Legolas and Alannah watched as Oryn grew over the next five years into an adventurous and kind young elf. The child was a quick learner as most elves are, picking up various skills with much ease and enthusiasm. The two parents took great joy in teaching him how to write in the Tengwar script, sing and play music as well as how to shoot a bow with as much precision as his father.
The few years that had passed felt as if they were mere days to Alannah, now having the full understanding of life as an elf. Not only did she come to realize the difference in how time passed for her compared to her mortal friends, but she had finally mastered her own elvish traits and abilities. She could scale any tree as easily as Legolas, see and hear with acute precision as well as feel all the emotions of the nature that she was surrounded with. Finally, the wisdom of the Eldar was with her as she lived her life alongside her husband and son in Ithilien.
"Ada, when will grandfather be back to visit?" Oryn asked Legolas with all the excitement a young child would have. Legolas chuckled as he held his son's small hand in his while they walked through the beautiful forests that surrounded their home.
"Gandalf was just here last week ion nin, and my father the week before that. Which one is it you speak of?" Legolas acquired, his heart warmed that his son was surrounded with so many that loved him.
"Either one, I guess. Why can't they come live here with us? At least closer. Perhaps with uncle in Minas Tirith?" Oryn suggested. Legolas pushed Oryn's long blonde locks out of his face so he could admire his sons wide, green eyes.
"They're both very important and have matters to attend to. Don't worry, I'm sure one or the other will be along to spoil you more than you already are." Legolas joked as he tickled his son in the side.
Tauriel and a handful of the guards came upon the playful father and son and stood to the side, awaiting to be addressed by their lord.
"Tauriel!" Oryn exclaimed, excited to see his friend. Tauriel smiled softly at the child whom she had come to love dearly.
"I dare not intervene child!" Tauriel laughed as she watched them play. She gave Legolas a slight nod, indicating she needed to speak to him privately. Legolas quickly kissed his sons head before handing him his bow and quiver and directing him to a nearby tree for target practice.
"Take your time ion nin!" Legolas instructed, knowing it would keep Oryn occupied while he discussed what seemed to be a serious matter with Tauriel. The elven guards quickly dispersed, surrounding the area the Oryn was sending arrows through the air.
"What is the trouble Tauriel?" Legolas asked quietly as he studied Oryn several paces back. Tauriel leaned in closer to him.
"It's Alannah, my lord. She has been acting strangely today. I think you should go to her." Tauriel explained, keeping her eyes to the ground. Legolas nodded before approaching Oryn and kissing the top of his head.
"Stay with Tauriel. I'll see you in an hour at home." Legolas said before quickly sprinting through the woods to his wife.
As he approached the treehouse situated in the forest clearing, Legolas could see Alannah standing outside as if she was waiting on someone.
"Meleth nin, is everything alright?" Legolas asked worriedly. Alannah had a curious expression on her face, clearly unable to express her own thoughts.
"I'm alright, I just feel so odd." She paused, reaching to hold Legolas's hand. "I know something is going to happen today. I cannot explain it. It's as if my heart is preparing itself for something. Whether it be good or bad, I do not know." Alannah answered, knowing it proposed more questions than answers. Legolas furrowed his brow as he too, suddenly felt the same as she did as if he too was awaiting something. After a few moments of silence between the two, the sound of horses hooves trotting through the forest paths could be heard.
Legolas tightened his grip on Alannah's hand when a white carriage appeared, decorated with ornate yet delicate elvish design.
"It's Gandalf." Alannah whispered. Legolas nodded his head and smiled, but his heart felt heavy as the carriage drew nearer.
"Meleth nin, perhaps you should have someone retrieve Oryn. He is with Tauriel in the woods practicing his bow." Legolas suggested. Alannah nodded her head as she did as her husband requested, taking no time to quickly return to receive Gandalf.
~
"I feel silly now." Alannah revealed as her and Legolas watched Gandalf and Oryn play in the gardens. Legolas kissed Alannah's hand as they walked side by side.
"Why is that?" Legolas asked, pretending not to know the truth behind Gandalf's visit.
"It was only Gandalf. Perhaps I was thinking too much." Alannah tried to explain, still feeling a bit unsure with what she was speaking. Legolas's eyes darted back to his son, now wrapping his arms around Gandalf as the wizard bent down to accept the child's loving embrace. Legolas felt his eyes gloss over as he watched them interact, knowing full well what was about to happen.
"I love you meleth nin." Legolas whispered as he watched Gandalf begin to walk over towards them as he held Oryn's hand. Alannah looked at him curiously, sensing a slight sadness in her husband before turning her attention to Gandalf.
"Alannah," Gandalf began before turning his attention to Legolas. "may I speak with Legolas alone for a moment." Gandalf released Oryn to her as he and Legolas walked away into the forest, having a what appeared to be some deep conversation with one another. Alannah chose not to listen to what they had to say, being respectful of their privacy as she and Oryn sat on the ground and made flower crowns for each other.
Once they rejoined, Legolas smiled at his family and the white flowers that adorned their hair. Oryn held one up for Legolas and he was quick to accept the gift and placed it on his own head. Gandalf cleared his throat as he stepped forward.
"Alannah, will you accompany me on a carriage ride. I will see to it that you are returned home by nightfall." Gandalf propositioned as he held his hand out to her. She quickly accepted his hand and agreed to the ride, but still felt the strange energy surrounding them.
"I will see you tonight. I love you meleth nin." Alannah heard Legolas say in her head where no one could hear. Alannah smiled at him as she climbed up into the carriage, curious as to where her and Gandalf were going. As they trotted out of the elven colony she now called home, Alannah couldn't help but feel the nostalgia as she bounced beside Gandalf, going on a small yet always exciting adventure.
~
"So father, mother is both an elf and a mortal? Since her father was mortal and her mother was an elf?" Oryn asked confusedly as he straightened his floral crown while helping his father tend to their horses. Legolas shook his head, trying to explain his mother's bloodline. Tauriel helped tend the horses nearby, amused by their conversation.
"No love, when your mother and I married she made the choice to be counted amongst the elves. Therefore, your mother is an elf. No different than you and me." Legolas explained.
"And Tauriel?" Oryn asked excitedly, proud now that he had finally understood. Legolas glanced at Tauriel and smiled, which she quickly returned.
"Yes, and Tauriel." Legolas responded before whispering to the horse to go into its stable. He turned his attention to the setting sun, knowing Alannah would be returning soon and he would need to be there to comfort her. His heart began to feel her heaviness and he knew she was distraught as he wiped a tear from his eye, so his son could not see. Tauriel was quick to notice the sudden emotional change in Legolas as she too, whispered to the horse she was caring for to go into its stable.
"My lord Oryn, I believe we should tuck you into bed." Tauriel suggested as she carefully pulled the flower crown off his head and handed it to Legolas. Oryn sighed as any child would before accepting a hug and kiss from his father and marching towards their treehouse.
"I'll be back shortly, my lord." Tauriel said under her breath. Legolas nodded his head silently as he walked into the garden, knowing Alannah would come through the clearing on her way back home.
"Meleth nin, I am here for you. Whatever you need upon your return." Legolas telepathically communicated to Alannah as the sun finally set. He placed his hand beneath his tunic over his heart, wishing to be able to comfort her in these moments. Over and over he replayed in his mind the last conversation he had with Gandalf in the gardens before he and Alannah left, the promise he made to the wizard and hoped he would never have to fulfill that promise. Legolas began to gather some flowers to make a lovely bouquet for her for her arrival, when Tauriel quietly joined him in the gardens.
"Oryn fell asleep quickly tonight." She said softly as she bent over and brushed her hand against the soft petals of the flowers.
"That's good. Thank you for taking care of him this evening, it's an emotional time for us." Legolas said as he used a piece of vine to tie the bouquet tightly together. Tauriel spotted a small, smoothed rock in the garden and picked it up. As she held it in her hand she couldn't help but be reminded of the rune stone Kili had given her many years ago and she was overcome with emotion. Tauriel looked at Legolas as he stood in the moonlight, looking spectacular in the starlight.
"May I speak freely my lord?" Tauriel asked brazenly as she clasped the stone tightly in her palm. Legolas nodded as he glanced towards the horizon anxious for Alannah's return.
"I made a mistake all those years ago." Tauriel blurted out. Legolas looked at her curiously.
"You mean with the dwarf?" He asked. "Kili, was it?" She took a deep breath, her heart breaking at the mention of his name out loud.
"Yes, Kili. But I also mean with you." Tauriel revealed. Legolas gave her an odd look, not quite understanding what she meant.
"I do not understand Tauriel, I see that you are pained, and I want to help you. However, tonight is of great pain for me as well." Legolas explained as he glanced towards the clearing. Tauriel took in a deep breath, suddenly empowered by her newfound bravery.
"Legolas, you know of what I speak. You once loved me, am I correct in what I am saying?" She asked, fighting back tears. Legolas looked down at his feet and shook his head.
"That was a long time ago, Tauriel. I cared for you deeply and still do. You are a good friend. But that was long before, before Alannah, before many things. The love I have for you is as a friend and nothing more." Legolas said softly. Tauriel felt tears streaming down her cheeks, not realizing how much his words would sting.
"I don't know if I believe that. One cannot love one day and not the next." Tauriel raised her voice. Legolas stepped closer to her and looked down to meet her eyes.
"You chose that dwarf! Do not speak to me of love, Tauriel, because when it was before your eyes you did not see it." Legolas hissed.
"I see it now! As you stand before me!" She sobbed. Legolas shook his head and walked several paces away from her before turning around and walking back.
"No Tauriel!" Legolas boomed. "I know love because I found it and have it, with my wife! Or have you too soon forgotten about her?! You are her friend."
"Of course I haven't forgotten about her! She is my friend and it pains me every day to see the two of you, knowing if she knew what I was saying to you now. It would break my heart." Tauriel replied, knowing she was caught between a rock and a hard place.
"If you cared for her in any way, you would remain silent. There is nothing between us but friendship, and that is fading." Legolas snapped back at her. Tauriel wiped the tears from her face as she reached to pull the flowers from his hand.
"Regardless, my lord, I cannot remain silent any longer." Tauriel said before wrapping her arms around him and crashing her lips into his. Legolas was caught off guard for a moment before shoving Tauriel away.
"How dare you?!" Legolas shouted angrily. Tauriel's face was pale white as he looked at her, suddenly sobered to what she had done. She stared past him into the darkness of the clearing and as Legolas angrily followed her gaze, he was instantly horrified by what he saw.
~
Gandalf and Alannah laughed as they rode in the carriage together, retelling old tales of their past together. The old wizard told stories of her as a child, both endearing and embarrassing and relished at still being able to cause her cheeks to turn such a deep shade of pink.
"Oh, my sweet girl, you always were such a joy. There is something I want to show you." Gandalf said as he steered the horses into a new direction. He puffed on his pipe and passed it to her, which she gladly accepted. The sweet pipe weed was a welcoming taste as she let the vapors roll around on her tongue. It had been years since she had enjoyed the delicacy and not that she enjoyed it for herself, but that it brought her the same comfort that Gandalf could when he wasn't away. Alannah remembered the pipe he had gifted her on her wedding night and wondered if she could ask Gandalf to bring her some pipe weed on his next visit to Ithilien.
"Here we are." Gandalf exclaimed as they rolled the carriage on a steep hill with a large oak tree perched at the top. He helped Alannah out of the carriage and brought her to sit beneath it with him. Alannah leaned against the bark, feeling the trees contentment in life. She sighed as she rested in silence with Gandalf, feeling the same contentment in her life that the tree felt.
Gandalf chewed on the end of his pipe, relishing the time they had together on this day as they had many times over the years. He looked over at Alannah and studied her, recounting all her stages in life and smiled at the fine elf she was that day.
"That day you rode into Rivendell with Boromir dressed in men's clothing, I just knew it was the first day of the rest of your life." Gandalf finally said. Alannah tensed for a second at the mention of Boromir's name, not having heard it for years. "I know my child, he is a tender memory. But he was a good friend regardless of what that ring had turned him into."
"Gandalf, please." Alannah started before Gandalf grabbed her hand.
"Alannah, I must finish my child." Gandalf said sternly. "I am sorry I wasn't there that day by the falls. I am well aware the Valar allowed you to make peace with him concerning that matter years ago, but still. I always wanted to protect you. I knew the quest to destroy the ring would be perilous and even though that did occur, I'm happy you were a part of the fellowship. As we sat in your room in Rivendell contemplating what to do and hiding your identity, Legolas immediately came to mind and that's when I knew, the stars had aligned for you that day. I knew it was detrimental you join us." Gandalf took a puff of his pipe before continuing. "Aside for being present on your wedding day, perhaps my most happy day was the day you selected me as your guardian. You have made a beautiful family and I love you all very much."
Alannah sat startled and wondered where all of this was coming from and why was Gandalf saying all this. A lump formed in her throat as she looked back at the carriage, decorated with the white elvish script. She looked back at him and stared into his eyes, knowing now the reason for his visit.
"You can't." Alannah whispered as tears began to strain down her cheeks. "You can't go. Please." She pleaded.
"My sweet child, it is time." Gandalf said in a soothing tone as he used his white sleeve to wipe the warm tears away from her face.
"You're the only father I've ever known. I don't want to lose you!" She cried out, knowing that Legolas could feel her pain in that moment. Gandalf pulled her into his side protectively as he always had since she was a child.
"You are not losing me child." Gandalf stated as he helped Alannah to her feet. They both watched as the sun began to set across the lands, both of their cheeks wet from tears. After some time, Gandalf whistled loudly, allowing the sound to carry through the hills and valleys and echo back. Through her tears Alannah watched in amazement as Shadowfax appeared, brave and faithful. Gandalf held her hand as they walked hand in hand to the carriage, cherishing the silence in their togetherness. He handed her his remaining stash of pipe weed before she wrapped her arms around him tightly, breathing in the scent of his robes for the last time. Alannah could hear the sweet voice of her husband in her head as she squeezed tighter, not ready to let go.
"My child, I will not bid to you goodbye as I have many others who will never join me. We will meet again on white shores." Gandalf paused, closing his eyes tightly as he felt her close to him. The once small child he held in his arms was now grown, and he beamed with pride. "I was sent to Middle Earth to provide counsel and assistance, to be a protector of sorts. It was never part of my fate to be a father, but I am very happy to call you daughter." Gandalf choked out. "Perhaps, it was my most favorite of adventures I have had in these lands." He cupped her cheeks and looked into her eyes, smiling when he saw her too smiling through her tears. "I will see you again, my sweet girl."
Alannah wept as she watched Gandalf descend into the carriage and begin to trot off into the west. She held onto Shadowfax's reigns and kept her eyes on the carriage for some time, until eventually she could not see him anymore.
"Na lu e-govaned vin." Alannah whispered as she blew a kiss into the air, willing it to reach Gandalf. Shadowfax nudged her slightly, ready to complete his mission to return Alannah home. The horse knelt beside her to help her climb on before setting a fast pace into the direction of Ithilien.
It was dark as Alannah rode into the clearing with nothing but the light of the moon to guide her home. But Shadowfax in all his glory, seemed to know the exact steps to take. She descended the horse as she saw Tauriel and Legolas in the garden and smiled before thanking the horse and sending him on his way to the Grey Havens to await Gandalf's arrival. As she turned back and began to make her way towards her husband, she stopped, her heart sinking in her chest at the scene before her. Alannah rubbed her eyes, believing perhaps she was mistaken. When she opened them it was not a mistake, but there the two were caught in a romantic embrace. She didn't wait around to listen to Legolas as he called her name, but instead she ran. Needing to be as far away from him as possible. Ignoring his calls for her name, she ran as far as she could before finally collapsing on the cold ground, heartbroken.