lacefedora:

(hmm… tough Choice nonny. Tough choice; but, now hear me out here… WHAT IF BOTH. Also since today is outsider point of view I thought I’d do this from Thranduil’s POV. Drabble operates under the assumption Than Legolas and Thranduil did not see each other much after the war and Thran finally sailed for Valinor. I hope this suits you Nonny,)

Thranduil can tell his son is hiding something when he finally arrives in Valinor. It has been so very long since he’s seen him, and while his son was greatly changed by the last war, Thranduil still knew him well enough to tell that.

He could also see his son’s heart had been given to another. He could see it in the way he moved. Given that he hadn’t seen any sign of this spouse; He was starting to wonder if the two things might be related.

“Legolas.” he says, catching his son after he reappears once more, he had a tendany to slip away when no one was looking. His son smiles to see him. Thranduil finds himself smiling back, pressing a hand to his heart in greeting. He’s not too surprised when Legolas hugs him instead, his son had picked up some interesting habits from his mortal companions. This one Thranduil does not mind. He gently returns the hug. “So, are you finally ready to show me where you’ve been slipping away to?” He asks him.

His son pulls back and looks up at his father, searching his face for something Thranduil doesn’t know. After that Legolas nods a bit. “Yes… I think so. Come with me.” He says and pulls his father along. Thrandul blinks and follows after him, curious to see what his son had hidden away.

“I wasn’t really trying to keep My Star a secret.” Legolas explains to him. “I was simply trying to find the Lady Galadriel before we started any introductions. Unfortunately, she’s proven difficult to locate.”

“Introductions? You’ve brought someone with you then. Your Star. A mortal?” He asks his son. Legolas looks back at him and smiles.

“Stars do not burn forever… Of course you could tell I’ve been wed.” he says softly.

“Yes and I can see your melancholy.” Thranduil says and frowns. Legolas just gives him a sad smile at that.

“Melleth nin.” Legolas calls rounds a corner. There, sitting in a small courtyard by himself, is a dwarf. Thranduil frowns, his tread slowing to a stop. Legolas goes to the white haired dwarf, bending to wrap him in his arms. Thranduil had not seen Gimli son of Gloin in a great many years but this surely must be him. Thranduil feels his ire rise and he strolls toward them. Gimli looks up at him first, the dwarf’s eyes were bright and clear, despite his advanced age. Thranduil looks him over waiting for whatever sharp thing may come out of his mouth.

“My lord Thranduil.” Gimli says and Legolas lets him go to allow him to rise, placing a hand on the dwarf’s broad shoulder. “It is long past time that we should meet.” The dwarf says with a formal bow. Thranduil blinks a bit, surprised, straightening his back further and bringing himself to his full height out of old habit. “Long have I wished a formal introduction to the father of My Heart,” Gimli says. Thranduil can hear the warm affection and sincerity in the dwarf’s, surprisingly smooth voice.

Finally, he lets himself finally see the complete picture, looking at his Son and how the two of them looked together. They could not be more opposite, but they were two pieces of the same whole. Fitting together perfectly. Thranduil feel his ire drain away. His heart starts to ache for his son, this dwarf did not have much longer on this plane.

“And I you, Master Gimli.” Thranduil says. “You’ve quite the reputation among us. Never before has a dwarf been named ‘elf-friend’.” He says and looks between the dwarf and his son. “Though you’re far more than than to my son I see.” He says and makes up his mind about something. “But you’ve no need to be hidden away. Introductions are long overdue.” He decides turning and leading them both back toward the others. Behind him he doesn’t see Legolas grinning at him as the two of them follow.