduil. I have known you since you came into this world.”

“I know, Uncle,” I said. “Perhaps that was the reason for your return.“

“What will you have us to do,” he asked quietly.

I never let the twins out of my sight. I seemed hypnotized by their frolicking.

“Send forth the rest of our people into the Havens and sail home,” I said. “The time as come. Êlúriel, Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin will sail. I will sail with you.”

We said nothing more as we watched the last of the elven children to grow up in Endor. and led them away to the old pool where I once played in my childhood. I knew I would have to tell Nenduîl and Tárimë that we were going home.

That evening, I requested Ëarmîr to send the children to my chambers. Eldôr had the court ready themselves to leave Eryn Lasgalen forever. With hurried excitement, what was left of the elves of the last elven kingdom prepared for the journey home.

When the familiar knock came to the door, I took a deep breath.

“Enter,” I said.

Nenduîl, Tárimë and Eärluin came in slowly—uncertain what was about to happen.

“Please, have a seat,” I said. They sat on the edge of my bed in unison; their eyes focused on me.

“Are we leaving Eryn Lasgalen, Ada,” Tárimë asked.

“Yes,” I said. “We are leaving and we will never return.”

“Never,” Nenduîl asked. “Why can we not return home?”

“We are going to a new home,” I said. “Far away from this world. It is a place of eternal youth and beauty where we will live forever.”

“We do that here,” Eärluin said. “Why can we not do that here?”

“Because we are elves,” I said. “Unlike any other creatures we are. Our time here must end so the rest of this world may continue. I know you will miss Eryn Lasgalen. I will miss it as well because like you it is the only home I have ever known but where we go will be far more beautiful.”

“Where you go, we will go, Ada,” Nenduîl said.

“It will fine,” Eärluin said.

“We love you, Ada,” Tárimë said.

“I love you, too,” I said.

I embraced them, my heart heavy with the thought of leaving but glad knowing I will be with them for all eternity. When I released them, they were smiling.

“Now, go prepare yourselves. We leave at week’s end.”

They nodded and left me alone. I looked around my chambers remembering every moment of my life that took place within its walls. Memories were the only thing I could take with me—they were all that I would need.

“Is that why you are afraid to leave,” Êlúriel said as she came into the room.

“What other reason is there,” I asked. “I was born here. We met here and married here. Our children were born here.”

She walked over to me and poked me in the chest.

“That is where home is,” she said. “If there were no walls, we would still have a home because home is where love is. You carry that everywhere.”

I smiled at her. I knew she was right. I nodded and embraced her. I began to feel better knowing she would be by my side when I had to leave everything I had ever known forever.”––TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-22-17

Legolas leaves as quickly as he came and the youngest generation are growing up—Tárimë seems to have a crush and Eärluin is no longer teasing her. When a mysterious wizard arrives, it is to lead Thranduil home to Aman. He doesn’t want to leave—he was born here. The Woodland Realm is all he’s ever known. He reluctantly gives in to pressure and tells his young wards what happens at week’s end. Êlúriel reminds Thranduil where home truly is and he starts to feel better. The end is nigh; for The Saga of Thranduil.