Refreshment and care was provided for the travelers and then Meldon proceeded to tell all that had occurred.
“Glorfindol advised us to first go to the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, for he believed that the orcs for some unknown reason wanted to demand a ransom from the dwarves in exchange for Legolas’ release. Knowing the ill disposition between our race and the dwarves, they assumed such a demand would be refused, and so ensue dissention between Thranduil and Thrain.”
“And so take their revenge.” Legolas added “They made that very clear to me.”
“And what did you have to endure while under their guard?” Galadriel asked him gently.
“Not anything more than can be expected from such foul folk. They mocked me and cast down false predictions of my death in order to discourage me. I resolved to not let them have that pleasure. Unfortunately, I had been severely wounded when I fell and had no means to fight them off. It was a situation I found difficult to ever escape from until I heard of the doings of my father.”
“Yes” said Meldon returning to his account “We reached Thrain right after he had gotten the ransom demand from the orcs and was debating it among his counsel. The price they demanded was high – many precious jems as well as a no harm agreement towards the orcs. We approached him with the prospect that this ransom was a means to divide our two races, but it would appear Thrain perceived as much already. We didn’t realize Lillianna – the blessed lady – had gain so much approval and respect in his kingdom and so we were shocked to find they wanted to help, for they knew Lillianna held Legolas very dear. We then approached Thrain with the idea of pretending that Thranduil would send for jewels to fulfill the ransom’s terms in stages and try to win the dwarves approval. This we did so we could locate the orcs’ place of concealment and attack them when ready. This was done accordingly, and Ravens sent out by Thrain followed the orc messengers’ every move from when they had taken the jewels. We soon learned where Legolas was kept. Orcs are not entirely stupid however, and they kept up their defences while being on the lookout for elvish spies. In response, we sent dwarf spies who passed out false news of disharmony between Thranduil and Thrain to swell their confidence and loosen their restraints.”
“Elladan and I” Elrohir now began “met with a number of elves sent from Thranduil at the front of their lair to challenge the orcs in a mock battle over Legolas’ confinement. This would allow Glorfindol, Meldon, Thrain, and the dwarves to attend to the rear of the cave undetected. At the start of the false battle, we attacked from both ends and the orcs were taken unawares. We found Legolas soon and were relieved to find him still alive; though it was clear he had been tortured extensively.”
Here Legolas winced at the memory, yet answered Elrohir accordingly, “I am no martyr, Elrohir. In fact, I hardly accomplished anything in these affairs. Glorfindol is the one who orchestrated it.”
“Yet we couldn’t have done it without the dwarves.” Glorfindol added hastily “And after our victory was achieved, we sent them away with the blessings of the elves and gratitude we could not express.”
Legolas smiled and appraised his friend, “Glorfindol told me of his interference between me and Lillianna, yet I believe this action of valor to spare me from certain death rights that wrong. I am proud to call him a friend.” Glorfindol accepted his forgiveness gratefully, and when Galadriel and Celeborn had heard all these tidings, they in turn gave their praises to each member of the group.
A short time later, Glorfindol approached Legolas solemnly, “You are a far nobler elf than I, though I have lived longer. Many people would not let go such an offense so easily, yet you offer to me your hand in friendship when I sought to take that which you love most.”
“Lillianna is dearer to me than my own soul.” Legolas murmured “And it was she who has made me what I am now. I owe that to her. It grieves me to think of her in pain at my supposed death, yet though she shuns you now for what you have done, I think in time forgiveness may be found. Do not despair.” He gave Glorfindol an encouraging look and then went to Galadriel’s chamber.
Before he got there, Galadriel was already waiting for him and her gaze pierced the inwards of his soul.
“I know what it is you seek. Yet once more you are asked to show yourself ready to deny it.”
“You ask that I not seek out Lillianna. Why? Has she not a right to know I am safe?” Legolas responded hastily, his frame growing heavy and his words tinted with annoyance.
“Yes she does” Galadriel continued serenely “But Legolas you must consider the greater need at hand. She is at Gondor learning their ways in secret, for there are spies of Sauron among the men who would be suspicious of an elf – especially one so radiant as her – in that territory. That is why she is in disguise and goes by the name of Leona. If anything were done to reveal her true identity or cause her to let her guard down, it could cost her life. You see Legolas, though you would do anything to protect her, by revealing yourself to her, you would be endangering her life more than anything else.”
Legolas stood like one who has been turned to stone, for he knew the truth in her words was unquestionable. His deep blue eyes were the only thing that betrayed his longing. There was a silence for a time. Both of that fair race seemed to paint a delicate portrait against the golden backdrop – a moment frozen in time. Finally, Legolas spoke again, “And when am I to look freely upon her – to know that she is indeed safe?”
“That can be remedied.” Galadriel softly answered “I will allow you to also visit Minas Tirith in secret, so you may look upon her and watch for those who might question her. Your judgment I trust on what you should do if there is need for alarm.”
Legolas was grateful beyond words and after he had mended, he sent straight for the White City.
There he went about undetected and saw her often with the nobles of Minas Tirith. His heart felt taut once more at the sight of her, for her delicate beauty could not be hidden by her attempt to remain austere. There was immense sadness in her eyes, and Legolas longed to reveal himself many times, but his own wisdom outweighed it. Day and night he kept guard over her and soon learned there were several men who eyed her admiringly, and who often left the city unexplainably. Legolas was determined to follow them, for though Lillianna had proven herself capable of taking care of herself, he had a growing sense of urgency for her safety.
“And if she should be caught or wounded” Legolas said to himself “It will be on my head, and I could not endure that.”
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