[Lord of the Rings] Green Leaf's Blessing

At least for the next few years, Thranduil did listen to his friend's words and restrained himself, and no longer easily used the bond power hidden in the ring—but that didn't mean he didn't use it, and it didn't mean that he didn't use it. The scars on his back have not increased.Gradually, even wearing the ring for a long time became too heavy and tiring for him, so he simply took it off and didn't put it on again until he had to.

Before saving and protecting everything, he must first ensure that he still has enough strength to survive.

Many years ago, whether it was Legolas himself eager to grow and gain experience, or his duties as a prince and warrior had to be fulfilled, when he traveled with a sword on his back and was ready to face threats in the forest at any time, Thranduil She would be proud of him, but also wished she could keep him by her side and block all possible dangers for him.

But he couldn't do it before, and he can't do it now.Legolas, who is also responsible for defending the forest, only returns home once in a few months. Although Thranduil will still worry about him, he no longer complains about the fact that if his son is by his side closely, How could he fail to notice the changes in his body with his unparalleled concern and keen insight for himself?

As the king of Hesse, in order to protect this land forever, he must live and coexist with the forest—this is the contract his father made with all things in the forest when he arrived in the big green forest and was determined to stop.But now it has been named Mirkwood, and whenever he closes his eyes and feels the gloom and pain of the forest in a dreamlike illusory realm, the king's heart can't help but ache.

After that quarrel, Fino did not argue with himself on this issue again.He and himself both know—even if it’s just based on instinct, until the day when their forest can no longer resist the evil forces, the final choice with no retreat will appear and they have to face it—if they can’t live together, they will Can only die together.

You must at least let Legolas know the truth before then--many times, the message was clearly revealed in those quiet pale eyes of a best friend, even though he didn't say anything.Regardless of any consideration, Thranduil could not deny the correctness of his hint.But every time, even if he had a little bit of impulse brewing before, he would completely give up the idea after seeing his son again.

Every time, after the necessary etiquette and dismissal of the servants, Legolas, who was still dressed as a warrior, would lightly step forward to hug his father, letting go of his childlike willfulness. This was the most relaxing moment for him, no matter what he was going through. No matter what kind of pain and danger he has experienced, this unchanging warm embrace can always instantly soothe all his uneasy emotions.

Just when his son was relying on himself, Thranduil would reprimand unceremoniously: "I heard that you took your own initiative and sneaked into the spider's lair with only two people. Did you consider the spider's lair before showing off? over your own safety?"

"I have, Ada." Legolas moved slightly with his face resting on his father's shoulder.

"There is also the Dúnedain, including the wizards who always appear with him. I have no objection to your cooperation with them, but don't get too close to them. You have to know that they don't belong to the forest..."

"I belong to the forest, so they can't affect me, Ada."

Sometimes Thranduil also felt strange, even if it was due to homesickness, the child was acting too obedient in front of him.In the past, father and son, although they loved each other deeply, had disputes because of differences of opinion, especially about the ranger Aragorn, whom Legolas insisted was his friend in the years just after Aman died, And advocated to fight against evil forces more actively.At that time, the father and son would still experience guilt and apologize to each other after a brief quarrel, but in recent years...

"Ada, is there anything else you want to tell me?" Every time, when Thranduil's reproaching voice gradually faded, Legolas would quietly lean on his shoulder and ask softly road.

And Thranduil would give up all his impulsive thoughts at that time.How can I tell you with my own mouth things that are too sad?I only wish I could protect you until the separation that Elrond foretold - if that is the death that has to separate us, I only hope that you, young, remain on this side of bright hope.

"No, son." In the end Thranduil just raised his hands, responding to Legolas' embrace.

Thus Thranduil kept the king and his father a secret until the moment when the fate of each of them came.

The winter of this year seems to be very long, even the big river in front of the palace is almost completely frozen, and the whole forest looks depressed and heavy, making it hard to expect that there will be special guests visiting at this time .

"It has been a long time since I visited your palace, Your Majesty."

The tall and thin gray figure stood in the snow under the steps, like a tall and powerful holly tree, which has experienced wind and frost but is still vigorous and vigorous.I haven't seen him for so many years, the gray-robed wizard still shows himself as an old man, while Thranduil is always young and handsome-only the two pairs of wise eyes that have also witnessed too many changes in the world of Arda show the passage of time. the same traces.

"It wasn't this place you visited last time," Thranduil said in a slow, emotionless tone, "It was still a big green forest full of light... But, the gray-robed wise man Myslandi Er, why do you think that we who have been tortured by the dark forces will turn a blind eye to the evil thing you brought?"

His gaze first fell on the ranger Aragorn standing side by side with the wizard, and then fell on the "evil thing" he said was prostrate at the feet of the two: it was a pale and thin monster, as if emerging from the water. A slippery elf came out, and the stench emanating from it was enough to make every elf present frown and even cover their noses, only Thranduil's serious face remained unchanged - that strong There is clearly a faint but long-lasting evil aura lingering in the stench.

Just when the elf made no secret of his dislike for that ugly thing, the monster also curled up its thin limbs and hugged itself, as if afraid of the harm that might come at any time—but amidst the uncontrollable trembling, the eyes full of hatred It still flows out from between the fingers and falls on everyone.

"I'm not asking you to turn a blind eye," said Gandalf with a sly smile on his face. "On the contrary, I'm counting on you and your people to help guard it—perhaps 'he' is more appropriate."

Even Legolas, who was standing beside his father, couldn't help frowning when he heard this, and the elf guard nearby couldn't help but let out a dissatisfied whisper: No one wants to approach such a weird and evil monster. Not to mention the responsibility of guarding it.

Regarding all this, Thranduil's eyes only slightly shifted, and then he said directly: "Tell me the reason."

The gray-robed wizard stepped up the steps unhurriedly. When he spoke again, only Thranduil and Legolas could hear his deep voice.

"It took us years to finally get him, and our enemy is after him - the only enemy."

Thranduil's face remained calm, only slight ripples appeared in the depths of his eyes.

"Other than the former Isildur we know, he is the only person who has touched the ring—but that's not the case. The ring may have reappeared in the world. I still need a little time to confirm."

Standing beside his father, Legolas glanced at his father unconsciously.Those wars that were too far away, and the injuries that Middle-earth had suffered, were stories that he could not experience personally for him who was still young.The fallen Maya and his Supreme Lord of the Rings, Legolas has forgotten when he knew those stories, he only knew that his father never mentioned those dark pasts in front of him, he knew that his father only wanted to protect himself , protecting the people, and protecting the forest, he carefully hides the wound in his heart that may never fully heal.

That's why his appearance is always so calm and composed.It is the same now, the king who is trusted and admired by everyone, after hearing these ominous news, is still not shaken at all.

"If he—as you say—had possessed that ring, I can clearly see how the evil power of that ring corrupted his soul."

"This world is being eroded, and no one can escape this fate—they have to face it."

Finally, Thranduil agreed to his request and ordered people to come and take the monster into the dungeon.The guards, trying to suppress their disgust, put ropes around the monster's limbs.And until the monster was taken away, the sharp scream from its throat still echoed in their ears, as if breaking the protective coat of the forest's superficial calm, and even brought everyone's inner worries to the surface.

"He was called Gollum, and he had another name once—but he himself had long since forgotten."

About the monster and the more facts hidden in him, Legolas thought that the wizard would tell them more, but Gandalf just said this mysteriously, and wanted to leave again as if chasing time.Thranduil didn't stop him, but when Gandalf turned and walked down the steps, he turned around as if remembering something.

"I don't know if the gift I gave to Prince Green Leaf really grew and bloomed beyond my imagination?"

Legolas smiled at him politely, but shook his head regretfully: "We cannot know, Mythrandil, because it took root in what was once the Great Green Forest, and its buds were still there when we left. Shut up."

"Oh, really? But I think as long as spring still comes as expected, it may already be more beautiful than we imagined."

"There has been no spring for a long time." The king's voice was as soft and sad as winter snow falling on the earth, and after he finished speaking, he turned and left immediately.

That night, Legolas knocked on his father's door.When he childishly raised the two wine bottles hidden behind him to his father, the smile on Thranduil's face was a genuine reaction from his heart.

The fire was burning quietly, and a natural tacit understanding spread in the room. As the wine in the two cups gradually dwindled, neither of them said a word, but just took this opportunity to share this moment of tranquility and warm comfort.

Finally, Legolas put down the empty wine glass, walked up to his father who was still sitting in the armchair, bent down and gently hugged his father's shoulder.

"Good night, Ada, I wish you a sweet dream." He whispered into his father's ear, and the voice continued to linger in his heart—

Now I am by your side, Ada, and I will share everything with you.